To market

It's hard to believe but Christmas is just over 2 months away. The festive season will come a'caroling before you know it. Give yourself a break and (shock) maybe even enjoy some gift shopping by starting early and shopping uniquely.

Try these Sydney markets for some inspiration and a top day out. I will be!

Kirribilli Art and Design Market - on this Sunday 11th October. Great handmade and second hand items, let's hope it's a nice day!

Matilda's Market - Sunday 1st November, at St Ignatius College, Riverview. Really gorgeous pieces from all different suppliers, mainly for bubs and kids. http://www.matildasmarket.com.au/ (check website for Australia-wide dates and locations.

Allie's Attic - A boutique market of fabulous buys for "yummy mummies with style". It's kicking off its first ever market on Saturday 14th November at Hunters Hill Community Church, followed by Paddington Town Hall on Saturday 12th December. http://www.alliesattic.com.au/

Feeling crafty #2

While you're at it...

If you find a great pattern for a bag or cushion or toy to sew - you will need some gorgeous fabric that will do your design justice!

I highly recommend visiting online fabric store Duckcloth. They have the most beautiful printed fabrics at reasonable prices. Visit http://www.duckcloth.com.au/

I'm obsessed with their new range of Japanese fabrics, especially (from top) 'French Village Tea;', $26.50 per metre, 'Apples on Canvas', $28 per metre and 'Atelier Akiko', $24.50 per metre.

And if you're not a sewer, don't worry, why not simply stretch over a canvas and hang on the wall?

Feeling crafty

About once a year something ticks inside me and I feel the need to make stuff. I don't know what it is, and there is no particular pattern (pardon the pun) to it. Last year I was into framing all sorts of pictures and textures, the year before if there was fabric near me I would sew it, and the year before that I took 2 garment-pattern making courses, just because.

This year I can't decide what it will be. I feel the hum of the sewing machine calling, but I have also dusted off my old art easel and promptly set up a blank canvas on it. Perhaps my hobby-side will be in overdrive this year.

Or perhaps I can now blame my craft store/art store/fabric store obsessions on all the fabulous and inspiring blogs just bursting with creative ideas. I'm particularly into http://www.livingcreatively.com.au/ which has free pattern downloads for heaps of projects, things to buy and great reads. Check it out!

Lightly does it!

This new eco-friendly Giraffe from the ever-clever Melbourne design house, Lightly, is so gorgeous, and perfect for a modern style nursery.

It clips together, and would make for such a cute decor feature. One bub will love too - to see, but not touch!

Approx $150, visit http://www.lightly.com.au/ for stockists

The Baby Show! Giveaway!

The essential event for expecting parents, new mums and dads and for babies and toddlers, The Baby Show is shaping up to be a fabulous and practical day out.

At the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park in Sydney from 18-20th September, it will include experts' advice, products on show to try, things to test and buy and interesting seminars (including one on Pregnancy Style by yours truly)!

For more information, visit www.thebabyshow.com.au or call Ticketek 132 849.

GIVEAWAY!!! I have 10 double passes to The Baby Show, on Sunday 20th September, to giveaway. Be one of the first 10 people to email me at athomas@acpmagazines.com.au to win!

Instant update

Mums, Spring is here and really nothing excites me more than the thought of some fresh wardrobe additions!

Just received the latest from Witchery - a perfect one-stop-shop for a fashion fix. Great advantage if you are with-pram!

Love the blazer ('Slouch Boyfriend' $189.95)/dress ('Frill' $169.95)/heels ('Belinda' $169.95) look, especially for untrustworthy Spring weather changes... All available online at www.witchery.com.au

Country style

If you haven't seen this adorable brand yet, check it out now!

Vintage-inspired, but original pieces, for baby and toddler, Olive's friend Pop is a range of bonnets, aprons, smocks, capelets and more that are English-Country-cute.

Mums, Julia and Lea are the clever creators, with their inspiration being 'nostalgic play-wear'.

Visit www.olivesfriendpop.com to view the full range.

Fair's Fair

Lovingly crafted and ethically produced in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Eternal Creation is range of gorgeous baby and kids clothing that is completely fair trade.

All labour conditions, in the factory where the garments are made, is fair and ethical and its increased production has meant more jobs for the local people.

The boys' Bahama playsuit (pictured, $36.95) is a guilt-free - and very cute! - purchase. Visit www.eternalcreation.com.

Oh boy!

Dedicated to the youngest (and possibly cutest) man in your life, online store Mad About the Boy is the place to find a gorgeous little piece for your gorgeous little boy.

I love the Baobab blue racer hoodie, (pictured) $45.95. It has a funky, retro print and is made from a cotton knit fabric that's perfect all year round.

Plus there's lots more clothing, shoes, toys and accessories to choose from, all designed to make Mister's wardrobe cool from the get go!

Visit www.madabouttheboy.com.au

Neat!

Just stumbled on this little cutie this morning. 100% Organic cotton onesie by US company 'Winter Water Factory'. Love their sweet, illustrated prints, perfect for baby boy or girl.

Available (along with loads of other fabulous pieces) at My Messy Room, for $36, visit www.mymessyroom.com.au

New issue of Pregnancy & Birth on sale now

The September/October 2009 issue of Pregnancy & Birth magazine is on sale now. Read more at Mother and Baby.

Visit www.magshop.com.au or your local newsagent.

Packed full of essential information, real-life stories, and pretty fashions for Spring.

In the Mudd

Those eco warriers at Mudd Kids are constantly outdoing themselves on the vegetarian, organic and fair-trade front.

Their latest pieces are called 'Baby Soy', and are a range of super-soft, super-durable onesies, hats and bibs made from soy milk-pulp, tofu and other soy-based products. Also, the factory that produces them is green, using limited water and power.

It's so soft and guilt-free, it's being nicknamed 'vegetable cashmere'. Go Mudd!

Visit www.muddkids.com.au