Joy To The World

Joy to the World is such a BIG statement.  Joy to the world, the whole world and nothing but the world.  Every beauty pageant entrant ever in the history of the world has wished for nothing less.  Good luck to them, I say.

You've heard the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"... well I think you could also transfer that statement to "Joy is in the eye of the beholder".  I've got so many fabulous, wonderful, gorgeous friends, but we are definitely not the same when it comes to joy-bringing.  I have one super crazy friend who likes nothing more than to get sweaty in the gym - frequently and/or continuously.  Yuck!  Defo not my idea of joy.  Another friend, a gorgeous piece of humanity on this earth loves gardening - digging and planting and toiling in the midday sun.  Yucko!!!  I have grass in my yard (which my husband takes care of) and dead plants in my house.  Gardening... not my shizzle thanks. 

Then there's Nat.  Nat is a peach and I love her to bits.  I told Nat I would dedicate my next blog to her, because she's one of my biggest, loudest and proudest supporters.  Nat's idea of joy is to dress up every day in her Super Woman cape and save lives.  Of course, Nat decided to become an Ambo because she's so goddamn perfect.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not jealous (not too much, anyway) because that's HER joy (her shizzle, if you will).

I'm sure at times it's not so joyous to patch people up on the side of the road or have somebody die in your arms.  But for Super Men and Women like Nat - it's saving  the lives that's joyous and seeing them back safely to their families.  I, however enjoy grilling Nat about all the gory details.  Being the perfect Super Woman she is, it's very difficult to get details from her.

I couldn't take on that responsibility.  It's not the blood - sheesh, having two boys I see blood daily.  It's the PRESSURE.  I would crack under the pressure like a Macadamia nut having a tussle with a hammer.  I don't do stress well - I get all shrieky and breathless and cross-eyed.  Not a good look when you're trying to deliver a woman's baby in the back seat of a car or trying to rescue a cat out of a tree - oh no, that's Fireman Sam.

Speaking of cats - that's Nat's one big downfall.  She's a cat person (could you read the derision in my typing?).  However, the one saving grace is she keeps it in a cage.  Ha!  Take that cat.

Now you've heard all about my crazy, kooky friends you're probably wondering why I've given you an in-depth report on the people in my life?  Pushy...

My point is that wishing joy to the whole world may be a bit out of reach this Christmas.  Maybe we need to start closer to home and start *accepting* people's joy.  If Barry enjoys wearing his wife's underwear who are you to judge?  If Jennifer and Hazel want to get married why should you care?  It's not your life.  What about Greg and Barry (different Barry) wanting to adopt a baby from China?  I'm sure little Chow Li will appreciate living a life of comparative luxury with two people who love him/her very much.

I know people don't change their world views overnight (if ever), however my opinion is that if it's not hurting anybody and doesn't affect your life - chill out. Go and grab a soft-serve ice cream.  Nobody can be angry or upset eating an ice cream in a cone.  Not possible.

That's my soapbox speech for this year.  I didn't mean to offend anybody and if I did I apologise, but your opinions aren't my opinions and we're both entitled to have them.  I'm just lucky enough to have this blog as a way to vent.  They're free from blogspot.com if you're jealous and want to vent yourself.  I'll tell you, it's cheaper than paying a Psychologist!

That's me for today.  Hopefully I'll talk to you again before Christmas, but if not, have a wonderful Christmas and I hope you and your family stay safe.

Cheers

I'm all toasty inside. And I'm leaking.

Christmas.  I loves it I tells 'ya.

I didn't always... I mean, I did, then I didn't now I do again.

For a few years there I found Christmas to be tacky and overbearing and busy busy busy.

I think it had something to do with my Mum dying several years ago.  How could it be Christmas without Mum?  She was the driving force behind it all.  She was the tree decorator, and the fudge maker, and the carol singer.  I guess I became a bit of a Grinch for a while.

This year I'm watching my boys and I've realised THIS is what it's all about.  Finally, I don't care if I receive a single present.  It's not about me, it's about them, and as long as I can pass on the love and joy and magic of Christmas... just like my Mum did... then I'll be happy.  And THAT my friend, is the Christmas Spirit.  To me, anyway.

Don't get me wrong.  I still can't listen to Silver Bells by Bing Crosby without tearing up.  It isn't an "easy" time of year, but I can't wait for Christmas Eve to come around.  To read The Night Before Christmas to my boys, tuck them into bed and remind them to fall fast asleep.  Then to share Christmas morning with them and see their faces light up.

Remember that feeling when you were a child?  A little big of magic had visited you in the night!!! The most famous man in the whole wide world had actually come into your bedroom and left you a present.  THE Santa Claus.  Wow.  For the next few years these two precious boys will believe in magic and this one night of the year is proof that it exists.

I'm sorry I haven't written and visited you for a while.  Running a small business is hard, but that too, is magic for me.  Knowing that I'm sending gorgeous presents to wonderful people puts a smile on my face.  Hopefully I'll be able to share more with you in 2012.

But for now, I'm going to watch The Grinch with my two boys, my niece, my sister and my Dad.  Yes, I'll tear up but I'll smile more because I'm so going to relate.  I think my heart has grown two sizes this year.

