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Tiana, our premmie baby above (now 6) created with the extraordinary talents by Argnesh Rose

July is dedicated to Premmie babies.  Anyone who has had a premature baby, or knows someone who has had one knows how hard and how different it is and what a rollercoaster ride.  lets start this first day of July with some amazing talent and i am so captivated by this gorgeous artist… you can purchase your own little piece of magic through la Toriana. 

Do you believe in Magic?

Perhaps parenthood allowed you to glimpse it’s presence in your children, – time slows to a standstill, the sun is filtering through you child’s hair giving her a golden glow…

Perhaps just for a moment you forget your worries and immerse yourself in her enchanted world..

With my Artwork I but reveal this magic that is always present.

Our children teach us so much about our self, not only  about joy, but pain as well, when they are ill, how much we wish we could make it all go away…

A friend once said, when I was pregnant, having a child is like having another heart outside of your body…I find this to be true..

Having children is definitely the most challenging, humbling and life changing experience for us parents..

I hope once in a while

you are able to stop…

and favour the moment,

feel the love

and allow yourself to notice the magic,

the beauty around you…

Once a long time ago, you too were a child and that sense of wonder is there just below the surface, waiting for you patiently.

I hope that my Artwork will take you back to this Enchanted place where all is possible…

It makes the perfect gift for any occasion from Birthday to Christening, it is unique and created with a lot of care and love for you…

Before and after the Fantasy magic created by Argnesh Rose

Any child is a miracle, a gift, and what a great way to treasure them.   

With love: Argnesh Rose

SPECIAL OFFER:

If you pay a $50 deposit before the end of July, you will receive $25 off any of the packages on the website!   Check out  La Toriana baby boutique

if you have questions, you can contact us

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Thank you Argnesh for the gorgeous portrait you have magically created of Tiana.  I am going to give this as a present to her for her birthday.   I also wanted to say thank you for the other portrait… its so beautiful and I have all 3 girls together.  I cried when I saw  them.  You have touched my heart and its an honour to showcase your talents at La Toriana. 

 I will soon reveal the one of all 3 girls soon… on the twins birthday.  They would have been 8 this year!  This is a truly special one.  THANK YOU.

I just know many other mums will also cherish these portraits …  as I do.

Warmly

Elizabeth xx

Travelling with your kids these holidays… check out

BYOKids

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Fiji

I don’t know about you… but school holidays always seem to creep up on me!  All of a sudden I realise.. “jeepers… what will we do these holidays?”

I always try to get away for a couple days each school holidays, and whilst I am always half organised for the Christmas holidays, I am not so much for the 3 other lots of holidays throughout the year.

I was wrapped when I learnt about the BYO Kids webiste.

Hawaii

Last year (thanks to this brilliant website with loads of great specials… we went to the Gold Coast this time of year.  we stayed at Seaworld a few nights and then at Paradise Resort.  A couple of us friends and our families went and was a great way for all of us to catch up.  (Thanks Joanne and Christie… are we on again next year?  The kids had an absolute ball!)

Was great for the kids and for us! 

The kids loved the kids club at Paradise Resort and we got to have a great dinner just us adults and us girls had shopping times too.  Sea World was alive and happening and we would def go back to both places again.

This year… am thinking of a trip to Fiji… a friend went with hubby and kids last year and is going back these holidays again!  They loved it for the price and pure luxury.

  If you haven’t gotten around to passports (like me)    Maybe  WA?  Broome looks amazing and I am sure we all would def love it there.

 Broome

Want to stay closer to home and have a beach holiday along the great Ocean Road Victoria?  I would suggest the Surf Coast… Torquay!  From as little as $165 per night you can stay across the road to the famous Front Beach in a 2 bedroom self contained apartment. Torquay Front Beach ~ Beach Houses is fabulous.  We have stayed a couple times and you cannot beat the position.  only 50 steps to the beach… YES  50 STEPS!

Ocean views, beach, playgrounds, restaurants across the road, situated between both shopping centres there is no need for a car!  Great for a family and there are 3 Torquay Beach houses here so bring your friends families too.  Gateway to the Great Ocean Road with Bells Beach across the way.  Perfect.

