Yo! Yo! Yo! Jingling all the way with Bondville

In the last of my Jingling all the Way series, I chat with super Steph from Bondville. Steph's site is this awesome and inspiring hub of local designers, artists and crafters - supporting our Aussie community. She does an outstanding job and always has something creative and cool on the boil. 

I often pop over to Bondville to find out the latest and greatest in Australian design, and find inspiration for cool gifts. 

Let's cut to the chase, let's go!

What do you do on Christmas eve?

We are so lucky to have family based on the Sunshine Coast, so Christmas Eve we are likely to be veging out on a couch under a ceiling fan after a day at the beach. Oh, and wrapping presents. I'm soooo last minute. 

Please tell me your favourite Christmas childhood memory.

My favourite childhood Christmas memory is unwrapping all the decorations to trim the tree. Each piece of tissue paper had to be gentle removed to reveal a nostalgic ornament that my sister and I had made, or been given. It was a lovely long, slow process as many decorations were fragile. Then finding the perfect spot on the tree for each one. I make sure that my girls have the same great experience each year and I love to hear their exclamations: "remember this one!?!" and "oh I love this one!". And... my sister and I wore matching red and green Christmas dresses that my Mum made for us, and that my girls now wear. Too cute.

What did you leave out for Santa? 

A biscuit and a beer. Definitely beer.

What time do you get up on Christmas morning?

As soon as the kids are up, and with daylight savings in QLD, that's 5am!

Favourite part of Christmas?

Relaxing with my family at my parents' house and having 24/7 babysitters - they are amazing with the kids. We get to go on Date Night nearly every night! 

What's on your wish list this year?

I picked up my big Christmas wish list item a little early this year at the Armadillo & Co. rug sample sale. Loving it already! As we travel for Christmas, we have to go very light on presents; also OK by me. But if I didn't have to take hand luggage into consideration, I would wish for a yellow butterfly chair, a Gorman lobster bucket hat, an Eames Hang-It-All from Living Edge, some new Pony Rider cushions, Beci Orpin's Make & Do book or Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi.

What's one thing you'll be gifting/giving this year?

Our family is into US-style BBQ (in a big way), so my husband is getting the Myron Mixon Smokin' cookbook - everyone wins! 


Take a look at Bondville here. 
And follow Steph on Instagram, pronto! 

Yo! Yo! Yo! Jingling all the way with the red thread

"Christmas 2005. Roxy was almost 2... this is what it's all about."

Continuing on our merry journey, chatting with some of my favourite bloggers, today I'm chatting with the lovely Lisa Tilse of the red thread. 

I've been lucky enough to known Lisa for a few years. Perhaps when I first started reading craft blogs and dreaming that I too could be crafty (I can't). Over this time I've had the great joy of working with Lisa. She's an immense talent, completely humble, and the kindest, most generous person you could meet. 

I freaking love her. This interview just made me love her even more. 

Let's find out what puts the star on Lisa's Christmas tree. Or what makes her baubles burst. Let's do it! 

What do you do on Christmas eve?

Sometimes we go to look at Christmas lights, but we always listen to Carols sung by Dean Martin, organise refreshments for Santa and the reindeers, and I do last minute wrapping. Oh and I always spend a protracted time asking Roxy to control her excitement and go to sleep.

Please tell me your favourite Christmas childhood memory.

I loved the year that I got my dragster bike, complete with a floral seat, handlebar streamers and a basket. I think the bike was purple. Every Christmas was special growing up though - mum planned the menu for weeks, and we always shared the day with my nan, uncles and aunts and cousins. We had a huge family feast of everything from prawns and salad to roast and vegies, pudding and ice cream cake, followed by present opening... and thankfully never any family tension or conflicts!

What did you leave out for Santa? 

Usually fruit mince pies and a beer. When I realised the truth about Santa it became clear why Santa liked the same things as my dad.

What time do you get up on Christmas morning?

