little bubble and tree

Little bubble and tree- Magnolia Square Christmas St Kilda.....

2011-11-08T17:01:00.000+11:00

Well it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas so you better get to magnolia square this weekend in St Kilda and begin your present buying. You will love the retailers onboard. little bubble and tree have some lovely new bits and bobs to show you. Ladies are well covered this season.

See you there......

little bubble and tree - Magnolia Square Ivanhoe.....

2011-08-14T09:04:00.000+10:00

Time to start shopping again!! Magnolia Square has a new venue at Ivanhoe, and we are so excited to be showing some new pieces in the range. It will be for 2 days only Sat 20th and Sun 21st August and already it is looking like a beautiful event. Come and say Hi.

kids kaftans and a new look...

2011-08-10T09:38:00.001+10:00

In the other 38 hours I have in my day, I am updating all my range, stockists and gallery on the website. For now you will just just see my test page - which gives you our colour palette for the most gorgeous kaftans and girls dresses for this summer. Sizes 2 -14
Did someone say summer??? I am looking out the window at rain pouring down as I write this........a few more weeks maybe!

little bubble and tree - kids instyle

2011-08-05T10:28:00.000+10:00

Kids instyle is a trade only event and oooooh so nice to look through. I can walk around all day admiring all the gorgeous new products out for kids, and mums for that matter. This is where we will be for the next 4 days. We have a gorgeous new range of Autumn wear for girls. Notice I said Autumn and not winter?.....I am hoping by saying 'Autumn' it might make the cold go away and bring on the sunny weather.

little bubble and tree - Magnolia Square Malvern.....

2011-04-29T07:18:00.000+10:00

See me here......

Little bubble and tree- Magnolia Square St Kilda.....

2010-12-02T09:38:00.001+11:00

This is where you will find me for the next 4 days. Magnolia Square St Kilda.
I can't wait to see all my friends and stock up on my christmas list. Perfect for ticking off the list.....teachers at creche, kinder, kris kringle etc.
Pop on by and say hi.

Click here to see footage of the Postcards special on Magnolia Square. This was taken in St Kilda Town Hall March 2010.....you might even recognise the opening retailer!

little bubble and tree at Magnolia Square Adelaide....

2010-11-26T22:29:00.000+11:00

Spending the weekend in Adelaide for Magnolia square. We are having a fantastic time shopping, and meeting all of my fellow retailers and customers.

We are situated on 175 The Parade in Norwood in the concert hall which is a beautiful old building, with gorgeous artwork on the walls and beautiful fret work and detail.

We are here for one more day, so come on down if you are in Adelaide tomorrow between 10-4pm.
If you are not here in SA - make sure you tell your friends and family to make the journey - they will not be disappointed!

I am so excited to have my final shop around tomorrow. There are some truly beautiful wares, great music and yummy coffee.
Pop by and say hi.

Props and displays created by the very talented Nic from Magnolia Square. All photos have been taken from the Magnolia snippets blog, where you will find some more lovely retailers.

Elephant walk cushion.....

2010-10-29T11:39:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite kaftan's for kids this season has a gorgeous paisley print that I just had to use again somewhere else. What better than on an elephant cushion! It will add a kooky touch to any child's bedroom, a bright chair or even to brighten up a chair.

busy week ahead....

2010-10-18T11:23:00.000+11:00

Well after 7 months of rest- it is Magnolia square time! I am really excited to be a part of it again, and at my favorite venue Malvern town hall.
I love seeing all my friends for the 3 days for a gabble, not to mention all the eating, shopping and drinking lattes all day.
I am about to start painting some new props for the stand. I am constantly changing the look to keep me from getting bored, and for you to see we are always moving forward and creating new things!
The new summer range will be on show, now in sizes 2 - 10.
I have selected a few tops in size 12 and 14 for girls, as I constantly hear how hard this age group is to buy for.

Here is my new Evie dress for girls. Available in sizes 2 - 10. If you can't get down to Magnolia square this week you can shoot me an email, and I will let you know your closest stockist.

I love Little Red - rock it....

2010-10-08T15:07:00.006+11:00

You know when you hear a song, and you know from 3 seconds into the song that you have to listen to it over, and over and over. Well this is how I felt when I heard Rock it by Little red.
The best part is they are Australian, and even from Melbourne (I think its Melb) - woo hoo!
The record (haha - record) is ace, I really like it. I love the film clips too. There is a really groovy sound to them - which is a light, summer music sound (if you know what I mean!). Also cool bop your head dancing.
They have been compared to the sound of The beach Boys and Brian Wilson - what do you think??
Do yourself a favour and listen to it - tell me you don't bop your head to it!

daylight saving....

2010-10-04T08:16:00.000+11:00

I love daylight saving. Such a lovely sign of Summer on the way. The only downside is thinking you have got hours left of the day, and then realise it is actually dinnertime, and you haven't even started to prepare anything - this was me last night.
Now in October it means market time. I will be at Magnolia square in 3 weeks in Malvern, then off to Sydney, Adelaide and back in St Kilda in December......lots to prepare for!

I am changing my look this year......even though there is only 2 months of it left. I hope it looks like what I have in my head!

My new flosey bloomers.

croc face boys tee......

2010-09-17T11:19:00.000+10:00

I find it difficult at times to buy boys tees. I like the plain tee, with a little bit of a pattern or logo - without it looking too young or scary (skulls etc).

I have some news boys tees this summer - the croc face tee. They are in a variety of colours, lime green, white, royal blue, chocolate and light blue. This one is my favorite, the aqua print really sits nice on the lime.

kids Instyle.....

2010-09-01T00:46:00.001+10:00

It's taken me a little bit to get my act together and post again. Time has flown, and I have been running around like a mad woman, packing all the orders ready for the summer deliveries. I have just taken over the new nursery, with all my stock, boxes, rubbish and the like - much to the distress of my husband hee hee.
I am like a squatter. I see space - and I grab it before anyone else lays their hat.
Not that poor Marli has a chance of course (being a baby and all). I thought seeing I have her in my room for a while, I would jump at the opportunity of spreading out in a room I can close the door after I leave - and keep the dining room table clear for once!
This is what I have been doing for the past 4 weeks.....

Here are some pics from the recent kids Instyle. I love my new sign. This is a frame I picked up from my local framers - painted white, stuck in the sign and...... tah daaaaahhh!
I am having a bit of an obsession with this style of frame at the moment. Anything that needs reframing I am onto it. Mmmmmm I think I need another one for the kids room now I think of it......

The 'Sunny dress'....a very popular dress this summer....more pictures to come - I love it!

The Elephant garlands, a new line for little bubble and tree......great for kids rooms and nurseries or just about anywhere you want to add colour and fun!

our new addition.....

2010-08-01T23:38:00.000+10:00

I have been a little slow of late with blogging. I do have a good excuse though - I was pregnant, looking after my other 2 kids, run a house, run a business and try and fit in every other thing that popped into my life over the past 9 months.
So on 22nd July we were lucky enough to add a beautiful little girl to our family. Another quick labour (thank god), and a pink little bubba came into the world. I was so sure I was going to go early by the time I had her I felt like I was overdue by weeks - she actually was born right on the due date. We named her Marli Louise and she weighed 8lb 8.5oz

I was excited for my 5 days rest in hospital. I had so many things planned to do....like sort out the folders on my computer, rename photos, organise invoices, design new summer range and read all the blogs I have been neglecting
I have had this name Marli - for like - EVER, so it was nice to finally get to use it.
She is a little over a week old now, and she is just the most beautiful little girl in the world.

I have embraced the whole 'pink clothing' thing more than I thought I would, and believe she looks better in this than any other colour - for now anyway.
I will try and resist dressing her like Punky Brewster when she is older - which was my dream when I was younger. Thank goodness she was born in 2010 and not the 80's.
The boys are loving having a new baby around, and have given her lots of kisses and cuddles. Lachie is a little rough with the whole patting the head thing, so he can't be given 'free hand' control around her.
He does love kissing her though, and saying Bubba six hundred and thirty five times a day.
I was lucky to have my friend Pru from little bird photography take some photos of her. Pru takes all my little bubble and tree shots, so I was so excited to see the results.
I will be getting more taken in a year when the kids are all a little older too. I just wish now that I had got the boys photographed at this age....Pru - where have you been all my life!

