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! 

#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 Christmas Gift Guide:: Something Special

1. Coral bracelet by Julia deVille at Alice Euphemia $580::  Be still my beating heart. I love coral in the sunshine, I like coral in the sea. I like coral on my wrist - and this bracelet is totes for me. Or is it Santa? Ok so it's not for me (yes, yes Matt, I know), but it might be for your wishlist dear reader. 

2. Orla Kielly Beach towel from Lark $90::  I love nothing better than hitting the beach with my own beach towel. This luxe and over-sized beach towel featuring Orla's iconic multi stem pattern is perfect. And the palette? Sunshine and bubblegum. Count me in!

3. iittala Korento Flat Plate $38 each:: Guess who's coming for dinner? Imagine six of these beauties laid out on your table this summer. I'd want seconds just to clock up extra time with them.

4. Pineapple pinata class with Kitiya Palaskas at The School $90:: If you've not done a class at Megan Morton's School - then you've not lived. And Kitiya Palaskas is about the coolest girl on the block. Combine two creative zeitgeists and what do you get? A pineapple pinata class. I think I've just gone to heaven.

5. Veronique Branquinho red leather aviators from Off The Runway $350:: Holy hotcakes, I'd be the coolest bird on the block in these. Way fancier than my usual sunglasses, I'm in lurve. 

6. Ceramic Egg Bird Feeder from Third Drawer Down $190:: Speaking of birds, we have a bunch of really pretty natives that swoop in and eat our flowers. All. The. Time. I love spying on them. This could help me in this quest - plus - well who could resist the yellow egg?!

7. Ziggy Clutch from Nancybird $140:: I think this could be the perfect clutch. In fact, I'd almost swear by it. 

8. Bleulab Detour Alligator Black/Tie Dye reversible jean from Lady Pinwheel $265:: On the flipside of Frocktober, I've gone a little bonkers for my denim. How clever are these reversible jeans? Two in one outfit?! Hellz yes! Santa, PLEASE! (PS - Hayley from Lady Pinwheel is offering 30%off all full price items until December 21. Discount code: friends30 - go nuts). 

9. Sacred Heart Cachette Silver from The Assembly Hall $125:: So you wanted something special for someone special? I'm a little in love with these hearts. Imagine these hanging on the wall behind your bed. Le sigh.

10. Areaware Animal Box - Whale from Kido Store $60:: A little place to hide your treasures. Oh how I love this whale. He's a little piece of art.   

So I'll Just Document Everything

The last week has been a bit of a whirlwind, and I've got no big news. Nothing besides, Tiny turning four - which is big news to me, because she's still my baby.

But the Doctor finished Kindergarten on Friday, and that was such a bittersweet day. Proud of him - but overwhelmed. Seriously - where did that year go to, and can I get a refund? I hugged his beautiful teacher goodbye, and felt more than a pang of sadness as I did so. She has been a gentle, nurturing soul, who has led him into his first year of formal education. And so it is, Kindergarten is already over.

Today we had Tiny's Christmas concert - and again, bittersweet. Man that girl slays me. As soon as we locked eyes, she waved, so enthusiastically to me, her enthusiasm broke my little heart into a bazillion pieces. And then she sang her little heart out. Then got bored. Then put her feet up on the seat - and in my head I was saying "No Tiny, put your legs back down, no, no.." Too late. She sat there - albeit for a brief moment - flashing her knickers. One of the Mum's turned and looked at me, with that look - she knew exactly what I was thinking. Thankfully Tiny had her own epiphany and put her legs back down and fixed her skirt. For a moment I had contemplated running up the front to fix her skirt.

After some deliberating earlier this year, we've enrolled Tiny into a community preschool that's closer to home and to the Doctor's school. It was a hard decision, but I am so excited by this change, though sad to leave our KU, I have such a great feeling about the new preschool, already feel part of the community - which is a big deal for me, since I work, and I didn't feel that so much at the current place. A change is as good as a holiday, right? 

Today the Doctor told me he either wants to be a DJ or a spy when he grows up.

Tiny got all the birds hanging on our Christmas tree, and first made a nest out of dropped pine needles. Then reassembled them on the tree together.

I have started wrapping our Christmas presents. But I ran out of wrapping paper. This poses a problem when wrapping presents.

And lastly, I had my eyebrows done, and since they are so dark, I thought I looked a bit Frida Kahlo-ish. So I stuck some flowers on my head and went with it.

How are you holding up? Are you all shopped out? Is it a wrap? Will you be eating for the rest of the month?

Christmas Gift Ideas: Tricky + Dreamy

This is the last of my inspiration for Christmas gift buying. Here are some of my favourite things that I just don't think you can go wrong with. Ho ho ho and let's rev it up moving forward to Christmas. Shall we?

Inoui scarves in a plethora of colours and designs - so soft, and so beautiful - Calico and Ivy $95 (Or check out the amazing Sophie Digard pieces - divine!)

