Christmas at my house

I am sure you have all read everyone else's Christmas posts, & must be getting over them?

With running the risk of causing several yawns, I thought I would share a little of mine.

It wasn't a super early morning rise, 7.30am we woke, Hudson still isn't aware of what exactly this Santa dude gets up to, so he didn't wake with the sparrows. It was Charlotte's 1st Christmas, bless her gorgeous soul, she had no idea, a regular 6.30am rise.

Once Hudson realised he could finally open the present it was on. Paper was going everywhere, there was lots of oohs and ahhs. Actually it was quite overwhelming for him, he actually became a little silly and over excited. But that's OK, I guess he didn't know what to play with first.

Below are some happy family snaps of the day.

The tree before the unwrapping began.

My favourite picture of the moment, Charlotte wearing mummies new CHANEL sunglasses.

Hudson helping Charlotte unwrap.

A happy family snap.

Hudson and his buzz light year bubble gun.

Charlotte and her duck.

We went to my sister in laws house in Wonga Park, she lives on a beautiful acre, with lots of trees, birds, and silence. Just heaven. I am very fortunate that my parents & my in laws get on well as we have it together every year. I tell you it makes life an easy on on Christmas day, no travelling. The food was great, too great actually, like everyone I over ate. This year I stayed at my sister in laws the night which was the best part of my day, I could have that extra glass of wine & chill out knowing I didn't have to worry about driving home - heaven!

A great day, and something I could write so much more about.

I hope everyone else's day was memorable.

Merry Christmas

I wanted to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and successful 2011.

Also a BIG thank you to all of my dear market friends that I have met and looked forward to seeing each month. You all make what I do an extreme pleasure. Also a big hug to all the wonderful bloggers out there who I just adore reading all about, and put a daily smile on my face.

One last thanks to the customers who purchased my products during the year & allowing me to keep on being creative. I love what I do.

I will be having a mini break over Christmas, and I hope everyone is doing the same.

A little bit of R&R is required, and some time to also start some creative planning, which has started but I am looking forward to implementing.

I should, and I say this loosely be back on board come Jan 4th, when most others are returning.

Have a great Christmas everybody xxxx Kylie

A photo with Santa

Today was a family day, booked into my diary, not negotiable, a day to get a very important photo taken. With Santa of course.

The photos are great, but it took a lot of effort to get them.

Our first meeting with Santa today was quite a disaster. Charlotte took one look at him & screamed, bringing endless tears, she wouldn't settle. I think this must have frightened Hudson as his reaction was then just as bad. The lovely and friendly elves suggested we go into the magic cave for a 15min break & then try again.

It worked!!!

Charlotte was far more accepting second time round. However she would NOT look at the camera & take her eyes of him. The photo looks quite endearing actually, but please let it be know she unsure and wondering what that man with the beard is all about.

While in the magic cave, (which was a lovely little room with interactive Christmas decorations and lights), suddenly Hudson started asking where Santa was and decided to visit him on his own accord. I think Charlotte's reaction being far more accepting second time round helped.

It ended up being a family photo, it has to be done this way as Hudson still won't go near the man with the big snowy white beard.

You can see Charlotte still won't stop looking at him.

I hope everyone's Santa photo's were as much fun as mine were.

A present for me.......

With all the rush of Christmas shopping, wondering what to buy for this one and that one, I decided to spend a little something for me. Since having my two kids I don't shop for me as much as I used to. Funny you know, I always swore I would never let myself miss out, but I am now completely guilty of it. I guess that's just the cycle of life.

Back to my present......

One of my daily blogs reads, as I am sure is for many other is made by girl. Jen who is the very driven entrepreneur of this business creates paper goods and typographical posters which I just love. So I bought one of her prints which really sings to me, her HELLO Languages Typography print, after the travelling I have done it's brings back fond memories.

Although I haven't been to Japan, I just love saying Konnichi Wa, makes me giggle everytime. I am still not sure where I will put up this pretty, but I am positive when I have it in my hands I will just know the perfect spot.

