CHALK

MOVING DAY

2009-06-02T13:51:00.003+10:00

CHALK Blog has found a new home over with the rest of the CHALK website.
Please visit us at our new address - www.chalkconcepts.com.au

See you there - Jenny

Lovely Rooms

2009-05-25T21:58:00.000+10:00

My Favourite

2009-05-17T19:02:00.002+10:00

Every once in a while a product comes along that I can't get enough of. At the moment it is the kids trainer chopsticks. They're fabulous and look great. We are big rice eaters at our house and the kids are dying to try these out. I must admit I'm looking forward to trying them out as well.

$9.95

Time to go Long sleeved

2009-05-14T18:42:00.000+10:00

Crib Couture

2009-05-13T19:04:00.001+10:00

Serena and Lily's new catalogue is out so I thought I'd share some of their nursery shots. What do you think?

2009-05-04T20:45:00.000+10:00

Boys Girls - Who Cares

2009-05-03T22:26:00.006+10:00

I bought Ben a grey cable knit zip through cardigan from CHALK which has been great - then I took Emma in to get her something warm to wear and guess what she chose? The green version of Ben's cardigan! She bypassed the pretty pink one and in fact all the girl's range, and went for el el's one. She hasn't taken it off and I actually think she may have gone to bed wearing it..... hold on....
In fact she is indeed.

And just so he doesn't feel left out - Ben is wearing his Pure Baby whale pajamas.

Gidget turns 7

2009-05-02T00:06:00.004+10:00

Speaking of birthdays, I was looking through the photos of Gidget's birthday from last Friday and relised she is wering her new CHALK top so I thought I'd show you.

It is from the people at The Purple Caterpillar - now EL EL.

Actually now I look at it her entire outfit is from CHALK except of course the bowling shoes which, believe me, I would stock if I could!

Robots Rule

2009-05-01T23:57:00.005+10:00

( fabulous Store 6 cupcake courtesy of Leslie)

My baby boy turned five today and I couldn't resist adding another gift to his stash - I had forgotton I had ordered this tee as I did it months ago, but I just had to have it.

Hopefully I will remember to get a photo of him in it to post. They always look better on than off. Birthday boy loved it and I can see it becoming a favourite in no time.

Dinner

2009-03-31T19:48:00.000+11:00

Boy O Boy

2009-03-29T09:54:00.003+11:00

These tops arrived during the week - not as warm as a wind cheater but more substance than a tee. There's also a red and navy version. $29

and no, we don't sell them!

2009-03-26T17:01:00.002+11:00

2009-03-26T16:55:00.000+11:00

Wrap Me Up

2009-03-22T19:09:00.001+11:00

PURE BABY

2009-03-21T18:28:00.000+11:00

Anyone for tennis?

2009-03-20T15:21:00.001+11:00

OUCH tracky dacks $32

OUCH tracky top $39

I may hate exercise but I do love a track suit. They are sooo comfy and warm. These ones from OUCH are designed to wear as a set but I like them mixed up too.

New stuff

2009-03-11T19:14:00.002+11:00

Snugglebum PJs are in and who can go past jammies with horses on them. Surely every girl goes through a horse phase at some stage of their lives!

OUCH have sent us our first shipment and the peacock tee is flying out the door. Even the infants get a look in with skunks and other creatures prowling around.

Tree House Love

2009-03-02T23:39:00.000+11:00

elel

2009-03-01T21:09:00.005+11:00

One of my favourite labels 'elel' which used to be 'The Purple Caterpillar' or 'TPC' has just started arriving instore. This is a range that is a perfect match with CHALK. The prices are great, the styles are fabulous but are still right for kids to play in which we feel strongly about. I have already put some aside for my kids and can't wait for the rest to arrive.

Here are some shots from elel's website....

The Cubby

2009-02-28T22:16:00.003+11:00

There is nothing more fun than building a cubby! Under a table, a blanket between two chairs or anywhere that is small enough to squeeze into. Here are some outdoor cubbies that took my fancy.

straw tec

our house

You're invited!

2009-02-26T23:24:00.004+11:00

I am loving these party invites by Diana Platt. They are such a relief after an influx of batman and barbie invites we've seen lately. What would possess someone to suggest Barbie invites for CHALK! Some agents worry me!

