Supermarket Fashion

I've noticed a worrying trend in my family! Every time we go to the supermarket my children decide to dress for the occasion. Now this is not because it is the most exciting outing of the week, at least I hope it isn't. I didn't even notice it at first - it kind of crept up on me. This morning I realised that I had a full-blown problem on my hands.
I really shouldn't blame Emma as she is rarely the instigator - it is all about Ben!

It started innocently enough with Emma wearing her new fairy skirt to the supermarket a couple of years ago. I could handle this as it was only once or twice and she has never shown the inclination since. Now Mr Benjamin is a different story. A month or so ago Ben took to wearing his padded Spiderman suit everyday. I was horrified but realised it was the only way I could get him into something warm. The suit stayed and I tried to pretend he was someone else's child. Then came the Power Ranges faze where he added a sword to the Spiderman suit and karate kicked his way down the isles!


Last week was the highlight....James picked me up from work and we decided to do the family shopping experience. All good I thought. As Ben alighted from the car I realised my mistake. He was wearing a skivvy, a WETSUIT (short arm, short leg) and boots!!! Not only this but he had his boogie board that luckily he was content to leave in the car. If you have seen my son you will know that he has legs like pencils so the whole ensemble looked hysterical.
Emma and I did the only thing we could do - we ditched them!

This morning as I herded them into the car to hit Coles I realised they both were wearing their super hero capes! So if you were in Coles, Yarraville this morning and Buzz Lightyear and the Hi5 super hero passed you by - that was us!

Bling Bling!

I am now the proud owner of a pair of 'Caitlin Boyce earrings'. I'm very excited as I've been wanting some for ages and finally bit the bullet and treated myself. Caitlin is a fabulous jewellery designer and maker from Seddon. You can see Caitlin's jewellery at e.g.etal in Little Collins St or Flinders Lane in Melbourne. You can also email her at caitlinboyce@hotmail.com to visit her at her home studio. I am now in the process of buttering James up for the matching necklace!!

flashback friday

Here's my latest Flashback Friday photo. I'm pretty sure I did not always sleep in a Corn Flakes box. Mum and Dad assure me this was taken on a camping trip and not at home but I have my doubts. (this must be from around 1969)

Burnt at Elwood

I was viciously attacked by a cup of tea yesterday!! It was a cowardly action as I had my back turned and had done nothing to provoke it.

I have become quite addicted to my travel cup this year and always take tea with me in the car. While getting in the car yesterday with arms fully laden, the wind knocked the car door into my upheld elbow which unfortunately was carrying my tea. Scalding hot tea proceeded to pour down the side of my neck.

The funny thing is it didn't hurt that much when it happened but I decided to grab the ice pack just in case. Thank god because by the time we met Mum and Dad it was excruciatingly painful.

I spent the entire lunch with the ice pack pressed to my neck and when that had died the lovely waiter at Elwood Beach House kept me supplied with ice.

Which brings me to my second reason for posting...What a great place the Elwood Beach House is when you have kids. We sat at a table by the window and were able to enjoy our lunch while E and B ran around in the playground. For those who haven't been there, the play ground is completely fenced in and provides hours of entertainment. All our meals were delicious and the wait staff were extremely helpful. My hot tip would be to park out in the street as the parking in the car park is expensive.

Definitely my pick this month for outings with kids

Secret Stash

These aren't really out in the shop yet but if you ask Mick very nicely I'm sure he'll get them for you. They are hiding in our secret stash and I think they're a ripper. This may have something to do with finding out yesterday that my cowboy boots are on their way from America, or just 'cause I'm a sucker for a girl in a cowboy hat.

If you look closely you'll notice they are Rip Curl hats. We have been lucky enough to order a small range from them this season (due to friends in high places) and I think we're the only kids boutique doing them. Usually Rip Curl is the domain of the surf shops but this year we'll have boardies, tees, and accessories to show you.

Potter Paranoia

I can't turn on the TV. I can't listen to the radio, I'm too scared to read any blogs, and the internet is a complete no go zone!! I am literally too scared to leave the house. The reason for this is of course 'Deathly Hallows'!
Every year when the latest Harry Potter installment is due I re-read the entire series. Now this was fine when 'Chamber Of Secrets' came out as I only had one book to re-read. This time around I have miscalculated and 6 books later I am finally nearing the end of 'Half Blood Prince' and can start on the holy grail. 'Deathly Hallows' is sitting on my bedside table teasing and tempting and so far I have been very good and not read more than the 1st page (couldn't help it)
I'm so glad I have taken the time to read the others again as I know it is going to add so much more to the final chapter.... but now to my problem. I'm so bloody scared someone is going to tell me something about the last book that I'm virtually housebound.
I swear I will place a curse (I can do that you know) on anyone who tries to ruin it for me, accidentally or intentionally!

OUCH! is instore & other stuff.

Having not posted over the weekend I thought I'd make up for it and do an extra long one tonight. (Happy now Ali Babar?). Here are some shots of the latest OUCH range that arrived instore over the weekend.

