yummy mummy Amanda of Tout Mon Amour

I have been fortune enough to meet so many lovely mums through the blogosphere who share similar passion as me and today I would like to introduce you to the master mind behind the online store {Tout Mon Amour}, meet the lovely Amanda.

Amanda is a mum to 4 beautiful children, Zack, Lataya, Kynan and Siara, she runs the successful online business Tout Mon Amour and also has a lovely blog ~ if you ask me I think she is a “super mum”!

Amanda describes her business as her own baby, I quote: “The newest 'baby' in the our family is an online haven of sweetness where my children and I can share our favourite finds with you... be it a cherished birthday gift, a whimsical piece of bedroom decor or the perfect party decorations to create that all important unforgettable celebration.”

I would like to thank Amanda for taking the time in answering all the questions and for giving our readers an insight of her lovely business and the inspiration behind it. Enjoy the interview xx


Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Tout Mon Amour}?
I'm the younger of two sisters, am married to a very supportive, loving husband and I have 4 gorgeous children including twins! Being a typical Taurian those that know me best would say I am a bit stubborn, can be a little too ‘set in my ways’, and a perfectionist. I am a huge sentimentalist with fond memories of my ALL my childhood parties. Through Tout Mon Amour I get to share all my great loves in one place... beautiful pieces for children, the home and most importantly my "Must Have" party-ware for those very special celebrations...birthdays!! Other big passions are fine food and wine...travel and I have a slight adventurous streak...

When did you launch your business/blog and what is the inspiration behind your business?
Tout Mon Amour launched in December 2010. The inspiration behind my online store comes from the desire to source unique, clothing, giftware and party ware for my children with my focus primarily on handmade.

Who and what inspire your work?
Beautiful, Vintage and Hand-made pieces inspire me on a daily basis. I'm very much in awe of all the talented women I have met through the Australian Hand-Made community. The creativity of their ideas, the attention to detail and the overall quality is why I source and support unique handmade products for my online store.

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Definitely seeing Tout Mon Amour finally go "live" after all the months of planning! -From developing the overall design, to securing the perfect brands. It has been a very exciting period for my family and ...a real labour of love!

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I adore the ‘Flower Fairies’ and ‘Tooth Fairies’ by my friend Jo from Purkilicious (as per the image above)
She has the most stunning range of handcrafted pieces – from her unique bunting and wall decorations, to the fairy doors and hair accessories. What I really love is the uniqueness of each fairy. Each ‘one off’ tooth fairy comes with a gorgeous enveloped note inside an organza bag. The boys are also not forgotten! ‘Tooth Pixie’s’ are also available. We have a new range of fairies and buntings on their way in the coming weeks.

Name three products you can’t live without? And why?
1. My morning coffee….thanks to my Jura Espresso Machine. I don’t always have time for breakfast so my coffee is a must have!
2. My MacBook which goes where I go – being a mum and business owner this is essential.
3. My favourite perfume…quick and easy when there is no time for make-up…this is any women’s best friend!

If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
I would choose Pink – the entertainment side of things would be taken care of! You could certainly think outside the square in relation to the styling and I think she would be refreshing and fun to work with and I am sure the end result would have the ‘wow’ factor.

Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
I do love the usual pink, girly parties but right now I am admiring some gorgeous boys parties that have been featured recently. I think it is always challenging to find something unique for little men, especially an age appropriate theme as they get older. I loved planning my sons Robin Hood party earlier this year.

Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}Definitely vintage and the handmade revival…up cycling….finding the beauty and the use for preloved goods. I also love the home party planner trend - anyone can now create a memorable event using the amazing range of products available online around the world. I love receiving customer photos with Tout Mon Amour products! It’s so nice to feel I played a small part in creating a little person’s special day.

What is your day-to-day like?
My average day starts at about 6am and I have the kids ready for kindy and school and in the car by 7.45am. I work part-time so on those days I arrive at work at 8.30am. Afternoons are busy with soccer training and dancing so most nights are dedicated to Tout Mon Amour – returning customer email enquiries, packing orders, to organising specials and new items.

What does the future hold for {Tout Mon Amour}?
I am hoping that I will in the near future be able to devote more time on the growth of Tout Mon Amour – it is ‘all my love’ after all!

What is your favourite place in the world?
Oh this is difficult - I have many fond memories of places I have visited but my favourite place in the world would be where my family are lucky enough to live and where we spend lots of time. A few hours at Mooloolaba Beach with my family on a warm, sunny day…..swimming, building sand castles, collecting shells, a walk along the boardwalk topped off with fish and chips at Mooloolaba Spit.

Email: amanda@toutmonamour.com.au
Website: www.toutmonamour.com.au
Blog: www.tout-mon-amour.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ToutMonAmour

yummy mummy Susana of "Citrus & Orange"

I am so excited to share another fellow guest blogger today who has provided me with so much gorgeous inspiration. Let me introduce the lovely Susana of {Citrus and Orange} blog.

