October 21, 2010

The first ABCD (Artists + Bloggers + Crafters + Designers) Meet-up in Sydney is about to happen.

It will be a great place to meet up with some fellow bloggers and finally put a face to a name!

Here are the details:
Sydney ABCD Meetup Spring 2010
Thursday 28th October 2010
7-9pm
The Three Weeds Hotel (back bar), 
197 Evans St, Rozelle
RSVP via the ABCD Facebook page (don’t forget to bring a card for everyone’s goodie bag so they remember you)

Look forward to seeing you there



Leanne

October 19, 2010

Isn’t it great when with no planning whatsoever something comes together!
I spent months thinking and planning Sienna’s recent circus party – last Sunday however things were very different and at the drop of the hat it was time to create another dessert table – no stress on my part, just lots of fun.
Regular visitors to my blog will know about my love of dessert and candy tables, so it is exciting to now be able to say I am open for business.  I have found myself a partner in crime, Rebekah, who is a wonder in the kitchen so on Sunday we put our love of food and styling together and created a dessert table for her 4 year old daughter Saskia and her best friend Tiana who turned 5.  Here are some photos from the day.
The birthday girls love pink and mauve so that was our theme for the day.
Popcorn and sweet treats are always a hit
Pink Lemonade and Ribena Jellies and White chocolate rocky-road crackles!
Yummy guava juice in my favourite bottles
Pretty pink lanterns hanging from the tree
The table also included Toffee Strawberries and Strawberry Cream Tarts 
with Rose Fairy Floss
And finished off with a perfect birthday cake filled with love.
Happy Birthday Sas and Tiana – I hope your day was super special.

Leanne

October 18, 2010

Good morning everyone – today I would like to introduce you to Penny Webb from Working Mums and Mumpreneurs Masterclass.  I attended one of Penny’s fabulous events a few months ago and thought it only fair I share with you all she has to offer – I have asked Penny a series of questions to help us find out more about this super mum – Enjoy.

How did you come to create the Working Mums and Mumpreneurs MASTERCLASS event series?

“After 15 years in events and training and two children, I had to step away from my corporate job because of restrictive child care costs and availability. I was working part time lecturing, with two kids (a toddler and a 4 month old) and trying to manage a household and realised that life could be challenging for working mums. I also had a few girlfriends call about the same time despondent and struggling with the time demands on them. So I decided to combine my training and event background and the Working Mums MASTERCLASS event series was born.
Then that brought up a whole new set of challenges – setting up a new business from home, working on the kitchen table or the home office, filling rooms up with stock and paperwork, midnight emails and working around the kids. So the Mumpreneurs MASTERCLASS evolved!”
What is a Working Mums Masterclass and a Mumpreneurs Masterclass all about?

“Both types of events are all about practical tips and education and giving mums the tools they need to help them do what they need to do. Whether that be getting out the door fully clothed 😉 or coming up with a logo for their new business. One main objective is giving the mums a non judgmental, supportive community environment and you know what? It’s also about having a laugh and a good time.”

What other services do you offer? 
“I also do customised training programs for businesses – large and small. And manage all sorts of events – conferences, product launches, networking events, weddings or Aunty Suze’s 50th Backyard Birthday – we do it all.”
What 3 things do you think Mumpreneurs need to be aware of to help make their business a success?

“1. Social media is such a cost effective and high impact way to build brand awareness for a new business. Educate yourself about the opportunities social media can present.
2. Someone has probably made the mistake you’re about to make before so trawl the internet, magazines, sign up for webinars and find out what other small businesses have done well and not so well, so you don’t do the same thing. There is a stack of info out there – sometimes too much!! So find the format and approach that works for you.”
3. Networking is a great way to get out of the house if you’re a WAHM but for all Mumpreneurs it’s a great way to make links with other businesses who have similar values to you. Partnering up with these businesses and other Mumpreneurs can help grow your business and yourself.”
When and Where is your next event for Sydney mums to come along to?

Our next Working Mums MASTERCLASS event at North Sydney on 23 October has stylist Gwen Korebrits giving us wardrobe tips, Channel 9 make-up artist, Boo Talbot shares the secret of the 5 minute face (no more putting your make-up on in the car!) and uber jewellery designer, Kate Sutton from Uberkate will guide us on how to accessorise – there is such a thing as too much bling! And Mrs A in the Cove is doing an Afternoon Tea buffet (she had me at pistachio macaroons!). Go to www.workingmumsmasterclass.com.au to buy tickets online.
And we are very excited about our Mumpreneurs MASTERCLASS event on the 24th November in Sydney. This is an exclusive for Mrs A in the Cove because nobody knows yet, but The Mummy Tree girls are coming down from Brisbane for this event on Marketing and Branding. Mumpreneurs will get to meet Cinde and Kim from The Mummy Tree and hear about this year’s Mumpreneur success story. People can pre=register for tickets at penny@hillstrainingstation.com.au. Tickets are limited to only 50 and we are expecting a big turnout for this one. Don’t miss out!”
What’s it like being a Working Mum?
“I have two gorgeous sons, Charlie who has just turned 3 (THAT’S an interesting age!) and Oliver who is nearly 1. I get up at 5am before the house is awake and get 2 hours of work done – its usually the most productive two hours of the day for me! The kids go to daycare one day a week, so if its a daycare day they’re off early to there and I go to Manly and lecture. If it’s not a daycare day I work around the boys nap times. For now, they still have an afternoon sleep at the same time so there is another opportunity to get work done then. Anything else gets done when they are in bed for the night, and even then it’s only if its really urgent, so I can spend time with my husband.
And I rely on a network of friends and family who help me when meetings, events or other training comes up. They are amazing.’
I hope you enjoyed finding more out about Penny and her wonderful business – if you are living in Sydney it would be wonderful to see you at one her Penny’s events soon.

Leanne

October 16, 2010

Did you know this past week has been International Baby Loss Week?
Were you aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
I suspect I know which one you answered yes to.
As one of the founding members of the Stillbirth Foundation Australia I am passionate about helping to create awareness about the National Health Crisis that is Stillbirth.
Did you know that
1 in every 134 babies is stillborn
That is over 2,100 babies every year
Almost the same as the number of adults that die from breast cancer
Frightening isn’t it!
My mission today is just to create a little awareness for those who are passing by my little blog.
Stillbirth is a great tragedy for those of us who have experienced it –  as is the tragedy of losing a loved one to breast cancer.   So please remember that October is the month to create awareness for two national health issues Breast Cancer and Baby Loss.
I would encourage you to watch this short presentation titled
The Reality of Stillbirth (have some tissues with you)
If you are interested in finding out more about the Stillbirth Foundation Australia or making a donation or attending our annual fundraiser on Sunday 24th October please go to the website here.

Leanne

October 14, 2010

Another Friday and what a lovely and exciting week it has been.  Thank you for all your generous comments about my Purple and White Candy Table from last weekends wedding and also for letting me know that you like my photos of the girls (thanks Sheye for all your advice!).

This weeks Friday Favourites is by request from my lovely blogging friend Lindsay from Lee La La.  She is hosting a baby shower for a friend in the coming weeks and would love some ideas for decoration.  I hope this helps Lindsay.  
Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Polkadot Prints

Leanne