Ournie Valley Soap is now open for business

I have finally opened up my little soap business for sales.

If anyone is wondering where the unusual name comes from it is the name of the valley where I live.

The soap is all handmade by me in my kitchen, with all natural ingredients. It is made from scratch, none of this premade base business.

So if you want to purchase any of my lovely soap just follow the link on the right sidebar.

By the way, we have also had some rain which is pretty exciting, alot of weeds have started to grow unfortunately, but it's a start.

Tales of the Intrepid Snake Hunter

Well after my heart has finally stopped beating like it is going to jump out of my rib cage.

I thought you would all be interested to know our news...

This is our 3rd summer in this house and I have never even seen a snake in our yard or heard the birds doing their snake alert chirping. So imagine my surprise.

I opened the door from the kitchen to the laundry and heard something move in among a few things over on the far side of the room. Now we do get the odd tiny lizard but it sounded a bit bigger than that so I decided to investigate, I thought it may just be a mouse or something. I grabbed the broom and gave the bag and the rolled up rug that was on the floor a good wack and nothing happened.

I grabbed the bag (Marcus's football training bag) and flipped it over and nothing happened.

I almost left it at that but thought I had better just check under the rug. I had already moved it about a bit with the broom but grabbed an edge and picked it up. Well didn't my head spin when a Brown Snake thudded onto the floor. Thank goodness I had been leaning towards it and not standing right next to it.

You can just imagine how quickly I jumped backwards into the kitchen. Shut the door, grabbed the tea towels and rammed them against the bottom of the door and ran to the phone to call my in-laws who live 100m across the paddock. Marcus is usually up there working and he usually has lunch up there but he was out right then. So Bev and Ian came across to help.

Poor Bev, all I could say when she answered the phone was "There is a snake in my laundry... it's Bec"

I paced around the house until they came, bringing shovel and morale boosting smiles. It took us nearly half an hour to find it as first we had to get everything off the floor of the laundry and it had hidden itself behind the washing machine. So Ian hunted it out and pinned it down with the broom. I then held the broom while he bashed it on the head with the shovel.

Now for those who may go cross at the cruely please don't bother. Come and see me when you've been bitten by and Eastern Brown Snake and then we'll talk. I have never been bitten and don't ever want to but we live 1/2 hr from the nearest hospital and it would be touch and go for and adult but it Sam got bitten it would probably be fatal much quicker.

I don't know how long it had been in there and I am still scratching my head trying to figure out exactly how it got in there. I have plugged up the 2 possible places.

I am still thanking the fact that I obviously have some kind of 6th sense and hadn't let Sam into the Laundry to play with the shoes today as I often do when I am in the kitchen. I think I got in while I was over at the in laws having a cup of tea this morning and then when I got back I was making some soup to stock up the freezer and for some reason had kept Sam in the kitchen with me, he was in the Laundry when Marcus's Dad came to deliver our post but I took him out when I went. He usually plays over where it was and ohh.... I just can't believe our good luck.

Enough. I am still feeling a bit panicky just talking about it.

Bec

New Years News

Well it has been ages since I updated my blog, bit things have been sooooo... busy. Christmas and New Year have come and gone. It really felt strange this year. I was so busy leading up to christmas that it didn't even feel like christmas. Sam didn't really understand what was going on but he had a lovely time among all the paper. He got some lovely presents from the family and Marcus and I didn't do too badly either. I got the final Harry Potter book which was all I wanted and I have already read it 2 times. I loved it!!!!

I have been madly making soap as the Gift shop in Town has said that they will buy it off me. I don't know how it will sell but I have been making a few extra batches just in case. It takes them 4-6 weeks to cure and I would hate to run out. If it doesn't sell we will always use it and it makes a great present. I am still sticking to 4 simplish recipes. I don't want to be too adventurous when I don't have the time. The 4 recipes that I use are easy enough but make lovely soap.

I have been managing to fit some sewing in in short spurts. I have done a couple of dolls quilts as presents for 2 little girs (Gemma & Andrea) that turned 1 and 3 in December. I am still working on another really big difficult project that I can't tell you about yet. I have made a trial run of a dress that I will be making to wear to my brothers wedding in June also.

I am pretty organised for our bit trip to the USA. All our flights are booked and our accommodation so I don't have to worry about that.

Here also are some photo's of Sam. It has been so hot here lately, we don't have Aircon so I have had to let him run around in his birthday suit. He still does these funny headstands too. We call them his "Yoga moves Downwards Dog". I can't believe that he is 9 months old already.