Check out Pru's blog here

the party - part four...

2010-08-01T22:40:00.000+10:00

So to the last part of the circus party series. I really enjoyed this theme, it was so easy to put together. Don't be put off by all the activities - they are easy and cheap to buy.

We were lucky to already have this puppet show stand - so I placed it near the entrance with a basket full of over sized glasses, colourful wigs and clown noses. The kids dressed up and posed for funny face shots with a disposable camera.

Blowing out the candles......big 4 year old now!

the party - part three...

2010-07-21T21:41:00.001+10:00

Ok here are a few more bits and bobs of the circus party.

Some simple games for the kids that were fun to make, and easy to play for tiny arms. Coin toss were just the chocolate coins in foil and little plastic hoops thrown from a 1m to try and catch some cash......watch for tiny ones smelling the chocolate through the foil though - we found a few teeth marks in the loot afterwards!

The winning tickets were given to the kids to hold onto until the end - better than chocolate and lollies being consumed during the party.

The ring of fire was literally this - except for the real flames of course.

I decorated a bouncing ball as a lion and kids lined up and tried to throw the lion through the ring of fire.

The prize table was off limits during the party (for obvious reasons). This was situated besides the duck fishing game so we could use the kids playpen as a barrier from sneaky hands for both temptations!

It's all about the colour!
Just by groupings of lollies in bowls, 100's and thousand's on cupcakes, popcorn, colourful tablecloths and cups make the theme seem bigger than it actually is. You don't have to spend a fortune, just a few homemade games, balloons and streamers around the house - all come together to make a carnival of fun!

the party - part two...

2010-07-02T10:11:00.001+10:00

So part 2 of the circus party...... simple games were set up around the house for the kids to play as many times as they so desired.

The fishing duck game seemed to be the most popular, probably for the fact that it involved water and was messy!

We gave the 'admit 1' tickets out to each parent as they arrived, and also some 'you win a prize' tickets. This gave the kids a feeling they were truly part of the circus. The parents just ripped off each ticket for the kids to hand back over, and then handed them the prize tickets when the task was completed.

Of course there were no real winners or losers - the prizes were all to be given out at the end anyway!

It didn't stop the kids holding onto the winning tickets like they were gold though - very cute.

You can never have enough lollies, the trick was though to have them as part of the prizes so kids weren't running around full of sugar. They were given the option of a cup of popcorn to nibble on, as they walked around playing the games. This added to the carnival spirit.

Plastic clown toppers were purchased on ebay and really dressed up the cupcakes.

the party - part one...

2010-06-28T16:13:00.000+10:00

Ok, as promised here are a few pics from our Circus party.
It was a great fun theme to work on, and my head is still buzzing with new ideas I should of/could of have had.

Of course I left the preparation to the last few days - then Lachie was sick, so a whole day of planning was out the window. Thank goodness for Friday - thats when the magic happened and it all seemed to come together!

When the kids entered they we ushered straight I the lounge to decorate their party hat. This helped to keep the kids all at the same stage until everyone else arrived, otherwise some would have started the games and been over it before some had even started.....or so I thought....

Decorations were easy....colour....colour and more colour!
Bunting made from foam from a 2 dollar shop - my fav shop. Pop tops bought from supermarket and covered with own labels made on computer, Carnival boxes purchased from internet and knock em down games made from baked beans and spagetti tins - easy!

just never enough hours in the day.....

2010-06-18T09:39:00.001+10:00

I have been trying to cross things off my list for - like - ever!
For every one task crossed off - I add another 3! I know I am not alone in this constant race we call life.....but it gets so frustrating that I want to start new things or even just think, and I feel guilty if I don't keep up working on the list.
This is what I feel like I have been making for the past 6 months straight - well thats because it has been 6 months worth of work. Still another 6 months worth of making them too.

The little treasures have been going so well in the stores, here is a snippet of my last package sent out to a store.........circus party pics I promise next week.....I'll add it to my list!

a little customer turns 2.......

2010-06-15T09:45:00.000+10:00

Just to get into the circus theme, I wanted to show you the turning 2 t-shirt that I made for a customer in South Australia. She was lucky enough to grab the last pair of pango pants that I have left - and what a fitting colour choice for a circus party!!

the circus is coming to town.......

2010-06-08T10:52:00.002+10:00

I was always wanting to throw a circus party for Lucas after Alannah rose used our pango pants for their shoot. I had to put it off last year - due to too many markets that were around at the time. This year I am very pregnant, but thought if I was to put it off for another year, he might not be as interested in all the colour and who haa I had planned for his 4th year of living (like next year he might be into goth or something)

So to begin with we sent out the invites to the greatest show on earth.......

If you are planning a party you must go to Alannah rose and check out their beautiful range of boxed invites. Take time to look through the blog also as there is some beautiful party ideas to adapt to your own little shin dig.
I loved the thickness of these invites, and presented in the crisp white envelope made a smart invite I was proud to hand out.
I will show you the party ideas we had and the decorations I used this week.....

turning 4.......

2010-06-07T13:32:00.001+10:00

How does 4 years fly by so quickly? Lucas turned 4 last week and we had a little party for him to celebrate with his friends. He is our first born - when he was born until this day.....

a little gallery by little bird photography......

2010-05-21T08:51:00.002+10:00

A good friend of little bubble and tree has just opened a little gallery to showcase all her beautiful work.

It is a great little space, and the way it has been decorated is just beautiful. I love the wall with the tree and the pictures hanging from the line - so cute!

If you are in the area you must pop in and say hi...Pru does all of our photography and I love her.

a little gallery by little bird photography

139 union road surrey hills VIC 3127 +61 3 9898 2565

my child blog - little bubble and tree.......

2010-05-19T11:43:00.000+10:00

Was very excited to be featured on the my child blog. It is funny how you have no editorial for ages - then all of a sudden you are in a few at once! I have been spoilt this week, so thank you.

little bubble and tree on postcards....

2010-05-17T12:31:00.000+10:00

Our very exciting first television coverage. Woo hoo!!
Channel nines Postcards was filming at Magnolia square in March, and we were really lucky to have been selected to be part of the feature. Of course I knew I might have had a chance of being in as we watched the 10 mins of takes they did in front of my stand, but you never know if it might end up on the editors floor and not actually make the cut.
It showed last night at 5.30pm and of course coincided with bath time so I missed the intro - which was little bubble and tree! It was only until a friend called that I realised it was airing last night. Oh well, at least I have the footage from youtube to watch over and over and over....

bit of fun in the garden....

2010-04-23T15:06:00.002+10:00

This morning when I was doing my daily routine of ABC cartoons on, bottle given to Lachie in highchair, Lucas deciding what he wants for breakfast....bubbles, no weetbix, no sultana bran - yeh sultana bran, like dad, but I want the pink bowl..... blah, bah, blah! WHATEVER - just eat it!
All quiet and happy I was gazing out the kitchen window into the garden (wondering how old kids have to be, before you can make them do the dishes)....then I noticed something in the garden. It was a mushroom, a fully grown mushroom! How did this happen? Where did it come from? Who planted it?
I look out this window about 45 times a day standing at the sink, and I have never noticed any others springing up.

So I grabbed Lucas to have a closer look, after explaining to him never to pick it, or eat it, we went inside, grabbed his mice - and made a little scene.

I love how the water dripping from the shrubs above, have worn little holes in it - just like the spots on fairy mushrooms. (If I had more time I would have painted it.......mmmm....that might be tomorrows activity!)

The happy mice family in their mushroom garden, I wish I had small cups of tea and a teapot......I do have a life - really I do!

making, packing and orders.....

2010-04-16T16:08:00.000+10:00

A busy weekend is planned of - staying at home and trrrrying to tick things off my list.
I have a few birdhouses to make for stores, so hopefully I can tick those off my list, then finish setting up my NEW storeroom! If it is clean enough I will show you some pics.
Until then, have a great weekend......

too good to eat with....