Merry Christmas and have a safe and happy holiday
xoxo

Win $100 worth of forwalls Products

It has been a very long time since I blogged.  Luckily it's not my career!

So much has happened.  F1, my eldest, turned five!  I can't believe it's been five years since my world turned upside down (in a nice way, of course!).  We had a fabulous time.  He got to celebrate his birthday twice.  Once with family and another party for his kindy friends.  Here is a photo of him with his Transformers cupcake tower.  It's so nice to be able to impress him with pictures of Transformers glued onto kebab sticks and then stuck unceremoniously into cupcakes.

I definitely toned this party down.  For F2's first birthday I made banners and puffy balls hanging from the trees.  Makes me tired just thinking about it.  But like I said... I impressed him with the Transformers cupcakes.  That's enough for me.

F1, F2 and I also got to go camping with the family.  Unfortunately their Baby Daddy couldn't make it (we're actually married - I've just always wanted to call him their Baby Daddy).

This is a photo of our living arrangements for seven days.  Some people wouldn't like it, but how can you complain when there's nothing between us and the beach?

That's enough about me and my little personal life.  To business.

I am pleased to announce {drumroll please} that forwalls Decals and Little Treasures have collaborated and have announced a very exciting competition.

forwalls is constantly reviewing its range to ensure there is always fresh inspiration to decorate your home and entertain the kids.  To celebrate the launch of the new Forwalls spring designs, Little Treasures and forwalls are offering you the chance to win a forwalls gift voucher to the value of $100.

During the month of October, spend $50 or more on the Little Treasures website AND sign up to receive the Little Treasures Newsletter and you will automatically be entered in the draw to win a forwalls gift voucher to the value of $100.

The winner will be drawn on Tuesday 1 November 2011 and notified via email on Wednesday 2 November 2011.

So, get shopping.  Christmas is just around the corner.  Plus, I'm hoping to have some VERY exciting Halloween items up any day now.

Don't forget - you can find us at http://www.littletreasures.net.au/, you can sign up to receive our newsletters there too, you can Facebook us at http://www.facebook.com/LittletreasuresBabyBoutique, you can Tweet with us at LittleTreasAus.

If you have any blogging suggestions... let me know!

Thanks for reading

Regan

The Devil isn't in the details... he's in my cake!

In honour of the fact that researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that high levels of chocolate consumption may reduce the risk of developing heart disease, I decided to share with you my favourite recipe.  It's SO retro it's practically uncool, but I love it.  It always comes out moist and even though it says to use an electric mixer, I have only recently laid my hands on my Pop's old mixer.  Mixing it by hand until just combined is just as good!

This would also be scrumdiddlyumptious as Baby Shower Cupcakes

Devil's Food Cake

2 1/4 cups self-raising flour

1 3/4 cups castor sugar

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

2/3 cup cocoa

155g butter

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs

Sift dry ingredients into large bowl of electric mixer.  Add softened butter, water and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed of electric mixer for 3 minutes.  Add eggs, increase speed slightly, beat for further 3 minutes.  Pour into two well-greased deep 20cm cake tins.  Bake in moderate overn 35 to 40 minutes.  When cold, sandwich together with whipped cream, top with chocolate glace icing.

Chocolate Glace Icing

45g dark chocolate

1 teaspoon oil or butter

2 tablespoons water

1 1/4 cup icing sugar, approx

Combine chocolate, oil and water, stir constantly over hot water until chocolate is melted.  Gradually beat in sifted icing sugar, beat until smooth and of good spreading consistency.  Quickly spread over cold cake.

Enjoy making and devouring this delicious retro cake. 

If you have any questions or comments make them below - we'd love to hear your opinions.  And don't forget to visit the Little Treasures website for loads of gorgeous baby stuff!  The website if http://www.littletreasures.net.au/.

To Tool or Not?

Uh oh... Father's Day is just around the corner.  I am looking into the future and all I can see are socks and ties for my husband and Dad!  I've just launched a new website - it's baby stuff - not Dad stuff!!  There is barely time for bathing, let alone gift shopping!

Lucky I've forged a wonderful new friendship with Heather.  Heather is like Santa for Father's Day.  Heather is my new bestie!  But don't worry - I'm happy to share Heather with you.

Heather runs Gifts for Blokes - that's right!  A whole website dedicated to Gifts for Blokes!  That means no more socks ever again (unless G4B starts selling socks, that is!)

Heather is our guest blogger this fortnight.  Heather meet Little Treasures' friends : Little Treasures' friends meet Heather.  I'm sure you two will get on swimmingly.

"Does the name “Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor” ring any bells with you?

Tim is a character from the US TV series Home Improvement. Played by Tim Allen, Tim is supposed to be an expert on tools and home renovations and he presents a TV show each week called “Tool Time”.

If you know Tim Allen, you know he’s a funny man and when you put his character in charge of tools or renovations, you just know that something is going to go wrong.

Is your bloke a Toolman Taylor? Should you be keeping him separated from tools on a permanent basis?

You might have noticed that we don’t have tools in our store. Apart from the fact that they aren’t really the best of gifts, we decided that we didn’t want to be responsible for unleashing blokes with hammers onto an unsuspecting world.

Instead we have BBQ tools, drinking tools, gadget tools and lots of the more interesting and fun variety of tools. We know that blokes will enjoy these far more than the ones that imply that handyman status is required.