Quilt for Canada

Here is a quick pic of a quilt I made for a baby that has just been born to friends in Canada. Her name is Jane Lilly Speir and I hope that she likes her gift. I have made it quite large so that hopefully it will alot of use for many years to come. Each square has a different shape quilted onto it and then her name in one. The back is a lovely pink polar fleece. I have put Sam onto it to show the size. I think I measures about 43" square so it will be good for a lap quilt when she gets bigger.

Catching Up

So much has been happening since my last entry.

Firstly our little man got Baptised on Sunday 4 November. It was a lovely ceremony, Sam was such a good boy (as per usual) he was having a lovely time splashing his hand in the font while his head was getting wet. Then he tried to eat Rev. Ken's finger. It was a lovely day with just some close family present and then a lovely lunch back at the farm. Mum couldn't be here because she lives so far away but she was in our thoughts and she will be here on Monday for a few days. Here is a picture of Sam in his Christening gown. He is the 4th generation to wear it. It belongs to Marcus's mothers Family.

Here also are some pictures of my latest handiwork. The first is a bag I made for a swap I was in. It is double sided with a lovely plain Autumn fabric on the inside. I made it for the lovley Helen (press her name to see her lovely handiwork). My skills are no-where near as good as hers. She is so very helpful and Friendly though.

Next is a picture of a small quilt that I made as part of a Doll Quilt Swap. It was for the daughter of Kylie. It measures about 23 inches square and it is the first time that I have made pinwheels. I really enjoyed a smaller quilt as I can make somehting I have never done before and it doesn't waste too much fabric if you get it wrong.

A new monthly Challenge

One of the ladies from the Southern Cross quilters group has decided to set herself a challenge and has asked anyone that wants to join in. I really like her idea and have decided to try and join in. I don't know if I will get them done every month but I will certainly give it a try.

http://stonehousequilts.blogspot.com/

Every month she is going to draw a word out of a box and we have to make a small journal size quilt with our interpretation.

This months word is "CONNECTION"
Should be interesting.

Here's hoping.
Bec

Quick Catch up

It has been a little cool this weekend so we thought Sam should wear his Great Grandad's nice warm balaclava. He looked happy enough that's for sure.

As for the rest of us we are still waiting for all this rain they keep forecasting. The grass is still green but it will turn brown any day now with the warm days and the wind that won't go away. It's good for my washing but not so good for the feed.

Sooooo much sewing to do and so little time. If I had my way I would just sew and sew and sew. Sam is pretty good and I get a little bit done every few days but wishful thinking that I had all day, everyday to sew.

I have had a chance to make some soap. You may think this is a little crazy but I have been trying to get around to it for ages and finally made a batch of Coconut and Olive Oil, 2 weeks ago. Then this weekend I made a batch of pure Olive Oil Soap. I am using the real Cold Process method and making it from scratch. So far so good, it has turned out o.k. It won't be ready for use for another 2 weeks at least and then I may be brave enough to make a batch with some essential oils in it, that is when it gets a little more tricky and more things can go wrong.

You may ask why I would want to make soap when I can just buy it from the shops.... Well I am glad you asked. I don't like the way that things are made. I think that there is too much manufacturing in all the products that we buy and after doing extensive reading before starting to make soap I see that it is not that good for you anyway. They have taken out so many of the good oils and it is a very inferior product. But then I have always had a bit of an environmental streak in me. I have always preferred to use a more "Natural" product if I can find it. My very good friend Michelle calls me the "Earth Mother" As I use cloth Nappies on Sam and don't use any chemicals in cleaning and washing and I don't use soaps or anything on Sam. I think that the Soap will also make a nice addition to my Christmas Presents this year.

Anyhow enough babbling.

Bec

Making Quilts and Baby photo's

Well I have been flat out this week, cutting out my next few projects. I have 6 quilts to make, although not all of them have to be made now, I am trying to get all the cutting out done. Here is a photo of how I have organised myself. I have labelled some snaplock bags and put all the cut out pieces in them, it makes it easier. The thing in the middle is my Moda Jelly Roll, I am so in love with these, they have the most beautiful fabrics.

Sam is grown so fast, here are the latest photo's that I took this morning especially to post here. He is not quite sitting up on his own yet and I had to keep propping him up but he is getting really tall and so funny, he is wearing his little red Flannie and his wool long soakers that I made out of an old jumper.

Sam can say Mum, Bub & Dad but he doesn't really know what they mean yet. He loves going for walks and being outside and laughs at the dog when it barks. We took him to his first Bull Sale a few weeks ago and he was having so much fun, squealing, laughing and waving his hands at all the noise that we thought he was going to buy a Bull.

SEWING!!! 24.8.07

I have finally got some sewing finished. I am pretty proud of myself, but there is still so much left to do. I have made a portable little bed for Sam. It is not too thick as we have to take it with us on a plane but it can be padded up with the spare blankets in the Motel room. Sam doesn't move once he is asleep so the sides are not rigid but I just wanted him to feel cosy.