Also a little secret she is having a 20% off sale if you're interested, you can find out more here.

The Tree Is Up

Its been a debate in my house, "When do I put the tree Up"? Not because I don't want to, its how many times I have to keep putting it up the decorations. Hudson loves to flick the baubles off, hence why this year I have bought the foam ones & the glass one's are away!!

I put it up early this morning while my little man slept. It was peaceful, uninterrupted, just Charlotte and I. Obviously she had no idea, however she seem very intrigued with the shiny sparkle decorations, and I am sure would have loved to shove a handful of tinsel in her mouth. I wanted to enjoy the seeing Hudson's little face light up when he first saw it.

He was so excited when he saw it he jumped up and down, and did a little run on the spot.

It was such a great feeling.

What did I tell you.....Straight for the baubles flick, flick, spin, spin, drop.......Mummy fix........Mummy fix.........This went on a few times until I distracted him with something else.

Aqua & Red Love Treasury

My red & aqua squirrel iron on transfer was amongst some other gorgeous finds today curated by Little Vintage Cottage. Thank you Tania it is a gorgeous collection.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

I turned a very unexciting 35 today!!

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me!!!

When did a birthday become uninteresting?

I have had a lovely day, but I really do miss the build up of a birthday. Remember the feelings that started to bubble a week or two before you actual birthday. The excitement & anticipation of unwrapping your first present. Oh boy I loved it. I loved having a big birthday cake, lots of candles and a chorus singing to me. Today was a quiet affair with Daniel & the kids, mum & dad came by, and I received many calls, texts and facebook messages wishing me a special day.

The highlight of my day, as per usual were my kids. Hudson's joy at taking over the cake and blowing out the candles, repeatedly. More blowing, more blowing, he would repeat.

Today was Charlotte's first look at a candle, the focus in her big blue eyes was priceless. Like a deer looking into headlights.

These little happenings around my cosy kitchen table were my birthday highlights.

New Stockist - Chocolate Freckles

I just wanted to quickly mention a new stockist who is taking on my cushions.

Julia runs the gorgeous "Chocolate Freckles" boutique and has some other beautiful items.

You can Find Chocolate Freckles at;

194 Buckley Street Essendon VIC 3040

Our opening hours are:
Monday 10am-3pm

Tuesday-Friday 10am - 5pm

Saturday 10am-3pm

I will delivering my bundle of freshly made cushions for her tomorrow morning. Please go down and have a look, you will love it. I am in love with the coloured chandeliers she has hanging from the roof, I they would be perfect in Charlotte's room.

Busy Busy

It's certainly not like me to let blogging go like I have, it's been about 10 days.

Everyday I think about my little blog, but just couldn't get their to give it some attention.

Generally I ALWAYS make time as it's something I really enjoy doing. My reason for being so distant is a really good one, honestly. I have thrown my heart and soul this year into the Christmas retail season. I have one market booked each week between now and Christmas. I haven't been running my business long enough to have had this experience, and its been great.

Since my last blog entry I have been busily making cushions, cushions, cushions, oh, and Christmas Stockings. Not just for my online orders, but for the two markets I had last weekend. Modish Market and Mathilda's Market. The result, a great one, I had made more sales in a weekend than I have ever done. Remember I have no record so I have nothing to compare to, so this result has been thrilling.

Below my first lot of Christmas Stockings read to leave, all personalised with a special name.

You will notice a reindeer in there, a new addition to my shop.

Lots more cushions also ready to go.

My newest design "Sweet Dreams", another design being added to the collection.

I feel so much better after posting something today. It may be short, but it's really important to me. I just now have to find an hour to sit and read my favourite blogs to see what has been happening in their worlds.

Some Product Shots

I knew it was time to step my photo's up a notch & I needed the call in a professional.

I am very very excited.
I just received today some product photo's from the amazing Simone Markham.

