Success

I like giving presents. I like thinking about them and shopping around and really don't like taking hte easy option and getting a voucher. One of my jobs was to do the thank you present for the team manager for rep basketball.  She is a friend of mine so it was easier for me to do and she was on holidays so there was no real rush- until now. Now she's back and collecting some stuff, so I had to have it ready.

I ended up with lululemon sports pants and a cap. She is a golfer and also goes to the gym so both I thought would be useful. She likes pink, cropped length coming into summer - done.

She was happy to get them, and I was happy to have the job done. However I didn't realise how happy she was until I saw her tonight at a girls night in trivia. Apparently no one has ever given her pants before and not only did I get the size right (this is hard enough to get right for yourself in their store) but the style and fit are something she hadn't tried before but were awesome. Now I have to puff my chest out and strut around for a while because I'm so proud of myself.

Then on top of this, my table goes on to win the trivia night for the second year in a row. Two wins in one night! It is the trivia night I look forward too because its not intellectual questions, it is trivial trivia - the stuff I am really good at. Makes me feel like I am not wasting my time watching the Bachelor (which I missed the finale to be at the trivia night) but I am actually researching!!

Bear

This lovely package arrived in the mail today from LeAnimale. It is a bear which is my birth token.

Birth Totem for August 22 - September 21

Bear

Personality traits: Productive, practical, introspective, humble

I loved the look of it when I saw it on Etsy and knew I needed to have it. I have had trouble being productive, and it will serve as inspiration. 

The boys all had playdates today, and they were all lovely. It is what I needed and what they all needed. I farmed out two and one was here with a mate and it was just lovely to sit back and watch them play. So innocent, involved and natural. 

A bit of shopping

Im responsible for the costumes for the school dance concert and thankfully there aren't too many to make this year, but I thought I'd pop over to my favourite spot to see it there was any suitable fabric. I was off to Glen Huntly Road. Darn Cheap fabrics was the first stop and I picked up some basic drill and some fabric for a birthday gift. Either side are two little shops that can't go past without a visit. Shu Mart has a range of school shoes all year round, as well as some little bargains now and then. I picked up both of these pairs for $10 each. I love a wedge and with summer coming these will be great. 

Studio Fashion is on the other side and this is where almost all of my jumpers come from. This one was full price at $45 (!) but I love the contrast. The front and sleeves are cotton knit and the back has an inverted pleat in the double georgette. Great dressy casual. 

Boys Gift Guide

With a spring in my step, I headed out to the shops on a mission. Birthday shopping. Ugh. Obviously not for my boys but for their mates. This is always quite a challenge because shopping for boys is difficult at the best of times, and when your knowledge of them is limited, it is even harder. Personally I now tend to shy away from Lego packs, especially for a party because there is a tendency for duplication. With Lego out of the mix you need to be a little more creative. I thought I would share with you a couple of the goodies I got:

11 year old boy:
These are notoriously difficult. If it is a big party we tend to all put in to get whatever the boy is into- a basketball hoop or ball, music vouchers, speakers etc. Xandy is the only one celebrating so no option to put in.

The first part is my go to - a hand decorated tshirt. This way I can personalise the gift a little. He isn't particularly sporty, but enjoys fencing, so I cut the 'en garde' on my Silhouette using freezer paper and painted it white on a kmart basic tshirt.

To go with this I got some cycling sunglasses. They come in a good little bag, and we thought they would be useful given the boys are doing bike ed at school in preparation for a cycling school camp.

7 year old boy - twins mate.

These are the ones I struggle with the most, especially since both boys are invited to the party, they both need to do the gifting thing. This particular boy is a bright little button, who has a love of maths. I wanted to get a game for him along math lines.
At the game shop there isn't a lot but I decided on this one- Sleeping Queens which we got for Christmas. Lots of addition in this and simple to play.

From the other twin we got a skateboard. It was on special at Kmart. When giving pairs of presents I like to give something fun and something practical. Then I swap which boy is giving that particular thing.


4 year old boy - into Spy's and Pirates.

