The Grand Budapest Hotel:: Clandestine Film Watching

Last night I got home - and the house was a bomb. 

I felt pretty angry. That's actually an understatement. This has been percolating away for a while. 

So 20 minutes after walking in, I walked back out. 

I felt pretty guilty. But also pretty angry. I am sick of being the only one to tidy things away because everyone's taken the "it's not my stuff" posture - so they just leave it. 

What did I do? Well, what is one meant to do when you have steam coming out your ears and no where to really go?

I went to the movies. With no movie in mind, I just had to pick one based on the time I arrived, and whatever was showing. Thankfully it was The Grand Budapest Hotel. PHEW!

Because my friends, watching that film? Magical. 

I kept sitting there reminding myself that Wes Anderson is a freaking genius. Everything is perfect. And perfectly quirky and wonderful. There are so many shots I wanted to photograph in my memory because they were a beautiful play of colour, a riot really. 

I've thought about it all day, and looking on Pinterest has reminded me of so many great moments, I can't wait to watch it all over again. 

Honestly, it's one of my all-time favourite films now, straight to my top 5. And maybe even my favourite Wes Anderson film.

The casting is brilliant. 
The costumes are superb.
The sets incredible.
Everything is sublime.

Have you seen The Grand Budapest Hotel? And did you love it as much as I did?

Fruity and Fabulous:: By Jodie Nicholson

Pineapples are hot property right now. I'm not talking your topless variety from your local fruit and veg, or even the tinned rings from the supermarket. I'm talking pineapple motifs. If you haven't noticed, I don't know how you missed it, unless you've been hiding in a compost bin - and then I completely understand. Or do I?!

I was delighted, spellbound and instantly in love when I spied Jodie Nicholson's pineapple in progress (PIP) on Instagram. Here was a woman, with her bare hands, a needle and floss, creating a pineapple in all its spiky, yellow glory. 

Isn't it awesome? I want to show the world what Jodie's been making because I LOVE IT SO MUCH! 

And now she's turned her attention to melons. Dirty mind. Watermelons people. 

You must click over to Instagram and have a look at her beautiful handiwork as she documented the fruit salady goodness being created. 

And if you're in the market for this unique handmade pineapple piece of art - it's a steal for less than a pineapple - get it, get it?! (ie less than $50) - you could hang it on your wall. Look at all those teeny tiny stitches - so much work - who couldn't fall madly in love with these? They'd look so great hung together on the wall (plus that tassel talks to that watermelon, and it's lurve people, it's lurve).

Jodie has generously offered PMM readers 15% off until September 30 - just enter PMM15 at the register. 

Favourite Find:: OneWhiteSunday Necklace

Who doesn't love a pastel? I am the first to say that I am a bit crazy for pastels - see last week's Favourite Find.

Just like a scarf, a necklace (for me) can change an outfit. I hang mine in the hallway, and on my way past in the morning, I choose one and pop it on. Each day I choose something different. I am so crazy like that. 

I was pretty excited to find this little beauty from OneWhiteSunday today. The prettiest palette with a graduation of shapes, like Fruit Loops meets caveman - and for the win! 

There are lots of other beauties - I love this too - looks like cubist fairy floss. 

OneWhiteSunday Pastel Stone necklace $42


**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

HOLY COLLAB!!! Celine Dion VS Daft Punk VS The Bee Gees = MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!

Obsessed? Maybe.

Loving it? HELLZ YEAH!

Can this Daft Punk big love ever end? Not with Celine dancing it out, that's fo' shizzle!  Check out those moves. And *that* suit!! 

And the Bee Gees homage? Sheer brilliance. 

Favourite Find:: McKean Studio Silk Scarves

I love a good scarf, in case you hadn't ever noticed (in which case, how did you not notice this?!). For me, a scarf is an easy way to spice up an outfit, add a bit of personality, and best of all for me - colour!