We are early risers everyday, but Christmas day is even earlier. It's usually around 5 or 5.30!

Favourite part of Christmas?

Everything. I love Christmas. I love the lead up to it and the decorating and planning as well as the happiness and excitement of the actual day. The photos above capture the spirit perfectly for me: excitement, joy, magic, innocence.

What's on your wish list this year?

Honestly there's nothing that I really need or wish for, but I do always love to receive design, art and craft books.

What's one thing you'll be gifting/giving this year?

Roxy is getting to an age where she likes to make her own decisions about many things, so one of her gifts will be some cash so she can buy a couple of things in the sales.I know she'll go for clothes and books! It's also good practice for her in managing money and making choices - supervised of course!

Read Lisa's blog - the red thread - here. 

Follow Lisa on Instagram here (seriously, do it, you can thank me later). 

Yo! Yo! Yo! Jingling all the way with Sunday Collector

"I like to theme my Christmas wrapping every year. Attached is a photo of my efforts for 2012 - confetti and luggage tags. It usually takes me hours to wrap all my presents (I have a big family), but it's something I love to do." Briar Stanley, Sunday Collector

If you don't know Sunday Collector, then you really owe it to yourself to take a look. 

Briar Stanley, the brains and beauty behind Sunday Collector is an interior decorator, mother, wife, and all-round bloody awesome. She shares her beautiful inspiration, a keen eye and tales of her incredibly gorgeous baby-child Sunday. 

I can not get enough of Sunday Collector. 

If I was going to get Briar a Christmas gift, I'd give her: a pair of oversized designer sunnies - because she looks like a mega-star. 

Let's go! Let's talk to Briar!

What do you do on Christmas eve?

My mum hosts an early dinner for all of us (my sisters, their husbands and kids). We contribute with different dishes, and we are all really in to our food - so it's quite the feast. The past five years my mum has also made giant and fabric bonbons (I'm talking 50cm in length, 20cm in diameter), so it's becoming a bit of a tradition at the dinner table on the eve of Christmas. 

Please tell me your favourite Christmas childhood memory.

After all the presents were open, my Mum would always give me a giant pinwheel lollipop and I was allowed to eat for breakfast (always on the lawn, so I didn't get sticky fingers on the sofa). 

What did you leave out for Santa? 

Beer and carrots. Although, I remember feeling deeply concerned that Santa must be getting very drunk if every child was leaving things like beer out. 

What time do you get up on Christmas morning?

As a child it was around 5am. My Mum tells the story that I'd yell "He's beeeeeen!" from the loungeroom and wake up the whole house. I'd then inform my sisters what big items had arrived for them from Santa before they'd even got out of bed. Something my family calls 'fizz-gigging' which apparently means snooping around wrapped presents. One of my strongest memories of my dear old Nan at Christmas time is her saying to me "Stop your fizz-gigging buggar-lugs!!"

These days, with a toddler who doesn't seem to sleep - it's back to 5am wake ups. 

Favourite part of Christmas?

Giving gifts to my loved ones and the food coma after a long, late lunch on the big day. 

What's on your wish list this year?

This cute watch.

And anything from this recent gift guide I compiled on my blog.

What's one thing you'll be gifting/giving this year?

Crayola scissors for by 2 year old daughter, Sunday. If she's got scissors, stickers and some paper, she's a happy girl. 

Check out Sunday Collector here. 

And follow Briar on Instagram pronto. 

Yo! Yo! Yo! JIngling all the way with Gourmet Girlfriend

Generous of spirit and knowledge, Gourmet Girlfriend is one of those women you'd love to have as your neighbour.

I've been lucky enough to know Ruth for the last few years. She's always on, always full of energy, and always awesome. Ruth regularly shares wholesome, nutritious and delicious recipes on her blog - among my favourites are her gozleme (my favourite Sunday night quickie).

If I was getting Ruth a gift for Christmas, I'd get her: some new colourful clogs!