Susana’s amazing work has been featured 3 times on Amy Atlas blog. I am smitten by her passion and love for vintage and romantic style. Below I have featured one of my favorite dessert tables which Susana styled for her daughter’s 9th birthday party. I am totally in love with the colour palette, white hobnail vases and the milk glass cake stands. I would like to thank Susana for taking the time in answering the questions and giving our readers an insight of her amazing work. Enjoy the interview xx

1. Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Citrus and Orange}?
I’m an economist, working in corporate finance for the last 15 years. I have 2 girls (one is 9 and the other is 1,5) and Citrusandorange is my favourite place after a hard day’s work and when the kids are in bed! I live in a northern town in Portugal, by the sea, and although I’ve travelled quite a lot, I have never lived outside of my hometown. My dream is to live in a beautiful house and surround myself and others with beautiful things – wether they’d be related to home décor, dessert tables, nice gardens, glamorous parties, beautiful clothes…

2. When did you launch your business/blog?
I created my personal blog Citrusandorange when I became pregnant with my younger daughter (August 2009) – and believe me, I had pregnancy sickness and one of the things that happened was that it took me away from all the things that usually inspire me – I didn’t blog about décor or any other pretty stuff, as they seemed not to appeal to me anymore! So it was only last year, after the baby was born, that I came back to blogging and I’ve been doing it so far – always in my spare time (wish the days had 48 hours!).

3. Who and what inspires your work?
Who: Amy Atlas for table styling, Holly Becker (Decor 8) for interior styling and Leslie Shewring (A Creative Mint) for colour inspiration. What inspires me: nature, colour and art.

4. What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Being featured 3 times at Amy Atlas’ Sweet Designs! As a non-professional, that means a lot to me! Plus the fact that I get to meet so many lovely people through my blog and my love for sharing the things that inspire me.

5. Name three products you can’t live without? And why?
I’m just saying two, these are the ones I can’t live without:
- Dr. Brandt cosmetics – their Time Arrest line is amazing!!

- My skin really looks better Revlon ColorStay makeup

6. If you could style a party for a “well known/A list” celebrity, who would you choose and why?
Amy Atlas! Kidding! Jude Law would be my choice – I would try make a beautiful eye candy sweet table for him, and I’m sure he would be an eye candy to me! :)

7. Name your three favourite party themes and tell us what do you love about them?
I not a theme type table / party styler, as in Butterfly or Princess party themes. My impulses come out of colours, for instance. So I guess my favourite themes would be something like:

1. nature (anything with flowers, fruits and leaves appeals to me);

2. graphics / patterns themes – I love graphics backdrops and tables coordinated accordingly (I find those hard to make – like Missoni patterns, for instance);

3. Vintage – I love a vintage touch – it doesn’t have to be all vintage, but vintage pieces always add a nice touch.

8. Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
I love the current vintage / romantic trend.

9. What is your day-to-day like?
Well, I wake up early, leave my daughter at school and start working at 8:30 and I have to either meet clients in their companies or work at the office. A very hectic day, as I have to travel around lots of times. When I get back home (7:30 – 8:00 p.m.), it’s time to have dinner and stay with the kids. I try to take some photos when the days are longer and there’s still light, as I only have the weekends left for that little pleasure. I don’t watch TV, as I try to have time to surf on the net, look for pretty inspiring things, do some shopping, connect with my friends and blog. Lately I’ve been able to blog only at weekends, it’s hard to find the time during the week.

10. What does the future hold for {Citrus and Orange}?
The future holds a new project – it’s still in my mind only, but usually I’m a doer. When I think of something, it’s because it’s going to take place, sooner or later. I’m sorry I’m not able to share more at the moment, but I can tell you that it has to do with party styling. :)

11. What is your favourite place in the world?
The place where my family is. And New York, for other reasons.

Email: susana.o.oliveira@gmail.com
Website/Blog: www.citrusandorange.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Citrusandorange

yummy mummy Vicki of Kids Instyle

We are so excited to share this lovely interview today and learn more about the lovely Vicki, the master mind behind the gorgeous {Kids Instyle Blog}. I feel fortuned to have met Vicki via the blogosphere. I truly admire Vicki’s passion and love for blogging. Over the last year we have seen Vicki’s blog evolve and I must say that I entirely enjoy every single post.

If I could describe Vicki’s blog in one sentence I would say: {Kids Instyle} is an online blog showcasing mum stories as well fashion and style for children and mothers, with Vicki’s take on celebrity style with 'steal their style' written by a mother who has a huge passion for fashion and style.

I would like to thank Vicky for sharing her inspirational story with our lovely readers. Enjoy the interview xx

1. Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind {Vicki – BLOG Kids Instyle, SHOP – JUNIOR Epitome}? When did you launch your business/blog and what is the inspiration behind your business?
I launched JUNIOR Epitome at the beginning of this year and my blog InStyle KIDS has been going for a number of years.

2. Who and what inspires your work?
My daughter’s inspire me everyday and my love of fashion and style. I love that I can blog about what I love and be home in the morning and afternoons for my daughter’s.