There are plenty of spy kits and accessories out there - the big issue is that he is only turning 4. While he is bright, he is still a bit too young for code cracking things. I needed to get creative on this one and realized that he liked to pretend to be a spy, so in reality it is all about the outfit.
A quick trot around kmart lead me to gather this collection of goodies - which tallied up to about $25.
Black tshirt; Black knit shorts; black kids sunglasses; a small torch; binoculars; a stop watch; a black notepad and a black mens toiletries bag.

I wrapped each item with black paper and labelled it with white pen. Like SUPER SPY TSHIRT, SUPER SPY TORCH. This also made the items look like they are meant to be together. Then I packed them all inside the toiletries bag which had plastic zip pockets inside - perfect for keeping all his spy gear together. 

Finally I labelled the bag in the same way.

Shop On

I work for my girlfriend in her stationery shop. I say work lightly, because it doesn't really feel like work because it is fun. I say that I get to play shops. I work once a week, have the flexibility to do what I want in the shop, merchandising etc (within reason of course) and then go home. I do however want her to do well and make lots of money. Then at least I can keep playing shops.

Today I got the opportunity to go to the gift fair with her, which is a bit of a treat. This is the smaller one based in Melbourne and unlike last time, we went in with a plan and a much better idea of our customer. We visited our regular suppliers, got some new stock and some top up stock and nothing too
'hipster'.

The main goal of this trade fair, would you believe, is Christmas!! Yes, next week in Sydney all the wholesalers are displaying their Christmas 14 wares to pick. Personally I am so over Christmas that the idea of looking at it is a drag. Having said that we have a much clearer idea of what moves and what doesn't. What is too much and what is a good seller. I think we will have a much better handle on Christmas this year and are ready for the challenge!!

B Inspired

My clever girlfriend Marg bought a shop. She has made a big switch from the corporate accounting world, but if anyone can make it work - it is this one.

I was privileged enough to work, no, I played shops, for a couple of days and it was fabulous fun. I finished my stint with a party - as you do. The launch party of Marg's B Inspired was also her birthday. 

Her store is in Mailing Road, Canterbury and it a long standing stationary store - but full of other goodies which we had fun stocking.

This is a new range of specklefarm that is great for the kids.

The beautiful store with pressed metal ceilings and chandeliers and all the cabinetry is antique furniture, has an olde world feel.

Homewears and desk accessories sit beside cards, soaps and hankies.

Decorative globes, waterbottles or environmentally friendly notebooks

Oh - these are the cakes from the bakery down the road. DELISH!

Huge range of invitations and kids cards. She has a great range of vintage inspired childrens cards.

Oh - and whats a party withouth champagne. I love these little bottles with the straws (which are also available at B Inspired - Mailing Road, Canterbury)

If your out that way - go say Hi to Marg!

More minecraft shirts

Xandy's best friend is having a sleepover party - tonight. His birthday was back in January, but we hadn't given him a present. We were tossing around a few ideas, but kept coming back to this. Party Kid was really instrumental on our little minecraft explosion and his dad runs the server. Thus, the minecraft tshirt is really appropriate.

These were made using the same techniques as here. I spent a lot of time trying to work out how to print and cut using my silhouette. Every time I did a practice it was perfect and then the stupid stuff wouldn't coordinate when I printed it on the tshirt stuff. I had no time for minor technical difficulties, so cut the shapes out by hand and am really please with the outcome, particularly the grey one which just looks like a groovy shape.

We did need a trip to the shop for cards etc so after auskick and our traditional saturday hot dog lunch we were off to the shops. Benji was desperate to spend some of HIS money, so this was incorporated into the mission.

 Not to be left behind, Spencer bought himself a dinosaur egg which you did to discover something inside. He worked hard and got the thing out, but I don't even know what it was!

Benji on the other hand got his Lava lamp. He had given one as a gift a week or so ago and wanted one himself. He paid for it and has spent ages gazing into it and watching the shapes.

Shopping

I think I may have found my calling. No really.

A girlfriend asked me to help her buy some pants. She works outside a major shopping centre and I was planning to meet her for a lunch time shop. The brief was to increase her work wardrobe - smart casual - within a very limited budget.

