yep… its school holidays again. 

Spring has sprung and the kids are itching to get outside and play, and with the warmer weather lets all pack up the car and travel!!

well… we all know a trip in the car with baby and kids can be an ordeal with the “are we there yet” chymes by the time we get to the corner.  We roll your eyes, take a deep breath and hope for the best!!

Well I must say, I have great inspiration after being at the ickle kids website.  They have great ideas on how to keep the kids occupied and everyone happy on a road trip. 

Ickle Kids specialises in Activity Packs for Kids on the Go. Are you sick of the standard “kids activity packs” with just colouring books and pencils? Well, so are we! Ickle Kids bring the fun back into Activity Packs! Their range of travel packs contains a selection of handpicked, fun and educational toys for busy mums, dads and carers to just “grab and go”. These activity packs are sure to entertain your kids when you are travelling, dining out at restaurants, waiting for a doctor’s appointment or for taking to Granny’s house.

Laine is the founder and owner of ickle Kids. She is a mum of two young boys and she understands how challenging it can be to travel with kids. “We have travelled around Europe, Asia and many parts of Australia and we have never been able to find a “one stop” shop that offered a range of fun educational toys that were travel friendly. This gap in the market was what inspired me to start my own business”.

Ickle Kids pride themselves on sourcing travel toys that are unique and different to toys found in commercial stores and they are constantly introducing new products to their range. They can also personalise activity packs to suit your needs – child’s age, their interests, the type of holiday you are going on etc.

The ickle Kids range consists of:

* Wooden products - games, puzzles, push along toys, small toys for flights and car trips etc

* Brain Teaser/logic Games - our award winning games are sure to keep kids entertained on their journey and at their holiday destination

* Books - puzzle books and sticker books

* Playscenes - great removable stickers, which can be played over and over again on individual playscenes.

* Craft items –cool metallic crayons, sewing and lacing activities, play dough tools etc.

 Check out their full range of kids activity packs and travel toys on www.icklekids.com.au 

Spring,  Edition 12, Bendigo Magazine

wow… what a privilige it was to be able to shoot some photo’s of a kids fashion shoot   ~ and find out what really happens behind the scenes.

La Toriana was invited to dress a couple kids for a  kids fashion photo shoot on different locations recently, including Tom here at an indoor play area.  Tom was having a wow of a time as we checked out what really happens behind the scenes at a professional glossy magazine fashion shoot.  

Tom is wearing the fINNIGAN fINN boys designer clothing range that is trendy, hip and “smooth“.  This “TOMMY” long sleeve T is 100% cotton and very stylish.  Has contrasting top stitching with main colours of White, Fossil and Blue, and a sherriffs badge motif on the front and the words fINNIGAN fINN printed on the sleeves. A trendy boys designer piece for this sesaons collection that will last for many seasons to come.  The Eternal Creation  bootleg cord pants are an affordable designer boys wear piece that is so comfortable.  Check out the range by the ever popular Eternal Creation collection.

 The Bendigo Magazine team were making sure the kids looked great, explaining what, how etc of the shoot to Toms mum Leanne, and then what happens from there in the publication of the pics etc.  Amy (Editor in Chief) explained. “Its great taking pics of the kids whilst they are having fun… its a fun natural look”.  Esther (Deputy Editor) had all the clothes ready for the kids, and as soon as they were dressed said… “… go have fun.”  They ran off, played on the slide, jumped on the jumping castle and had a ball.  I had a ball just watching them. It was a fun afternoon.

 this what I saw whilst taking pics of David doing his professional shots.

The printed photo’s in the magazine.

You can clearly see Tom had a great time whilst David was able to capture some fun, natural shots which is exactly what Amy and Esther were hoping for.

I must say David was so lovely, patient and extreemly fit keeping up with the 2 gorgeous kids.  I am sure they thought he was just playing with them, not realising they were being photographed.  David made the kids feel so relaxed and at ease… a great job with the end result too David!.

Bendigo Magazine is a full glossy magazine publication featuring people and places of Bendigo and Central Victoria. 

Published in December, March, June and September, Bendigo Magazine features unique home style and design ideas, personality profiles, visits to beautiful sights in the region, nostalgic historical perspectives, the gamut of arts and culture, inspired food and entertaining ideas, a comprehensive guide to events and attractions in Central Victoria and much, much more.
It reflects the best of Bendigo and captures the city’s unique style in a manner intended to make our readers’ lives more interesting and informed. Our objective is to spark a zest for living in Bendigo, new ideas and new experiences.

