Santa, did you send your RSVP?

It's that time of year again - all the big department stores here in Sydney (and I think, Australia wide) are having their big toy sales. I was brave enough today to venture into Big W, at 37 wks pregnant with a 5 and 3 year old in tow, to have a look at what they had and I was impressed. Gigi started school this year and is quite the little party girl. We have lots of parties coming up so I had lots of presents to buy and despite the hussle and bussle, long queues, screaming kids (ironically, not mine this time, surprise, surprise) and Gen Y shop assistants who would grunt at any question, I actually managed to get my shopping done without too much trouble. Hmm, my blood pressure was slightly up at my routine visit this afternoon so maybe I was a little more stressed than I am letting on...
But seriously, if you are in Sydney, Big W & KMart started their toy sales today, Myer started last week and finish up on the 25th July and Target is getting ready for its big sale starting July 22. I better place a call to Santa - in this time of global economic crisis, he will be looking for a bargain wherever he can get it. Wonder if Big W online delivers to the North Pole? : )

Billy Cart Markets - this weekend in Sydney's Northern Beaches

For those of you that live in Sydney, I have come across a gorgeous market - specialising in handmade children's goods - that is on this weekend. This Sunday, 26th June from 9am - 3pm, why not checkout Billy Cart Markets, situated in the Lakes Parish Hall, 21 Lagoon Street, Narrabeen. The handmade retailers that will be on hand have some beautiful wears and you can even go to their blog to get a more detailed look at what's on offer. The lovely part about this market, which caught my attention, was that the $2 entry fee goes to the Starlight Children's Foundation Australia. I have a pretty busy day but am hoping to go down and check it out for myself!

kids inSTYLE - Trade Show - Sydney Feb 19-23rd - Royal Hall of Industries & Hordern Pavilion, Entertainment Quarter

Yesterday I experienced my first kids inSTYLE trade show in Sydney and I must say, it was a great event and I met alot of fantastic people with some beautiful, beautiful fashions and accessories that I can't wait to tell you all about in future posts. It was also nice to meet some of the people whom I have blogged about in the past face to face. For example, Vanessa from Gelati Art - you may recall I bought the ballerina slippers canvas for Lulu back in September. Vanessa has some gorgeous new designs which I am very excited to be able to tell you all about in coming weeks. It was also great to get up close and personal with the Serena & Lily Baby Market Sling that I also blogged about in September. You remember the one - Nicole Kidman had Sunday Rose snuggled up in it. Can I just say, the photos don't do it any justice - it is so soft & pretty, I would definitely want one for my next baby. The kids inSTYLE trade show is a part of the LIFE inSTYLE event and is on in Sydney until Monday 23rd February, after which it will move to Melbourne in July 2009

Happy Australia Day!

Disney's High School Musical - Live on Stage!

Today I took Gigi to the final performance of High School Musical - Live on Stage at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. When I was in the US earlier this month, Gigi subjected my sister to watching High School Musical (the movie version) over 30+ times so I knew she would love the show but admittedly, I have never seen it myself. Not wanting to venture out of my air conditioning in the 43 degree Celsius heat yesterday, I sat through High School Musical Part 1 & 2 with Gigi and Lulu and I was pleasantly surprised - they are fun family movies. In the great tradition of Disney, I was happy that Gigi and Lulu could watch some good wholesome entertainment and hence was looking forward to the live version today. I was not disappointed - it was fantastic. It was the final show in Sydney before they move around Australia so if they come to a city near you, I would definitely recommend you go. For me, it was a 21st century re-vamp of Grease (I know, showing my age) but for Gigi it was just great dancing and singing and we had a lovely afternoon. Go Wildcats!

Gigi & Lulu at the Sydney Opera House in Biscotti

Just before Christmas I took Gigi & Lulu to the Sydney Opera House for a performance of I Wanna Be A Mermaid by fantastic ensemble musical group, Coco's Lunch. The girls had a great time - they even got to sample some of the percussion instruments with the cast following the performance. It was also a time to reflect on the death of the visionary architect who designed the Sydney Opera House, Jorn Utzon, who had passed away only a few weeks earlier. Gigi is shown above signing the tribute book which is to be sent to his family in Denmark. On a fashion note, Gigi is wearing a beautiful little dress by Biscotti, a label favoured by the new first family of the USA. Lulu is wearing a hand made, smocked dress given to us by a lovely elderly friend of my family. Don't they both look adorable : )

Gift Ideas for All Occasions - Elle Jay Unique Creations by Jacki

At Mathilda's Market back in November I came across several new talented artists and designers of unique children's clothing and accessories. One that stood out for me was Elle Jay Unique Creations by Jacki. Jacki and I chatted for a little while about the joys of motherhood and how we are both fortunate to be able to do what we love as stay-at-home mums and I thought all the items she had on display were so unique and beautiful. I particularly loved the ballerina & mermaid themed artwork and accessories and the personalised 3D name frames are simply delightful. There are so many combinations to choose from. Check out Jacki's blog for more information

Johnson's Baby Beach Oasis - Bondi Beach Dec17

Looking for something fun to do with your baby tomorrow? Why not come down to North Bondi Beach in Sydney between 10.30am & 12pm for the Johnson's Baby Beach Oasis, featuring a special presentation by respected parenting author Pinky McKay. Join up to become a VIP mum at MotherInc and RSVP for the event (there is also an event at St Kilda Beach in Melbourne on Thursday for our friends south of the border)

We HEART Family Fun Day!

