Australia

We have just come back from seeing the movie, Australia. It's had mixed reviews but I didn't care as I have been dying to see it. And I'm happy to say we both really enjoyed it!

Yes, it is a bit corny - but that is also Baz Luhrmann's colourful style which I'd expect to be bigger than Ben Hur in this piece. A few people have even commented to me, "Oh it's just an Australian version of 'Gone With the Wind'". But that has always been what it's about - do people not know that???

I got a bit teary but don't know if that's my hormones at the moment or if the movie effected others in the cinema. And I LOVED seeing the landscapes and remoteness of Australia, as I do really miss the Northern Territory after living there for 4 years.

Brandon Walters does steal the show as Nullah as everyone has already proclaimed, but it's David Gulpilil, again, that is the most charismatic person on the screen for me. He is an incredible actor and dancer.

I urge you to go and see it - and make up your own mind.

Design A Space

As of 21st December, 2008 I will be taking up space at Design A Space in Manchester Lane, Melbourne. This is a really exciting opportunity and urge you to get down and check it out if you haven't already!

Bec and I have been talking about me moving my handmade handbags in there for quite some time, but I finally think the time is right. Being in the city of Melbourne is perfect and I hope the bags work well there.

Design A Space is a new and exciting creative retail concept. Developed to promote original and beautiful designs by free thinking talent, it is the first retail gallery of its kind throughout Australia. Design A Space provides an opportunity for independent Australian designers to rent out a high profile retail space.

Oils ain't oils

Less and less to write about handbags, fabrics and the like as I finally slow down with sewing and creating. I have 6 weeks to go til our baby is due and finding the huffing and puffing of pregnancy to be quite something else altogether! So its more about me and babies...

Today I'm off to the osteopath to get manipulated. My groin strain is now a boring 5 weeks old and although I have good movement, the pain is not easing up. Today I tried to walk the dog but it's getting sooo hard. She has some awful itch since we came back from Sydney, but was given a flea treatment before we left so its not that (we don't get fleas and ticks here in the Mountains, too bloody cold!). So I've washed her in dermatitis dog shampoo to see if it gets better.

I'm looking into essential oils for the birth. But I don't have the foggiest what I'm looking for. Have been told that Frankincense, Geranium, Lavendar, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain Rosewood and Sandalwood are good for labour - as well as Clary Sage which cannot be used beforehand as it brings on contractions. Jasmine is another that is good, but not before 8 months pregnant. So it all gets confusing and not sure what I should be doing. Does anyone sell blends ready to go?

Sweet cravings

Tomorrow I am officially 34 weeks pregnant - with 6 weeks to go. Now that I have finished the markets, I am meant to 'slow down' and have been told to do so at my maternity appointments due to my joint/groin problems. Easier said than done!

So I am trying to not answer every phone call, say no to some great opportunities (which just mean I need to be alert during January/Feb which will be impossible with a newborn), wind up clients that were meant to be wound up a couple of weeks ago - and, worst of all, stop eating all the sweets I am madly craving.

Yes, yesterday I was a complete pig and ate 3 strawberry donuts with sprinkles. I bought a horrible box of 6 from Coles for $2 - thrilled at the bargain - but then they sat there with me as I work at home... smiling and winking suggestively. It's too much for a hormonal pregnant woman to bear! Today its back to tuna salads and the like - blah!

Save 20% off entire range

I have just sent out a newsletter link for a great buy : 20% off my entire range of delicious handmade handbags. If you would like to know more, please click here. This is the biggest sale I have had yet - and guess what, there's more! If you buy 2 or more bags you will receive a FREE Anna Laura girly brooch!

Tick tock

A friend just emailed me the link to these fabulous italian fabric clocks - wild! They are made from cotton by Diamantini & Domeniconi.


Or how about this one? These clocks are amazing pieces of artwork...

Christmas is almost here...

Today it was my goal to put up the Christmas tree. I know it's only November, but I'm getting so puffy that I wanted to get it done a.s.a.p. I'm also a Christmas nut and love having the tree lights on at night. It's so much fun!

All my Christmas shopping has been done way in advance too, just in case our baby came earlier than her January 8th 2009 due date. I'm getting so tetchy, clucky, busy, exhausted, sore, breathless, nesting, emotional and every other possible thing - all hormones are racing around.

It's been freezing cold here again in the Mountains so the fire has been roaring all day. I feel like we are in another part of the world this time of year... though I'm not complaining as the heat in Sydney last Thursday - Saturday was too stinking hot for me!

6 new bags online

I have just uploaded more 6 more bags to my site - but remember, I'll be at the Lindesay Markets this Thursday to Sunday and won't be checking emails re sales, so email me first if you are interested in any of these!