2010-03-29T09:25:00.001+11:00

I love my new long spoons from Kek! I have loved this store even more since seeing them in the flesh last year in magnolia square - then had to cart my purchases back on the plane from Sydney - this was not easy seeing I was already over the luggage limit.

They have the most vibrant colours and even a few items will just brighten up your home in time.

I went through a real dark wood Balinese faze for a while back there and only had brown and avacado coloured accessories, but now my home is starting to mimic the bright colours of this fantastic range - full of clashing colours, pinks and oranges and shades greens and blues. Love it!

this is me for the next 4 days.....

2010-03-17T08:42:00.000+11:00

Well it's Magnolia square time again, and this year they have a shiny, big, new venue - St Kilda town hall.
This will be my last event for a while, as I am having a baby in July and I need to slow down .......YEH RIGHT! Well at least I am going to try.
I have re jigged the stand again, I try and do this every single event to try different things, but also as I like using different colourful props to best represent my product.
I have a new tree to display my little treasures. I just whipped it up last night while watching 'greys anatomy' (as you do) not that the show inspired me or anything, I just had all the kids off the floor to spread out with a big branch.
So if you are free or need some retail therapy please come n down as it is truly a wonderful event and so nice to stroll around looking at other retailers and eating from the cafe.

I am really looking forward to seeing some of my friends again - or as my husband calls them - 'my market buddies'. You spend 3 days besides these retailers where you get to gabble all day, that by the end you make some wonderful friends, do some personal shopping, and talk business.
I will have some great specials in stock too, as next summer I will be stocking to size 10 so I need to get rid of all my smaller sizes - that means a great bargain!
see you there.......

inspirations.....

2010-03-12T10:21:00.000+11:00

It's funny when you start to think of new ideas and how they come to you. Mine can come from just about anywhere some days, and most are from my home -as I like to surround myself with bright colours and bits and pieces.
I will start to show you little inspirations that I find along the way. I always find it interesting to see how others work, and what they find sparks a new idea.
I used to work with some of the most talented women and 1 man(!) and I would always be inspired by their creations and how quick they would have to churn out the next design. I do miss watching them work and getting inspired by the next fabric or trim that came into the studio.

These guatemalan worry dolls were one of my first sparks this season. Not that you will see any obvious trend but it is more about a colour or a stitch that makes your mind wander to a totally different level - and there is a new kaftan! Don't ask me how to explain it in more detail, it just does - alright!

I love things in pouches to hide away, these dolls belong to Lucas so he allowed me to take them out for the shot. He loves to get them out and put them in his toys cars, he hangs them out the windows, then they go back in the bag and hidden away for another day.
So small, but with such beautiful detail. (Reminds me of the pickled people in jars I would make when I was younger)

a messy bird....

2010-03-09T21:06:00.000+11:00

You know when you get an idea in your head...then you just have to make it - well this is how my pinata bird came about.
I had an idea, then an inspiration, then another idea to make a paper mache bird as part of my display at kids in style. Then of course half way though, it turned into an obsession.

You have to always be watching, as the minute I turned my back, more salt was added, then about a cup of water....... definitely the wrong consistency for my project - I mean OUR project!

I had a little helper who ended up just as obsessed with seeing it finished as me.

Taking shape at last....

All finished and hanging for the show.....of course I had stores asking if I sell these too - the answer is a big NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

kids in style Sydney.....

2010-02-27T11:40:00.000+11:00

I am up in Sydney (again) this week for the kids in style show. It is the first time I have exhibited at a trade event, so I am very excited.

This is our page in the e book, you should check out the exhibitors, there is a great range of beautiful things out there that I have already spent a bit too much money on. My fav is Kek, so bright and beautiful. I will show you my purchases in a few days when I recover from standing on my feet, in thin, non supporting shoes.

happy new year.....

2010-01-24T20:37:00.000+11:00

Ok it might be late....but - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It was quite a December for me and I just did not have the energy to write on my blog, clean the house, even open my computer sometimes!
We did have a lovely break, and I am back into the swing of things and preparing for the year ahead.

Here are a few pics summer pics from the break.

elephant walk......

2009-12-22T14:47:00.001+11:00

I have been very behind in updating my store with new little treasures. Here is a fresh range just in time for Christmas....there is still one more day left, for an overnight express bag delivery - so get in quick!
I have a new little addition - my elephant walk little treasure.
These have been great fun to make and look really cute hanging from your window or nook in your home.

By the way, the green elephants leg isn't shorter than the other - it is just my photography!!

here we are....

2009-12-11T19:18:00.003+11:00

Sorry for the late post, I was so tired this week I have not had the energy to write.
Here is a picture college of my stand from Magnolia square in Sydney. I was really excited to win the Visual Merchandising award for the set up. It makes all the late nights, courier charges and interstate travel worth it.
What a beautiful venue it was too - in the Oaks lawn marquee at Randwick. The weather was unbelievable with 40 degrees days. It was so unbearable at times, but the organisers jumped into action quick smart with cups of cold water for the shoppers and fans placed around - so it wasn't too bad.

Thanks to Pru from little bird photography for my photos.

Ok, so this is the last one for the year.....market I mean!

2009-12-03T15:58:00.002+11:00

What a crazy month has been had at little bubble and tree. I have had markets back to back and have flown between Sydney and Melbourne 2 weeks running - crazy I tell you - CRAZiiiiiii

Anyway, my last event for the year is the Finders keepers market in Sydney. I have heard fantastic things about this market, and I am very excited to be taking part.
I am trying to make a last ditch effort in making more accessories, but my body is shutting down with a cold, and I am way too tired to even think - so I will have to just make do!
I promise to post more exciting things on my return next week, with many photos of the past month and my fun purchases I have accumulated along the way.

Until then, here is the link for the market. If you are in Sydney pop in and say hello, if you are not - think of me for my last 'hurrah' for the year - and wish me luck!

Magnolia square Mavern....

2009-11-25T23:17:00.002+11:00

Well from one Mag sq to another....here we go again - ready for Malvern tomorrow!
I will be here for the next 3 days so stop by and say hi!

I love this event, I love it, I love it, I love it.

Magnolia square Sydney....

2009-11-18T22:11:00.004+11:00

Hey ho - It's Christmas shopping time!
This is where I will be for the next 3 days - Magnolia square will be in the the lovely Oaks Lawn Marquee at Randwick Racecourse.
Please pop by and say hi - there will be heaps of wonderful retailers there with beautiful wares for your Christmas shopping needs.
I am really looking forward to the buzz of it all, it is such a fun event - not to mention a good excuse to meet up with some of my lovely friends again.

a little lighter these days....

2009-11-09T23:01:00.000+11:00

How does the time fly so quickly?
It is amazing that 12 months has flown by in a blink of an eye. I know we say it every year, but this year REALLY has flown by.
This is what I looked like this exact time last year. It is funny to think that a few days after this shot was taken, I had Lachie - he was a week early!
It was a particularly hot few days then too, and I was so over myself (and the world), I just laid on the couch, eating icypoles, watching tv and remembering the nasty parts of labour!

That also means that little bubble and tree is a week away from turning 1 year old as well - Woo hoo - party time next week.

got to love the kaftan!

Sisters market - Teeny tiny kids market.....

2009-11-07T06:54:00.000+11:00

I will be here today....so come and say hi and grab a kaftan for your kids!

community spirit.......

2009-11-05T18:03:00.002+11:00

'Got to love the side of the road flower stall'. This house is around the corner from us, and I often buy a bunch of flowers when they are on offer. It runs on an honour system that you just leave your cash in the letter box..........it may be bolted to the table with a padlock - but hopefully the community spirit is still a way of life for some.
I wish we had a few more of these side road stalls down this way, I would like Avacados, limes and apples for sale, but for now - roses are just fine thanks!

catch of the day....

2009-10-30T00:30:00.002+11:00

Sorry for the delay in writing...a few of you have been complaining of my slackness ( you know who you are!) The days feel like they have just been getting shorter and shorter, while the jobs are taking longer and longer!