As I have done in the past, today I have attended an event that I have recommended in my blog, with the intention of giving my feedback on my experience there. What can I say - today we have had an absolute ball! The last time we really flew by the seat of our pants and had a fun, no stress day was probably when we went on holidays in March. Needless to say, it was well overdue. We started the day at Matilda's Market - a fantastic market of handmade wares from several talented local designers & artists. I met many new contacts, several of which I will be blogging about in the near future, and at the same time, caught up with Melissa of 4 Little Ducks, who I have recently raved about, and saw her new summer & Christmas ranges of kids wear. Wait till you see Gigi & Lulu in their new 4 Little Ducks Tees. We then moved on to the Touched by Olivia charity Family Fun Day. This was a great event, with lots of families enjoying the market stalls, amusement rides, face painting, celebrity appearances, pony rides and much much more. Gigi even got to have her first pony ride - and she loved it! After a turn with Daddy in the teacups ride, we even put Lulu in the swing ride, next to Gigi, and she was beside herself - she laughed the whole time she was on there. Besides the ladies toilets at one end of the park being out of order (a council issue, not the event organisers), we had such a lovely family day. The delight in your children's faces when they get a simple balloon just melts your heart, let alone squeals of delight when they see Dorothy the Dinosaur. To top it all off, we passed an awesome Christmas shop on the way home so Daddy stocked up on more Christmas lights. Did somebody say Griswalds?

Mathilda's Market - Sunday November 16 - Sydney

I am a very big fan of handmade, beautifully crafted children's wear & accessories and Mathilda's Market is where I hope to be on Sunday before heading to the Touched by Olivia Family Fun Day in Drummoyne. The market runs from 9am to 1pm at St Ignatius College, Riverview in Lane Cove and the stall holders are hand picked to provide only the most high quality in handmade children's items. If you are looking for a truly unique gift for a little princess, you might want to come along and see for yourself. One of the stall holders is mentioned in one of my earlier posts - 4 Little Ducks - and you can have a sneak peak on the Mathilda's Market website for the other fantastically talented children's wear designers/artists that will be on display. As this is a niche market, you are guaranteed to find something unique and affordable that you may not necessarily find in the big department stores. Well worth a look

Touched By Olivia - Sunday November 16 - Drummoyne, Sydney - Family Fun Fair 08

A friend of mine introduced me to Touched by Olivia - a foundation formed by the parents of little Olivia Perkins who tragically passed away at just 8 months old from a rare illness. Olivia's legacy provides financial assistance in many areas involving children and you can find out more about this wonderful charity through their website. This Sunday, November 16 in Sydney, the Touched by Olivia foundation is hosting the Family Fun Fair 08, which features a free Dorothy the Dinosaur show, a free Jay Laga'aia (from Play School) Show, a Live Walkabout Reptile Show, amusement rides, market stalls, face painting and special appearances from players from the Balmain Tigers and Sydney FC Soccer Team. If you are looking for something fun to do with the family on Sunday, come out and support the Touched by Olivia foundation

Parenting Australia Expo, Homebush

I have just come back from the Parenting Expo at Homebush and though I gushed about it in an earlier post, I am sorry to say I was a little disappointed. It was alot smaller and quieter then the last expo and to be honest, alot of the exhibits were more tailored to new parents. From an advertising point of view, they could have done with more advertising out the front of the pavilion to increase traffic into their event - there were alot of families around for the school holiday activities and the park was full just at the end of the boulevard, plus a bead & jewellery expo was running just down the way so it is a shame they didn't take advantage of that. Sorry, but having a background in marketing, I just can't help myself. I did however come across a new online boutique called Metro Mum, which has lots of unique products in their online store. They also have a rewards points system if you join their club - well worth a look. Having said all that, I am still a fan of Parenting Australia - click here to visit their website.

Parenting Australia Expo - Oct 10-12 in Sydney

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, I would recommend the Parenting Australia Expo at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. I have been to this expo for the past few years and found it to be worth the trip. There are lots and lots of stalls of useful information for new parents and great entertainment for the kids as well. Several stall holders run special promotional prices on their products, available only to visitors of the Expo, so you may even grab a bargain in these tight economic times. I always stock up on discounted Curash Baby Wipes from the times I have been to this Expo. It will be open from 10am - 4pm, this Friday 10th October through to Sunday 12th October, admission is $15, kids free, however you can get a free ticket through their website.