I got there early and started to browse. I started in Myer and there was literally nothing. She is bigger than a 14 and if money were no object I would still honestly say that there was nothing there to spend our money on. It was then I realised my mission had really begun.

I was now shopping with purspose. Going into every shop - especially ones she would never go in. I found some really helpful assistants and I was running from shop to shop putting aside clothes to try on. All she needed to do was arrive, try and buy or not buy. Easy really. And I was having fun - all by myself. Tragic really.

I was in full swing when she met me. I was actually in Millers. She didn't even know where that was, let alone been in to buy things before.  To me, with our brief, it was a little goldmine. They have a  large range of sizes, good basics and cheap prices. If you can block out the barrage of bright nylon prints and the sheer mass of items you can find the black stretch bengaline pants.

I didn't try anything on. I didn't spend any money. She bought a black pair of ponte trousers, quality leggings, 2 trouser and a casual skirt. All for $130. We also found some other pieces for the next trip.

I really had a good time. I was there to get sizes, say yay or nay and broaden her horizons to try on those things that look awful on the hanger, but you end up loving. Getting her to look beyond what is in fashion to find what suits her body. They always say you should do what you love. I really loved this - but how do you get paid to do it?? That is the big question.

Shhhhh... Secret Sales

There are three sales I should tell you about- especially in the lead up to Christmas.

1. Crafty

The first is a crafty one - Craft Smart which has been estended this week. I picked up lots of christmas DIY decorations and sparkles here. Really good for educators - my kinder teachers went wild.

Where: 21-23 Joseph Street, North Blackburn

When: Monday 21 Nov to Friday 25 Nov 9am-5pm

Email: craft@craftdirect.com.au or Telephone: 1300 354 240

2. Smelly

Doesn't sound like such a nice one , but quite the contrary. This is SAX International which is open from 21 November to 23 December (M- F 9 - 5. Sat til 3. Cash only) offering up to 75% off original retail prices of cosmetics, perfume, bodycare, accessories etc. They have wicked sista cosmetic bags, watches and heaps of body products which are perfect for stocking stuffers or teacher gifts. I got some things for me (of course) and pressies for the swimming teachers.

Address 16 Stamford Road, Oakleigh East - not far from Chadstone Shopping Centre.

3. Wrapped

No not wrapping paper - but Scarves. The Great Melbourne Scarf warehouse sale is on from 1 -3 December from 8 - 6. They say they have a "massive clearance of luxurious imported lightweight silk and wool scarves and wraps PLUS womens wear, childrens wear, homewears, baby wraps, fashion handbags and jewellery at wholesale price and less."

I have been to previous sales and they are worth a visit. Have lovely scarves and wraps. The clothes I haven't really looked at - mainly girls I would suggest and things have to be a good bargain at a sale to grab my attention - not just wholesale. I have bought necklaces there in the past- chunky plastic decorative ones. Statement pieces and the kinder teachers are getting gifts from there too.

It has moved from Malvern to 15 Harker Street Burwood and they take credit and eftpos as well as cash.

Happy Shopping!!

shopping

I got out to the shops today with mum and no kids today - not for anything in particular, just a look. It must be Murphy's Law that when you are not looking for anything you always find things you want. Infact I got into a changeroom and actually bought something. Two things. I came home with 2 jersey dresses - one in stripes and the other a simple style which will be a versitle little black dress. Actually this one I plan to cut a pattern off and make a few more....Sorry no picures though!

Stockpiling for winter

This may seem hypocritical given my scathing attack on the big squirrel and his collecting but this was a sale and I need all of it.

Spotlight had a sale on their flanelette - only 99c per meter so how could I resist. It is usally $8 a meter so by buying off season I actually saved $245!! Now were do I put said 35 meters of fabric until winter?? Hmmmmmm

Tight

Tragically "tight" doesn't refer to any part of my body, just my mental state. I know it shouldn't really come as a surprise to me, but it did when I realised I am really tight with money. Really, really tight. Frugal sounds nicer but I don't think that really applies. I don't actually think I have any rationale behind my thriftyness, maybe I don't like to feel ripped off.

