Sunday, May 31, 2009

[sharing]


How beautiful is this photo! I have been enjoying browsing through some of my brothers wedding photos this weekend ...

Thursday, May 28, 2009

[It's FRIDAY] around blog world ...

I came across this cute photo on Concrete and Honey's beautiful and relaxing blog. The author turned 31 this week and wrote:

Image made up empty bottles of things I have used this past year, things I have received, accumulated, broken and bought. Recycling at it's prettiest?

The '3' - Crabtree and Evelyn rose body wash (empty), Norsca deodorant (empty), Burt's Bees decolletage cream (empty), Decleor eye cream (empty, need more), porcelain Easter gift from mum which I superglued back together when it fell from my shelf when doing another pad reshuffle with candles from I don't know where and ribbon from Paper2, Moxie's, flower used in my profile pic, skull and felt cake broach, Chanel ring was a 30th gift (lucky me), broken iPod shuffle (too much running in the rain) have barely run at all this past year, not a step since the half marathon last October, plastic blue fan from The Society Inc., fake Rolex bought in Bali last year (broken), porcelain bird was a gift from my best friend (broken, the friendship not the bird), porcelain feather from The Society Inc., 30th birthday tag from my sis (still obsessed with Paris), vase from Industria Melbourne with dried flower (from bunch mum bought me as a housewarming gift), plastic ice cream cone (emptied of candy) via my nephew, pink sea urchin from The Society Inc. on Decleor moisturiser (empty), vintage pastry baking shells and pink striped mints from Donna Hay Cornerstore.

The '1' - Claus Porto soap packaged in vintage Portuguese paper, French bottle from Noosa, Cedel Hairspray (empty - love the colour of the bottle and the smell reminds me of getting ready for ballet), Daisy perfume from my angry little brother who bought me this for my 30th, a note from my little sis, a Paris post it note pad, a dried hydrangea from mum's garden."

[Thursday] What we are wrapping ...

It is fun reading the messages that we write on cards. We have the loveliest customers in Australia, maybe the world :) Thoughtful, sweet, funny ...

This week we have been sending lots of newborn gifts and sibling presents from newborns. I wonder if it is a busy time in maternity wards!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

[Wednesday] Instore we're loving ...


Haven't seen them? Oh, you don't know what you are missing!! I have my brother to thank for these. "Jen, you have to get these things that the kids are riding all around the airport". Although I think it is probably my kids who should be thanking him. They LOVE them ...

Check out this youtube clip



Do I sound a little excited?? I am - these are gifts that are guaranteed to make a kid smile!! Click here to see them in our little shop

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

[Tuesday] Giveaway

Thank you to Melissa the designer of Melobaby who has sent us a spare change mat to giveaway! It is the mat that comes inside the wallet. You will love the softness & your baby will be grateful! I would rather like a pillow made from the same material.

Simply comment on this post and you will go into the draw 9pm next Monday night. Tell your friends with bubs -

Thank you for reading this blog :)

Monday, May 25, 2009

[Monday] I love Autumn!

1. Jonquil
2. Tibouchina Jules
3. Camellia Japonica Desire

[New Product] Flame Lily Candles


BIG BIG week ahead with lot of yummy treats. I am midst uploading a new range of delicious candles. I have this one burning next to me as I write! AMAZING scent, gorgeous packaging. Very, very happy to have come across these candles - from the UK :)

I am really looking forward to introducing our gift buyers to a beautiful new range of gifts!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Christmas in July ...



The weather is miserable here this morning. I love rainy days, but not the wind. It must have something to do with being a teacher prior to being a mummy. Windy days were always hard work. Kids were more flighty and playground duty was a nightmare!

On the way to school this morning Christmas in July came into our conversation. The kids were fascinated with the idea of having Christmas at any other time of the year. We decided that we would start our own tradition of Christmas in July. Decorations, invitations, food have already been discussed. I am looking forward to it already.

A seed must have been planted in my brain ast night when someone placed an order for Glasshouse candles Rockefeller (white spruce) last night for his wife and then again this morning when I came across these photos on Sunday Suppers blogspot. I know that they are not wintry - but don't they look fabulous!



Thursday, May 21, 2009

Twitter


As though we aren't all busy enough with family, work, facebook, blogs there is twitter. I refused to jump on the bandwagon for a while. Seemed like information overload. But, like facebook I can see the advantages. I love keeping up with family and friends with facebook and I can see that twitter will keep me up to date in much the same way. I do much prefer dialling some numbers though!

So, our twitter page will have random nothing'ssss but it will also keep those of you on Twitter already up to date with new products, sale information etc etc.

