Homemade by Hail title pic

Homemade by Hail title pic

Thursday 4 May 2017

1st Birthday Party Decorations


Miri-May turned one last week and we celebrated with a day at the beach with family and friends. I wanted to make some unique and special things to celebrate the first year of Miri's life. 

I made a giant one out of photos of Miri-May (an idea I saw on pintrest - which I'd like to use - If anyone's got any tips on uploading pics/links onto pintrest that would be great!). 


My husband helped with making the cardboard sturdy with a piece of bamboo!

I also made cupcakes with rice paper photos of Miri, courtesy of www.mycupcaketoppers.co.uk


We had Miri's birthday party at the beach and we hired a beach hut for the day. 


The beach themed pick'n'mix, made from buckets and spades, went down a treat with the kids!


Lastly, the birthday cake! This wasn't actually homemade by hail, it was homemade by hail's dad! Thanks dad for the amazing LaaLaa telletubby cake!


Happy birthday Miri-May!

Wednesday 1 March 2017

Baby Sensory Treasure Basket

Baby Sensory Treasure Basket

Sensory treasure baskets have been mentioned a few times in the baby groups I go to this week. Having worked in nurseries and schools I know all about them, but the busyness of motherhood causes you to forget little ideas like this! Can I still be using baby brain as an excuse 10 months later? (10 months, where did that go?) 

I decided to put together a treasure basket this evening, much to the confusion of my husband. "What on earth are you doing with a shell, a plastic cup and a socket cover?"

So for those mums who were told that you can buy them online this week, please don't waste your money! Use these things from around the home!



Sensory treasure basket contents:

  • Bubbles
  • cotton wool balls
  • stones (sterilised)
  • socket cover (for some reason Miri loves these!)
  • woolen mittens 
  • wooden blocks
  • plastic spoons (from the milk powder tins)
  • shells (sterilised)
  • plastic balls
  • chew rings
  • Bone spoon (bought as a gift, I personally wouldn't buy 'bone')
  • wooden baking utensils
  • silicone chew toy 
  • Homemade (by hail) oilcloth pouches 
  • plastic tweezers (from the steriliser)
  • scourer 
  • plastic cup
  • selection of materials and ribbons
  • bath scrunchie/puff 
As long as you have a wide selection of materials, you can't go wrong! I would love to add items for senses other than touch but this will include a bit more preparation and possibly some shopping:
  • sight: mirror
  • smell: herbs in little bags 
  • sound: scrunchie materials, shaker made using lentils/plastic bottles
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have anything else in yours! Would love to hear your ideas!


Thursday 5 January 2017

Christmas tree Guard

I know its technically not Christmas anymore, but I'm allowed to be late now, I have an 8 month old! Its due to this darling angelic 8 month old that we had to erect a Christmas tree guard this year. Before we get to that, here is a few pics of the new fireplace at Christmas:






We made the guard using MDF and hinges:


I covered the MDF in glittery christmas paper :-D


And here it is:



Love it!

What do you do to keep your toddlers from the tree?