Tuesday, March 31

Houston we have a problem .................

Well it appears that OZeBaby and all the other Congo Carts have crashed.

There is nothing I can do until Nathan brings them all back online. I had set them to auto-stock at 7pm, so I'm thinking that when it comes back online, they'll be live, but I have no idea what time that will be.

I apologise for any inconvenience, but unfortunately this is totally beyond my control, I used OZeBaby for this stocking so that I didn't oversell, and you have your items carted, so there was no mad rush for checkout and that those on dial up would have a fairer chance.

Might just have to go back to random stockings now even though via the poll, it appears that most prefer a set time stocking.

I'm off now to put an unwell bubba to bed - who has only been happy today at 7pm when I stocked. Find a huge piece of Harry's Rocky Road and a cup of tea and settle down to watch some telly.

Night all.

Sick Bubba

The bubba who I thought was better is not :(

Anyways I've put up the nappies for tonights stocking at 7pm Queensland time on Auto-stock, fingers crossed it works.

There are a few more nappies to put up for tonight, but it will depend if little Miss K deigns to sit on Daddy's lap for a little while or not.

New Customers whose invoices should have gone today will be slightly delayed. I'll send them as soon as I can. Thank you for understanding.

Sunday, March 29

And just some

of the nappies I've been working on this week. There are more to come, but these ones are 100% finished. Shane snapped them all in between his shifts at work, and Mum helped by trimming some of the threads for me, but other than that they have been sewn by hand by me, no mass production here :) And let me tell you, I sure as heck after this will need my break away.

Poor little K was up in the night being sick :( but she seems happy and contented this morning, but I'll be carefully watching it - don't want her passing it on to anyone else.



These are the size 2's. Some favourite prints like the giraffe, and some new ones, like the Aliens, Fairy Dust, Tooltime and Pink Batik



And some weeny size 1's again in some new prints, and some one off prints from stash. I think the vibrant Batik Turtles is my favourite from this batch.

Still to come, some Neopolitan PUL, yummo! Along with some Hot Pink Fluro Lycra, and some HoneyBoy! Fitteds :)

Saturday, March 28

Daring Bakers March Challenge

Well lots of fun was had in March at the Daring Bakers - a new website - a new logo and a new forum to work our way around. It's bright and funky and I think I'll get used to it soon enough. I should have really missed this challenge, as March is insane with the Great Down Under Nappy Hunt, but seeing as my darling DH celebrated the big 40 - what better way to celebrate than to make Lasagne.



The March 2009 challenge is hosted by Mary of Beans and Caviar, Melinda of Melbourne Larder and Enza of Io Da Grande. They have chosen Lasagne of Emilia-Romagna from The Splendid Table by Lynne Rossetto Kasper as the challenge.

We had to make everything from scratch, the pasta, the ragu and the bechamel. I really liked this challenge, but then again I LOVE lasagne, especially when I make it, cause I can get it just how I like it - I took liberties with the recipe a little, because I was trying to empty the freezer, before the next batch of cow arrived lol!! So I just used straight mince (or ground beef, as I think it's referred to in the States), it's nice and lean - we get all our beef from Boutique Meats, it is delicious tender, lean and beautiful.

I like the recipe had milk in the ragu - I've seen it before and it tends to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes and make it a softer taste, but still vibrant and bursting with flavour.



I found I had to add another egg to the pasta recipe and as I was short on time, I used the pasta make to roll the pasta through and I also didn't precook the pasta, I used it as it was. Some people found the lasagne a little slippery when cutting, but as you can see from my photos it cut beautifully, and I only had it straight out of the oven piping hot. So like everything in cooking/baking, everyone does it all a little differently.



If you'd like the recipe and wonderful photos, fully explained pop along to Beans and Caviar where you can eye off Mary's wonderful description and thoughts.

And the Winner is .................

Gaylee!!

If you can contact me at lesleyfletcher at cherubskiss.com - we can sort out which one you'd like to purchase from the cuts.

And for those of you guessing - there were 39 cuts of fabric - someone was very close with 38.

