DIY Diaper Box

One thing that occupies the time of a home maker is DIY Stuff.

LOL

I have fallen into the pool of DIYs.

Like, seriously.

I have always liked these DIY stuffs, and growing up, I have always

ventured into DIY my own things, 

from own cards, own dolls (yup, I made my own dolls), Barbie's clothes, etc.

But.. as usual, when one grows up, one tends to drift away their hobbies due to commitments,

money, jobs, people, etc..

And being a home maker now, I am using this opportunity to revisit my childhood hobby and

at the same time, ensuring my home is organized.

I like things to be neat. and organized. like seriously.

sometimes i think i have OCD.

but nothing serious really.

just a bit of OCD is good for the home ;)

One of the projects that I managed to complete despite the tiredness that 

I am having at 35 weeks of pregnancy, 

is.. my DIY Diaper Box.

The one u can buy from the store is really not that expensive.

U can get it at RM50 plus. 

But making one is different. I get to play with my imagination and activate my brain's creativity.

Again.

I think my childhood creativity has long been kept and now dusty.

Presenting to you my own DIY Diaper Box,

This is to organize the new baby's stuff.

the previous 2 confinement was quite.. not to say chaotic or a mess, but rather a lil bit unorganized.

Things could have been much simpler and neater if I took the time to organize the newborn's requirement.

I like that the DIY diaper box can fit:

1. Diapers. many many of them

2. Baby wipes

3. Cottons

4. Changing Mat

5. Cotton buds

6. Oils for massaging, baby oil, etc

7. Comb

8. Cloth

9. Body essentials such as lotions, powder

10. Bottom balm

11. Spare of clothes

I put a pair of handle on top to make it mobile.

Easy to carry up or down the house, though most likely the baby will be up 

with me during confinement.

I didnt use any complicated things. I wanted everything to be recycled items.

a. an old box which is still okay to be used. all it needed was a bit of touch ups.

b. small boxes as the compartments inside

c. kain perca,, or leftover cloths. i got these from my mom who is an avid sewer. so she has plenty of them and they are still in good condition. 

d. strong glue

e. stapler

f. scissors

g. pen/ruler

h. creativity

so basically, it started with me wrapping and gluing the big box with cloths. i didnt have a one big cloth, so i used the perca ones.

just glue them. it involves a lot of gluing really. not that hard.

as for the handle, i cut off the unused cloth bag that we usually got for free.

then I wrapped it with a layer of cloth. just to match it with the rest of its body.

then, I stapled the handle to the box.

as for now, they are still standing strong.

It would be good if you can sew them together, but I cant figure out how to sew it on a box. 

Overall, I am quite satisfied with the 1st project of diaper box. 

It doesnt look squeaky neat or similar to store bought, I know.

that was the first trial.

The next one would be much better.

for this, I just wanted to experiment with my rusty creativity. 

and to use it to welcome the little one soon. 

Coming into 37 weeks later, I wish to relax, do a lot of breathing exercise, and enjoy my moments with the 2 cheeky princesses, before the little one comes out.

Ayra's 4th Birthday at LC

The little princess is now 4!!

Happy Birthday my little Ayra.. 

We didnt plan for anything big due to budget issue, since i have resigned and money is kind of a crucial part of living these days..haha.. 

nevertheless, I want her to celebrate her birth as it is a day of celebration. 

for me, for her.

so we decided to hold it at her LC. boy was she excited!

she wanted her birthday theme to be Green. because she is obsessed with her sport's house color. 

hahahah. that's a relieved for mommy!

and so I began planning, as usual, for her party. 

i wanted more..but. less is also acceptable.

after all, ukur baju di badan sendiri..

we didnt get to watch her cut the cake cos i was at work.

i came a little bit late.

so, here are what the teachers shared with us:

 

 you see how she was forcing herself to smile?

she told us that she wanted to wait for us, but she didnt know how to tell the teachers.

aw..that is sad..

but it's okay we told her.

we'll have another one, a joint party with Amna's. just us family.

The Dress:

Ayra doesnt have a green dress yet.

to make her feel special and in touch with her green theme, i found this beautiful maxi dress

in Poplook for Kids. only RM64.

i sewed the pearls for her to make it more beautiful. otherwise it looks a bit plain.

i got the pearls from Jakel. Rm45 per meter.

but for her drees, i used about 1/3 of it. or less.