When I was younger I used to scour the markets searching for souvenir scarves. I collected Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, and a couple of others that I can't quite remember. I have a bit of a *thing* for souvenir scarves - and clearly a thing for souvenir scarves of places I've never been (except for NZ, I've been there).

Sydney-sider Megan McKean, illustrator/designer/owner/maker has created a dreamy range of cotton-silk souvenir scarves digitally printed with her illustrations inspired by her travels.

Can you imagine my glee?

But if you're not into wearing scarves, then these are beautiful as a framed artwork, or the perfect gift.

And the palettes are so fruit tingle-y beautiful, I can imagine they'd work well with my wardrobe.

McKean Studio Palm Springs, California silk cotton scarf $75 (other cities available)


**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

Yo Mama! An Interview with Michelle Shearer

A couple of years ago I came across a wonderful group called MamaBake. MamaBake hinges on the idea of women, mamas, banding together to bake - big batch baking - and produce meals en masse to free up time in each mamas diary. 

I know myself when mealtime hits I lack inspiration - and fumble to throw things together (unless I've got spare time, and that's like hunting for hen's teeth in a foxes den). 

A catalyst for change, MamaBake is the revisiting of real community and real-life support. Founder, Michelle Shearer is one of those funny, intelligent women that you find yourself drawn to. She's real - no pretenses, which is utterly charming in itself. 

This week I talk to her and find out more about MamaBake and why it's important to us mamas. 

PMM: MamaBake is an inclusive revolutionary group for mamas - particularly in a time when we're struggling for community. MamaBake was birthed three years ago - how was it conceived?

MS: It was conceived when my good friend Bec (who I went to school with back in England. We found each other again after she spotted a photo of mine on Facebook that looked alot like a place near where she lived.  We were both living in Australia and just up the road from each other.  So 20 years on, we're still best buddies.) came to school with a lasagne for me to take home for dinner.  I didn't have to cook a meal that evening so went surfing instead and it all felt incredibly liberating.  I immediately wanted to reciprocate and started to think around the concept of how we could get this feeling for every mum.  From there the group, big batch sharing concept of MamaBake was born.

Tell us why MamaBake is important.

MamaBake is important because the job of mothering is vital to a healthy society and that to do that job well we need community.  It is not a job that we are meant to do alone and we are not meant to be doing absolutely everything alone either.  No wonder depression rates are what they are in mothers.  The way we are doing it now is just not cutting it and we have to find other ways that supports women when they have children.  MamaBake provides tight knit community to mums, it lightens her domestic load and it demonstrates the power of her community to her children - so we leave a lasting legacy of togetherness for the future generations.

Running an online community is busy work. Running an online community AND a real life community is totally demanding. How do you manage the juggle?

I take windows of opportunity.  Karen runs MamaBake with me so we work together managing things and juggle between us but yes, it is demanding.

What's a normal day look like for you?

Best case: get up and go for a surf

Sometimes: get up run on the beach, swim across the lake and get home before the kids are up

Usually: get up put the parrots out, feed the chickens and said parrots. Make breakfasts for everyone, coffee.

The rest of the day is a combo of the following:

beach/work/bake/bed.

What's the best bit of your job?

Day to day: I love the banter on Facebook.  I sit here like Mutley sometimes snorting and exhaling loudly like an old smoker, alone. Ah dear.  I love reading and learning of new groups popping up and how MamaBake has impacted on them and seeing MamaBake grow and people taking that first step towards change for the better. I have some very special friendships that have come about as a result of MamaBake too and I value that very much.

Do your children cook?

Oh yes they love to get knee deep in whatever I'm doing.  

Sometimes if I work late, or I'm stupidly tired, I just can't muster the ability to make anything for dinner beyond toasted sandwiches and some veggies on the side. Do you ever get stuck for a meal?

I would say about half my week is me getting stuck for a meal and involves me opening the fridge, closing the fridge, wondering, frowning and walking away - repeat cycle.  I have the odd day where I'm inspired but mostly meh...(hence MamaBake!)