We are going to have so many gorgeous dresses this season. I am in love with the big spotty one on the far left and can't believe I can't squeeze into one myself! I am again going to have to live vicariously through my daughter which could end up being a life long trend! I see psycho-therapy in her future.

OUCH have also done infant wear this season which we've been really happy with. (see above)

And as usual I can't keep away from the PJs. Mick thinks I have a PJ problem as I can't resist buying them whenever an agent shows me new ones. He's put a limit on me but I snuck these through and the Snugglebum summer range should arrive soon.

I had a lovely visit at the shop with Dana and Kerri from Market Baby. Always so great to meet people in person that you have got to know through their blog. Hopefully we will be able to stock some of their wonderful products in the near future.

Thank you to everyone who has been sending lovely emails - I know the comments page takes a while so I appreciate you leaving your comments on email.

Lastly I wanted to show you the finished bunks... I can't show the whole room as I'm not clever enough but the bunks are the most important bit anyway. The kids are loving them and they have proved to be a great play space too.

And to JEN and THE MAN! This is for you in honour of your Gilmorness! I salute you!

GOT HARRY!

Hi Ho Hi Ho It's off to work I go!

11 HOURS UNTIL 'DEATHLY HALLOWS'

I saw Harry Potter - 'Order Of The Phoenix' today.

BRILLIANT!!!

Can't wait to get my copy of 'Deathly Hallows' tomorrow!

How will I serve any customers with that tempting me under the desk?

ONLY 11 MORE HOURS!!!!!!

Flashback Friday - 1976ish

Welcome to Flashback Friday.

Angela at Three Buttons has started Flashback Friday and CHALK is joining the fun.

My daughter particularly likes this shot although she still does not really believe that it is me. I'm loving the 70's tan I'm sporting. (And I wouldn't mind those thighs back!)

Join in and I'll add your blog to the list.

Jeez snow is cold!

Well we finally made it to the snow..well we made it to the mountain where there was NO SNOW, it all having melted in the rain! The lovely man at the Mt Dandenong lookout said

"You should have been here yesterday - there was heaps of snow". Yeah good on ya!

Much discouraged and cursing the poor man under my breath I turned the car around and started heading back down the mountain. The kids were flabbergasted. All this way and NO SNOW.

The day, and my temper were saved by a gorgeous (nearly missed it) patch of forgotten snow just off the roadside in the national park! Out we tumbled and had a good hours fun in the snow.

It really is gorgeous - I was as thrilled as the kids and we all got sopping wet, freezing cold and ravenous. Time to head back to Olinda for a cozy lunch at 'Noel's'. Just perfect - steaming mug of tea, roaring fire, lollipops and sticky date pud. Perfect day.

summer is coming

You may not realise it, especially those who are freezing their buts off here in Melbourne, but summer is officially on its way!

Ben's all ready for summer!

How do I know this you may ask.

I know this because today couriers kept dropping off multiple boxes of stock from our lovely suppliers and if I'm not very much mistaken they are chock full of SUMMER CLOTHES!!! I'm itching to get in there on the weekend and gaze at all the summeriness (nice new word I just developed). I just know it is going to smell of coconut oil and sand is going to spill out of the pockets of all those pretty summer dresses.

As soon as I can I'll post some preview photos so you can all see what the fashionable 4 year old will be wearing this season!

Bizarrely enough, while dreaming of 40 degree days, sunburnt shoulders, and zinc stained t-shirts, the kids and I are planing a day trip to the Dandenongs tomorrow to see ourselves some snow.

We were meant to go today but as we were getting ready Grandpa rang and offered to take them to Scienceworks. I was unceremoniously dumped and off they went to catch some science germs. As luck would have it the rain, and some dive bombing Peregrine Falcons forced James home early and we met for coffee and actually had an uninterrupted conversation. Believe me this is a rare treat these days.

Kids happy, Jen happy, falcons happy!

Still Winter in Stars Hollow!

Girls Girls Girls

Don't you just love a good girl's night out? Well especially if you are, in fact, a girl!

I've got 2 on this week and after the girlie drought I experienced while James was away I am getting back into it with a vengeance. Dinner at Lisa's fantastic new pad will be followed up on Thursday with dinner in Richmond with the cutest group of lovelies you're ever likely to see....well we are lovely, and we think we're cute!

I'm even taking myself off to the SUN Theatre on Friday morning to see Harry Potter. WOO HOO. Emma's at kinder and Mum is taking Ben for the day so I have a whole morning to myself.

Now I am fully aware that there are many other things I could be doing with my time such as cooking, cleaning, CHALK work etc but bugger it I'm off to the movies.

May even squeeze in a couple of pots of tea beforehand, and a browse at The Sun Bookshop. AAAHHH Heaven.

The Gilmores at the movies.

Meet Me At Mike's

How cute is my new apron!!

I took the kids and went on a visit to Meet Me At Mike's. We had a lovely time browsing through all Pip's goodies and I was able to pick up the apron that I won. I've decided it is going to be perfect for wearing while I'm quilt making as I'm forever forgetting where I've put my scissors/rotary blade/pins etc. Thanks so much Pip and thanks to Violet & Rose who made it.