Well these are a few of the things I have been doing lately.
I love to hand sew, I find it so relaxing to just sit down and sew, while the kids are asleep. I pretend that my house is spotless and the ironing and cleaning is doing itself....yeh right.

I had some little fish beads sitting here, just waiting for the perfect project...and this is what I came up with.
I wanted a nice little fiddly thing to make......so you get your catch of the day - complete with the net still attached!

These cute little badges can be added to your hat, your jacket, your pants and shoes....or just about anywhere you think you need to show of your catch of the day!

where do owls sleep at night?....

2009-10-22T22:24:00.004+11:00

Here of course!

the crazy frame lady....

2009-10-18T08:09:00.006+11:00

One of the things you will notice when you walk into my house is the fact that I have soooo much stuff. I collect things, everything, lots of things, things I like, little treasures, little nik nacs and creations.

Sometimes it gets a little crowded in here and I will have to do a little shuffle (not a dance - just a move around of stuff) and then it seems to fit.

I seem to have a little problem with one area though and that is wall space. We have walls of windows therefore making it impossible to house all my pictures that I buy. Stop buying I hear you say!

Aaaah highly unlikely - just build me more walls I say!

This is a new purchase I had to make - It is actually wrapping paper, and I thought it would look really cool framed.

I am going through a little obsession at the moment with chunky frames. The old thick chunkus melunkus ones that are usually hanging in galleries. Not the ones dripping in gold - the lovely white distressed ones, or pink, aqua, green, blue etc. I have found the cheapest frame place near me and they have the frames already painted white.

I find myself now just walking around the house and beyond looking for random things to frame! Craaaaaaaazzeeeeeeeee!

My wall at the market, carrying on my frame obsession.....

is it a mirage....

2009-10-10T14:11:00.005+11:00

New in for little bubble and tree this summer......

I love these shorts, well actually I love all the boys range for summer. So fun and fresh your boy will stand out in the crowd with these fun Mirage shorts.

With a handy front pocket for collecting special bits and bobs, your little explorer will have great fun filling his pockets, as he climbs trees, explores the yard - and just does what little boys love to do!

where will I be today?....

2009-10-03T06:43:00.004+10:00

It's market season, and this is where I will be for the next few crazy months or so.

I love markets though, who can't resist the latte's, the shopping, and catching up with fellow market buddies (as my husband calls them).

Soooooo buddies - see you today and anyone else that is around for a good shop with some lovely wares.

tip toeing through the tulips.......

2009-09-30T09:04:00.005+10:00

the staff all walk around in traditional dress and big wooden clogs....

rows and rows of colours and tulips galore.....

replica Dutch windmills - you would think you were in Holland.....

I just love, love, love these parrot tulips - so beautiful and fresh....

ranunculus are another favorite of mine, the colours were gorgeous and spring like, also hiding some little gnome friends.....

One of my favorite flowers - if not my favorite is the tulip.

I first learnt floristry while working in London traveling, and I had the joy of working with the best tulips of all - from Holland.

We would get buckets and buckets of them, I would get to work with the loveliest colour range and varieties available.

But you don't have to live in Holland for the best tulips, we have our own Tulip festival in our own backyard (that's if you are from Melbourne of course) at Tesselaar in Silvan.

The festival runs to the 12-13th October, and there is over 100 different varieties of Tulips on show - with live entertainment, yummy food and a good coffee!

My fav tulip would have to be the Parrot tulip. The texture in the petals are so amazing and they are so top heavy they have a gracious fall about them.

So don't ever throw your tulips out when they hang over the vase, they are only finished when the petals go see through, or they fall from the stem. The bending of the stem is due being so top heavy, tulips continue to grow in the water, so you need to continually cut them to stay strong and straight.....personally I like them hanging over the edge of the vase - they are such drama queens!!

The baby show wrap up....

2009-09-25T22:58:00.004+10:00

Well what a week I have had. I was so tired after being away I just couldn't bring myself to do anything other than read the emails - so blogging just wasn't going to happen!

The Baby show in Sydney was great fun. It was so great to meet up with some old friends, some now friends and meet some new friends. That is the best part of these events - to make friends with your neighbours.

The whole event set up was fantastic, and the attention to detail was perfect. They had so much for the kids to do, they had flowers everywhere beautiful tables set up in the cafe with highchairs galore. I have never seen so many pregnant woman in my life - there is certainly a baby boom happening at the moment.

Here are a few pics of my stand. I have tweaked a few bits and pieces to make it brighter.

I love my stand but the packing up is a bugger, I am always the last to leave, and have so many tiny things to wrap.

The baby show....

2009-09-17T18:26:00.005+10:00

I am currently in Sydney for the Baby show which starts tomorrow morning. I have am so tired, I feel like I have worked the 3 days already! Set up was today and it looks fantastic.

I am manning the stand by myself so I hope I am ok. I have my friend besides me from B.box so we should be right.

I am staying in Manly with my good friend, who has been very kind and given me a car to use while I am here. This is all good and well if you know the area, but this morning I ended up making crisis phone calls to her as I was heading across the Harbour bridge and took the wrong turn.

Her advice was to just follow the road all the way and go with the traffic as it is all going to the same direction!....are you serious........everyone was going in the same direction in different directions! I should have taken a taxi.

Anyway, all set up and looking good. If you are in Sydney come and say hello to me - if not, I will post some pictures after the weekend.

i'm sailing too.....

2009-09-14T20:05:00.004+10:00

A touch of summer for the boys. 'I'm sailing too' - is a cotton self stripe kaftan for boys available in sizes 0-4.

I love this shirt for it's crispness and simplicity. It comes in a white with white embroidery, and now white with blue stitching - fresh and ready for Spring then Summer.

The embroidery stitching around the cuff, waist and boat applique is sewn by hand by talented artisans in India.

Great with shorts for a casual fun play top or with tailored shorts for a special outing - it is the perfect top for your little up and coming sailor!

Available instore soon.

birdie hideaway......

2009-09-11T19:47:00.005+10:00

I made this for a little girl's first birthday. What a lovely gift for a lovely little girl.

the enchanted closet - little bubble and tree...

2009-09-09T10:13:00.005+10:00

I am very excited to now have a new stockist for little bubble and tree - The Enchanted closet.

They have a store in Woodend with a huge following, and have now opened a new store in High street Armadale.

The girls have done a wonderful job in setting up the store - it is just beautiful. I went on Saturday for the opening, it was really exciting to see my things on the racks in a brand new shiny store. I love the fitting rooms and the pink and white painted stripped wall is gorgeous.

Their dream is to open up a store in the country, the city and the coast - well they are 2/3 the way there, please open a store down our way on the Mornington Peninsula - we would love it!

Here are some pictures of the opening, go and visit the store when you are around the area, it is lovely.

The Enchanted Closet

1087 High St,

Armadale, 3143

Victoria.

The Enchanted Closet

Shop 5

93 High Street

Woodend 3224

Victoria.

The window was beautiful, I borrowed this picture from the The Enchanted closet blog.

I want these butterflies in my house too.

sneak peek twooooooo.........

2009-09-04T08:38:00.004+10:00

I forgot to write before that my photos were take by the very talented Pru from little bird photography. She is just so clever and turning my ideas into reality.

This shoot was so fun to do, and believe it or not the creek is in suburbia not in the country.

It is amazing to see the shots when they are done, as we know what the kids were doing at the time. Some of the best shots are when the kids are unawares, like little Hannah patiently swirling a daisy waiting for her turn, or Harry sitting on the rocks eating an apple staring into the distance with his guitar perched on a rock.

Thanks again Pru I absolutely love them....and you!

a sneak peek.....

2009-09-03T17:45:00.007+10:00

Today started off nice and 'spring like' - and then it all went downhill very quickly with a thunderstorm.

I think this summer will still be a hot one, so maybe you might need to buy yourself - a new summer dress or kids kaftan to get you through!

I promised a sneak peek of my new summer range and here it is.....

woo hoo - I did it.....

2009-08-31T22:50:00.004+10:00

Flowers, colours, inspiration and the last day of a photo a day of August....

