OPTOTS - Recycled Kids Clothing

Looking for excellent quality, recycled kids clothes and accessories, but don't have time to run around, sifting through all the stuff in Op shops? Don't like bidding on Ebay? Sophie Feick has the answer!

Op Tots offers a fantastic range of new and pre-loved clothes, accessories, toys, books and even things for mum.

"Buying recycled clothes is a great way to save money and save the environment" says Sophie.

From designer labels & maternity clothes to every day essentials for babies and kids, Op Tots offers a great way to save money buying quality clothing for your little ones without breaking the bank!

Check out Op Tots online store at www.optots.com and have a great time shopping!

Jo

Made on the Left

Made on the Left is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2008 by independent designers with the intention of supporting Western Australian creative talent.

Their website www.madeontheleft.com brings you all the latest news on WA designers, local markets & WA based blogs and online stores.

Check out their links page for the most comprehensive list of WA based designers, WA stockists of independent designers and WA Etsy stores.

OrganiseEasy - Cubeo

As a Professional Organiser, I often come across products or systems that claim to make your life easier, but rarely deliver!

That is until today when I met Gail from OrganiseEasy. Gail and her business partner Kathryn have invented the most practical product to help your children get organised for school called the "Cubeo" - your cue to be organised.

Attaching easily to backpacks, the compact, colourful "Cubeo" helps children to remember what they need to prepare for the day ahead"

How does it work?

The front window displays items needed every day and the clever drop-down cards ensure that children remember the things they need on specific days of the week.

News on Monday in the first term, then the News sticker goes on the Monday card. If it changes from term to term? Easy - peel off the sticker and place it on the allotted day of the week.

Over 80 colourful and engaging reusable stickers illustrate a range of essential items, curricular and extra-curricular activities that assist children in preparing for their school day.

As a mother of 2 school aged children, I found the "Cubeo" be be fantastic. The body of the "Cubeo" is made from non-toxic, food grade safe silicone which means not only is it very tactile for young hands, but it can withstand the sun and rain it will be exposed to on your child's school bag.

Gail and Kathryn have thought of everything - with 90 stickers including "note for teacher", "news", "karate" and even "allergies"

The "Cubeo" is available in 4 bright colours and retails for $19.95.

The "Cubeo" is a must for all parents with school aged children and can be purchased from Gail and Kathryn's website www.organiseeasy.com.au

All images via www.organiseeasy.com.au

Hello Loyal Followers!

Hi everyone

Sorry it's been a while, I have had a whole lot going on. We are planning a move to Brisbane in the new year, so with all the organising of moving a family of 5 as well as 2 businesses, life has been a bit chaotic!

I plan to relocate Breathing Spaces (my other baby) to Brisbane next year with a new focus on all things "sustainable".

A Little Bird will also have a bit of a change, showcasing eco businesses, products & services.

I hope you all remain loyal followers and I promise to bring you unique and beautiful things from all over the world with a focus on sustainable, green and fair trade.

Love Jo

xx

Babies Nest

Babies Nest is owned and run by Katrina, with the support of her husband and 3 year old son, they also have another baby due very soon in July.

Katrina says "owning my own business is something I’ve wanted to do since I was in high school and had been looking at starting my own online store for some time, so when the opportunity came along to take over Babies Nest in late 2008 it was a dream come true."

As most people know, a happy mum means a happy family. Having a happy and contented baby or child helps to keep mums happy. At Babies Nest we sell products which will provide comfort for your child and therefore mum.

As well as carrying essential products for your children, Babies Nest has a regular newsletter which is filled with specials and new products.

All images via www.babiesnest.com.au

A Coffee in the Park

While looking for things to do in Perth on a Sunday, I came across this very handy website;

www.acoffeeinthepark.com.

A Coffee in the Park is a Perth based website run by parents Andrew & Claire. They decided to put this website together as a handy resource for people with kids, and a love of coffee!

Here is what counts as a Coffee in the Park

"To count as an official 'coffee in the park' a park need to have two essential criteria - a playground and a nearby source of takeaway espresso coffee. The two must be no more than a short walk from each other. These free public parks are listed in the two Perth Playgrounds menus.