Targeted towards both residents and visitors to the Bendigo area, Bendigo Magazine is the publication of choice for both long-time residents and newcomers seeking information about the people, places and issues that shape this exciting city.

Amy, the gorgeous Managing Editor states:

“Our aim remains the same: to offer interesting and informative stories about the people and places in and around Bendigo and to have a positive forum for local people to share their successes and their pride in their city.”

Below are part of the Bendigo Magazine “team”. 

From left: Rachael Ralph(work experience),  Amy Doak, (Editor in Chief), Leanne Dynon (Tom’s mum), Esther Mc Rae (Deputy Editor),

David Field (Chief Photographer)

 Check out the Bendigo Magazine website

Thanks again for allowing La Toriana to pop in and watch you do this kids fashion shoot and find out what happens “behind the scenes”

~ Elizabeth xx

La Toriana has been given 4.5 out of 5 kisses in the Beauty and lace awards.  Check it out!

wow.. we feel so very honoured to have achieved such a high acclaim from this well known and admired business.  As La Toriana only turned one yesterday… we so “chuffed” and are beaming from ear to ear to be given such a high score!!

Beauty and Lace are a truly impressive website… so makes us feel even so much more special!

The website, Beauty and Lace is full of information, tips, articles, reviews and more!  All in the one place, I love I can find so much info here..  I often spend  (too many) hours checking out all the wonderful info, and the content is updated and keeping in line with current trends and fashion.

Health, fashion, hair and beauty sections.  Games and book reviews and excellent shopping guide from almost anything you can think of.  The Bridal guide is great for any girl getting married and I of course love the mother and baby section!  the arts and craft section are taking my fancy lately that started my beading work… I have some great ideas flowing now!

Just launched is the exclusive  “THE CLUB”  receive special offers, samples, freebies and more… an excellent innovative idea!  If you are looking for a resource website this is one you really must check out!  Its not all just for the girls either… Mr Lace has some exllent info or the man in your life and coming up to fathers Day some excllent ideas.

I am off to try making the  lamb shanks with soft polenta and peas… yummy.  A great Winter warmer.

 so whenever you see this banner on other sites…

you can be assured quality and have been tried and recommended

so…..  anyone up to try out my cooking skills?

For the month of Sept (our 1st Birthday month) we are running a competition where you will win a bundle of La Toriana gifts to the value of $100.  We will choose some mum and bub gifts just for you … wrap it all up with a birthday bow and send you the present!

all you need to do is reply to this blog post below and tell us what your favourite product or designer at La Toriana is and what you like about it. 

Easy Peasy!! 

maybe your fav is a baby bib by Vanchi,  PJ’s by Lazybones or organic lip balm by Oopsidaisi?… no matter what it is we would love to know!  Post your thoughts below!

and dont forget… 

Sweet Lilly Maternity – bringing back the sexy to maternity wear

Online maternity store Sweet Lilly Maternity is now positioned as Australia’s premier shop at home site for racy, fashion savvy maternity clothes, baby wear, breastfeeding clothes and designer baby shower gifts, and La Toriana has always loved this store.

With a store offering of over 50 different labels, Sweet Lilly has one of the largest collections of sexy, stylish and affordable maternity collections in Australia today with a cult following of loyal customers who continue to purchase well after the birth of their children. 

Imported labels from the UK, USA and Europe, as well as domestic favourites are what have given Sweet Lilly the ‘edge’ over other maternity stores, as well as the exclusive and highly sought after designer maternity evening dress label Lilly B of Sydney.

“Our strategy is to choose colourful, exclusive, top quality, exciting and edgy maternity styles for our store and offer them at realistic prices,” says store manager Sally Hainey.  “We keep our overheads low in order to pass on the savings to our customers, rather than inflate the price,” she adds.   

“We are always mindful that not all of our customers have a hefty wallet or can justify paying hundreds of dollars for maternity jeans or designer maternity dresses,” she says. 

Customer service is a main concern to this company and to this end, they also offer a made to measure service on exquisite maternity evening gowns and maternity bridal wear with the stylish designer of exclusive maternity dress label Lilly B of Sydney.

