Meet yummy mummy Shelley of {Lime Tree Kids}

Today i have the pleasure of introducing you to one of the most inspirational mums I have ever met through the blogosphere. I would like you to meet our new blog sponsor, the amazing Shelley Mason, the master mind behind {Lime Tree Kids}. Shelley began her journey with her husband and in 2007 they travelled to Taiwan to collect and bring home their son from Taiwan.

Shelley goal was find the best educational toys that would enhance her son’s experience of self-esteem, bring him joy and laughter and help them form a very special bond. Her labour of love covered many and varied products and she now has a passion to share all of her finds with us through Lime Tree Kids.

This is how Shelley described her business - Lime Tree Kids is a collection of Unique and Quality Made items. Each item has been handpicked because of its usefulness , creativity, developmental & emotional encouragement and general fun – ness !

I would like to thank Shelley for sharing her amazing story with our lovely readers. You are truly amazing! Enjoy the interview xx

1.When did you launch your business/blog and what is the inspiration behind your business?

I launched Lime Tree Kids in February this year, although it seems much much longer ago , we are only 5 months old.

2.Who and what inspires your work?
The inspiration for my business is my son (I know, terribly cliché, but its true) .. Here’s why. My son was adopted from Taiwan and had a traumatic beginning. He was experiencing massive emotional issues, learning delays and hyperactivity issues along with bad health and obvious traumatic stress. Out of my journey to bond and help his development, came a unique perspective on the incredible benefits of one-on-one play.

My labour of love covered many (and I do mean MANY) and varied products and websites and suddenly I had a passion to share all of my finds on one site with other parents through what became Lime Tree Kids. My son has come so far I just want to share with anyone who will listen the benefits of play therapy (one on one play) laughing , good self esteem etc in our children. Products don’t need to be boring to be educational either !!

3.What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
When I find a product that really reaches the market and helps everyday parents , parent easier. Things like our Glass Baby Bottles were we received such a great response as parents are becoming aware of the harmful chemicals that are in plastics now.. Simple things like finding fun and funky items to enhance social and emotional development of children and also seeing my husband and son be so proud of my business are all extremely satisfying !!!

4.What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
I think the most rewarding part has been when people have emailed me to say they admire my site and what we do. Also to see such an amazing response to our products.. I get all warm and fuzzy inside and take my business and what people think about our products and service very personally! LOL !

5.Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I am so new to this world and I am AMAZED at how clever some mummies are, I mean REALLY clever. I am obsessed with all things handmade now! Especially as we have a girl coming!! Recently I have ordered a Cuckoo for Coco doll to be made for my little girl. I am SO excited to be getting it next month!!

6.What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking of styling their own dessert table?

Think Vintage, Think fun and think YUMMY!!! Sorry I never really look past those 3 things and Im not terribly good at decorating (although I follow and admire people who are /do)

7.If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
I’d certainly style one for Kate Middleton oops I mean Princess Kate? I am slightly obsessed with her after that wedding fever !!

8.Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
I Love Superheros for boys birthday, because its an old idea that has lasted the test of time in a little boys heart ! Nothing better then watching little guys running around “flying and leaping “and beating the bad guys. Plus the opportunities are endless to make it as original or fun as you wish .
Baby showers are TO DIE FOR in my book !! I will NEVER say o to attending baby shower! I love all the endless games and decorations and prints and colours and gifts and .. Need I say more ?

Lastly I love a WEDDING Party, a casual beach wedding party is one of the most romantic things to ever attend if done well ! I love the natural feel , the love in the air , the laughter and chit chat, the old fashioned ideas versus the new ideas .. and then all the personal touches showing us who and what the couple find or value important.

9. Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}

I think I tend to go with a blend of Whimsical / vintage at the moment ! I love everything old that has a story behind it (even if we don’t know it) and all things whimsical make my heart sing !!

10.What is your day-to-day like?