3. What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
The most satisfying part of what I do is when the readers of my blog take the time to read or leave a comment. I love to see that people are enjoying what I do. I LOVE when shoppers take the time to look through and shop in my store ‘JUNIOR Epitome.’

4. What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Being asked to feature an editorial in ‘Peekaboo Magazine’, and post on the ‘Little Miss Heirlooms’ Blog in America. Seeing that people enjoy what I do.

5. Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?

The latest handmade item I bought lately was from Myrtle and Grace a lovely handmade skirt for my niece who just turned 2.

6. What would be your best 3 tips for someone thinking about starting their own business and blog?
1. Research + Plan
2. Love what you do.
3. Do not give up.

7. Name your three favourite products and tell us what do you love about them?
1. Mimco Button Bag I love the style and the quality. I would love a few other colours.
2. Pantene Nature Infusion Leave on Crème for dry hair. I love the fact that this product actually works on my dry over treated hair.
3. Napoleon Mascara – love that it dries so fast an looks great with every application.

8. Do you have a favourite trend? {it could be related to anything}
I love fashion and classic styles with the occasional on trend item. I love the bright colours and floral prints coming in the warmer seasons.

9. What is your day-to-day like?
My day Is get up at 6:30 (like to fit in my coffee before waking my girls at 7am). Prepare a healthy breakfast for my daughters. Usually blog and add new stock to the shop. Meet friends for coffee and shopping.

10. What does the future hold for?
I would love to continue my editorials for the magazines I am at the moment and grow day by day. Most of all for JUNIOR Epitome to be recognised and for people to find pieces they love.

11. What is your favourite place in the world?
Anywhere that I am with family and friends.

Email: shoppegirls@bigpond.com
Website: http://www.juniorepitome.com/
Blog: http://shoppegirls.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShoppeGirls

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

stamp my heart...

We are very excited to share this fabulous post with our lovely readers today. Please welcome todays contributing editor & guest Jayde from Little Paper Lane. Little Paper Lane is a dream come true for any stationery lover and has got to be the sweetest stationery/paper shop I’ve ever seen!

Jayde turned her life long passion for paper into a beautiful and inspiring shop. Little Paper Lane is where Jayde can gleefully revel in her passion for paper and then share it with all of us. And today we are very excited to share her wonderful passion for these amazing rubber stamps. This story is very special to us as it comes straight from the heart. Enjoy x

{Winter Scape Box set $49.95, Paris stamp set $19.95}

Jayde:‘I remember my first stamp purchase! I was visiting my Nan and Pop in Victoria in their hometown of Frankston. We would take little trips to Bayside shopping centre and my Grandparents would always buy me a little gift, usually something I could create with! My Nan is a big crafter, and quite a skilled one at that! I remember my Nan taking me into the very new Cardiology shop and I was very heart fluttered! From a young age I was very fond of stationery, I am even more so now ;) but I had never seen a whole shop with such beautiful stationery and most importantly...Stamps!

They were all in rows and rows on the wall and all had a little wooden top with the picture on the wood of what the stamp created! There was ink pads galore, and not just solid colours, I remember seeing a rainbow pad and thinking it was the best thing I had ever seen! There was embossing powders and plain cards to make your own cards and just everything a little (and big) girl could dream of!

{Petite Tea Time stamp $21.95, Matchbox tea time stamp $12.95}

{Seedling my stamp city $23.95, Babushka Marche stamp set $27.50}

I still remember that it took a very long time to pick my stamp!My Nan didn’t ever get impatient, and just giggled when I changed my mind 12 times, it was a very important decision in my mind! My Pop would wander in from time to time and I would show him the hard choice I was making and you could tell he was busting to just let me take them all home, but my lovely Nan knew not to over spoil....just spoil enough! Finally I made my choice! A beautiful stamp of a heart of little flowers and she let me pick a mini pad and I chose red because I thought that hearts should be red!

I think I stamped every possible piece of paper, I wrote my Parents letters just so I could stamp them and my Pop sat with me for so long stamping away and he even got out the old school date stamps to use so he wasn’t using mine...I did want to share, but he knew I was having too much fun with it all! He always joined in with my adventures, I even have a picture of him doing ballet with me :) The next day my Nan had things to do and my pop snuck me back to the shopping centre and bought me all the stamps I was trying to choose between....and a rainbow stamp pad :) not because I asked, it was a very big surprise for me, he just saw how much I loved using my little stamp and thought I needed them all! I still have them all, and quite a few more now!

{The lovely stamps that Jayde received as a gift from her Pop}

I don’t think I realised until writing this that my love of stamps must come from that experience! My Nan patiently and so happily watching me choose the little stamp like I was choosing a puppy to take home and my very cheeky Pop completely spoiling me with stamps not because I was selfish and wanting more(although I am quite sure I badly wanted more) but because he saw the joy in my face that a tiny little object made from rubber bought his granddaughter and he just loved me......I loved him everyday of my life and still do and miss him so much and especially miss the love he had for me!

