Inside the Princess Boudoir - beautiful artwork by Casey O'Connell

Inspired by some exceptional artwork I have been introduced to this week, I am creating a new section of my blog. Titled "Inside the Princess Boudoir", I will be featuring all sorts of lovely items for your little princesses' bedroom or nursery.

Now, as for that exceptional artwork I was talking about, every now and then I come across an artist who just blows me away with work that has such beautiful use of colour and, what I call, a picture that talks to me. I am no art expert but I judge art by how it makes me feel to look at and whether or not it tells me a different story each time I look at it. Casey O'Connell's stunning works do just that for me. When Casey contacted me, I immediately went to look at her website and I found myself checking out painting after painting. Each one so brilliantly unique and with such a lovely blend of colours. I was particularly drawn to My Sugar, especially as a nursery gift for a baby girl, as well as All In, both from Casey's current collection. I strongly urge you to browse through her website - I am sure you will enjoy and appreciate her wonderful talent as much as I did. Thank you Casey for introducing me to what you call your "autobiographical dialogues" - keep up the great work! x x x

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!

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

More Wonderful Wall Art - Cold Coffee at Babylush

If you are looking for something bright and vibrant for a baby's nursery, instead of just plain & boring pastel painted walls, I came across this beautifully animated wall art by Forwalls by Cold Coffee, available in Australia through one of my favourite online boutiques, Babylush. They are easily removable, made from high quality vinyl so why stop at one - buy a few and alternate them from season to season - anytime you feel like a change. I can't decide which one I like the best anyway - they are all so adorable - so take a look at the entire collection available through Babylush here and decide for yourself

Gigi & Lulu - Halloween Party Ideas 2008

Happy Halloween 2008! I have had many people ask me when I will be posting my Disney Party Princess ideas - I know, I know, I have been a bit slack but with so many photos to go through, it is a big job. Watch this space though, they are coming soon... Having said that, I have some great Halloween Party ideas for you after we had a lovely day on Friday with our little mother's group. With just 3 simple ideas, we joined in the Halloween spirit. The first 2 were party food ideas and then we did a little craft project. First up - Red Back Spider Bikkies. Very simple to make, I found this recipe on one of my fave websites - Kidspot - and all you need is some bikkies, some Smarties, Cadbury Rolls & some strap licorice. Admittedly, the kids left the licorice behind and picked off the Smarties and chocolates but they still looked good. A little tip - instead of sticking the legs on individually, keep the inch wide piece of strap in tact and cut the four pieces to almost the end, so that they all stay in one piece and fan them out to make 2 sets of 4 legs on either side of the sweets. Much less fiddly than trying to stick them all on one at a time. Next up, Dracula Fangs made from watermelons and coconut, again from Kidspot. Another tip - don't let the off-cuts of the watermelon go to waste - the tiny triangular pieces you cut out for the teeth can be served separately in a bowl on the side - great for a hot day like it was on Friday. JJ & Coco enjoyed their watermelon fangs as you can see above!
Finally, the kids had fun making their very own origami bat to take home as a memento from the party - very easy to make and great for hand-eye coordination:Gigi was really looking forward to meeting some trick or treaters this year (we decided to wait until next year to take her around the neighbourhood) and we had a jack-o-lantern hanging by our front door to welcome any to our house but this year was a slow year, with just one kid popping by. He was in luck though because Daddy gave him a big handful of lollies because we had plenty ready to go! Here are a couple more pictures from our Halloween preparations and clowning around:
UPDATE: Congratulations to Coco - less than 24 hours after our party, her mummy gave birth to a new baby brother. Maybe it was our Dracula Fangs & Red Back Spider Bikkies that got the ball rolling..xxx

UPDATE - Gelati Art - Canvas Paintings for Little Princesses

Following my post last week on Gelati Art, I decided I couldn't resist the ballet slipper art for Lulu's bedroom - it was the pink sequins that reeled me in - and I ordered it then and there. To my delight, I received it in today's post and needless to say, I am a very happy customer. Vanessa & her team have been fantastic from a customer service point of view and the actual artwork itself is just beautiful. Definitely worth taking at look at the Gelati Art website - they have many variations of colours & themes for both boys & girls.

Gelati Art - Gorgeous Artwork for Little Princesses

I am always on the lookout for original artwork & bits and pieces for Gigi & Lulu's rooms - G has a mermaid theme, in lavender hues, and L has a baby pink ballerina theme. In both rooms I have canvases of pictures related to these themes, some created by me or some commissioned by creative friends or people I have found on the web and only recently I came across Gelati Art and was very impressed with their cute and original artwork for little girls. They also theme for boys so well worth checking out their website if you are looking for something a little bit different for your little one's bedroom or playroom.
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