8 Mother's Day Gift Ideas:: Blog Hop!

With Mother's Day just a breath away, I've been thinking of things I'd love to give to my Mum. Gifts with personality, spunk and style always resonate, so without further ado - let's do this thing!

1. Naomi Murrell 'Thrills' Token $75 (on sale): After a good friend gifted me a Naomi Murrell ring with a teeny tiny bell on it, I've pretty well become obsessed. Cute, quirky and totally of the moment (while having that certain enduring style that you could keep on wearing), it's fun to wear. I love this necklace, because at first glance it's a regular little pendant, but on closer inspection, it's all about the thrills. Sums me up.

2. Nancybird Lounge Gown - Woodland $149: Don't tell anyone, but I wouldn't wear this at home. I'd wear it out. All the time. It's beautiful, draped, long lines, the perfect palette, and the print - well it's pretty well my dream jacket to pair back with a pair of jeans and some oversized jewellery. 

3. Obus Starry Night Socks $12: I am a bit of a sick puppy when it comes to socks. In the latter years, I have become addicted. Because my feet are always cold. I love these cool Turkish made socks that have style. There'll be no more borrowing Matt's anymore! 

4. Jennifer Loiselle Love Heart Sweet Message earrings 25 pounds (guys, I don't know where the pound key is): I am a massive fan girl of an Aussie in the UK. Jennifer Loiselle creates witty, wonderful jewellery that makes my heart go boompity, boompity BOOM!

5. A Table In the Orchard by Michelle Crawford $35: If you have never visited Michelle's blog 'Hugo and Elsa' you haven't lived. Michelle is living my fantasy life. And now her first book is about to launch - I can pretty well be her. Or at least cook and eat like her. Failing that, I can indulge in the incredible photographs and dream. This is not just a cookbook. It's pure indulgence. 

6. Mr Kitly - Flax Line Organic Face Washer $24: I really like having my own face washer. I get a bit annoyed when someone else in the family uses it. Call me crazy (whatevs), I really love this one. And I'd love some beautiful handmade soap to go with it too. Yes please. 

7. Craft for the Soul - How to get the most out of your creative life by Pip Lincolne $29.45: These last few months I have been looking for a crafty outlet from my work and parenting life. To make something and feel like you have instant success, or the powers of creativity wielded in your fingertips. This book holds the key.  

8. Little Tienda Catalina dress $299: Fairtrade and handmade in Mexico, I can vouch for the Catalina dress' easy beauty. Lightweight cotton it feels fabulous on - and looks just as awesome, can be belted or worn loose. 

Want more Mother's Day inspiration? 
Be sure to check out: 
Bondville for loads of clever Australian ideas 
Ish and Chi for loads of style
To totally drool check out eat read love 

Gift Guide:: Kris Kringle (Under $30)

We all have gifting challenges where we need to beat the budget, and get a gift for someone.

I for one, despite being wildly, wildly funny, hate gimmicky Christmas gifts. Controversial, I know, but I'd rather you gave that money to a charity rather than frittering your cash away on junk.

But here I've compiled 10 gifts for under $30. BAM! Let's go.

1. Stila New Limited Edition Portrait of a Perfect Blush Palette from Mecca Cosmetica $20 - I love these cute little palettes. In fact, I like them so much I already gifted one. Do it. You won't be sorry.

2. Hexagon Stud Earrings from Elk $30 - A little splash of colour on the lobes never did anyone any harm. And they're YELLOW! HELLO!

3. Monkey Scrub Licorice Soap from Gorman $12 - Good enough to eat? I don't know anyone that wouldn't want to slather this all over their body. Well maybe I do. But we won't talk about them.

4. Mi Goals Book - Kraft from Little Paper Lane $21 - Kick start someone else's goal factory - give them this book to help them document their goal (keeping) journal. 

5. The Badass Club tea towel from The Flower Drum $20 - I hate washing up. Which is why I need awesome tea towels. This one's killer. 

6. Key Ring in Spice from Nancybird $29 - I love a beautiful key ring. And this one is pretty gorgeous in that spicy turmeric-esque leather. 

7. DBROS Portable Vase - set of 2 from Mr Kitly $20 - Japanese-designed flat-pack vases that become stable vases when filled with water. Be. Still. My. Beating. Heart. 

