Baby Announcement

Congrats to Fiona Chard Dixon on your third addition!

When I found out one of Chic Mother & Baby's blog reader, Fiona who also has her own blog had a baby - I thought to mark the tiny fella's birthday with a custom baby announcement for Fiona to spread the exciting and wonderful news. That's how much we love our readers :) Aston's newborn striped outfit inspired a nautical theme for baby announcement.

We hope you like it Fiona and once again congrats on your bundle of joy!!

Frangipani Photography & Designs

Meet Claire Miles, a multi-talented and experienced Photographer and Graphic Designer, mum to Jackson, 3 and running Frangipani Photography & Designs. When you see Claire's portfolio you'll understand the importance to hiring a photographer for your next event or occasion. Even I couldn't choose which ones to put in this post, there were too many great photos to choose from. Based in Sydney, she'll travel around to capture all your precious moments with your family, bub or friends.

1. How did Frangipani Designs begin? How did you come up with the name?
It began back in 1999, I was 25. I realised that I didn’t want to work for anyone else, and I thought that I was creative enough to give my own business a go. I started making Wedding Invitations and hair accessories. The invitations I did for friends and the accessories were sold through local hair dressers. I always loved frangipani flowers, especially their smell and their shape… and it was way back before every car had a frangipani sticker!!!

2. How you would describe your photography style?
Relaxed, natural, fun and beautiful! I love capturing the unique qualities of my subjects and showing them off, whether it be brilliant blue eyes or flaming red hair, a crooked smile or a shy face. 

3. If you could photograph anything in the world what would it be?
I just love taking photos so…. it would be anything!…..as long as it catches my eye, I will take a photo of it!

4. What has been your favourite photoshoot so far and why?There are so many to choose from, I have worked with white doves and kids, dogs and kids, worked around beehives to get the right shot and had clients whos sausages were stolen whilst having their photos taken! I am just so lucky to being doing something everyday that I enjoy and take pride in.

5. Which designers, artists or creative people inspire you?
Since joining sites like facebook and starting my blog, I have been amazed at the amount of talented WAHM’s out there. Everyone is giving it a go and making and creating wonderful, unique things that make me smile. I love the dedication and sense of community that comes from this. These people inspire me everyday. It is so good to know that we are all doing something to reward us, doing something for ourselves as well as being in business and being parents.

6. What is the most chic item you own?  
My husband bought me the most beautiful pearl and silver ring on our recent Fiji holiday, and inside it has an inscription that says ‘live your dream’

7. Whats next for Frangipani Designs?
I am introducing some amazing new products, photo wallpaper (large photos for your walls with an adhesive background) and photo tiles (resin blocks that have a photo imprinted on them.. perfect for sitting on your desk or shelves).

8. Lastly, what has been one of your favourite 'mummy' moment?
My little man, Jackson, is 3 now and I am constantly having moments! He amazes me everyday but seeing him interact with different types of people really melts my heart, he is such a character! I don’t think he will have any problems making friends in this world.

Get a glimpse of her portfolio on her website or on facebook.

Goodbye June...

Can't believe how fast time has gone, before you know we will be shopping for xmas! It has been 6 months now and I am having a blast blogging about all the chic finds locally and from around the globe. I know I have turned some readers into more of a shop-o-holic!

I am so grateful being apart of the blogging community and making new cyber friends who either run a store online or blog. Special mentions to Kellie from Mini Must Have (a real gem!), Magnificent Maddie from L'il Magoolie in the NZ, Talented Suzanna from Montresor, Super stylish Jen from Style Milk, Amazing Alison Lantry from Sophie & Jack, Vesna from My Little Jeidi inspirational Anna from Invite with Style. There is also Kim from Amity Invites, Mel from The Speckled Freckle Party Place, Claire from Frangpani Designs and Christie from BOWtique + many many more! These lovely ladies have all believed in Chic Mother & Baby blog. You will have noticed them appearing on our blog because I want to support WAHM and believe in their handmade creations! There will be more and more local store features so make sure you follow our blog so you don;t miss out.