If you want to top up your blokes tool box, we suggest you start off with something safe!"

Dont' forget to pop on over to Little Treasures at http://www.littletreasures.net.au/

It's alive!!!

At the beginning of the year (about the time of the Brisbane floods - remember them?) I decided to go back to work.  It took me all of a week to decide that it wasn't for me.

For those who don't know me won't know that my husband and I own and run a fruit shop.  I worked there three days a week before having F2.  I also do all the books and payroll and general running around.  It's not so bad... just another day at the office.  Anyway!  Running a fruit shop is hard work, the hours are ridiculously long and it's tiring back-breaking work.  My husband arrives home every single day exhausted and eats, plays with the kids and goes to bed.  There are eleventy million men and women out there who do it - this isn't about me griping.

What it IS about is the fact I'm basically a single parent.  I'm sort of, kind of, nearly used to it.  But I don't have any back up.  If the kidlets get sick there's only me to take care of them (oh... I have PLENTY of family but they work and have lives obviously!)  So it would be very difficult to work, juggle the kids, do my work for the shop and keep sane.

I applied for a couple of jobs and then (I think I've mentioned this all before) it dawned on me that I wanted to run an online shop.  I DO NOT know where that came from.  I've never ever ever ever thought about doing it.  I don't really have a retail background.  However, I've got a Marketing background, I've been a Personal Assistant to some high up head honchos, I'm a wife, Mother, consumer and one hell of an opinionated so and so.

Why not?  With those credentials I'm basically qualified to do anything!

Drum roll please so I can get to the point.

THE SITE IS FINALLY LIVE!!!

My beautiful, sexy, amazing, very green and very sumptuous website is finally a reality.  There are exactly 287 baby clothes, baby shoes, baby wraps and baby blankets, baby books, cloth nappies, baby tights and shoes, baby amber necklaces, toys, bath products, pregnant belly stretchmark oil, herbal tea for breastfeeding and pregnancy, baby slings and carriers, nappy wallets, baby shower invitations, highchairs, nursery wall art, bibs and burpcloths, portable highchairs, a baby hammock, feeding bowls and utensils and so on and on and on.

I even have bowls and spoons made from corn!  Yes, corn!  It's amazing.  There is also an abundance of organic clothes and toys.  There's even a "pink" range of organic toys that funds will be donated to breast cancer research!

It is a sight to behold... a thing of wonder.  Excuse me if I blow my own trumpet a little too much, but I'm so so happy that it's finally a reality.  I've worked hard and I've neglected the kids, the housework and my husband to actually follow through on something this huge.

So, please visit the site.  Please provide some feedback.  There's a special little button in the bottom right just for that purpose alone!  I don't mind if its negative... how will I know if my amazing customers don't tell me???

And like I said on the "About Us" page... "Enjoy looking at all the beautiful and clever products we have for sale".  It doesn't cost anything to window-shop... plus, there are no annoying, pushy sales people following you around!

Go and have a peek - you know you want to!

http://www.littletreasures.net.au/

What's In a Name?

Congratulations to Victoria and David Beckham on the arrival of adorable Harper Seven.  Seven? Yep, Seven.  I don't generally pick on baby names because I think picking a baby name is very personal to the parents.  I could understand Apple (I think it's cute... for them), Zuma (pity about the latest Zumba craze... but they weren't to know) and even Monroe (what were you thinking with MOROCCAN you crazy twits!!!)

I do not understand the use of a number.  It just seems weird well... because... it's a number not a name.  That being said, I loooove the name Harper.  It's just my kind of name.  Unique enough without being weird.

When choosing the name of our first child, we had a thousand girls names and zero boys names.  Basically, the decision came down to the last name in the book.  My husband and I were waiting for a plane, while I read a novel he read a baby name book.  He wrote down every boy's name he found acceptable.  I think there were about six or seven (there's that number again!).  I then read the list.  It went something like this "No, no, no, hell no!, maybe, no way. YES!!!!"  That's how Zander was named.  It's not a terribly romantic story, but it's our story.

It did take me a while to call him Zander.  I don't know why.  It's a name I've loved since the good old Buffy the Vampire Slayer days (I was a major fan).  But every time I went to say it it got stuck in my throat like a fish bone.  That eventually changed and now he's definitely a Zander.

When I was pregnant with our second son it was just as difficult.  We knew we were having a boy, but that didn't make it easier to name him.  My husband had always wanted to name one of our sons Levi.  It just didn't gel with me, however, I understand that we're both parents to this child and he loved the name.  I was prepared to compromise (one time only offer!)   We agreed that we would call our son Levi Cash.

Luckily for me, a friend of my husband's told him to scrap Levi... Cash was a really cool name!  I love it when the universe steps in to help me!

You might think Cash is an odd name, but it was my paternal grandmother's maiden name.  The Cash's were pioneers of North West Brisbane and it was a name synomymous for me with hard work, courage and history.  I wanted to pass on a piece of our family's heritage to my child.

I hear so many times that girls are easy to name, it's the boys that are difficult.  My one piece of advice is to offer up any name.  I never thought my hubby would like the name Zander... but how wrong I was!

