Madefor3

Positive Changes.....

2011-05-02T13:32:00.000+01:00

Today marks a fresh start for me :)

I have completed indiebiz3.0 !!, which has been an incredible, inspiring journey which has helped me not only to achieve goals but a fresh out-look on running a successful business...

After much thought and debate i have decided to no longer to use the name/brand "Madefor3" i feel this no longer represents me or my style ... i am kinda sad but, I know that this is the right thing for me to do.

Here is why is have made this decision...
1. When I started blogging, i only had 3 daughters, in Januay of this year that changed to 4!
2. I found "Madefor3" difficult to brand
3. I lacked direction in what i wanted to achieve

I have decided to go by the name ......"Polkadot-Pretties" :), after analysing my style and things that i love, i found that most of them had Polkadots (this is also reflected with various items around my home aswell as clothes).

I have also change my twitter account to http://twitter.com/Polkadotprettie so you can follow my journey there....

I also have a new Blog, http://polkadot-pretties.blogspot.com/ , i hope that you will follow me over on my new blog !! (i am still working on customising) but would love for you to stop by :)

I have reserved an Etsy shop "Shoppolkadotpretties" but i am going to do a launch, with a giveaway in a couple of weeks :)

so all that is left to say is

"madefor3", it has been a learning curve......

But

"Polkadot-Pretties" i am looking forward to a successful and happy future together.....

To new beginnings :)

I will now be blogging over at http://polkadot-pretties.blogspot.com/ look forward to meeting you there :)

Claire xox

A fun Make-Over ;)

2011-04-29T19:56:00.001+01:00

One of my “Wednesday Wishes” this week was to re-upholster this......

Well guess what I have been up to.....

Yeap...

What do you think to the Make-Over?

Here is a close up of some extra detail I added...

I think I have found a new hobby....

I have also had a lovely day with family and my girls watching the royal Wedding.. I made a traditional buffet, full of British delights, scones, tea, strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

Congratulations to the happy couple :)

weheartit.com

What plans do you have for the weekend?

Claire xox

Wednesday Wishes !!

2011-04-27T18:14:00.000+01:00

I am a bit late posting today, but better late than not at all!

How are your wishes coming along???

Here are my wishes for this week, only a short post today as i havent started dinner yet ;)

continue working on my shop *wink*

make time for a relaxing bath.....

re-upholster this

don't forget to link up and leave me a comment with your wishes....

I am off to make dinner for my 3 hungry girls....

Happy Wednesday

Claire xox

Nursery Make over ....

2011-04-23T11:38:00.000+01:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend ???

I have finally finished adding the finishing touches to Nylah’s nursery, so i thought i would share with you the before and after...

before

and

after

Here are some close ups, of cute things i have added.

Cute Right???

The bunting is made by me :)

I just had to buy her the cute spotty dog (you know i love polka dots *wink*)

I did a hand and foot cast, on the 17th Feb 2011 (she was exactly 1 month old)

The cushion and the "baby" sign i bought at craft shops :) both are handmade and fit perfectly with the colour scheme..

I have loved doing the nursery make-over, i think it is one of the nicest rooms in our house......

I love the blend of handmade and highstreet...

Do you have any decorating plans this weekend????

Claire xox

Wednesday Wishes!!!

2011-04-20T10:57:00.000+01:00

It’s been a stressful week, this week. Baby Nylah had a scan yesterday on her hips, even though everything tuned out ok, i have been worried about the appointment all week, i have hardly slept.

Even though Nylah is 12 weeks old, medically she is classed as 6 weeks (with her being born at 34 weeks). She is defiantly a fighter and truly my gift. “Nylah means gift”.

So i have been looking forward to posting my Wednesday Wishes this week, for some much needed inspiration.....

Swimming

To make some time to start swimming again.

Start working on my New shop

I am still busy working “Indie Biz 3.0”; my own goal is, by the end of the course i would like to have my own shop opened.

Buy one of these

I would love to have one of these in my sewing room...

My 3 wishes this week.

Don’t forget to link up and leave me you wishes, I Love to read them...