Above is Charlie 10tote. There are 2 online, each different, but make great baby bags. $289.95 rrp & p&h. Below is Matilda ballerina bag. $149.95 rrp & p&h. This is divine vintage upholstery fabric.

Leeloo's birthday sale!

Leeloo is turning 1 year old today and is having a whopping 30% off sale! What a great opportunity to grab some exclusive xmas gifts for your loved ones.

Just use the BlogBirthday coupon code during checkout. Can only be used once per customer.

Doesn't apply to postage and finishes at midnight EST tomorrow night.

Bags galore online now!

I have just uploaded soooo many totes, ballerina bags and one more x large tote! 

These are all set to go for the Lindesay xmas market this week in Sydney so grab 'em while you can. 

And don't forget you get a free Anna Laura girly brooch with every order over $100 (+p&h).

I will be down in Sydney at the Lindesay xmas gift fair (Darling Point) - Thursday to Saturday this weekend. That means, I won't be checking email sales during the day while I'm there - so don't miss out if there is something you really like.

Skillsone video : interview

At the Powerhouse Youngblood Designer Market a couple of months ago I was interviewed by Skillsone. It's funny to watch yourself if you have never seen yourself on the screen!

Our baby girl (totally not handbag related!)

I just had to post again today (it's becoming a habit) but being a home-based business means you spend a lot of time by yourself so it's nice to share with everyone else!

Today was my 32 week ultrasound for checking the position of the placenta. It has been lying low throughout the pregnancy so the concern is that if it hasn't risen, then the baby is delivered by caesarian. Anything 4cm or less is considered low and placenta is just over 6cm. Yay, what a clever placenta! It's one more thing struck off my list of concerns.

The photo is of our baby girl and if you can't work out what in blazes you are looking at, she is looking straight at the camera. Not sure whether or not her eyes are open though. She is 32 weeks today but is measuring 34 weeks.

Hmmm.... big baby and natural birth - better start preparing...

Geometrics

I have just uploaded 5 new geometric fabric bags - all gorgeous recycled 1960's prints. Bold, daring and fabulous for the mod in you. Check them out!

And don't forget... FREE Anna Laura brooch with any purchase over $100 (+ p&h).

I'm happy

Today we got the car sorted - new (NEW - I can't believe it!) Nissan X trail. Got about $4500 off the new price and upgraded to auto so feel very posh. I haven't had anything new in a long time so we will be flustered around it for some time. We should be able to pick it up Saturday which I can't wait for. With Lindesay markets next week, I can't wait to pack everything, including the dog, and still have space! We got it at a really good price and can't wait to take it for a burn (though my pregnant pelvis will be complaining).

On top of that, Bec is giving me 20 of her MCN's (modern cloth nappies) to try out with our new baby! All different brands, so I can get a feel for what works best for us. I can't even pay for postage as she is determined to give these as a baby shower present. I think a bottle of wine or choccies or something will be heading her way... I can't give her a bag as she makes them too!

Oh oh, and then... the Osteopath today was fantastic. I can manoevre my leg around so it's resting on my right knee. He has said to go for it with swimming and yoga and 'push through the pain'. It is a funny situation to be lying flat on a massage table with your leg hoisted high and over to the side with someone using their weight to push your pelvis open and the addition of a thumb loosening your pelvic muscles (and no, not those ones) while you both chat about the weather and how lucky we are to live in the Blue Mountains... I'm going back Saturday.

Nappy nazi

Modern cloth nappies: MCN. All in Ones: AIO. One Size Fits All: OSFA. Work At Home Mum: WAHM. These are just some of the abbreviations I have been learning lately, and just to do with nappies!

For the older generation, you don't use terry squares anymore, now it's MCN all the way! This is mind-boggling as there is a HUGE array of nappies available in cotton, hemp, bamboo, fleece, wool, etc. Then some are AIO's and others need a cover. Some come from newborn to toddler size and some fit all with adjustable buttons and so forth. Then some don't work for boys, but great for girls. Bamboo is more absorbent and takes longer to dry...

So where do I start? How do you know what to do? It's hard enough trying to work out a newborn's needs without the fuss of nappies too!


I have bought some Peapods on ebay and will be getting more of these. Then was recommended Baby Beehinds for night-time so maybe I need a trial pack of these too?

On top of this, I am very aware of the environmental impact nappies have.

Did you know that disposables are supposed to be scraped of their waste before putting into plastic bag in the rubbish? I haven't seen this done yet by a mum. Approx. 3.75 MILLION disposable nappies are dumped into our ground every single day, throughout Australia and New Zealand alone (from here). Not being a complete nappy nazi, I will be keeping a stack of disposables on hand, but will try to make MCN's work for us - then if we have a second child, it will be wonderful to be able to reuse these nappies a 2nd time around.