Tomorrow is the start to Chic Mother & Baby's first Nursery & Toy Month. Excitment plus! Also of course we have to announce the winner ... ! Thank you to all that helped spread the word about Chic Mother & Baby blog and following us. All the comments and followers truly make it all that worthwhile. 

Number #8 Sarah! Please contact me so we can post it to you! Enjoy your fabulous bunting custom made by Amy from Giggleberry. Hopefully everytime you look at them you'll think of Chic Mother & Baby :)

Show & Tell: Cute as a button Sponges

If I had these, I think I would be cleaning with a smile :) This mushroom sponge set is made of 3 sponges. Even the green ground is a sponge. Where from? Japan of course.

Imagine using cute little strawberries to clear your cups. Strawberry cake.
via SPGRA

GIGGLEBERRY BUNTING GIVEAWAY + OTHER COMPETITIONS...

Chic Mother & Baby's bunting giveaway is now OPEN. Everyone who follows Chic Mother & Baby's Blog has a chance of winning. We have a custom designed bunting by Giggleberry Creations that matches Chic Mother & Baby's yellow and grey palette to giveaway.  

If you have entered in the previous post, don't fret we have you noted down in our spreadsheet :)

 

{COMPETITION DETAILS}*

• Spread the love, tell your friends to follow Chic Mother & Baby's blog (you must be a google blog follower - it is very easy to setup an account, you will see on the RHS column of the blog)
• Each time you refer a friend, you triple your chances of winning!
• Leave a comment to this post as to who you are and your friend's name
• Winner drawn on WEDNESDAY 30th JUNE, 2010 by random.org

Here are some other competitions going on in the blog world. Some are about to end so hurry!

• Montresor will be also giving away something after they reach 100 followers.
• Here we go loopy lou 1st Birthday Fabric Cards (worth $40 and are super cute) giveaway.
• TWO Nudey!Rudey! packs valued at $NZ95 on Early Childhood Resources
• A bunch of competitions on Best Buys for Baby
• Lets Be Friends competition at KID independent
• Eukabear Rub giveaway at Baby Universe
• The Photo Album by Frankie Magazine giveaway at See Hear Say
• Adorning AL Giveaway on Little Sooti
• A range of competitions on Alphabet Street 
• Little YOYO Styles giveaway on Mini Must Have 

*Competition is limited to Australian & New Zealand residence. Triple your chances (i.e three extra entries to your name). Prize cannot be exchanged or redeemable for cash. 

Got Loose Change?

While I love my little red Marc by Marc Jacobs zip coin purse, I am thinking of trading it for these handmade coin purses that have so much more character! Wouldn't you agree?

{1} Bird & Rose by one of my favourite designers, Tabitha Emma {2} Apple & Bee Hemp Embroided Coin Purse {3} Alphabet Purses (in every alphabet) {4} Santa Clara Clutch at Anthropologie

Little Girl Adore Accessories

What little girl doesn't love decorating themselves like an Xmas Tree. There is a lovely post on Mini Must Have about her little 3 year old Poppy & her wardrobe choices. There are some gorgeous accessories and affordable around town at the moment.

Chic Mother & Baby are going to offer an exclusive 20% off our huggalugs range to our blog readers. Enter HUG20 at the checkout. Offer ends June 30th 2010.

1. Cupcake & Oh Deer Charming Necklaces at My Little Jeidi
2. Huggalugs at Chic Mother & Baby 20% off = $13.56
3. Handmade Headband from BOWtique
4. Custom Vintage Headbands from Montresor
5. DAN300 Perspex Brooches available online

Paper Scissors Rock Stationery Travelling Store

What is a Travelling Store? It is a great idea, is what it is! Paper Scissors Rock Stationery are taking stationery goods to the next level by bringing their exclusive goodies such as Invite with Style, Belles & Whiselles, Ideas take Flight, Loxx + Savvy (my fav), Paper Eskimo to YOUR home or workplace.
You get to be a host of all that is lovely, invite a few friends have some afternoon tea - it will be a different way to entertain! Nikki (owner of Paper Scissors Rock Stationery) will setup a gorgeous display AND I Dream of Cupcakes cupcakes for your guests to enjoy browsing through the range of stationery even more. This. is. a. brilliant. business. chicks. idea!

