Women in Art

I recently received a print I purchased from Catherine Campbell of My Folk Lover (originally found via Pippi) which I love, there is something about the line art of Tattoos that is appealing and the paper cut swallow.

I left it on my dressing table with a few other things I found when cleaning up including the postcard (on the right) I bought at the Getty. I was struck by the comparison between the depiction of women in art 200 years ago and the depiction of women now. One by an old dead Frenchman and one by a young alive Australian woman.

Both pairs of eyes are so penetrating, the images are so similar and yet different.

ps. Her name is Louise-Antoinette Feuradent and she was painted by Jean-Francois Millet in 1841.

Hello Chooks

The Hen House is finished and we are in the market for some girls. So last weekend we headed to the Poultry Pavilion at the Show Grounds for The Tasmanian Rare Breeds Poultry Club Show and Sale Day. Unfortunately when we got there, there were mostly Cocks left and as well all know they might be good for babies, but not that useful on a day to day level.

We are after some layers, we are nearly decided.... we think maybe, some Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire and a Black and White one (forgot the name).

Anyhoo, I had a great day out at the Designed; Made Market the other day. I met lots of lovely people and after I defrosted from the morning chill, had a very lovely day. Some of you dear readers came out of the closet and said hello, which is always a surprise and a thrill. I will be having a stall at the next Blackman's Bay Beach Market on June 6, and there will be lots of lovely stalls (including some other bloggers) so pencil it on the calender.

Market Weekend

There is no shortage of markets this weekend. Lots of lovely Tasmanian designed and made wares to be discovered.

If you are in Hobart then head down to the Courtyard at the Henry Jones for the Design Island Designed; Made market (look out for me and say hello).

Then it is a short hop over to the Masonic Hall on Sandy Bay Road for The Market, on again with more wonderful stalls and products.

If you are in Launceston then you have two days to wander around Niche Design Market at the Academy of Arts at Inveresk.

Paris Poodles

This little Poodle went to Market,
this little Poodle stayed at home,
this little Poodle ate Roast Beef,
this little Poodle ate none, and,
this little Poodle went wee wee wee
all the way to The Henry Jones.

These little puppies are the newest folks to join us at Chez Snore. There is 6 in total, and although they probably don't altogether look like doggies, they are, so there. French Poodles.

I will be taking them to the designed; made market (there will be no wee, wee, weeing, I hope) on Sunday May 3.
I am pretty excited to be having a stall (and feeling no pressure!) but hopefully you can come along and say hello.
It is the weekend before Mother's Day, so I am going to be scoping the other stalls for my present, because after all I think I deserve one, even if I have to buy it myself!

Here are the details:
designed; made, open air designers market
When: Sunday May 3, 2009 - Open to the public 9.00am – 3.00pm
Where: IXL courtyard, Hunter Street, Hobart
Website: here

Pandas for PANDA

These little ones look either unhappy or at least mystified as to why they are going to be stuffed into an envelope and posted over the waves to the bright lights of Melbourne town. Their journey will be more exciting than even their soft little brains can imagine, because they are going to be part of a silent auction to raise funds for PANDA (Post and Ante Natal Depression Association)

The world famous, Aunty Cookie, is organising some lovely hampers of handmade goods, to be auctioned on May 5 at a fundraising event.
There is also some lovely Dick and Dora goodness heading their way so those hampers are going to be hot!

The Cloakroom of Key

I am a sucker for all things French. My new latest amore is with this fantastic blog, les vestiaire de cle, which Babelfish intriguingly translates as, The Cloakroom of Key. Needless to say it is a delicacy of chic Parisian fashion.

I haven't been able to find out much more information about the designer or whether the clothes are modelled by her daughter or sister. Either way the stunning Jeanne is delightfully French and she looks postively lovely in everything!

I love the simplicity of the pieces which is so hard to find in stores these days. They are made from Belgian Linen and the wonky translation offers up some lovely descriptions, such as the 'Councils of Maintenance'. J'adore!

Things I love - Water

Aren't these images amazing. They are from a new favourite blog, Saint Verde Digest. They are designed to illustrate a design trend around the influence of water on design. Wonderful.

Merci

Paris has a new department store called Merci, it is a uber upmarket op-shop and provides guilt-free shopping. I love the concept and I think most cities could do with one or two of these.


It is the brain child of Bernand and Marie-France Cohen the couple behind the luxury children’s clothing brand Bonpoint.

It has a few levels that includes coffee shop, florist, habadashery, second hand books and even a fragrance store. There is of course vintage designer bags and clothes and also a designer corner where designers such as YSL, Stella McCartney, Azzaro, Alexis Mabille and Marni design new pieces that sell at a lot less, as well as cut price kids clothes from Bonpoint.

All of the profits are channelled into a foundation to support children's charities in Madagascar.



Photos from here, here and here.