Cake:

i have been ordering cakes, each year, with this one lady in Setia Alam.

her name is Ashilah. i got to know her from my bff Azza.

they work together in Maybank.

and she makes delicious affordable cakes!!

her cakes are not too sweet, so that works fine with my family.

it is soft and moist. unlike certain cakes which look pretty but very dry. 

urghhh i hate dry cakes. it's like eating sands.

the colors of her cakes are very pretty, and well blended. 

her work is neat. and of course delicious. 

i like the fact that she is so nearby to my house that transporting the cake is not an issue.

i am a little bit reluctant if the supplier if out of shah alam cos i really do not have much time to waste on travelling. time is an essence and being stuck in the traffic is not an option.

i've googled some pictures of green cakes and got Ayra's approval.

luckily me she didnt demand for anything extravagant. 

i dont like fondant figurine like cakes.

the fondant itself is a waste and taste bad. it will end up in the bin and that is a big waste.

(being cermat and thoughtful to the environment ok)

Food:

since the birthday is celebrated earlier (20.11) than her actual birthday (24.11), and the school was also celebrating Childrens' Day and another boy's birthday, i figured there 

will be plenty of foods there.

the mommies like to contribute foods and the school itself will prepare satay.

so, i ordered meehun goreng  and karipap. 

i know my girls love eating meehun and most children love it too, so, yeah, meehun it is.

Party Pack:

now, this is the tricky part.

i had a lot of ideas of green party packs. but again, money.

and snacks. i really dont want to give the children junk foods.

i always throw them away when ever the children got junk food for parties.

it is just not healthy and full of MSG.

a big No No.

i ordered home made green popcorn from my staff. her dad makes popcorn.

and yes he can make a green one.

then we bought a small milo drink.

and few chocolates.

we went to GM Klang and found very2 cheap small puzzles and stickers.

Ayra agreed for those to be in the party packs.

then, we pack them in a brown bag, and i put on a green serviette on top and staple it with a patterned ribbon that i have in hand. 

the one with pink ribbon is for the teachers.

and the rest are for the children.

i just whatever crafty things that i have in my crafty box. 

(i have a huge crafty box for me to be creative)

 

i dont have much pictures to share.

was too occupied with the event and eating and being tired.

hahhaah

this is just a simple party. 

the fun and thoughts that matter!

Happy 4th Birthday Princess!

My Kitchen Rules

i've posted something in my previous post on kitchens.

what i wanted etc for a new project.

and ive been quiet on it. 

since i am on medical leave, i can blog on this happily.

we moved in to our new house on January 2015. 

the prev one was put to rent. 

this was unexpected rezeki from Allah. 

alhamdulillah, so many alhamdulillah.

initially, we wanted to sell it off. but my heart said no.

not only that it has so many first memories and sentimental values, but i was thinking of my children and whether they can afford one in the future. 

so we decided to keep it and let it become an asset. 

alhamdullilah, Allah eased our search for a good tenant. 

it has been about 8 months now and i am thankful to Allah for bringing this lovely couple to us.

so, for the kitchen project:

Kitchen is the Heart of the Home

i have to make sure our kitchen is up to My standard as i will be spending a lot of time there.

i cook a lot. well, daily basis. 

so, having a good set up, ventilation, feel, etc is really important to me.

as i mentioned, i like it to be traditional contemporary.

i wanted it white

something that does not bore easily.

so, welcome people to my kitchen:

 i chose wooden doors because they give a natural feeling to the area.

it feels real. ive had acrylic before and yes it was pretty. but i got bored easily. 

i wanted homey feeling more. so wooden it is.

the table top was from Solid surface material. there were proc and cons on types of table top. u can always goole it or read it from Houzz.

for me, i was inspired by Houzz. it became my source of idea and knowledge on materials etc.

an island is something that i have long dream of. 

so we got one from Ikea. 

mind u, i had to wait almost 6 weeks for that island to arrive. ikea was out stock when we wanted to buy it then. and it was worth the wait.

i was willing to work on the smallest space just to wait for this piece.

i like that i can roll my pie on the wooden top of the island. i can bake easily and i have so many space.

our daily dinner is there at the island, instead at the dining table.

it's homey.

we have separated the kitchen into 2: wet and dry.

in the dry kitchen is where i used the wooden door. and Hub's idea for the on the counter sink.

it gives a contemporary feeling to it.

i chose my own tiles for the wall of the kitchen. 

we had to take out the old ugly tiles and put a new one.

i chose greyish colour to balance between modern and traditional feeling.

we bought a stool for my children to step on when they need to wash their hands.

and for me to use when i need to open the tall units.

as u can see, my cabinets are up to the ceiling.

i like the fulling effect that it has.

it makes your kitchen appear bigger.

and u have many2 space to put your things (slow moving items).

the wet kitchen is at the back there. near to the door.

and it has double sink for washing dishes and drying them.

i put a rack on the wall to keep all my cooking pots and pans.

sorry, pictures later.

the kitchen is near to my herbs garden so anytime i need to spice up, i just head out the back door and pick the leaves.