Let's get to what you really want to hear. Let's talk to Ruth.

What do you do on Christmas eve?

Mostly panic about getting the presents wrapped in time. 

Please tell me your favourite Christmas childhood memory.

I can't think of one stand out memory- because it feels like every one was a standout. Christmas time was always a delight in our house. A noisy kitchen filled with activity & delicious smells. My parents were always in great spirits and our house was always filled with extra people and a generally overwhelming feeling of love & joy. There was always plenty of food, loud music and favourite people- the triumvirate of all good celebrations. 

What did you leave out for Santa? 

We always left a really perfectly ripe stone suit or cherries & some home made Baileys Irish cream. 

What time do you get up on Christmas morning?

We are so lucky that our kids don't get up outrageously early- even on Christmas morning.  I think last year it was a very healthy 7am. 

Favourite part of Christmas?

Always it's the joy on the little kids faces when they see their Santa sacks which have gone from flat and sad looking nothingness on Christmas eve to an overflowing wilderness of surprises on Christmas morning. Just the BEST

What's on your wish list this year?

I have stopped wishing for things at Christmas.  I feel as if as I get older it is about being grateful of call the things I already have. 

What's one thing you'll be gifting/giving this year?

I will be using the Shout app to donate to a children's charity. 

Read more about Gourmet Girlfriend here. 
Follow Ruth on Instagram. 

pics are courtesy of Ruth, of her family decorating their Christmas tree. Cute. 

Yo! Yo! Yo! Talking Christmas.

Over the next week I'm excited to be sharing with you some short, snappy interviews I did with some of my very, very favourite bloggers. 

Christmas is a really special time of the year for many people. I myself have always loved it, the decorating, the thinking about what to give people, the carols, catching up with old friends, and the general festivities, life feels buzzy and exciting. 

But today I thought I'd share my view on Christmas. It's like a mini-interview with moi, to share why Christmas is special to me. A selfie-interview if you will. 

What do you do on Christmas eve? 

Madly wrap presents. Matt's family has their European tradition, so sometimes it's a family gathering. But generally it's madly wrapping presents and getting ready for Santa's visit. And then not being able to sleep because I am so excited. 

Tell me your favourite Christmas childhood memory.

My grandparents, Mars and Gramps, had an enclosed verandah on their house. They lived out on a big property that we loved to roam when we were small. Christmas was when the house was heaving with all the cousins, running around. We played endless rounds of Mah Jong, built cubby houses down by the creek, and used to dig for old coins and pieces of glass in the remains of a very old house. 

Mars kept the deep freezer filled with Zooper Doopers, and I remember the stifling hot, oppressive summer, choosing one of those icy treats was a real highlight - life was good. I remember going to bed on Christmas Eve and I to this day swear - I could hear the bells on Santa's sleigh as he flew through the night sky. 

What did you leave out for Santa? 

Usually a beer. Some biscuits or fruit cake, and absolutely a big bowl of water and some carrots and oats for the reindeer. 

What time do you get up on Christmas morning?

Early. Too early. The Doctor and Tiny are avid early risers. But  I can't complain, it's what makes Christmas so exciting.

Favourite part of Christmas?

My kids are my favourite part of Christmas. They make it magical. I love listening to them opening their presents. That innocence and excitement, I just wish I could bottle it. 

What's on your wish list this year?

Not much really, but I would love a new hydrangea. But I'd be happy with a handmade card. They always make me happy. 

What's one thing you'll be gifting/giving this year? 
I have not even started shopping yet! I can never go past the OxFam Unwrapped gifts. They're funny, clever - and they give to people who really need. Every year I like to buy some of these because they give back. And that's awesome. 

Yo Mama! An Interview with Claire Aristides

Imagine your day surrounded by diamonds, sapphires, gold, silver, (no myrrh), all manner of 
luxe beauty. Swoon. I can't imagine the ecstasy. Let's imagine really, really hard, because it sounds pretty fabulous.