We also know of many other great playgrounds that unfortunately don't have a built-in source of caffeine, so while they don't qualify as a coffee in the park, we have created a new category for the site called Great Parks - No Coffee and this lists the parks without coffee that we have have visited or heard about.

Under the Other Cool Places menu we have included places to play that are 'pay for entry' or which are fun places to play, without actually being formal playgrounds."

The website has locations both north and south of the river, and also includes country areas such as Geraldton, Albany and Broome. There is also a section on other places to visit (Perth Zoo, Matilda Bay) and parks without coffee.

Next time you want to head out of the house and are in need to siome caffein, check out their website for some great places to play!

www.acoffeeinthepark.com

Kids Learning is Fun!!

My daughter is in Year 3 this year and she has had some difficulty with spelling and reading. I will be taking her to have auditory processing tests done next week, and her teachers at school are fantastic. She is getting the one on one attention she needs to bring her back up to the level she "should" be at.

Anyway, in looking for products to help her at home, I have come across "Kids Learning is Fun". This is a website run by Jodie - a mother of 3 boys, aged 7, 3 & 12 months. Jodie is a primary school teacher (currently on leave to be a full -time mum), and decided that now was the time for her to use her skills and

knowledge to help parents with their children's education.

Jodie says;

"Becoming a parent with a child at school has allowed me to see that there are things about a child's education that don't always make sense to parents. I have friends with children who will often ask me to explain something their child's teacher has said or they have come across in a newsletter."

Jodie's website www.kidsandlearning.com is full of fantastic resources including fun products for Literacy Learning, Maths Learning and even products to help parents! These products are also available in all the different fonts used in the different states (very handy to eliminate confusion for the kids).

My favourite page on Jodie's website is the Literacy Glossary. I can never remember what an antonym or a compound word is!

Kids Learning is Fun also has a FREE e-course on "The ways our Children Learn and How we as Parents Can Help Them!!"

Jodie also writes a blog - Kids Learning Blog which is full of information about her latest products, tips and resources.

This is a fantastic resource for anyone with children!!!

All images via www.kidsandlearning.com

Come and tell us what YOU as a WOMAN want for your life...

A message from Michelle Hayward.....

Do you have a quirky, passionate, edgey, interesting or otherwise special love story to share? Would you be prepared to be featured in a real-life magazine, complete with photographs?

If you have a romance of the century to share, and you would like Australia to know about it, please contact me with details.

Also, please take a moment to read my forum post 'What do we really want?' Women around Australia should be celebrated! We are a magnificent and diverse culture and we have something to say... I would like to take your submissions/concerns/etc to our Politicians - and give you a voice!

Come and tell us what YOU as a WOMAN want for your life...for your family.... in terms of your career progression... how you're coping in the recession etc...

Contact Michelle at absolutelywhyaard@bigpond.com

Eco Manifesto

Eco Manifesto has made a couple of changes to their website including the ability to add a testimonial and/or product reviews.

At the moment, Eco Manifesto has on sale a gorgeous "Relax Me Bath & Massage Oil" for $13 (a saving of $6.95).

Absolutely Gorgeous
Relax Me Bath & Massage Oil

A soothing blend of essential oils to help the body unwind and de-stress

Directions: Pour a few drops into your bath. Apply during massage or burn in an oil burner

Absolutely Gorgeous products are hand blended from only natural ingredients, nourishing plant oils and the finest botanicals. These top quality products are:

- Paraben Free
- SLS Free
- Contain No Artificial colours
- Contain no Animal Ingredients
- Not Tested on Animals

Extra Info
Lavender & rose geranium - 150ml

Ingredients: Wheatgerm oil, soyabean oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, sweet almond oil, lavender & rose geranium essential oils

To see this and many other gorgeous products, go to www.ecomanifesto.com.au

PutItOn.com

Just a quick note tonight. I was recently emailed about a fantastic new website supporting undiscovered talent in the fields of art, music, fashion & filmmaking.

