Mum Revelations - Vesna

1. Where do you reside?


Kirrawee, Sydney 

      2.  What is special about where you live? 


      I love the cul-de-sac street where we live, its child friendly and peaceful. The neighbours gather every Easter and Christmas and do fun activities for the kids. I am also loving being only 10-15 min away from Cronulla beach, it’s always lovely to go 

      for a walk and grab a coffee/lunch at Zimzala or Hams J

3.    How did you get your business started?

-       “My little jedi” label was born from my love of cards, beautiful paper and passion for all things pretty & vintage which basically started when my son Aniken was born. Since I discovered "blogosphere", it has definitely opened more opportunities and my perspectives have changed. I am now providing party printable invitations, birthday banners, food labels, party favours boxes, envelopes as well as a range of stationary in my online store. My goal is to become ‘one stop shop’ for fun, trendy and accessible stationary for the busy mum that wants to celebrate her child’s special event in style.

4.    What is your favourite childhood memory?

Spending time with my family and visiting my grandparents during school holidays. They had a lovely veggie garden and I loved being involved with all the gardening activities. Also practicing karate & receiving my black belt is another highlight which I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life.

5.    What are some memories that you like to create for your children?

When I was growing up both of my parents worked full time (shift work) and they didn’t have much spare time during the week. I have dedicated, 2 hours each day after work to spend with Aniken, playing and reading books. My husband and I work full time so we definitely look forward to the weekend. Spending family time is very important to us and we enjoy taking Aniken to the park, going for walks and visiting friends and family. I want my son to remember our times as fun and happy.

6.  Who inspires you?

- My dad is very inspirational to me. I am thankful for all the good advice he has provided me throughout the years and he has helped me enormously and I can always count on him. He keeps reminding me to follow my dreams and has always told me that ‘life is precious; you only get one chance, so make the most of it.’

-       Work wise - The online world is such an incredible resource full of eye-candy and inspiration. Amy Atlas and Donna Hay are huge creative influences and provide an amazing source of inspiration. Also the new wave of WAHM's and their amazing ideas are so inspiring to me.

7. Describe your perfect day?

      Sleep in, breakfast near the beach, going for a walk with my two favourite boys, followed by a yummy lunch, afternoon nap, followed gold class movie with hubby.

8. Favourite holiday destination?

I come from European background so I am dying to go back to Europe & see my friends and family. If I could go tomorrow, I would definitely go to – Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Croatia and Macedonia.  I really miss all of my family in Macedonia, the people are so kind, warm and welcoming and of course the amazing cuisine is to die for! J

9. What are some of your favourite items that you could not live without?

- Oh this is easy ~ iPhone, ghd, laptop, coffee, lip-gloss, car, credit card ;)

10. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

- I have to say Lego. Young or old, almost everyone loves Lego. My 20 month old son has revived the passion for the small brick that I had forgotten since I was a child. It’s so versatile you can create almost everything you want.  I love all the Star Wars lego characters J

11. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

- I recently purchased a vintage typewriter and now I have ended up with 3 of them… little obsessive, I know! But I love them all! J

12. Your favourite children’s fashion label?

- Minti, Sooki Baby & Witchery kids

13. What is your family’s favourite meal?

- Roast loin of pork with crispy crackling and roasted veggies. My son loves eating sweet potato, corn and char-grilled haloumi. Mmm yum!

14. Are you a fashion conscious mother? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

 I am not really into any particular brands, I love going shopping and buy clothing that is confortable and makes me feel confident. I have grown to like classic pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched and won’t go out of fashion too quickly. Working for Bonds is very handy; the latest brilliant basics range of tees, tanks, pants, legging and cardigans is amazing and can be worn in and out of the house. However I do love to dress up when I go out for drinks and put a pair of killer heels on ;)

15. What is the best thing about being a mother? 

The best job in the world for me is being a mum. I never thought I could love so much. I always thought, does unconditional love exist? Now I know it does because I feel it. It's really changed me completely and it has made me lot stronger too. It's such a wonderful feeling. 


16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite. 

– I love this shot of Aniken, I love the innocent and angelic look on his face!

Thank you so much Vesna for sharing a little about you. xx

Mum Revelations - Sally

Meet Sally Roberts – One Half of the DEAR CHARLOTTE. LOVE BANJO Duo.

1. Where do you reside?

We live ten minutes from the centre of Perth.

2. What is special about where you live?

My family immigrated here when I was six years old from South Africa, and this is definetly where I call home.