Now a custom that went this week



They are both the same size lol! But the fleece one is very fluffy, and of course a bit more bulkier than a PUL nappy would be. Isn't the fluffy one funky though, very cute :) Mind you it's the second one I made, the first one I forgot to put fluffy on the outside sigh! But there you go it's done and gone, and should be to it's new home on Monday.

Friday, March 27

New Customer Stocking and Newsletter 54.

Please see below regards the New Customer stocking. I've started to receive emails for the expressions of interest. Everyone will have an email sent to them by Monday with details of how to proceed from here :) I thank everyoe that has replied so far with requests, and I'm very pleased to be able to help you procure a CK nappy :)

Please note the time has come to cut off the list for this round of New Customer Stockings. Please join my newsletter if you'd like to be updated with the details for next time around.

Hello everyone,


Well it's nearly at the end of the GDUNH, but there is still time to find those elusive icons. You have until midnight AEST 31st March.


I'll be stocking on Tuesday 31st March, I'll start to preview over the weekend at my OZeBaby Store. For this stocking, I ask that you limit your purchases to 2 per person, so we can share the CK love around. Items will be yours when carted, to give you time to get another or take your time through the checkout. Please note it is first to cart, that gets the item. Clicking buy it now doesn't ensure that you have the item, it must be in your cart to secure it.


I am happy to combine orders with regards to postage. But I will expect immediate payment, either via paypal or direct deposit. Those paying by direct deposit, will need to email me a copy of their receipt. Items not paid for in 24 hours, will be relisted for sale. Shane and I will be away the end of next week and I would like all orders to be posted before we go away.


If you are hyena'ing for another, please ensure that their shipping address is in the shipping details. If paying by paypal, please note that orders over $50 must be sent registered post at your cost, and only to the paypal shipping address provided.


I'm starting to reinstate my new customer stockings, I've done these in the past for HoneyBoy!, but I'm now doing them for all my nappies, so therefore I'm asking for expressions of interest in the New Customer Stocking. If you are a NEW customer - eg: you've never purchased from me before - either for yourself or another - from either my Cherub's Kiss store, my OzeBaby store or via Gossamer Dreams, then you are eligible to purchase in this stocking.


Just shoot me an email here This month's slots have now closed with New Customer in the subject (that way it will go to the right email folder and not be lost), with a rough idea of what you would like - ie boy/girl/unisex - Auriel or HoneyBoy! and what size. Please note these are not custom slots, this is a way to get my nappies to as many of you as possibly in the shortest space of time. You will need to lodge your expression of interest by 5pm Saturday the 28th March for this round of new customer slots. There will be more slots later in the year.


Full details will be forwarded to you after your expression of interest - no payment will be required until your order is ready to go - I do have some nappies all ready and waiting, but others I will need to make up.


Also please note that my stores will be closed for the month of April, but I will be around, emails/queries will be answered but may not be answered in my usual prompt manner. Shane and I both need some down time to recover from the hunt, check icon finds and start packing up the hunt prizes, ready to go to the winners.


Please also check out the Kick Start Program on Facebook - a dear friend and business colleague Jodie from Nappies Covered is listed in this weeks entries - you can vote for Jodie here http://apps.facebook.com/kick-start/index.php?auth_token=6dc89faa031970c484f21f83a804c2c1

Cheers
The Cherub's Kiss Family
www.cherubskiss.com

Sunday, March 22

I don't think that

Shane isn't going to be very happy with me :( I've done all this cutting, but before I can turn them into gorgeous nappies, Shane has to snap them all yikes!!



I just dragged out a box, and started cutting, so there are some single items, ones I've done before, the last of my giraffe minky PUL. Quite a few new prints as well. Even some size 1 - I haven't stocked them for awhile. Some will be going up on my site later this week, some are off to The Cloth Nappy Shop and some will be put aside for the new customer stocking in May.



So anyways I thought someone might like to pick something from the picture. You may choose 1 nappy from those above, tell me why it's your favourite (you must be a NEW customer, someone that has never tried an Auriel before to enter). Random Generator will pick someone from the posters, and you may choose to purchase the nappy you've selected.

And can anyone guess how many nappy cuts there are?