____________________

I can't remember if I've mentioned it but I have bad pelvic pain, just one of the joys of pregnancy. Monday was acupuncture, Tuesday was yoga and today is my first time visiting an Osteopath. I have never been to one before and have my fingers crossed I can get some relief.

It has meant that I haven't gotten much done at all in the last 2 weeks and I'm terrified I will have this pain at the Lindesay xmas gift fair next week. 3 days all day sitting/standing at a market makes anyone sore!

Now's the time...

If you haven't had a chance to check out my latest promotion - now's the time! With every order over $100 (+ p&h) you get a beautiful one-off Anna Laura girly brooch!!! This offer was originally limited to my newsletter list but I have opened it up to everyone in time for xmas.

What a great opportunity to get two gifts for the price of one - either keep something (or both for yourself) or make someone else happy with a unique Australian-made piece.

Finders Keepers

Simone from States of Nature has told me she is in at the Finders Keepers market. Check it out if you are in Sydney. It's jam packed with great independent design and art!

December 5th & 6th

245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh, Sydney

Babies and cars...

I've been a bit quiet the past few days - well, not blogging anyway. We have the dilemma of what to do with the fuel efficient, green, small car when there is a baby on the way. Baby car seats do not fit in our little Sirion. It has baffled me but I have finally gotten over it and now looking to get a 2nd car for our growing family.

We have held on for so long with just one tiny old car but it's not realistic with a baby on the way. Our house is nowhere near public transport so it means me driving Steven to the station at 5:30am then picking him up 7:30pm. Now, this could get difficult with the impending exhaustion of a newborn!

So... I am now trawling online car sites, reading reviews, doing research, etc. It is just mindblowing how much stuff is out there and where to start? I want a bigger car - something that I can use for my business, markets, buying fabrics, etc. That means a big boot or fold down area. By the time you add baby seat, baby, 3 wheeler stroller, dog - it's getting to be a chunky car!

Unfortunately neither of us are mechanical. So it's the private vs dealer 2nd hand dilemma, where to get anything we like checked, etc... and it's me doing it all this week! We have just over 8 weeks to go so I am really feeling it.

Happy birthday Nelly

Update: Nelly is Model Dog of the Month on Waggle! Zoe sent this through yesterday - so the birthday gal is really showing off!

Today is Nelly's birthday - she is 8 years old. I have just given her a big meaty lamb shank which she was pretty happy about. I guess it's sorta like cake!

I got Nelly from the St George Animal Shelter (now Sydney Dogs & Cats Home). My ex and I went looking for a dog approx 6 months old which usually means the pups have had one go at a home and have been sent back for some misdemeanor (which, I might add, is usually the owners fault for bad/zero training). Round and round we went looking at all these lovely, boisterous kids. The staff kept saying to look at the smaller pups so finally we went and had a look... 

Nelly at 8 weeks old - more like a little bear or ewok without a tail!

In one of the cages were 2 female stumpy tail cattle dogs/border collie cross pups. 8 weeks old and very, very cute. Her and her siblings had come down from a farm near Port Macquarie and only the 2 were left. Of course the staff wanted us to take both girls - NO WAY! Nelly was more cattle dog coloured (ie blue/tan chest and legs) while her sister was black with pure white markings and looked more border collie. Nelly raced to the front of the cage and madly licked us and wanted to be with us while her sister hung back, much more shy (which is never the right thing in a dog). Her sister was much prettier (I hate to say it) but Nelly was such an explosion of character even then that we knew we'd found our dog!

Since then Nelly has seen me through a divorce in Alice Springs, travelled around Australia with me, living in Sydney, Darwin, Alice, Brisbane and now the Blue Mountains. She has seen more of Australia than most Australians! Nelly loves nothing more than a car trip and as soon as the car is getting packed, she secures her spot sitting there all day if she has too - even though we tell her it will be hours before we leave!

I can't wait for Nelly to meet our baby. She is fantastic with kids and very easy. Cattle dogs can be notoriously jealous so I will be watching her closely. 

She is a terrific guard dog (has proven herself) but she is also a push-over. Any balls, frisbee or kids toys are usually in her mouth, ready to play with whoever is available.

I will always support rescue dog homes over choosing a breeder. There is always an abundance of fantastic animals in pounds, dumped because people are unwilling to take the time to train, decided the cute puppy wasn't quite right/right breed from the pet store, or don't get their pets neutered. 

Big pats to your lovely pet! x

Larissa

Larissa is just finished today - a totally free-form and unique handmade bag and available now!

Don't forget about my promotion happening for November... see posting below for details on how you can learn more.

Shushhh - top secret promotion!

I have the BEST promotion about to happen - hopefully will be posting it out this week! It involves a collaboration with another Australian indie designer.

It's all top secret and going out only to people on my newsletter list - so you won't be able to see it on my website.

If you haven't subscribed to my newsletter, here is the link.