Happy Wednesday !!!

Claire xox

What a great read...

2011-04-18T12:01:00.001+01:00

One of the things that I wanted to achieve before the arrival of my baby was to finish a book, I choose a book that I probably wouldn't have normally... but I am so glad I did :)

Here is what I have just finished reading :) ....

: Three Weeks with my Brother

I finished this book last night, I have enjoyed every minute of it, I would highly recommend reading. I found this book motivational, inspiring, honest and reflective...

THREE WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER is laced with photos that provide the background for a fabulous travelogue. More important are those that trace the family's history. These pictures give color to a childhood filled with struggles. Micah's attitude is one of carefree acceptance, while Nicholas reveres him but is unable to live with the same nonchalance as his brother. When tragedy strikes them, not once but three times, they cope in quite different ways. However, they come together as a unit and move forward as a family.

It wasn't until I learnt more about the author that I discovered, he is also the author of one of my favourite movies.....

: The Notebook

I love this movie, for me it is a great love story and is set in the 1940's :)

This is going to be the next book that I read, even though I have seen the movie soooo many times.

Have you read any good books lately ???

Who are your favourite authors’s and/or book??

Leave me a comment I love to hear from you :)

Claire xox

My Baby Girl is 3 months old today !

2011-04-17T12:07:00.000+01:00

How time has flown by, I cannot believe she is 3 months old already.....

She is such a happy baby; she always brings a smile to my face.

She has learnt soooo much over the last 4 weeks, she has figured out that she can use her hands to rub her eyes and that they can also go in her mouth, her eyes follow me where ever i go.

She continues to put on weight; you would never believe that she was born at 34 weeks (I even have to remind myself).

She is going for a scan on Tuesday, on her hips, to make sure that everything is ok. I will be glad when it is over with, I feel real nervous about it.

Nylah @ 3 months

Hope your having a great weekend.

Claire xox

5 Fun Facts..........

2011-04-16T00:01:00.000+01:00

I thought that I would share 5 fun facts about me :).......

1. I am an only child....

: Only Child (www.weheartit.com)

2. When I finished school I wanted to be a graphic designer

: Graphic Designer

3. I have been with my partner 13 years, this February....

: 13 years in February (http://www.weheartit.com/)

4. I have a obbession with handbags :)

: I <3 Handbags (http://www.weheartit.com/)

5. For my 30th Birthday (June 2012) I am planning on my dream trip to New York... and would love to go on a Sex and the City tour....

: SATC (http://www.weheartit.com/)

Feel free to leave me a comment below :)

Claire xox

Pampered Princess

2011-04-15T00:01:00.002+01:00

I have been meaning to post this for a couple of weeks, better late than never right??

As a special treat for my daughter's 4th Birthday, i booked an appointment for her to have a mini manicure. She is a real girly girl, and i knew she would love this suprise.

here she is enjoying her treatment....

she loved every minute and managed to sit still and not smudge the polish :)

Whats your favourite beauty treatment?????

I love most beauty treatment's, but i think mine has to be a relaxing facial.

Also just wanted to say, a big thank you to Louise @ www.mymaysunshine.com for nominating my blog for a stylish blog award.........

Claire xox

Wednesday Wishes!!!

2011-04-13T11:53:00.000+01:00

Happy Wednesday wishes, how are your previous wishes coming along???

Some of mine have come true, I have made time for a relaxing bath, with a book, which I could do with doing once a week really.... I treated myself to a new pair of shoes, although not as glamorous as the ones in my post, but nice never the less....

So here are my wishes for this week.....

have fun with these guys......

I have bought a gorgeous shabby chic shelf, that needs putting up (cant wait to show you)

swoon, at how pretty this is, and dream of having one

Good luck with your Wednesday wishes for this week; don’t forget to leave me a comment with your wishes.....

I have some fun posts lined up over the next couple of weeks....

Claire xox

My love of polka dot and floral......

2011-04-10T12:00:00.001+01:00

I love polka dot and floral fabrics/prints.....

Here is a lavender Heart that i made for my friend, using floral fabric and Polka dot ribbon....