Oh and I'll close this off end of the week :) So don't forget to let any newbies know, here's a chance to grab a CK Auriel, with no fighting for one :)

Friday, March 20

And just some more of the

fantastic photos taken by Rachel Richter

She does the most fantastic work, we have so many to pick from - even the ones where one of the children is making a face, are beautiful, but anyways here is a selection. I thought long and hard about putting any of me up, but I thought what the heck right? Some of you may know that I absolutely detest having my photo taken, I think the last decent photos taken were my wedding ones, 20 years ago. Anyways here they are :)



Sarah


Katherine with her sunnies lol!!


Shane and I



All the kids



Amy



And all of us.

Another February Custom

All done and dusted, another boy pack :)



Aren't they just scrumptious!!!

Now I'm getting stuck into some stock for sale early next week. I'll start previewing them on the blog over the weekend. Some more for the boys and some super girly ones too :) Hoping to have a handful of HoneyBoy! fitted and Quick Dry AIO's as well.

Wednesday, March 18

So this Alien

was a bit naughty and so turned out to be a slight second. Fortunately he found a new home, with a gorgeous Caterpillar - wonder if they'll make caterpillar aliens together? Luckily I'm hoping that his brothers - all with different coloured alien snaps, will make an appearance of OZeBaby later this week - that's if they behave.



And the first of the February Customs to go out. Seems lately that most of the customs have gone to Mumma's of boys, but I think the slots of OZeBaby are going to baby girls :) So some pink again.



So Black minky with dragons and a red inner. Pirate treasure with a yellow inner. Pirate monkeys - who are so very naughty and they made me make two of them, cause the first one didn't behave. Sending him to the naughty corner. And a food panel blue mottled minky.

Sunday, March 15

Gossamer Dreams March Stocking

Items are up and previewing now at Gossamer Dreams remember items go live at 8pm Qld time for 24 hours only. I've put together a couple of newborn sets, a gorgeous black frog pinnie, some frogs legs lol! and a couple of Munch Crunch size 1 Auriels.

Please note that the Munch Crunch are up there for those that haven't already purchased one before. I can only monitor the ones that I have sold, not the ones people have bought second hand - but I ask that you be fair when purchasing and if you already have a Munch Crunch, leave it for someone else.

Now a few other updates.

Unfortunately I've had to make the decision for the time being suspend the custom ballot draws. I had a couple of customs on OZeBaby - and the winners have been notified, and then I have the customs already in the works and the ones for the March draw. Once I have completed these - they will be the last customs for a few months. Please do not be offended or take it personally if you email for a custom and i have to refuse. I really like being able to offer these from time to time, but at the moment I can't take on anymore.

I am a WAHM who makes 99% of everything herself. Shane helps with the snapping, but all Cherub's Kiss Nappies are made by hand, each nappy individually cut and sew especially for you. I take great pride in my workmanship and the attention to detail that I have. Hence at times there is not much if any stock available. I work very hard, but I do have a family to attend to as well, and as always they should be my first priority. There are a great variety of fantastic WAHM products out there, that I can recommend. There are also quite a few mass produced products that have an excellent reputation. My items are designer items and as such are limited in quantity. I rarely do huge runs of any design or colour. I like my nappies to be individual.

I will however be reinstating the new customer stockings, I've done them in the past and will start them again in May. Full details will be sent via newsletter, so if you haven't already joined up my newsletter, I suggest that you do, as details of how to register etc will be included only in the newsletter.

Remember if you are buying any of my nappies second hand I am more than happy to let you know what the make up of a nappy is - please be aware when buying second hand that my 6mth warranty no longer applies, as I can't guarantee how the nappy has been treated before you receive it. RRP for my size 2 Auriels is $37. HoneyBoy! Quick Drys are $34.50, but I will be putting my prices up when I'm back in May. Obviously there are variations to this if you have an embellished, OOAK or dyed nappy, but I am happy to anyone to contact me to confirm pricing details before purchase.

I'll be taking the month of April off, to recharge the batteries, pack up hunt prizes, have some time off with my darling hubby and family, and work on a monster stocking for sometime in May.

