Wednesday 2 November 2011

Shark Baby

Look at this cute photo my daughter came across! What a cute little outfit. 

(Lynn Lynn)

If anyone knows where to get these, please share! So sweet. 

Trish x

Thursday 29 September 2011

An update from me!

It's been ages since I posted! I have been so busy planning and developing our Christmas range and dividing my time between Peek A Boutique, housework, gardening and family , that I have barely had a minute to spare!

I am sure most people will agree that sometimes there isn't enough hours in the day to do everything we want to!

(belletristics.blogspot.com)

Oh and guess what? We have our first ad coming out soon... so stay tuned!

Trish x

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Christmas - It's Coming Again!

Come September, come the spring and as sure as night follows day, come the Christmas decorations bursting into department stores and making a grand entrance even in the smaller retail outlets.

Not to miss the boat, we're getting in on the action too!

Just a whisker away from being launched is our gorgeous Christmas stocking range.



These unique little stockings come in red and green (oh! surprise, surprise) and feature the cutest of Christmas trims AND custom embroidery. Is anyone interested in other colours than the standard Christmas red and green, I wonder?

A few years ago we had a purple, white and silver theme going with the Christmas tree decorations. It was different, 'noice'; but would anyone want these less predictable colours for their kid's Chrissy stockings? A black and white theme perhaps? Or even a traditional 'pink and blue for girls and boys' theme?

Anyway, we'll start with the tried and true - the red and the green - but they aren't boring as you'll soon see. Stay tuned! I promise I will have images of these soon.

It's time to start Christmas shopping! I'm taking custom orders on these so you can have the name of your choice embroidered.

OK, by popular demand I've posted a pic to give an idea of what they look like - although I have only this one type to start with.

Trish

Wednesday 31 August 2011

A Tribute to Mums!

My dear mum would be celebrating her birthday today, 31 August.

It goes without saying that she would be so proud of her children and grandchildren, all of whom she totally adored and who regard her only ever with the greatest love. 

She passed away before I started Peek A Boutique so she never got to witness or enjoy the magic of embroidery that I've only recently embraced. I know she would truly have marvelled at this amazing embroidery machine in action - fascinated by every stitch and in awe of every design it creates. She would've just loved and supported every baby gift, every new idea.

She was a peacemaker, a nurturer, a gentle and beautiful woman.

So it's cheers to mum. We'll make a toast in her honour tonight. 

And here's to all mums who have nurtured and supported us, and whose influence is far-reaching and evident every day.

xx Trish

Monday 22 August 2011

Cantalope Eyes?????? What....

Today, a bit of frivolity and nonsensicalness! (no, that's not a real word).

Have you ever sung particular words to a song each time you hear it, then years later you find you were totally of the mark? This morning I was listening to the sound track from 'The Boat That Rocked' which is another movie in the genre of 'feel good' movies which I absolutely LOVE! It's just such fun.

So, 'Judy in Disguise' I've thought forever, was 'Judy in the Skies'. As it turns out I've been singing the wrong words for years! Maybe I was doing a bit of a crossover there with 'Lucy in the Skies with Diamonds'? That's my excuse anyway. But apart from all that, I looked up the lyrics to 'Judy In Disguise' (because I didn't believe what my ears were telling me) and yes, we have in those lyrics "cantalope eyes come to me tonight" (just as I thought); a "chimney sweep sparrow with guise"; and a "lemonade pie". Wow! Bizarre, curious and fascinating lyrics.

I have now concluded it's little wonder that some of us (I'd like to think most of us) have a tendency to fabricate our own song lyrics. I can actually recall quite a few other examples - these are definitely not words that I've sung myself - a friend of a friend sang these:

Mr Show Lambie - (should be) Mrs Jones and Me

Blinded by the light, set up by a doucher in the middle of the night (should be) cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night);

I became I wine embrandouator (should be) I became a wine and brandy waiter.

(I never did know what an embrandouator was and I still don't know now)??? But I do know that ridiculousness often gets the better of me.