Do you ever get to take time out for yourself?

Yes I do but I have to claim it when the opportunity arises or it gets lost in a swamp of to-dos and dirty dishes.  If I do get time I like to surf, swim across the lake or walk across the headlands with my camera or a musty old book.

What's coming up next for Michelle Shearer?

Well, that all depends on our Pozible campaign...  I certainly hope to be building vaster in-real-life MamaBake communities for mothers across the world.

Join MamaBake here. 

Check out more MamaBake here. 

Read the MamaBake manifesto here.

And have fun at the MamaBake Facebook community here. 

Please support The Mother's Revolution here at Pozible. Seeking funding for spreading the MamaBake vibe even further around the world. 

This is the seventh interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

Coveting:: Habbot

Holy guacamole. Not since forever have I coveted a pair of shoes. Being endowed with rather generously long and ridiculously narrow feet, I can confidently say - I'm not a woman that loves shoe shopping.

Could these shoes be the ones to woo me? 

Crumbs. I think so. 

Let's take them in...

Oh my. That felt SO so good. Really good. Breath in, breath out. In and out.

What the heck - I want to do it all over again. Let's take another peek. 

Whoa. These shoes are doing things to me. 

On my coveting list. 

Habbot
Bunce in Gold *swoon*
Designed in Australia, hand-made in Italy. Sigh.

Yo Mama! An Interview with Beci Orpin

I've renamed Beci Orpin - Beci Awesome.

Matt and I spent a joyful afternoon together, lying on the bed (don't get any ideas), reading her new book 'Find and Keep'. It's full to overflowing with colour, inspiration, and pure joy. I keep it by my bedside because as soon as I look at it, it buoys me. It's like happiness in print.

I've long been an avid fan of Beci Awesome. Since her Princess Tina days, when I'd avidly await her new releases, to recently when I met her at a flower bombing class at The School and rushed over to her and introduced myself (I am SUCH a nerd burger). I was so thrilled to be breathing in the same air as her. In a non-creepy way.

Beci is one of those rare creatures that constantly creates - and wins with her colourful and enchanting ways - plus she's super humble. And to add to that she has an equally awesome sister, Emily.

So without further ado, let's get down to why we're here - let's talk hear from the woman herself.

PMM: Beci Orpin.

Beci Orpin: YES hello!

In your book 'Find and Keep' you thank your parents for encouraging a creative childhood. Tell us about what growing up in the Orpin household was like.

Well actually I grew up across two different households for most of the time, as my parents got divorced when I was three and my sister (this is her) was one. We used to live with my mum during the week and spend weekends at dad's house. We lived in a commune with my mum for a while and that was super fun. She was all feminist theory and no TV and whole foods, but my dad let us occasionally eat junk food and Hubba Bubba and hire as many beta videos as we wanted. I think it was a good balance. In between both of them they read us lots of books, took us to lots of different classes (classical ballet, jazz ballet, flute, improv theatre, basket weaving, judo) and took us on fun holidays and outings. And of course they always encouraged us to do stuff, rather than sit on the couch.I think that was a biggie in how we both turned out.

 
You have two sons - how do you manage to keep active boys active, and your professional life thriving?

Honestly it's a constant struggle, but i have i've learnt a few tricks with boys (might apply to all kids but I have only had boys so I'm not sure) - keep them fed and take them out for a run - just like a puppy. My boys also thrive if you are able to give them one on one attention - which can be hard when you work from home and are an obsessive compulsive email-checker. But I find if I do the one-on-one thing, whether it be a bit of Lego building or reading books or drawing or talking about their day then that keeps them happy. I have also learnt that it's unfair to expect them to amuse themselves while I work. Neither of us ends up happy doing that. So I hang out with them when they get home from school and until after dinner and bed is done, and then go back to work when they sleep.

It was hard going to develop this kind of working routine for a while but now I am quite used to it, and even look forward to my night time sessions - it's really quiet and free from distractions. It almost disguises itself as "me time"! And it won't be like that forever. In the not-too-distant future they will be thinking I am completely uncool, so I'm going to lap up their demanding-ness while it's still happening.