If you're having trouble coming up with the perfect name why not visit http://www.babynames.com.au/ to help ease the pressure.  It's a fantastic site and it gives some tips on picking a name that you might not have thought up.  Like, do the initials spell anything out of the ordinary.  You definitely don't want Felicity Ursula King getting picked on at school!

You Ate What?!?

If you talk to the parents of older children, they’ll happily tell you that during pregnancy they ate whatever they wanted.  Blue cheese, soft cheese, cold rice, seafood, soft serve ice cream etc etc etc.  Everything we’re now told to steer clear of.

That’s now akin to listening to stories of my parents’ generation smoking and drinking during pregnancy.  In fact, I believe some doctors may have even prescribed smoking to pregnant women to keep the baby’s size small!

Will the fact we gobbled supplements like lollies be horrific to my son’s generation?  Maybe the future of pregnant women will be vegan diets!

I would have gladly eaten Brie like a Red Delicious Apple if I could, but I did what was suggested and steered clear of a LONG list of foods.  I actually quit smoking early on in my first pregnancy and have never taken it up again (yay!).  I wasn’t perfect... I cracked and ate some Brie before my third trimester, even a raw egg or two (hey... I lived in Seoul for my first pregnancy and my favourite food – BiBimBap – had a raw egg cracked on top.  Heaven!)

It’s especially hard in the first few months.  You don’t look pregnant, you don’t feel pregnant, and you can still do 95% of what you did before.  Hey... it’s just a few cells floating around in there!  Why CAN’T I have some sushi?

Remember this... it’s not the food it’s the bacteria.  Salmonella can cause miscarriage... Listeriosis can cause infection sometimes taking up to six weeks to occur.  If the bacteria are transmitted to the baby it can cause miscarriage, infection, or stillbirth.

I don’t know if the rate of miscarriages and stillbirths has dropped in the last 10 to 20 years (I’m sure I could find some stats if I wanted, but I’m lazy) but I know I was happy to leave out deli meats and steer clear of the soft cheeses for just 9 months (almost).  I’d rather have a happy, healthy bub than a sushi platter any day.

Here’s a few hints and tips from Kidspot to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy:

• Ensure that cold food is kept below 5 Celsius and hot food kept above 60 Celsius before serving. This will help stop the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
• Make sure raw and cooked foods are kept separate. Never use the same utensils, such as knives, plates and chopping boards, for both.
• Never defrost frozen food by leaving it at room temperature all day. Defrost overnight in the fridge, or use a microwave.
• Use cooked food within 12 hours.
• Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water, then dry them, before and after handling food.

Bacteria types:

Listeria

Listeria can cause listeriosis - a very serious infection. Symptoms can take up to six weeks to occur. If the bacteria is transmitted to your newborn baby, it can cause miscarriage, infection, or stillbirth. Hygienic storage and handling of food is critical.

Salmonella

This can cause headache, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrohea and vomiting. In some cases, it may also cause miscarriage.

Toxoplamosis

A parasitic infection carried by cats (link to pets and pregnancy) and also found in raw or undercooked meats. It can lead to brain damage or blindness in your unborn child.  Avoid changing the cat litter and any foods or drinks that contain raw egg. When gardening, ensure you wear gloves to protect yourself from coming into contact with cat poo.

Foods to avoid:

• All types of sprouts, such as alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts, onion sprouts, sunflower sprouts, radish sprouts, snowpea sprouts, mungbeans and soybeans (raw or cooked) are also best avoided.
• Cold, smoked and raw seafood, especially oysters
• Pre-cooked diced chicken, the type you buy at delicatessans and sandwich shops
• Pate
• Ham and other manufactured meats
• Self-service salad bars or packages salads, such as coleslaw and pasta salad.
• Soft cheese, such as brie, camembert, fetta, cottage and ricotta.
• Soft-serve ice-cream and thick-shakes
• Liver. Although liver is a rich source of iron, it also contains high levels of vitamin A - something which, in excess, can be harmful to a developing baby. Liver should only be consumed in small amounts during pregnancy (a maximum of 50g per week).

Mercury in fish

Fish is a great food for pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers but be careful which fish you choose. While some fish contain Omega 3 fatty acid - important for the development of the central nervous system in babies, before and after they are born - other fish may contain mercury levels that can affect the development of your baby's nervous system, leading to delayed speech and movement.

Studies have shown that the foetus is most at risk from mercury levels in fish during the third and fourth months of gestation.

Women who are already pregnant, or planning to become pregnant within the next six months, should avoid fish with high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, orange roughy, gemfish, ling, southern bluefin tuna and barramundi.

If in doubt always seek professional advice from your GP.

Hospital visits and sparkly tops do not mix

If there’s one thing I like to pretend to be… it’s organized.  I say “pretend”, because I really am a bit of a faker in the organized department.  I like to research, I like to write lists, I like to pre-pack.  However, I’m always losing or forgetting my research, losing lists, scouring the house for dummies and wipes and nappies.  I guess that means I’m a bit of a scatterbrain.  That’s ok… I like that moniker.

When pregnant with both boys, I was packed and ready to go to the hospital practically from conception.  I am NOT exaggerating.  I really didn’t understand that any visit to the hospital before 24 weeks would not end with the happy arrival of a healthy bub.  BUT I was ready to go just in case.  That’s just how I roll.