I made this as a gift for Mother's Day..

She is a single mom of 6, who home schools 2 of her boys, but always finds the time for other's......she is a true inspiration :)

Keeping with the theme of Polka Dots and Florals here are 3 things I love using those prints....

I would love my nails like this....

Swoon, If i wasn't as tall i would have to have a pair of these...

How Pretty???

So now i have shared with you my favourite fabric combination.....

What are you favourite fabrics/colours to work with ????

Claire xox

We won the Easter Egg Competition ! :)

2011-04-09T11:23:00.002+01:00

Yesterday it was, "Stay and Play" at school, all the activities where focused on Easter themes...

My daughter (number 3 who is 4years old) and I entered into the Decorate an Egg competition ...

here is our entry

Started as a butterfly, but I think it turned into an angel

Cute :)

My daughter loves Glitter

and guess what ?........... we won :)

here is her prize

Yummy Chocolate Easter Egg :)...... I was so proud, and her smile beamed all day :)

I was such a lovely morning, it was so nice to see her being sooo creative..... with a little help from mom :)

Here is a gorgoeus photogaph of hand-painted eggs, fom www.weheartit.comI just had to share it with you........

What are your plans for the weekend ?????

Any easter egg decorating??? leave a link below :)

Claire xox

Wednesday Wishes !!

2011-04-06T11:21:00.000+01:00

Hey, its time for some more "Wednesday Wishes", have any of your previous wishes come true???

My wish from last week came true, Baby Nylah is a lot better this week :)

So here are my wishes for this week......

to try and create some kind of schedule, so more time for blogging, Indie Biz course and sewing ......

To make one of these "cafetiere cover" how cute ......

to buy one of these :) ...... everyone deserve's some pamper time right ???

So come and join in the fun, and leave me a comment with your Wednesday wishes.......

Claire xox

My Mother's Day Gift .

2011-04-02T10:34:00.000+01:00

It is Mother's Day this Sunday (in UK). This year, I thought it would be nice and extra special to hand make something for my mum .....

Look what I made

vintage inspired cushion

with applique heart

What do you think ???

Isn't the fabric gorgeous????

Me and my mum don't always get along, but I thought that this is the perfect opportunity, to say "Thank you and I Love you"...

I am looking forward to spending the day with my girls :)

I am still busy working on my Indie Biz 3.0 course, it is soo inspiring and is helping me realise, my goals, products and deloping my style...

What are your plans for the weekend???

leave me a comment I love to hear for you :)

Claire xox

p.s. what do you think to the new design???

only one Wednesday Wish this week!

2011-03-30T20:17:00.000+01:00

When I share with you my Wednesday Wish this week, you will understand my lack of post's this week...

My Baby is ill :( at first the Doctor thought that she had Bronchiectasis, but after spending the day in the hospital, it turns out to be a bad infection....

So my one Wednesday Wish is .......

For my baby girl to get well soon...........

So come and join in the fun, and leave me a comment with your Wednesday wishes.......

Claire xox

Some fun with the girls.....

2011-03-26T09:51:00.000Z

Last Saturday, me and my girls went shopping :) it was sooo much fun !!! and i didn't get cross with them once (bonus), there was no running off, picking things up or tantrums !!!

I managed to squeeze my camera into my changing bag :) and snapped a few fun photos of the girls...

not to be left out, here is baby.... she now weighs 8pound 11!!

here is me, trying to experiment taking different pictures, whilst juggling the baby ...

one thing i learnt from this photo.....i need to start wearing either lip gloss or lipstick to help me with some colour... lol ;)

we have a busy day today, its my DD3's 4th birthday on Monday, however she is having her birthday party this afternoon, after they have been to youth group and swimming....

So i am off to enjoy a cup of tea ;) whilst i have chance....

What are your plans for the weekend ???

Claire xox

Wednesday Wishes!!!

2011-03-23T10:13:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a great weekend???

Last week I started a fun post, "Wednesday Wishes", an opportnity for you to share 3 wishes for the week. This could be something that you would like to do, buy, make or achieve !!!!