8. Pacifica Vegan Jumbo Colour Quench Lip Tint from Nourished Life $12.95 - Made from luscious avocado and coconut oils, these chunky tints look so pretty, like a paint palette. Yep. SIgn me up.

9. Seeds from Oxfam Unwrapped $10 - Whether your friend's name is Jack - or not, if in doubt, give seeds. Or something from Oxfam Unwrapped. Anything is going to be a winner.

10. Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream from Grown Alchemist $24.95 - The best smelling, non-greasy, awesome hand cream you could ever meet. Give it to someone awesome and share the love. 

Gift Guide:: For Little Boys

Traditionally, boys are difficult to buy for. Well men are. Girls and women? So easy. If you're having trouble with some gift buying, maybe you can glean some inspiration here? 


1. Aqua Jet from Kidstuff $19.99 - Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a water fight, would it. Well unless you live on the flip side of the world, and in which case - this Christmas gift guide is not for you.

2. Luke & Leia t-shirt from Well Spotted $35 - These are - without doubt - THE best t-shirts my children have ever worn. They are completely locally made, with the wittiest words, they fit beautifully, and they wear amazingly well. You can pass these on for a few kids and still have an awesome t-shirt. Promise.

3. Areaware Cubebot Medium from Kido Store $39.95 - I love these. My kids love these. They're super cute.

4. Snurk Astronaut Quilt cover set from Talo Interiors $159 - Um hello? Dreams made. And it will make my kids make their bed. Problem solved. 

5. Classic Whoopee Cushion from Lark $9.95 - PFFT! I love a good whoopee cushion gag. 
6. Skylanders Swap Force Starter Pack from JB Hi-Fi $79 - In case you've been living under a rock for the past few months (lucky you) these are the toy de jour. Gift one of these and you're in the good books. Yes, your kids know if you've been naughty or nice.

7. Minti Mexi Triangles Bondi Boardies from Little Pinwheel $59.95 - Bright, graphic and awesome - no boy can get through summer without a cool pair of boardies.

8. Hand Art Tattoo Pens from Third Drawer Down $10 - Remember being small and getting in trouble for drawing on your hand? Hey! Lighten up mum! These are made for drawing on little hands. It is the holiday season, after all. 

9. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien from Berkelouw Books $34.95 - The Doctor really wanted to read The Hobbit, got a little way in, but I think was turned off by a) the sheer size and b) lack of pictures. I found this hardcover version and can't wait to give it to him on Christmas day so we can read it together.

10. Speedo Sea Squad Spinning Dive Toys from Rebel Sport $18.75 - Encourage the active this summer. These are fun and get your small swimming with play at the heart of it! 

Gift Guide:: For The Papas

Men. Science says they're the most difficult people to buy for. Ok I maybe made that up, but it's true. Ask anyone. Men. What do you get them? Women? Easy. Men? No. Not easy.

Here are 10 ideas to get you on the track to gift giving utopia. Well here's hoping. But men. They're traditionally unpredictable creatures. Or are they? I don't jolly well know.


1. Stripe Pocket Detail t-shirt from Country Road $49.95 - You can't fail a classic striped tee. And if he doesn't like it, it's the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Are you picking up what I'm putting down?
2. Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet from Aesop $80 - This smells SO. DAMN. GOOD. And I hear from a reliable source that it's the bee's knees too. 
3. Men's Original Hobe from Hobes $159 - Matt has these. Matt loves these. Your man might love them too. Classic cool.

4. Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds Large Handkerchief from Third Drawer Down $26 - Cool graphic design on a utilitarian accessory. 
5. Smith Journal one year subscription $47.80 - This mag is such a great read. SUCH a great read. 
6. Large Sage and Citrus Amber candle from Plain and Simple $40 - This is one of the best smelling candles I've ever gifted. And the packaging is awesome
7. Luxe beach towel (Shoalhaven) from Lark $69.95 - Ships ahoy! I do love this nauti-cool towel.

8. Notepads and pens from Oxfam Unwrapped $22 - Totally stuck for ideas? Oxfam Unwrapped have some genius cards that mean someone is going to be super happy.
9. Gift box - 4 pack from Happy Socks $59.95 - Speaking of happy - Happy Socks. Matt loves being given socks. Don't tell him I told you.
10. The Little Vege Patch Co. from My Messy Room $44.95 - If your man is a little bit handy in the garden, this book looks a whole lot of ace. 

