The $25 question

We do Xmas Theives at work every year - and it gets harder and harder to find a generic gift (and exciting) suitable for anybody! Aged between 26 to 42, mostly married, all young at heart.. We've done beach towels, box of mangoes, candles, vase, cook books, puzzle books, umbrellas, strange plant hanger, alcohol, tea set, gift vouchers, jamie oliver grinder, buddha head.... I did a 2x movie tickets last year (so I spent a bit more than $25) but it was the hot gift in demand.

So any interesting & original ideas you can help me with?! Had you asked me things for mums, babies and kids (tomorrow's post) - that would be too easy! If you are stuck too - Myer has some Kris Kringle & Stocking fillers under $25 ideas.

This is all I got so far... everything else seems so boring - and it has to be available in Aus!
Pub Food Guide 2011
Country Road Bistro Sunday Gift Pack

Adorable Advent Calendars

This bucket & advent calendar from Pottery barn is great inspiration for DIY advent calendar at home. You can paint numbers or buy numbered stickers from kikki.K or Typo store onto cheap pots from bargain store or even at Spotlight, Bunnings or IKEA.

1 Farmhouse Garland Advent Calendar. 2 Magnetic Advent Calendar 3 Mini Stockings 12 Days of Xmas 4 Starry Trees Downloadable Printables

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!

Father's Day Specials + more...

With Father's Day just around the corner 5th September, last minute shopping ideas and sale specials over at:

• Country Road & Trenery – 25% off men's polos and tees
• 20% off Men's wallets and accessories range at Oroton
• 15% off Corban & Blair
• Polo Promo (buy two for $89.95) at French Connection
• Heaps of father's day giveaways on Bellasugar like men's Triology pack, CK perfume pack + more...

Stay tuned for more Father's day gift ideas. And don't forget....

• Mon Tresor has "free shipping" till the end of august! Sign up to their newsletter for your chance to win a $50 gift voucher!
• Over at Little Bird Decor - Agoo Leg Warmers are now reduced to $10.00 from $14.99.
• There is a special facebook offer at My Little Jedi. Tell Vesna your favourite product from their collection, and receive 20% off the next purchase.
• Subscribe to our MumsXclusive SALES Alert Newsletter and be in the draw to WIN a $500 coles/MYER Gift Card. 
• See Best Buys 4 Baby's sales listing

Bank in Style...

Saving all your dollars in style!

{1} Porcelain Piggy {2} Signature Elegant Baby  {3} Hand painted ceramic Elegant Baby animal banks {4} Animal Money Banks

i Heart DIVINE TWINE

Forget ribbons, it's all about TWINE at the Tmoment. Loving divine twine™– it's made from 100% cotton, super soft, bio-degradable and eco-friendly (I just got mine in the mail from Miss Vesna :)

There are endless uses for twine - wrapping, gift tags, invites and banners. Twine is a great embellishment to creating nice packages.

Available at My Little Jedi. It's sold by the metre and there are all the colour of the rainbows to choose from. I got a metre of each cause I couldn't decide.


Images are from Whisker Graphics who created the labels for divine twine.

Free Drink/Wine Tags

Inspired by Mon Tresor vintage drinking straws, Little Sooti's party blog posts and stylish paper goods at Paper Scissors Rock Stationery - I have designed simple chic drink/wine tags based on Chic Mother and Baby's yellow, grey and teal palette.

These free drink tags can be used for gifts like if you are invited over to a dinner party. Great on wine bottles, candles, salad dressing anything you can put some string on.

All you need is:
1. Printer to print out this free templates here
2. Single hole puncher
3. Nice textured paper slightly thicker paper stock (than your standard 80gsm)
4. Twine (my fav is multicoloured Lox + Savvy twine available at Paper Scissors Rock Stationery and natural twine from Blossom Creations)

If you ever use them, do share with us so we can post them up!

Enjoy!

Evie the Elephant

A cute name suited for cute designs! I have enjoyed Evie the Elephant's blog for a while now and got the a chance to get to know the designer, Lauren Jennings, behind these gorgeous prints suitable for any nursery. Evie the Elephant's print pieces make irresistible baby gifts! You even have the option to have them simply and beautifully framed.

1. So tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up on the lovely Jervis Bay, and now live in sunny old Bondi in a little flat my boyfriend and I recently renovated. I love beautiful photography, pattern and illustrations and I can’t sit still for a minute.

2. What inspired you to start making prints?

I have 3 beautiful little nieces and a nephew due any day now. I made my first prints to put in their rooms as a present one time we visited, and my sister loved them that much she encouraged me to make a website so others could enjoy them too. So initially, it was to bring a smile to their faces and brighten up their rooms, but then I found I really enjoyed the fun side to making prints aimed at children. The characters and colours can be so much fun.

3. Why an Elephant?

It was one of my favoutire icons from the alphabet print, and I sort of had a thing for the name Evie as well, so they just went together. I had a whole list of names to go over with some family and freinds, but kept coming back to Evie the Elephant.