Colour is so much a part of the Beci Orpin we know and love. Does it apply to all facets of your life?

YES for sure. Even without me noticing I find myself obsessing over what colour plates should go on that green table cloth, or an arrangement of scraps of colour paper on my desk. It can be quiet distracting really.


What's your favourite part of your job?

Without wanting to sound too sucky - almost every part. I do really like the beginnings of projects, getting all the bits together and experimenting. Subsequently I can suck at finishing things. I get it done eventually though. And variety. I like that I get to work on lots of different things.


And the best part of your day?

After we drop the kids off, Raph and I usually get coffee together. Even if it's just take-away we can talk in the car (his work is just around the corner). We are so busy independently, and Raph often works nights and weekends, and goes to bed early, so it can be hard to see each other aside from the daily routine. So coffee feels like a nice treat. I feel lucky we get to do things like that.

Do your children love creating too?

Ari definitely has the drawing gene - he creates literally hundreds of drawings without any prompting from me, or he is always asking to do painting or make something. Tyke is a bit older now (almost 10) and interested in different things - but he is creative in other ways - like writing stories, and of course Lego/minecraft creations. His mind is far more technical than mine will ever be.


How do you re-charge your batteries? What's time out look like for you?

I do have to work a lot so my "me" time has to be pretty well planned. I see a personal trainer once a week and have been doing that for almost three years - I never thought I would love exercise as much as I do! So much that this year i'm also doing bootcamp with some school mums! But the ultimate me time is riding my bike - I love it because it can fit into my day - I can ride to meetings and it feels like a bit of meditation on the way. We also go on a family holiday every year. That has become a pretty important ritual to us all now.


Juggling work and parenting is a crazy, crazy thing. What's your best tip to share?

YES IT IS. There are no tricks - it's hard work that's for sure. My tip is allocate kid time and working time and try not to overlap the both. As I said I try and hang out with my kids when they get home, and if I can't or need to go somewhere at night I tell them in advance so they don't get bummed out too much when I can't be there. Routine is kind of important to us - especially Monday to Friday - knowing what is going on in advance makes everything easier for everyone. Being organised is good too - but actually we are pretty crap at that. I can see how it would make our working/kid life much easier though. Getting organised is deinftely on my "to do" list.


What's coming up next for Beci Orpin?

Another crazy year - just how I like it. I'm working on one or two new books (can't say what or with whom just yet), and I have an exhibition planned for April with the amazing Kat Macleod, and a few other exhibitions later in the year too. Raph and I are also working on a new project for him - an exciting one which should launch in June. I'm trying to squeeze in bit more blogging, but most likely I will be wasting time on Instagram, Pinterest and Etsy instead. And then of course freelance work and my other usual follies.

In my dreams we will renovate our house this year - we even have the plans drawn up - but I think we will be too busy with everything else. So I might have to blow all our budget on a HUGE 40th birthday party (or series of parties). Yes that birthday is happening for me this year too! At first I was scared of it, but now I'm all BRING ON THE 40! Can't wait!

• Beci's book 'Find and Keep' is published by Hardie Grant and available in good bookstores or here.
• Check out Beci's website here and her blog here
• Raph runs Melbourne-based Taco Truck. Follow on Facebook (I do, and I don't even live there, I'm just living vicariously).

Want even more good news? The very good folk at Hardie Grant - together with Beci are kindly giving away three very awesome copies of 'Find and Keep'. 

To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post, and tell me why you need 'Find and Keep' in your life. 


Terms and conditions: 
- Open to Australian residents only.  
- Entries are open from Monday 4th March - closing Sunday 10th March 2013 at midnight. Three winners will be announced on Monday 11th March.
- One entry per person
- If you have trouble leaving a comment on my blog, please try a different browser. If problems persist, please let me know.
- You must leave your email address on your comment. I'm not Sherlock Holmes.