Um Im a mum of a HIGHLY spirited 4 year old boy , I run 2 businesses so I’d say : Crazy , Manic, busy , sweet , funny , slightly insane and then just plain fun !

11.What does the future hold for {Lime Tree Kids}?

We are expanding quite rapidly at the moment and have begun looking at some items that aren’t saturated in the market place such as French wooden kitchens, Danish design items and sourcing new exciting products. We are still finding our niche but its certainly been fun so far !

12.What is your favourite place in the world?

My favourite place in the world right this very second is Taiwan. Im itching to go pick up our new daughter whom we are adopting and bring her home so our family will be complete. After that my favourite place is always at home with my family on a beautiful Gold Coast sunny day ;-)

Email: shelley@limetreekids.com.au
Website: www.limetreekids.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com.au/limetreekids

inspired by ruffles

Holy Gorgeousness!

I am swooning over these ruffled chair covers posted on {style me pretty} blog. I have to admit that my obsession may have just been taken to a whole new level. When you team up these ruffled chair covers with the oh so elegant chandelier, floating glassware and divine pink floral arrangements, it definitely makes my heart flutter. If you would like to view the rest of the images from this divine event click here.

Enjoy xx

Event Design: Sarah True of True Events
Photography: Justin and Mary Marantz

deliciously sweet {Miette}

Modern, cheerful and delicious, this is what Miette is all about! Located in San Francisco, Miette is the most charming pastry shop. A beautiful space filled with sweet candy and divine cakes.

From the floral wallpaper to the vintage lights to the wooden cabinet, this has provided me with loads of inspiration for Anikens 2nd birthday party. The biggest eye-catcher, is the rainbow of sweets in apothecary jars lining the walls from floor to ceiling. Everything in this store is absolutely amazing and truly a work of art! If the road ever takes me to San Francisco I will be definitely visiting this divine store and treat myself to something beautiful from Miette. xx

meet the lovely Peta of Little Crew...

I am so excited to share this lovely interview today of the uber talented and founder of {Little Crew} ~ Peta Barkus. I was lucky enough to meet Peta through the blogosphere as she wrote a gorgeous article on me and My Little Jedi. {click here to read it}

Peta launched {Little Crew} about a year ago after the birth of her baby girl Indigo and this is how she describes the start of her journey: ~ I thought it would be great to have all the shops on an iPhone app so that parents could go check somewhere reliable and have like an "umbrella" of beautiful stores to always shop at online that have been road-tested. So I currently run the iPhone app and website (internationally based) called Little Crew -www.littlecrew.net, which features children's sites from around the world. I personally write about the items from seeing the products up close, look, touch, use as this makes a huge difference to my writing style. I have 3 children that road test things for me-sometimes.

Make sure you read the lovely interview below and I hope you like Little Crew as much as I do xx


I would like to thank the lovely Peta for giving our readers an insight of her personal life as well as {Little Crew}. xx

1. When did you launch your business/blog and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I launched Little Crew about a year ago, on the 9th of July 2010 actually and I was inspired by the birth of our baby girl Indigo. She is now 2. I thought it would be great to have all the shops on an iPhone app so that parents could go check somewhere reliable and have like an "umbrella" of beautiful stores to always shop at online that have been road-tested. So I currently run the iPhone app and website (internationally based) called Little Crew -www.littlecrew.net, which features children's sites from around the world. I personally write about the items from seeing the products up close, look, touch, use as this makes a huge difference to my writing style. I have 3 children that road test things for me-sometimes.

2.Who and what inspires your work?
My children inspire me and I just love what I am doing.... if you have passion for what you do the rest will all fall into place for you, it all flows. The sites that I write for, the wonderful people I write for are what inspire me as well. I love to see what is new out there for the all of our children, all the beautiful new clothes, toys etc.....it really excites me and drives me.

3.What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I love writing about the beautiful products that I get to actually see. Also getting the feedback from the wonderful shops about how I write, this really excites me as they say I am so sincere but this is what I am honestly feeling. I do write from the heart and this does show and come through in my work, I love to give everyone, honest and lovely features for their stores for free.

