Boys Clothes Take-Over

photo courtesy of I LoVe Kool

I wonder if all mums of boys ask the same thing — where are all the cool clothes for little boys? When I visit a department store to shop for my little guys, I’m inevitably disappointed. I circle around a few times trying to find the boys section. Eventually I land at two racks. With girls’ clothes crowding either side. One rack is full of licensed product and cartoon characters. The other is a sparse collection of t-shirts, jumpers, track-pants and jeans in an odd assortment of sizes (and never the sizes I need).

Fellow mothers of boys, we have been heard. Creative types have seen our need and they are ready to fill the gaps in our son’s wardrobes. Read more

Why I don’t feel guilty about employing a cleaner – and neither should you (and a giveaway!)

It’s school pick up time and groups of mums are chatting together. Jen looks around furtively. Is anyone else in ear shot? She lowers her voice “Maree, someone told me that you have the name of a good cleaner?” Jen has gone out on a limb and is hoping for information instead of judgement. After all, she works part time and the kids are in school, surely she should be able to keep her own house? Maree does’t look judgemental. Maree looks relieved. “He’s okay,” she whispers, “but he just does surfaces, if you want a really good cleaner, talk to Deb.

Why you shouldn't feel guilty about using

I am coming clean (pun intended) – our family pays someone for a fortnightly tidy.  Many of the families I know have a fortnightly cleaner. But we all seem slightly embarrassed by it. Like we are spending money on a luxury we shouldn’t. I don’t think we should feel like that. It’s not that easy to run a household and every thing that can help should be welcomed with open arms.

Seven reasons I don’t not feel embarrassed / bourgeoisie / guilty about employing a cleaner  – and neither should you.

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Interview with Nikky of LaBelle Designs

an interview with LaBelle DesignsNestled into a leafy corner of Tarragindi sit three little shops. A florist, a workroom and a boutique. They are the kinds of little shops that are filled with treasures. The biggest treasures of all being the women who run them.

Today on the blog I am I talking to Nikky, the owner of LaBelle Designs. She speaks about the need to be creative, owning a small business, managing a brain that never stops working and the importance of supporting locally made. Read more