I do know that others are not quite the same.  My sister, for example.  She’s lovable and well-meaning, always late, forever and ever infuriating!  I do love her, however and it’s with love that I tell you how my sister arrived at the hospital, late in pregnancy, with labour pains… without luggage of any variety.  She was, in fact, shocked when they admitted her and informed her she was in labour.  Needless to say, her husband raced home and back with the bag in plenty of time.

There’s nothing wrong with arriving at the hospital without your favourite slippers.  Generally you’ve got several hours for your partner to race home and pick it all up as my sister’s husband did.  I arrived with all my worldly goods and chattels and still decided to go to sleep in my sparkly sequined maternity shirt.  I do not know why and will regret it forever.  The memory of my obstetrician laying a towel on my chest to protect my newborn baby will forever haunt me.

Where am I going with all this?  Basically, expect the unexpected when heading in to give birth.  Write a Birth Plan by all means – it will never ever go the way you plan, but it helps advise the Obstetrician/Midwife/Doula/Husband/Wife/Janitor/Taxi Driver or whoever delivers your baby, which direction you would like to head.

Pack your bag as early as you like.  If it helps ease your mind, why not?

Here is a link to the Bub Hub website.  It will take you to "The Ultimate Hospital Packing Bag and Labour Bag Checklist - A Hubbers Guide".  Full of hints and tips from Mums who have been there and done it.

Remember, you don't have to go through anything alone.  You've got us Mums here to help you!

Thanks for reading

Regan

Greetings from Planet Crazy!

Hi there.  Me again.  It's been too long and I missed you so much.

So, let me tell you where I'm at.  Basically I've spent a small fortune on stock, read a lot of Facebook status updates, commented on other status updates, hounded my web designer, started a diet, stopped a diet, hounded my web designer, nagged my husband (lots), hugged and snuggled with my adorable boys and planned a first birthday party.  That last one has been taking up most of my time for the last few weeks.

A first birthday party taking up all your time - I hear you ask!  Well, I'll explain.

Now I've taken up the challenge of starting a small online business, I've been on the interweb and found the most amazing and talented people out there in the world of blogdom.  People actually make an effort for their children's parties.  I'm not talking about people who pay thousands of dollars for a jumping castle, and a rodeo and poor little baby farm animals.  I mean, making cupcake toppers (and the cupcakes can you believe it!?), banners, signs, little wrappers for chocolates and water bottles and not to mention the most adorable little milk bottles with cute little retro paper straws!!!

Okay... sometimes, maybe the Mums don't make them.  But they DO buy them from amazing and talented people.

I decided to give it a go myself and make some stuff.  I'm not going all out and doing the milk bottles, but I did find some gorgeous retro paper straws (which, knowing me, I'll forget on the day).  I also managed to spend some time with my eldest son, Z, to make some paper chains for decorating.  I made some cupcake toppers (and the cupcakes too!), some fluffy tissue pom poms for decorating and a load of other decorations I've forgotten.  Which is good.  On the day when I start decorating I'll pull them from the box oohing and aahing.  It will be like it's MY birthday.

Basically, I have had an absolute blast with paper craft.  If you're lucky and everything looks good, I'll post some photos.

I know, I know.  Your five year old does paper craft every day and it's not that exciting.  It is for me.  You see, I've never been artistic.  I don't sew, my cooking is patchy at best and decorating usually amounts to some crepe paper and balloons.  I THINK I'm Martha Stewart - but Martha definitely doesn't think she's me!!!

Wow - that's a lot of talk about paper.  What shall we talk about now?  How are you going?  Any exciting news?

The business?  Little Treasures?  It's great, it's fantastic and it's so so so much fun.  I'm dealing with the most amazing people, most of whom are stay at home Mums building their own little Mumpreneur empires.  I wish I could be them.  I aspire to their lives and duplicate what they're doing - hoping I do it half as well.

I really have found my niche.  Now I just need a website to move onto the next stage.  I've been having loads of fun with Facebook and have been giving everybody a preview of what's to come.  Unfortunately, perfection takes time.  I'm happy to sit on my thumbs and wait.  I've got other stuff going on too and maybe I'm a little scared.  But we'll get there.  Before you know it the best baby "Etail" store will be up and running and you'll never shop anywhere else.  Cocky, aren't I?  That's because I've seen the site and it's amazing!  I've bought the products, and I know they're the best.

I'm thinking a July launch.  New financial year... new beginnings.  How does that sound?  I hope you can wait that long.  It'll be worth it, don't worry.  In the meantime, why not visit the Facebook page.  Here's a link to make it easier for you...

www.facebook.com/LittleTreasuresBabyBoutique

The great website debacle

Today is a sad day.  As you all know from my previous blogs, I've had some problems with my web host.  I posted my very hilarious email to them and I received a response some time ago, but forgot to post their email.

I've deleted it.  It would have to be one of the "best" responses I've ever seen and I can't even share it with you!  I've searched each and every folder in Outlook and the Sent folder... no luck.

Let me give you the general gist.

The response was the usual "We're sorry for any inconvience caused blah blah blah".  THEN (and I am NOT joking) I was told that considering the low costs I shouldn't expect a very high level of service!!!!!!!!!

are... you... freaking... kidding... me?