4.What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Having sites approach me now to have their shops featured on Little Crew, even as far away as the United States, being called the " industry expert" which was just such an honour. I have worked really hard to get Little Crew to this stage.

5.Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
This is tough! I think I would have to say "recently" the Forest Scene Tutu by heavenly creatures which is so delicately made, just beautiful. Oh and the Little Pink Pinafore by Little Miss J.

6.What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking about starting their own business and blog?
1. Think about what it is you are passionate about
2. carefully plan the setting up of your business, blog and who you are marketing and how plan to go about marketing it as well.
3. Go for it and really enjoy it, have a wonderful time exploring and don't be afraid to talk to people, you are going to be surprised at just how many are willing to help you out there. It's a steep learning curve but well worth it.....keep at it.

7. Name your three favourite products and tell us what do you love about them? Okay!
1. I love love my 2 year old's munster halfway tee, it's super, so stylish, super cute and she calls the cat Mario after her Granny's cat. Which sounds so adorable, The top itself just looks so good on her what else can I say, except that her sister who is 9 wears the same top and they look adorable together.
2.I also love my sons framed picture from Ministyle called "Hamish's world" which is a nautical map of the world and its brilliant, we had his name placed on the bottom which is what can you do-it's all about Hamish and it makes him feel special, like the captain of a ship which is the theme of his room.
3.The last thing that I have to say is a favourite in this house is the Magic tree house, now I think most us of had one of these as a child and they have brought them back again......I got this from Design Child, these are just awesome.

8. Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
I really love the baggy pants that are coming back into style, the whole bollywood theme, like Shampoodle are doing, Rittenhouse have done some and they were fabulous, my girls have a pair each of baggy Littlehorn trackie pants in a similar style called Littlehorn Rough and Tumble Pant and they are just great with huge pockets that sit on the outside. They look like they are inside out. Very cool look, comfy and I think quite practical for kids.

9. What is your day-to-day like?
VERY VERY busy. I am up early, I drive to 2 different schools, back home to tidy up. I am a neat freak and then it's try and get some writing done, emails, calls etc before Indigo goes off for a nap, more writing and oh yes maybe eat something....YES a coffee!! Then before I know it I am back to pick everyone up again. I think I am like a typical Mum with 2 or 3 children. EXHAUSTED.

10.What does the future hold for {Little Crew}?
My plans are to keep writing for everyone for free, that's not going to change. I am getting advertising on bard now which is a huge change and very exciting one. The next step would be to find a sponsor for Little Crew which I think is achievable, we have the traffic, it's growing at a steady pace and I am working on it continuously. I am also very happy to work alongside a sponsor to grow it to a suitable level for them. I won't stop.

11.What is your favourite place in the world?
My favourite place in the world is lake Wabby on Fraser Island.....the peace and tranquility is second to none. Unfortunately I think it will disappear one day as the sand creeps in. The water is crystal clear and its just untouched, the beautiful trees and bushland around it is superb. I just adore the area. I miss it already.

email: peta@littlecrew.net
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LittleCrewApp
website/blog: http://www.littlecrew.net/

Inspired by Anthropologie & BHLDN

Glamour, timeless beauty, ethereal style…That is how I would describe Anthropologie.

Estera Events and Style Unveiled created this incredible wedding setup and the style of the shoot was inspired by Anthropologie & BHLDN. The divine palette of pretty pink, peach and silver was brought together beautifully. The highlights for me are the amazing flower centerpieces arranged in vintage chic mercury glass vases, textured sequined linen, elegantly draped walls and the metallic touches.

After viewing this gorgeous shoot I was very inspired and created my latest birthday invitation which has hints of Anthropologie & BHLDN style. Check out Style Unveiled for even more amazing pictures and a great video of the set up for the photo shoot. I am in obsession mode!

Pure gorgeousness!