I am not going to talk much about them as I am smiling from ear to ear,
and I just can't muster the words to say how I am feeling, I think they speak for themself.

I AM SO HAPPY!!

I think having my kids do the shots was a big help, cheap to, hahaha.

My goal is to have them on display this Saturday at Modish Market,
and on Sunday at Mathildas Market.

Again

I AM SO HAPPY.

I blogged about Simone and her amazing work, you can about here.

Newsletter

Have you subscribed to my newsletter?

I have just sent out the most recent one this morning, and have a couple of VIP Christmas specials. With every order you receive a little gift from me, to say thank you.

It's easy to subscribe just look at the top right corner of my blog page and fill in your details. Just remember though, when you receive an email asking you to confirm you subscription, please click on the link otherwise it won't go through.

Thanks, Kylie xx

Tomorrow I will be at Fairy Floss Market...

Tomorrow I will be at Fairy Floss Market in Williamstown.

From the success of the first two, I will be really looking forward to the experience myself.

Details as follows,

Williamstown North PS
133 Melbourne Road
WILLIAMSTOWN VIC 3016

I hope to see you there :)

Madeit - Typography Finds

This type of artwork is so popular at the moment.

I just love how simple it is.

This amazing artwork is in our own backyard.

Top Left : Evie The Elephant

Top Right : Paper Love

Bottom Left : MiniMi

Bottom Right : 2acorns

Limted edition - Christmas Stockings

I have been designing somethig for the festive season, and so excited here it is.

Introducing the limited edition, original and decorative Christmas stocking.
The Christmas stocking is an original design from Tiges and Weince, and printed on my own exclusive fabric.

A perfect addition to the mantel piece, along the lower branches of the Christmas tree, hanging on the bedroom door, it's completely up to you. Also a great Kris Kringle idea.

Postage is FREE to all Australian customers.

The stocking can also be personalised with the name of your choice for absolutely

NO CHARGE!!

You can refer to both listings for an example of a personalised stocking.

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The first is a beautiful Christmas Tree design, with all of the pretty pink trimmings to make you smile this festive season. Lovely pink combinations and highlights of lime, perfect for the girls.

The 2nd is a beautiful Christmas design with a fun version of Santa.

He is short squatty and cute. Great design for boys.

A petite size of 28cm (11inch) high from top to toe, and 19cm wide (7 1/2inch). Perfect for small lightweight gifts.

The stocking is made from 100% cotton, and has a spotty ribbon to use for hanging.

Last day for Australian customer orders is 17th December to guarantee delivery.

International customers please contact me for delivery lead times.

Bye Bye Dummy

I may or may not shock some mums here with my opinion of the

DUMMY

Now please, I have no objections with other children with dummies.

When I see other kids with them I don't even think twice, it's not my business.

I think as a baby they're fine and serve their purpose, soothing and very comforting.

Charlotte uses one for sleeping only, even then she is not a fan of it and constantly spits it out. Hudson has had a completely different love affair with his.

So about the dummy, what can I say I can't stand them, and here are my personal reasons.

#1 He is 2.5yrs wants to suck on it all day. Although lately he had it only for sleeping he would whinge about it constantly.

#2 I think he looks too big for it.

#3 I cant stand the drool on his chin from it.

#3 He drops it, he cries as it's dirty, I am over cleaning it.

#4 I am so over replacing it, when he loses it.

#5 He tries to talk to me and I cant understand a damn word he says, which is hard

as his words are still very new and are developing.

#6 He was developing a funny rash around his mouth, which we new was because of lack of fresh air.

He loves it so much we had to take a photo of it at my mum's 60th.

Anyway now that I have had my whinge, I am happy to announce,

WE HAVE GONE WITHOUT IT FOR 5 DAYS
My parents baby sat him last Saturday night. When I got home & kissed him goodnight I asked them where it was. Immediately mum said, "oops sorry I forgot to give it to him".

So I took the opportunity of not putting it on his pillow, knowing potentially he would wake crying and looking for it.