Today's Yo Mama! interview is with Claire Aristides. She doesn't need to imagine all that 
sparkly fun because she is amidst it every day. A jewellery designer with a minimalist, luxury approach to jewellery. SO up my alley. 

She reinterprets classic designs for modern women, and I've spent waaaaay too much time
over on her website and Instagram feed drooling over just about everything. So between her time designing new collections, and being a busy mama, she was able to answer a few
about what it's like to be Claire Aristides. 

Let's do this!

PMM: Claire Aristides. Tell me about a normal day in your life. (Is there such a thing?)

CA: Yes, no. No normal day ever. Which has its pluses and minuses. I think most people's 
days are really mixed up as we all seem to be so busy! 

You create beautiful jewellery that's highly covetable. How did you get started? 

It's a cliche but my mum passed down the passion for jewellery to me. I have vivid memories of her trying on fabulous shiny jewels in the 70s when we lived in Singapore. I started down the corporate track for a bit but then took the leap of faith to start my own line. I first started in fashion jewellery then branched out into the real thing! Diamonds and precious gems!  And I've never looked back.

What did you dream of being when you were little? What were you going to be when you grew up?

I'm not sure. I just remember always enjoying making things, being creative expressing myself etc.  Isn't it so hard to know what you want to do? I feel so lucky that I found something I love. 

Where do you seek inspiration?

Travel definitely. For many reasons - the obvious being different sights, sounds, smells. The 

senses are completely stimulated. But also because you 'get away' from day to day and that's when your mind 'thinks - and creates. Going for a big long walk, run, or swim can bring out my creative juices as well. My main inspirations are always redefining classic fine jewellery in a modern context. I love stones too, so seeing a beautiful gem set simply yet stunningly always makes me happy. 

How do you juggle motherhood with your work? 

I have the best husband. I honestly could not do what I do without him.  He is an incredible help. I do get very stressed juggling it all, but it's my choice to do so much. So you've just got to be happy, be as relaxed as you can. I think what you don't realise with motherhood is how little 'alone' time you get - and I'm very much a person that recharges when I have some alone time. You also just have to prioritise whats important, you can't do it all.

What's one tip you'd love to share with another mother?

Everyone finds it tough on different levels at different stages over different things. So don't 
judge! Don't think someone else has it super easy - and you've got it tough all the time. 

Do you have certain pieces of jewellery that you wear every day?

Ha - this is going to be a blog post soon. Diamond Hoops. Some people say they live in jeans I live in Diamond Hoops.

What's your favourite part of your job?

Seeing other people happy. Again it's a cliche, but my job is making people happy - with 
something sparkly, precious, sentimental!

And do you have a worst bit?

Filling in forms. Admin. Paperwork bits and bobs... Can't stand it.

Juggling work-life is tricky. How do you take time out for yourself?

I have neglected myself. And this resulted in being sick this year. So I am trying really hard to look after myself more. I started with the basics - like eight hours of sleep, taking vitamins, not checking my phone every minute of the day! I'm hoping for a sisters getaway in January.

What's coming up next for Claire Aristides?

We just launched our search for the babyface of my Bambino Diamonds collection. So after 
Christmas madness it's shooting the winner with Tiny Tribe Magazine.



Make sure you enter Claire's new competition to see if your baby could be the new face of the Bambino Diamonds Collection. 

Shop the Claire Aristides collection here. 

Follow Claire on Instagram.

Or hop onto Facebook for more inspiration.

This is the 12th interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

An Interview with Kylie Zerbst - Obus

I've said it many times before - I am really passionate about our local industry. I've always been an avid supporter of independent Australian labels. Back when I was 19, just starting out in PR, I introduced myself to the ksubi boys (way back when it was tsubi) and offered to do their PR for contra. It was a crazy time, but awesome to cut my teeth on an iconic brand. I love being part of that creativity, that buzz. Nothing's changed since then.