Today I sit in my little shop surrounded by the most beautiful stamps from all over the world and honestly smile when I look at them! They are just beautiful! A customer came in with her daughter in the holidays and let her choose a little treat, it didn’t take her long, but she picked a tin of stamps that included a stamp that had a ‘thank you’ stamp in it! I asked her what she would be creating and she said she wanted to make a card for her Grandma and Grandad to say Thank you for having her the previous week. It made my heart melt! Stamps are awesome.’

Love, Jayde
{of Little Paper Lane}
http://www.littlepaperlane.com.au/

Meet Kate from {Snow Write}

Inspired by the love of beautiful things, desire for something unique and passionate about design, I am so delighted to introduce you to our lovely new sponsor Kate from Snow Write. Having a serious stationary addiction, Kate created a beautiful range of designer vintage-inspired greeting cards and invitations.

Take a pen and write a short note to a friend or loved one. Snow Write stationery range allows you send a special message with your gift. I would like to invite you to send a note of thanks to a friend, relative or colleague. Make sure you visit {Snow Write’s} website to brighten up someone's day and make the world a little bit more beautiful.

I would like to thank the lovely Kate being our guest on our MLJ blog and giving our readers a little insight of Snow Write. Enjoy the interview below xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind “Show Write”?
I am a Brisbane based designer who absolutely adores the arts. I studied at the Queensland College of Art in Brisbane and when I was young I told my Mum I’d either be an “Egyptologist” or an “artist”! (People realised early on I was a little quirky! ;-) ). I live with my wonderfully supportive partner, James. I love to make and create and am addicted to all things design and paperie.

When did you launch your business?
I only just launched Snow Write (fairytale stationery) recently in 2010.

If you could describe your style in 3 words what would that be?
Vintage, colourful and pretty.

What was your inspiration for starting your own business & who/what inspires your work?
I was inspired to start my business when I realised design is something I wanted to do full time. I saw Snow Write as a wonderful career direction and the perfect way to let the colourful and creative sides of me out into this world. I am inspired by everything surrounding me but I am mostly inspired by the good ol’ “olden” days – which is why all things colourful and vintage can be seen in my designs.

This is another reason I started a stationery design business – so I could help keep traditional paper traditions alive in this e-mail and text message driven world. And last but not least, I am inspired by the many other incredible women out there who have taken a gamble and started their own business, too.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Apart from working with my fantastic clients, it would have to be waking up every day and being simply creative, and sharing that creativity with others. Creativity is often lost in adult worlds, so it’s nice to keep that little bit of inner child with me every day.

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
To date, I would have to say being able to donate to charity through Snow Write and help others that I might not otherwise have been able to. I think the most rewarding things are always yet to happen though – which is why I have everything to look forward to!

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have bought recently?
A lovely headband fascinator I bought for my niece from Little Miss Fascinated.

What are the secrets of running a successful business? What are your long term goals?
Snow Write is quite young in the business world and is growing and learning every day. The secret so far seems to be to never stop learning new things and have a lot of perseverance.

Name three brands you couldn’t live without? and why?
I love my Shanghai Tang handbag – I get compliments all the time about it. I’ve recently discovered Cath Kidston in the last couple of days – absolutely gorgeous style. My Apple iPhone – my partner James says I’m addicted to it (probably true).
I don’t tend to want for labels in fashion or otherwise, but rather colour and style – wether that means something vintage, a designer label, or a no-name brand.

Describe your prefect Sunday?
A sleep in then croissants for breakfast. Then relaxing and watching movies and eating delicious food all day with my partner!

Tell us your favourite colour palette?
I can’t ever choose just one as I wouldn’t be me, (and Snow Write wouldn’t be Snow Write) without colour! Some I love would be Tiffany Blue/ Chocolate Brown; Blue/Orange ; Pink/Turquoise (like the new look Snow Write website). Basically, if it has lots of colour in it I love it!

What is your favourite holiday destination?
This one is easy – Vietnam. I travelled South East Asia two years ago with a friend and absolutely adored it. The food, culture and history there is absolutely amazing.


Info:
Email: kate@snowwrite.com.au
Website : www.snowwrite.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/snowwritestationery
Twitter: www.twitter.com/snowwriteinvite

meet Janelle and Samone from Cake Ink...

Delicious. Scrumptious. Luscious! This is how I would describe our guests today. I would like you to meet Cake Ink. A lovely collaboration between two very talented masterminds, Samone, graphic designer and owner of Red Letter Studio, and Janelle, of Cupcakes by Janelle, and is based in Melbourne’s Bayside.

There is a huge emphasis right now on styling the perfect dessert table, having said that Samone and Janelle have executed every event to perfection. I’m head over heels over their amazing work, particularly the latest rustic Christmas dessert table. And did i mention that their gorgeous {Flamenco Rose Inspired Guest Dessert Table} was featured on Amy Atlas and if you think if you have seen at all, think again!

Janelle & Samone incorporate rustic Moroccan-style twist into their holiday gathering. Janelle said: We wanted to include some traditional sweets such as baklava, Turkish delight and sugar almond cookies along with some popular macaroons and a rich two tier chocolate truffle cake. This, my friends, takes the best of both worlds to a whole new level...