Here is a bit about them;

About PutItOn.com

PutItOn.com was conceived to fill a void in the art world — a place in cyberspace where budding artists from all over the world could showcase their work in front of a global audience.

Whether it is in the hopes of being "discovered," to finally make a living from the sale of their creations, or simply to revel in the joy of having an audience see and react to their work, PutItOn.com artists now have a dynamic setting in which to showcase their craft - for free and with no limitations.

At PutItOn.com, we believe that there are literally millions of artists around the world who are currently unable to display what they have created. Whether it's because of their location, lack of connections to the "business side" of their craft, or inadequate funds, incredibly talented individuals who have created fantastic works of art have been frustrated in their quest to share their work with the world.

So we've created a place to level the playing field and change all that. If an artist can gain access to a computer, they can access PutItOn.com — and connect with people all over the world eager to discover them and their work.

For the emerging artist, PutItOn.com means the chance for exposure on a global scale, in an environment designed by artists for artists.

For the connoisseur, the collector, the devotee, or the newbie who wishes to dive deeper into works of art, music, fashion, and film, PutItOn.com provides unlimited access to a world of artists and their works on a scale never before possible, but renders it manageable and approachable through innovative, sophisticated, and seamless technological advances.

Check it out at www.pititon.com

Boodabubs

Boodabubs is a gorgeous on-line boutique for bubs & kids who love nature!

From climbing trees to jumping in mud puddles, Boodabubs has fun and functional clothing and accessories to cater for the most stylish kids!

Owner Shelley came from a background in the finance industry, but after looking for fun & funky clothes for her first baby boy, decided to take matters into her own hands and began designing and making them herself!

In mid 2008 the Boodabubs Boutique began to stock some other handmade labels from Australia and abroad. This means that we can become a one-stop-shop for all things bubs & kids. Keep your eye out for more exciting labels coming soon.

Become a VIP member to receive 10% off every item purchased the Boodabubs Boutique and receive exclusive access to new products.

See their website for more details www.boodabubs.com.au

Shelley also has a great blog. Follow her @ www.boodabubs.blogspot.com

all images via www.boodabubs.com.au

I'm still here!

Hi everyone. I am still here, but my baby boy has had bronchitis, so we have been spending this week in quarantine! He is now on antibiotics, so will hopefully be feeling better soon so that I can get back to writing about all the beautiful and talented people we have out there!

xoxox

Blanky4me

Do you have a signature gift that you give someone when they

have a baby? Blanky4me.com’s personalized baby blankets make a perfect gift for that special new little person!

With over 26 years of sewing experience and a love of sewing, art and design, Rose-Leah handcrafts each blanket individually. She says “The blankets are great for people who have unique names and perfect for people who want to give a very special gift – whether it’s for a newborn baby or their own grown child.

We pride ourselves on quality, speed and outstanding customer service. We go out of our way to ensure each and every order is an enjoyable and special experience for our customers”

Blanky4me.com also makes personalized blankets for kids and adults. The blankets are made from ultra-soft Waffle fleece or Premium Polar fleece and are delivered worldwide. Personalization can be done in English, Greek, Russian and Armenian languages.

Their product range also includes monogrammed scarfs, beanies, monogrammed soft and funky cushions and teddies. They have also bundled up their top of the range products in their Deluxe Gift Sets.

The personalized blankets are perfect for snuggling up in bed, on the lounge, in the car, in the cot or stroller/pram.

All images via www.blanky4me.com

Little Babushka's

I think this is my favourite local find to date.

Founded in late 2008 by mums Frankie and Cessie, Little Babushka's makes and sells the most gorgeous kids clothes! Inspired by the clothes their mothers dressed them in as children in the 70's, Frankie & Cessie decided to bring back the fun & fashion from their childhood by making clothes for their own children.

Looking at all these clothes also takes me back to my childhood. My mum wasn't much of a sewer, but we did have strawberry fabric dresses and skirts and peasant tops.

