Mr Sparrow Online Store Coming Soon!

I am finding it difficult to contain my excitement - Mr Sparrow will be launching a new online store!!!


Mr Sparrow is my favourite brick and mortar store. Based in Subiaco, Western Australia,  Mr Sparrow sells the most beautiful things such as all the best stuff from Have You Met Miss Jones, stunning ceramics form Perch! and my favourite of the week Pop Mats Paper Placemats from PubliQue Living. 









Now I will be able to source these gorgeous things for my new e-decorating clients for Breathing Spaces!!


Mr Sparrow will also be featuring in the July issue of Home Beautiful Magazine. 


With all the love and effort Anna puts into choosing just the right things for Mr Sparrow, displaying them so beautifully and just being a lovely person, I have a feeling the Mr Sparrow on,line store is going to be a huge success. 


A Little Bird wishes you all the success with the new online store and I can't wait to shop!!

Eumundi Markets

For those who have never been, The Eumundi Markets are (or should be) a national treasure. Established in 1979, the markets have become one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Sunshine Coast. About 1 1/2 hours north of Brisbane and just 15 minutes from beautiful Noosa, the markets are a must visit for anyone visiting QLD.

With over 600 stalls with everything from wooden dinosaurs and hula hoops to jewellery and hand-made clothing plus an amazing selection of coffee, food and sweet treats, there is something for everyone.

I love markets and Eumundi didn't disappoint. We actually ran out of time to see everything, so will have to do another trip back up there, what a shame!!

As promised, here are some goodies from my favourite stalls;

I love stationary, so finding Handmade by Jazzi-Bee's gorgeous range of handmade notebooks was a real treat. Each item is handmade by Louise Gerzanics who uses quality designer fabrics from around the world to create beautifully finished, unique notebooks and fabric art.

The notebooks are made up of assorted papers to compliment the colours of each cover and some contain envelopes to keep mementos.

All the notebooks have 128 pages and are available in 3 sizes - A5 (approx. 21cm x 15cm), square (approx. 15cm x 15cm) and A6 (approx. 15cm x 10.5cm). Prices range from $14.50 to $22.95.

If you order from her website, you can customise your notebook by using only lined or plain pages, or choosing your own colour scheme.

My favourite is "French Petit Animals in Natural" by Trefle for Kokka.

To clothes, and I found some stunning pieces from Laoise Designs. Laoise Daly makes one-off clothing pieces using natural fibres including linen, silks, denim and cotton.

GladRagz, the brain child of fashion designer Wendy Stanley uses reclaimed materials to create retro, vintage style clothing with a conscience. Her range includes long wrap around skirts, micro mini skirts and zip up mini dresses.

Wendy is absolutely lovely and it was a real pleasure to chat with her about where she sources her fabrics from(curtains, sheets and vintage fabrics) and her design inspiration.

For every garment sold, GladRagz donates $1 to "Friends of the Earth Society".

You all know I love hand-made kids clothes, and Mini Mermaid Clothing is a new favourite! The fabulous Shannon Graham started her business in 2005 just after the birth of her first daughter Trinity Rose. When looking for clothes for her new baby daughter, Shannon was disappointed in the range of mass produced clothes on offer, so decided to design and make her own.

The result is gorgeous vintage style kids clothes made using vintage fabrics and embroidered doileys mixed with new cotton fabrics. Designs include the Trinity Dress, wrap skirts and shorts and this year, a winter range including beautiful jackets, pants and pinafores.

All Mini Mermaid garments are designed, patterned, graded, manufactured and labelled in Australian 100% sweat shop free conditions.

By far my son's favourite stall was Dinosaur Educational Kits. These amazing dinosaurs are made from craft wood and are numbered for easy assembly. Great gift idea for the little boy who has everything!

So there is just a little bit of the Eumundi markets, but if you get a chance, you simply must check them out for yourself.

Love Jo

xx

Paper Love Affair

Before I head down to the Eumundi Markets on Saturday, I have to bring you a few things I have found over on Madeit. I have always had a love affair with paper, from cards, pretty wrapping paper and journals, but I have found some rather beautiful and creative uses for paper here too!

My first find are these beautiful paper garlands from THE papertie AFFAIR. Perfect for hanging in a window of a child's room for a different take on the traditional mobile or also fantastic for wrapping around a gorgeous gift.

This stunning clock from SooP is another creative use of paper. Inlaid with authentic Japanese Yuzen Washi/Chiyogami paper and finished with Swarovski crystals this beautiful clock is perfect for next to the bed.

Mooza Designs uses paper to create inspirational words that would look perfect in any room. Using an acrylic base and topped with Japanese paper then sealed with a resin coating, Mooza Designs will personalize any word you like.

So when you are looking for something a little different, look to paper for some inspiration!

Love Jo

xx

Hello from Brisbane!!

Hi everyone! I have now settled in beautiful Brisbane and while I am still getting my bearings, I am determined to find you something beautiful by the end of the week!

I am planning a trip to the Eumundi Markets on the weekend with my lovely sister who is coming over from WA for a visit, so I am bound to find something there to share with you all.

Love Jo xx

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