I would personally like to thank Janelle and Samone for being our {special guests} on MLJ blog today! Enjoy the interview xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the women behind “Cake Ink Events”?
We met through our ‘real’ jobs in graphic design and marketing, and became instant besties through our love of great design, fashion, styling and of course fantastic food! We found we worked well together and we had similar style and tastes, and the whole combination of themed cake decorating, dessert baking and stationery design just kind of fell together and became Cake Ink.!

When did you launch your blog/business?
Early 2010 sometime – it kind of just evolved and it’s hard to put an exact date on its starting point!

If you could describe your style in 3 words what would that be?
Clean, contemporary, bespoke

What was your inspiration for starting your own blog & who/what inspires your work?
We obviously inspire each other! We find inspiration all over the www – like trawling Amy Atlas’ blog or another fave is 100 Layer Cake. Magazines like Donna Hay and Inside Out; books too – design books and wedding stationery designers. Plus we find ideas for new flavour or colour combos in everyday things, like in-season flowers, a pretty new colourful dress, a great vintage find at the local op-shop, or just some mad idea for a new theme!

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Seeing it all come together at the end of the day when we download the photos from our camera and seeing that it really does look as pretty as we planned!

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Having our work featured on many great blogs and in publications is extremely rewarding, however we find nothing more satisfying than receiving wonderful testimonies from our customers. We feel privileged to have been a part of their special celebration or milestone.

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have bought recently?
Tea towels from Green Olive Textiles and a gorgeous hand made Mosser glass cake stand.

What are the secrets of running a successful blog? What are your long term goals?
Fresh content, great photos and the ability to inspire the reader are important. Our favourite blogs are those that encourage us to keep evolving and to think outside the square.
We’re aiming to launch a new website this year and, in doing so, shift the focus of our blog to become less of a promotional tool and more of a resource to our readers. We’d love to add things such as DIY tutorials, recipes, great finds and our sources of inspiration!
In the long term, we’re aiming to see Cake Ink. evolve from a web based business to a bustling shop front!

Name three brands you couldn’t live without? and why?
Callebaut, Canon and Lavazza. Callebaut chocolate makes the finest ganache for torting cakes, our camera goes everywhere with us and we couldn’t navigate a day without a good coffee.

Describe your perfect Sunday?
A sleep in, lazy breakfast of yummy eggs on toast and great coffee either at home or at a quiet beach-side café, a walk with good friends, and a relaxed dinner and a movie at home with the man. If only that were reality! Sundays are normally spent doing clean-up after a long photo shoot or a big party!

Tell us your favourite party theme/palette?
We love soft vintage looks at the moment and are currently working on a wedding with a gorgeous warm grey, white and peach colour palette. We’re also playing with big, bright and colourful florals. Moroccan-inspired prints and patterns in bright oranges, pinks, turquoises and refreshing whites seem to be popping up a lot in our work lately!

What is your favourite holiday destination?
Europe in Spring – shopping and gelati in Milan, Paris for the amazing sweet shops and exquisite packaging inspiration… the list is endless. Locally, you can’t beat a weekend away with the girls to the Mornington Peninsula for a visit to a day spa and some wine tasting!

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Meet Kate from {Piece of Cake Parties and Celebration}

I would like to introduce you to our new lovely sponsor, {Piece of Cake Parties and Celebration}! Kate is the fabulous creative mind behind this lovely business. Specializing in fun and unique party bags for children, they offer an exciting range of novelties, tableware and accessories for your next party!

Kate shares the passion for hosting beautiful, memorable celebrations and to make it easy for you to coordinate and execute a stylish, modern party she is sourcing and gathering everything you need into one gorgeous online boutique! {Piece of Cake Parties and Celebrations} seeks to provide ideas & inspiration to help you create fabulous & memorable children’s parties & baby showers, because when everything else is gone, the wonderful memories will remain.

Thanks Kate for being our {special guest} on MLJ blog today! Enjoy the interview below! xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind “Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations”?
My name is Kate, I’m 27 and live in Ellenbrook WA, with my three favourite fellas; My gorgeous, funny and supportive husband Anthony and our two delightful little boys Ethan 3 and Declan 18 months. I love ballet and dance and teach a few gorgeous students privately since closing my dance studio two years ago. I’m happiest at home with my family, love my garden and am a major crime TV show addict who eats too much chocolate.

When did you launch your blog/business?
After months of business planning and setting up stock, I opened the Facebook page for Piece of Cake Parties in April 2010 and we launched our website in May 2010.

If you could describe your style in 3 words what would that be?
Fun, bright & personalised.

What was your inspiration for starting your own blog & who/what inspires your work?
Ethan was the original inspiration behind Piece of Cake Parties. When I was planning his 2nd birthday party I really wanted to make fun party bags but struggled to find unique and different novelty items and packaging ideas in the shops, so turned to the online world and was amazed by what was on offer.

I loved the idea of the ready made party bag option for parents so decided to set up an online business specialising in children’s party bags. As I continued to search the web for inspiration and stock I was fascinated by the unique ideas and effort that parents and event companies alike had put into birthday parties.