So, does that mean that the level of service you receive is in proportion to the cost of the item?  Be careful everybody... next time you go and buy a water the clerk has every right to just dump it over your head.  At McDonald's, they now launch their burgers out of cannons.  Heaven forbid if you buy a pizza on Cheap Tuesday.  You don't know WHAT the garnishes on top will be!!!

I'm not going to slander the people I'm hosting with, but let's just say you'd be Crazy to use them!

I've also since learned that to transfer the hosting I'll have to pay for everything again, so for now, I'm going to sit tight and try not to interact with them.  Worse than that... one of the items I purchased is completely unnecessary and FREE with Google.

That expense is going to be written off under "Education" expenses.  ie. Live and learn, people.  Live and learn.

Moving forward

Happy Friday everyone.  So much has happened and I've not blogged about it.  How dare I? 

Last night I did the prize draw for our "100 likers" campaign on Facebook.  Congratulations Lisa on winning a gorgeous Aden + Anais Organic Muslin Wrap.  I know Lisa's sister is due to have her first baby in a few weeks so it's perfect timing.

I received the first draft of my web design from the wonderful Anna at Design with style.  I can't wait to have it up and running.  At this stage, we're looking at a May launch, which leaves me plenty of time to find more wonderful things to sell on the site. Isn't this fun???  However, keep an eye on the Little Treasures Facebook page (www.facebook.com/littletreasuresbabyboutique) because I'll be adding items as I receive them to sell as Pre Launch Specials!

I've started to receive some gorgeous stock.  I've got some funky bibs from Bibska bibs and on the way are some stunning hand-knitted toys and hand crochet blankets from and the little dog laughed.  Come on Mr Postman - I want to get my hands on Mooki the Monkey.  Hmmm... going to have to find a high spot away from roving little fingers.

On a lighter note.  This wasn't light enough?  Nope... it gets even lighter (yep, I have conversations with myself now.  Saves time).  How about a Royal Wedding to put a smile on your face?  I wonder how many commemorative goods they'll sell this year?  Production in China must be going crazy! 

I personally like this little number... the Kate and HARRY commemorative mug.  Yes, I did get it right... somebody made a big boo boo and put Wills's brother Harry onto the mug.  Genuine mistake, joke mug or "elaborate spoof".  I'll leave it for you to decide.  If, however, you are over the royal wedding you can always lay your hands on a Royal Wedding Sick Bag.  Also know as "The Camilla".  Sorry, had to be done.

Thanks for reading

Panic stations everyone!!!

Okay... right... breathe...  where to begin?

I'm panicking.  I admit it.  I can't help it.  I'm now stressing because I don't know whether I spelt panicking correctly or not.  Spellcheck doesn't seem to have picked it up, but who knows.  Spellcheck doesn't always get it right!!!

Okay, I'm back.

As I said previously, I'm in a bit of a state.  For the last 2 days I had to go into work at the fruit shop.  I'm happy to help David out in his world, but my biggest problem is that when I work in the shop, I'm not near a computer!!!  It's absolute hell.  I can't fill out any spreadsheets, review competitor websites, sign on any more suppliers, research more products, read blogs, write blogs, check Facebook, add more stock to Facebook, write content for the website etc etc etc.  I have 17 lists going at the moment (seriously).  I don't shop, cook or clean anymore.

Plus, I'm not home to receive all the stock I've ordered.  So now I have to go to the worst Post Office in Brisbane to pick it up.  All that beautiful stock is sitting there calling for me and here I am blogging away like a fool!

Now, I'm not the busiest Mum out there.  Not by a loooong shot.  I've been thinking if I'm THIS bad now, how much worse is it going to get?  Then, a little ray of sunshine via Facebook! 

Heather Allard writes a blog called "The Mogul Mom".  She's funny and smart - a deadly combination with us entrepeneurial Mums (or Mumpreneurs if you like buzzwords). 

Anywho - Heather has written a blog called 7 ways For Mom Entrepreneurs to Save Time Money and Sanity.  You don't need to be an "Entrepeneur" and maybe she could have just written "7 ways for Mums to save time, money and sanity", or "7 ways for the average person to save time, money and sanity" but there are a couple of good hints and tips.   I could have done without knowing what underwear she wears and the makeup she uses, but if I find a couple of hours one day I might do a menu plan, I've tried it before but wasn't successful - this version seems easier in the long run.  I'm now kicking myself we didn't get a robot vacuum cleaner when we were living in Seoul.  Would be SO useful right now.  Plus, it'd keep the kids amused for hours - am I right?

Now, I'm going off to write my own time saving blog for you all.  It's called:

STOP READING OTHER PEOPLE'S BLOGS AND GET TO WORK!!! And other methods of being a highly efficient Mumpreneur.

I need to think of a really cool way of signing off...

Have a "treasureful" day??  That stinks worse than Cash's nappy!

I'll think about it, but for now - be good!

Regan

Facebook - we're on there!

The power of Facebook really is a wonderful thing.  Only 1 hour after "officially" launching on Facebook and we already have 16 likers!  A big thanks to my big sis, Kylie for roping in her friends.  Plus, I love the fact that I can sell my goods right there before I have my website up and running.  Maybe I need to start buying some more merchandise... now where's my credit card???

