Do you want to wear a rainbow?

Hello,

Would you like to wear a rainbow? Well, now you can.  I have been wearing a rainbow for a few years now with my handmade rainbow wooden beaded necklaces.

Now in my etsy shop you can choose which rainbow style you would like to wear.  Choose one of the nine different styles I have designed or choose your own rainbow necklace.  You choose your own rainbow adventure (just like the "Choose your own Adventure" books I read as a child).

 

All beads are wooden and hand painted by me.  They are finished with a gloss varnish (all non-toxic, of course).

You can find them here in my etsy shop.

Have a great day, may it be filled with rainbows (and raspberries).

Cat xox

What to see and visit in Hong Kong (my favourites)

Hello peeps,

Four years ago today we took a (crazy?) leap of faith, and moved to Hong Kong.  I do not regret it.  I love this city, it has stolen my heart.

I am asked quite often what to see and do when in Hong Kong. Here are my favourites (all opinions expressed are my own).

Star Ferry
We love riding the Star Ferry.  I can't explain it, we just love it. The Star Ferry is quintessentially Hong Kong. The harbour is a great place to view Hong Kong's impressive skyline, both the HK Island side and Kowloon side.  How can you not love this skyline?

The Tian Tan Buddha (big Buddha)

 

On Lantau island, there is the Tian Tan Buddha. Most people call it the big Buddha. It is rather large, being 34 metres tall.  From Tung Chung you can catch a cable car (or take a bus if you are scared of heights). I recommend you book tickets online to avoid the very long queue.  

The cable car ride is amazing, offering views of HK airport, Tung Chung, the South China Sea and North Lantau Country Park.  There are 268 steps leading up to the big Buddha so wear comfortable shoes.  

Other things I love to see when here are the Po Lin Monastery and take the walk to the Wisdom Path.

LockCha Tea House
I love visiting the LockCha Tea House.  There is such a beautiful serene atmosphere, they have a huge tea selection to choose from (over 100 different teas) and the dim sum menu is very yummy (vegetarian food only).
If you are planning to go there around lunch or dinner time, I recommend you phone (+852 2805-1360) and make a booking, website here.  It is closed the second Tuesday of each month.
MTR: Admiralty, Exit C1. Follow the signs for Hong Kong Park.


Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park is worth a look, especially if you have children. There are a few children's playgrounds, a waterfall, a large pond with fish and terrapins (turtles, fun to watch), an aviary and a greenhouse.
I love how this park is almost surrounded by tall buildings but it still feels like a park.
MTR: Admiralty, Exit C1. Follow the signs for Hong Kong Park.


Victoria Peak
I've never heard anyone call it Victoria Peak.  Everyone refers to it as "The Peak".  I love going for the crazy steep tram ride and the amazing views over HK (if you are lucky to get a clear day).  There is often long queues for the tram, get there early or be prepared to wait.  There is usually pushing and shoving when you finally can board a tram, be careful if you are with children or the elderly.  It is every person for themselves, the tram is filled right up,  I found standing during the ride quite awkward (so join the crowd and rush and push for a seat).

 

In true HK style, there are two shopping centres/malls at the top, in case you have shopping to do. There are lots of places to eat.  You will need to buy a ticket to get to the highest viewing level.  It is well worth it.  I love the view.  I could stay for hours, there is so much to see when you stop and really look.
Try and pick a clear day when you visit, check the weather and pollution levels (but to be honest, most days are high pollution)
MTR: Central, Exit J2.


Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
The Ten thousand Buddhas Monastery is not a real monastery.  There are well over 10,000 statues of Buddha on the site and 5 temples, the main temple is stunning. There are no resident monks.  I must warn you about the fake monks that wait for tourists near the entrance to the site.  They were very pushy and demanding on the day we visited, they blocked our way and made it difficult to pass.  It was not until we were in the actual site that we saw these signs warning us about the fake monks.

The walk up is reasonably steep, there are steps and a ramp.  Stop and find your favourite gold Buddha, I loved so many of them, I couldn't choose just one.

 

On the first level you will find the main hall (that displays over 10,000 Buddha statues), a pagoda, many more Buddha's, some pavilions and a basic restaurant (the vegetarian spring rolls were yummy)

You can walk up to another higher level and find more temples, decorative gardens and of course, many more Buddha statues.

MTR: Sha Tin, Exit B. Follow signs to the Sha Tin Government Offices, the entrance is behind this building, at the end of Sheung Wo Che Road.


Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple complex that includes a nunnery, temple halls and gardens.  There are many buildings to explore, I found all very beautiful and so serene.

