MiniLaLa

This blog has been suffering....

2010-05-19T14:12:00.004+10:00

And so have I! I have a cold - a nasty one - but that's not the reason that my poor blog has been so neglected. You probably know about all of the issues I've had with the latest batch of nappies, and that is taking up ALOT of my time and energy. Oh, and the fact that Nicholas has decided that sleeps are no longer necessary during the day (and often the night - but that's another story!).

Anyway, I will be updating the blog soon as there is news. For now, here are a few pics

And the winners are...

2010-05-05T18:00:00.016+10:00

The wetbag competition has been drawn! Let me start by thanking everyone who entered - we literally had hundreds of emails and I decided that 5 wetbags weren't enough, so I'm giving away 10!!

In case you are interested in how I chose the winners, I separated emails into which pattern was chosen, and then used a true random number generator. I counted up in emais (from time received), and there you have it.

So here goes (I'm just using last initials rather than names - winners should have recieved an email from me)...

Francesca P - Bircage Autumn

Kirsten I - Birdcage Forest

Becky S - Daydream

Rebekah R - Kooky Kaleidoscope

Christine - Divine

Liv D - Divine

Lucie S - Fleur de lis

Kalita - Petal

Gabrielle P - Floriade

Stephanie D - Floriade

Congratulations ladies - you'll be the first to have a MiniLaLa wetbag! Thanks again to everyone who entered (I almost want to give you all one!)

Who wants a MiniLaLa wetbag?

2010-05-04T16:06:00.004+10:00

Yes, you could be the first to have one! All you have to do is email me with your favourite pattern in the subject line (find the email address and available patterns on the site www.minilala.com.au )

My little baby...

2010-05-03T11:08:00.006+10:00

Turned two yesterday... I didn't cope very well! I cannot believe how fast time goes! Fortunately for me, Ivie is more than happy to continue being my baby ('I big baby, Mummy' - Thank you little Ivie!)

Although I have spent the past few weeks in denial, it was a lovely day. I had way too much fun making Ivie's 'tea party' cake - she loves dolls (babies), and sharing tea and cake with them, so she adored her cake too.

So happy and sad all at the same time...

I heart MAEVE magazine!

2010-05-03T10:43:00.007+10:00

Gorgeous, beautiful, quirky, lovely! I just can't say enough!

MAEVE's first issue went live a few days ago (it's an online mag - so let's add eco-friendly to the list above), and it really is stunning! I can honestly say that it's up there with Frankie as my favourite of all time. You simply must take a look MAEVE Magazine

So much thought has obviously gone into MAEVE. I love every photo, every interview, article...

Oh, and check out the spunk in the 'Thrift is not a dirty word' shoot... (Of course I mean my Nicholas, though how cute is the tanty here!?)

I love that MAEVE has dedicated a whole shoot to recycled kids fashion!

And like I said, the little details - what a lovely end page!

www.maevemagazine.com

The big reveal...

2010-04-08T17:22:00.018+10:00

Finally! It's been a long time coming, but I can finally introduce the new range!

Featuring 8 gorgeous polyester prints in both one-size pocket style modern cloth nappies, as well as handy wetbags. After a few *issues*, we hope to have them ready for sale in about two weeks, so if you haven't already, subscribe to our newsletter to be in the know.

Be sure to keep up to date with our blog, Twitter and Facebook as there will be announcements and giveaways before these are officially released.

You can see more pictures here

Sale on now!

2010-04-08T17:07:00.004+10:00

I'm a little late announcing this on the blog (I'm blaming that on the snail's-pace dial up which I'm using whilst changing ISPs), but the easter sale is now on!

$9 Huggalugs leg warmers

$10 Huggalugs leg ruffles

$12 Bella Tunno Dummy Clips (Binkers)

$10 off Posy Dolls

Just to name a few...

Click here to start shopping!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-07T18:48:00.006+10:00

I know I'm a bit late...!

We travelled to Canberra to celebrate my Grandmother's birthday. I'm telling you, 8 hours in the car with two toddlers was not the most pleasant experience! See how excited they look

Though of course we had a ball once we were there. Here they are all frocked up and ready to party!