IT Problems

Anybody with a computer has been there.  You've got a problem, you ring a "help" desk, they treat you like a fool (generally telling you to re-boot - when does that EVER fix anything?) and then basically making out you're a complete twit just because you're having a problem with an area that they're expert in.  Really? If you came to my husband and I asking for helping picking out the perfect Paw Paw or Avocado would you expect us to treat you like a fool just because we know better?  No, you'd expect helpful advice with a smile and that's what you'd get.  I, fool that I am, expect the same.

I've decided to do my own website.  Yes, I know, I'm crazy and foolish but it's do-able and I'll save myself thousands in the process.  What I didn't count on, was having problems from the outset with the most basic of functions with my host company.  I've had enough, so in no uncertain terms I told the company what I think.  Below is the email I just sent through.  It's not very professional, but neither are they, so I'm stooping.  Enjoy - I'll keep you posted with the outcome.

"I’ve been trying for days to resolve an issue I have with FTP and I’ve been receiving nothing but half-hearted “help” and arrogance from your helpdesk.  After waiting for 15-20 minutes on hold yesterday it was finally answered with a really welcoming “Yeah?”.  I’m not kidding.  Who answers the phone like that?  Then upon telling the person on the “help” desk my problem and after he managed to get into the program I was having problems with he told me I must have made a mistake in typing.  What?  I told him the username, the IP and the password – spelling each one out and he’s telling me I’VE made the error?  Honestly where did you get this guy?

I decided to log the problem with your “help” email address.  The response I got back was somebody in IT issuing me a new password.  Did this guy even read my email?  Now I have to create a new password and wait 15 minutes before I can log back in again. 

I’ve wasted days on this now.  I’m trying to start up an new business, I’m a Mum of 2 and I also run another small business.  I don’t have time to deal with people treating me like an idiot.  I might not know a lot about computers and the internet, but I know enough to know when I’m being treated like a fool.

Can somebody please help me resolve my issue.  If I can’t sort it out by tomorrow (Friday 4^th March) I will be requesting a refund on the web hosting I have purchased through (name removed for privacy) and will be re-purchasing elsewhere."

Why is the world full of cotton-headed ninnymuggins's?

Coming into this adventure I thought I'd get what I want, when I want.  Who wouldn't?  You wouldn't come into a new venture thinking you'd fail at everything!  But why, oh why, are there just some horrible people out there who just want to be difficult!

I'm now at the point that I know what the business name will be (thanks to the lovely people at the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, what I will sell, how I will sell it and I THOUGHT where I would sell it.

www.littletreasures.com.au - obviously!  Apparently not.  Unfortunately after doing a search somebody already owns that domain name.  So I register an alternate domain name of littletreasures.NET.au.  Look, it's a website, it'll get the job done... but it's not ideal and now I've got a domain so it's all good.

After a little more research I find the contact details of the owner of the .com.au site.  Wowee!  Things are looking up.  I create the best email I can, all heartfelt niceness.  I even impressed myself.

The response literally was... "Make me an offer".  I know it's business... keep emotions out, but come on!  So, I did a bit of research came up with a figure and gave it my best shot.  Not good enough.  He comes back with a counter offer 4 times more than mine with a link to an obscure site to back up his counter-offer.  I personally thought the link backed up my price... but apparently he saw something different.   So I came back with my absolute maximum saying it was a start up business I couldn't possibly afford his price on my minimal budget - as a sweetener I offered a special rate for all the parents of his Child Care Centre.  I still haven't heard back from him to this date.  Nor shall I ever.

Unfortunately I was never going to win that little showdown.  My need was more than his... so he was always going to win.

Anywho... I've got my own domain name.  I'm in the midst of creating my own website (eeek!) and I should receive my first stock items in the next couple of days!  That's me caught up.  Next time you hear from me it will be for the launch of my official logo and Little Treasures Facebook page.  From then on all Blog updates will come from the LT FB page, so you'll have to Like it to get all my future updates.

I'm now off into the world of web development.  It's a scary, weird world full of strange languages, SQL databases, Wordpresses and Fantasticos!  I may not come back the same, but it will definitely be an interesting ride.

Sweet dreams all.

THE Tradshow (buh buh buhhhhhh)

I really need to catch up now.  The trade show was over a week ago and so much has happened.  I do so like to waffle!

The Kids InStyle tradeshow was really the turning point for me.  I'd been warned that some suppliers wouldn't take on online retailers and they weren't wrong.  I think almost immediately, one of the first wholesalers' reactions was "ANOTHER online retailer?"  I don't get it?  I thought the world was tipping from retail to etail?  It's news everywhere that Australians are spending more and more of their money online!

Anyway, I kept my chin up and answered questions and asked questions.  About half way through I realised that I knew what I was talking about!  These snooty Melbourne artsy fartsy designers knew their stuff, but I knew my stuff too.  Plus, I wasn't just making it up as I went along I had a plan!