Oh, a great bonus is that hosts receive 25% off all purchases!

Read and see more here. Everything you see is also available to purchase online (remember to sign up to their newsletter so you don't miss out on exclusive members sales).

Furthermore, Paper Scissors Rock Stationery stocks a lot of previous guest bloggers and mentions on Chic Mother & Baby's blog such as Montresor's cupcake toppers, Anna from Invite with Style's Party Invitations and Paper Eskimo.

Celebrity Baby Style: Sunday Rose

Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban's little toddler is so adorable.
Images from Celebrity Baby Scoop

Facebook Show & Tell: Anika

I have always doubted the ability of Facebook as a way for stores to make sales...but it completely works! I have been tempted several times and made purchases on items that have appeared on my Facebook feed page.

I have enjoyed Anika's Facebook updates - showcasing her latest handmade toddler clothes & bags. Times like this I wish I had a little girl so I could dress her up in Anika's handmade creations. The prints are simply chic & divine!

Puppy Love

Aww, makes my heart melt. My lovely friend (who has his own intentions to start a blog too) emailed me these amazing puppy floral arrangement and I just had to share it with everyone.

FYI: I googled searched and found these exact photos on the internet, but no mention of the artist's name. I would like to give due credit.

What's Cookin? Pizza!

Everybody loves Pizza! Think homemade gourmet pizza and everybody as the Chef! You don't have to sacrifice family's nutrition for convenience and order Pizza Hut or Dominoes. I found out that pizza dough is easy to make and the kids can be involved in the cooking process. If not, purchase some frozen or refrigerated pizza dough. Teach the kids to roll their mini pizza out and let them choose and place the toppings (make funny faces!!)

You and the kids can go wild, experiment with different toppings, and this is a great chance to get rid of leftovers too :) It is a great and entertaining meal that can be healthy.

Here are some yummy pizza toppings combos:

• Pumpkin, spinach & fetta
• Rosemary, Mozzarella, Potato + Tomatoes
• Proscuitto, Rocket + Shaved Parmsen **my fav**
• Spinach, Ricotta + Pinenuts
• Red Onion, Portobello Mushrooms + Brie
• Zucchini & Oregano

Basic Pizza Recipe 
serves makes 6 to 8 medium-sized thin pizza bases

• 1kg strong white bread flour
• 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
• 2 x 7g sachets of dried yeast
• 1 tablespoon caster sugar
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 650ml lukewarm water

1. Sieve the flour/s and salt on to a clean work surface and make a well in the middle. 
2. In a jug, mix the yeast, sugar and olive oil into the water and leave for a few minutes, then pour into the well. Using a fork, bring the flour in gradually from the sides and swirl it into the liquid. Keep mixing, drawing larger amounts of flour in, and when it all starts to come together, work the rest of the flour in with your clean, flour-dusted hands. Knead until you have a smooth, springy dough.
3. Place the ball of dough in a large flour-dusted bowl and flour the top of it. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place in a warm room for about an hour until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Now remove the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead it around a bit to push the air out with your hands. You can either use it immediately, or keep it, wrapped in clingwrap, in the fridge (or freezer) until required. If using straight away, divide the dough up into as many little balls as you want to make pizzas – this amount of dough is enough to make about six to eight medium pizzas.
5. Timing-wise, it’s a good idea to roll the pizzas out about 15 to 20 minutes before you want to cook them. Don’t roll them out and leave them hanging around for a few hours, though – if you are working in advance like this it’s better to leave your dough, covered with clingwrap, in the fridge. However, if you want to get them rolled out so there’s one less thing to do when your guests are round, simply roll the dough out into rough circles, about 0.5cm thick, and place them on slightly larger pieces of olive-oil-rubbed and flour-dusted tinfoil.