Well there you have it....I have just completed 27 days in a row of a photo a day.

I should have 31 days done and dusted, but remember I was 4 days late in getting on the wagon.

It has really forced me to think about my blog everyday, and try and take more photos of our everyday goings on. With Lucas I feel I took a photo every hour, and with poor Lachie - he is lucky to get a pic a fortnight!

So here are more flower pictures from the florist I was in on Sunday. You can tell spring is in the air with the orchids becoming more colourful and daffodils in bloom.

I love the cows udders too - so kooky and bright.

colours of India part 2...

2009-08-30T21:27:00.002+10:00

Unbelievable structures, colour, turbans and day 26 of a photo a day....

While we are on the subject I couldn't let go.

the colours of India......

2009-08-29T21:50:00.004+10:00

I just love this pic, the detail in the painting is beautiful...
These girls did a wonderful job entertaining us over New years eve, poor things - it was freezing...
Cheeky monkeys that - were cheeky monkeys...

Bend it like Beckham, more chocolate biscuits and day 25 of a photo a day....

Another lazy day at home with a long sleep in the arvo. Now I will be awake until 2 in the morning, but I couldn't help myself I was so tired.

Just finished watching 'Bend it like Beckham' on the telly. It is such a fun movie, and it takes me back to my holiday in India 18mths ago - to all the colour and the saris.

I loved India, and hope one day I can get back there.....with a bigger suitcase of course!

real living....

2009-08-28T22:27:00.007+10:00

Chocolate teddy bear biscuits, real living and day 24 of a photo a day....

Last birthday and Christmas I asked for a few of my favorite magazines subscriptions as a present.

It is so nice to walk out to your letter box and receive your glossy new mag all wrapped up in plastic - rather than having to go to the shops and get the kids out of the car.

I used to run inside and read them immediately, but over time I have got busier and busier so only get time to flick through a few pages at first, and then hope to finish it by the end of the week!

Real living is my favorite out of the bunch for it's easy read and great features.

It is so nicely laid out and has affordable ideas for every budget.

This months issue we had a little ad in the directory section page 189. So tonight I am sitting here on the couch, watching Sleepless in Seattle, eating chocolate teddy bear biscuits and reading the new mag.

There is also a yummy looking pasta recipe in there that I am going to try....or maybe cut out like I do with all recipes never to be seen again!

elephants and robots....

2009-08-27T21:35:00.004+10:00

More accessories and day 23 of a photo a day....

I didn't have my car today (or yesterday for that matter), so I have been stuck at home while it was getting fixed and making stuff!

It is actually quite nice to sit in your pjs all day and not have to worry about fixing yourself up.....until you go check the mail and the neighbour who you have never met decides to drive out of her driveway and spots you in your purple with white dot pjs at 3pm! GREAT.

At least I have time to make stuff while the kids are asleep.

I'm fitting back into society tomorrow.

wild weather....

2009-08-26T22:20:00.006+10:00

Wild weather and day 22 of a photo a day....

It has been a little crazy here the last few days with the weather. I don't mind it wet and windy, especially when you are inside with the fire on and warm.

I drove past the beach yesterday and saw the seagulls hanging on for dear life on the pier. The waves were crashing around them and they still stood their ground.

The sun is still fighting through the clouds in parts, and touches the tops of each wave - very pretty.

I will show you are a few pics from our photo shoot tomorrow...or maybe the day after - I love them!

pelicans and swimming assessments...

2009-08-25T19:21:00.008+10:00

Swimming, pelicans and day 21 of a photo a day....

Mondays are swimming days and this this week was assessment day. First term of me not having to hop into the pool - woo hoo.

Afterwards we head down to the pelicans and give them a bag of fish heads - the fish shop is on the pier, don't think I carry these around usually.

It can be a stressful process though, I have to make sure I feed every single one of them, this becomes difficult with the seagulls swooping down, and the pelicans camouflaging into each other - then I forget which one has eaten.

I've tried to teach them all to step back, and give someone else a go - but it is all about first in best dressed down there!

Something tells me by their fat little bellies that they get pretty well looked after by other suckers like us.

We look forward to swimming days.

chocolate crackles, fishing rods and spiderman....

2009-08-24T10:43:00.000+10:00

nothing like chocolate crackles at a fete....the price was actually for 6 not 4!.....

Cakes, fishing rods, spiderman and day 20 of a photo a day...

What a lovely weather weekend we had. It wasn't hot of course, but one of those sunny ones that allow you to go along your business without dodging the rain.

I had a small market for the Somers preschool Saturday, it was held in the historic grounds of Lord Somers camp. For those of you that don't know where Somers is (like me), it is on the Mornington Peninsula on the Westernport bay side near Hastings. Many schools would come from far and wide to attend camp here when they were in primary school.

It was a wonderful sunny day and the location was beautiful.

Families were out in their droves, and I was busier than I envisaged. I don't do the big stall set up for something like this, it is nice to tone down my stand to try and set up and pack up in the least amount of time for once.

I took my little helper (3 year old) for the day and he had a great fun. It was safe enough to let him run around with the other kids, as it was in a little compound all fenced in and safe.

He loved helping me trolley my tubs from the car, and to stand behind the table - like he was a shop keeper (mind you he would have spent all the profits if it was his!).

Within the first 5 mins of being there - he came back with a spiderman face paint! Great, just what I need - red face paint around a nice white table cloth, and clean clothing for sale!!

Everytime he came back to me he had a story to explain, or to tell me he was 'hundry adain muuuuum', then off he would trot with $2 to make a fishing rod fish, or guess how many smarties was in the jar, buy a cake from the cake stall or skull a can of Lemonade.

I love a school fete, it is a great family day out and to support the local facilities is what it is all about. I had a fabulous fun day, and the little spiderman on his 'all day' sugar high enjoyed it too.

last of the smelly stuff...

2009-08-23T20:23:00.006+10:00

I love these red berries, they look good enough to eat.....
Last of the smelly stuff and day 19 of a photo a day....

My Daphne is on it's way out. I love the smell of this flower - it reminds me of my nannie.

It is growing at my front door in the garden and I cut a few sprigs of it to have around the house. It is so nice to have a few little vases of flowers around the house all the time.

Even better now that sprig is around the corner.

the scary carwash...

2009-08-22T17:29:00.004+10:00

Washing the car and day 18 of a photo a day.....

I had my camera in the car yesterday and thought I would take a picture of the kids faces as we went through the car wash.

I never wash the car in the washing bays, I am too lazy to get wet - so I drive through and scratch my car instead!

This is the little bubba's first time through the wash, I love watching their little faces as they try and work out if the world is ending, or in fact we are just getting hit by giant face washers!

The first time I went through with Lucas he was hysterical and I had to climb over the hand brake and hug him! Lucky Lachie wasn't as fussed - unsure maybe, but unfazed all the same.

hoo's hoo.....

2009-08-21T09:22:00.008+10:00

Owls and day 17 of a photo a day.....

Just cleaning up my boxes of stock, and rearranging them from one side of the family room to the other - when I thought I would take a snap of a girls top that I made.

I got the fabric printed with an owl I drew, and thought it would look pretty on a white top with ribbon.

I wish it wasn't as girly so my boys could wear it, maybe the pink bow might be a little give away!

Some clips in the same fabric, they go together nicely with the top and also make great little pressies for girls.

a great giveaway.....

2009-08-20T08:42:00.007+10:00

Bloesom kids and day 16 of a photo a day.....

One of my favorite blogs is having a huge giveaway and one of my bird necklaces is part of the prize.

As part of the new trifle promotion - Bloesom kids have written about the trifle launch and also given readers a chance to comment on their favorite designer to win.

So go on.....vote now and you can have a chance in over $796 worth of lovely products.....

I wonder who your favorite designer will be? Mmmmmm I wonder.....

Tell your friends to enter too it is easy.

(I am saying this is my photo a day because I originally took the necklace photo anyway! ha ha)

This was the picture they used to in the press release to Bloesom kids originally, and my top is featured on the bottom right corner - woo hoo!