I can't even believe that I got Ivie's hair braided (though it did take two extra people to distract her!). Doesn't she look divine!?

I hope that you all had a very happy, safe and relaxing long weekend filled with love, family and of course, chocolate!

My footstool makeover

2010-03-18T20:17:00.003+11:00

If you don't already know this about me, I love a good project, and I love getting a bargain!

I bought this footstool cheap on ebay ages ago and finally got around to fixing it up this week... What do you think? I'm quite happy with the results.

Eye candy...

2010-03-18T16:16:00.018+11:00

Hi! How are you? It's been a while!

So I visited Magnolia Square today and thought I'd share some lovelies with you. As always there were many beautiful and tempting things to look at.

I bought Ivie a sweet little cake from Red Wagon

Also a gorgeous headband from Ellani Petite

I managed to resist the Raggidy Rag dolls (you know I love handmade dolls). Though I think maybe Ivie 'needs' one for easter...

I always love to see Sweet William

and Printspace (both my kids have Printspace prints in their rooms)

I also love Wendy June's gorgeously whimsical artworks

I loved Shabana Jacobson's innovative fine art jewellery range

Polli and J had some gorgeous things too

And yes, I know I 'love' everything, but I really love Printink's range of handprinted clothing and homewares

There were so many more beautiful things - including previously mentioned Knuffle Kid and Habitat Baby - it really is worth heading down to St Kilda this weekend to take a peek...

Did you see us?

2010-02-24T19:10:00.002+11:00

It's always so exciting to see MiniLaLa in the media. This month, we have been lucky enough to be featured in two magazines:

My Child - I'm sure this magazine needs no introduction. Our beautiful one-of-a-kind handmade Posy dolls got a mention in the Eco Shopping section, and a Posy doll as well as one of our designer pocket MCNs were featured in the fashion spread. (Our lovely stockist, Alipants, also got a mention there)

We also featured in issue one of a new and informative online magazine, Family Australia. I've had a flick through myself and it's certainly worth a read

Thanks to both magazines! We appreciate the mentions (very, very much)!

Having a Baby Shower?

2010-02-24T18:30:00.001+11:00

Did you know you can set up a gift registry at MiniLaLa?

It's very simple - just go to your account (or create one), click on 'my gift registries' and create one! What a perfect way to let everyone know what you'd love for baby. Of course it doesn't have to be exclusively for baby showers - register for whatever you want!

Once the registry is created, add items by putting them in your cart, then selecting 'add to registry' (rather than check out). You can then email your registry details to everyone you'd like. Check it out at www.minilala.com.au

Limited edition prints stocking this Monday!

2010-02-13T17:40:00.005+11:00

So, I've been talking about it for ages! We're finally having another stocking of our handmade limited print one-size pocket nappies. There are so many lovely designer prints to choose from, but stocks are very limited! There are only 60 in total, with there being only one or two in some patterns (though I have made more in the most popular patterns like blue zoo, treetop birds, sparrow and a few others).

Going on past experience, these sell out super-quickly, so I'll be stocking them all at once. The time will be this Monday:

February 15th, at 8pm Melbourne time (AEDST).

You can view the listing here now, but of course no ordering until Monday. Please note that Paypal will not be a payment option on Monday night as it can cause problems with our shopping cart (some of you may know how disastrous this has been in the past!). You will still be able to pay via direct bank deposit and by credit card through our secure onsite ANZ payment processor.

I know you are probably also wondering about the new range - well, I'll hopefully have some news within the next few weeks about that...

I hope to 'see' you on Monday!

Great life!

2010-02-01T14:24:00.010+11:00

That's what my Dad said when I sent him a photo of the kids at the beach at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road this weekend. Tell me about it!

On Saturday morning, we decided to take a trip to Torquay - spontaneous, impromptu. Always the best trips. We ended up driving through to Lorne and spending the afternoon on the beach. The day couldn't have been more perfect!

