LOVE LOANS + LINEN

LOVE this store - Love Loans + Linen out in Palm Beach, NSW.  The website design is stunning too! They do have an online store for those who can't trek out that far!

Puffling Blog

If you ever mention Puffling, I definitely want credit for it :) It is my proud Aussie talent find with amazing and inspiring kid spaces. Puffling is an extremely stylish interior design for nurseries and kids room - lots of concept explorations (vintage, rockstar, colour palettes, decor) on their blog. Here are some of my favourite picks from their archive. Stay tuned for Puffling's photoshoot in late August (we'll definitely share it once Jane emails them over :). So if you ever need interior design services I highly recommend you get in touch with Jane.

Yoga in Style

Tomorrow I am taking the plunge and trying YOGA for the first time. I am extremely nervous and still hesitant to go for several reasons:

1. I am not the physical exercise type of person, the only form of exercise I enjoy is shopping.
2. I do NOT like th1ose big mirrors that have everyone staring at each other as if I am not self-conscious enough.
3. I will feel like a total retard trying all different poses (I did some visual research), and pretty sure I will suck at all of them. Forget any balancing acts!
4. I hate walking into the gym (in the past and as I was walking by this weekend), there are always the younger buff boys in their done up cars that seem more there "to be seen" then to really work out and focus on their body/health. Again makes me really self-conscious. Just that this gym is a convenient 5 min walk away from my place.

Having said all of that, I am looking forward to trying something new, feeling better and hopefully get better sleep without relying on prescription pills.

So after a quick search for a good yoga mat (prices range from $15 at BigW, mid-range $50 at Rebel and then there is luxury brand prices), I found that you can really do yoga in style if you were overseas (the range is heaps better!) But really a pair of black leggings or bonds fit pants and a tee will do.


1. Orla Kiely Yoga Bag 2. Stella McCartney for Adidas Yoga Mat Set 3. Three-Quarter Knit Pants by Stella McCartney 4. "I love Down Dog Tee" from Revolve Clothing" 5. Earthlust Bottle 6. Adidas HipHop Shoes 7. Nike Yellow Yoga Mat.

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.

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. 

Wall Planters

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

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.

Bonds Back Baby...

How comfy and warm does the new Bonds winter range look (I lovvvve my Bonds). The range is available at DJs, Myer - but cheapest at Kmart. It is a little expensive for fleece, but the quality and fit for this Bonds range is superb. I just bought the Boyfit pants for $49 compared to the RRP $54.95 as advertised in their catalogue. My justification (not that shopping can really be justified) is that I am going to live in them!

Happy Earth Day!

There is no better way to honour earth day than to grow something in your garden with your child. Have some fun in the sun (well for sydney-siders the weather's looking AWESOME!!) or grow something indoor.

April 22, 2010 is the 40th Earth Day. What does that mean? It means celebration, education and action as a collective, locally and internationally. For me, I think its important we all practice eco-friendly practices everyday no matter how big or small, it would add up to a huge beneficial impact! However, it is good to have a recognised day where we actively learn, reflect and participate in Earth Day activities (particularly for school kids).

Little Lucas who loves to water the garden is wearing Run Scotty Run Dodgem Shorts on sale for $42 and Run Scotty Run Dog Tee.

{1} PostCarden - How clever is this? what a great card to get in the mail {2} Cutest idea ever Mini Rainboot Gardens {3} Green Indoor Gardening Kit 

Trouble Concentrating?

"Frequently checking your email is worse for your IQ than being stoned"

According to the latest issue of Yen Magazine - Email, Facebook and Twitter are to blame for our lack of focus. Apparently, we allow technology to decide and prioritise our life - in a sense it is true, for example when my mobile rings I pick it up without hesitation (unless I am in a meeting) or when I hear the 'ping' incoming email sound, I immediately check it. Having an iPhone makes it all too conveinent to electronically socalise when I am (suppose) to have a break from the computer.