Well he woke the next morning not asking for it, and that night asked for it once.

We used the art of distraction, made a big deal of reading a new book of his and he forgot all about it. We have taken the same approach each night, and last night there wasn't a mention of it.

Does this mean it's gone forever?

I have been advised it could all come back to him and he may remember.

Fingers crossed xx

New Stockist - Chalk

Today I delivered my first order to,

Chalk is a bright and unique concept store devoted to providing quality products designed specifically for kids. There is ample parking outside and plenty of pram space inside, which is such a HUGE plus, they can be found in the heart of Yarraville Village, just a few doors down from the station. The train is also a bonus, as what kid doesn't love it when the CHOO CHOO is passing.

If you haven't been to Chalk it's a store you must go and visit. Before supplying Jenny my cushions I have bought from there a couple of times in the past, a tee shirt here, and a very cool dinosaur bag for Hudson. It's also a favourite store of my very good friend Belinda, and if you're lucky you may get to say hello to Lou from the super talented Totally Innocent, as she works casually at the Kensington store.

There are now 2 Chalk stores open the first being...

Yarraville - 83 Anderson St and Kensington - 3 Gower St

A new cushions for the girls

OK, so I am a little biased of my own product, but shouldn't we all be to a degree?

Otherwise what the hell are we doing?

I recently finished these 2 new cushions for the girls and I am really happy with them.

Hot Air Balloon

Girly Bird

I am making a new girls personalised cushion, and hopefully will have it ready today?

Maybe tonight? Either way it's coming.

Madeit finds - French Kiss

There is no hiding my LOVE for French inspired design.

Check out these lovelies.

1 Oopsidaisi

2. Mulberry Muse

3 My sweet Prints

4 Kaboodle designs

5 Figg and Honey

6 3 girls and a goat

My Messy Routine

One of the biggest things in life I would just LOVE to achieve is being super dooper organised, and meticulously tidy.

I just can't escape it, my routine is

I do try very hard...

It's not through lack of effort...

Or not having the will to do so...

Does it have anything to do with having 2 kids under 3??

Should I stop using them as an excuse?

Who knows, maybe it's just time to accept it's just me.

The funny thing is, although I have a very messy and unstructured routine,

I still manage to somehow get it all done.

I email with the baby on my knee,

I sketch on the floor during outside play time,

I utilise the jolly jumper so I can cook in peace,

I try to wash fold and organise all at once when it's nap time ,

I post on facebook and check my online stores inbetween everything else,

I blog when it fits in,

and it just goes on and on.

The bulk of my online existence is at night.

They say "give something to a busy person and you will get it done".

My dad has always said that about me, maybe there is some truth involved.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have it any other way, I love to be busy and struggle with sitting still. Hubby always says, "Just relax it's like you have ants in your pants!!"

I just wish that everything in my life wasn't such a rush like I'm in a whirlwind.

Maybe I reading to many magazines on super women with there several children, perfect houses, and successful businesses. Is is all a facade? MMMM I sometimes wonder.

A final thought......

How lucky are women today to have the opportunities to have it all.

The world is our oyster ladies, lets go for it!!!

Cushions for Boys

I have some new cushion designs dedicated to the boys.

Some are personalised and some aren't.

Personalised Alien

Personalised Circus

Robot

Dinosaur

If you like a design that I have created and would love it personalised, that is now available here.

These are great Christmas gifts, and super light if you have to post it somewhere.

Making a Flashing Web Button

I have known about this little web accessory for sometime now, but I also remember thinking

"HOW THE HELL DO I MAKE ONE OF THOSE"
I also know what it's like to not want to ask a question, just incase you feel like the only person on the planet who doesn't know the obvious answer.
I wanted to very quickly let everyone know how to make a flashing web button.

I am not actual aware of the 'technical' web term for these and would love somebody to let me know.

There is a website called gifninja and the best part it's free and so easy to use.

I am going to guide you through it step by step, and have added hot pink arrows.