Of course Toby had to be in one of the photos.

Bec

EB Quilters Doll/Teddy Quilt Swap

I am very busy getting ready to sew a whole heap of projects at the moment. A couple of them are a surprise so I can't mention them here but I am also about to have a go at a couple of Nappy covers, being the Greeny that I am I only ever use cloth Nappies on Sam and need some more covers.

I am also about to particpate in a Small quilt swap for a Doll or Teddy with my friends on the Essential Baby Quilters Group...

Here are my swap answers

1. What colours do you like? Any but I have a little boy so maybe no pinks as it will be for his Teddy's

2. What colours DON'T you like? Army Green (khaki), too much black.

3. What style of quilt do you like best? (Abstract, arty, traditional, modern etc.) Any

4. What techniques and trimmings do you like? Applique, embroidery, yoyos, foundation pieced blocks, rik rak, lace, ribbons, buttons...?Any

5. Is there anything you DON'T want on your quilt? Not that I can think of.

Hopefully this makes it nice and easy for my partner, I am not a fussy person and we will be happy with what we get.

Bec

Bag Swap Answers

I am in an online sewing group http://http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/index.php?showforum=105 and this month a few of us have chosen to do a bag swap, hopefully I can make a nice bag for my person. I would hate to let the group down.
Here are my answers to the Bag swap questions.
1. How big do you like your bags to be - small/medium/large? Rough measurement you like? I would like a medium size bag, maybe around about 30cm or so long, I have little ones and big ones already.
2. What sorts of things do you want to carry in your bag? eg. essentials only (purse, phone, keys etc), craft stuff, nappies, toys to keep kids amused? Daily Essentials when I go to town.
3. Do you prefer shoulder bags, backpacks or clutch bags? I prefer shoulder or backpacks
4. Dressy or casual? Casualish
5. Colour preferences (also state whether you like pastels, brights or muted tones). somewhere in the middle, not too bright but not too dull.
6. How do you like to carry your bag? I for example like over the shoulder or across the body but I know some people who are happy to carry it in their hand (by the handle). I don't mind how I carry, it depends on my mood.
Bec

Family Update 13 Aug 2007

Good news from America.

My little brother James got engaged yesterday. He and Mary have been wanting to get engaged for about a year now and they finally got the o.k. from her parents as my brother has finally got his permanent position at his work.

Congratulations James and Mary

I can't wait until I get to go over there for the Wedding, hopefully mid next year.

Also just quickly, here is the latest photo of Baby Sam, taken last night after his bath. He loves it when I get him out of the bath and wrap him up in one of the nice fluffy towels that my mum bought for him. Sam is also looking forward to going to America for the Wedding.

No sewing yet. Soon

Bec

Sunday 15 July 2007 Sewing & Sam

I actually got some sewing done today. Sam is teething at the moment and is going through about 5 bibs per day. So here his today's handywork. Not too exciting but I had some nice thick towelling material that was nice and bright. I copied a pattern off another big bib that I like to put on him. Appliqued some nice bright fabric on the front and taadaaa.

Also here are some really cute pics of Sam in an outfit that my someone knitted for him. Isn't he the cutest thing you ever did see.

Bec

Sam & Rain Update 4 July 2007

So things have been pretty good here lately. We have had a fair bit of rain and the ground is finally soaking up and getting a bit muddy. Unfortuately the rain is a bit late for the grass to grow too much because it is so cold now but at least the water tanks are full and the dams are starting to get water back in them.

Marcus has been very busy cutting wood for the fire to keep us warm in our old draughty house, they are only feeding the stock a couple of times a week now because there is a little bit of grass on the ground, we won't see any serious grass until the spring but it's enough for now.

Sam is growing so quickly and is babbling away in baby talk, he already loves to have a chat so I can't wait to see what he is like when he can actually say words. He will be 3 months on Friday, time has certainly gone so fast.

This is a photo of him dressed up in a Tigger suit that we were given by a lovely couple who had a little boy before us. The hat and mittens are a bit big, I don't think they officially go with the suit but he looks so cute don't you think???

This is a photo of Sam and I in the bath. I thought I had better have one of me seeing as how I put one of Marcus in the bath with him. I hope this doesn't offend anyone.

A big HI to my James and Mary in America. Wish I could have visited with Mum but maybe next year. Take care both of you and Jimmy stop working so hard.

That's all.

Sleeping bag for Sam

Here is my latest project, a sleeping bag for baby Sam. I have made it a bit big so it will fit him next year. It gets so cold here I have lined it with a layer of polyester batting and then cotton. The outside is polar fleece although not too thick. Oh and I used my new snap press on it, that was really fun.