Now that I think about it, there hasn't been a DVD I haven't watched without checking my email, twitter or facebook on my iPhone (I am terrible! I have Scrubs DVD playing on the LHS whilst I write this blog post on the right of my screen). It has become a bad bad habit - and it is hard to live without it especially working online but I think it is important we all take a step back and have quiet time away from our e-gadgets!

Friday Finds: Some Aussie Talent

Rittenhouse  – uber cool fashion - I'll have the whole ladies collection - size S - thanks :)

Birdy & Me – how gorgeous are the illustrations super talented!!!!

Guest Post: The Little Things by Kellie from Mini Style Hive

When I was asked by Mina to write a guest post for Eco week I immediately began scrutinizing what my family does to contribute to the health of the planet. What was I going to write about? I don’t use cloth nappies, I don’t buy organic (at least, not regularly enough for it to really matter) and I have no second thoughts about using the clothes dryer and almost every heater in the house during winter – well, not until I receive my electricity bill that is!

So, I was beginning to wonder if there would be anything I could write for Eco Week. After much thought, I decided that there is definitely value in the small contributions my family makes to sustaining the earth’s resources. Now, none of these are by any means original or creative, but if they give you food for thought and maybe a new tip or suggestion, then I have done my job - so to speak.

Here’s my list of eco friendly family habits:

• Wherever possible, I use natural-based cleaning products. I do have my favourite brand but I also use a vinegar and water mix in the kitchen, baking soda and vinegar (great for the sink and bathroom) and oil of cloves for removing mould. This last one is tricky and it has taken me a while to get the mix of water and oil correct but it’s highly effective and smells so much better than those harsh cleaners.
• My kids use BPA drink bottles and cups. Poppy is now 3 so she has gone through a few but my youngest is only 4 months old. When it’s time for him to drink from a cup he will not be using plastic. At the moment we have had no need for bottles however for future nights out without my baby in tow, I will be definitely be using glass bottles. 
• We recycle – no surprises there but I am proud to say that Poppy can distinguish between what goes in which bin. Most of the time anyway.
• We use organic shampoos, conditioners and soap.
• We turn electrical items off at the power point rather than leaving them on standby mode.

Finally, in no particular order, we also:

• Turn the tap off when brushing teeth, wash clothes in cold water only and avoid the dryer where possible, use the fabulous Keep Cups for takeaway coffees, try to discourage our pre-schooler from switching every light on in the house and generally try to keep adding to the list of little things we do for the good of the planet. After all, it’s the little things that count!

**Kellie from Mini Style Hive has been a great supporter of Chic Mother and Baby. Thanks for contributing your thoughts to Eco Week. Love your style :) Make sure you visit her blog for her all the latest on baby and kids stylish designs in Australia and New Zealand **

Welcome to Eco-Week

We are so excited about this week! With the arrival of our eco-friendly range we couldn't help but have fun with a whole week of sharing our green knowledge as to how to live a simple green(er) lifestyle. So make sure you subscribe to the blog so you don't miss out!

Chic mother and baby have all your eco-friendly products to cater for your bub from birth to the toddler stages. This is just some of the green and organic products we have in store now. 

BONUS: 10% off all our new eco-friendly range such as ErgoPouch, Green to Grow, Dandelion and Aden + Anasis. Enter ECOWEEK at check out. Valid until March 26th so be sure to tell your friends!

1. Green to Grow Glass Bottles – BPA FREE!!
2. Dandelion ReUseable infant feeding bowl & spoon – made from corn and will decompose in your compost once your finished using it.
3. Dandelion Crinkle Organic bear toy - safe for bubs to put in their mouths.
4. Aden + Anais organic muslin wrap

Bubabout

Bubabout is another website reviewing and showcasing baby friendly cafes and restaurants. They cover Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. If you know of any be sure to write up a review!

Hey Bambini

Ever had issues about finding a baby friendly cafe? Well Hey Bambini have sourced café’s in Melbourne that have a fun and exciting vibe that is suitable for mums and bubs. On the site review these cafes.