30 Days of Yoga

Over the last few months I've been finding it increasingly difficult to truly relax, unwind and focus. Working for yourself certainly has it's benefits but with the flexibility also comes anxiety and pressure - mainly financial. As many of you will know, there are good months and bad months when you are your own boss. I'm the type of person who often buries their head in the sand and pretends that everything will be ok which never helps.

I can see great things for my business down the track and know that it will happen but it's just taking time so I'm contemplating the idea of going back to work a few days per week. It would be nice just so have a little bit of cash coming in on a regular basis. But like all mum's, I know it's so hard to strike a balance between home and work life. I also miss the relationships with work colleagues and find it hard to be my most creative at home on my own.

So, the month of October is going to be one of reflection, calmness and planning for me. I find that I've often got so much on at the one time that nothing gets my full and undivided attention for very long. Which I feel especially guilty about when it comes to Gabriel as he deserves his mummy to be fully present 100% of the time.

We all pride ourselves with being 'multi-taskers' but is this such a good thing? Filling our minds with 100 'to-do's' and never getting any of them done when or how we would like? Surely our minds would be happier - and more effective - if we let them focus on one task to completion, where possible, before moving on to the next.

To kick start my month, I've just signed up for 30 days of yoga - an online yoga course. I'm really excited about it! I used to practice 2 or 3 times a week but have fallen away from it recently. With the bright sunny mornings now here, I'm going to get up early and have some 'me time' before Gabe wakes for the day. Which surely has to be beneficial to both of us.

Marianne who is behind 30 Days of Yoga is also part of an amazing scheme where 100% of your course fee goes to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The course usually costs $100 but for this month you donate what you can.

So here's to a month of tranquility and clarity!

V xx

Custom Birth Announcement

I met a lovely new client, Lizzie, at the Yarraville Market a few weeks back. Being 39 weeks pregnant, there were exciting (and sleepless!) times on the horizon at her house!

It was so nice to receive an email last week saying that her beautiful baby boy, Jasper was born 5 days later, right on his due date. Good boy for not making your mummy wait, Jasper!

Lizzie wanted a custom birth announcement created for her new addition. She loves the font used in my Emergency Cards and wanted to incorporate that with an elephant graphic.

I love the simplicity of the announcement and the blue, grey and red on white is really clean and crisp.



Congratulations Lizzie on your new addition! I'm sure we'll see you around the village during the summer months.

V xx

Friday Fives... summer must haves

As I sit at the breakfast table watch Gabriel insist on feeling himself Weet-Bix and yoghurt I look out the window to see a rather grey and cloudy day. Apparently it's to be 21 and sun sun sun today. Maybe if I put on a little summer dress the clouds will disappear!

So, with the start of the warm sunny weather, my Friday Five today is summer essentials...

1. You Rebel by Benefit. The BEST tinted moisturiser on the planet in my opinion. Gives you that fresh look and sun protection.

2. A cotton maxi dress. I love this one from Witchery.


3. A good body scrub. I'm currently using this Aveda one I got as a gift. When I'm buying for myself I can't see past The Body Shop. Great value.

4. A new bikini! It's been too long since I bought a new one and I wasn't really feeling 'bikini-ready' last summer post pregnancy. I love Megan Gale's new Isola collection.


5. A good oversized bag. This canvas one from ASOS is fab! And would go with just about everything!

V xx

Shop 'til you drop!

So G and I went on a little shopping trip yesterday. I think you'll agree that the sunnies look pretty cool!


I'm also mucho excited about the opening of Mothercare in Melbourne! The kids clothing is amazing! My mum sends a little package every few weeks with clothes for Gabe and she's constantly listening to me saying how expensive good clothes are here for kids and how we've got beautiful boutiques but no good chains for everyday stuff. Should I tell her about my new fav store and take her there for a little grandma shopping spree when she visits in October? Or stay tight lipped and continue to get the jiffy bags full of boywear delights?

They've also got a kids hair salon and play area! If they did coffee too I think I may just live there!

V xx

Baby aviators! I've found them!