I shouldn't be surprised - I hate supermarket shopping. Maybe it is that I actually HAVE to buy stuff. Walking around filling the trolley is fine, but putting it out for scanning starts the blood pressure rising. Oh and the pain of actually paying for it - only to have to front up and do it all again the next week! Petrol is the same. At least getting the groceries thrown at me discount style makes me feel like I am doing my bit for the budget. I digress.

Robyn and I had a lovely night tonight wandering the luxuries at Chadstone. It was nice wandering in an out of the lovely shops, chatting and catching up but not buying anything. Actually we didn't even see anything that moved us into the change rooms to play dress ups. I know I don't buy alot, but I do like to look. However what became clear is my own value system of what something is "worth" is really off.

I have a number of issues with clothes & I will try to summarise. Most of the issues come because I can sew (note "can", rather than "do"). I can quickly see how things are made and assess the quality/availability of the fabric. I cannot justify $100 or more for a simple pillowcase style dress made out of 2m of poplin - total cost about $6 and would take less than an hour of uninterupted time to make.

The quality of a majority of the fabric around at the moment is appaling. Not to mention that all of the clothes are probably churned out of the same offshore factory and you are simply paying for label and mass marketing at the higher end - and a little more fabric. Those teeny bopper shops (Dotti, Forever New, Valley Girl etc not only hark back to the dreaded 80's, but are soooo skimpy it is almost x-rated)

What I want to do is look nice, proportioned, fashionable but not too much for as little money as possible. I am more than happy to shop around to find the best price and go anywhere. When I see a fabric I like (an obviously is cheap) I will buy a few meters and just hang on to it until I need it. It may be minutes but it may also be years.

Anyway- this is the top that highlighted my inability to be parted from my money. It is a simple cotton interlock top. Nothing fancy infact only enough weight in it to last a season, which is probably good given the nautical nature and the frill will date it exactly to summer 2010/11. It is from seed RRP $59.95.

My immediate response, which I actually said outloud in the shop (yes, somebody please stop me!) was "you can get 2 of these striped singlets in Kmart for $6 and cut one up for the frill!" Now for me $12 is ok to spend on a seasonal item like this. Throw a blazer or red cardy over it and you are so now its not funny. Wear it at least 6 times so that the cost per wear (CPW) is $2 or less and you're done. Next summer - op shop or more probably a rag. At $60 the CPW is $10 and you would need to wear it long past its used by date to get your moeny back which to me defeats the purpose of a "seasonal" item.

This is really what is going on in my head when I shop. All. The. Time. Yet, I still enjoy it. It is like a constant project which I need to research. After the shopping I relaxed(!) in front of my lovely Gok - who like trinny & sussanah is all about dressing for your shape, but also building a somewhat seasonal capsule wardrobe of 25 pieces, so that you shop less and wear more. A good philosophy, but I need to think on that some more....

guilty...

A little purchase yesterday at theos sale. I only had Benji with me so I had a chance to have a bit of a look! There is some felt pieces $4 for 10, that I thought would be good for poppy doll hair. Some china thread that never goes astray. Two random rolls of organza ribbon that I think will end up in the stash. The christmas pipecleaners (only $1 for all of them) are actually for kinder. The thing that I am most looking forward to is the tool kit which has a hole punch attachment. My plan is to make threading cards - stay tuned..

Fabric Sale & New Shoes

Yes! It was an exciting day for me!!

First details of the fabric sale:

astratex in Richmond (285 Lennox St) are having 50% off until Sunday 15th August. This is off all their fabric excluding the Spring 2010, and it is very clear what is not included. I went in today having seen their ad in the Age, and actually came out empty handed. Why?????? Well they sell 'fine european fabric' often designer fabric like armani or moschino. It is beautiful stuff but I don't have anywhere to plan for and really don't need expensive fabric cleaning up after the boys at home so after a lovely textural experience I headed off home....and was distracted by an empty carpark out the front of the shoe and handbag factory outlet on Bridge Rd (hawthorn end) where I picked up these little beauties. They have constantly changing stock, but if you want a cheap and chearful handbag - or some funky fiorelli luggage you should check it out. These shoes retail for $99 but I got them for $30. I went home happy.

