Ouch it hurts...

This new 'gym thing' of mine is definately a shock to my sluggish system. I am hurting in areas I didn't know existed. BUT I have a lot of energy and am motivated to go, even when Steven rolls over in the morning and says he doesn't want to go! So there!

Thanks to the buyers during my weekend "Tote Spot Sale"... I decided to have a 2 day weekend sale to see some totes go! It will be finishing 8pm tonight (Sunday night) with prices going back to the original price. It's quite fun to have something unplanned.

These are my latest 'must haves' and will purchase soon! Hatley gumboots from the USA. They are divine... and something that is quite necessary whilst drudging through misty wet greenery up here in the Mountains.



There are so many colours and designs... but pink with brown horses frollicking is right up my alley. They are about $50 USD and are on my wishlist for now.

Bagwise, I am currently developing another bag which will have a lot more detail - in a sort of bowling bag/weekender. This takes a lot of time to get right and source the finishing touches. Stay tuned... I'm hoping I'll have 2-4 available before xmas!

Everything is good

I have just had a wonderful weekend seeing my nephew Eli, my sister Ingrid and her partner Juz. Eli is so fun to be around and I am sooo clucky.




My studio is a complete mess but I can't be bothered picking it all up! There is an abundance of fabric to be washed and the stupid machine keeps leaking. Another thing to add to the list. But its such beautiful weather that I don't feel like working too hard today.

Instead, here are some fantastic eco blog links - there is so much to find out about!
ecofabulous.com
http://hautenature.blogspot.com/


A great way to reuse ties! This fab number is by Oustapop, a clothing designer from Finland. The dress is made from several ties and an old corset... isn't it wonderful!

Up early...

Glory Bee - handmade handbags by kara

We had an intruder in the night so I finally got up at 4:30am. This intruder was rather intriguing to Nelly (the dog). I jumped up but couldn't find my glasses so Steven discovered a furry ringtail possum sitting on his beloved book collection in his study. Nelly was beside herself!

Once we all got up, he/she possum started to run and fling the books around quite a lot which got Steven in a spin, which got Nelly in a spin. Our poor neighbour, Mark, (who lives under our place) must have also been lying awake!

I wish I'd grabbed some photos - but possum finally went out the door via a huge beach towel. Then Nelly strutted around sniffing everything with her hackles up. So glad we have such a good 'attack' dog! She lies around when any person knocks on the door - but possums, watch out!

Yesterday I met two lovely women up here in the Blue Mountains. Charlotte came around in the morning and has an amazing collection of fabrics, but also is involved with opening a fashion museum in Rose Bay early next year. I got a couple of lovely pieces which will be made into bags for sale before xmas. These fabrics are very high quality english and american pieces which she collected years ago.

Then I had lunch with Angela who works for a fab interior/textiles company in Sydney. We ate at 'Fed' at Wentworth Falls which I highly recommend and you should stop there on your next trip to the Mountains. The funniest thing is that her partner and Steven went to school together, same year! And that Steven worked at Target with her when he was 15! Its a small world after all (singing now - delirious and must sleep).

Fab finds at Fanny's Flat

Tiffany at Fanny's Flat has sent through these shots of handbags in her store. I would love to visit! Shop is at 1/40 Scandinavian Cres, Talbot, in regional Vic, and if you are in this part of the world - head there and take a look! Its just 2 hours from Melbourne.



Australian Women's Health mag launches today! Most of us already know Men's Health mag and now we have our own! I have been lucky enough to be featured in this great magazine under the 'Green Living' section.

And finally...

new handbags at www.modamuse.com. Christmas is coming and its a great time to stock up!

Sunday night...

I have joined a gym today up in Katoomba - now, this is weird as I am the LAST person to do this kind of thing! I have finally decided its time... especially now I am working from home so don't even walk to public transport anymore! Nelly my dog and I still walk each day but this is new hardcore beginning for me. The Aquatic Centre up in Katoomba also has a beautiful outdoor 50m pool so finished off with some gentle laps. Since we have 3 weddings to go to next year, I think I should get motivated (though none of them are mine!).



I have just changed my website's look... again! This time I have used my bag illustration that also features on my new cards. Its fun to be able to change whenever I want, and am my own worst client.

Lots of new bags coming online this week... so beat the xmas rush!

And last of all, go to www.design.karasmith.com.au for graphic design and copywriting. (Website yet to have its own look - bear with me!) With both of our experience in design and writing, Steven (my partner) and I have decided to expand and offer this to local and interstate clients.

Hope Street success!

I feel like a trainwreck but the Hope Street Markets were a wonderful experience, meeting lots of lovely people and some great sales!

3 days of marketing is tough going, but luckily there were free beer and food on the Friday night and an abundance of treats at hand the rest of the weekend. My wonderful partner Steven ran around getting whatever I needed - from pens and paper, to pastizzi's and more! We were both very tired driving back to the Mountains last night but its lovely being home again.




Jane Pollard came up to say hi (and bought the 'Sophia' tote!) - and is a friend of Liana Kabel's in Brissy. Small world! She is lovely person with similar principles in recycling and design and hope to see her again.



And HAD to buy the most gorgeous little sewing scissor earrings from the gals next to me Made By White... aren't they so cute! They got lots of comments on Sunday.