Gift Guide:: For the Mamas

Want my advice? Probably not, but I'll tell you anyway. Email your husband/boyfriend/partner/self the link to this post as an invitation. It's a really subtle hint in a really non-subtle way. And it means everyone wins. 

1. Watermelon tee from Gorman $99 - You cannot go wrong with this t-shirt. Great with jeans, or some little shorty shorts, this is going to become a Summer staple. Well that's if Santa delivers. 

2. Dan 300 Large Leather tote in Citron from The Third Row $250 - How great is this pop of yellow? You could never tire of it. And I am sure I could pack half my world in there, as I am prone to doing with my bags. This one will be around for years. 

3. Blue Moon, Mint Oval & Golden Enamel Earrings by Victoria Mason $160 - Does everyone know how obsessed I am with Victoria Mason's jewellery? These are pretty much perfection.

4. Jigsaw Ribbon necklace from Elk $45 - Best. Necklaces. Ever. Santa. I really want this. Badly.

5. The New Flower Drum Club Baseball tee from The Flower Drum $49 - Fun. Super cool. Get me one. Pronto!

6. Simpatico Petal Bubble Bath from Saison $49.95- There's nothing better than soaking away the battles of a long day in a bubbly bath. 

7. Meredith Red metallic sandal from Habbot $290 - Modern-day Dorothy. I don't really need to say anything more, do I? Well except, hot damn! I LOVE THESE! 

8. Ikat short from Tilly by Lee Mathews $149 - These shorts are so cute they're probably illegal. I want them. I need a fake tan. But I still want them. 

9. Matyroshka 5 piece doll set from BLANK $25 - I'd love to decorate these with my smalls. We could get messy together and create our own little mini family. 

10. Paillette - Mod Squad from Hello Darling $16.95 - Just the perfect amount of sparkle for the festive season. 

#HAPPYGIVING - Christmas Reader Giveaway from Westfield

My favourite time of the year is Christmas. 

Have I told you that about 708 times now? Probably. 

And my favourite part of Christmas is giving. 

Yes, yes, it's lovely to be given a beautiful gift, but there is nothing that can swell my heart more than giving someone a gift. It makes me insanely happy. 

This man was born to give. 

To celebrate #HAPPYGIVING I am totally happy to collaborate with Westfield to give you the opportunity to win a $100 Westfield voucher. 

Now wouldn't that be awesome this Christmas?! 

Just leave a comment below and tell me how you're going to share the gift of giving this Christmas.

Terms & Conditions:

Open to Australian readers only

Open from Monday 25th November at 7am. Closes Friday 29th November at 11:59pm.

Only one entry per person.

Please ensure you leave contact details for me. Sadly I am not psychic and can not dedicate my life to tracking down winners. As much as I'd really love to.

Uber Good Gift Guide:: Kris Kringle AKA Secret Santa

We've all been there - the (dreaded) Kris Kringle. Pull a (sometimes) random name from a hat - and buy them a gift. It sends quivers of terror through my body. Two years in a row I've bought really awesome (even if I do say so myself) KK gifts - and received two really ordinary gifts in return (read: a Dutch doughnut maker that sat under my desk for 12 months). 

But this year friends I'm sharing the inspiration! Because this year I have got Kris Kringle covered. Here are 10 ideas - and each are under $20. Go wild! 

1. Sorry I'm Such An Asshole balloons from Third Drawer Down $18:: Got to buy for the office asshole? These balloons are totes the best thing you could get them. 

2. The Ice Cream truck nail transfers from Hello Darling $14.95:: Looking for something super cool for someone into nail art? How rad are these?! 

3. A Collection a day book by Lisa Congdon from The Supercool $20:: The perfectly curated book of collections - it makes a great coffee table book with beautiful photography and kooky collections.

4. Lip glazes from Kit Cosmetics $19.95 each:: I am a big fan of glosses and glazes. These pretty hues are so perfect for summer. 

5. Gerry - a bear potholder from Teddy Bear's Wednesday $15:: Handmade by super talented, Melbourne-based Jess, in my book - this is too good to use - and more a piece of art than to be used for hot pots. But that's just me. Look how cool they are hung in a cluster.  

6. Happy Socks from Lady Pinwheel $16.95:: Oh how I love these Happy Socks. So fun, quirky and colourful, you totes couldn't be sad with these on.