Hot Cross Dinosaurs

Easter has snuck up on me. There has been no sign of celebration until yesterday, Good Friday, which some might say was good timing. Anyway, a quick raid of the school bags for some handmade decoration for the mantle and a some homemade hot cross buns seemed to do the trick.

This is our first time making hot cross buns, and I was surprised at how easy and delicious they were. I used this recipe, but of course had no plain flour so replaced with Self Raising, and replaced the butter and milk, for Dairy free marg and rice milk.

The cross bit was quite fun and a few of the crosses ending up being a little wonky, including one that looked a bit like a dinosaur running, no?

Anyway, hope you have a Happy Easter and enjoy the eggy holiday.

The Masonic Market

I am not sure why I am standing at the kitchen bench writing this post. It is not the most comfortable spot, but convenient to listen to Margaret Atwood on the radio and boil some 'dippy eggs' for the boys. Unfortunately I overcooked the eggs and they were decidedly undippy.

It is also kind of cold tonight and the kitchen has no heat, so I will keep this quick. Just wanted to show you the one and only photograph I managed to get of my stall at The Market today before the battery kapooped.

Still it was a lovely day and hello if you were there. I met some lovely folks including a few readers so hello to you too and farewelled a few Pocket Pandas who were adopted to new homes which is always lovely.

I also bought some truly gorgeous soap from Natures Path, it is made from Tasmanian Olive Oil, spring water and essential oils. I got the Damask Rose and the Goats Milk and Lavender, they smell divine.

Little Girl Giant

I watched this last night and I still can't stop thinking about. There is such incredible depth of human imagination and creativity that is sometimes so silently bouyant in humanity. So easy to forget and so wonderful to discover again and again.

Designer Dessert

I blogged about Amy Atlas over at Kid Style File, and figured she is too wonderful not to share with you as well.

She creates the most amazing dessert tables.
I think if I was at one of her parties I would definately skip the main course and head straight to the good gear. Yum.

Meet me at the Market

Heads up folks, there is a new art + design market in Hobart. Next Sunday is the first of what promises to be a great monthly market, and I am going to be having a stall!

The market is the brainchild of Holly Webber, Rebecca Roth and Shannon Robertson. They are on a mission to provide locals who produce high quality + individual wares, a forum for displaying and selling their work in a contemporary and exciting setting.

Visit the market for unique and beautiful jewellery and bags, innovative stationery and paper products, absoloutely adorable kids wares, delicious organic tea, bespoke body products, freshly cut flowers and a lazy sunday coffee.

If you are interested in being involved they are putting out the call for stallholders for the May Market, check out the blog for more info.

The Market is on Sunday, 5th April at the Masonic Temple, 3 Sandy Bay Rd, 10am to 4pm.

Market Days

Today has been a delight. The kids stayed in their pyjamas all day and I actually dug my fingers in the dirt and did some gardening. It was one of those misty sundays, spent lazily. When I wasn't outside I was padding around the house in odd slippers, feeding the children marshmallows and gourmet cupcakes (from yesterdays Mothers Market, yum).

The last few months have been fairly relentlessly hectic, with lots on at work and home and I have been making myself more busy by going to a couple of Markets.

Last weekend was the lovely Beach Market at Blackman's Bay, it was so nice on a sunny, beachy Saturday morning. I didn't take any photos but had the great pleasure of meeting Mel, of One Crafty Mumma fame. She is hugely talented and always has great ideas on her blog. She also bought some necklaces and a Pocket Panda, so that was an extra thrill.

This Friday night and Saturday was the Mother's Market in Battery Point. I remembered the camera this time and took some shots of the setup, although it looks a little spare in these ones. I had a wonderful time and it was such a pleasure to be a part of. Those gals are so talented and the stalls are just so beautiful and elegant.

If you haven't found them yet, then you should check out these wonderful Tasmanian designer/makers.... Dick and Dora, Phat Flats, Verna + Hilda, Gilded Pony, Simone Pfister, Baby Hoot, Cherish, plus, Magoolie, Rebecca Roth, Kiswa, Sarah Elliott Design, just to name a phew!

Hello to everyone I met at the Market!

Hobbit Home

These are pretty fabulous! You can customise the colour or print and begin the adventure for your little hobbit to have a home of their own!

More info here, found via Minor Details

Decorating Love

Look at this fabulous apartment.... I am in love...
For more click here.

Thimble Garden

I love moss, and I love small things.
What a delight! A perfect garden for a mouse.
Found here.

Look what I just bought...

... a wonderful Obama bandana hand printed in Brooklyn. Found at etsy seller, Hand Over Fist, I love it!

I love gorgeous

Life has been a little on the busy side over at Little Snoring HQ. I have been parenting solo since the middle of Jan which is always a little hectic, but nice at the same time. Thankfully His Nibs will be back next week and he can take over - because I quit! Well at least for a week or two.

I have been meaning to post some pixs from the holiday, but it seems like so long ago. So I won't.