Perth is special to us because it is beautiful, small,but feels big,   has beautiful beaches, super hot summers, cold winters, big blue skies and is filled with our great friends and family.

3.  How did you get your business started?

My business partner Emerald and I started our business when we had our babies eight weeks apart from each other. Her little boy Banjo, and my little girl Charlotte consider each other brother and sister.

We both shared a love for all things vintage, especially the beautiful clothing that our parents wore, and even some of the  outfits our own mothers dressed our older siblings and us in.

We struggled to find anything that we thought was absolutely DIVINE to buy for our babies that was vintage inspired.

We wanted to create a collection that was not mass produced, but was beautiful and well made, with attention to detail. We set out to evoke images of an era gone by, but in a modern context.

We spent months and months designing our first collection “High Tea At Noon” and we were over-whelmed by the initial response we had from our online store when we launched the site last December.

We recently launched our second collection “Plumb Pudding Pie” at Kids Instyle in Melbourne – this collection will be available to buy at the end of April.

Since our initial beginnings – of wanting to create something of beauty for babies to wear (boys and girls) , we have grown and gone from strength to strength.

Looking back at our first summer collection – we are quite nostaligic as it really incapsulates a very special time in our lives – those  first 18 months together with our babies.

4. What is your favourite childhood memory?

Playing in the backyard with my brother for hours and hours., and in summer playing in our swimming pool together for hours on end at our house in Applecross.

My brother is three years older than me, but was always so patient and used to let me play with him.

5. What are some memories that you like to create for your children?

Spending time with family , like my family used to when I was a child. Taking holidays together and laughing together.

I want my daughter to remember our times together as safe, worry free and fun.

6.  Who inspires you?

My mother has inspired me to be the best mother I can be, to  be patient, to always listen to my daughter, and that adults can play too.

My dad  inspires me to go out and follow the dreams I made for myself, and he also does this by reminding me that life is what we chose it to be.

7.  Describe your perfect day?

Spring weather, lazy Sunday, good coffee and cooked breakfast near the beach with my gorgeous partner and Charlotte. Followed by an afternoon with friends at our house.

8. Favourite holiday destination?

Kolkata, India and Barcelona, Spain.

Still my top two…just have to sample them with a two year old now…

9. What are some of your favourite items that you could not live without?

Iphone, ipad, stila illuminating foundation, lululemon tracksuit, our new comfy leather couch.

10. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

The Wiggles – those four men have changed our lives.

At first Emerald and I thought they were tacky, so bright and annoying.

Then one day our babies turned into toddlers and discovered these four singing happy men on ABC one morning. They became hooked.

Toot toot, chugga chugga big red car, became a common phrase around the household and we have not looked back.

11. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

A jumping castle for the backyard.

My partner said it was too far, but I had to buy for my daughter – as it is exactly what I would have wanted as a kid. It’s only for toddlers but provides hours of entertainment.

12. Your favourite children’s fashion label?

Dear Charlotte, Love Banjo, Wovenplay, Minti, Sooki baby and Fred Bare.

13. What is your family’s favourite meal?

Crispy Chicken tacos…we are obsessed with them

14. Are you a fashion conscious mother? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

Arabella Ramsay, vintage clothing, and I wear a lot of Country Road…such good basics.

15. What is the best thing about being a mother?

Experiencing everything through the eyes of a child again.

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.

The black and white photo is from our just to be launched winter range. Charlotte is wearing a silk hand embroidered dress called 'Spoil Me Silly'.

Charlotte and I.

Thank you Sally for sharing a little about you. 


Giveaway from Dear Charlotte Love Banjo on the blog tomorrow. 

My Revelations - Louise

Meet Louise from Naughts & Crosses

1. Where do you reside?

Elwood, Melbourne

2. What is special about where you live?

Having the beautiful tree lined streets, the sandy beaches and the best coffee all right around the corner, you can’t ask for more than that!

3.  How did you get your business started?

I have always had a bit of a dress addiction and would always pay for an amazing dress before I would pay the rent. After working with Alannah Hill a few years ago my love for beautiful dresses became worse (worse for my wallet not for my wardrobe) and I became inspired to create my own range of party dresses. Being a nanny, I had noticed a shift in the clothes children were wearing to birthday parties- it seemed that the beautiful dresses and patent leather shoes were being replaced with jeans and a t-shirt. I wanted to create a line of dresses that were handcrafted and made from beautiful fabrics without the pretentiousness I had come across in other labels. So sitting on the couch one Sunday afternoon I came up with naughts & crosses.