4. Which designers, artists or creative people inspire you?

I love illustrations and patterns that are clean, simple and fun. At the moment I have a thing for Amy Blay, and Rob Ryan from the U.K. But, I’m always finding great images and inspiration everyday, whether it’s in the streets, or the hundreds of amazing blogs out there. There are so many talented people everywhere.

5. Which is your favourite piece and why?

Oooo, that’s a tuff one. Can i pick 2? I think they all suit different things, but i really like the alphabet print in red and blue. I love all the little icons on top of the letters and how it’s also educational by teaching the alphabet at the same time.

6. What’s next for Evie the Elephant?

An eventful year coming up with a move to Queensland within the next year and focussing on creating a larger range with more variety. I have so many things I’d like to add onto the site, like party invitations and themed packs, baby announcements, flash cards etc.

I’d also like to do a few exclusive prints to be stocked in a few shops to help spread the Evie love and plan to do some freelance design work to keep mix of work coming as well. So lots to look forward to.

Show & Tell: Hana - Letters to My Imagination

This is the crafty handy work of Bunaciu Alina, 23 years old, who lives in Romania in a quite small city called Arad. I absolutely adore her handmade felt characters that look like they have just popped out from a woodland storybook - the style is just too cute! I LOVE ALL OF THEM. You can purchase these felt accessories and see her collection at her etsy store.

I adore children illustrations and books, I am quite childish myself. My inspiration comes from the things I love as: children stories, small animals, dolls, small decoration objects of all kinds.

Hana means flower in Japanese and grows on the back of my pins everytime, that is why I like to say that 'I plant flowers on the back of my pins'.

Thanks for following our blog Alina, we love international blog followers (and so glad you did otherwise we wouldn't have discovered your lovely work)!

How tall?

Every nursery needs a growth chart to document a child's height. Ah...I remember the days when our parents would mark the door with permanent texta or even etch into the wood and everytime I use to visit my late grandmother's house it brings back so many childhood memories. These days there are so many different growth chart designs that you'll find one fitting for almost every theme.

These super cute range of growth chart decals are from Little Bird Decor. Cut from the highest quality, removable vinyl, it will leave no damage to your walls (because lets face it, babies shoot up faster than a tree). Just based on these Little Bird Decor growth charts, they would be suitable for Animal, Jungle, Robot, Transport, Plane, Bird or Woodland nursery themes.

Growth charts make a pretty good baby shower gift idea!

I also found these uber cool Measure Me Sticks - it's not just an ordinary ruler. {Via Swiss Miss}

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

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!

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.

The Memory Shelf.

The Memory Shelf is a new and upcoming store by Kirsty Barber -  she has come up with a practical and organised solution to keeping your baby photos and keepsake items forever.  Chic Mother and Baby and her have something huge in common - our love for Scandinavian design. This is exactly what her current products are about - minimalist and cute enough to put these memory boxes on the bookshelf instead of using shoeboxes and hiding them under the bed.

The Memory Shelf have a current special at the moment offering a 15% off special. Visit Babyology for more details!

I was lucky enough to find out more about Kirsty Barber and her story...

1. How did The Memory Shelf begin?
The Memory Shelf started with the simple idea of providing families with a safe and stylish solution for storing their keepsakes.  I realised that I was collecting so many keepsakes for each of my children that I needed somewhere special to store them and keep them organised. I wanted to find a storage solution that was durable, archival friendly and stylish at the same time. So I created a range of memory boxes made from archival grade plastic with four gorgeous designs for babies and kids.

2. What has been your favourite memory?
Since having my own children I have begun to treasure all of the special things my Mother has kept from my childhood, like favourite books, a few toys and postcards/letters I received as a child. I'm now reading the books that belonged to me as a child to my own children, and it really makes my heart glow warm.  Which is why I want to make sure I'm keeping these special things for my own children.

3. Which designers, artists or creative people inspire you?
I love design and there are so many talented and creative Mums out there that I would love to be like. At the moment my favourite designer is Sandra Isaksson. I love Swedish design!

4. What is the most chic item you own?
Mmm... probably my new glass bird paperweight I just bought for my new home office. It was a Mother's Day gift to myself and it's gorgeous!

5. Lastly, what is next for the Memory Shelf?
The Memory Shelf has just launched so we are concentrating hard on getting ourselves known so we can share our wonderful memory boxes, memory books, photo albums with everyone.

I predict that The Memory Shelf will be a huge success to the likes of kikki.K (my other love :)

Sophie & Jack: The story + Giveaway!!

+ + + +  G I V E A W A Y  + + + + 

To celebrate our Alex & Ant and Fresh Baked promotion with Sophie & Jack, we have one of Sophie & Jack's latest creations set up for grabs*!

To be in the running to win lovely Sophie & Jack hair accessories set, I'd love to know how you would style these Pink, Purple, Red and Green pony tail hair elastics with any one of Chic Mother and Baby's items. Simply leave a comment below with your chosen chic outfit from our store.

Even if you don't have a little girl, they make a great gift!!


Happy Styling!