Look no matter what you are looking for… be it an interstate, an overseas or even a local holiday… if you are looking for a great place to travel to with kids… make byoKids your first place to start looking.  I was so glad I found them.  Sure takes the hassle out of finding great, tried and tested places to travel to with our kids.

and… if you are looking for great ways to keep the kids entertained whilst you are driving about… check out the great travel toys and travel games for kids at ickle kids. 

mmm?  I wonder where i can find a great family holiday that has great kids activities, some great local attarctions, a day spa  (for me) great kids friendly restaurants and thats not too far to travel… oh and one thats affordable too.

am off to browse away at www.byokids.com.au

Do you have your own Little Critter?

Little Critters is THE most unique and personalised way to capture a little part of your little ones childhood.

Inspired by her own children’s chubby little hands, artist Carol Heath is the creator of those oh so cute Little Critters.

Perhaps you have seen them before? Cheeky elephants, fish, fairies, birds and butterflies, all created with a simple hand or foot print.

We all have them at home, stuck to the fridge or adorning the walls among the myriad of kindergarten masterpieces, or even in our special keepsake albums. Our children’s hand prints are just as precious as the little hands that made them, They remind us of just how little our little critters once were and a Little Critters keepsake is a great way to treasure them for many years to come.

When you visit the Little Critters site you will find a wide range of colourful designs to choose from. Most of these designs are inspired by Carol’s own children and their cheeky antics. You’re sure to find one to suit your child’s personality.

If you would like Carol to create one of these whimsical works of art featuring your child’s hand or foot print, you simply send your child’s hand or foot print to Little Critters, either by mail or using the online order form and Carol will magically transform it into one of these quirky little characters. You can then choose to have your art work printed on a selection of products including framed and canvas prints, ceramic tiles, mugs and money boxes, greeting cards, t-shirts or even mousemats.

They really do make the most wonderfully unique gifts and keepsakes.

Carol has made an amazing keepsake of my premmie angels, Lara and Victoria, made with their hand prints. This is the first time I had even thought about doing a keepsake like this… and do you know what… I am so very glad I have.  The Cherry Blossom pink hand prints above are my precious little girls,  my angels.  If you have a premmie baby you may like to turn their hand prints into a framed keepsake like this.  Its gorgeous.

Anyone who has had a premature baby will know how small and delicate they are… and anyone like myself, who have had babies become angels… this is a truly remarkable and happy way of celebrating their life.

Carol… you have an amazing talent and will definitely be telling everyone about you!

Little Critters

www.littlecritters.com.au

If you are looking for something different to designer baby gifts, or kids vintage clothing… why not let Carol create something unique and personal.  Believe me… you will be so glad you did.

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15% off

From now til July 25th.  All you need to do is pop the code La Torianaon your order form and Carol will give you this great discount on your next order.  Why not turn your child’s hand prints into a personalised keepsake as a gift for Aunty, kinder teacher, a Christmas present or a keepsake for yourself. 

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warmly

elizabeth xx

How exciting…. the birth of a new baby   a baby book.

if you are about this week in Brisbane  (wish I was)… drop in and say hi to the authors Peace and Katy

Once you become a mother nothing is ever quite the same again, your life changes in a million new and unexpected ways, you discover love like you have never known before and also find that yes you can actually survive on just 3 hours sleep. As new mothers Peace and Katy found the reality of life as a mother completely different to what they had previously imagined. Unprepared for the adjustment from full time career girls to the role of round the clock motherhood they struggled with the challenges of motherhood such as isolation, a changing identity, sleep deprivation, loss of independence, conflicting advice, self doubt and breastfeeding issues.

After speaking to many other women with children of all ages they found they were not alone and that these challenges were common experiences for new mothers in contemporary Australian society.

“The original idea for this book came from the realisation that becoming a mother is not simply about giving birth and waiting for your maternal instincts to kick in. The skills necessary for motherhood are learnt. Times have changed and for many mothers the first time they hold a newborn is when their own baby is born, our society has lost many of the skills which were traditionally learnt incidentally as part of everyday life in a large close-knit family. Our goal was to create a book to encourage, support and empower mothers and help make their journey a little easier.”