It's a passion that feeds into my wardrobe where most of my clothes are mostly vintage, or locally designed. I don't really pay much attention to what's happening on the world stage of fashion (except to marvel at the couture catwalks) because we have SO much awesome talent right here. 

So this Frocktober I aimed to work with local brands that really resonated with me. I almost didn't approach Obus because - let's be honest, they are ridiculously cool. Then I decided to throw caution to the wind and approached. 

I am so happy I did - I got to work with a super cool, quality label - that's locally made, and I got to learn more about Kylie, founder of the label. 

Describe Obus in 10 words

Quality threads for the modern adventuring woman... 

Life before Obus. What was it? 

I was a graphic Designer. I studied at RMIT, then did my masters as well as taught Design... They are broad skills to have and although I've ended up in a different place those design skills are part of my everyday way of working.

Where do you find inspiration? 

Well it just pops out at you whenever it feels like it and sometimes not when I need it - but the idea of Obus is to take our ladies on a journey each season... So travel, the places I visit on my holidays… But also in very ordinary everyday things... Broken umbrellas, flowers, people, small moments and films.

What's the design process for new collections?  

Going around in circles it feels like sometimes… But we get there (somewhere!) in the end.

If you had to choose just one - what is your favourite piece from the Obus collection? 

Ha ha I can never just choose one - The Nathalie Mesh top in citrine... The Spots skirt... The Kachina tee...

Best part of your job? 

I love working on the prints for each collection. On a different level though it feels so good to roll into the Obus studio (which is on top of the Obus store in Northcote) and work with such an amazingly creative and strong bunch of women each day!

Is there a worst bit? 

Of course. Retail can be very tough sometimes, and that's hard on the whole team. It's hard to know how to keep everyone feeling good about what they are working on - because no matter how hard you try sometimes things just don't work. 

What's your career highlight to date? 

Obus opened the show for the Ford Supermodel of the World awards in New York many moons ago. That was such an amazing moment waiting with all of the aspiring young ladies backstage for the announcements, I will never forget the atmosphere! 

What was your creative outlet as a child? 

Knitting, drawing, sewing, writing.

Did you have a dream job when you were growing up? What was it? 

Archaeologist, writer of GRUG books.

Got a song on repeat? What is it? 

Ha ha sorry I can't think of one right now... But something by The Knife maybe.

All time favourite movie? 

Any period drama will do me.

Early worm or night owl? 

A bit of both, probably not always in the best order. Orlo was in bed with me VERY early this morning, around 4.30... So I was regretting staying up until late reading, but I wouldn't give up the cuddles for anything!

Champagne or cocktails? 

Champagne THEN cocktails...

Social butterfly or homebody?

Homebody! My partner Simon and my little 2yo man Orlo are always there... All the fun in the world!!! 

If you could only have one beauty product for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Does lavender oil count?

Last person you spoke to? 

Annie who works next to me in at the Obus studio.

Stripes or spots? 

Spots.

Where to next? 

The next Obus journey is 'Memphis Dreaming'... Memphis inspired prints, colourful sandals and espadrilles, swimwear and loads of great dresses for a beautiful summer...

*********

With special thanks to Kylie, Annie and Obus for supporting me this Frocktober.

Shop the Obus collection now. 

Follow Obus on Facebook. 

So much inspiration on the Obus Instagram feed.

Or maybe follow Kylie on Instagram? Her curatorship is tres magnifique! 

Or get inspired with their Pinteresthttp://www.pinterest.com/obusclothing/ boards

And you can tweet the good Obus peeps too!

glarce Sunglasses:: An Interview with Simon Larcey

Way, way back my PR career all started with sunglasses. I did work experience with a company who had a huge sunglasses client. I was offered a role with the sunglasses company and became very good at spotting quality frames, lenses, and of course wearing them. 

I love sunglasses. They are the yin to my yang. The boom to my tish! The perfect way to finish an outfit. Plus they have the added benefit of protecting your eyes. 

