the sunday telegraph

We got a wonderful write up in the paper yesterday, Thank you Sunday Telegraph!
The article was in the Shop Smart section and was about our little shopping village in Summer Hill. They chose some great stores and we were lucky enough to be one of them! Do you like the photo, we were happy.

Also in the paper (in the magazine) was our new So Young Mother Lunchboxes. These have been a hit because of their design and practicality. Check them out on our website, they suit mums and kids.

xx

Thank you Charlotte for sending me this divine photo of your revamped room - its lovely!

Charlotte (10) came in last week and bought a couple of things (with mum and sister) to style her newly clean room. She decided on the twitters and a paper garland (not shown). The above pic also shows the hazyjane elephant which was bought from My Messy Room on a previous visit... I especially love the little nest created with the bird sitting on top.

Thanks again Charlotte for sharing! xx

The cottage industry

I have always loved cushions made from pre loved fabrics and for the new holiday shack I really really wanted to use Pene Durston's touristy tea towel cushions. Some might ask why I didn't want to make them myself, but for me, it's one of those ideas where of course you could, but to find the right materials! I knew Pene would have the exactly what I wanted and I just wasn't willing to wait.

Three days before Xmas I called Pene and though she didn't have any NSW south coast cushions, she sent me this photo of what she thought would work in my room.

Aren't they perfect!  (we wanted souvenir tea towels, Australian, blues with some bright).

It was such awesome service - we talked that night, I paid for it in the morning and 4 kitsch aussie cushions arrived for me on Christmas Eve ready for the big move!! I know how tired and busy Pene would have been so close to Christmas.... THANK YOU!!

This is now what they look like

Cottage Industry is a must see visit in Fitzroy next time your in the area.
67 Gertrude St Fitzroy 3065
03 9419 2430
Monday to Saturday 11am - 6pm
xx

The bell jar cafe

For those that visit the store, you would all know Ange. She has worked instore for nearly two years and I have valued her heaps throughout that time.

Sadly she left us in December to begin her own business woith partner Sam - The Bell Jar Coffee Shop and I'm so happy for her!

Yesterday to celebrate Hudson's 1st day at a new pre school, he and I went for an early coffee/poppa at the Bell Jar. We loved it! Little marionette coffee, fresh produce, great vibe, i know it will be a success.

If your in Newtown, Enmore, St Peters or Tempe pop in and say g'day to her and Sam. It think it may become your new local.....

Bell Jar Coffee
Shop 2/104 Alice St (just off King St or Edgeware Rd)
Newtown NSW 2042
open 7am-4pm



ps. and doesnt little H look happy... he was so excited about starting at the school and had a great day too!

Its another Messy Sale!

With new season starting to arrive in only a few weeks, we have decided to start our Summer Sale today!
All Summer stock has been reduced between 30-50% and there are some mighty bargains. Here's just a few:

Big by Fiona       40% off
Littlehorn            30% off
Cried Wolf         30% off
Munster              30% off
Polka                  40% off
Chalk n Cheese   40% off
Fabrik                 40% off
Alex and Ant       30% off

.... And if you mention this blog you will receive a further 10% off.... (thats 50% off some labels) - Rippa!
until stock lasts. xx

Heavy heart...

These last 24 hours have been so sad, anxiously waiting to hear more about our neighbouring state's flood disaster. So much can happen in only a few days......

We are thinking of you as you brace for the worst 

xx

down the south coast....

This year we bought a fibro shack down south.. of sydney.

It has always been a dream of ours to have a holiday shack so that we could escape the busy-ness of our lives in Sydney. After many years of wishing and whats if's, we realised our dream.

2.5 hours from Sydney in a little fishing village we found it. The house is small, hadn't been lived in for over 6 years and didnt have a working bathroom or kitchen.....but we could see the potential straight away.

Every weekend for the last 6 months has been working, getting it ready for the family. We have sanded and washed floors and walls, ripped out and installed a kitchen and bathroom, rewired, add a deck, repaired the roof, and painted both inside and out.

We have loved it, brought new energy to the place and it now feels like a home.

The Wednesday after Christmas we finally finished painting, loaded up both cars with furniture (and lots of bits and bobs) and drove to our new abode.    .......drum roll.... What do you think?

We just cant believe that's it's finished and are so pleased! The kids love it, we love it, it's re-energised us.....

The idea was that we would also rent it out on stayz when we weren't using it but we have grown so attached.......

Would you like to see more pics? I'll keep you posted as there is still a little bit to do. It's been a lot of fun (in between working in the store) finding the pieces that make the house feel like home. We want it to be easy so are keeping it really simple using mostly pre-loved furniture or ikea. We found most of our favourite pieces locally in the 2nd hand shops. There is still a tv unit to find and a book shelf... oh and maybe another piece of 50's 0r 60's art.

Back to work on Wednesday, so ready for this new decade! ....I think the house is already working it's magic on us xx

holidays....

Christmas holidays is a time to unwind, relax with family, reflect on the year past and make resolutions for the new..

Being computer-less for most of December, I didn't get a chance to say  Thank you for your support and kindness in 2010.

It was a full-on year both with family and business but after reflection, there were so many positives and great times.

2011 is going to be a great year, I can feel it! Happy New Year. xx