We came back to Torquay, had dinner at the hotel, then spent the night at Bells Estate Cottages, and WOW! I was absolutely blown away - not only by my fabulous internet-accomodation-booking skills, but by the gorgeous warm welcome we received. It really made our family holiday (the only one we've had for years as Steve works terrible hours as a chef - it's usually the kids and I heading off while he stays home) so much more special!

Sharon was there to greet us - I didn't even have to tell her my name. We drove down to our cottage, in the middle of the 10 acre property, to discover a breathtaking valley view, a handwritten note, AND a big block of chocolate to help us enjoy our stay! If you are ever in Torquay, I just cannot recommend this little place enough!

OK, so Sunday we spent at the unbelievable beach at Torquay. The day was warm, but the water cool. It was 2.30 by the time we'd had lunch and started on our way home. I just love the place and cannot wait to go again!

See...

Nicholas with 'Coffee', the resident pony at Bells Estate. He roams the property with an Alpaca and a duck. He's only about 2 foot tall! Cute, huh!?

Out for breakfast at Torquay - see the beach in the background?

Torquay beach

Nick's sandcastle - beautifully decorated with seaweed, stones and shells (all covered in sand!)

Bells beach

Daddy and Ivie playing around

Nicholas and I climbed all the stairs down to the rocks

Ivie - literally 1 minute after getting in the car to go home!

Back in Melbourne

Congratulations little brother!

2010-02-01T14:04:00.007+11:00

My darling little (well, not so little anymore) brother, Tom was married to his beautiful wife, Jo, last weekend at Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula. We had such a fantastic weekend, and the wedding was so utterly stunning that I just had to share a few photos.

My neice (Tom and Jo's daughter), Lucy, was the very gorgeous flowergirl and stole the show - see for yourself. Gorgeous!

The bridal party surprised Tom and Jo with a beautiful reading and the release of some butterflies during the ceremony. It was truly lovely!

It was the most joyous wedding I have ever attended, and I'm so proud of my little brother! Jo is a beautiful person inside and out - just like her new husband. These two are made for each other. It really shows, doesn't it?

One last thing - how cute is Nicholas in his shirt and tie (even though he refused to have it tucked in)?!

Ivie's dress was stunning too, but I'll have to show you a photo another time...

Still up to 60% off clothing!

2010-02-01T13:57:00.003+11:00

The January sale has just finished, however I have decided to keep the discounts on clothing. There are some gorgeous Chalk'n'Cheese winter pieces left which are selling at absolute bargain prices

As well as some cute MiniLaLa applique tees going for just $10 a piece - grab one to match your baby's nappy!

Introducing...

2010-01-16T22:41:00.007+11:00

Just a few of our newest additions. I'm sure you know by now how much I LOVE Posy doll day!

Click here to view all of the available Posy dolls.

I also keep pictures of all the 'adopted' Posy dolls here in the gallery. I just love them so much! Of course the adopted dolls are no longer available, but if you're like me, you'll enjoy browsing :)

Each is lovingly handmade and one of a kind (so if you've fallen in love, don't miss out!). They make the most beautiful and unique gift - we have 5 between us here, and I'm sure they'll be around for generations.

Happy second birthday, Babyjo!

2010-01-16T22:11:00.004+11:00

Wanna win stuff? Well, Babyjo (who I've talked about a few times before, so you might be familiar) are celebrating their 2nd birthday with a massive giveaway!

First prize is valued at $517.00 and includes a MiniLaLa nappy and a set of hairclips!

Second prize is valued at $240.00

And third prize at $157.00

How fantastic are those prizes!? Click here to visit the Babyjo blog for all the details on how to enter...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABYJO!

I scream, you scream....

2010-01-11T19:07:00.005+11:00

We all scream for ice cream!

Today was scorching hot here in Melbourne (43 degrees celcius, I think), so I decided that ice cream was in order. Nicholas was the official decorator, and did an exceptional job. When I saw how gorgeous these two looked with their quickly-melting ice cream cones, I ran for the camera...

How beautiful is this: Nicholas wearing Daddy's thongs and Ivie wearing Nick's. Just chilling... I love it!

Happy new year!