{My Little Jedi Hearts}

We want. We need. We must have! Here at My Little Jedi headquarters we are swooning over these amazing fabulous finds.

Lily Chic Events has a gorgeous range of party ware, cake stands and candy jars. Let a deliciously fabulous birthday cake take centre stage on a classic white cake stand. The lovely candy jar is perfect for displaying candy, macarons, fruit and more. Make sure you visit their website for more party gorgeousness. http://www.shoppe.lilychicevents.com.au/

Lime Tree Kids have all you baby and toddler needs from play time to meal time to bed time! The collection has unique and quality made items. Each item has been handpicked because of its usefulness , creativity, developmental & emotional encouragement and lots of fun. I cant wait to receive the scooter below which i have ordered for my sons 2nd birthday. Make sure you visit their website for more details. www.limetreekids.com.au

It' Party Time! Hip Hip Hooray!

We all know that there is a huge focus on styling the perfect dessert table, having said all these super talented mums have executed every party to perfection. From choosing the right colour palette, delicious sweets, trendy party printables, they have put a lot of thought into every last detail. Our email has been inundated with so many gorgeous parties and we are so excited to share them with all of with you. Enjoy xx

Safari Party by Ah-Tissue

Let’s start with this amazingly gorgeous {Safari Adventure} dessert table styled by the uber talented Daneve of Ah-Tissue. I have to admit that Daneve has executed every detail flawlessly. She used her own printed range of Giraffe, Zebra, Leopard poms poms, which tied in perfectly. I absolutely love the mini milk bottles glasses, wrapped in hessian and connected a little balsa wood name tag. This divine party was captured by Carol from Creatively Bespoke Weddings & Events. If you would love to see more of this {Safari} party click here.

Paris C'est Chic Party by Fleur de Sel

We are swooning over the très chic details of this splendid Paris c’est chic dessert table styled by Virginie of Fleur de Sel. Virginie created the most amazing and exquisite desserts, from macarons, rose water marshmallows, eclairs and my favorurite lemon meringues. Oh how I wish I was invited to this party. The invitations,labels and choc bars were designed by the lovely Niki from Candy Soirees. If you would like to see more of this French chic party, click here.

Choo Choo Train Party by Daisy

All aboard for Leonardo’s birthday party, proceed through to platform 2! This super cute choo choo train party was styled by the talented mum Daisy. This theme is one of the favorite amongst all the boys. The colour palette of this party is one of my favorite, the cool blue really help to balance the warm color of red seamlessly. If you would like to see more of this party click here.

Sonic Party by Melli's Designs

Mirella of Melli’s Designs had styled this super fun {Sonic} the hedgehog dessert table for her son Luka. The palette of blue, red and hints if yellow tied in perfectly with the sonic theme. What a unique way to celebrate your child’s birthday. If you would like to view more of this amazing party, visit Mirela’s blog.

Pony Party by Little Spunky Monkey

This adorable {Pony} dessert table was styled by the super talented Rebecca of Little Spunky Monkey. There are so many lovely elements in this party but I must say the highlight for me is the “doily banner”, fabric backdrop and the adorable cake bunting which adorned the cake perfectly. If you would like to see the rest of this super sweet pony party, click here.

Skulls Party by Melli's Designs

The lovely Mirella of Melli’s Designs has done it again. She styled this amazing {Skulls} party for her son Sebastian. The skull balloons, treasure chest, skull confetti tied in perfectly with the theme. How amazing is the skull cake! Great work and if you would love to see more of this amazing party click here.

Dinosaurs Party by Hollie

Roar! Welcome to Madison’s Dinosaurs Party! If you’ve got a girl who’s into dinosaurs, there are so many ways to make your party fun and feminine just add a hint of pink. Hollie sent these lovely images of her daughters 2nd birthday party and the palette of green and pink work together flawlessly.