Click here to add us to your friend list :)

BTW - thanks for reading our blog!

[new product] pride and prejudice coffee mugs!

Jane Austen could never have imagined the cover of her cult following novel would be used as a wrap on a coffee cup! But then, she probably would be in disbelief that it is still being read ... and has had more versions of on the big and small screen than any other book that I know. I wonder what emotion she would feel knowing that someone bought one today from http://www.mummysfavourite.com.au/ from WA, Australia to send to thank someone for being a special friend? I know that it made me smile!



We are stoked to have these mugs from the UK. We have been waiting for them for a while.
The orange cover versions of Pride and Prejudice were a massive hit last year. It is exciting waiting for new products - knowing that our customers will love them and anticipating that they will make recipients smile :)


... we also have a cute lined A6 notebook to match!!! Perfect for jottings, secrets, letters, reflections ...

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Heartfelt Exhibition


A few weeks ago I posted about http://www.netrachetty.com.au/, a fellow school mum who also happens to be delightful and rather talented!

From her I learnt about the Heartfelt Exhibition. Click here to visit their site.

Here is a quote from their website:

22nd June - 3rd July 2009
MLC Gallery - 449 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW
Open Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm & Saturday 12 to 4pm

"The Australian Community of Child Photographers is a volunteer organisation of child photographers from all over Australia who have come together to form an organisation dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families that have experienced stillbirths, premature and ill infants and children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of their local hospitals, as well as children with serious and terminal illnesses. We are proud to have the opportunity to exhibit a selection of our photographs in order to raise awareness of the service we provide and to tell the stories of courage, heartbreak and hope of the everyday people with whom we are priviledged to work."

What a precious gift. To give parents a photo of their child. What special photographers to give of their time and services in this way.

Q & A with Renata from Little Home

There is something nice about turning your house into a home. Our homes should be our sanctuary. Little Home cushions transform a chair, lounge, bed, any corner that needs a lift. We have received feedback from very happy customers who purchased Little Home cushions for Mother's Day. They make a lovely gift, or a little treat for oneself!

1. How long have you been running your business? Little Home has been up and running for just under 1 year.

2. What were you doing prior to your current venture? I was working at The Hyatt Sanctuary Cove back of house in a few different roles.

3. If you had to choose your favourite product from your range, what would it be & why?This is a tough one but I think it would have to be the Garden Party cushion as it is reminiscent of the floral Missoni cushions that I adore.

4. What do you do to relax? I love to read a great book or magazine while eating chocolate in peace and quiet, without any little people asking me to do something for them for the 100th time!

5. If you were able to go wherever you wanted to this weekend, where would it be? It would have to be New York! It is one of the places I have never been but have always wanted to visit, it is going to be my next overseas trip.

6. What was the last thing that you purchased? Funnily enough (as I don't splurge very often) it was a gorgeous Zimmermann dress to wear to a friends birthday party.

7. Who lives at your place? Myself, my husband, my daughter Little Miss 6 and my son Little Mr 2

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Jools Oliver "Find of the Year"


I recently came across this article quoting Jools Oliver (wife of Jamie) describing Belle and Boo prints as being her "Find of the Year". She has recently had baby girl number 3 (Petal Blossom Rainbow Oliver) and has used them to decorate her nursery. She purchased "Found" and "Walk with Me." Beautiful choice. I love the name too! For some reason, I think it works. It is pretty!


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Q & A with Bec and Yvette from Angel at my Table

I have been trying very hard to hide the Angel at my Table teepees from my kids. I discovered them shopping online at Mummy's Favourite the other day. It was really interesting seeing what they chose and quite funny listening to them! One of the products that they REALLY REALLY wanted was a teepee. I can understand why ...

1. How long have you been running your business? Actually up and running - 1 Year

2. What were you doing prior to your current venture? Both of us have a young family but before becoming busy mothers we were both living in London - Bec was a Human Resources Manager and Yvette worked in Real Estate.

3. If you had to choose your favourite product from your range, what would it be & why? Our one and only teepee ……………. We are currently working on our next product and it takes time to create perfection!

4. What do you do to relax? Relax and …….. children ummmmmmm – well, on those rare occasions – we shop, catch up on magazines – we both love working on our home interiors

5. If you were able to go wherever you wanted to this weekend, where would it be? Bec would go to Santorini and Yvette would head to good old New York, New York!

6. What was the last thing that you purchased? Bec bought and IPhone, Yvette bought a laptop – and that’s not say we are technologically advanced!