I especially fell in love with the dessert table concept and couldn’t help but broaden the scope for my store into everything for kid’s parties. Birthday parties to me are about bringing joy to those special little ones in our life and making their day magical. I now have two beautiful little boys who inspire what I do everyday.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
The most satisfying part of what I do, is receiving positive feedback, reviews and pictures of parties from my clients. For people to take time out to say thank you for our service and for helping them with their celebrations really makes my day.

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
The most rewarding thing for me so far would be having repeat clients. The most important thing for me is providing my clients with a friendly, professional and excellent customer service, so when they purchase from me again because they have been impressed with my service, that’s the best reward.

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
It would be a tie between a gorgeous set of fabric wall stickers from ‘Love Mae’ - the Oh Deer Retro and the Dark Tree set for my boy’s cubby house, they are just stunning! And also the most divine prints from ‘Art Candy’ for my nieces for Christmas, just beautiful.

What are the secrets of running a successful blog? What are your long term goals?
I think the most important things are to offer excellent, professional and personalised service plus quality products at good prices. Always behave professionally when using social media such as facebook or when out promoting your brand and be supportive of other businesses, especially those in similar industries to your own. Those things are important to me as a consumer so I make sure I do those things with my own business. My focus on 2011 is to continue to build our client base and also our product range, we have some great new products coming in soon so I’m very excited about that.

Describe your prefect Sunday?
Pancakes with my boys in the city followed by a trip to the museum, then a lazy afternoon watching re runs of my fave shows.

Tell us your favourite party theme/palette?
At the moment, I’d have to say the “Vintage Tea Party”. Mismatched tea cups and saucers, lace doilies, country gardens and beautiful flowers in old fashioned glass jars. Girly heaven!

What is your favourite holiday destination?
I think QLD is beautiful, I love the Gold Coast. Also Washington DC is a truly beautiful place that I hope to explore more when hubby and I take the kids to the US for our 10 year anniversary. We went to the US on our honeymoon though I found out three days before the wedding that I was pregnant. Had terrible morning sickness for most of the trip so hope to next time see and appreciate it more.

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yummy mummy Toni from {fairydust stationary}

Chic. Stylish. Modern. This is how I would describe today’s guest post. If you haven't already heard about all he gorgeousness at {Fairydust Stationary}, you must be hiding under a rock! There is extraordinary amount of new creative talent popping up and I just have to share one of the lovely ladies I have met through the blogosphere, introducing Toni, the creative mind behind {Fairydust Stationary}. I am also so excited for the launch of their brand new website which I am sure it will be nothing short of spectacular. I love Toni’s party range and inspiration, I just want to pretend I have a little girl and throw a pink and red party.

From gorgeous invitations, paper party bunting, cupcake toppers, lolly bags with gift tags, {Fairydust Stationery} aims to provide you with all of those gorgeous finishing touches for the perfect party. I feel so honored to have Toni as our guest and would like to thank her for taking the time and giving little insight of her wonderful world to our lovely readers.

Enjoy the interview xx

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind “Fairydust Stylish Stationery”?
I am a 37 year old Mother to 3 children, Chloe 10, Sophia, 6 and Jesse 1. I have a love of design and all things beautiful. I spent the formative years of my career working as a Print Production Manager & Studio Manager in advertising agencies /design houses in Adelaide, Sydney & Melbourne. I am married to a very patient man who is a Senior Valuer and Auctioneer.

Fairydust Stylish Stationery was launched five years ago and began as a humble market stall in Melbourne offering artworks, invitations and jewellery. We have experienced wonderful growth during 2011 and look forward to expanding our ranges even further in 2011. There will be a heavy focus on home decor, particularly children's bedrooms.

What was your inspiration for starting your own business & who/what inspires your work?
The West Gate Bridge was my inspiration for starting my own business. I spent more time stuck in traffic on the that bridge than I did with my own children. I decided to launch my own little venture, and so far so good!
My work and work ethic has been inspired by some wonderfully talented people I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. A special thank you to Steve & Karen Lewis of the The Bureau (Adelaide), my first introduction to the graphic arts industry, a fabulous couple with a thriving and evolving business.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Definitely dealing with our lovely customers, who come back to us time and time again.I have worked with some gorgeous customers and their families, it has been a pleasure. Although challenging, I have also enjoyed working from my at home studio, I am able to drop off and pick up my daughters from school and have little Jesse home with me.

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
It hasn't quite happened , but we are very close. We have some major developments for Fairydust on the horizon that I hope to be able to share in detail soon. I will also be super excited to see the launch of our new website......some gorgeous animiation on the way!

Name the top 3 favourite designs from your own collection?
Pink & Red Robin Christmas (printable)
Forest Friends
Shipwreck Cove

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I was at a market on Sunday and ordered a handmade denim backpack for my little man from the lovely Kelly of Schnookie.

Do you have a favourite colour palette that you absolutely love?
That's an easy and even predictable question for me........pink & red!