{Flying High} - Kite's Party by Princess and the Pirate

The lovely Marissa from the {Princess and the Pirate} posted these amazing images of the latest “Kites Inspired Shoot” which has left me love-struck. Where do I start! From the heavenly sorbet palette, to the gorgeous photography and amazing range of party-ware, everything looks absolutely spectacular.

I am totally swooning over this amazing kites themed shoot. The delicious sweet treats were made by Coby of The Lemony Cupcake and divine styling by Marissa and her sister Liz. Absolute perfection, ladies! xx

For for details of this shoot & party-ware visit Princess and the Pirate facebook page and website!

Meet Lilian of Lily Chic Events

I would like to introduce you to our new lovely sponsor {Lily Chic Events}. Lilian is the fabulous creative mind behind this lovely business. Her passion for event planning began five years ago when her twins were born and she still continues to plan events with the same level of passion and enthusiasm. Being inspired by some of the most amazing party stylist in the world such as Amy Atlas & Kate Landers, Lilian seeks to provide ideas & inspiration to help you create fabulous & memorable children’s parties, baby showers, weddings & christenings.

Make sure you visit Lily Chic Events gorgeous online boutique and browse through the delightful cake stands, lolly jars and party accessories to help you create your dream dessert table.

Lilian’s latest Mrs. Potter’s garden inspired dessert table which was featured on Amy Atlas blog is absolutely divine. The highlights for me were the pastel green bench, floating blue glass plates and the floral-styled cushions. Please take a read of this inspirational interview below and enjoy celebrating your chic events in style. xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Lily Chic Events}?

1.When did you launch your business/blog and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I launched Lily Chic Events in May 2010. I initially began Lily Chic Events after my Premature Twins came home from hospital. I knew I would be home with them for at least 12 months, so what began as a ‘let’s see what happen’s’ actually became ‘this is what I want to do forever!’ Five years ago, I worked for an Event Decorator on the weekends and loved going to venues and styling the room. I always felt so happy walking away from every job, knowing I was making such a difference to so many people. Who wouldn’t want a job like that? So, when my husband asked me, ‘What makes you happy?’ that was all I could think about. So the journey began!

2.Who and what inspires your work?
Initially, I began by researching ‘trends’ on Facebook. Now, I am a loyal follower of so many Blog’s that I get inspiration daily from these. In the last two months, I have really enjoyed using Pinterest. I actually get inspired from the smallest of images. A certain colour, a prop, a saying, the supermarket! I also work three days a week at Bunnings…and even walking through the door handle aisle stops me in my tracks when I see a certain knob or lock! I religiously follow Amy Atlas, Kate Landers, Pizzazzarie, Celebrations at Home and The Tomkat Studio. They have the most inspiring Submissions! My all time favourite Wedding Guru is Preston Bailey! His work and honesty enthrals me. I read his blog every chance I get!

3.What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Watching it all come together on the day and then seeing the pictures of my clients having fun with my design. My best friend allowed me to style her entire Wedding in March this year. I was so nervous as I was actually at the Wedding afterwards as a guest and I was going to see how the guests interacted with my table design. After seeing so many of her friends touching and talking about the centrepieces, I was so proud that I was able to create a visual that the guests could talk about. I had placed 70cm Martini Vases filled with Water Beads and LED lights in the centre of the table. The male guests were fascinated with them! That’s the best bit for me!

4.What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
That would have to be my first ever submission to Amy Atlas Blog being picked up and printed the very next day! I submitted it very late on a Friday night and when I woke up on the Saturday morning it was there! I had worked really hard collaborating with so many, talented Work At Home Mum’s, that I was so proud of all of us…and wanted to show it off. I never imagined it would all be so easy he he! The day of the shoot was actually a hard day for me as my twins were admitted into hospital so my husband had to take them in and I stayed at home with the photographer to finish the shoot. Once we were done, I literally brought all the food inside and hopped in the car to see my girls. Talk about an emotional day!