Here are mine for this week......

Make some time to sew .........

Call and chat to a friend, instead of texting !!

To treat myself to some cute new heels....

So come and join in the fun, and leave me a comment with your Wednesday wishes.......

Claire xox

Some Sunday Sunshine.....

2011-03-20T16:34:00.000Z

The weather has been really dull, here in the UK ...

I love how the sun makes me smile and makes me feel warm inside, so seen as though we have a lack of sun in the UK, i thought i would add some sun inspired photos to my blog post......

Hope these photos have made you smile...... they have made me want to ..............................

SEW!!!!

What does good weather inspire you to do ??

Claire xox

My baby girl is 2months old today

2011-03-17T10:47:00.000Z

How time has flown by..... Baby Nylah is 2 months old today !!!

I have enjoyed every minute. Don't get me wrong it can be very challenging at times juggling the school runs and meal times with feeding....but I love it :)

We have enjoyed plenty of.......

Snugly Cuddles

She is always.......

Smiling

which completely..................

Melts my heart......

She loves...................

her milk..............

And plenty of.........................

Naps.......

I am loving every minute of being a mum of 4 ;)...

And if your wondering here are the other 3 girls.....

Cute, right ???

Claire xox

Wednesday Wishes !

2011-03-16T11:03:00.000Z

I thought that it would be fun to start a regular post, so I came up with "Wednesday Wishes" ...

The idea behind Wednesday Wishes, is to post 3 things that you would like to happen, buy, make or anything else.....

So here are my Wednesday Wishes........

To make time to enjoy a nice hot soak in the bath :)

To start reading this ;) (I love Nicholas Spark Books)

To buy one of theses and make lovely cakes :)

so now you get the idea ;), hope you will share with me your "Wednesday Wishes".......

Claire xox

Indie Biz 3.0 ~ My Portfolio

2011-03-13T15:58:00.000Z

So as you know I have signed up for "Indie Business 3.0 online course"...

The first project is to create your work folder/portfolio. There is a 30+ page work book to be kept inside :)...

I loved creating mine.. gluing and sticking, I had so much fun this morning.

Here's what my Portfolio looks like .....

Here is what I started with, love the colour ??

My Materials

The front cover ~ I added a little quote :)

Inside ~ the left handside is the pocket that I made, I added picture's that represent me.

What do you think ??

I am looking forward to the next project :)

Hope you have had a lovely creative weekend.

Claire xox

My Birth Story

2011-03-11T09:59:00.002Z

My Birth Story
Baby Nylah ~ 17/01/2011 ~ 4pounds 15 ounces ~ 8.42pm

So as promised, here is my birth story, it’s probably going to be long, so make a drink and take a seat :).

My pregnancy was hard from the start; I had bleeding up to week 18 and for those first 18 weeks I did not know how my pregnancy was going to progress, if at all. However the weeks went by and my pregnancy progressed normally...

On the 14th of January at 1.30am my waters broke, I waited for contractions to start, but nothing... I waited until the girls went to school to phone the hospital... I was 34 weeks and 1 day!!
I was admitted straight away (given that I had already had a baby early 24 weeks in 2008 sadly he was stillborn) I cannot put into words the emotion I was feeling, but throughout I tried to remain strong and had to have faith that this time the outcome would be good...

I was monitored, baby was fine... still no contractions, it was decided that I would stay in hospital for the next 48hours just in case my labour progressed....
Nothing happened over the weekend, and it was a long weekend, I missed being at home, my partner and my girls...

Monday 17th January, still nothing, until lunch time, I started bleeding, my consultant came and reviewed me, I really wanted to just get my labour started, thankfully my consultant agreed and I was moved into the delivery suit it was 5pm.
By the time I moved to the delivery suit, my contractions had started, the consultant visited me to make sure everything was ok, the labour progressed well and my contractions become closer together and the pain started to become intense...
8.30pm, labour was still progressing and baby was happy, or so I thought... the next thing I remember is knowing that something wasn’t quite right, I looked at my partner... within the next minute the midwife had pressed the emergency buzzer, I was being laid down and moved into theatre, tears streamed down my face, I was helpless, scared and very afraid....
12 midnight was the next thing I remember, I was in the recovery room, dazed and in pain.... I tried to speak, but nothing came out, my throat was really sore... I did not know if my baby was alive and healthy...