Bal D'Afrique Eau de Parfum - Mecca Cosmetica $158 (50ml)

Elke Blastodia earrings - Off the Runway $150

Cire Trudon Moroccan Mint Tea Room Spray - Kleins Perfumery $199

Handmade leather key strap - Third Drawer Down $50

Put the Love in the Coconut beach towel - Gorman + Castle Collab $79

This rad table and chairs (people I'm thinking big!) - via Heather Nette King on eBay starting at $500

My work life would look a heck of a lot more sexy with these Inka notebooks - Inky Co $19.95

Matt already thinks I have an unnatural love for bringing home lamps - but I promise I'd stop if I had this toadstool - Down to the Woods $180

I know they're for the smalls, but I think I'd have hours of fun with these Miller Goodman blocks - Kido Store $70

Super cool vintage posters - Galerie Montmartre $60

And that my friends, brings me to a close of my Christmas gift ideas. I am fresh out of ideas. I hope you've already finished your Christmas shopping, and if you haven't (like me) I hope this works as inspiration.

Getting My Christmas On

I am so excited about Chrismtas this year.

Let's face it. I am excited about Christmas every year.

As the smalls get less small, I think my excitement grows, because the greater the understanding of Christmas.

We bought our tree today from the nice gents at Apex, and the money goes to charity. Win:Win.

We brought it home, and I've been decorating the house ever since. I am in a state of great excitement.

Spare a thought for those doing it tough this Christmas. If you can, pop a little gift under a Wishing Tree for a little person. I know Kmart has them in conjunction with the Salvation Army, and lots of other shopping centres do something similar. I always get my smalls to choose something they'd like, to give to someone their age. Helping someone feel a bit brighter makes Christmas much more special.

And if you're stuck looking for a gift for someone really difficult, or would just like some awesome gift ideas, check out Oxfam. They are always my favourite types of gifts to give.

Christmas Shoppers!

Peeps! I have it on good authority that tomorrow only, Kiehl's is giving online shoppers 15% off anything and everything.

You know how I love beauty products, so I just had to share with you peeps!

Just enter SATURDAY when at the checkout and you'll receive the 15% discount.

Sweet!

By Popular Demand - Christmas Gift Ideas: Under $20

Ok so here we go peeps. It's the 1st day of December which always sends a shiver up my spine. Only 24 sleeps until Christmas, and my golly, my goodness, my gosh, am I excited? You bet your shizzle.

If you're looking for some ideas for under $20 - well start here my friends!

You're welcome.

The happiest cloud pendant - Georgie Love $18 (and free gift wrapping - ahoy!)

Vintage wooden painted toadstool letter holder - Poppet in the Post $12

Today I'm Bigger kids tee - Well Spotted $20 (sale)

Ridley's Classic Table Quits Set - Lark $19.95

Bloom Butterfingers Shea Butter Hand Cream - Adore Beauty $16

Matchcarden - Townhouse Pink - Notemaker $7.95

Little Garden Bookplates - Poppies for Grace $9.50

Dupe Chique Metalica thongs - Dupe (from the makers of Havaianas) $14.95

Big bow headband - Hoot Kid $13.95

For big or little kids - monkey brooch - Handmade Romance (boy that Evie - she's clever) $20

Honest boy pencil sharpener - Raw Space $15.95

Science Lab Crucible (cute for jewels or salt) - Vintage & Nostalgia $5.50
Enough? What's next? What am I looking for next? Send me my next secret mission.

Christmas Gift Guide: Home Lovers

It's time for me to pull out another gift guide for you, this one is for those friends and family you know who love their home.

French iron herb dryer. So Frenchy, so chic - Heaven in Earth $30

Limited Edition Threadneedle armchair in Royal Silver - it's bound to be the best seat in the house - Freedom $999

Wooden serving spoons - Father Rabbit $39

Sea mobile - rainbow colours - Puka Puka Design $65

Travel in the comfort of your couch - Nomad by Sibella Court from Berkelouw $50

Check out this fab Trim telephone in turquoise - Lark $149

Hand blocked polka dot tablecloth - Sally Campbell $150

Marimekko 'In Good Company' bowl - Funkis $27

Vintage European map cushion in organic cotton - My Bearded Pigeon $55

Voluspa White Currant Quince 100 hour candle - Saison $55

Et voila. 10 ideas for the home lovers in your life.

Christmas Gift Guide: Kids!

I love compiling gift guides. Use them as you will, over the coming weeks I'm going to be putting together some more ideas to share with one and all and to trouble shoot tricky Christmas gifts for you, me and everyone else. So today, the smalls. They can be tricky. I often think the simpler the gift, the better. Get those imaginations a-cranking.

Acrylic prisms with coloured optical filters - Third Drawer Down - $27

For the coolest, funniest t-shirts that are Australian-made - check out Well Spotted $35

A beautiful book of craft activities by Todd Oldham - Ecobabe $34.95

Hand made doll with proceeds to benefit Royal Children's Hospital - Big by Fiona Scanlan $39.95

MMMG Drawing Book - Ver. 05 - Flying - Notemaker $19.95

A beautiful butterfly kite - Leading Edge Kites $35

LEGO. LEGO. LEGO. You just can't go wrong. Alien Conquest is hot in our house LEGO $7.99

Too cute toy kitchen made from sturdy cardboard - Lark $39.95

Super cool limited edition burger melamine plate - Dawn Tan (genius) $25

Be the coolest cat at kindy with the Minti Sneaky Eyes backpack - Little Pinwheel $49.95

Ten cool ideas for those kidlets in your life!