I love trifle - to eat and shop.....

2009-08-20T08:26:00.004+10:00

Recently I was asked to participate in a new venture called trifle. Here is a little bit about it.....

Trifle, is an online shopping experience for the consumer like no other anywhere in the world. Customers can shop from a choice of over 50 hand picked designers – all in the one place. Better still customers can buy from different designers, from different parts of the world, in different currencies with one click.

Trifle is made up of over 50 designers from various sectors of the kids products industry. The store is made up of high end, well established designers, niche companies, handmade artists and one or two start up companies who we believe in.

The exciting part about it is that I can control what I want to showcase. This gives me a good platform to try new things and keep everything fresh.

our own jurassic park.....

2009-08-19T08:27:00.003+10:00

Dinosaurs and day 15 of a photo a day.....

Our backyard has been getting a lot of rain the last month so it wet and soggy making the weeds go crazy. We had a very dry summer last year so the ground is stock piling it I think - for another hot summer to come.

Huge trees of weeds are growing sporadically throughout the lawn and some are nearly as high as the roof in parts, so dinosaurs have started to feed of the lush green leaves.

What, you don't believe me?

Well what do you think this picture is then!

rocks, kids, kaftans and stuff...

2009-08-18T20:36:00.007+10:00

the lovely harry on the rocks.....
waiting patiently for their call up....
Kids, creeks, rocks and day 14 of a photo a day....

Sorry for the late post again. I am soooo tired tonight and I was putting off the computer thing until after dark - believe it or not!

Today we had a shoot for the new bits and pieces I have coming out in September. Of course my favorite photographer lady took them - little bird photography. She is also a lovely friend that I look forward to playing with!

Pru found a fantastic location with a little creek, rocks, trees, daisies and fake fishies in the water (so we told the kids!).

The beautiful shots are still to come of course, but I thought I would take a few pics of the background goings on to give you a taste of what happens behind the scenes.

The kids were so fantastic, apart from all wanting to blow the bubbles at the same time, ask for their surprise they were promised if they were good, and then a few muddy slips on the slimy rocks - it was actually a very productive morning.

Kids were exhausted, we were exhausted and Pru was covered in mud from laying on the grass, rocks and the plants to get all the perfect shots for this summers range.

(remember these are MY pics nothing like what you will expect when you see Pru's shots)

the new fence.....

2009-08-17T08:13:00.005+10:00

The new picket fence and day 12 of a photo a day.....

After the last Magnolia Square in Sydney I had to leave my stand up there. I have the next baby show in September so I wasn't li

king the thought of bringing it all home with me only to turn around a few months later and take it back up. So my lovely friend Rhonda allowed me to keep it at her house for a few months. (it's probably on her front lawn by now - but let's hope not!)

But this led to one thing.....I had a few markets in between so I had to enlist the help of my husband again to knock up a new contraption for me!

It's good to have a builder in the family, he always looks at me sideways when I try and explain to him what I want, then just says 'draw it and I'll see what I can do'.

So this is my new stand - It

is a fence and then a double tiered rack. Great to transport as it isn't as heavy, and then I can display the fence in the toy room in between events!

I like the look of the daisies and the grass in between the fence, it gives the look of a sunny yard. (I usually have the fake grass too but yesterday it was too small an event to drag it all out)

soft elephant badges to give some fun to any scarf or top.....

too cold to shop.....

2009-08-16T21:13:00.004+10:00

Cold, rain and day 12 of a photo a day.....

Quick post tonight, as I am very tired and need to go into bed before the clock ticks 10pm.

Market today was veeeeerrry quiet, and probably wish I didn't go in and I stayed in bed and slept.

I love cold, wet, windy days - but not smack bang in the city in a wide open space. Lucky it was heated and undercover though.

I love Federation square, the building is so different and quirky.

It had a lot of doubters (and still does) when it was first built, but I think the architecture really reflects the movement of the city and it's people. I took a few quick snaps of the roof, I think it looks amazing - glad I don't have to clean the windows though!

Quick exit out after we were done and the sky was dark like you wouldn't believe.

This is the wheel overlooking the city and the crazy jogger who happened to be in the shot as I was at the lights.

rings of cute stuff....

2009-08-15T12:49:00.004+10:00

Rings of cute stuff and day 11 of a photo a day....

I have another market tomorrow so I am busy packing all the boxes, painting my stand (yes, painting my stand) and also making a few more accessories to go.

I have never heard of this before but I was contacted to be a part of it and I always like a market!

It is held by Small Business Victoria and it is their Lifestyle market.

So if you around in the city of Melbourne tomorrow come and say hi.

Energise Enterprise

Lifestyle Market

Sunday 16th August 2009

12-4pm

The Atrium and BMW Edge

Federation Square

Flinders st, Melbourne

A few rings that I have available. I love the little owl one.

out as along as he was in........

2009-08-14T11:14:00.006+10:00

Teeth and day 10 of a photo a day.....

I can't believe that yesterday my little bubba was 9 mths old. That means that he has been out as long as he was in!! Graphic I know!

Anyway, he has been a little sick for the last few weeks but is on the mend now and doing a commando crawl around the lounge.

It's funny to see him do this as Lucas never did this to get around, I think he just did a barrel roll to get where he wanted to.

This morning Lachie got up early and decided to slide into the toy room to have a look around on his own, Lucas was still asleep so he must have wanted to get to the best toys first. Out of all the toys to play with he picked a lego block and sucked on that for the morning.

He has lots of little teeth coming through, he might not be able to sit on his own just yet, but he could chew through a chop in a minute!

start knitting Nancy......

2009-08-13T06:41:00.006+10:00

Knitting and day 9 of a photo a day....

Remember the old 'Knitting Nancy?' - the little knitting contraption that allowed you to make metres and metres of unusable woolen braid? Well I bought another one!

I couldn't help myself, she looked so pretty and new. She is a fairy knitter though, I wonder what ever happened to Nance?

This is how she will stay, all shiny and new in her bag until I decide to make some socks for the Bob the builder or Buzz toys!

one sock wednesday....

2009-08-12T15:45:00.004+10:00

One sock, dizzy and day 8 of a photo a day...

Our 3 year old has a real problem with memory - either that or with obeying requests.

One of the things he does is walk around with 1 sock on.

This isn't to start a new trend or anything, he just get sidetracked with putting the other on....or taking this one off....who knows!

He did it a few weeks ago too. We had a lazy pj day and he walked around from the Tuesday night to the following with one sock on. I was forever asking him to put it on and he just kept making excuses and being busy with other things.....mmmm I don't know where he gets it from!

After I took the photo I said to go, find the sock and put it on...his response 'I can't I'm too busy!'

Like dizzy thrown in the mix!

lost and found - the film......

2009-08-11T13:40:00.010+10:00

Lost and found and day 7 of a photo a day....

I love kids books, and this one is one of my favorites. It is Lost and found by Oliver Jeffers and it has just been made into a little animated 25 min short film. Woooo hoooo!

It will be shown on Christmas day on the ABC, but I can't wait until then, I had to buy a DVD copy NOOOOOW!

Oliver Jeffers is a lovely children's writer and illustrator and the detail he captures with the little penguin is gorgeous. I just want to give him a big cuddle and rub my face in his tummy

(by the way I'm talking about the penguin - not Oliver).

We have a few more of his books too which we highly recommend. His story telling is simple, very imaginative, and real for the little listeners who are captivated by his tales.

If you would like a copy of the book head to Amazon.

Thanks to the lovely cuddly girls at We heart books for alerting me on the short film. Check out their lovely blog and site for other cute reads.

I want a blossom tree too...

2009-08-10T16:54:00.006+10:00

Blossom and day 7 of a photo a day....

I love blossom. I love the colour of blossom, I love looking at blossom, I love having blossom in my house. The only problem is - I don't own a blossom tree!

I just have a tree that thinks it's a blossom tree and decides to sprout every once and awhile.

I have been noticing that everyones blossom is starting to arrive early.

The colours are amazing and I love the fact that some years the colours can change dramatically from one shade to another - it is like opening your presents on Christmas day!