What is your favourite girl and boy party theme at the moment?
I love a vintage tea party for girls, so many beautiful and unique options can be used.
For boys I love the super hero theme, the colour pallet is a little challenging, but the boys love running around in their capes, they have the best time.

Where will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
At my Mother's house, it has been 5 long years since we have celebrated Christmas at my Mum's. I am very much looking forward to a family Christmas, oh and some of Mum's cooking too, she's a much better cook than me!

What is your favourite place in the world?
Quite simply my favourite place is where my friends and family are, I have been blessed with the most wonderful people in my world.

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yummy mummy Jen from Style MILK

I must say I love all the amazing & talented people I have met through social networking, having said that I would love to introduce our special guest, for those of you who don’t know Jen, she is the creative mind and editor of Style MILK, fashion and style contributor to Peekaboo Print Magazine and La Petite Magazine. It’s such a delight to come across a blog that you immediately find yourself smitten with. Since i descovered Jen's blog months ago, I started reading the posts regularly and fell in love and now I follow it religiously.

Style MILK is a blog dedicated to sharing fresh decorating ideas, beautiful interior spaces, independent art and design, DIY craft projects meant to inspire readers to live a more fulfilling, authentic and creative life. Make sure you get your daily dose of style and visit Style MILK blog every day! I’m so excited to be hosting an interview about Jen's beautiful work today and I know you’ll enjoy the ‘sweet’ read! xx

{Photography by Rowe Timson as featured in La Petite Magazine}

Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind STYLE MILK?
My name is Jennifer and I am the Editor of {Style MILK} blog and I also contribute fashion and style to Peekaboo Print Magazine and La Petite Magazine. I have a little son called Rocco who has just turned 2 and absolutely loves his fashion and style already (although he enjoys teaming tea towels like scarves with his Sudo T'shirts)!

Actually my whole family is Style obsessed with husband Todd an owner of Vogue Nationale Salon, he has styled hair at Rosemount Australian Fashion week and worked for big designers Alex Perry and most recently Arnsdorf to name a few. I have always been obsessed with fashion and style from an early age...I remember reading Vogue at 8 and drawing designs in my teens. During my 20s I loved to collect pieces of fashions and shoes as art. After having my son I decided to turn my love into something productive and set up Style MILK a blog dedicated to Fashion, Interiors and Kids Style.

When did you launch your blog/business?
Style Milk was launched this year in May just after Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. I used to have a blog that focused purely on Kids fashion and Style and felt that launching Style MILK just after fashion week would be great timing. Also since my husband was directing hair at some of the shows I would be able to feature photos from the catwalk on my blog.

If you could describe your style in 3 words what would that be?
Quirky, Individual yet still Classic.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
Being creative!

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Being asked to contribute to Peekaboo Magazine, Little One Baby and Style shoots for La Petite Magazine.

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
Just bought Lola & Bailey bag from the Finders Keepers Markets...soon to buy a handmade flower decoration for xmas.

What are the secrets of running a successful blog? What are your long term goals?
Like most bloggers you constantly strive to increase readership. Style MILK still has a long way to go. I think it is important to try to connect with readers...interact through social networks and also comment back. I also think it is important to try to guest post on as many blogs as you can. The more you can get your name out the better. My long term goals are to considered one of the top style/kids fashion blogs in the world. I also aim to either open an online store and create a Kids fashion collection in collaboration with well known designers.

Name three brands you couldn’t live without? and why?
For myself LOVER the Label is my absolute favourite Australian Designer....I have been collecting pieces for years. The designs are timeless, feminine and dreamy. I also love Karen Walker, French label APC and Witchery for basics.
For my son: Sudo, Minti, Muster, Ola & Olek, Itch, Mini Rodini and Rittenhouse.

Describe your prefect Sunday?
We always wake up, grap a coffee and almond croissants from our favourite french patisserie and sit in the park by the river. Relaxing and eating beautiful food is my perfect Sunday!

Tell us your favourite photo shoot so far?
Would be the shoot I styled for La Petite Magazine photographed with Rowe Timson. What I loved most was that Rachelle (the Editor of the mag) gave me total creative freedom. I also got to indulge in my girly side and use beautiful tutus and create beautiful dreamy feel with props. Also working with Rowe is amazing she really understands my style and we work like a dream together!

What is your favourite holiday destination?
Locally I would have to say Noosa...we go every Christmas! It is where I got married and also where I found out I was pregnant with my son. Internationally I would have to say Italy and also France...like most girls I would have to say PARIS is my most favourite place on EARTH.

If you could be a super hero or cartoon character who would it be?
Possibly Wonder Woman or Catwoman as they are strong characters. If it was a television show character I would love to be DJ Lance...he is just so much fun!

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I would like to thank Jen for taking the time and being our {special guest} today. xx

yummy mummy Bec from Ruby Ruby Designs

Today we have a special guest on our blog, not only she is a super talented graphic designer but she is also a very dear friend of mine as we use to work together. Let me introduce the lovely Bec from Ruby Ruby Designs. Bec has 2 gorgeous children, 2 year old super cute Ruby and 1 month old sweet little Aniken {love the name ;)}.