7. Felt necklace - large - from Ecobabe $19.95:: Handmade in Nepal using Australian wool, this necklace adds an instant splash of colour.  

8. Owl Statue (20cm) from Freedom $14.95:: Wise up with this owl statue. Cool on a desk, bookshelf, or bedside.  

9. Crowned Sleeping Bear trinket/Coin pouch from Handmade Romance $20:: Another Melbourne based crafter/artist, Evie is ridiculously talented - and again - this is a piece of art for everyday use. Swooning.  

10. Clean Water from Oxfam $14:: Instead of buying someone a drink this Christmas, buy lots of people thousands of drinks. Lots more Oxfam ideas here.  

Uber Good Gift Guide:: For Teachers

The term is nearly done - and teachers can be tricky. I don't know my kid's teachers super well - so buying for them can be hard. And yet, I want to give them something nice to acknowledge the hard and awesome work they do tirelessly all year. Here are some ideas I've hunted and gathered. Attention class - let's start this lesson in gift ideas for teachers. 

1. Hope & Greenwood Sweet Shop Mug from Lark $19.95::  How cool is this mug with the graphic design? It'd make a great addition to a desk - and then a subtraction when you pick it up for playground duty. See what I did that?

2. Rifle Paper Co. Coaster set from Notemaker $29.95:: A classic gift? Coasters! Rifle Paper Co. is my go-to for beauty, and I love these coasters. 

3. Sailor Mo Hankie from The Supercool $15.95:: If you've got a man-teacher (and I'm married to one) check out these rad hankies. Put a mo' on it! 

4. Blackboard Spice Jar from Lark $9.95:: Fill this baby up with some nougat - or some homemade rocky road. The blackboard label spells it out for you. 

5. Uashmama bag - natural small from Grosgrain Homewares $22.95:: Fill this with the shiniest apples you can find, a gift label - et voila. An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but it keeps the teacher's totes happy. 

6. Galison Classic Journal from Little Paper Lane $19.95:: Pair this with a nice pen, and you've got yourself a sweet gift. Nothing beats the promise of a fresh blank page. 

7. Barr-Co. Bath Salts from Saison $19.95:: After a long school year, what's better than whiling away your new-found spare time than a bath and a good book? Didn't hear you. Oh nothing. Yes. That's correct. Gold star, top of the class. 

8. Vintage Enamel Daisy brooch from Follow $25:: How sweet are these brooches? And this one's just the ticket for the librarian. 

9. Christmas Tree Crackerbang set of 3 from MCA Store $16.95:: Give a gift that your teacher can love for years to come. Christmas decorations are always treasured, and these neon painted plywood trees are super cool. 

10. Eastern Sunshine tea from T2 $20:: Try a new tea! I love trying new teas - and I'm sure everyone else does too - er don't they? And this one has added sunshine. Sweet!

Lovers. And Hey It's Your 7th Wedding Anniversary. You Love Copper. Right?!

image source

you could buy this beautiful copper colander here

Matt and I are celebrating our seventh wedding anniversary next week. And wedding anniversaries always leave me in a quandary. 

Who the heck came up with the random meanings attached to the number of years you're married?

Last year was sugar. This year it's copper.

What the Hector am I meant to get my husband that's copper, besides going to CopperArt (is that even still open?), a copper bracelet to fend off arthritis, or a copper saucepan. Enter the snoozefest. 

Last year it was sugar. And if you know Matt and I, we already have a sweet tooth. So that was out. But instead we were at the markets, I spied a vintage sugar bowl - and though (sugar) snaps! And we bought it. Simple, practical, and very much loved. It happened to also have a man and a woman on it. And a cat. One day we will have a cat. When we brainwash our landlord. 

Copper piping? The single of Copperhead Road? 

Has anyone got any inspiration to share with me? 

A private show by David Copperfield?

A hot copper?

Or maybe, while in bed, totally neeeeewd, I'll turn over to my husband, present him with a gift box, he unwraps it, and inside is this... er.. Swarovski Squirrel. Everything he could ever hope for.

If you have any uber bright ideas, please do share with me. I am all ears. Someone help me. I need your help! Actually, we're going small. We'll find something small again together. 

Father's (GULP) Day:: Ideas

Are you prepped for Father's Day? I've been sick all week and am rushing to get on top of things. Sorry to my Dad - your present is running late. And to Matt - you're going to have to make do with breakfast in bed and the gifts from the smalls. They are cute. To be sure, to be sure.