Despite wearing sunglasses since forever (and I mean forever, when I was 15 I layby-ed my first pair of serious sunglasses for $240) I have a pterygium (surfer's eye). Yeah. It's pretty sexy. 

So when I spotted glarce - a new Australian designed, Australian made label - I almost had a conniption. And the range is being stocked in the UK's inimitable Harvey Nichols - cue double conniptions.

The quality is beyond what you can expect in most sunglasses. The materials are superior, and once you put them on, the lenses are incredible. And the cases? I am a sucker for a good case - and these feature Aussie beach scenes. Totally nailed it. 

Anything Australian made has my vote, and combine that with beautiful, quality sunglasses - I'm in. 

I took some time out with Simon Larcey, creator of glarce to find out what's the tick to his tock.

PMM: Talk to me about Glarce. How did it come about?

SL: I lived in London for 17 years and always looked for Australian made products. I could not believe Australia did not have its own brand of sunglasses as sunglasses from Australia made sense. It became a joke between me and my friends. So I started to investigate and found a small factory that could manufacture my frames. I spent ages coming up with the name, branding, designs and then produced my first run.

In 10 words - describe glarce.

Casual, relaxed, easy to wear, good quality, made for sun.

What's the design process for a pair of sunglasses? 

I normally take a variety of frames I like and try and create one design that combines all the elements of that collection. I make a lot of drawings. Sometimes it can take an hour as it is so clear what I want. A couple of my designs were works in progress for months! It just depends on how easily I can put everything together and the feedback I receive.

There's a definite visible and tactile difference to glarce sunglasses. They're beautifully made and feel great on. What's the secret?

I make something myself or my wife would want to wear. We are both quite fussy so it needs to look good and be of the highest quality. I also have a group of advisers who are the same and get their feedback before we take anything to market. If I get the green light from everyone, I’ve done a good job. If not, back to the drawing board! Secret is to do the best you can, they are frames that could be around a long time, so you want to make sure they are made well and look good.

In a time when some sunglasses are almost disposable, what makes glarce different?

As we develop the brand, you will not only be buying a product, but into a way of life. Our brand represents the Australian lifestyle of sun, sand and sea. We want people to think about that when they are wearing glarce. A great lifestyle, something all people around the world can relate to. Cheaper sunglasses serve a purpose, but are more focused on volume rather than quality and lifestyle.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I’ve got a sales and marketing background – I love coming up with ideas to develop the brand and creating cool designs that I think will sell. It gives me a creative outlet to do both sales and marketing which is such fun. I read one of the keys to success is to do what you enjoy and do it well. I am doing that so I hope glarce becomes a household name over the next five years.

Sun, surf. Why is it so important to wear sunglasses in Australia?

I think it is important to wear sunglasses anywhere that the sun is harsh. It protects your eyes and can also make you look pretty cool!. Being Australian made and using lenses manufactured in Australia, they meet the highest standards worldwide. Therefore to guarantee the best protection, sunglasses from Australia make sense.

Which frames do you wear? 

I obviously have a few of each design. I’m fond of the Lonsdale as that was the first frame I designed. I still wear the original prototype. We’re just about to launch two new frames, the Winkipop and the Sorrento. I have a pair of Winkipop’s being made for me now – can’t wait!

What's a normal day look like for you?

I’m trying to meet as many people as possible to build sales channels, develop marketing ideas and get the brand out there. I spend a lot of my time making calls and sending emails. I do road trips to Dubbo every couple of months and spend time in the factory. I’ve also started to do sales trips interstate to build our retail network around Australia.

  

What's next for glarce? 

We’ve just launched in the United Kingdom through Harvey Nichols. Next year we hope to enter the US market. We plan on working with our retailers and developing an online store in the future. We have some marketing initiatives launching in the run up to summer and a couple of potential collaborations in the pipeline. Definitely keeping busy and keep building the brand.

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