Source: Jamie Oliver at Home

DIY Wooden Magnets

Sick and tired of cheap plastic alphabet magnets? Why not make your own crafty alphabet magnets. You need pieces of wood, magnet bits and alphabet letter stickers (buy them at local craft/stationery store or even places like typo & Kikki.K). You can even print your own alphabet letters with an inkjet printer buy some adhesive labels from officeworks and that way you get to choose your own font! This a BRILLIANT tutorial from Aesthetic Outburst. Such handmade creativity that ANYBODY can do.

You'll need:

• paint
• paint brush
• 26 wood pieces (images show 1 inch thick)
• 26 magnets (smaller than diameter of twigs)
• alphabet stickers (make sure letters fit on twigs)
• super glue

1. Find/cut 26 wood pieces from a twig.
2. Get small alphabet stickers and stick them to the twigs.
3. Paint over the stickers (the stickers will act as a resist).
4. Glue a magnet to the back of each twig
5. Let glue dry & then decorate your fridge! 

Sounds super-duper easy. Now just need someone to cut some wood...

Wine Time: Good Health

I am a bit of a magazine junkie and have expanded my interests to health magazines. Today for wine time (without any wine) I am enjoying 'Good Health'. It has a nice mix of articles on nutrition, psychology, fitness and beauty as well as a touch of fashion & style too! My favourite section is 'Eat Smart' which has great meal ideas for a healthier lifestyle. It is really interesting getting to know more about what we digest (fruits, snacks, greens, cheese - there is a whole lot of info)

This month's Good Health has:
+ Tips to fight colds & flu (as well as the myths)
+ headache health book
+ earthly pleasures (organic beauty products)
+ the green zone
+ cheese whiz
+ much much more... this month's issue will keep me entertained for a while!

I am really tempted to subscribe to Good Health Magazine because they are giving Trilogy Vital Moisturing Cream worth $38. 

Show & Tell: Paper Eskimo Baking Cups

Recently rediscovering my passion for baking, I am loving Paper Eskimo Baking Cups. The designs are simple but chic (just like Chic Mother & Baby's range of clothing ;) Believe it or not, they go straight into the oven – the paper is durable enough that it doesnt get affected by oil and butter.

But dont think the use is just for cupcakes!

• Party favours (lollies and treats)
• Jelly/Fruit
• Icecream sundaes
• Great idea – use cellophane and ribbon/twine around them and fill with treats for a nice gift or party favour idea.
• Compliment a lot of different party themes suitable for kids & adults

They are available on a lot of online stores but I ordered mine from Paper Scissors Rock Stationery
I hope Paper Eskimo brings out more designs!

Thanks to Paper Scissors & Rock for great sale and fast delivery!

Wall Planters

insitu wall planters offer a unique way to display your pot plants. A nice 'green' touch to empty spaces. Aussie designed & made!

Speckled Freckle Party Place

The headache about parties for kids is deciding which theme and shopping for all the themed bits. The great thing about all the online party stores is the amount of inspiration and most stores are categorised by themes so you'll never run out of ideas.

Meet Melissa Ellis who runs Speckled Freckle Party Palace, another very busy WAHM who will be Mathilda's Market, Canberra this weekend! She has many many ideas, if you are planning a party definitely check out her inviting store and blog.

1. How did Speckled Freckle Party Place come about? I always loved parties – costume parties are my favourite! Once I had kids I loved putting on big, over the top, parties for them. I knew parties were my passion and it just seemed right to open a business doing something I love. I researched parties for about 12-18mths and then took my business online. Although I loved the idea of opening a store front or a party room hosting birthday parties, I knew I wanted to have a large family and be able to stay at home with the children while still following my dream. The business has been online now for 2 1/2 years and combined with my 4 children it keeps me very busy.

2. What are some popular party themes? Our most popular party themes are Barnyard, Jungle, Construction, Princess and Pirates.

3. What party themes have you thrown for your children and what has been your favourite (why)? My own children have had many themed parties. We have had a magic theme with a magician, carnival theme with a clown, hawaiian disco, space party, soccer, butterfly, barnyard, pirate and more. My eldest daughter turned 9yrs this year and we did a art and craft party for her which was fun. My youngest will celebrate her 1st birthday in November and we will be having a ladybug themed party.