Sweet Lilly orders are dispatched the same day and clients usually receive their orders the very next day via express post delivery or personal courier– you can’t get better service than that!  And if that wasn’t enough, all orders are gift wrapped free of charge.

Sweet Lilly Maternity recently scored 4 ½ 5 out of 5 in the online Beauty & Lace Business Awards and this adds testament to their commitment to customer service and superior product range.

Sexy is another major consideration for the product offering at Sweet Lilly Maternity.  You will find a range of sexy maternity lingerie, sleepwear and breastfeeding clothes, as well as a plethora of amazing sexy maternity dresses, maternity evening wear and maternity jeans to make you feel one hot mama during your pregnancy!

So if your pregnancy is giving you the mama blues, take your credit card on a roller coaster ride of pure heaven and visit http://www.sweetlillymaternity.com.au for a guaranteed fix!

For more information, contact Hannah Thompson

admin@sweetlillymaternity.com.au

I must say when at Kids In Style recently, it was wonderful to finally meet Lisa from Cheeky Little Soles.

For a couple months, Cheeky Little Soles were a # 1 best seller at La Toriana so to meet Lisa, the talented business mum behind the business was an utter delight.

I saw the gorgeous new range to Cheeky Little Soles and I am sure they will really delight the little girls as well as mums  out there.  They are light, stylish and extreemly affordable!

Now your little princess can have a pair of designer soft leather shoes to compliment any designer outfit.  Choose from one of the many girls  (plus many boy styles too) pairs of Cheeky Little Soles

I remember as a little girl having a pink pair just like in the pictiure above… and was relegated to tears when I no longer could fit into them.  Do you think my mum could find more?  Nope. 

So I hung onto my ballet slippers til in my teens as it bought back such wonderful childhood memories.

I wonder what ever happened to them….

Still looking for a name and a home!!

Yep… Its been hard trying to keep this mouse away from the computer to check if there is anyone… someone who thinks he’s cute and has given him a name!

So… I ended up  (for both our sanity)  taking this rascal down the beach for some R & R.  we played  and splashed, went and ate fish and chips by the sea and told stories before heading back for a hot chocolate and a BBQ dinner.

We walked and walked… often not even talking, but always saying hello to one of the friendly locals walking along. (gee these locals here are nice!  you all should come here for a holiday… its fabulous!)

we walked for ages and laughed and we both actually DID relax!

This little charactor would sometimes, stop… look out into the deep blue ocean and ask  “do you really think  someone could love me”

me, the optomist I am would say “ABSOLUTLEY.  They would be crazy if they didnt… I love you!” 

there would be a chuckle… and the comeback would be… “awww… but thats your job!”

We would both chuckle, and walk along … not saying a lot, but knowing soon… my dear little friend… MAY have a home”.  But I really DO love him!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The competition to name this little mouse still stands.  have you popped your suggestion in yet?

so far we have

Pickachu

Jamie

Mason

Look at the above pic…. I think the R & R really helped, I think this little mouse is smiling!!

what else could it be??

Please add your name you think suits this gorgeous mouse and you could be the one to give him a home.

reply below with a name you think  suits his fun loving, sensitive charactor!!!!

Competition ends Sept 30th

(oops I didnt realise he was watching me do this post.  He has a smug look on his face…??? 

mmm?   what IS he up to?

Elizabeth xx

PS

First person to tell me where this pic was taken, I will send a $10 gift voucher.

post where you think it was below

I am still in awe every time a new baby is born.  I dont know why,  as it happens every day…

but….

when you stop to think.. I mean really think…

how this new being has entered this world, and us as parents can help nurture and shape this gorgeous, amazing being to “be”

I am in awe of every single baby born…

it truly is a miracle

We have a new baby in our house.  we actually have a few new babies in our house!

wow.. what a week,

we have been blessed with a few baby animals, and the amount of twins (above) born… is quite extrodinary!! 

Babies, no matter what all look so gorgeous!

I still cant get over how cute these black lambs look and soon in no time will turn white like their mums.  My 5yr old asked  “but why are they black?”  I gave an answer that kept her asking more questions and I think I got us both so confused!  She went off to ask her dad!!  (phew)  dont kids sometimes ask hard questions?

do you know the answer?

 I just had to share with you our new babies in our family.  We called the baby in the top pic ”Ruby”.  Isnt she sweet! 

The best baby gift Ruby got was a warm welcome from all her friends and relatives in the paddock!

Ahhhhhh……….