This is the neighbour across the roads tree.....I slinked over, took a pic - and then ran for my life back to my house!

Pheew they didn't see me, actually they weren't even

home (it sounded dramatic though).

the fastest slide out......

2009-08-09T19:23:00.004+10:00

the walls looked good enough to eat...
this contraption looked like something out of the flintstones...
the new shirt from dick and dora..I love it....

Lollies, slides and day 6 of a photo a day.....

Today we had a little party to go to. I love kids parties, and having them at a play centre is even better. It's bright, fun and it's the perfect venue as there is no cleaning up to do, the coffee machine is on hand, and the kids run wild....then sleep well on the way home!

The slide had just been cleaned and shined when we arrived - so it was extra fast.

The kids were ploughing into the wall at the bottom on the dismount one after another - it was quite funny to watch, I can say that as they didn't hurt themselves, actually they didn't even feel it.

I was even funnier when the adults banged into the wall - it seemed the heavier you were the more airborne you became - hence the reason I didn't have a go.

as pretty as a......ummm.....a tulip!!

2009-08-08T20:38:00.007+10:00

hyacinths smell so fresh and sweet, perfect in a little vase in your bathroom...
I loooove buddhas, and have a heap in my own home - this one is so lovely especially with the orchids in the lap...
there is a water feature in the front window with live moss and this little water lily...mmmmm beautiful....
I can never go past a good tulip, they look so graceful when they throw themselves over the edge of the vase - they are such drama queens as they get older......

Off the bird theme for a few days, and onto day 5 of the photo a day.....

I have told you before that I fill in for my girlfriends florist shop every now and again, well I did it a gain a few weeks ago and had a lovely day. It is always the cruisiest day to work, not mention my friend Nat came in to say hi so it was an even quicker day.

I love the sound of the water features she has I the shop, and I am always surrounded by some of the most beautiful fresh flowers and plants you will ever come across.

Nic's store I can honestly recommend for quality, and the smell of the store is divine.

Mind you in spring the smell is over powering, and my hay fever plays up like mad - yes- I do suffer from it - and work with flowers still....LOSER I know!!!

Anyway, I took some pics not actually thinking I could do anything with them, then low and behold here is a photo a day opportunity to show them off.

Here are few of my favs.

cute as a bird...

2009-08-07T10:24:00.003+10:00

While we are in the 'bird mood'.......comes day 4 of my photo a day for August.

When I was in India (18mths ago) I was like a crazy lady at the markets. I loooove shopping, and can walk my life away looking at all the beautiful things around.

I would say my main purchases are for the home, I am forever adding new little displays all over the place - the problem is I am not eliminating anything so I seem to be like a Turkish bazaar!

Here are a few paper mache birds I picked up at one of the many markets in Delphi, they are so cute and the colours I love.

I hang them from the hooks on my side table, kids love to swing them.....grrrrr to the

'swinging- bird- kids' but then I would too if I saw these colourful little dangling carrots!

the perfect birdie hideaway......

2009-08-06T00:32:00.004+10:00

Ok, how good am I - I am now posting my day 3 pic at 12.30am before I am even up for day 3!

To make sure the birds have a lovely home to come back to, I was even thinking of putting one of my houses out for them.....what do you think......too much?

These have both sold, but I am making more any day now.....

bird nest for rent......

2009-08-05T19:54:00.006+10:00

Here goes day 2 (of day 5) of 'a photo a day' in August.

This one is a little discovery I made a few months ago out my bathroom window. It is a birds nest that was abandoned last spring. I had looked at it everyday, and over time the leaves on the vine have fallen off so I have got a better look inside.

The birds have long gone, but I noticed before leaving that the bird had decorated his/her pad with a white ribbon!

I know that it wasn't put there by a human, as I use these ribbons for tying flowers and would have thrown it out with the water into the garden.

So my guess is, that a bird decided to build his house, hung a ribbon on the wall then either lived a happy little life, or decided to move on.

Or maybeeee it was a party venue that they hired for the night, hung up their decorations and forgot to clean up, ooooooooor maybeeeee it was rental and the roof leaked and they decided to move out, oooorrrr maybe it was a breakup and the house and contents haven't been divvied up yet! You think?

I think nests are so beautiful and amazing, how the birds build them without hands is amazing - is that a dumb thing to say?

I hope another bird moves in this Spring, I might give it a little reno to get it ready!

a photo a day....

2009-08-04T19:18:00.004+10:00

I am taking part in a little blogging fun - 'A photo a day' started by the byron life and basically the deal is to just post a photo a day for the month of August of whatever you like.

You don't need words - and to tell you the truth for me to make the photo a day requirement, I might not be adding any words to some of the posts.

It will be a big ask, but hey, I am willing to give it a go.

If you see me forget a day, drop me an email and you might win a little something for giving me the kick up the butt!

Play along if you like, my friend Lou from totally innocent is playing too, that is how I heard about it.

tough guy....

2009-07-27T14:14:00.004+10:00

The boys are always left out of the accessories scene, so I have made these denim wrist bands to give them something of their own to wear.

'Tough guy' wristbands have a velcro clasp so they are easy for little fingers to accessorise themselves.

Made of denim, linen, cord and felt, they are all hand stitched and embroidered with beads and buttons to make each one unique.

(Thanks Mel)

blow a bubble, climb a tree....

2009-07-19T08:53:00.003+10:00

Just a little bit of blog love. Magnolia square snippets asked me to write what I thought about my experience in Sydney - and this is what I said........

And make sure you check it out regularly as it is 'a blog about good things for tiny and small people'.

Have a happy Sunday.

what's with all the white stuff?......

2009-07-15T21:21:00.005+10:00

how cool does the snow look on the roof and hand rails......
these were the icicles from our roof, they look so pretty, yet I wouldn't want to be standing under them when they decided to fall...

no rest from work - even on the ski slopes....

Last week we ventured up to Mt Hotham for a few days to meet with friends. I haven't been to the snow for years - let a lone with kids, so it was a big production to even get there. Of course as usual, I packed too much and forgot the baby carrier, but all in all it was a fun time.

It was so weird to be all of a sudden in an 'all white terrain' - with alien looking beings scooting past you on their skis and snowboards.

I kept looking at the kids faces for their reaction of what was going on around them. They just had these 'mmmmm, weeeeiiiirrrd' looks on their little frost bitten faces.....well actually not frostbitten, we were very warm, and the sun was shining and it felt amazing.

Maybe next time I might go down a hill or two!

The most exciting part was building the snowman. I had BIG ideas on how I envisaged it to look. I had the kids all worded up to help and gave them all a job to do....but slowly....one by one....they dropped off like flies and lost interest - so it was left to me to finish the job.

Actually they didn't really even start, I took over and had so many demands from their little beings that they couldn't keep up with the workload!

I am happy with the outcome. The shape of his head was great, I just wished I had extra time to give him a perfect round tummy like the books........

So I have been working on how to improve on my work, and as you can see by the arrows drawn - I just need to round off a few bits at the bottom and pack a scarf and a top hat and he will be perfect.

Mmmmmm I think I need to go there now and finish it off.

more you say....

2009-07-10T09:46:00.005+10:00

rings for the little miss.....or big miss....
of course the little treasures were a big hit, new colours too....
the stand from a distance, I might have stretched out a little more than my allocated space....whoops.....
I found this little piece of moss the day before shopping so I had to buy it - I thought it would suit the stand. It worked perfectly as a nice little platform for my badges, ring and mirror to be tried on and looked at.

Even though a few little ones thought it was part of the lolly display and slinked away with them, it was still a big hit.

I tried a few little 'tough guy' wrist bands for boys, they were fun to make and give boys an accessory of their own for once!

More pics to come.....

magnolia square Sydney....

2009-07-08T21:48:00.004+10:00

a new stand again...I'm like Disneyland - never complete!

What a week! Well actually going by the date on the blog - 2 weeks!

I was hoping to have written a little note before leaving for Sydney, but I was using every available second preparing my stand.

