Banter and Frolic...

Tired of Ben 10 or Dora birthday parties? Looking for something a little more classic without spending a fortune? Well this exact situation inspired 2 mums to come up with this brilliant party kit concept. The kits have been designed to encourage children’s imagination & free play, regardless of arranged party games, which are also included for those who like a more structured event. Let’s face it we all love our own memories of childhood parties and play and want that for our own children. Banter & Frolic party kits are just the “dressed-up” version of the traditional backyard party, easy and accessible for modern family life. Regardless of the theme, children will wait in anticipation for their invitation, be dazzled by enchanting decorations, find inspired party accessories, look in wonder at beautiful table decorations and giggle with glee as they skip home with a lasting memory only possible with a Banter & Frolic party kit. What’s more mum will be treated by finding all the answers in one magic box. Banter & Frolic party kits are a treasure-trove overflowing with our unique concepts, hours of creative planning and tried and tested instruction proven to make your party a complete success. So far we're the only Melbourne stockist, so take advantage of this lovely weather and have a beautiful party in your own backyard I know a big boy who would love his own construction party. Lots more information here...

The Rusty Duck...

Emma and I had a lovely day out on Friday, We went to visit my good friend Toni (pictured here with Emma) who has just opened a brilliant little place in Moonee Ponds called 'The Rusty Duck Cafe & Larder'. The 'larder' bit of the name was my idea, because this isn't just a place you can get delicious food, coffee and homemade cakes...no, you can take home Toni's wonderful home made treats as well. She even makes the chorizo sausages for the breakfast dishes.

So if you're in the Moonee Ponds area, I'd recommend a visit, and if you mention My Poppet you'll get a free biscotti with your coffee, try the pistachio and lemon...yum!

The Rusty Duck Cafe & Larder

18 Margaret st, Moonee Ponds 3039

9375 2791

(opposite the Moonee Ponds train station)

Boys toys...

I'm always on the lookout for fun toys for boys, these little wooden robots are just so cute... (edit - Online here, only $5 each)

Market time...

I'll be frantically sewing this weekend trying to get ready for this lovely market in November. Come and visit me and lots of other creative people at the Hawthorn Town Hall on the 22nd of November. I'll have some more melamine cups, owls, groovy new retro pants and other cool stuff...Now just got to focus and get all my sewing done. Wish me luck.

Hat head...

Made some groovy sun hats this weekend, had a crafty itch which needed scratching. These are the second batch I've made with this pattern, but I don't know why, they were just a lot more fiddly than the last lot. Have gone off making hats totally now, so don't go asking me to make anymore, because I've lost my hat making Mojo! Used some vintage 70's curtain fabric, very Marimeko-esque. I'll pop them online soon...or call me if you're keen $29.95 each.The orange one is cute, too big for Emma, more of a toddler size. She makes quite a good hat model, has a head very suited to wearing hats, apparently in French it's quite a compliment to be told you have a 'hat head'?! I'm sure it sounds more flattering in french...

Pretty...

Brain not working good...sleep not enough...pretty pictures new stuff...

Edit- sorry guys, this isn't Emma, will post some pics of her soon. These are shots of a new range from Ivy Designs, didn't want to give anyone the wrong impression- brain wasn't working properly yesterday

Fleamarket finds...coming soon

A few sweet vintage finds that i'm hoping to get on Poppet in the Post in the next few days...will keep you posted. Thanks for all your nice comments, am really ok, just needed to let off some steam...heading off to the country for the weekend, looking forward to some country oppy action. I'm sure Nanna will have fun looking after Emma while i just veg! Hopefully will come back with lots of creative enthusiasm. have a good weekend...xx cinti (edit- Online now)

Whine time...

WARNING: If you don't want to her me complain, stop reading now! So i Googled 'death warmed up' and I was surprised not to find a photo of myself there, instead I found this guy which sort of describes how i feel at the moment...

I'm tired, grumpy, and uninspired. The whole houshold has had a cold (probably more than one) for about 2.5 months now and it's really taking it's toll. Poor little Emma has been waking at night and i'm running out of concealer to cover the bags under my eyes! I'm staring to feel like being a mum is a little bit overrated!

So the shop, sewing and cleaning my home has been neglected, which is quite bad...am just waiting for my mojo to return coz i have so much to do.

Leave me a cheer up comment so i don't feel so sorry for myself. Promise to resume normal posts soon (I hope!)...

More Monstar...

Parcels of new summer stock arriving thick and fast at the moment. Just a I think I've found a place for everything, in comes another one. Loving these pretty screen printed Gingham skirts by Monstar, navy in stock now, red available soon. Check them out on Poppet in the Post...

Pinni love...

This cute Aussie made pinni dress from Bluebird and Honey is even sweeter in real life than in the picture, I love how they have added button brooches to decorate the straps. You can take the brooches off for washing and wear them on other garments in the mean time... Pinni dresses are practical garments in this strange changeable weather we seem to be having in Melbourne, wear with a t-shirt or on its own on warmer days, with a jumper and tights on cooler ones. As a dress this season, as a top next season... when you think of it that way, the cost per wear is a bargain!

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Don't forget to take advantage of our 'Gift With Purchase' offer on Poppet in the Post, finishes this Sunday night. I've enjoyed wrapping up the pressies and posting them out with your purchases...go on, make me happy!