Trish






Friday 19 August 2011

Dogs Are Helping Kids Learn to Read - I Love this Story

It makes perfect sense to me that beginning readers and children with learning difficulties can confidently read to a dog as a non-threatening and non-judgemental audience who won't mock them or correct them if they make a mistake, nor give negative feedback of any kind.

Come on, we all talk to our dogs (don't we - please agree with me here), so why not encourage a child to read to a dog? Of course it needs to be the right kind of dog and the article refers to a professional therapy dog or well-trained family pet that is part of a safe environment in which the child feels comfortable.

I'm passionate about children's literacy and support any way of enhancing a child's prospects of learning to read.

Enjoy the article by Joe Wilkes on Ceasar Milan's website.
Trish

http://www.cesarsway.com/news/dognews/Dog-Eared-Books-A-New-Definition?utm_source=mobilestorm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Aug11NL_3

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Already Missing 'THE BLOCK'!

Weeknight viewing just won't be the same without THE BLOCK. I know there's still the auction to go but I'll miss the challenges, the triumphs, the room reveals, the couples and the insights into their lives and relationships - which seems a bit creepy and a touch voyeuristic, but isn't that what gets us all in?

Yeah, I love seeing the stunning outcomes of all their hard work (Porky and I have had our fair share of renovating and now feel we could back up for more). But for all of us addicted to the show it's like we get to know and analyse the personalities of the couples and the individuals, we have a favourite couple, we take a side in an argument, give armchair advice on the choices made and the colours chosen, agree or disagree with the judges, approve or otherwise of the finished results; and maybe even imagine ourselves living in those rooms, entertaining in those stunning outdoor spaces with our own families and friends (however, I draw the line at imagining P in the mankini)! Or anyone else I know in the mankini. Hilarious but so very cringe-worthy! I loved Amy's comment "I've seen too much"!

Oh yes, so have I (but I did watch all those replays)!

And apart from all of the above, I feel for the couples leaving 'their' houses which have become so much a part of them; which hold a part of their story, reflect their character, their taste in decorating, their hard work and their love. Get a grip I tell myself - it's only a TV show. But is that all it is - after all it IS real people being filmed as themselves - in a situation in which they are without their privacy and from which they must return to their normal everyday lives.

So what's the addiction that I and millions of others viewers have to THE BLOCK and other reality TV? Do we feel like we've shared their journey - is this the addiction? Or is it the fact that watching the people involved fulfils a fantasy within us all? (I don't mean in a creepy way)! Moreover, the watching is justifiable by the viewers and desired by the participants because it's a TV show in which those people have willingly subjected themselves to being watched.

Oh well, whatever it is I find it an interesting phenomenon,  AND, I want more of THE BLOCK!!!

Trish



Tuesday 9 August 2011

One Of Those Mornings

Hey, what happened to the weather - we're back to 'brrrrr' - hard-to-get-out-of-bed-weather.

So, why can't I just get up when the alarm goes off? For me, an alarm going off at 5:15 is an instant sleeping potion and I crash back into the deepest, most fitful slumber - as usual. Luckily I wake up fifteen minutes later, knowing I REALLY need to get out of bed NOW and head for the shower. How hard can it be? It's 10 steps away from the bed. But no, too warm and cosy in here. I can steal another five and still get out the door in time for my meeting. In serious danger of falling back into a deep, deep sleep.....

WHY didn't I just get up? Now I'm running late, I've put my top on inside-out but I don't yet know that yet. I'm flying out the door, calling back to whoever hears me to feed the dogs and check their water - please? I'm about to start the car and (thankfully, thankfully, thankfully) notice that my top is inside-out. This morning, it's a blessing  the windows are fogged up. A quick change manoeuvre and I'm on my way, cursing myself as I go.

Sunday 7 August 2011

Salvo's Oasis Ball 2011 Fundraiser

The Oasis Ball this year was a huge success in raising funds and awareness for the Youth Support Network which seeks to put an end to youth homelessness.

Peek A Boutique is proud to have been involved by donating a gift valued at $250 to the auction on the night. The final fundraising results are not yet to hand, however by all accounts it was a fantastic event and will be a great outcome in terms of funds raised. Nothing but praise for all the Oasis team!