My favourite party that I have done would have to be the pirate themed party. It was so much fun. All the kids came in costume and dad dressed up as a pirate and helped coordinate the party. We made up games to suit the theme like walk the plank, cannonball, cannonball, pop (duck, duck, goose), pin the treasure on the map and had a treasure hunt. We made some pirate craft and we even themed our party food. Meatballs became cannon balls, shoestring chips were swords and cordial was crocodile blood.  We kept the cake simple by using a Mud Cake and decorated it with gold chocolate coins and a toy skull. See more photos on their facebook page.

4. Have you had any party disaster stories or heard of any? I haven’t had any personal disasters with my parties but I think the biggest problem is when people plan an outdoor party and don’t have a back up plan for bad weather.  I also think the key to a good party is planning and plenty of lists. Another tip is to always plan more kids party games then you think you will need or have time to play. Some kids party games will be more popular then others so by having several games prepared it will allow you to switch to a new party game if one doesn't seem to be going so well.


5. What ideas do you have for your next birthday party? The next party we celebrate will be my daughters 1st birthday party. We will be having a ladybug theme which I am very excited about. We have a new range of ladybug themed tableware which is oh so sweet. I have already brought her the cutest handmade ladybug booties from Etsy and a little red and white dress with a spotty nappy cover and ladybug design on the dress.

6. What is your favourite party item from your store? My favourite item in my store is my party meal boxes.  They are an imported item and hard to find in Australia and they make any party table look extra special. The kids love them! My personal favourite is the Pirate Galleon and the Princess Coach.

7. Whats next for Speckled Freckle Party Place? The Speckled Freckle Party Place is always expanding our party range and looking for new and exciting party themes for your children.  We have goals to move into a local shop front in a few years time (once my children are older) and who know where that will lead us. I have been approached many times from customers in other states who would like me to franchise my business so who knows what could lie ahead us!

All things Ladybug...

I was inspired by Amity Invite's Ladybug Invitations and coincidentally Melissa from Speckled Freckle Party Place plans on throwing a ladybug themed party for her little one.

There is certainly a lot of whimsical ladybug party fillers out there!


{1} Red Ladybugs {2} Ladybug Invitations by Amity Invites{3} BOWtique White Ladybug Slides {4} Ladybug Pod {5} Sophie & Jack Ladybug Ponytail Elastics {6} Wheelybug

Show & Tell: Ask Alice

Remember the "show & tell" segments back in primary school? Essentially this is what bloggers are doing everyday! Today's show & tell feature is Ask Alice - an absolutely gorgeous Australian range of Eco-Loving stationery, produced from 100% recycled paper, printed in vegetable ink and made in Melbourne, Australia (another local Aussie talent - love it!)

I'd love to Ask Alice, if I could have her entire collection.

Just started following Ask Alice's blog too!

Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Shoes

The pair team up to create Mini Melissa's chic designer, eco-friendly shoes. These too-cute-to-wear shoes are made with Melissa’s signature Melflex plastic and Vivienne Westwood's famous design, a form of PVCthat is non-toxic, breathable, and recyclable. RRP $100US, available exclusively at epaulet.
via ecouterre

Recycled Shoe Boxes

Shoe Boxes + Black Felt Tip Pen = New Playhouse. Pretty chic looking at no cost (except for the pricey shoes that were in there!)

Image via Mother Baby Earth

Pocket Carnival

I am pleased to introduce everyone to Pocket Carnival. Such adorable illustrations on various handmade AND eco-friendly products by Penny Eager. Penny creates tote bags, coin purses, pencil cases, greeting cards, tags and lots more in her Melbourne studio (Wohoo, another Aussie talent!) Her web store is a MUST visit!

All her tote bags, coin purses and pencil cases are made from certified organic cotton. I just love finding more great green supporters.

Lucky for Chic Mother & Baby readers, Penny has kindly offered us 20% off discount from Pocket Carnival. Enter chicmotherandbaby in the Pocket Carnival shop (valid until July 6th, 2010).