The Nan Lian Garden is next to the Chi Lin Nunnery.  It is designed in the Classical style of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD).  It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of urban Hong Kong.  I love that it feels so peaceful yet you can see the tall buildings that surround it.
MTR: Diamond Hill, exit C2 and follow the signs (or the crowds of tourists on a busy day)


Other places you may like:
Man Mo Temple, Sheung Wan.
Tin Hau Temple, Yau Ma Tei.
Sky 100 Observation Deck, Hong Kong's tallest building.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel (ferris wheel)

What are your favourite places to visit in Hong Kong?  Do tell me.

Have a great day.

Cat xox

Raspberry Rainbow goes to Market: this Sunday

Hi peeps,

This Sunday 9th February you will find me at the Discovery Bay Plaza Handmade Hong Kong market.

I'll be there from 11am to 6pm with all my hand made goodies.

Raspberry Rainbow will be at table 64B.

Have a great weekend.

Cat.

Explorer Skirts and Shorts go to Market

Hello peeps,

All ready for the market this Sunday are Explorer Skirts and Shorts.  They are in my etsy shop too.

 

They are made with 100% cotton light weight navy blue denim.  The pocket fabric is your choice, to suit your poppet, and 100% printed cotton.

I love these Skirts and Shorts, they have wonderful big pockets so your little explorer can fill them up with treasures or toys.

They both have an elasticised waistband at the side and back with a flat front and make it easy for a child to dress themselves.  They come in sizes to fit ages 1-10. The sizing is based on age, for example, size 1 is for an average one year old.  If your child is larger or smaller, adjust accordingly.  My petite seven year old wears a size 6.  My average sized four year old wears a size 4.  Please ask if you need assistance with the sizing.

Please check the pockets before washing, you never know what you might discover.

This is a selection of the 100% cotton fabrics I have available to use for the pockets.  If you would like a different colour or pattern, please ask, I have many other fabrics to choose from.

The pattern has been designed by Hey There Threads and is used with kind permission.

Now go forth and let your kids explore!

Happy Friday to you.

Cat xox

Fabric Headband Covers go to Market.

Hello peeps,

All ready to go to market are my fabric headband covers.  They are removable, interchangeable and best of all, washable.

They are made with a printed fabric on the top and a solid colour fabric on the bottom.  There is an opening to put the plastic head band in, as shown in the photo below.

They are quick and easy to change.  Wear a different one every day to match your mood or outfit.  Or if you are 4 years old like my Zoe, change it a few times during the day, just because you can.

They are now available in my etsy shop in a 4 pack.  You choose which 4 fabric covers you would like and one plastic headband is included.  The 13 different fabrics to choose from are below.  If you are after a different colour, please ask.

If you are in Australia, I am happy to accept payment via bank deposit.  Email me for details, then you can pay in Australian dollars and are not effected by the fluctuating exchange rate. (I'll email you the amount, I now have an Australian price list to make it easier).
I hope you are having a great day.

Cat xox

Felt Squishies go to Market.

Hi peeps,

Eeekkk, only one week to go until my very first market.  I am nervous and excited, I have no idea what to expect.

On the day, I will have a big bowl of squishies available.  I must thank my mum who made most of these for me on her recent visit.  What are squishies?, I hear you ask.  They are hand made little felt love hearts, for your child to squeeze if they are feeling anxious or missing you.

We love squishies in our house.  They have saved the day on so many occasions when Abbey has been upset before school.  I find one in her school uniform pocket most days if she is having a challenging week.  Some weeks she won't use her squishies at all (she has two of them).

Her squishies have been through the washing machine a few times too - and survived.

We have been using these little felt squishies for years now, they really offer comfort to children.

Have a great weekend.

Cat xox

Handmade Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for little girls

Hi peeps,

Today in our series compiled with Cat, it's all about girls.  I may know a few things about girls, being the mumma of two girly whirlies (as I call them) and I was a little girl once too.

My girls love imaginative play and can spend hours together making elaborate scenes with their toys.  The whole lounge room floor is usually covered with their imaginary world, they will include their toy kitchen food with My Little Ponies, Sylvanian Family toys, Little People, puzzles, books, anything they can find. I love listening to these games, they make up the funniest stories and scenarios.

1. Handmade Dolls, cats, koalas and more by A Little Vintage, various prices.  I personally want one of each.  We own a koala, her name is Mildred, and she is adorable.  Etsy shop here.

2. Wooden Toadstool house puzzle by Raw Toys $290 HKD.  We own two puzzles from Raw Toys and love them both.  Madeit shop here.

3. Dress up Rainbow bird wings by Sparrow and B Costumery $520 HKD.  My girls would love these, we adore anything rainbow in our house.  Etsy shop here.