 

we havent got the chance to furnish the floor, but so far they have not bugged me that much.

the stickers on the wall are for reminders. of what we need to buy, the weekly activities, 

and more importantly, a place where the girls can scribble on.

i have my Morphy Richard kettle to match the area.

;)

so, it may not be somewhat nice to others, but it is for me.

i love every single bits of it.

i love the warmth, homey feeling.

the ample space that we have for our family hangouts and activities. 

this Kitchen, is the heart of our home.

Ps: after so many searches on the most suitable kitchen cabinet maker..i finally went with Chan Kitchen. I recommend them to everyone anytime. Their service is good. Even the after sales service. And price?? Very2 reasonable. I went to several companies with same layout and material.but Chan was the cheapest. Cheapest by thousands! Im happy!!

my girl turns TWO

she has turned big TWO!!

excuse my bangs. mommy decided to be a non certified barber!

my little girl has grown so much. and her development is beyond those her age. im very sure of that. not because im her mother so i need to say so, but because it is true!

hahahahaha

she is learning so fast, absorbing so much. 

she is doing things more than any 2 yo or even 2 and half yo is doing.

she knows how to say no to the things that she doesnt want. which is a lot. 

she is a lady of her own mind!

she has a way of calling us with her hands and all.

she looks just so cute. 

and when she wants something, she makes u get her that thing. most of the times they were all about food.

thankfully, she doesnt throw any tantrum in toy shops.

somehow, she has that self control over toys. 

not to bug mommy or ayah over silly things.

so proud of her.

and i notice that she is a waaayyy lot calmer than most children about her age.

especially when it comes to toys. including her own toys.

she doesnt mind sharing, which is an important trait most kids are lacking (or still developing).

other children might take control of HER toys, but she is like totally cool.

she watches them play and joins them if she wants to. if she insisted on having that particular toy, she takes it of course. i teach her not the be easily bullied.

u have to share, but never let people step on you.

she likes other children but she doesnt go wild making friends.

she has that poise. 

she is cool. patient. i think she has that from her ayah. hahaha.

im proud of her. she has grown so much, physically and emotionally. 

i am trying my best to be the good example for her. 

i always tell her not to follow those with negative behavior. they may act like whateva. 

but we dont judge and must always act in kindness. 

Example, when a girl being so overly controlling and tamak over Ayra's toys (who by the way is pissing me off!!), i told her, probably that girl does not have the opportunity to play that at her home. that's why she is behaving that way. Ayra must share cos in the end, they toys are hers. one thing to know, never to have that attitude. i hope she understands. 

good lessons start from home.

she likes little babies too!

preparing herself to be a big sister i guess.

i love that she is gentle towards the little ones.

wanting to kiss them and telling them stories (in her words la)

the love of my life has turned 2.

i am so proud of her achievements.

i pray always that she becomes the humble, good servant of Allah,

the bridge that connects me and her Ayah to Jannah,

the coolness of our eyes.

"Our Lord! Bestow on us from our spouses and our offspring who will be the comfort (Literally: the coolness) of our eyes, and make us leaders for the righteous" - Surat Al-Furqān 25:74

talking bout the birthday party:

i had a vision in my mind for her cake to be animal like. she lovesss animals.

she makes me and Ayah and her Nena sing Old McDonald everytime!

so, i decided it's Animal Themed Birthday Party!

i dont like fondant cake.

i feel like it is a waste. not only it is not good to be eaten, but it ends up being thrown away after all that effort of molding them into pieces. 

so, i wanted the figurines to be edible. of course buttercream is not suitable.

so, why not cookies?

i wanted to order the base cake but they were pricey!!!

rata-rata harga that i got were between RM200 above,

crazy i tell u!

i only asked for a simple cake. nothing fancy deco whatsoeva.

so, i ended up making the cake myself despite the tiredness of being pregnant.

and i like how it turned out. 

and it costs me less than RM100.

my friends and family like them, so im happy!

the cookies were ordered from FancyCookies.

Ms Ilyani makes such a wonderful work of art.

and these cookies were huge! suprisingly! i tot they were small.

that's why my cake looks small.hahhaa

some of the cookies i ordered for the guests and to be put into the goodybag:

 

little giraffe in the bag

made this earlier. wayyyy earlier

Nena playing doll house with Ayra while waiting for family and friends:

Cik Ti looked a bit too excited over there!!

 Nena (my mom) made all the deco herself.

from A to Z.

she was being overly excited actually.