5.Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I have a few! I love my Custom Spring Bunting made by Kerrie from Tara K Designs. It’s so well made and the material is gorgeous! It’s about 5 metres long and I can’t wait to use it again. I also purchase Ribbon Wands from Pinwheels and Pearls at any chance I can! I just love the simplicity of them and the girls love playing with them. Another, is the Wooden Rose Bouquet’s made by Kristy from Eternal Memories Wooden Flowers. They are amazing and I love the fact you can re-use them.

6.What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking of styling their own dessert table?I am fairly new to the dessert table trend. So, for me, this is what I have found works well. 1. Give it height. I find sometimes the gorgeous vase placed at the back is hidden by the lolly jar in front of it, which is a shame. I like to think of it as a 3D Puzzle! If I took a picture of it front on, could I see all of the little elements? 2. Use a backdrop. Even if it is a window, use this to your advantage. Perhaps frame the window with a lovely curtain in a fabric that matches your table. 3. Take photo’s of your hard work BEFORE anyone takes one sweet off your lovely table! I have so many clients say they wish they took more photo’s of the untouched design. We can all get caught up when guests start arriving, so take time to get the photo’s done before you take that first glass of well deserved wine!

7.If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
Angelina Jolie. A woman with that many kids would have the best parties! Imagine the theme’s you could create in her backyard! AND…no doubt there would be an unlimited budget.

8.Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
Now this is a tough question! To be totally honest, I love the unusual, one off party themes. The theme’s that reflect the individual person. Like a Sunshine Party, a Mario Brothers Party, a Sweet Clementine Party, a BMX Bandit Party, an Arty Party. You get the picture. These are the parties I get really excited about! I do love the Fairy, Princess, and Pirate Parties too, but it’s more the unique elements that I love!

9.Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
I love the personalised favours trend. The token ‘lolly bag’ that was full of unrelated trinkets has almost disappeared and instead we are seeing the guests taking home a part of the party that is useable and unique. Customising these are even better. How special these guests must feel! I know when I go to a Wedding as a guest and there sitting at my seat is a cute note from the bride and groom thanking me for coming. This note is attached to a gift all for me! I love walking in and seeing what they have chosen. The same goes for children’s parties.

10.What is your day-to-day like?
I have four children. A 11 year old, a 10 year old and identical twins that are 14 months old, all girls. Generally, I wake up at 7:30am and get the kids lunches done. I then feed the twins and then get them in the car for the school drop off. We come home and we play. I have my coffee and read some Blogs. The twins sleep for at least two hours during the day, so this is when I answer emails, pack orders or buy stock. Once they are up, it’s lunch and play before picking up the girls from school. Then it’s a combination of dancing lessons and girl guides (depending on the day), dinner is made sometime in there, and then it’s bath time for the twins. Bottle, then bed for them by 7:30pm, and then we help the older girls with their homework. Once they are I bed, I am usually back on the Mac doing ‘work’ again! I also work as a Manager at Bunnings three days a week so that keeps me very busy!

11.What does the future hold for {Lily Chic Events}?
I am constantly reviewing my Business Plan. I have achieved so much in 12 months and I didn’t think I would be where I am 12 months ago. I am building the business with small steps. It’s not realistic for me to be Styling Events every week as it is only me, and I can only achieve so much. But, in saying that, as the business grows, so will the need for me to decide whether to go full time or not. I hope to collaborate with lot’s more ‘cyber’ friends this year, and build a profile for creating unique events.

12.What is your favourite place in the world?
The olden days! I want to live in the days of Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Mary Poppins, Elvis Presley and Doris Day! I want to own a car with white wall tyres, swim in lagoons and sing the Copacabana! Wouldn’t be great to live in the day’s where you were ‘pinned’ by a boy and you were served a milkshake on roller skates? That is my favourite place in the world…the innocence of yesteryear!!

Email: lilychicevents@gmail.com
Website: www.lilychicevents.com.au
Blog: www.blogspot.lilychicevents.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LilyChicEvent