4. Australian biscuits and cakes felt food set by Wombat's Picnic $215 HKD, madeit shop here.  I've had my eye on this set for so long now!

5. Crochet Rainbow bracelet by The Black Sheep Crafts $58 HKD, madeit shop here.  I know both my girls would love this.

6. DIY Tutorial: Make your own hair ties, this tutorial could not be easier.

What else do you buy for the little girls in your life?

Cat xox

Hair Bobbles go to Market.

Hello,

When Raspberry Rainbow goes to Market, there will be a huge selection of hair bobbles to choose from.

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You can buy one pair, or get them cheaper in a three pack.

Take your pick.

They make great stuffing fillers and are available in my etsy shop also, here.

They are perfect for big and little girls.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Cat xox

Raspberry Rainbow goes to market!

Hi peeps,

Raspberry Rainbow is going to market!  Yes, next month on Sunday 24th November I will be at the Handmade Hong Kong market held at Discovery Bay in the Main Plaza.

I'll be there from 12noon to 7pm with a large selection of my hand made creations.  I'll show you over the following weeks what I have made and been busy making.

If you see any thing you want to buy now and can't be in Hong Kong on the 24 November, let me know by emailing me cat@raspberryrainbow.com or contact me through FaceBook.

If you are in Hong Kong, come and say hello.  Start your Christmas shopping.

See you there or on the interwebs!

Cat

More reasons why I love Hong Kong

 

 Hello peeps,

I need to write more about Hong Kong.  I love it here, there are many reasons why I love it so much.  The most obvious reason, for me, is of course Sham Shui Po.

I had to take my sewing machine in for a service and possible repair, she has not been quite right for a few weeks, and now the bobbin case won't sit in place properly. So yesterday my sewing machine and I caught a taxi to my beloved Sham Shui Po.  I love the taxi's here, they are almost always punctual - I ordered a taxi, and it arrived within minutes.  I always forget that the driver has a button to open and close the rear doors.  It is a great idea in my opinion.

Yesterday I was greeted by a happy "Hello Missy".  I passed my driver the address of where I needed to go, and he said "Yes, Missy.  OK Missy".  It makes me giggle being called Missy.  It happens often in Hong Kong.  It makes me feel like a teenager again, in a good way.

When riding in the taxi, with no children chattering to me, out of the apartment, I had uninterrupted thoughts, so rare it seems nowadays.  I was thinking how much Hong Kong has stolen my heart, made me love her.  She is a beautiful city.  I love all the high rises, a mixture of old and new architecture. Such an urban jungle, so many people, so much diversity.  I always hear so many different accents and languages being spoken. There are people from all over the world here, calling Hong Kong home.  And it hit me - this is my home, and I am so grateful we took a crazy chance, a HUGE leap of faith, and made the move to Hong Kong.

We have been here for almost two years now.  In some ways, it only feels like 1 year, in other ways, I feel like I have been here much longer.  But only last week, I was thinking of returning to Australia.  We had a challenging week on so many levels, I was naturally thinking of my my old home Melbourne and all the special, gorgeous people still there who we miss dearly. I was craving some clean air, some fresh salad (not wilted) and a sherbet cone (or 4).  Then I had this urge, I wanted to take my girls camping - in Australia. I want them to grow up having experienced camping, to see a wombat in the wild at Wilson's Promontory and to go swimming at one of the many, many amazing beaches in Australia.  Then I felt a pang of sadness, I would miss Hong Kong so much if we left.  There is still so much here I want to see.

I feel so torn, questioning where I belong. I still feel in limbo, like Hong Kong won't be our home forever.  I am impatient to know where (and when) we will end up next. I also crave and cringe, both at the same time, to be in Melbourne again.  How do you ever settle in one place after you have become an "ex-pat"?  Is it possible? I must be thinking too much.  Hurry up and fix my sewing machine please, and keep me busy again.

Amongst all my crazy thoughts, I noticed my taxi driver.  I was reminded again why I love this city so much - here was a fully grown man, not afraid to wear purple shorts or bracelets.  I loved the jingle the bracelets made when he moved his arm. No one would bat an eye lid here at his ensemble.  Can I tell you again, I love this city and the people in it.

When, or if,  we move, part of my heart will be broken.  Hong Kong, I love you.

Have a great week.  Cat xox

Dolls, scooting around and unidentified flowers

Hi peeps,

I was walking home from kinder drop off this morning and remembered that Zoe needed to take a teddy or doll.  Today is pajama day at kinder, we at least remembered the pajamas.