We came away with choccy frogs, lolly pops,
things that go buzzzz and my new favourite
top which I can't wait for an excuse to wear.
All in all a very satisfying visit.

I Love Harry

I have just watched 'The Prisoner Of Azkaban' which was the Saturday night movie here and instead of crapping on about how great it was and how much I love J.K. Rowling etc. I thought I'd have a look at how much our little Harry Potter has changed over the years...

We started with this in book 1

The Philosopher's Stone (awww...cute)

Then Chamber of Secrets

Prisoner Of Azkaban

The Goblet Of Fire

and Order Of The Phoenix

Wow - look at him now. He can point his wand at me any time!!

So in anticipation of the new movie I salute you Harry Potter and may Dementors suck out the souls of your enemies!!

Small Break

We're off to our beach house for a couple of days and unfortunately as the mobile phone service is virtually non-existent, I don't think there is much point taking the computer.
I am intending to get lots of quilts made though.
Ciao,
Jen

A Big Stars Hollow Thankyou

To those of you who rang me today and asked for Lorelai Gilmore I say a big thank you. It put a huge smile on my face!
And to Alison I say - check your kitchen...I'm sure that's Luke!!

I think I have just found a new (and very useful) skill. I think I can find a 'Gilmore Girls' link for nearly every aspect of my life.
Watch...

Umm... it was freezing today and I wore my blue puffy jacket to work (this is true)

In fact it was so cold it snowed in Yarraville and I stood outside the shop and watched the pretty flakes (this is not true)

Tomorrow I am going to play glof with my Dad (also not true)

See what I mean!

Renovating

Over the last few weeks James has been doing a bit of a reno' on the kids room. Ben needs to move out of his cot and we decided bunks would give them more room. First to go was the chimney and fire place... keeping in mind James had absolutely NO help from me. He'd want you to know that!

Then came the plastering.. wa la... a corner!

Next came my part - hire someone to install built in robes. Let me tell you it was not as easy as it sounds. Many cups of tea were drunk while deciding on the design of cupboards and bunk!

James then moved Emma's bed into the cavity and proceeded to turn it into a bunk.


Tonight we're all set to finish the undercoat and hopefully over the next couple of days I'll be able to show you the next stage.

I'm working in the shop tomorrow so to make my day more interesting I've decided to set you a task! I'd like people to ring me at the shop and ask for Lorelai Gilmore! (feel free to then hang up) Anyone who actually comes in and asks for Lorelai Gilmore will get a free bath squirter!!! Please help fulfill my fantasy. 03 9314 8686

And More Recycling

After a lovely dinner out with my family, (finally a belated birthday dinner!!) Mum and Dad opened the boot of their car and proceeded to dump box after box of fabric into our car! Apparently the result of a friend doing some cleansing after her mum died. They didn't want to throw it all out so they thought of me...

I am now thinking of you because even though there is some fabulous fabric, not a lot of it is of use to me.

If anyone would like me to send them a parcel of assorted stuff please let me know.

And if anyone knows of any reason why one woman would need this many zips please also drop me a line. I'm thinking fetish but I may be wrong!!

Crafty Recycling

For my birthday my lovely friend Kristine gave me some wonderful fabric offcuts from her TOWNMOUSE range. Her house is an absolute treasure trove of fabric goodies and as well as a great book (I'm loving it Kris), this is what I came home with - Well not quite as I spent a couple of hours cutting it all into squares but you know what I mean.

Today Mum came and picked up the kids for the morning so I was finally able to finish this...

Kris's scraps are now my newest cot quilt! I can't wait to start on the next one.

CHALK ON SALE

CHALK IS GOING ON SALE

As of tomorrow (5th July) we will be going on sale.

All our winter clothing will be 30% to 40% off the RRP.

Labels include -

Fresh Baked, OUCH, Toshi hats,

Supertube footless tights, Bebe,

Pure Baby, Snugglebum PJs, Monstar,

You heard it here first!!

Drop in and say Hi to Mick and let him know you heard about it on the blog. (He swears no one reads it and I'm just doing it to fill in my evenings!)

A Pair Of Schoolgirls

" There are very few writers who can hold the readers engrossed attention by a narrative of school life - and of schoolgirl life more particularly. Miss Brazil has a definite place amongst those few." (Dust jacket review)

What exactly do you think this bloke is getting at?? Apart from his obvious scepticism of the merit of a story set in school, which offends me no end as I have a particular passion for this genre, his sexist assumption that a story about girls is going to be infinitely harder to render interesting amazes me.

What a tosser!

Needless to say I love this book and the other 15 I have just like it in my bookshelves.

Pram Quilts

Due to popular demand and a little more time on my hands the Pram/bassinet sized quilt is back at CHALK.

It actually suits me to make this size as I have some gorgeous bits of fabric floating around that are often not enough to make a cot quilt.

They are still backed with the cosy flannelette and are all one offs. They retail for $42.00 AU.

They can be easily posted O.S. so drop me an email if you're interested.