7. Who lives at your place? Bec and husband Damien, daughters Jorja (6), Ava (3) and dog Windsor. Yvette and husband Tony and sons Lachlan (3) and Oliver (5 months)


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day! (a little belated)

We escaped to The Hattery at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains for Mother's Day. Lunch was delicious and the staff were awesome. Combined with very well behaved kids and a chance in the car to catch up with Kirk whilst the kids slept, it made for a lovely, lovely time. We went to visit the Three Sisters but they were hiding :)

The mountains is one of our favourite places during Autumn. The colours of the leaves and the cool, crisp air is so refreshing. If only it could be bottled! I had 3 days of treats. Thomas' school had a Mother's Day breakfast on Friday, he and I went to a musical on Saturday night and on Sunday he and Milly produced very cute cards and little treats just before then sun came up. Henry gave his usual cuddles which I am cherishing - he is 7 months old this week. Time is flying ...

The role of a mum is a very special one and a privilege. It can also be hard work! To all of our mums, I hope that you had a lovely day.

(I had already started on mine when I took this photo. Henry was happy on my knee but I wasn't sure how long he would last. Babies don't really equate with slow eating! I wanted to remind myself to bake some ricotta this week. It was similar to an AWW baked ricotta with chillies and olive oil that I used to make.)
The Hattery: 197 Katoomba Street Katoomba Telephone: (02) 4782 5003

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Winner Is ...

Congratulations MummyBec - you have won a lovely lovely lovely cushion from Little Home. Please contact us with your address and we will send one on its way! Thank you Renata from Little Home for this prize. We are delighted to have you onboard at Mummy's Favourite :)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Four ingredients

A friend of mine popped over with a chicken pie that she had made shortly after Henry was born. Melinda is a fabulous home maker and a lovely friend. I felt like I might be asking her to part with a family secret when I asked her for the recipe. I almost fell over when she told me the ingredients. It was so simple and yet delicious. She told me that it could be found in this recipe book.

Prior to Christmas we were using a caterer for our meals for survival. I am enjoying being back in the kitchen, but the simpler the better.

Here is the chicken pie recipe found on page 118

2 sheets puff pastry
440g can condensed cream of chicken soup (she used chicken & mushroom)
1 cup cooked chicken without skin, cubed (can be bbq chicken. Melinda had roasted one)
500g frozen mixed vegies, thawed

Preheat oven to 180C. Line a greased pie dish with the first sheet of puff pastry (Melinda left this one out). Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and pour into pastry. Cover with remaining sheet, seal edges well by pressing with a fork. Cut several slits in the pie lid and bake for 30 minutes, or until lid is golden brown.

Enjoy :)

Monday, May 4, 2009

Why Beyond Blue?



I hadn't planned on watching any tv tonight, but Henry was awake and he was happy lying in my arms until he fell asleep. I am glad the the tv was on because it meant that I came across a re-run of ABC's Australian Story on Charmaine Dragun. It reminded me of why we are so passionate about Beyond Blue. All money raised from our gift wrapping is donated to the cause.

We know many, many people who struggle each day with depression for all sorts of reasons. We also know many people who have battled depression and have come out the other side. Depression is something that I knew very little about until the last few years. It seems so very prevalent and yet so misunderstood in society. It is not something that I have personally experienced, but it has some of those whom I love.

Beyond Blue has a very helpful checklist that identifies some of the signs of depression. Please help those that you know who you think may suffer from it. They really do need our love and support.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Our first giveaway!



Last Friday I was delighted to find my very own Little Home cushion waiting for me at the Post Office. It was the perfect companion on Saturday afternoon when I found 5 minutes of me time under the camellia tree with a cup of tea. I was determined to have a little time out this past weekend and when I saw a sign outside a local church saying "Make time to rest" I was sure it was a sign :) The cushion is now on Milly's bed -

We have one of these gorgeous cushions to give away (not mine!) in the Pressed Flower design (Amy Butler fabric). To enter, simply comment on this entry with the names of the three departments that the cushion can be found at http://www.mummysfavourite.com.au/. One lucky reader will be chosen at random on Friday evening at 9pm. Good luck! Thank you Renata from Little Home :)
BTW - I also had the Good Weekend (SMH) magazine with me on Saturday afternoon. Has anyone else noticed that Megan Morton has disappeared this year? I am missing her column!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Netra Chetty

I just received a lovely surprise - photos of Milly in my inbox. The photographer is Netra Chetty another kindy mum. She is delightful - I can see why her photos are beautiful - not only does she have a fabulous and enviable camera - the kids love her! She snapped some beautiful natural pictures of Milly watching Thomas at the Cross Country event.

I love this quote on her website: "The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer."

Click here to visit her website: http://www.netrachetty.com.au/