Little Babushka's sells at the Perth Upmarket, Mathilda's Market and madeit.com.au. They will soon have an online store.

Check out their blog at www.littlebabushkas.wordpress.com

Their range includes beautiful peasant dresses, baggy fisherpants, capes and scarfs.

All images via Little Babushka's

Breathing Spaces Organising Tools

As many of you know, I am an Interior Designer and Professional Organiser. My business, Breathing Spaces offers a complete interior design and decoration service, de-cluttering, styling homes for sale, colour consultations and new home designs with a focus on sustainable design principles.

One of my favourite organising tools is the my.org®aniser. This is an invaluable tool for any busy household.

Designed for mums by mums in Australia, my.org®aniser, is a combined diary and filing system for use in the home. It will totally organise the mass of paper around your kitchen and with everything in one easily accessible place, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it! This is a must have, organisational tool that will help mums and their families.

my.mini.organiser - 'NEW'

The organiser for your hand bag. At $9.95 it's the perfect accessory for jotting down information while you're out and about. Includes Australian and New Zealand holidays and school terms.

Why not get both....one for the kitchen and one for your handbag. Two must have organising tools for every busy superwoman!

Special Offer for June – Purchase the my.org®aniser for $49.95 and receive the my.mini.organiser FREE!!(+P&H $5 Australia Wide)

To purchase yours today, contact me at- jo@breathingspaces.com.au

Perth Upmarket

My trip to the Perth Upmarket on Sunday was fantastic. I am in awe of all the talented people there are in our city - and our state for that matter. People came to show their wares all the way from Geraldton!

Among my favourites there on Sunday were Eco Peko, Rubber Gob & Mokoh Design.

Eko Peko has beautiful 100% organic cotton t-shirts for babies and kids and are available in sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 1 year & 2 years.

Their designs are gorgeous and have messages including "eco babies say no to plastic" and "My Dad recylces more than your Dad". I bought one for my son that says "Little Greenie".

Each t-shirt comes in a gorgeous hessian eco bag with some open pollenated, certified organic veggie seeds inside for $49.95.

Rubbergob is the brainchild of Graphic Designer & artist Rachael Barkess,

and her business partner Janine Finnie.

Based in Perth, Rubbergob produces greeting cards, printed works and paper based items.

I love their Domestic Drudgery range which includes "Big Bums",

"Fork You" and "Watchadoin".

They also have gorgeous gift tags, canvas prints and a kids range.

Mokoh Designs is based in Perth, WA and is owned by artist Trudy Baker and husband Andy. Mokoh is named after their 2 children, Molly and Koh.

All Trudy's creations are handmade with the majority of the products made from Elemental

Chlorine Free pulp sourced from sustainable, well managed forests.

Mokoh has a cute range of gift cards called "Parliament" which features the most gorgeous owls. I had to buy a large print for my son's bedroom then the lovely Trudy gave me one of her too cute Parliament Owl cutouts. I feel very privelledged as these were not for sale, but Trudy went in search of a spare one for me to take home.

Mokoh Designs also has a fantastic range of notebooks, magnets, stationary pegs and tile pendants. Their online store is coming soon!

Perth Upmarket

Just a quick note to say that I went to the Perth Upmarket today and found the most gorgeous things! I have heaps to show you all, so stay tuned!!

Little Lottie Lou Lou

Little Lottie Lou Lou is an online boutique store for delightful new, handmade and pre-loved items for Mother, Baby and Child.

Mother of 2 beautiful girls, Vicki Wallis handpicks all of her items to bring something special.

Vicki says;

Little lottie lou lou's goal is to provide a unique shopping experience for all families I feel privileged to be able to offer the special, pretty and adorable items. Little lottie lou lou will offer the most gorgeous and practical baby clothes, gifts and accessories for Mother, Baby and Child. I pride myself on a friendly and reliable service to each and every customer.

Little Lottie Lou Lou carries beautiful clothes from labels such as Fred Bare, Osh Kosh, Bebe and Sooki.

There is always something new, and always something on sale, so have a look at Little Lottie Lou Lou today!