This is the sixth interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

images courtesy of Beci's website and via Save the Children website.

Fight the Funk!:: 5 Easy Tips To Shake The Blues

Do you ever find yourself in a bit of a funk?

I do. I totally do. But I've got it down to a fine art to fight the funk. I know how to beat the blues and kick them to the kerb. I've put together 5 ideas to put a pep in your step and bring back the business of being happy!

1. Did you know 57% of women would choose awesome hair over gaining 10 IQ points? Weird huh? But the psychology stacks up. I was treated to a blow dry at the Blow Dry Bar last week and I'm living proof good hair can change the way you feel. Seriously. I went in feeling a bit flat stanley, had a chat, had my hair washed and coiffed, asked for fat curls, got fat curls - et voila, walked out feeling like a million bucks. And for just $40, it's a good treat that lasts a few days. When I'm next going on date night - I'm going to the Blow Dry Bar and getting my hair done. 

2. Wear colour. Over the last few years I've eradicated black from my wardrobe. I have very few black pieces because it washes me out and makes me feel a bit blue. I love pumping up the volume with colour. Whether it's a bright top, printed jeans, or some ace accessories, you can't feel down when your accessories are so up. And if you want to wear black - paint your nails. Do something fun. You can hardly be cranky when you've got these beauties on your nails. 

3. Meet up with some friends. Or even phone a friend. When I'm low, talking to someone can - a) distract me from whatever it is that's got me down, and b) remind me that I'm not alone. 

4. Music! I am a mad fan of cranking the tunes and doing some car karaoke or kitchen dancing. I especially love belting out the (out of) tunes with the smalls. I'm loving this and this (STILL stuck on this) for good moods ahoy. 

5. Do something for yourself. Go see a movie. Take yourself for a coffee. Go for a walk. Do something that gives you something - just for you. 

What are your best feel-good tips?

Listening To.

Have you fallen in love with any music of late?

I am totes mad for Tessellate. I'm loving Haim's 'Falling'. Matt and I are going to see Ben Howard when he's out in April.

I've fallen hard for Oh Mercy's latest album, in particular 'Deep Heat' - and do not even get me started on The XX - 'Fiction'. I've got it on repeat. Over. And over. And over again.

What are you listening to and loving?

Eating. Making. Creating.

How great is this animation? I think it's so beauitful and inspiring.

And I really love guacamole and want some. Right now!

Creating. Helping. Living.

The Creative Spirit from Droga5 Sydney on Vimeo.


I feel so very lucky that my sister shared this with me.

I won't lie. I shed a tear.

So many people are marginalised by today's society. Pushed to the side. Too hard basket for you! - Well that's the way it seems.

Which is why I've loved meeting Peter, Frank and my walking-gang. There is no space for cookie-cutter personalities.  

So anyway, I'm not going to bang on about this clip. You really just do have to watch it for yourself.

The power this clip yields? I want to work with one of those companies that is part of it. Droga5. Hear that?

Read more here at Creative Spirit.

The Coolest Collab Ever

Tiny and I are watching this on repeat today. It's just that fabulous. We love, love, love this version of Gotye's 'Somebody that I used to know'. So delicious.


Found via Just B and MrJasonGrant.

AMAZEBALLS!

I watched this clip with Matt and couldn't take my eyes away. Seriously spell-binding and amazeballs and totes ridonkulous manouevres. Check it out b-girls!

How insane is that?

In other news, I'm sick again. That's not rad is it? I am so super flipping sick of being sick. So I've been lying low all weekend, and I mean that, I've been getting horizontal on the couch for most of it. Poor smalls must be so bored of me.

What's news for you?

The Next Big Thing

Psst! This is my new favourite show. The Next Big Thing. So great. Such an insight into retail.

And love Australia's very own Yasmin Sewell at Liberty's of London (pictured).

Recommended viewing!

ABC1 - right now (Thursday, 9:30pm)