Your Baby's Future Predicted...

B r i l l i a n t.

Many of you will remember "The Wheel of Responsibility" from Wry Baby I posted last month. Here is another amusing item!
“Mysterio predicts your child’s future on a cotton t-shirt which is then sealed in a hand-stitched muslin bag. There are 12 possible futures but you won’t know yours until you open it" A different type of Magic 8 Ball.

My Colour Palette: Fire Engine Red

I do love an intense and bright red colour palette. A splash of red always makes a dramatic statement.

{1} Run Scotty Run Red Romper {2} Loving Heart Huggalugs {3} Moppit Tee on sale
{4} Montresor Paper Straws - available in other green and blue too! {5}, {9} Paper Eskimo Baking Cups & Candles {6} BOWtique Red Gelato Flower - free shipping & custom orders. {7} Ladybird Frilly Tushies {8} Keptin Jr Rag Doll Toy

Happy Birthday Maddie

This month's birthday shoutout is to Maddie from Li'l Magoolie. Happy Birthday!!

Miss Kellie from Mini Must Have introduced me to Li'l Magoolie Blog and ever since then I made a New Zealand blog friend. I am pretty much envious of every post she puts up - brilliant finds from all around the world. Although she is a bad influence because I want to buy so many of the things featured on her blog (so be aware shop-o-holics! :)

Remember chic mother & baby's blog do shoutouts each month, so if you know someone you want to dedicate a birthday post to contact me. We haven't got one for July just yet.

Imaginative Parents

W.o.W

Here is a collection of costumes created by imaginative and creative parents for their kids. Are you thinking WTF or super cool? How far will you go?Is it a form of torture?


Collection sourced from Toxel.

Crayon Rocks

Check out these Natural Crayon Rocks. Rich in colour to let your child's imagination go wild!

• Ultra cool comes in 16 vibrant colors
• Packaged in a velvet bag, easy to carry around or party favour idea
• Natural soy wax rocks 
• Shape is designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles and prepare toddlers fingers and hands for handwriting
• Recommended 3+

Available from Montresor

I have a headache...

How chic is this pacakaging? Help Remedies - witty name + simple design. Their packaging is made of molded paper pulp and a bio plastic.

Super Sale News

Chic Mother & Baby have some great news!

1. All sale items are now reduced FURTHER 20% OFF - baby & kids winter clothing
2. Postage & handling is now only $5.50 Australia wide (the cheapest around town at the moment!)
3. Only 13 more followers until we giveaway a custom designed bunting banner by Amy, Giggleberry! All the details here.
4. Not long until Chic Mother & Baby's Nursery Month coming up in July. All things nursery showcased on our blog. Contact us if would like to contribute!

All things Apple...

Time for Thursday Themes...inspired by these fruit notes chic mother & baby featured a while back because I found them here in Australia (finally!!) You can get these Red Apple Fruit Funky Note Memos at My Little Jedi

1. Red Apple Memos 2. Mod Brooch by Dan 300 3. Rabbit & Duck Hello Apples wallet 4. Organic Apple Romper by Sture o Lisa 5. Engel Apple Apron at Lark Handmade 6. Free printable Apples stationery set from Creature Comforts 7. Sophie & Jack Apple Felt Hair Clip

Cake Pops

We all love cupcakes and I've noticed a new trend - Cake Pops! These pops are basically cake truffles on a stick and are very simple to prepare (so it says). These are a cute alternative bite size treat, ideal for kids party treats or made to be sophisticated for entertaining guests. Yum Yum!

This will be my weekend project to keep myself occupied. If you've tried this before, would love to hear your tips. Try it yourself - visit Bakerella for all your baking inspiration. My favourite is the baa baa sheep. Miss Bakerella is an artistic genuis!!!

Coolest Carpet EVER

Can't wait for Chic Mother & Baby's nursery month (coming up in July). Here's a sneak peek of one of nursery goodies - fun carpet for the kidsby Joanna Rusin, Polish designer. This will stop them from ever ripping the carpet apart (or will it encourage them to...hmmm).