4. What is your favourite childhood memory?

As a child I spent much of my school holidays with my grandparents and many hours playing snap and naughts and crosses with my nanna. It’s a pretty simple memory but I loved that she would let me win even though I clearly hadn’t. I think I love that it wasn’t really about playing the game at all but that I loved spending time with her and there was always time for one more game before dinner. She inspired me to call my brand naughts & crosses.

5. What are some memories that you like to create for your children?

I don’t have children of my own yet.

6.  Who inspires you?

I feel as though I find a new inspiration every day. I am lucky enough to have a wide range of friends who are always inspiring me to start something new and give everything a try. I am inspired by people like Anna Palmer, Tim Walker and David Bromley. I love creative people, anyone who can create something magical from everyday things inspires me to create.

7.  Describe your perfect day?

My perfect day (which will often take place on a Sunday in our house) would have to start with a big sleep in, followed by a stroll to our local for a take away coffee. I love to curl up on the couch on a morning off with a magazine and our cat that is happy to curl up with you all day if you’ll let her. I love to spend an afternoon shopping for vintage treasures in Fitzroy or sometimes we will take a day trip to Kyneton or Daylesford.

8. Favourite holiday destination?

We went to Thailand last year which was just beautiful. I love anywhere sunny with a beach where I can sit under an umbrella and read a good book!

9. What are some of your favourite things that you could not live without?

 Music, chocolate, coffee, magazines, my partner & our cat (not necessarily in that order)

10. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

I love books! There are so many wonderful children’s books available and I think they play such an important part in the growth and development of a little one! The book I love to read to my girls at the moment is “Zero” by Kathryn Otoshi it’s about a big round number with emptiness inside. The other, more colorful numbers have fun, and they count. After trying to stretch and pinch herself into another shape (1, 8, or 9), Zero learns to see her value too. I think it delivers on many levels.

11. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

Last year I brought a huge vintage ferris wheel from David Bromley Studio. It was something my partner said we really didn’t need or have room for but I just couldn’t go home without it and it makes me smile every time I see it!

12. Your favourite children’s fashion label?

Naughts & crosses of course, but I’m not totally biased- I love Stella McCartney kids, wovenplay and BIG by Fiona too!

13. What is your family’s favourite meal?

We love Thai food at our house; I am unfortunately not a natural in the kitchen so our favourite meal is made down the street at a cute little restaurant called Bamboo & Lilly.

14. Are you fashion conscious? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

I do love fashion, but I don’t really follow the trends anymore.  My style is classic but comfortable- I love to wear cuddly cardigans paired with comfy leggings and cute flats. Brands like Metalicus and Country Road appeal to me for day wear and I love something a bit glamorous for evenings out. Girly designers like Trelise Cooper and Alannah Hill are two of my favourites; they do great classic cuts and team them with lovely unique fabrics.

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.

I have included three of my favourite photos. The first photo is of Milla my little “niece” at 4 months. Milla is my best friend’s daughter and the second I saw her I just fell in love. I love this photo because it really shows her bubbly little personality!

The second photo is of my nana Betty when she was little girl. I use this photo a lot as part of the naughts & crosses brand because much of my inspiration draws from this vintage style, and also because I think she looks just adorable!

The third photo is of Scarlett, one of the little girls I am lucky enough to nanny for.  Both Scarlett and Milla modelled for me for our first catalogue but it was this photo of Scarlett that has really got us noticed as an emerging Australian children’s brand.

Thank you so much Louise for sharing a little about you.

Mum Revelations - Shelley

  Meet Shelley from Lime Tree Kids

      1.Where do you reside?  

     

      We are fortunate enough to live on the Northern end of the Gold Coast .

2. What is special about where you live? 

I love the fact we can get in the car and drive to the beach, the mountains or even a theme park all within 20 minutes!!

3.  How did you get your business started? 

My husband and I ran a Web Development business (mantis Technologies) for 10 years together but after our first son came to us through adoption from overseas, I realised that there was a big need for children’s websites that offered great quality items that enhanced positive interaction and self esteem whilst also looking cool! So I jumped ship and started my own business!

4. What is your favourite childhood memory?

When my brother got married (whom I adored) and moved out of home I was 7 and he used to come pick me up and drive me to school every morning. I only lived 2 streets away but I LOVED that time with him every morning. I’ve only just realised that he would have driven 10 mins out of his way to work to do so!!