2010-01-11T18:52:00.005+11:00

I'm a little late, I know. Time is already flying by!

I'm very glad to see the beginning of 2010. Although 2009 brought some good things, it was ultimately a very challenging year for me. I have high hopes for this new year and new decade.

I hope that you all had a safe and happy holiday and had some time to relax and enjoy those nearest and dearest to you.

Here are some belated photos of our Christmas day. It was so much fun watching Nicholas and Ivie squealing in delight over their presents, and the fact that Santa had been to our house...

Ivie having a sip of 'tea' from her new tea set

Exchanging gifts

At Christmas lunch

Getting creative on Lucy's new chalk board

Nick works off Aunty Jo's Christmas cherry pie

Stay tuned... I have some pretty new things and some bargains to share soon.

The last post for 2009!

2009-12-23T11:12:00.005+11:00

Hooray! What a year it has been!

As many of you may know, I'll be taking a break from today until January 6th. I really, really need one, and think I have earned it this year.

I wish you and your families a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and I can't tell you how grateful I am for the support you all have shown me in 2009. I hope to hear from you all in 2010!

As the perfect ending to my year in blogs, here are two more gorgeous MiniLaLa babies:

Eva

and Tilly

Thanks to Eva and Tilly's Mummies for allowing me to show their gorgeous girls off!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

See you next year x

Ho ho ho!

2009-12-07T20:12:00.006+11:00

Want a great stocking stuffer? Well, I don't think you can beat our hair clip sets for girls of all ages - I love them! Plus there are 11 styles to choose from, so there is something to suit everyone.

We've just finished making lots and lots (I love seeing my glass bowls filled with pretty clips), so there are plenty to go 'round. Don't forget, buy 3 or more sets to save 10%!

My gorgeous kids!

2009-12-07T20:07:00.003+11:00

Like all parents, I love to show my kids off, so here they are again running free in the botanic gardens yesterday.

Ivie refused to keep her hair clip in...

I tried to get a nice photo of them together, but once again, they proved that that is virtually impossible!

Here's Nicholas giving Ivie a kiss to cheer her up - he's such a lovely big brother.

And another cute photo of Nick for good measure.

Bless them!

...And even more stuff I like!

2009-12-07T19:01:00.010+11:00

I'm really in the Christmas shopping mood at the moment, so here are a few more lovely shops and finds for you to check out...

I visited Magnolia Square (twice - once at Malvern, once at Brighton) this week, and as expected, came across some gorgeous things.

I love Polly & J's funky and whimsical jewellery

Pip Keane designs fantastic minimalistic pieces. There were lots more at the market than on the website. Simply divine!

I love the range availavle at We *heart* books. Really beautiful and special books

I also liked the cool Japanese items at Zakkaya. Nicholas loved this walking elephant

I loved the sweet and whimsical illustrations by Charlotte Lance

Aside from the markets, I have been spending time at one of my very favourite online stores, trying to decide what to get my sister - too many cool things! If you haven't discovered Birdsnest, I know you'll love it! I especially like that you can search by occasion, body type, and even personality.

Another shop I love is Leeloo - completely quirky.

Now, my very favourite thing this week, is this Lundby doll house - I really, really want one - for Ivie... no, for me! I fear that if I had one, I would spend all day rearranging the fantastic Swedish furniture and never get anything done!

Already!?

2009-12-03T13:04:00.011+11:00

Can you believe it's December already? Crazy!!

We set up our Christmas tree and advent calendar on Tuesday, and oh, what fun! I think it took about 3 hours as every decoration we put on was quickly swiped by little miss Ivie, haha!

It's now day three, and you can't see the top of the tree for decorations - but the bottom is completely empty. It will likely fall over before Christmas, but at least I'm not chasing after Ivie and her handfuls of baubles every five minutes!

I love the advent calendar (you may remember it from last year). The kids have such a ball with it! Day one's surprise was chocolate, much to Nick and Ivie's delight.

We have heaps of great surprises in there this year - I can't wait to see their faces tonight when they are directed to their Santa sacks to unveil sticker books!!