Images from Little Lottie Lou Lou

Pure Earth Noosa

Pure Earth Noosa carries a diverse range of Australian organic & natural

products from skin care to cleaning products.

Pure Earth Noosa also have gift packs ranging from $24 to $115 so there is

something for everyone's budget. I really like the Lemongrass Shower Pack for $29.96 and the Baby pack for $52.95.

The Story behind Pure Earth Noosa

Pure Earth Noosa is owned and run by mum of three Sandy Guidolin. Sandy lives 20 minutes from Noosa where both her and her hubby work from home.

After the birth of her first child, Sandy wanted to give him only the best, but couldn't find any products that were 100% natural and Australian. After looking through all the products she has in and around her home, Sandy realised that they were doing her family harm and threw them all out.

From that point, Sandy decided it was time to help other mums and families find quality, natural products to use around the home.

Pure Earth Noosa was born! Sandy started selling her products on her on-line store and at local markets. Sandy also likes to educate

people about what we can all do to protect our children, their future and our environment.

All images via

www.pureearthnoosa.com

New Product From Your Cheeky Monkey

Just had to add this gorgeous recylced tote from Your Cheeky Monkey for $39.95!!

Constructed from genuine MOSCHINO recycled cotton jeans fabric as front panel, and sides/bottom and back are from animal print upholstery off-cuts. Lining is lovely 100% cotton quilting Cheetah Swirl fabric. With a button toggle between the handles.

Tote may differ slightly from one pictured due to pattern placement on fabric. 

Handmade by Monique.

Dimensions approx. 32cm W x 29cm H x 9cm D

www.yourcheekymonkey.com.au

Hug A Bub Baby Carrier

This is one of my favourite baby products on the market! 

This baby sling saved me when my son was little and had reflux. He wouldn't sleep lying down as it made his reflux worse, and he was in pain all the time (until we got the medication sorted out). A friend suggested I carry him in a sling, but as I have back problems, I wasn't sure about thisidea. 

Then, I found the Hug a Bub baby sling! 

The Hug a Bub is so comfortable and easy to use. On a cold morning, I would put on the sling before getting in the car to take my daughters to school, then pop the baby into it as soon as we got there. He was snug and safe, and more often than not, would fall asleep straight away. 

It was a saviour! I could do the washing, clean the house, do groceries, all with him snug and close to me. He loved it was was calmed every time he was in it. It supports their tiny heads so that you can bend over and they don't wobble around like other carriers. 

The Hug a Bub is available in 7 different colours and retails for AUD$120 

head support
The wide shoulder wraps double up to provide the most secure support for babies’ head and neck. It is ideal for newborns and premature or sleeping babies.

back support
The hug-a-bub’s ergonomic design, wraps around your torso, from shoulders to hips, reducing unnecessary strain on your shoulders, neck and back. It is recommended by physiotherapists for those with some chronic back problems.

hands free
Due to its unique wrap style, the hug-a-bub® baby carrier offers a firm and secure hold that allows you to have your hands completely free. When desired, you can even bend forward without your baby dropping away from your body.

step-by-step dvd
Included with your hug-a-bub® baby carrier is a step-by-step instructional dvd that demonstrates a simple tying method, how to place your baby in any of the 4 different positions, a few handy hints on how tho get the most out of your hug-a-bub® in both hot and cold climates and last but not least some important information about the benefits babywearing has to offer.

security 
When worn correctly the hug-a-bub® is one of the most secure baby carriers on the market. There are no clips or buckles to break or seams to come undone. It is even possible to bend over completely without fear of your baby falling out.

breast feeding
There are two positions that may be suitable for breastfeeding your baby discretely and comfortably: either horizontally or vertically, depending on the babies size and the size of the mother’s breasts. (Some women with very large breasts have expressed difficulty breastfeeding in the hug-a-bub®)

I can not recommend this baby sling enough! It is so comfortable to wear, and babies just love it! There is also a range Organic Cotton slings

Have a look at their website for more information

www.hugabub.com

All pictures from HugaBub website