What I wish a knew before I became a Mother is that book. Written for new and expectant mothers the book, addresses topics such as pregnancy, preparing for birth, coping with post natal depression, encouraging communication with your partner, breastfeeding, ensuring you have a strong support network and knowing when to ask for help in a positive and uplifting way. This book aims to help new mothers adjust to the demands of life with a newborn and reminds women to value themselves and their own needs too.

Featuring beautiful photography and practical advice this book is the perfect gift for new and expectant mothers! Published by Boolarong Press ‘What I Wish I Knew before I Became a Mother’is available at la Toriana.   Great gift for the expectant mother, the new mother, mums of all ages, and the best Mothers Day gift too.

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Remember the old Nappy Bag Book…. I got one in 2001 and found it great!  well the the authors of The Nappy Bag Book have revamped it and modernised it and stylised it and WOW!!!

… now called the Australian Baby Guide.

If you haven’t got a copy… you are really missing out!!  Its a great book, coffee table style and so jammed pack full of information, great shopping places, tips and advice.  A keepsake an an excellent baby gift  or gift for an expectant mum to be.

Have you checked out their website?   I LOVE it! the webiste  www.AustralianBabyGuide.com.au is gaining momentum  and full of great info, its a place you will soon be referring all your friends to as well.  TRUST ME!!.

There is lots of information, interviews, competitions and a forum that’s so supportive and caring.  A must for any mum out there!  There is an expert chat room, personal stories, latest baby related articles and a chat room.  There are heaps of baby and kids contacts for baby clothing, designer kids wear and organic baby products just to name a few.

Mums have so much choice… you never need to feel isolated.

Baby Book Giveaway

The Author, Penny Attiwill, is giving us 2 copies to giveaway.  Jump onto the Australian Baby Guide website…..  tell us what feature of the site you love best and why… make your comments on this blog and Penny will choose 2 lucky readers!

Pop in, say we sent you….

… and say hello and catch up with me.  I am often there too!

oh… and if you cant wait to win a copy…. buy a copy direct from there… easy!

warmly

Elizabeth xx

    Featured Blog/Business

 At

the online magazine where mums meet 2 stay connected! 

 Did you know….  

  There are two billion mothers in the World

Modern mums average two kids (1950s: 3.5 kids; 1700s: 7-10 kids)

4.3 babies are born each second

Women average 2.2 hrs/day on chores 

Mums have made 7,300 nappy changes by baby’s 2nd birthday

Mums take 2 minutes and 5 seconds to change a nappy (that adds up to 3, 40-hour work weeks each year!)

A preschooler requires mum’s attention once every 4 minutes or 210 times a day

88% of laundry is done by mums, totalling 330 loads of laundry

..  Thanks Paula for that info….  WOW    

Where are all these AMAZING MUMS?

Well…when they are not spending time on domestic duties, caring for children and working,

They’re getting connected! 

connect2mums is a new, fast growing interactive magazine for women. It’s an online network designed by mothers for mothers.

connect2mums Creator and Founder, Paula Kuhnemann saw a need in the market for a website where women could get together and share information. 

.

 “Being a mum can be  quite lonely. I wanted to create a place where mums could gather in their own time without ever needing to leave the house.” 

.

 Member growth is substantial with  500 members joining connect2mums in just six weeks! 

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And, the rate of growth is steadily, increasing by the day.

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The vast majority of mums joining are ‘mumpreneurs’. Women who work from home who are looking for support from like-minded people.

“I don’t get the opportunity to gossip by the

water cooler or get advice from work colleagues like those who work in traditional offices.

I work from home on my own. connect2mums is a great way for me to get to know otherwomen just like me and to share information and advice.”

Says Prue Walstab, Gigi and Lulu.

 connect2mums provides members with relevant information and opportunities to interact and socialise with other mums across Australia and New Zealand. Weekly Live chats, newsletters, product reviews, events, news and articles are just some of the ways women get connected at connect2mums.