Found via milk tooth's rain

Woolly Madness

I love how I am discovering more and more eco-conscious products from all around the world.
Cate & Levi - sustainably made with reclaimed wool and dedicated to a low carbon footprint and reusing materials. Each one is handmade and one of a kind. Think Zoo Cubes, Hand Puppets and even wall art. The platypus caught my eye!

Keep them Kissable

Tis the season of dry, cracked lips yes? The number one solution is to keep hydrated, now that we spend more time sitting in front of the heater. The other tip is to find a good lip balm that repairs and moisturises.

For me, I always choose brand that is Australian or New Zealand made like new Bloom Organics range, Triology, Julique or Lucas Pawpaw Ointment.

What do you use? Any recommendations?

Wizard of Oz Party

One of the 'latest' trend Montresor has spotted is a party theme based on 'Wizard of Oz'. So this post is dedicated to Suzanna, creative mind behind Montresor.

Here is an inspirational moodboard for Wizard of Oz theme ideal for a baby shower, birthday party for kids or adults.

I also put together Wizard of Oz inspired outfits from Chic Mother & Baby store. See how you can get creative with simple pieces from your child's wardrobe as sometimes it is just not practical to buy a costume outfit.

We love hearing about party theme ideas. Leave a comment and we'll do the homework for you, I am sure it will inspire Suzanna too!

Wizard of Oz Party Resources: Design Dazzle Thoughtfully Simple Oh my Handmade 
Outfits {1} Alex & Ant Striped L/S, Monstar Crochet Pants, Alex & Ant Red Shoes. {2} Classic Red Bow from Montresor, Moppit Dress & Leggings, Alex & Ant Red Mary Janes.

Buttercream Bakery

How beautiful is this bouquet? ITS EDIBLE cupcakes! Buttercream Bakery is absolutely brilliant. They make great gift ideas and you must check out their flickr stream to see their wonderful custom order creations. Steer clear diabetics!

Sydney-siders are super lucky because Buttercream Bakery offer FREE delivery.

Long Weekend Style

This weekend Kristy & I was in the most comfortable & warm casual outfits - grocery shopping, lounging around, running around with the kids and baking THAT cake.

What's your casual weekend style like?

Kristy was very Reese Witherspoon like wearing grey wool turtleneck by Country Road + denim jeans + converse. I was wearing my latest Bonds Boyfit pants + adidas hoodie + black boots. I just wanted to be super warm!

For more women's fashion style check out Style Milk - Jen and her fans share what they are wearing each week.

Our Everest - Black Forest Cake on MasterChef

Chic Mother & Baby officially tested the Black Forest Cake that was featured on Master Chef in one of the Pressure Tests. The recipe was taken from the latest MasterChef Magazine. Spot the difference.

Luckily, Kristy's hubby kept toddler 2 entertained. Uncoated hazelnuts, reading each step about 10 times, feeding Mr 8 months, a huge mess in the kitchen, one sponge layer short, a lot of 'are you sure?' and 3 hours later (their cooking time was 1hr 40mins)... we had a cake.
 
We had a somewhat leaning tower of Black Forest Cake that looked like an Everest. We both decided that it's definitely worth paying $40+ for a good Black Forest Cake. You appreciate the hard work that goes into a layered and rich tasting cake. Plus shopping for the ingredients cost just about that much. Kristy's husband takes the first taste his words are (he takes a few minutes to carefully phrase his words)... its really sweet and edible.

We have a few tips to share to everyone (unless you are a lot more cake-baking-savvy than us..)
1. Be prepared to make a huge mess (lots of paper towels and sponges necessary)
2. Have A LOT of saucepans, or keep washing them after each use
3. 70% Cocoa is incredibly rich and sweet
4. It takes more time than you think
5. Read each step carefully and break it up to smaller steps
6. Read through and make sure you make a list of all kitchen gadgets needed
7. Different brand ingredients will taste different, particularly the Mascarpone

Did I miss anything Miss Kristy? If you have any handy cake baking tips do share.