I've been on the hunt for some cool sunnies for Gabe and have finally found some! I didn't think baby aviators existed but they do! Think I'll be taking a trip to Pumpkin Patch tomorrow. Do you think he'll keep them on? If there anything like his new sun hat, they'll be on the ground before we're even out the front gate!

V xx

Brownlow Fashion

Last night was the Brownlow here in Melbourne and I just love watching the hits (and misses!) on the blue carpet. Rebecca Twigley was one of my favourites of the night. The colour and fit of the dress were perfect on her and her hair and make up were fab too. I also loved Jonathan Brown's wife, Kylie. Again, the colour was amazing on her.


I know Brynne Edelsten is out there for the shock value but really... what were you thinking!?!? A full length gown that becomes an ultra-mini?!?! It's all a bit Bucks Fizz, don't you think!


Lauren Phillips' jewels were pretty special! I wasn't a huge fan of her hair though. She's such a pretty girl but the hair just looked a bit too old and stiff.


Not sure about the guys choice of black and white shirts and bow ties. But I did love Dane Swan's velvet option.

V xx

Friday Fives

Today is my five... favourite books. I have waaaay more than 5 but these are the some of my recent favs.


1. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
2. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
3. The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
4. The Help, by Katheryn Stockett (still reading just now)
5. The Memory Keeper's Daughter, by Kim Edwards

I'm always after a good read, especially for over the summer months. Any recommendations?

V xx

Friday Fives

Hope you've all had a good week and looking forward to the weekend ahead. We're catching up with friends tomorrow from brunch which I'm looking forward to.

I'm going to start a regular Friday feature called 'Friday Fives'. To start us off this week the theme is '5... little things that make me smile'.

1. When you have just enough change in your purse for a coffee.
2. When my husband brings be home flowers for no reason. I just found out the other week that he keeps a little 'reserve' every month for these little items! Gabriel has got a good teacher there!
3. Reading a good book in the summer sunshine.
4. Watching Gabriel play with his Mega Bloks - you can actually see his little mind at work!
5. The cold side of the pillow.

What little thinks make you smile?

V xx

More reality TV! Four Weddings

I really don't need to get into ANOTHER reality TV show but I just couldn't resist watching the first episode of Four Weddings last night after having watched the UK version! I'll admit, I was shouting out loud at the TV! Some people are just plain rude! I guess the claws come out when there's a honeymoon up for grabs.

My favourite was Allanah - far right in the pic above. I thought she looked beautiful and I loved the styling of her whole day. Their first dance was a tad OTT for me but I think I'm just jealous that I can't tango like that!

I could never do a show like that. I'd have hated to hear people be so negative about my big day!




As frustrating as it is to watch, I just know I'll be tuning in again next Wednesday!

V xx

Footy fever - new print

September is here and footy fever has well and truly taken over Melbourne! I must admit, I do enjoy the excitement that it brings.


I recently did this custom print for a customer who loved my soccer shirt print and wanted an AFL version for her sons birthday. I've offering it in my Etsy and Madeit shops during finals month for all the little future Brownlow Medalists out there!

All teams area available - although my husband said that if Sydney knock the Bulldogs out on Saturday I'm not allowed to offer a Swans print!

V xx

New Buttercup Ink stockist!

I'm so excited to announce that the fabulous Book and Paper in Williamstown is now a stockist of Buttercup Ink! If you find yourself in the area, it's a must visit. Amazing books with a great kids section and lots of beautiful paper delights. Owners, Sue and Wenche are lovely too!


V xx

Feature in Etsy Treasury

My weekly planner notepad was featured in a treasury today on Etsy. I love the lunch bag that was featured there too. Great print!

Heading out to get set up for tomorrows market. It's so nice to be able to set up the day before. I'm taking the boys along with me. Being in the village at 5pm on a Friday calls for a little glass of wine at Yarra Lounge too I think!

Have a great Friday everyone!

V xx

Yarraville Markets this Saturday

I'm so excited to be a part of the Yarraville Markets this weekend! I've long been a purchaser but am now looking forward to being on the other side of the table. If you find yourself with nothing to do on Saturday, a trip to my beautiful village won't disappoint!





V xx