Nena made this too

Ariss-sima's niece-being overwhelmed with the stuffed animals Nena made

Nena made the invitation card too

so, that's it.

just a simple one.

and still tired and exhausted.

Happy Birthday My Girl..

Mommy loves u with all my heart and soul. 

Color Splash Of Ayra's 1st Birthday

So I just had to have Ayra's 1st Birthday party didnt I.

i told Hub one fine day:

ok. ive made a decision. 

i am organizing Ayra's very first ever birthday party,

and i am going to make it as pretty as i can.

i am going to do it ala Martha Stewart!

U dont have to do a thing.

Just help me with hanging and banging things.

the rest is on me.

and Hub agreed.

so my adventure of planning my baby's first every birthday party began.

i was inspired by Sabrina's daughter 1st birthday party.

it was so colorful.

saw it on FB.

and Zeti pun campur memberi galakan and sokongan.

haha

i started googling and you-tubing for Martha's artsy deco.

all do-it-yourself things.

click on the link and u'll see how amazing they are.

it was very hard settling on a theme.

but to make My life easy,

i decided on colorful deco,

thus, Color Splash.

this is the result:

please ignore the messy table. that was taken during the making.

i made the pom-poms following the instructions on YouTube.

It is so easy!!!

i used Kertas Wau instead of Tissue Paper.

so, what is kertas wau?

Hub said it's the kertas to make wau.

duhhh

i never found it in KL.

i used that because i could not find tissue paper whilst in Tganu.

and i didnt want to sit around lounging in front of TV all day.

i wanted to occupy my time,

hence the kertas wau.

which i think, i nailed the pompom.

much cheaper too!

with RM2.20, i can have 1 big pompom, 2 medium and 2 small pompoms.

so i bought 5 colors!

the HAPPY BIRTHDAY AYRA banner

was courtesy of my Mom.

she is just amazing.

her crafty ideas just pouring out like rain.

she makes more amazing stuff, which are sold online and in stores actually.

well, that's the perk of having crafty mommy.

this is a corner of our small house.

i made a train like sequel of Ayra's milestone throughout her 12 months.

Hub hanged the pompoms of course.

he promised.

haha

i even made her a tutu!

and again, it is so easy to make.

which also, u can find on Youtube.

it takes about 40mins.

that was my first try.

i think i can do something neater after this.

the baju was a baju that she has, but 

i asked mom to sew number 1 on it.

nice??

it's about cost. and creativity.

haha

so, the party was held on her birthday itself.

24.11.12

finally, here it is:

look at her smile. she was so excited to be standing in front of the cake and everybody
was looking at her.
soooo adorable!

i love the colors!

with pompoms and balloons.

and yes, the cake:

i wanted to order from this one baker who really bakes 

pretty cakes,

but i didnt like the attitude of not replying my calls or sms or emails.

i mean, u nak bisnes ke tak. tak yahla ignore customer mcm tu.

got fed up.

then Azza suggested for her friend who bakes.

and she stays near mine, so it is 

really convenient.

call her Shila.

she is nice, and very prompt in replying my smses.

i ordered Rainbow cake.

her cake is just so delicious.

many compliments the cake.

i like the colors and the moist.

i dont like dry cakes.

so, it's 2 thumbs up!

the inside is like this:

the upper cake was gone.

haha

we also had a candy bar.

it wasnt for the kids per se.

didnt want them to be sugar rush!

so, this party was actually a small gathering of close friends

who stay near by and those with kids.

to let ayra mingle and play with them.

cos she likes them a lot.

i dont have pictures of her with the kids, only this i managed to catch.

the rest is still with the photographer.

well.. Aunty SIma can also be considered friend.

hehe

at the end of the day,

little princess had soo much fun.

and too much fun that she slept so late.

stayed up to play with balloons with her grandparents and aunties.

and also enjoying her presents.

thank u those for generously shower her with gifts.

thank u!!

she loves every one of them.

and, Mommy herself bought her something:

tadaaaaa

a castle for a princess.

well, actually it wasnt in the plan.

i was out with her and my sister.

we went to Cotton On to buy Ayra's shoes.

at the counter, the salesperson said that 

i could buy a tent with half price, which is RM50.

i was like, RM50??

that is cheap man!

usually it'd cost around RM150 plus.

i've always wanted to buy one for her, but.. tunggu dulu la kan.

u can buy at RM50 with a purchase on anything.

it was totally worth it.

it's beautiful right?

too bad it could not fit the King and Queen.

look at her, busy with Dibo.

a dragon and a castle.

fit for a princess huh.

so that was it!

worth every nights that i kept awake,

being martha.

thanx hub,

for helping me folding and cutting the paper,

even though u dont have to.

couldnt have done it without u!

xoxo