Words of Wisdom

(Image from here)

(Image from here)

Moo enlightened me this morning that it is wise not to skip with a slinky. Okay, thanks for that little bit of valuable advice.

Courage

(image from here)

I would really like one of these badges some days or maybe just to get this message to someone in particular who doesn't seem to understand. It is seems it is much easier to make really big interpretations about someone (yep that would be me) based on knowing just a snippet. I like being an independent Mum, it is much easier and harder all rolled into one. There are good parents and not so good parents in relationships and doing it on their own. I do try and get up every morning and do my best.... but maybe it is easier for some not to see that. I read an interview with the maker of these badges and she said that these are her top sellers. I find it a little sad. So I'm not the only one who is a little misunderstood.

(from here)

On a much nicer note, the girls and I have had a lovely crafty weekend. Lots of bits and pieces made for the upcoming BIDM.

BIDM Preps

Busy, busy, not to much to say but to share a few pics of what I've been up to for my preps for the BIDM. Finders Keepers being the talk of Brisbane over the weekend. If you want to check out some very lovely photos from the Finders Keepers Market see Mark Lobo's site here.

November Is.....

Well today is the 1st of November. Just over a month till the most exciting date of the year. No it's not Christmas I'm thinking of but the BrisStyle BIDM market. Market preps are in full swing, with the sweat shop girls (aka the children) being bribed with much chocolate for their assistance.

The 1st of November also starts the month of "Movember". Movember aims to raise awareness of two very serious men's health issues - prostate cancer and depression. Check out the official site for all the info of how you can get involved with all the Movember goings on. I am choosing not to grow a Mo (not such a lovely look on a girl) but maybe I shall craft a Mo instead and donate the proceeds of the sale to the cause. Maybe you too want to get involved with some crafty Mos. If you want some inspiration here are some of my favourite Etsy Mustaches:

Wool Felt Mustache by chickbabyrose

The Minature Tiny Mustache Pick by thesmallobject

Super cute Moustache Gloves by wifeofbrian

Support For Young Illustrators

There is a current competition being held called "Doodle For Google". Children from around Australia were asked to design a logo for Google that reflected their wish for Australia. A finalist was chosen from each of the four ages groupings in each state and voting is currently underway for the National winner. The illustration above is the Queensland State winner for the years 4 - 6 age grouping. This very talented illustrator also happens to be one of my daughter's class mates. The whole school has gotten behind him to drum up support. If you'd like to join in the voting fun or maybe just check out some of the up and coming Australian talents you can head on over here.

Little Bits of Nice

(image from here)

Lots of bits of niceness going on at the moment. Well that's what I'm telling myself. I was very lucky to win the very lovely brooch by RE-read the other week. You can go and check out the very talented RE-read's goodies at the upcoming Finders Keepers Market in Brisbane next weekend.

Above is a picture of the lovely Fleur who I found all packaged up on my door step last week. She is so sweet how she lies on her belly and looks down at you. My sister made her for my Birthday. It was such a lovely surprise as I had no idea. My sister hand sews every stitch of the bears she makes and they last forever.

Above is a picture of some of the bits I'm getting ready for the BrisStyle Christmas Market. It is lovely to use up all the scrap pieces of fabric that I haven't been able to part with.

Some new fabrics from Ink & Spindle. Yay! I can't quite believe that they have only been around for a year. Happy First Birthday Ink & Spindle.

On a wee bit of an exciting note, I'm involved the the 30 Days of Giveaways Style Collective/Frankie promotion. Every day in November Style Collective will be giving away a prize from 30 Indie Designers. Above is my messenger bag that is up for grabs.

My etsy store has also had a little face lift too. New banner and all designed by the lovely Kate from LalaRose.

Lovely Break

Why is it that holidays always have to go so fast? The girls and I have just gotten back from the most lovely week down the coast at Burleigh Heads. So much fun to be had. Walking, swimming, more swimming, markets, parks, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, loads of fish and chips and many, many ice creams.

Cait and Moo exploring the rock pools. Hours of fun.

Some members of the family, namely Cait chose to be adventurous holiday activities climbing up on the high ropes course with the birds at Currumbin. It was such a pity that I didn't wear closed in shoes to join in the joy of being harnessed in meters above the ground.

I on the other hand was content to join in this lot in lots of laziness.

Look, we even got a sneak look at her babe.

On another pretty interesting handmade note, Burleigh had quite a few lovely shops selling handmade wears. What a treat. The girls are so funny to take shopping now and can pick handmade a mile off and make sure everyone in the shop knew that they had seen things for sale on etsy or that they were handmade. My favorite shops were Raggedy Anne and Love From Lucy.