5. What are some memories that you like to create for your children? 

It is really important for me because of a difficult child hood myself, that I promote positive interaction, family traditions, laughter and lots of cuddles!

6.  Who inspires you? 

Hold for collective ** sigh **  but its true , my wonderfully supportive husband and my beautiful son are my main inspiration.  I have been married for 12 years and my husband is truly one of those GOOD guys.. and my son has worked SO hard to get to where he is today emotionally and developmentally he inspires me to try too !

7.  Describe your perfect day? 

My perfect day is hanging around the house or at the park with my two fav boys (Hubby and son) , meeting up for a BBQ with family and friends, laughing and really feeling in the moment with beautiful people. Not worrying about tomorrow or yesterday just IN THE MOMENT!!

8. Favourite holiday destination? 

My favourite holiday destination is Perth. I know its not Italy or anything but we went there last year and stayed at Scarborough Beach. It was such a beautiful time exploring a new city we had never seen, discovering awesome Markets at Fremantle, and COLD weather, which I love! I would move to Perth in a heat beat but alas hubby LOVES the weather here on the coast too much !

9. What are some of your favourite items that you could not live without? 

The following items are non negotiable:

·      iphone

·      Computer

·      My Oroton Sunnies

·      Did I say my iphone ?

·      New Mimco bag

10. What is your favourite product for kids and why? 

Currently my favourite product is the LunchPunch Sandwich cutters range, so so simple and yet so effective!

My son hadn’t eaten a sandwich in a year and now eats a “puzzle” or a “car / plane” everyday!!!

11. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?  

Hmm that would be the new mimco bag for me !!

12. Your favourite children’s fashion label?  

At the moment having a boisterous boy I am loving Minti (it always makes me smile) and Munster. 

I am also a big fan od cotton for pants and cute little stuff!

13. What is your family’s favourite meal? PIZZA , definitely Pizza ! Sad , I know !!!

14. Are you a fashion conscious mother? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?   

Insert sigh here ! I used to be VERY fashion conscious however I am now more concentrated on brushing hair, looking reasonably ok and running out of the door. I am BIG on fashion accessories like trendy etsy necklace finds, designer bags and scarves , perfume etc..

15. What is the best thing about being a mother? 

The BEST thing for me is the fact that I am contributing to someone else’s life and not being totally SELF orientated! My son has a VERY hard start and even when we picked him up from Taiwan and came to us he had a very hard time learning to trust and to love. Now when he gives me a cuddle or kiss, or when I see him playing with his friends like any other child.. My heart swells with a love I never knew I could have for someone!!

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.   

This is my favourite photo at the moment because we had SUCH a beautiful Christmas this past year. Sam was at the age that it brings you to tears to see the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Day.  It made me so grateful and blessed to be a family and to have two special guys in my life  !

My Revelations - Alex from Oobi

Meet Alex Creator and Designer behind Oobi

    

1. Where do you reside? 

In a Sydney suburb called Darlinghurst.  

2. What is special about where you live?

It’s inner city with lots of history, lots of people and a fun boho vibe. It’s the sort of suburb where although it’s busy, there’s a real community and a great neighbourhood to live in with great people, there’s always something happening. I grew up in Bondi so I’m used to crowds! 

3.  How did you get your business started?

I started it at Glebe markets and was approached on my first day by a major buyer who said “come see me on Monday”. What a boost of encouragement! 

4. What is your favourite childhood memory?

When my auntie brought her dog who had just had puppies round to our house. I called “puppy, puppy, puppy” and 8 big-pawed, saggy-skinned pups jumped all over me, licking me and wagging their tails. For a little kid, that felt like being trampled by elephants (but in a very fun way). It was slightly scary, totally cute and turned into one of those ‘can’t stop laughing’ moments. I remember looking up and seeing my whole family laughing and taking photos.

5. Who inspires you?

I’ve recently been inspired by the women I’ve got to know really well on my Facebook page. They share the most incredible life stories, they encourage me and build me up and they blow me away with their thoughtful feedback, kindness, enthusiasm and generosity. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world and it makes me want to create the best ranges ever and try to be worthy of their encouragement.

6.  Describe your perfect day?

Walking down to Rushcutter’s Bay with my friend Kris (and an occasional entourage of kids and dogs), then stopping for a BIG coffee. Then yum cha with my extended family and friends (on my perfect day there is no diet so I eat extra red-bean dessert and there’s no work so I don’t have to worry about breathing garlic on my colleagues), an afternoon of reading the papers on the couch, then playing great music and having friends and family over to sit on the balcony with some wine and cheese and watch the sun go down.  