(Oh and if you are wondering how I managed shoes and fabrics with the kids on Saturday - chuppachops and someone willing to stay in the car with them. Thanks mum!)

Book Bag

Bag

For Wendy. Decoration is simple and will work for her but is still personalised. This is braille for W. I was pretty chuffed with this idea - hope she likes it.

Books

While books could go into this bag - I have something better than that - a website offering free delivery all the time. http://www.bookdepository.com/ has a great range of titles - and if you want your time and money sucked away have a look here. I browsed happliy all afternoon in the craft section.

Good Internet Shopping

I am always on the look out for a bargain. ALWAYS. My rule is never ever pay full price for anything. Which is why I am loving that a girlfriend recently directed me to Ozsale website. I don't know how this one had slipped past me but essentially what they do is email you with the sales of the day. There seem to be a great variety of things from Shoes, Lingerie, Jewellery, Jeans, Kids Clothes and accessories. I think the only thing I haven't seen there is Home wears - but I may be wrong. Diesel brand are regulars, but Trinny and Sussanah's sucky pants were recently listed and some great little girls ballet leotards. There seems to be a great variety of items on offer.

I have even bought something - bathers for Alexander. Boy leg lycra pants are impossible to buy off-season, so when I found them for $8 a pair I got 6 pairs in varying sizes (I will need duplicates down the line) THe only downside that I can see with this site is that each brand or mini-sale is individual - so you have to finalise your shopping cart and pay postage to each distributor. The postage for one pair of bathers was $8.50 but this only went up $.50 per item so it is worth buying more. You can sign up for free and get daily emails of their sales. Here is hte link - enjoy!

Just tell me what to do...

These are my new shoes - lovingly teamed with my PJ pants and a dirty floor(obviously I don't stage my photos!!). These are the shoes the internet made me buy. I had to have them- and I needed them too.

I was reading Julia's blog about stumbling around on blogs when I stumbled here and specifically to this post. I did not enter the competition - my chances were just too slim. Instead off we went to chadstone to FIND THOSE SHOES. Originally I wanted the champagne ones but they are not in stock - but I am just as happy with the practical black ones. They have runner soles and leather tops so they are comfy and practical - no more slippery shopping centre tiles. So apparently I am an easy advertisiting target - who knew?

Fabric

I don't know what my compultion is to keep punishing myself, like life isn't hard enough already. I think last nights alcohol consumption may have killed off a few vital brain cells. or is it the constant sleep deprivation that makes my hungover self think that it is a good idea to take three boys to Spotlight on a Saturday afternoon?????????????????????????

Anyhoo - I got what I needed and we got out virtually unscathed. Spencer is currently obsessed with Harry and his bucket of dinosaurs and as such must wear a vest and carry a bucket of dinos everywhere, Benji had no shoes on and wanted to be carried and that was only the way in, so you can just imagine what a tornado we were - like the tasmanian devil in the old looney tunes cartoons. The blurry picure is of the fabric I needed for a gift - but now I think I will hold it over and make/give it to someone else! Stay tuned

Addictive

I like shopping. Yes, normally but I don't actually spend money. I can go and wander around great shopping centres and buy nothing more than a coffee. But I do have a weakness and lately it is a bit of a problem. Craft items - from fabric to beads. I went out to Theo's sale today and got a big bag of stuff that I really didn't need but was a bargain and would be useful in the future! Recently there have been visits to spotlight, lincraft, and Darn cheap ( not to mention the internet) but less and less actually getting done. I will have to tighten the reins - or actually do something!

Designer Shopping

A misleading title. Alexander is the Designer! Quite an ingeneous dress he quietly made for Barbie out of orange stickers. I think it looks really good. I however went discount shopping today with some girlfriends. We were booked for a charity shopping tour but luckily for us it was cancelled so we ran our own (with an extra $45 in our pockets) Most of the christmas shopping is now done with a visits to a toy warehouse, diana ferrari and Darn cheap books. I cannot recommend these bookshops highly enough. The ads are really bag but the books are great. I got a $20 Charlie and Lola book for only $5.