The Cupcake Apron

How many of us 'masterchefs' want this Jessie Steele's vintage apron that Kristen Davis's character, Charlotte York wore in this Sex & The City 2 yummy cupcake scene? You can find them here and delivered to your doorstep available at The Cupcake Courier. It's available in kids ($29.95) and adults size ($39.95).

Now if you're planning on baking cupcakes, consider some cool cupcake toppers from Montresor or The Cupcake Wrapper Co. You can find great cake stands at bargain stores, IKEA or even Kmart & BigW.

Susu has World Cup fever...

Susu's feminine illustrative characters join in with the World Cup 2010 fever too! We have blogged about Susu before know for their chic and classy bag collection. They also have a brillant blog keeping their fans up-to-date with their creative collection.

My Little Day

Ah more French chicness - a very inspirational party store called My Little Day. How great is the art direction in these photos!

Hope everyone has a nice and relaxing long weekend!

Online Sales Roundup

Give your credit cards a good workout with all these great sales happening at the moment - of course start off at Up to 70% off at Chic Mother & Baby sale then....

• Agoo 1st Birthday Sale & prize offers (worth over $2500)
• 15% off at Bright Star Kids (from 14/06/10-16/06/10)
• Flower Child fabric clearance sale
• 20% off STOREWIDE @ Little Bird Decor
• 10% off wedding stationary at Amity Invites
• Eco-Savings at Ecobabe
• Nutcase Helmets Stocktake Clearance
• Little Bare Bear 1st B'day 20% off storewide sale*
• 30% off Australian Botanical Range from Mozi
• Blossoms Creations Stocktake Sale
• Kikki.K Last Chance Sale
• Further reduction at Witchery
• Up to 60% off at Dusk
• Up to 70% off at Tony Bianco shoes

There are heaps of sales on the moment so don't miss out!

Sneak Peek Nursery + GIVEAWAY

The next two weeks are going to be jammed packed of nursery related posts. {we are making it a nursery & toy MONTH in July} Chic Mother & Baby's blog will showcase nurseries from mums such as Kellie - Mini Must Have, Belinda - Nest Design Studio, Claire - Frangipani Designs and many more. We have a few guest bloggers too! Chic Mother & Baby will also be offering spontaneous specials on nursery products - so you'll need to stay tuned by following our blog or being a facebook fan (as our blog posts feed through to facebook).

To celebrate this period, we have a custom designed bunting that match Chic Mother & Baby's yellow and grey palette to giveaway. Thanks to Amy from Giggleberry Creations and her hardwork searching for the right patterned fabric. We just need to reach 100 followers before I will giveaway this lovely banner, perfect for party or nursery.

{COMPETITION DETAILS} 

• Spread the love, tell your friends to follow Chic Mother & Baby's blog
• Each time you refer a friend, you triple your chances of winning!
• Leave a comment to this post as to who you are and your friend's name
• Competition ends midnight EST the day it reaches 100 followers
• Winner drawn the following day by random generator

*Competition is limited to Australian & New Zealand residences. Triple your chances (i.e three extra enteries to your name). Prize cannot be exchanged or redeemable for cash. Competition timeframe and conditions may changed.

Support Sydney Children's Hospital in Chic Style

In support of Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick - luxe baby brand Marquise has enlisted the support of a mix of fashion designers and celebrities to custom design a white Marquise baby singlet.

These Ginger and Smart, Little Joe by Gail Elliott, Zimmerman, Peter Alexander, Gorman, Fleur Wood, James Gordon, Camilla and Marc and Mimco. Most of the popular ones have been sold!

Even international supermodels Cindy Crawford (SOLD) and Christy Turnlington (still available) have designed their very own singlets for this auction.

Funds raised from these chic custom singlets will go towards research and medical equipment. Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick is one of Australia’s leading specialist medical centres for children providing quality, comprehensive and expert clinical services to the children and families of NSW and beyond. Every year, the Hospital admits some 15,000 children and provides over 300,000 occasions of care through our emergency, outpatient and outreach services. 

Online auctions ends 11am Tuesday 15 June.