Next I will start on a light cotton one for summer.

Sam is getting so big and is nearly holding his head up all by himself. He is 11 weeks this week. He is really funny and smiles and laughs at us alot. He is really chatty and makes lots of cute noises and talks to us when we chat to him.

I have some more sewing soon hopefully.

Monday 28 May 2007 Update

Well things have been good here on the farm. We have had a few inches of rain and the water tanks have filled up. There still needs to be a fair bit more to fill the dams and keep the grass growing. Unfortunately we may not get enough warm weather now until spring to make the grass grow too much but we will still take any rain we can get. The lambs will be arriving soon so I will take some photo's when they do.

For now, here are some photo's of our little boy Sam. He is 7 1/2 weeks old now and is smiling at everyone and gurgling away in conversation. It is really amazing how each day brings new changes. We are having so much fun watching him grow before our eyes.

The first photo is of one of Sam's smiles, it's not a full one but it gives you a taste. The second photo is of Sam and Dad in the bath I know what you are thinking and yes I do feed my husband, he is just one of those people who never put on weight, they are so cute together. Sam has kept his modesty with the little bath thermometer that my cousin gave us . The other photo is Sam wearing his Bum Jumper that I made for him out of an old woolen jumper. It keeps him warm and dry without having to wear those horrid plastic nappy covers and at night he doesn't get as smelly when he does lots of Wees.

P.S Last night we had our first sleep through. He went to bed at 11pm and didn't wake up until 6am. Oh the bliss of 7 hours uninterrupted sleep.

Baby Samuel Update Wed 2 May 2007

Well so far everything has been going o.k. I ended up with a bit of Mastitis (luckily mum was here that week and helped out soooo much). Now I have a cold and feel awful when I get up at night to feed the little one.

However, he is such a good little boy that I cannot complain. He only cries when he wants a feed or is uncomfortable and He is happy to lie in his bassinette when I need to do some washing or a bit of housework. I have discovered "Pocket Nappies" which are just the best thing ever invented, so easy to use and so easy to care for. Here are a few more photo's of little Sam. One with Marcus after a feed and the other in bed with my mum.

Baby Samuel

Introducing baby Samuel Jacob Clarke. Born on 6 April 2007 (Good Friday), weighing in at 8lb 14 and 51cm long. He did not want to come out of his home but we got there eventually. He is absolutely beautiful (I know I am biased), he didn't have any wrinkles or blotches but had beautiful skin and a little bit of dark hair on top.

So far he is being very good. He eats well and then goes down for a sleep for a while. He does cry and fuss a little especially when it is nappy change time but then he settles straight away when cuddled. We are (of course) using cloth nappies even though we are on tank water supplies. I am a greenie at heart and the chemicals and process involved in making disposables are just awful for both the environment and the baby. I have some really great modern cloth nappies that are very easy to use so there is really not too much hardship except an extra load of washing every few days.

Overall it was a pretty harrowing birth but Marcus was just wonderful and was there beside me encouraging me the whole way. I cannot say it was a beautiful experience but the end result is just perfect.

New Calf Friday 16 March 2007

This one is for Mary (and Jimmy) in America, thought you might like to see one of our calves. His mother is not well enough to make milk so we are looking after him, he is a little Short-Horn calf, they are the cutest cause you never know what colour combination of white and red they will come out . I am looking at my worst but who cares - the cows certainly don't.

Kitchen Swap Wednesday 14 March 2007

Here are the answers to the Kitchen Swap questions.

1. What colours are you kitchen.
We will be getting a new house plopped down on our land sometime this year and I will be having a lovely neutral kitchen so I don't care what colours things are.

2. What is your favourite appliance
My Easy cook oven. We only have a wood fired stove at the moment and I refuse to light it in the summer so easycook saved my life. It also makes everything so healthy cause it's fan forced and everything is cooked on racks and you can make great chips and schnitzel with no fat.

3. What do you love cooking most
I love cooking Lasagne. I have a really huge dish that we got for an engagement pressie but have only used it one cause it doesn't fit in the easycook, so I am looking forward to my new kitchen with a nice big oven. I also like cooking cakes and biscuits for my husband cause he has such a sweet tooth but never puts on a single gram.

4. What item would you love the most from your swap partner
I would love some oven mitts, I have been meaning to make some but haven't gotten around to it. I really don't mind what I get cause I just love being a part of this thing.

I will be really good and post sewing photo's tonight of all the things I have made the last few months.
I will also be putting a photo up for Mary (brothers girlfriend). We have some gorgeous calves at the moment and a couple a on the bottle so I thought she would like to see them.
Bec