*T&Cs: Competition ends next Sunday 23rd midnight (EST) and winner will be announced Monday 24th on Chic Mother and Baby blog. Competition is open to Australia and New Zealand only. If you don't have a blogger profile, please leave your email address in your comment.

+ + + +  T H E   S T O R Y  + + + + 

Here is Alison Lantry, creator of Sophie & Jack and her story...

1. So tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Alison and I live in the beautiful Hunter Valley in NSW with my wonderful husband and my two gorgeous children, Sophie, 4 and Jack, 1.  I design and handmake quality hair accessories that are both beautiful and affordable.  I am extremely blessed and lucky to be to able to work at home doing something I absolutely love, while both my children are young.

2. What inspired you to start making hair accessories? Was it hard to get started?

I started to design and make hair clips for my daughter after finding similar accessories in designer boutiques were quite expensive.

Once I started, I found I enjoyed and loved creating these gorgeous accessories so much that I decided to make them for friends and family and it really just grew quite quickly from there. The hardest part was having faith in my passion and love for Sophie & Jack Designs and taking the leap to put my products in the public eye. However, my fear was unwarranted as the response has been wonderful and beyond even my highest expectations.

3. So as a WAHM, how do you manage it? What’s your day like?
Busy!  I do most of my creating during sleep times and at night when both children are in bed.  There is also alot of time spent on the computer, emailing, sourcing and shopping for supplies, and processing and packing orders.

And then of course, there are two children and a household to run... let's just say the ironing pile is growing larger by the day!  

4. Which designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by (or in general)?
Fabric, fabric, fabric!  I love all the cute Japanese fabrics and I spend way too much time browsing the multitude of fabric designs and gorgeous supplies.

There are also a collection of amazingly creative people on madeit.com.au, which is another favourite place I like to spend time browsing. 

5. Which piece is your favourite?
Oh, I really do love them all!  I am very fussy in choosing what I make and only sell pieces that I truly love!  I particularly love the hair ties because they are practical and can be used every day, plus they have the added bonus of being gorgeous!  Probably the "Dear Little Deer" hair elastics are my favourite - they are so cute!

6. What’s next for Sophie & Jack?
I have so many new ideas and designs in mind and I look forward to getting crafty and making them a reality.

Visit Sophie & Jack's store to see their wonderful collection and definitely join their facebook page to see their latest creations!

Boy O Boy

As you may know I have been on a tough search for the right birthday present for a two year old boy - the challenge is that his mum is in the kids industry so it is hard to find something that the boy doesn't have! I have come across some pretty nifty gift ideas thanks to some suggestions.

I want to be the 'cool aunt' that gets a big kiss! So help me find gift to win $25 gift voucher.

{1} Constructive Cutlery {2} Car Rally {3} Toolkit {4} Car Chalkboard Clock

This little Mummy wished for Prada...

This Little Piggy Went to Prada: Nursery Rhymes for the Blahnik Brigade is my all time favourite coffee book. I love the idea of putting a cheeky contemporary spin on old time favourite nursery rhymes with BEAUTIFUL watercolour illustrations. It's written by Amy Allen and illustrated by Eun-Kyung Kung. Bound in luxurious linen, this appeals to any mum and their fashionista kids.

Eco Babies Book

1. This little illustrated book "Eco Babies Wear Green" is one of many series by Michelle Sinclair. Urban baby goes the extra mile to be green

2. Peter Rabbit Naturally Better "I Love You" - Delightful board book featuring two heart-shaped picture frames for photographs of loved ones. Printed on 100% recycled card inside with 70% recycled cover with environmentally-friendly vegetable inks 

3. This Dandelion Crinkle Book is NEW to Chic Mother and Baby is made of white velour fabric, and includes a crinkle sound when touched and squeezed. It is super soft and cuddly, and will make provide any exploring baby endless hours of fun. If baby puts it in their mouths, its a-ok because it is organic and chemical free! 10% off bonus!!

Mum's Style: Sleeping Beauty

Every mum to be deserves to have a great night's rest or even lounging arond the house. HOTmilk PJs are the most comfortable maternity PJs (with elastisized and drawstring waist) in the world and for sure you will be wearing it even after birth.  

1. HOTmilk Delighted with her victory cami and pant 2. Sleeping Mask by Mary Jane 3. Ginger and Smart Candles 4. Organic Bird Cushion made by Marley Locker

Bonjour Le Malmaison!

Love a bit of French Country elegance in your own home? Malmaison Botantical Interiors brings to you beautifully rich unique French home furniture, decor and accessories that you can buy online and enjoy!

We are loving the Legle de Limoge exquisite handcrafted, made-in-france porcelain range for all mums to enjoy a nice cup of warm tea. Malmaison has a range of French inspired products from large furniture to bathroom homeware accessories like luxury French scented soaps.

If you are around in Melbourne, Malmaison is located in Castlemaine (90 min drive north of melbourne) so drop by the shop and let Chic Mother and Baby know!

Au revoir !

Chic Mother and Baby also want to say a big thank you to Edwyna from Malmaison for being our 100 twitter follower!