See the pic of Peek A Boutique logo below - rubbing shoulders with the big guns!

Congratulations once again to the work done by the Salvo's Oasis team.

Trish



Saturday 6 August 2011

Salvation Army's Oasis Young Parents Program

This month, Peek A Boutique has also become a proud supporter of the Oasis Young Parents Program. We have donated the first of our birthday gifts to children aged from birth to three years who are involved in this program. The Young Parents Program provides support to the parents of these children, many of whom are without a support network of any kind and come from severely disadvantaged backgrounds. 
Examples of the types of support provided to parents by Oasis include educational and social activities run on a weekly basis; for example, workshops with skilled facilitators on child behaviour and development, cooking classes, visits to the early childhood nurse, first aid and a range of social activities.

"In addition to educational and social activities the program also provides tailored one-on-one support which includes home visits and assistance with building support within the young parents communities. Our aim with the Young Parents Program is to create a strong support network for disadvantaged and 'at risk' young parents as well as increase skills and knowledge in order to break the cycle of disadvantage. Many of the young parents involved have demonstrated real growth and development throughout the program and often express greater self-worth and confidence in their parenting ability."
I congratulate all those involved in this vitally important initiative.
Trish

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Check out my new promo material!


These are our awesome new flyers (thanks to our wonderful designer, Bridey Martin)! She has done a stellar job! Keep your eyes peeled - you might see them popping up in your local area, shops or even your workplaces.

Trish x

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Ladybugs - So Cute!

I think the ladybug theme for a baby girl is so sweet. The red and black is much bolder than the usual colours used for decorating a nursery or setting the theme for a baby shower but it is such a lovely design. There is something really special about ladybugs when you're a little girl. When my girls were little they were in awe of ladybugs and when they found one they'd start speaking really softly and moving about gently so as not to scare it away (so adorable)! Be still my beating heart.

Look at these great ladybug ideas for babies - cookies, cupcakes, cakes, invitations and decorations. Everything you could ever need! Some great ideas for a nursery room or for a baby shower! There are some very clever people around! Love them all, but my favourite is the white 3 tier cake swarming with little ladybugs!

(Make Fabulous Cakes)

(Melanie Judge)

(Fat Cook)

(Cake Central)

(Cake Central)

(Glorious Treats)

(Design Dazzle)

(Pink Cake Box)

(Theme A Party)

(Squidoo)

Saturday 30 July 2011

Father's Day - Happening Soon!

Sunday 4 September is Father's Day! So, the deal is free shipping Australia-wide on gifts from our 'What About Dad' department.

August starts on Monday; it's nearly springtime (my favourite time of year - I shudder with anticipation); and Father's Day is just around the corner! Is it just me, or is the year racing madly by us again?

This time of year excites me - with spring approaching, gardens are awakening and beckoning praise in their new season outfits, the weather's getting warmer, the days longer, the skies bluer. Yay!!!

We have this amazing magnolia tree in the back yard and it's at the peak of it's grand floral performance right now (a little later than usual this year). When I stand at my kitchen window it's right there before me filling the entire view with proud and lovely petals that look like baby pink flamingos perched along the branches (imagination running wild again). Anyway, it's so lovely that it makes me feel fortunate to have that tree.... well, until the petals begin to fall, turn brown, become slippery; and I realise there's a lot of sweeping in store for me.


Anyway, back to Father's Day - if you're buying for a New Dad, or a Dad-To-Be remember our free shipping Australia-wide for Dad gifts in our 'What About Dad' department. It's only while stocks last.

Now back to the magnolia - I'm going to post a pic of it because I want to share it.

Trish

Friday 22 July 2011

Potential Risk of Using Mothballs Around Babies

How many people are aware of this I wonder?