7. Favourite holiday destination?

Tokyo 

8. What are some of your favourite items that you could not live without?

Chilli, Origins body moisturisers, perfume (I wear it every day), Ray Bans and bandaids (I hurt myself a lot, I am extremely clumsy). 

9. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

Anything for dress-ups, stickers (I loved stickers so much when I was a kid) and a handmade dolly or blankie that’s been made traditionally that can be kept and treasured forever.

10. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

More jeans to add to my extensive collection. 

11. What is your family’s favourite meal?

Burritos! 

14. Are you fashion conscious? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

I am fashion conscious but I’m not a follower of fashion trends anymore. Akira Isogawa is my favourite designer and he made my wedding dress which was part of the Powerhouse Museum retrospective of his work – he is an artist and it was an incredible garment, not overly “bride-y” as you can imagine but just perfection. 

15. What is the best thing about owning your own business?

Having people call me “m’am”, the great fearful ‘hush’ when I walk into the room, PA’s who fetch me coffee and give me massages and turning up to work after lunch and leaving before 5. JUST KIDDING! The best thing is feeling that we can achieve our goals and our dreams together as a team and that anything is possible because we all share and believe in this pretty cool thing that I created. That’s unreal.

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.

I have to put this ‘bear beanie’ picture here. It’s the photo that put me on the map as a children’s fashion designer. Those beautiful eyes and the sweet garment worked together so well that people just responded to it. The little model has been in almost every single one of my fashion shoots and she’s the reason I keep going up in sizes/ages – where could I be without her.

Thank you so much for sharing more about you Alex. xx

Mum Revelations - Suzanna (Mon Tresor)

1.    Where do you reside?

I live in Sydney, in the Sutherland Shire. It is such a beautiful & family orientated suburb and I love the fact that the beach is only a 5 minute drive away!

2.    What is special about where you live?

My boys love being outdoors- we are lucky to have so many parks, gardens, beaches so close by as well as some funky little cafes and some of the best restaurants!

3.    How did you get your business started?

I first started Mon Tresor a little after my second son Maddox was born, in 2007. I have always been a creative one, and felt the time was right to create a little business and Mon Tresor was launched early 2008 with handmade jewels and hair accessories. It has since grown into an online emporium of hair accessories, jewels, wear and stylish party ware.

4.    What is your favourite childhood memory?

There are lots of fond memories I have but one that stands out would have to be the family trip to the USA and our adventures at Disneyland-that I still remember like it was yesterday!

5.    What are some memories that you like to create for your children?

I would love for them to grow with many beautiful memories that include things we do together as a family wherever we may be or wherever we may go and most importantly to know they are truly loved.

6.    Who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from so many different facets. I must admit I love reading a collection of blogs, from fashion to children’s orientated blogs, to interior design and styling and dessert table styling by Amy Atlas.

7.    Describe your perfect day?

The perfect day would start off by waking up with the family, cooking pancakes together (my boys love love doing this!) and then sitting down enjoying a Nespresso latte and either spending time in the yard having a swim or going for a walk by the beach. I also love to spend an hour or so of “me time” where I can relax by shopping or pamper myself with a massage J

8.    Favourite holiday destination?

Three words: New York City.

9.    What are some of your favourite items that you could not live without?

1.    My boys and hubby

2.    My GHD

3.    My nespresso machine

4.    My iphone

10. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

I love storybooks. We have shelves and boxes full of some of the greatest and most classic storybooks. I am a firm believer in reading to children at an early age.

11. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

I recently bought the most gorgeous bed linen – ruffled duck egg blue quilt with a mix of cameo pillows in fuschia and flowers in latte through uber stylish TheodoreMade.

12. Your favourite children’s fashion label?

I love Minti and I always find Cotton on have some great things!

13. What is your family’s favourite meal?

We always love a fresh garden salad with an assortment of BBQ’d meats.

14. Are you a fashion conscious mother? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

I do love to follow fashion and admire the styling by Rachel Zoe- I have a wardrobe with a mix of clothing of labels and non-labels. I love Zara and also can’t go past the classic Witchery.

15. What is the best thing about being a mother?

Watching the children grow and always having unconditional love. It is such a precious gift.

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.

A family photo- this is one of my favourite recent family shots as it is near the water, it is natural and we all had fun that day.

Thank you so much Suzanna for sharing a little about you. xx

Check back later we have a special easter giveaway from Mon Tresor