I rushed home and grabbed the two dolls in her bed, Dotty Doll and a cute felt bunny made by one of my dear friends (Hi Paige).  The quickest way to get back to kinder is via scooter, so I borrowed the big girls, and headed off as quick as I could.

I made it just in time too, phew.

I came home the long way, via the walking and bike paths. These are the paths I have been shuffling running along twice a week (some times even thrice!)

I usually run at night.  It is so beautiful to walk (or scoot) along during the day to appreciate these pretty pink flowers.  I have no idea what they are, except lovely. There was a poor lady there today trying to clean up all the fallen flowers.  Now that job will take her a long time I am sure.

If you want to buy any Christmas presents from my shop, hop to it as the international post cutoff is 10th December.

Have a great weekend.

Cat xox

New tricks

Hi peeps,

Last night I went for a jog.  Well, it felt more like an uncoordinated shuffle and there was a lot of walking too, but there were a few moments of jogging.  I can tell you that this was my first adult run.  Ever.   The good news is I enjoyed it. The bad news is my legs are achy today, but not as sore as I thought they might be.

I have been thinking about starting running for months now, I even bought a pair of runners way back in August.  I am hoping that doing more exercise will help me sleep better every night.  For almost two whole years now, I have not been sleeping very well.  I find it difficult to get to sleep, and if I wake up, then it is difficult to get back to sleep.  I am so very tired every day.  I cant even blame the kids, they are pretty good sleepers (apart from recent early mornings)

I know exactly when my sleep disturbances started: when the Shropshire boy moved to Hong Kong before us.  I was still living in Melbourne with the girls, solo parenting.  There was no Shropshire boy there in the evenings to remind me when it was bed time.  This was back in December 2010.

Unfortunately, even after I moved to Hong Kong, this did not make getting to sleep any easier.  So that is why I am trying running.  I hope I can exhaust myself out, and get to sleep easier.

Wish me luck.

Have a great weekend.

Cat

Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Display

Hi peeps,

It feels like Monday today.  We have just had a lovely 4 day, long weekend here in Hong Kong, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is an ancient harvest moon festival.  It is also known as the Lantern festival and many lantern displays can be found all over Hong Kong during this celebration.

Here are some photos I took during the festival, on two separate nights in two different locations.  The lanterns are quite amazing.  I just love the attention to detail and the scale of these lanterns (some are HUGE).  We had so much fun walking around them, it was a great atmosphere, with everyone admiring them. They really are so beautiful.

In the photo above, the real full moon is looking very tiny, overlooking the very large Golden Moon lantern.  This was spectacular, as it changed colour with pulsating lights, I hardly wanted to take my eyes off it, it was mesmerising. 

I need to keep reminding myself it is really Wednesday today.  It is not Monday.  Long weekends can do that to you.  Have a great day.

Cat. 

Pretty in Pink

Hi Peeps,

I hope you are all well.  Zoe and I have runny noses, so we are taking it easy today.

Here are some pretty flowers for you, from us.

Have a lovely day.

Cat.

Overcome

 

Hi peeps,

Today Zoe went to kinder for the first time.  It was an orientation session, so I stayed there with her, we played with toys and met her new teachers and class mates. She had fun.  Inside I was an emotional mess.  The realisation that my baby girl was all grown up hit me full force.  I managed to keep it together at kinder but when I got home, I was so overcome with emotion.

So we had a tea party. To cheer me up and to celebrate this milestone.  We drank tea and ate apple cake together (I was so glad I made that yesterday!) We talked about her morning at kinder and how much fun she will have there and all the new friends she will make.  I gave her lots of cuddles.  She gave me comfort when I had a cry.  She patted me on my shoulder and very seriously told me it will be ok and that she loves me.  That only made me cry more, but it did make me smile too.  My baby girl is growing up but that is OK.

How does time go so fast, yet so slow at the same time?  Only 3 years ago today, I was 36 weeks pregnant, awaiting Zoe's birth. Now she is a big kinder girl. I am so proud of you, my darling girl.

I hope you have a great, less emotional day, than me.

Cat xox.

Has it really been that long? Reflections on living in Hong Kong - the first 12 months

 

Hi peeps, 

It caught me by surprise a few days ago realising that we have been living in Hong Kong for 12 months - a whole year now.  It has gone so fast.  Some days I still can't believe we were crazy enough to move countries.  Did we really do that?  Yes, we really do live in Hong Kong. Most days I am grateful the Universe gave us this amazing opportunity to live some where different and experience a new culture.  I love Hong Kong.  It is an amazing city.  Yes, it is hot.  Stinking hot and humid at the moment.  But that is just part of this adventure.  