Friday, March 13

Cupcakes galore ...................

Here are some of the goodies from the Progressive Auction on Gossamer Dreams last month - to raise funds for both the North Queensland Floods and the Victorian Bushfires. More piccies to come later in the day though :)



Nappies from left to right. MM fleece AIO, fitted, MM fleece AIO, 2nd row PUL cupcakes and appliqued denim AIO.



Reversible skirt and matching appliqued t-shirt



Little pinnie, wetbag and wipes



and a custom order - the customer sending the cotton prints. Nearly the very last of my fairy floss minky - I have one cut in a size 2 left :( Very sad that I can't get anymore, it's just a beautiful minky. Will have to do something super special with the last cut I think.



t-shirt and baby legs



close up of the babylegs.

Monday, March 9

New Daring Bakers

Well it's now the Daring Kitchen

New forum, new logos and new challenges - I've signed up for both the Daring Bakers and the Daring Cooks - can't wait to see what March brings.

And I think I'm going to be a Vanilla Fairy :)

Sunday, March 8

Some More Lotteries ...............

Up on OZeBaby.

I have one for new customers - those that have never managed to purchase a CK nappy of any variety - New Customers . I do have good records and I can check to see if you have purchased from me before. If you have, please put your name down on the other custom slot lottery here

I'll be more than likely running more of these lotteries as it gives those on dial up the same chance as everyone else. I have done them in the past on the CK site, but that was before Katherine, and I just don't have the hours to have a mass new customer stocking just at the moment, hoping to have one later in the year though, just have to sew up a stack of nappies first.

Now I'd better get back to my sewing of the stocking on Cherub's Kiss won't happen until much later today.

Thursday, March 5

My sewing room is a Mess

We've had to throw so much stuff in there waiting for the builders to come to replace the floors tomorrow. How do you fit 3 rooms - 2 bedrooms and rumpus worth of stuff somewhere else in your house?

He rang today to say - hey is everything out of those rooms, we finished a job early so we want to come and pull up your floor now? What the? No way - where are my girls going to sleep? Shane's at work, I can't move the furniture by myself. Anyways they better get the job done in one day like they are suppose to, cause all the furniture is going to have to live on the driveway tomorrow. Guess who'll be up at 5am tomorrow morning moving stuff out :(

Needless to say it couldn't have come at a worse time and so what I'm really saying is don't expect the stocking to happen until late Sunday, when I can actually get to my sewing machine to finish things off.

Sunday, March 1

February Custom Slot Winners

Here are your random numbers:

12 17

Timestamp: 2009-02-28 21:29:12 UTC

And you have been emailed.

The slate is clean and you can register for March Slots now!!

Just an update of the terms and conditions for the slots.

Would you like a custom slot?


If so, you can email in for a chance to receive one. We have a ballot open for custom slots, they will be randomly drawn the first of the month. We have 2 slots available every month. There are a couple of rules though.

1. Maximum order of 6 nappies
2. Nappies can be a mixture of HoneyBoy! or Auriel in any size. Does not include Hand-embroidered, limited edition, or hand dyed nappies. Colours/fabrics can be chosen from the selection sent to you and we do have a wide range to suit all tastes.
3. Nappies must be for your immediate family.
4. You need to reply to your offer and choose the fabrics and pay within 3 days of the offer, otherwise your place will be redrawn.
5. Customs will be completed in a two week timeframe.
6. Price will depend on quantity, size and type of nappy chosen.

If you'd like to enter, just go to our home page Cherub's Kiss and follow the email directions.

The Nappy Hunt
also begins today - you can register here

There are $5800 worth of prizes on offer, with 89 prizes, including for the first time a prize for the hunter to find all the icons first. I take no responsibility for messy houses, unfed children, or cranky husbands. Have fun hunting!!

My first stocking
for the hunt will be Wednesday at my Cherub's Kiss store, the stocking will be random (depends on how much other hunt stuff we have to do). If the items say previewing that's what they are. If they say sold out, they are sold. I will continue to stock randomly during the hunt with no warning. I will also be putting OOAK/Limited Edition items up on OZeBaby.