New stock at Quirk

I've just delivered some of these warm woollies to Quirk, check 'em out if you're local!

Print media

A little while ago I was contacted by two different journalists to do an interview about what I make.  The first of those interviews is now in an article in The Weekly Review for the Greater Geelong area.  A few facts are wrong (like Livinia's name is not Olivia, and I'm qualified in Reflexology, not aromatherapy), but it's a pretty good article.  The next article will be in the GC magazine (Geelong Coast), which comes out in June.  There should be some good photos of Evie & Liv modelling for me.  You can read the article here.

Op shop haul

 We had a good day of op shopping in town yesterday.  Looks like a children's clothing shop went out of business or got rid of a lot of stock to the Salvos in Ryrie St Geelong.  We picked up Metalicus leggings for $3 a pair (the orange ones Evie is wearing are tagged size 10-12, but are smaller than some others she wears.)  The dress Evie is wearing is not from the op shop, it's from Winter Water Factory.

 Metalicus white t-shirt size 8-10 ($5), and a little dress for Liv.

Metalicus navy marle top size 8-10 ($5) and navy stripey leggings.  All perfect for next year.  So local girls, it's worth a look, they also had Gaia organic babywear, Aunty Ollie shirts for boys (small sizes), some more bigger sized Metalicus leggings, and lots of baby shoes.  First rack to the right once you go up the ramp, and a table nearby had all the goods :)

Food

Tania did a great post yesterday on her blog Ivy Nest about food.  Her food journey is similar to mine, trying to figure out just what is good for you, and will truly nourish your body.  You can read it here.

Cooling down

More winter woollies for the cool weather that's on its way.  Two blanket dresses one size 2, one size 4, with pink poppy embroidered doileys on the front.  Thanks Ali for letting me know about the blanket!  Also one more vest in size 3.  The tan colour looks better in real life, looks a little khaki in the photo.  Now in the shop

Weather proofing the house

We had some awnings installed on the front of the house today, one of the first steps to weather proofing our house on hot days.  After the 9 day long heat wave we experienced in March, I found that I needed a plan to ensure we'd be more comfortable if it happens again.  And it probably will.  We don't have air conditioning, and don't plan to have it installed, as it is a huge power guzzler.  Our house stays comfortable for a few days anyway, and so isn't usually a problem.  Andrew is building a solar air heater for winter ventilation and some warmth, which I'm hoping will double as a cooler in summer- draws cool night air into the house when needed.  We'll also look at installing a solar whizz, and getting better roof insulation.

April snippets

 Can't believe it's been a whole month since I last posted!  Now that it's school holidays, I can have a think about what I've been doing apart from going back and forth between school, kinder and home.  I've been making a few winter inspired upcycled garments such as the flannelette nightie above.

 Picking big sweet juicy apples from our big apple tree.

 The Easter weekend's efforts- spreading manure over a big patch of our back lawn.  It had lots of patches of no grass, and very sandy soil, so it was time for repair.  I'd love a chook tractor at some point, so this is "pasture", not lawn.  It's pretty stinky at the moment.  Most of our garden got a manure treatment too.

 A trip to the Garden of St Erth on Monday (and lunch at Red Beard in Trentham) resulted in a new dwarf golden delicious apple tree, 2 female kiwi vines (the one we planted in spring didn't make it through summer), and a few packets of seed and garlic.  All our garlic is now in the garden.

Broad beans (crimson flowered) and snow peas popping up in the teepee.