I recently heard about the danger of naphthalene exposure on radio and was prompted to look into it as I had no prior knowledge of the issue. The chemical naphthalene is commonly present in mothballs. If you use mothballs in the home you may be familiar with its risks however; for those who aren't this info is definitely worth passing on. I don't think a safety issue can ever be over-stated; especially one which places newborn babies in particular, at risk. Naphthalene exposure can occur simply by breathing its vapours from clothes or bedding that have been stored in mothballs! At the very least, blankets and clothes that have been stored in mothballs should be well-aired before use but washing before use is recommended. Exposure to the chemical can cause damage to blood cells and in extreme cases, brain damage. Please take a minute to read the linked file.
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/environmental/naphtalene.html

Thursday 21 July 2011

The Brave Discussion

I've only recently become aware of this website and I now follow it daily. Always an enlightening read!

http://thebravediscussion.com/

Trish x

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Baby Nurseries

Even though it was years ago, I remember designing our first nursery and thinking what a special place it was about to become. There are so many different ideas for nurseries but one thing remains the same - these spaces are created with such love and care.

Check out these images of some beautiful nurseries.

(shelter interior design)

(alex hayden)

(making it lovely)

(referans wordpress)

(new house of art)

(new house of art)

(new house of art)

Have you had any experience creating a nursery for the newest addition to your family? I would love to hear about your experience or even see some of your images if you would like to share. 

Trish x

Sunday 17 July 2011

Baby Shower Ideas

Look how beautiful these cookies are! They make perfect Baby Shower treats dont they? Something a little bit different from cupcakes but still as beautiful... and these cookies look delicious!

(Spearmint Baby)

(Spearmint Baby)

(Glorious Treats)

(Big Fat Cook)


(Big Fat Cook)


Trish x

Friday 15 July 2011

Celebrity Baby Names

We know that unusual baby names are becoming very fashionable indeed. You only need to take a look at the celebrity babies born recently to gather evidence of this!

Natalie Portman and boyfriend Benjamin Millepied welcomed a baby boy in June, however no official announcement has been made to confirm the baby's birth let alone his name. Rumours are swirling about his name, believed to be 'Aleph' - the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.



July 9 saw the arrival of a baby boy for Kate Hudson and her musician boyfriend Matt Bellamy. They named their little man 'Bing' or Bingham Hawn Bellamy. On Twitter, Matt explained that Bingham was his mother's maiden name and Bing was Kurt Russell's dad's name. Hawn as the baby's middle name is obviously after Kate's mum, Goldie Hawn.



Victoria and David Beckham welcomed the arrival of their baby daughter on July 10 and announced her name as 'Harper Seven'. My own daughter loves the name Harper and I am almost sure I may have a grandchild one day called Harper... but Seven? Reminds me of that hilarious episode of Seinfeld.



Stay tuned for more interesting baby names!

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Monday 11 July 2011

Peek A Boo Baby

This gorgeous photo was sent to us by one of our customers who lives in New Zealand. Look at those eyelashes - he is just gorgeous. He has the Peek A Boutique 'King of the Jungle' embroidered blanket keeping him warm in those chilly temperatures.

Trish

Sunday 10 July 2011

Peek A Boo Baby

Here's little Olivia (now 1 year old) enjoying the 'Fit for a Princess' Peek A Boutique towel she received for her birthday. Precious baby girl!


Amazing Baby Cakes

The cake industry is booming, particularly with the recent popularity of cupcakes!!

I love sweet things and came across these amazing cakes designed for babies birthdays and baby showers. Check out these great images below.

Its making my mouth water just looking at them...

(birthdaycakescenter.com)

(cakeladycakes.com)
(cakesnstuff.com.au)

(mysweetheartsbakery.com.au)

(pinkcakebox.com)

(treatbox.com.au)

(cakesbycarson.com.au)

(pinkcakebox.com)

Thursday 30 June 2011

EMBROIDERED BIRTH NOTICES LAUNCHED!!!

They're here as promised in my last Blog! Peek A Boutique's own customised, personalised, embroidered birth notice (a.k.a. birth announcement). Whatever you prefer it to be called, it's the ideal gift for a new baby!

Hand-made, individually designed, creative, original and a gorgeous keepsake - what more can I say to describe our latest product? I love the concept of combining embroidery with stunning and colourful kids fabric - it really excites me! I'm mad about fabric. There are some amazing designs available in the world of textiles which inspire me enormously.  I look forward to creating more designs to showcase on the website.