Until THE woman.  She was just another supplier who had some really cute baby clothes.  Nothing out of the ordinary but it would have been nice to stock her things.  Now, you all  understand the concept of seasons and how we wear different types of clothing for each season (I know you're not stupid and I'll get to the point!).  Well, I'm in the unenviable position of starting up a business mid-season.  Suppliers are currently selling summer gear while I obviously need to buy winter gear.  Not good, but I understand that and I'm doing my best to work around it.  Well, after Mrs Snooty finished berating me for starting up another online business (I think her term was "clogging up the internet with ANOTHER online retail store") her next question was "Well... what ARE you going to sell?"  I just stood there shocked, stunned and generally in a state of bewilderment.  In fact, I now knew what was going through Tony Abbot's head.  The ticker going across the bottom of MY screen was "Do not slap that woman... do not slap that woman... do not slap that woman".  I'm sure Tony's was something similar.  I can't even remember what my response was but I do remember thanking her for her time and floating off to the next stall.

Well, needless to say there is no way on God's green earth I will be stocking her products.  In fact, she motivated me to move into another line!  I'm going to create a Little Treasures range of baby clothing and her range is the first one I'm going to... how do I say this?  Take inspiration from!


Ha!  Take that snooty tradeshow woman and thank you for the beautiful photos on your website that I am, even now, downloading some inspiration from.

The middle of the beginning

OK.  F1 is happily watching a movie (probably for the 700th time) and F2 is asleep after the biggest bowl of porridge you've ever seen.  That boy eats more than me!

Where was I?  Oh right... Mum... homage... treasures... tears.  That's how it usually ends when I start talking about my Mum and if I'm going to cry I'm going tomake you cry!

So!  I'd decided to start up Little Treasures from scratch, by myself, with very little funds and two kids while also working for our fruit shop.  Luckily I've pretty much quit working physically in the shop however I still do the accounts and payroll, so I'm probably doing a 20 hour week.  I'm not looking for sympathy I just want you all to know how flipping crazy I am.

Now I'd decided to do Little Treasures I wanted TO DO Little Treasures.  I wanted stock and a website and a gorgeous logo and I wanted it now.  But there were a few things in the way... like I had no stock, no website and no gorgeous logo.

For people who know me, they know I looooove research.  I don't buy a toothbrush without researching which one is the best for me and my family.  I started researching baby stuff and wholesale stuff and wholesale baby stuff and competitors.  I had the largest stroke of luck... a baby trade show coming up!!! and soon!!! I really like exclamation marks!!!  You'll get used to it!!!

The Kids InStyle trade show was in Sydney in 3 weeks.  In the meantime, we were going to Noosa for the weekend for a friend's 40th (I know, a whole weekend!), my oldest friend was having her baby shower, F2 was booked in to have a small operation, F1 had his first ever birthday party to go and the usual intricacies of family life were going on.  Whenever would I get the time to research everything I needed to research?  Like everything you just have to make it work.  The kids weren't QUITE abandoned and the house isn't TERRIBLY clean but I managed to put food on the table and keep the clothes clean (but no ironing for me, I only iron labels onto the kids clothing now thanks to Shannon Lush and some lavender oil).

It was during these 3 weeks I started the Business and Marketing Plans and managed to work out the who, what, where and why of the business.  I knew I wanted to stock quality baby goods, but tooling around on the internet I realised there are so many talented people out there.  Why not tap into that market?  I'd tried embellishing stuff for the kids myself... no good.  I have zero talent in the sewing department.  But why not be a conduit for all these talented people to sell their goods to a broader market?  I guess you could say I'd found my Competitive Advantage.  Which is key in a market with so much competition.

Look out world, I'm going to bring Brisbane's talent into YOUR home!

I think I'll leave the trade show until the next post.  It really needs it's own Title and everything...

Where to begin?

When a gorgeous, crazy, energetic, unstoppable friend of mine gave me some tips on starting a new business she told me to start up a Blog on Blogger.  Well, here I am!  I thought I'd get in early and start telling my story from the beginning... like anybody REALLY cares but that's the joys of blogging.  Nobody HAS to read it or comment on it or even know it's there.

It's been almost a month now since I saw a business for sale on Lifestyle Careers.  It was just a little business selling baby gear online but it got me excited.  I'd been thinking of doing something similar for months, if not even years, but I didn't know where to start.  Where would I find suppliers? What would I call it?  What would I stock?  There were a million questions and finally there was one answer to them all!  So, I wrote back and said I was interested.  She sent me everything she had, but the financials didn't stack up.  She SAID she was selling a fair amount of stock, but there was no proof.  The business had only been up and running for 6 months and she had pretty much abandoned it for the last 3.  So, for the first time in my life I made a really low offer and she rejected it.  If she was playing hard ball, she lost.  I was actually happy!!!  Within the few hours it took for her to say "Thanks but no thanks" I'd already designed "Little Treasures" in my head.  I was so excited because I could see how it could be done... even how I could be "different" to all the other baby boutiques out there (and there are PLENTY!)

The name, you ask?  The name is an homage to my beautiful, sarcastic but loving Mother who passed away from cancer in August of 2007.  When she died she had 7 grandchildren, each of which she adored and treasured.  In fact, she called them her treasures. So Pam, here's to you and the unconditional love you gave ALL your grandchildren and to the extra little one who came along later, who I hope you met in the "somewhere else".

Alright all... I know I haven't finished (or even really started!) but my "extra little man" is calling me from his bed.  It's cuddle time and you people just don't live up to that!

Chat soon and be good!