#1 - Log onto the site and click on create an animated gif

Select your photos you would like to use at the browse tabs.

It's just like loading images onto blogger.

Once selected you have the choice to make your gif flash fast or slower, you can do this just above the dog. Once that's done hit make my gif!

Here you will get a sneak peak as to how your gif will look. To the right you

have the chance to make any changes. Once happy hit Yes - it's fantastic.

Here all you have to do is call you gif file something.

You can chose whether or not you want your gif to be made public.

I usually say no.

Hit save gif.

Again hit save my gif. Then save it to you computer where you wish.

Once here it gets a bit tricky as there is some coding you have to delete.

If you don't erase some of this coding, you will have some big type appearing below your flashing button saying GIFNINJA, which I am sure you don't want to have.

Your code will appear in the top box like this.

(remember everyones code will differ slightly)

You need to delete all text from the word center to center, be sure to include the

brackets before the first center and the after the last center.

Your text should look like this, compare the two to see.

After that is done all you have to do is copy & past the script to it's desired location.

If you want to use it in blogger, go to you design function, and select the option call html/java script. Paste the code in there and save.

Voila .... done.

The fun of Halloween

I am a proud Australian and there aren't many times when I am wishing I ever lived elsewhere.

Tonight I am wishing I lived in the USA.

Why??

Because of Halloween....It just seems like so much fun.

So what is this fun festive time all about?

According to Wikipedia - Halloween (or Hallowe'en) is an annual holiday observed on October 31, primarily in Canada, Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints' Day, but is today largely a secular celebration. MMMM sounds too deep for me.

I am all about the costumes, and my favourite part, "Trick or Treat".

My two munchkins are a little to young to be undertaking any part in this as yet, but when the time comes I think I will enjoy knocking from door to door with them.

Meanwhile I have had a lot of fun looking through Etsy tonight to see what is available to celebrate this fun filled occasion.

Tutu by dress up baby girl

Halloween party printables by chickabug

Halloween Silhouette by Apple Blossom Print

Hanging Mobile -- Halloween Creatures by lovely friend

Tomorrow I'll be at Monkey Market.

Tomorrow I'll be at Monkey Market, and I would love to see you there.

Come on down and say hi.

It's indoors so you can hide from the rain.

Eltham Community & Reception Centre
801 Main Road, Eltham (Mel Ref: 21 J6)
Sunday 31st October 2010

Treasury Delight

Two lovely treasuries featuring some of my product.

The first is titled 'Christmas In Australia' and it is curated by 'Style Me Classy', and it is featuring my Santa Magnetic Bookmarks.

This one is titled "Dream In Colour' curated by Sara Lynn Art & its featuring my star wall hanging.

Blog Find : Life On Planet Baby

Sometime ago I had a comment on one of my posts from someone I didn't know.

Jane? Jane who?

Anyway she asked me to come over to her very new blog & say hi.

So over I go curious to see what "Life On Planet Baby Is About".

Nothing to do with a crafting business, its the daily goings on in Jane's life, and her kids.

Let me tell you all, Jane is a HOOT and a half.

I look forward to seeing what it is she is going to post about next.

A lot of her personal stories are very similar to what is going on in many houses, that have

little people as permanent residents.

However, "Life On Planet Baby' isn't always about her "little pixies' as she calls them.

She loves anything French, so do I.

She loves stationery, so do I.

She loves interior design so do I.

She also has a knack for writing about things that I find extremely informative, I think it's the fact she's a lawyer!

Anyway pop over to have a read, I am sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks Jane for entertaining me.

Window cleaner in training

It's been a busy Monday here, cleaning to do, work to finish, and a couple of orders to make.

It can be exctremely challenging to get it all done with a toddler constantly saying,

'Mummy'

'Mummy'

'Mummy'

MMM what to do, it's semi warm outside, well tee shirt weather anyway.

I thought a spray bottle with some water, a sponge, and get him to work!!

Who would have thought cleaning windows could make him so happy.