But if you have time on your side, here are some ideas for the Daddy Mack in your life.

Mavi Hunter Dark Cloud jeans: Personally, I can not get enough denim in my life. And if you're smart, you'll get more denim in your life too. And a man in denim? Well I can not get enough men in denim in my life.

I can personally vouch for the Dermalogica Post-Shave Balm. Matt's been using it - since scoring his new job, he's been shaving (boo hiss!) and this balm has been the perfect rescue for cranky skin. Matt rates it. He "loves it big time".

I have been a long time fan of Tony at Well Spotted. He makes beautiful, funny, wearable t-shirts that stand the test of time. And now they come in man-size! We have a number of these for the smalls - and they are in remarkable condition. Australian made, hand-screen printed, and witty. What more could you want? (A women's tee, that's what Tony.) 

Ride 'em baby - raw hide - yeeeeehawwww!! Get the Daddle so your Dad can be comfy while being the house horse. Giddy up!

Want more last minute Father's Day gift ideas?

- a massage

- a trip to an old-school barber

- a hoodie - who doesn't love hoodies?

- life is like a box of chocolates. Go visit your local Darrell Lea.

- breakfast in bed

- a homemade card

- a cake of their choice (home-made of course)

- a Toyota Prado - I am TOTES missing this car

- Bananagrams - this is SUCH a fun game to play with the (reading) smalls. Highly recommend.

- a day of owning the remote

Bah To The Humbug: Valentine's Day Ideas

Just in case you are living under a rock, or hiding under a rock - like me, then you may not be aware that it's Valentine's Day on Tuesday.

Who cares?
Bah humbug!
Boo! Hiss!
Rack off PMM!

Yes. That's sort of what I think too.
We're just not that into Val Day.
But just in case you are looking for a way to declare your undying love to someone secret, or even someone not so secret, here's some ideas to woo the woo-ee.

Who wouldn't want to curl up with an amorous lover when their bedroom looked like this? Snaffle these pillowcases from Salvation Jane (hotel quality - AYE CARUMBA!) $39

Say 'Aye carumba' with this Victoria Mason necklace (she's offering 15% off heart related goodies until V-Day) - $77

Diamonds are - after all - a girl's best friend. Diamond ceramic brooch from - Georgie Love $40

They say the way to a man's stomach is through his heart (see what I did there?) Court your lover the old fashioned way with a Champagne Afternoon tea at the QVB Tea Room - $124

The Miranda Sweetheart dress for your sweetheart? OH YES PLEASE! Gorman $299

Not good with words? Say it with a print. Famille Summerbelle Blue Love Bugs print from Tiny Bird - $79

Go traditional with fragrance. Gypsy Water from Mecca Cosmetica - $158

And so yes, this list is late - but then so are you if you haven't purchased yet. So we can be fashionably late together. Correctomondo?

Christmas Gift Ideas: Teachers

A few peeps asked for ideas for teachers, so I put together a list of ideas with a bit of a budget in mind - because that's the way it is in my house. Hope you find some inspiration ladies to say thank you to some of the most influential people in your children's lives. Teachers.

Give the teacher an apple. Probably the coolest post-it notes ever - Collection of Cool $6.50

One of my ideas this year was a potted geranium in these Gigi pots for our beautiful Kindergarten teacher - Freedom $19.95

When all breaks out in the classroom, remind your teacher to Keep Calm and Carry On - Lark $15.95 (for 4)

I don't think you can beat Lavender Hand cream - L'Occitane $9.95

Fog Linen Work 100% linen pouch - Mr Kitly $19.95

 A beautiful Angel candle - Queen B $19.95

Cute and quirky little nest sparrow - Papier d'Amour $15

Gift your teacher a bright oversized tea cup and they'll be the coolest in the staff room - T2 $28

I'm borrowing this idea from Heather. Cool limited edition tea towel - Salvation Jane $19

If you liked it then you shoulda put a pom pom on it. Man, do I like this cush? YES! - Castle velvet cushion $49

Olivina Honeysuckle Rose Hand & Body Wash 500ml - Saison $22.95 (sale)

What do you think? Straight As? Go to the head of the class? Gold star to PMM? Do tell.

Thanks to Baby Mac for setting me on the straight and narrow.