Of course I miss my friends and family.  I ache some days missing my mum and some dear people back in Australia,  I try not to think about it too much.  I cried the day my Grandma did not want to talk on the phone, she just can't hear anyone properly on the phone, even when she wears her hearing aids, it was not personal.  I just wanted to hear her voice and have a chat.  Thank goodness for skype I say!  

I miss op shopping.  I did miss yummy bread until I started to make our own, most of the bread here has sugar in it and tastes wrong (to us).  I missed Jaffas, so my mum sent me two packets. I gorged myself on them, got a terrible head ache, and no longer miss them.  I don't think I will miss them for a long, long time.

I stressed for 10 whole months, worrying that Abbey did not have a place at a school, terrified that I might have to home school her.  Then in a short period of time, she had offers from not one, but two schools. We then had to choose.  I could write a whole long winded post about the International school system here, about needing to apply years before a place is even needed and the long waiting lists and the fees just to get on a waiting list.  But I need to let that all go.  Abbey now has a place at a lovely school (thank goodness!)  

We have experienced typhoons, tropical storms, amber rain, red rain and black rain.   Hong Kong does get cold.  I can attest to that.  But winter here is brief, and the summer feels very long, hot and humid. The summer is easier to cope with when we have access to an amazing pool complex, which contains 4 pools and 2 spas.  There is photo of it here. 

I am enjoying the lifestyle we live here.  We do not need a car, I can walk or catch a bus or a train to get around Hong Kong.  If all else fails, a taxi ride is not that expensive.  The trains are ever so clean and efficient (and air conditioned!), the buses stick to their timetable,  if anything, you could miss your bus as it was early to your stop.  Seriously.  

There is still so much to see and do here, but that will have to wait until after our summer holiday.  Soon we will be off to Paris and then on to explore Denmark.  I am reminded that this was one of the reasons to move to Hong Kong - we can see more of the world from here.

I hope you are having a great day.  Cat.

Lisette Passport Dress

Hi peeps,

Wow, some more sewing for me.  Yes, I finally made the Lisette Passport Dress for myself, I have had the pattern since early March.  I love this one so much more than the Lisette Continental Dress that I made last month.  To be honest, I have hardly worn my Continental Dress.

The sizing, for me, was again all over the place.  I adjusted as I went along, taking some length off the bodice and tapering the armholes, as they were gaping.  Next time, and I am sure there will be a next time, I will remove 1cm from the bodice horizontally, as the bodice is still a little too big on me.  I noted all my changes on my pattern pieces so next time it will be much quicker and easier to make.

 

I used a light weight, denim-like fabric that I found at the fabric street market in Sham Shui Po.  It is a great fabric to dress up, I knew I wanted to add a pocket and use a different fabric for the armhole.  It is nice and light, perfect for the warmer weather in Hong Kong now it is summer.  I can add a skivvy and tights and wear it in winter too.

Here's all of me, feeling like a dork posing for photos.

I'll definitely be making this dress again.  First, I have these two other patterns I want to try.  When I decide which dress I like the most, I'll be making some out of these fabrics that I love.

Happy Creative Space Day to you.  What are you making/baking/crafting today?

Cat.

* Flower brooch made by Cam from CurlyPops.
** Necklace made by Lauren Williams.

Pac-Man and Xiao Long Bao

Hi peeps,

We recently went out to dinner to a restaurant we have never been to before in Hong Kong, called DinTaiFung. They have restaurants all over the world, including one in Sydney.  They are apparently world famous for their steamed dumplings. The menu had a huge selection of different dumplings to choose from (many more that are listed on their website), we ordered two different types, the usual pork dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and spinach dumplings.  Both types were delicious.  We had to order a second serving of the pork dumplings as Abbey ate 6 or 7 of them all by herself!  The noodles with the peanut soup were also scrummy, we ordered a second serving of that too!

The toilets in the building had these fabulous Pac-Man tiled murals. Do you like Pac-Man?  I do.  It was part of my childhood.  I was like an excited child, taking photos out the front of the toilets. I did get a few strange looks, I can tell you.  Pac-Man in a wheelchair too.  The door handles in the toilets were ghost shaped, pity I was not able to get a photo of them.

We will definitely be eating at DinTaiFung again, not just for the delicious food, but to see these fabulous Pac-Man murals again.

While I am still talking about Pac-Man, how cool are these cookie cutters I bought?

A few months ago I was eating my lunch, and saw this Pac-Man in my partially eaten avocado rice cracker.

Yes, I love Pac-Man.  Almost as much as I love Space Invaders.

Cheers.  Cat.