But the best news of 2009 so far is that I am now writing for Kid Style File. It is so much fun, and it is so nice to work for a friend. My wonder-woman friend Ange, is the mother of two gorgeous twin girls and the mother of KSF.

This photo is from one of my favourite posts, click on the image to read. And while you are over there, I recommend you subscribe to the newsletter, for the heads up on some great discounts and cool picks.

Merry Merry Merry from LA

Feliz Navidad from the land of snow and ice. Luckily California has only seen some rain and cooler days, could be a Hobart Christmas really. There is a big parade that goes right passed the house tonight, so the carolling and festivities are not over yet. But, I hope you have warmer weather and a fun holiday.

California uberalis

A few snaps from the travels so far. We have been enjoying the holidays American-style, lots of lights, cookies and shopping, so far.

ps.There were actually two dogs in that pram, and the flamingos were at the LA Zoo.

pps. I am in love with the squirrels, which I think are less loved here, but they are such a novelty to me and so cute and fluffy.

Movember - still time to donate

I have been noticing a lot of dodgy looking mo's lately, so it means only one thing...its Movember. I love to have a laugh to myself at the extra facial hair. But it is also a good reminder that men's health is not talked about often.

All donations to Movember go towards Prostate Cancer and Beyond Blue. So, if you know anyone participating please think about donating. If don't know anyone growing a Mo and would still like to donate, the widget above links to my brother-in-law's MoSpace so feel free to donate on behalf of his middle-aged, bike riding, mustachioed ass.

Disappearing Mountain

Oooooh the water is falling and the air is warm. Spring Rains again today.
I met up with a long time friend today for a frolic at the Botanical Gardens with her uber-cute 4 year old twins... Fortunately we ended our morning with icy poles at the Lily Pond just as the rain began to gently drop from on high. Ten minutes later it was close to torrential and the afternoon lengthened into foggy or green.

Happy 40th Harriet

So now I have outed my sister for turning the big 4 Oh! I can show you the gift I made for her. It is a cosy quilt filled with alpaca batting, for placing over her lap for nights in front of the telly. Because there will be no more boozy nights out with friends now you are officially over the hill!

The top of the quilt is a cheater-print from Denyse Schmidt called Patchwork Promenade, which I can highly recommend if you want to whip something up quickly (having said that it still took a few weeks to get together and to quilt). The border is a thick strip of orange velvet that my grandmother had in her stash and I inherited, there was just enough to go around, and I really love that there is a little bit of her in there as well.

The bottom is a well a patchwork of pieces from the stash, they include some Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner, Kaffe Fasset and some Alexander Henry pieces.

Reverse Graffiti

I have been very absent lately, but I thought to share these amazing pixs of graffiti etched into the grime.
If I had two brain cells I could rub together I would have some comment on the irony and beauty of this art. But I don't and I just googled 'Reverse Graffiti' and there are plenty more pictures and websites around.
I just wish some one with some talent could make some art on my floors, so I would have a more legitimate excuse for not washing them.

Obama-rama

The tranquility is alarming. We shipped the kids off for a sleep over at Gramma's house. I find it the weirdest paradox that I can spend months dreaming of off-loadin the kids for a little time to be myself and then the minute they are gone... the house feels empty (although it feels like their ghosts are still here), the car ride to the restaurant too quiet and I feel like I am on another planet.

Still that was mostly last night. This morning is bliss. All to myself, bliss.

The last few months have been less than smooth. I have been really driven to try and help the little two with their skin. They have had really bad excema for a long time now and the conventional treatment of steroid creams just do not work. Their sleep has been affected and I think their view of their world has been altered. It has been an all together irritating ailment.

I could carry on about all the advice from $200 per minute specialists I have received, but I won't because it was crap. But, the good news is, I have changed everyone's diet and the excema is fading away, nearly all healed and calm is coming our way.

This last week I have been spending more time in the garden planting seeds, mostly greens for salads, and watching the brussels turn into sprouts (note to anyone: you have to let them flower so they can form the sprouts - too bad I pulled out all but one plant because I thought they 'were going to seed' - mostly I think it is me going to seed)

I am also day dreaming about California. Lift-off is still 6 weeks away, but I am thinking about packing bags, the flight over and back with Mr 2 on my lap, treats to take, cookies to make (Inghy and Espy have signed me up for a cookie-swap), things to buy, op-shopping in LA, fabric shopping, drafting patterns, maybe making some clothes, eating lots of Mexican food, watching american telly, excess baggage. It has been 7 years since I left the country, so I am geting pretty excited.

The other consuming passion of late around Chez Snore, it Mr Barack Obama. We love him, we really want him to win, I do not want contemplate life if the other guy gets in. Luka even had a dream the other night that he got to meet Obama and ride in his limo and talk about his maths with the guy. So cute for a 7 year old. Note to self: they are sponges...