My partner showed me a picture of our beautiful baby girl, she was alive and healthy, she was born at 8.42pm and weighed 4 pounds 15ounces, she was 6 weeks early...
I finally got to meet her at 2.30am and the tears carried on flowing, this time with joy, my baby girl was tiny but perfect in every way.

That night was hard, the emotional and physical pain was overwhelming, I still did not understand what had gone so wrong for things to happen in the way that it did, my baby was in the Special Care Baby Unit and I missed her...

6am some of the medication had started to ease and I longed to see her......

10am , the consultant came to explain why I had to be rushed into theatre, the baby’s heart rate had dropped and my placenta was coming away before the baby... so I ended up having to have a Emergency Caesarean...

Over the next few days Baby was being brought to me for demand feeding, which seemed to help us both recover and I knew that it was the best thing for her..

19th January 9am, the nurses on the Special Care Unit decided that she was doing that well that she would be allowed to stay with me on the ward....

The next few days consisted of blood tests, medication and recovery...

22nd January, finally we were allowed to come home :)

The emotional pain has definitely been a lot worse than the physical, I still think about everything that happened, even writing this made me cry, but I wanted to share with you my experience and in some way I think it might be the start of the healing process..

I named her Nylah , which means “gift” after everything she is definitely a gift, she is doing really well and weighs 6 pounds, I am feeling better and life is getting back to normal, with the bonus of another beautiful girl...

Claire xox

Enjoying moments in the mommyhood....

2011-03-10T22:13:00.000Z

Its nearing the end of another busy week in the "Madefor3" household, and as I sit typing this blog post I am feeding the baby and enjoying a bowl of fruit....

I thought that I would share moments that I have enjoyed this week..... moments with my girls :)

1. Miss Y (8years old) how well she has done at school, it was parents evening on Monday, I was so proud to see her work, how far she has come with her writing and Math.

2. Miss T (6years old) her free spirit and zest for life. She is a great inspiration, such a happy girl who's smile could melt your heart.

3. Miss A (nearly 4) her artistic flaire, can now draw faces (including all features and some great hairstyles) , flowers, buildings,... the list goes on. She is always drawing or colouring.

4. Miss N (7 weeks) snuggly cuddles, I could quite easily spend my day cuddling her.

What moments have you enjoyed this week???

Claire xox

Indie Business 3.0 Student

2011-03-08T11:26:00.000Z

Over the weekend I signed up for my first online course indie-business 3.0 :)

This will be the first time I have done any type of studying since making my decision not to pursue my place at University in 2010. So I am really looking forward to a new challenge.

The great thing about this course, is that you can work at your own pace, or in my case around school runs and feeding ;)...

The course material is available online for a Whole Year , so it allows you plenty of time to work through each project.

It is a great opportunity for me to work towards my goal of having a successful handmade business, as well meeting like-minded people :) ....

So it is official I am a student once again :)

Finally Happy with my new design .... for the moment

2011-03-06T12:39:00.000Z

Welcome to my new blog home :)

I hope that you will join me along my journey of motherhood, sewing, crafting and starting my online business selling my gorgeous hand rolled rosettes :)

Its been a busy weekend this week, with swimming, visiting friends and family, so I haven't had time for any "making" but have enjoyed some quality time with my girls ( i will introduce you to them in another post) ...

You can also follow me on twitter @ claire_madefor3

And like "Madefor3" on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Madefor3/156053054422098

Visit my online store www.frooly.com/madefor3

I look forward to meeting you and reading your comments :)

The BIG move !!!!

2011-03-04T11:20:00.000Z

I am moving from Wordpress to Blogger :)

So I am just getting used to navagating my way around... and having fun designing my blog... A new blog post will be up tomorrow :)

Have you moved from one blog host to another???