For now, you can view a couple of examples and of course, more will be added as we further explore the potential of this creative concept.

Trish

Sunday 19 June 2011

Gorgeous Embroidery Designs for Babies!

Here I am, back on the Blog and less than one week since my first-ever post.


I'm really excited about embroidery and love testing out a new design. In the last couple of weeks, I've tested three  designs and been so thrilled with the results that I've added all of them to the website. http://www.peekaboutique.com.au/store/embroidered-gifts/


The little zebra was first used on an embroidered gift to celebrate the birth of baby Dean; hence the naming of this design 'Dean the Zebra'. I embroidered this on a bamboo cot blanket so I hope Dean will enjoy it for years to come.


There's a bit of scepticism about bamboo fabric which I admit I was part of before I got to feel it for myself. It's actually the softness fabric I've felt. Extremely cosy and snuggly!!! http://www.peekaboutique.com.au/store/embroidered-gifts/bamboo-blankets/


The next design was also used for the first time on a bamboo fibre blanket given as a first birthday gift to little Lily from her grandparents. They told me they'd love a ladybug design if I had one available (which at the time, I didn't). Anyway, I found a stunning ladybug image and it looked even more stunning in the colours I chose for the embroidery on the blanket. This design is quite bold and strong in red, orange and black yet it's cute at the same time. It has been added to the website and appropriately, called Lily Ladybug.


Then, there's the flower-child hippo (Hippy Hippo). She is adorable in pink. She was embroidered on a bath towel for baby Ayla. Each time I come across a new design it becomes my favourite - for while anyway, until I re-visit them all and realise I just love them all! Personalised gifts are always so popular because they stand out amongst other gifts and usually do become a treasured keepsake.


I'm working on a new project with embroidery which is soon to be released. This is a customised and embroidered gift and definitely a 'one-of-a-kind'gift - a true keepsake. I've already made one of these which was a big hit with the recipients and I'm sure the little man for whom it was designed will enjoy it!


Make sure you visit again as there'll be more to discover!


Trish

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Not Too Techno-Savvy

To claim I am time poor is no great revelation and nothing new to anyone. Almost everyone I know is time poor as a condition of the lives we lead and the societies in which we live.

But, is it an excuse for me not having Blogged up until now? Not once. Never Blogged! Just thinking about Blogging swamps me in uncertainty – I don’t know where to begin; why Blog; who’ll read my Blog? What would I write and in what tone should it be written? What length should a Blog be? 

Cringe..........!!!

Up until now I’ve hidden behind the ‘no time’ excuse which, considering millions of people are Blogging in spite of busy lives, is of course a cop-out.

The truth is, I’m just not Blog/Face Book/Twitter-savvy. Anyone who knows me will attest that mastering technology is not my forte’. My ‘un-savvyness’ is a joke amongst family and friends. I managed to create three separate FB accounts without intending to do so, with different friends on each one and without remembering the passwords. I have only one App on my I-Phone. What the heck is Tungle? 

Digital networking doesn't come naturally to me. I was never going to get involved!

However, I recently attended an incredibly interesting Social Media Workshop - so eloquently presented by Kathie Melocco – PR and social media expert. http://kathiemelocco.net.au/about-kathie/ Thanks to the awesome insights and knowledge of Kathie, I understand the importance of engaging in the various platforms of social media. I recognise the benefit of digital storytelling. I now ‘get it’ that in writing a Blog I am effectively ‘storytelling’. And yes, I can do that. 

So, I hereby make a commitment to Blog and declare in my struggle to do it methodically, that I will Blog once a fortnight (to begin with) until I become at one with the rhythm of Blogging. To assist in my plight I believe it will help to allocate a day and time each fortnight for a mandatory Blog - if I haven’t already Blogged that fortnight. For now, my mandatory Blog o’clock will be next Wednesday lunchtime and every second Wednesday thereafter - and I’ll try and stick to this.

I will stick to this!

Please join in congratulating me on my pledge, and welcoming me on my adventure into the hitherto untapped realms of ‘trans media storytelling’. And thanks for reading my first-ever Blog!

Trish