Bec loves her job and she is extremely passionate about her business. This passion flows into her designs as she find it immensely rewarding to work with so many lovely clients! Having stepped aside from the corporate world into that of a work-at-home mum, Bec has never really stopped designing and being creative and can make any business look absolutely gorgeous. I am so delighted to have Bec as our guest today and would like to thank her for taking the time in answering all the questions. Enjoy Bec's interview. xx



Tell us a little about YOU, the woman behind Ruby Ruby Designs?
I'm a Mum to probably the 2 cutest little kids in the world: Ruby (22 months) and Aniken (1 month). {love both names} :) Everyday they amaze me with what they come up with and do. You really don't know love till you have a baby. My partner Danny is wonderful and I couldn't survive a day without him. Design is the only thing I have ever wanted to do, and feel blessed that I get to do something I love. I have been a Designer for a decade with an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design. I've worked for huge companies including one of the Big 4 Banks and Australia's most loved fashion label.

Since having Ruby, I have been the Graphic Designer for Australia's #1 Sales Alert Newsletter for Mums. Aside from that I have always done freelance work and have decided to really focus on that in recent months. On a personal note, I'm super organised (some may call it OCD), have 2 teeny tiny fluffy dogs, could spend all day trawling through blogs, indulge myself with yummy foods, love beautiful things and want to be a gaz-illionaire so I can shop shop shop!

When did you launch your business/website?
I started Ruby Ruby Designs in May this year on Facebook. I've had a steady stream of clients since then just from Facebook and word of mouth. Needless to say my own business has been a bit neglected and I'm yet to finalise my website, hopefully I'll have launched it early in the New Year.

What was your inspiration for starting your own business & who/what inspires your work?
I always intended on doing Freelance Design once I started a family, and had a special interest in fashion and kids. I spent a lot of time going to markets to buy for Ruby and myself and and got a job designing a Newsletter for Mum's. I loved the logos and designs a lot of the labels had and wanted to be able to create something really gorgeous and fun too. All I've ever wanted is to design beautiful things I can be really proud of, and now I can finally do that.
Everything inspires me.

My house is filled with 'found items' and notebooks filled with ideas that I might one day use for (I really need to get it all under control). My computer is even worse, filled with pics and ideas catalogued away just in case I need. I have a process I go through before I start designing and drawing from my design references is very important to me. I am heavily influenced by kids and childhood generally though. I love being able to live in a dreamland where everyday is a happy day.

What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
They're are so many clever people out there with fantastic ideas, I'm fortunate to be able to help bring them to life. I feel honoured to be involved with business' as they start and watch them grow. By far the most satisfying part of my job is creating something that the client just instantly loves.

What was the most rewarding thing that has happened in your career so far?
Nearly all my jobs have come about from word of mouth. Having clients reccomend me to others is wonderful, and I get lots of warm and fuzzy's when I receive lovely feedback from them. I've built some really strong relationships with the people I've done work for and I find this the most rewarding thing of all.

Can you tell us your favourite handmade item you have brought recently?
I decided that for Christmas and Ruby's birthday this year (she is born on the 28th December) that I would try and make it a 'Handmade/Support a WAHM Chrismas', so I have lots of favs. I bought Ruby and one of her friends, gorgeous little bags from Anika , so so cute. Also love these little shirts from immie&ollie. A very special present I bought for Ruby is a 'Ruby' doll from Lace and Ryde. The dolls are adorable, and you are able to customise them to match your little one. It looks just like Ruby in her ballerina outfit... I think it might be a 'no-touch' toy.

What are your long term goals for your business?
I am pretty happy with the way things are going, I have some great projects coming up that I'm really excited to be involved with. I'd love love love to launch my own range of prints for kids rooms, I have a million ideas and just need to get them out there!

What would be your best tip for someone thinking about selling online?
Get a professional graphic designer help you with your branding. Try to avoid templates otherwise you run the risk of looking the same as everyone else. This will give you an edge on competitors by providing a lasting impression to your clients that your business is strong and reliable. You only have one chance to make a first impression - and it lasts!

Name three brands you couldn’t live without? and why?
Mac - I'm a Graphic Designer, I dream about beautiful sleek shiny Macs. I pretty much have my hands on a Mac 24/7.
Cadbury - the ultimate sustenance.
Facebook - I'm an addict. I love that I can access it everywhere on my Iphone (especially during those long newborn feeds in parent rooms when I'm out).

Do you have a favourite trend?
Changes daily, but I'm really influenced by parties at the moment - candy buffets, balloons, bunting, beautiful invites, maccorrons, doillies, cupcakes... I could go on and on...

What is your favourite place in the world?
Reality - Lying in bed with my two gorgeous babies and Danny (especially if I got some sleep the night before).
Dreamy - Paris really is the most devine place in the world. If I had a gazillion dollars, this is where I would live.

If you could be a super hero or cartoon character who would it be?
I want to be Hello Kity. She's super dooper cute and everyone loves her. I would love to live in her bubbly colourful world of cuteness.

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