Craft Crate Gift by Books and Bits and Pieces

The perfect gift for toddlers through to primary aged children - adjust to suit the person you're making it for.  Love it!  Find it here

Coconut Loaf by Back to Basics

I often find myself referring to Selena's blog for no-fail recipes and this coconut loaf is definitely a favourite.  It also freezes well which is great in a household like mine where I am the only one who'll eat loaves.  Find the recipe here

Shoulder Bag by tiny happy

Need a gift ASAP?  This tutorial will allow you to whip up a handy shoulder bag in lightening quick time.  Find it here

Bloggy DIY for Newbies and Wannabes by Great Fun 4 Kids

Simone is awesome when it comes to explaining... stuff!  If you're relatively new to the blogging world then I suggest you give this post a quick read.  It may just help make your blogging experience that wee bit easier.

Reusing your rubbish by sustainability.govt.nz

I think it's important this Boxing Day to think about how we will dispose of all our Christmas waste.  I try to be fairly carefully when filling my council rubbish bag and I try to recycle or reuse wherever I can.  Of course a lot of this effort goes out the window during Christmas time when you just want a quick tidy up.  We are lucky that we have local ducks and birds all too willing to help with food scraps and what they don't eat goes into compost.  All paper and card goes into the fortnightly paper collection and we have two huge recycle bins for plastics, tins and glass.  sustainability.govt.nz has some great ideas for reusing what you otherwise may have thrown out - definitely worth a look even if you think you're on the right track (nothing like a bit of affirmation that you're doing the best you can)

Merry Christmas  Feliz Navidad  Meri Kirihimete  Kurisumasu omedeto  Buone Feste Natalizie  Joyeux Noel  Mithag Crithagsigathmithags

Grow Your Own Miniature Garden by National Geographic Kids

I'm not sure why I started googling terrariums but I came across so many versions.  I like this version for it's simplicity and kid-friendliness.  Find instructions here

Bath Snowballs by Martha Stewart Crafts

I often find myself trawling through Martha's craft section for simple, no fuss gift ideas.

You should allow 3-4 days to make these bath balls.

I'm not too sure about taking Martha's advice and adding peppermint oil although it would probably be quite refreshing.

I think they could possibly make great mini balls for use in foot baths?  Find instructions here

DIY Shampoo by Crazy Crafter NZ

This is on my list for the New Year once I've used up my current supply of shampoo.

I love that you can add your own essential oils to get the scent you like.

Find the instructions here

Heirloom Cut Chenille Baby Blanket by Aesthetic Nest

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Got time and patience?  This could be the project for you.  Time spent making one of these gorgeous blankets will be much appreciated in years to come - well worth the effort, don't you think?  Find the tutorial here

Snow-Globe Soap by Alphamom

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Cuuuute!  What more can I say?  Find instructions for making your own snow globe soaps here

Chai Concentrate by Nay's Place

If you're looking for an alternative to coffee when you're out and about with friends then I recommend a Chai Latte - I've been drinking them for around 8 years now and I still can't get enough.

So you can probably guess I was pleased when Renee posted this recipe for chai concentrate for home use - not only will it save you money but you can also adjust the amount of concentrate to suit your own taste.

Last minute Christmas gift perhaps?

Eric Carle Art for kids by Art Lessons for Kids

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Love the artwork in Eric Carle's story books?  I certainly do and now you can make your own following these easy instructions

Word Art by WhiMsy love

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Here is an activity you can do with the kids during these Summer holidays - how good would they look frames and hanging in prominent spots around your home?  Find inspiration here

Recycled Bath Mat by Sew Liberated

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I challenge you to find a cuter way to brighten up your bathroom!  Find the tutorial here

My new favourite place - The Book Depository!

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I just bought and received Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule aka SouleMama from The Book Depository.  I was impressed - it arrived within 10 days of ordering carefully packaged so there was no damage and postage is free worldwide!  Next on my list is the book above, Scandinavian Stitches, which has just come back into stock.  The range of books on offer is wide from craft to children's books to travel guides to stationery....  I could go on and on.  Definitely worth a look

Mocha Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe by Better Homes and Gardens

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Looking for a last minute gift for teachers, friends, neighbours, etc then how about a cup of Mocha Mix?  Yummo

Edit your snapshots with picnik.com

Editing your family snaps has never been so easy.  If you're a wee bit technologically challenged (like me) then you'll love using picnik.  There are so many options even if you opt to use the free version.  Edit your snaps here

Original photo                                                                                                                                                Edited using the Holga-ish option

DIY fridge magnets and push pins by Creative Outlet Designs

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A super simple afternoon project, these magnets and push pins would make great gifts for the person that has everything or for keeping the children's art work on the fridge.  Find the guide here

How to Wrap Gifts Like a Pro by The Mother Huddle

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A timely tutorial on how to wrap your gifts perfectly! Although I would like to see a follow-on for those odd-shaped gifts...

Free illustrations from oohmoon

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one illustration a day, free for one day each day of the year!  Check back daily for a new illustration because once the 24 hours is up you will be required to pay a small fee for the illustration.  Gorgeous, aren't they?  Find them here

Yo Yo Christmas Tree by Kiwi at Heart

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This is an easy-to-follow tutorial for a gorgeous result - check it out here!

Dinner Menu Frame by Under The Table and Dreaming

If you like to plan your week's meals ahead of time, let the family know whats in store with your own menu board.

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Printable Alphabet Bunting by Ruffled

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This one is for those of you who don't sew and would like a bunting for your child's room.  It would also make a nice Christmas bunting.  Just print and cut out - find it here

DIY Kids Art for Christmas by mousehouse

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The antlers are your child's hands and the face is your child's foot. Cute. Simple. Effective. I just love this idea!

Reversible Reusable Tote Bags by Green Experiments

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Making my own "green bags" has long been on my list of "things to do" but until now I've had trouble finding a tutorial that suited me. I think I've found it! Now I just need to find one with long handled bags and I'll be able to make a matching set.

Children's Play Tent by Living with Punks

This play tent has to be an essential item for any child's bedroom or playroom! And how gorgeous are the choice of colours in the tutorial example (for a little girl)?! I am dying to make this for my wee girl, but just need to find that perfect fabric combination...

Christmas Advent Jar by Just a Girl

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Perhaps a tad late for use this year, but this idea really appealed as a gorgeous alternative to the chocolate-filled advent calendars (although I'm sure you could find cute little chocolates to pop in those matchboxes!). The tutorial even includes ideas of what to pop in each box.

Hold My Hand Mittens by The Boy Trifecta

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Have trouble keeping mittens/gloves on your little person? Here is a tutorial for the cutest mittens around for kids...I'm not entirely convinced by the functionality (what happens to the other hand??) but I think they are worth checking out for the cute factor alone!