In Love With HandMade......

I'm often asked what it is that inspired me to launch Allies.. so many things come to mind including I get to work with such talented people as I go about my day sourcing all the wonderful Sydney designers to create a handmade haven...

Just look at these amazing sketches by Wonderlandia who create a whole new enchanting world within its own! I'm always amazed by creativity and love how the characters are brought alive!

Before the mortgage and Izac I didn't really think twice about how much things cost... sad but true. These days there's a budget that keeps me in line and suddenly everything's accounted for.. so much so that when it comes to household shopping a common question in our household is "do we really need it?".. can't argue with that logic, annoying but true! So whilst most things look beautiful there needs to be more to it to inspire us to part with our money..

Sure there's the everyday items that homebrand is just fine and I'm not ashamed to say it! But then there's special items that by looking at them I can just tell how much hard work, creativity and passion goes into making them..... and that's just the way I like it.. I love to be surrounded by beautiful things that don't cost the earth.. My home is my haven and think it should define our personalities, give us warmth and help capture our memories..

Can I Hear A Kookaburra?

I spoke to a friend recently who told me instead of having a birthday party for her one year old she and her husband decided to pay for the food to feed a refuge of 200 people in the inner city of Sydney.... I left our lunch that day in admiration of how entirely selfless this is. So much so that its inspired me to look at ways Allies Attic can make a difference to the local community.

So here's what I'm thinking.... As our markets are now monthly alternating between Cronulla & Mosman wouldn't it be great to support two local charities in both areas? Our next market day is in Cronulla Sat 20 March and this is where my new charity venture will start.. We've contacted local charity Camp Kookaburra Inc. and set it all up!

Camp Kookaburra supports children and young people, 8 to 16 years old from families affected by mental illness by providing camps and other activities that are fun, healthy positive and safe. Sounds great yes?

I'm open to suggestions on exactly how this will work and would love to hear from you.. A raffle perhaps? A chilren's fashion parade? Who knows... our imaginations the limit...

And of course, if anyone knows of any local charities in the North Shore area, drop me a line.. I'd love to hear about them!

There's A Buzz About Mosman

Up until now I've managed to actually avoid spending money at my own markets.. it was the odd piece here and there but yesterday I just think I managed to tip the scale somewhat and completely blow the budget... it is Izac's birthday around the corner.. yes that's what I kept telling myself as I just couldn't resist!
There was a certain community feel about to our first little Boutique Designer Market in Mosman with lots of mummies chatting away about how beautiful everything was. I also couldn't help but notice all the dad's out and about Saturday morning with their little ones coming down to the markets armed with a milkshake or two!

By the end of the markets my feet ache, I've forgotten to eat lunch (although my hips thank me for this) and I start to think about our next market in Cronulla March 20th. After turning on the computer I see the Sunny Mummy Blog who's just featured Allies Attic. Sunny Mummy who I hear you say?... Up until a few weeks ago I would have been asking the same question. You see, Sunny Mummy is every mums answer to keeping it real and finding the time for you just in case your days get so crazy. Have we so easily forgotten that if the captain goes down the ship can't continue to sail! Mind you that analogy is a Allies Attic special but in essence, Sunny Mummy is spot on in terms of positive affirmations... Created by a Sidney Sider, Stacey inspires her readers to live life and stop wishing away the hours.. Its about kindness, love and caring and all the fuzzy bits in between.. yep the Sunny Mummy bug has caught me too!

So inspired I am to share the love that I'll be playing dress up's with Izac and his new clothes this week. Stay tuned for photos!

Find Exclusive Sales At Allies Attic Mosman Markets

There's nothing like a sale to create a little excitement amongst Sydney mums, and isn't it just a little sweeter when you know you'll still be getting the best in newborn & children's limited edition handcrafted pieces.

At Allies this weekend you'll find exclusive designer sales for Baby & Kids clothing & accessories. As other sales are winding down our market dates for 2010 are just beginning with up to 50% off some items! Sydney Labels like Kaile Baby Linen have an exciting February promotion offering 50% off all stock. Just a little different from the generic lines you'll see in retail chains, Kaile experiments with colors and has a fresh range of linen for every nursery.

You'll also find children's wear designer, The Raisin Did It at Allies with a nothing short of impressive line of summer stock and I know you won't believe me when I say ALL summer stock is going for $20! Yes, designer wear for $20!

If you do come to Allies, don't go past ThingkBaby who specialize in children's decor including lampshades and all things nice. Thingk to me is all things lavish, beautiful and magical. Its where Peter Pan meets his kingdom... and enchanted was I to see these new range of fabric books from the gorgeous Cicely Mary Barker Flower Fairy series..

See you at Allies, you won't be disappointed! Mosman Art Gallery & Community Centre, Cnr Art Gallery Way & Myahgah Rd, Mosman 10am-3pm FREE ENTRY