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 “My purpose in life is to empower women to reach their full potential and support them in their quest for the seemingly unattainable Family/Work Balance. I believe you can have it all

but not without support and connections.” Says Paula

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So, where are all the mums?

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At connect2mums, of course!

I have been most impressed with this site and its great for all mums of any age.  C’mon mums…  lets support other mums.

As a mum working from home, isolation is one factor.  being a rural mum in another factor and being a sole & small business is another.  Here isolation escapes me and I feel “connected” with so many others.  I really urge you to check out this site, join in the chats, the newsletters and connect with women from a wide variety of areas…. I am so glad I did.

I look forward to seeing you there!

warmly

elizabeth xx

wow….  am I so stunned and honoured. 

I just found out that our BLOG has made it into the top 100 Australian Women Bloggers.  I am in awe of some of the great Blogs on this list so if you have time… please check them out and say La Toriana popped you onto them!

Its with wonderful readers like you who have helped boost the rankings and get us on this list… would be great to see us climb upwards now… we are at number 99…. lets see where we are next month!!

CALL OUT FOR YOUR HELP…

If you have some great recession buster tips, or would like to submit a recipe, craft idea or garden tip. email me with a pic and a pic of your KooL KidZ for the KooL KidZ section,

or if you know a blog or business that would like to be featured.,.. please drop me an email.

Am off to check out more of these great Australian Women Bloggers

   check out these featured Australian Women bloggers.  so inspirational.

warmly

elizabeth xx

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   Award winning Sydney photographer Chantelle Bliss is the leading pregnancy, maternity,
newborn, baby, child and family photographer in Sydney, New South Wales.

Chantelle is available for sessions in the greater Sydney area and for commercial and advertising assignments.

 Full Accredited Member of the AIPP – Australian Institute of Professional Photographers

   

 *Wow*  “STUNNING”  ~Impressive~   are just a couple words to describe the talent Chantelle has.  She is able to capture the essence of the client and works so well with them to produce top quality creations that you will love and cherish.  Contact Chantelle today to discuss your next photography experience … will be one to remember for always and to cherish for a lifetime.

 chantelles work and her website is a total delight…. the pictures need little words…..  just enjoy.

   www.foreverblissphotography.com.au

I know I am going to have to make an appointment with Chantelle… I love her style, class and stunning emotional shots.

warmly

Elizabeth xx

TikiBoo Kids designer Jeans comp….   Kathryn just emailed me… “Ok!  I wrote all the names of piece of paper and asked Alexandra to draw one out.  She took two out, I said which one is the winner, her response was “This one is the winner AND this one is the winner”.  It was too cute for me to argue, so we have two winners:-D

Justine and Monique.”

Well done girls…

you are the chosen couple to have a pair of jeans designed over by TikiBoo….  wow… please… we would love to see a before and after shot!!  and we will feature them back here soon.

SLIPPERS PROMO

we have chosen 3 to receive the most comfy slippers…  they are:

Sharyn Sutton, Sylvia, and Tracie

will be in touch re: sizes and addresses.

well done everyone.

now you all can get in on the act with free giveaways starting  from Wednesday….   watch this blog for more details… and the more clues in the newsletter!  so if you haven’t signed up….   best do it now.

First newsletter on Wed   SUBBSCRIBE HERE

You will also go in the draw for the annual $250 shopping spree.  One lucky person will receive this in Dec… ready for Christmas.

warmly

elizabeth xx

Featured Blog/Business

Do you want TikiBoo Kids to revamp your old jeans and create a designer jeans for your little one?  have you entered?

oooh   you must hurry!  You have til midnight to get your entry in.

See here for full details.

This is a great project to turn your old jeans into a designer creation… c’mon… you can do it!  Look through that pile of clothes you are about to turf or giveaway….   got a great old clothing that’s too small for your little one… but love it still?  use it to create these gorgeous designer jeans.   Even better is… it can be classed as your own designer label too!

Are you like me… not good with the creativity or sewing?   Enter into the blog comments and you could be a winner!

Tikiboo kids will notify us after closing date who the lucky one is!!   oooh so exciting!

warmly

elizabeth xx