We have just returned from being away at the snow. I jumped off the plane from Sydney to my awaiting family and then hotfooted it up to Mt Hotham for a few days - needless to say - I am absolutely....buggered! But I couldn't go to bed without giving you a little idea of how I looked at magnolia square.

Little bubble and tree got an honourable mention for Visual merchandising, so it was a nice pat on the back.

this will be me in 7 days......

2009-06-25T11:17:00.005+10:00

OK, Sydney people get ready.....Magnolia Square will be there in 7 days - and so will I.

Please spread the word to your friends in and surround Sydney. It is such a lovely event, and you will love what they do with the place. I will be surrounded by my lovely friends Pru from Little bird photography, Prue from Gigi&Lulu and Suzi from Alannah rose, so come and say hi - they would love to meet you too.

It is going to be so much fun. I can't wait.

Oh my god 7 days to go......

mirror, mirror on the wall....

2009-06-22T13:37:00.004+10:00

OK, it is officially 10 days until I am in Sydney for Magnolia square. Am I ready? No.

If I had 100 days to go....would I be ready? Probably not.

Does it come together on the day? - Yes, always.....Can I relax then, and cut out the tooing and frouing of doubt beforehand then? - Not a chance in hell!

Why do I do this to myself, I hear you ask......because it IS fun, and I love to shop!!

I have a few new little mirrors to add this time around. I have been meaning to add them for awhile but kept running out of time. The little owls also match the fabric hair clips, bookmarks and badges that will also be on offer.

......So what did I say before - 10 days to go? Oh my goodness, gotta go - bye for now.

an elephant is sitting on my paperclip....

2009-06-17T12:03:00.005+10:00

pretty elephants with little flowers and beads.....

I have been crazily trying to get everything prepared for Magnolia Square in Sydney next month. There is only 3 weeks left, and I feel like I have ticked nothing off my list - as usual.

Here is a taste of little bookmarks that I have been making for the last few markets. I haven't had a chance to upload them before, as they have been really popular and sell out before I get to it.

This is what I do with my hands at night while I am watching late night television......or do I watch late night television while I am making these??

You can use them to keep important drawings together or simply give them away as a gift.

I love this elephant fabric, it so cute - don't you think?

They also have matching rings and elastics.

you're it.....

2009-06-13T19:14:00.004+10:00

"It's really simple. I love how every photo tells a story. Some short stories, some long tales. I want to know what is your favourite photo of yourself. Everyone has one. The photo they look at and smile. It reminds them of something, some time, some place. A moment in time. So share the photo, share the story and then tag three other people. I want to see photos and stories all around the blogosphere".

This is a great fun excercise that was dreamt up by the lovely Chantelle from fat mum slim. Now it is my turn, I have been tagged by Wynona from Ivy designs......I rib her that she secretly just wants to see what I look like, well you even get my husband in this one too!

This would have to be one of my favorite pictures of my husband and me, and definitely one that makes me smile when I see it. I was all fake tanned up, hair worked a treat, make up lasted, pants fitted perfect and in a new silky strapless top.

It was taken at our best friends wedding about 6 years ago, when he was the best man. As you can probably see from the glass in his hand he had a very, very merry night!

This sums up our marriage, our house, our time spent together and our anger (at times) pretty much in one photo. People that know us, will know what I mean when they see this pic (please don't have pity on me that he is not kissing me back, it's all an illusion!) I even used it in the back of our wedding books as the thank you.

This night would have to be one of the best weddings, if not the best wedding we have ever been to. I can normally tell after a few drinks if he is going to have a big one or just a halfer. Going by the Bundy in his hand in the first hour - I knew it was going to be a big one! Everyone danced all night and 'my little dancing queen' led the pack. He spun around, waltzed, carried, fell over and danced with nearly every mother, wife and grandma in the place - this of course after a few solo performances here and there.

My face and hands were so sore the next day from smiling and clapping all night. I don't drink anymore.... I just leave this to him!

I would like to tag these 4...... I couldn't just pick 3

Kerry from the seventy tree

Michelle from Flirty bird

mom seeks life

Naomi from Thula thula

do birds ever get lost?

2009-06-11T22:23:00.004+10:00

I promised I would tell you about a few other retailers from Magnolia square.......so here is one of my fav's we heart books.

The girls were lovely and were pumping out books for the 3 days they were there. And boy did they have some little beauties on offer.

I loooove kids books and Do dogs dream? - is such a beautiful, fun book.

It is the second in the series, and is illustrated by the very talented Amy Schimler. It has flaps to lift, and tabs to pull, revealing the answers to some fantastic, and often thought about questions that kids (and some adults) will ask in their lifetime.

This is definitely one book that you will not be speed reading through, or skipping every second page when you are sick of reading the same book over, and over, and over.

So if you ever wondered why flamingos are pink? or why can't penguins fly? you can just jump onto the girls online bookstore and get a copy for yourself.

new birdie's dancing....

2009-06-08T20:20:00.006+10:00

I have uploaded a few more little treasures to the store. Check them out here.....

a cozy long weekend....

2009-06-08T17:17:00.008+10:00

We are nearing the end of the long weekend, and I don't know how I am going to cope tomorrow when my husband goes back to work. I've enjoyed a nap everyday, and keeping the kids in their pj's all day to avoid more washing.

I commented this morning that I wished every weekend was the long weekend (meaning : having him home with us more often) and his reply was 'that everyday for me is a long weekend!'

Mmmmmm........ what do you say to that one?

I just pretended he vanished into thin air, walked into my room, and layed on the couch ......and this is where I have been all day!

Why don't they get that our days are never dull!

dot to dot.....

2009-06-04T08:55:00.004+10:00

Yesterday was my day for the Kids fashion hunt so there were a loooooot of new lookers on the site searching for the hanger (that's fashion hunt talk). Thanks to everyone that commented on my new website, I'm glad you liked it.

Anyway, I have now uploaded a few more items onto the store - pango pants denim dot.

They are the first denim pants that I have tried, and I'm loving the colours. These ones come in a hardy, loose fit denim perfect for little knees to scratch and bump around in. To keep with tradition you will find a fun dot reverse in the cuff.

guess what......

2009-06-01T12:50:00.006+10:00

My website is up and running!!! Woo hoo. I want to party like it's 1999!

My lovely friend Justin has created this for me and I love it. He is so clever, and does such a beautiful job making all the little bits and bobs move and shake.

I hope you like it.

While you are there, check out the new competition with kids fashion review. It is so easy to play, and there's some wonderful prizes on offer to win - including a voucher for little bubble and tree.

Thanks Justin and Mel for your great friendship, and for all the excellent work you did on my logos and website. I love it all.

A competition will be coming shortly to celebrate the new site....

3 years already.......

2009-05-29T21:09:00.005+10:00

Spiderman turns 3......oh, and eats pancakes with ice cream for breakfast....

Sorry, no cake for you Lachie.....unless it's pureed from carrots and pears....

I'm glad he settled for 3 years old...I didn't have 29 candles anyway...

It was Lucas' birthday this week - the big 3 .....don't ask him though, when we asked him how old he was turning he said 29! Whoa, that makes me 62 then. No wonder I feel old!

We had a lovely morning of pancakes and ice cream for breakfast, with dad staying home to open pressie's with us.

The day consisted of wearing our pj's all day... then the new spiderman outfit, then opening a present of spiderman pj's, so back onto our pj's again. It's funny how he absolutely looooves spiderman. We have never talked about him, or even had the show on at home before. He pretends he is climbing walls and circles the pole in our lounge room like he is standing on a ledge of a 3o story building.... Weirdo.

It's amazing how kids get so obsessed with different shows. He still loves Bob (the builder) of course, now we just have spiderman wearing a tool belt, and being handy with the drill and handsaw.

Due to the two kids having dodgy ear infections again, I reluctant to leave the house, so we just had a little party at home with just us.

His favorite dinner at the moment is "corns mum", cool that's easy (I added a few more things of course!). After dinner we had the party hat's, lollies, balloons, streamers, party cakes, ice cream, tears of not wanting to go to bed, books, and then, happiness to go to bed.

Pheew, day done. Now there's just 364 days until he turns 4!