My kid's are both having birthdays next month so we'll be posting these out to the small fry of Yarraville.

Wrapped in Quilts

2009-02-25T23:55:00.005+11:00

There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing something you have made be loved and enjoyed. Many lovely customers have told me quilt tales - 7 year olds who still take them everywhere, toddlers who can't sleep without them, quilts that have been so loved they are barely recognisable! Here are some gorgeous photos I received today of my quilts with their special owner...

If you own a CHALK quilt I'd love to see it being loved!

And look at the view out the door....

2009-02-17T22:32:00.002+11:00

Fire Response

2009-02-13T14:57:00.005+11:00

The Kids and I have started to make some quilts to send to those who have been devastated by the bushfires. It is so lovely for the kids to feel that they are doing something positive that will impact on a family who has lost everything during this horror week.

CHALK will also be sending stock, but due to the immense response from people all over Australia we will wait to see where the need is in the weeks to come.

From the CHALK family to yours - stay safe, and our thoughts are with those suffering through this apocolyptic event.

MONSTAR

2009-02-08T00:07:00.002+11:00

I know there are a lot of MONSTAR fans out there and you'll be pleased to know that Fiona is working on the winter range as we speak and it's looking fantastic. As usual she has come up with a ripper of a range and I think you'll love it. Expect to see it in store next month.

Boys Room Ideas

2009-02-07T22:09:00.001+11:00

via Room Envy

via House To Home

no idea where I got this - sorry!

MINIMINK

2009-01-31T08:22:00.003+11:00

I am very excited to announce the arrival of MINIMINK.
We have been wanting to stock this label since day one but for one reason or another it's only just happened.
I know the weather is not ideal at the moment but how divine to snuggle under these throws in the winter.

Here are some other goodies - the teddy and booties to die for.

Eliza Popped!

2009-01-30T13:34:00.003+11:00

The CHALK Family has had another baby!!
We are very excited because our lovely Eliza, who you will know if you shop on a Sunday, had a delicious baby girl yesterday.
Edie Pike hopefully will grace this blog soon - at the moment she's doing a Suri and not releasing any photos!
Stay Tuned!

Sewing Up a Storm

2009-01-29T21:59:00.003+11:00

We may be selling out of clothing at a furious rate but at least I've had a run on quilt making!

Happy Snaps

2009-01-22T00:20:00.004+11:00

I have realised that some of our family snaps feature CHALK sale stock so I thought I would share them with you.

I adore this top by Infancy. It is actually a dress in the smaller sizes but Gidget wears it over her Ouch clamdiggers and it looks great. Oh and Moondoggie is wearing his Rock Your Baby jeans in the background!

I know you can't see a whole lot but here are the Cupid Girl bathers about to get wet at Pt Lonsdale.

Now I'd better see what else I can find...

It's walking out!

2009-01-14T23:12:00.002+11:00

CHALK is on sale to make way for all the fabulous winter stock we have on the way. We've hardly had a summer and we're already making way for winter - how depressing. I'm assuming there is heaps of glorious weather on the way though so even more reson to come in and grab a bargain. My tip is we'll still be swimming in April!

An Angel For The New Year

2009-01-03T17:56:00.003+11:00

Let me introduce new to the newest member of the CHALK family.

Miss Maggie!

Mick and Alice welcomed their gorgeous girl
on Friday and we are all so excited. It is lovely being an Aunty.

Who doesn't need a trolly full of books

2008-12-26T21:19:00.002+11:00

Image by Melanie Acevedo

A Merry Christmas To All & To All A Goodnight

2008-12-24T23:51:00.004+11:00

To all our wonderful customers, have a truely wonderful Christmas and stay safe over the holidays.

CHALK will be closed from Christmas Day until Monday the 12th Jan when I will be on deck for a week or so while Mick has a well deserved break.

Thank you for another fantastic year - we have the best regulars in the world and we appreciate your loyalty more than we can say.

All the best for 2009

Jen

Christmas Idea No4

2008-12-20T18:53:00.003+11:00

Create your own cards with these gorgeous box sets. Each box comes with cards, envelopes and sheets of beautiful stickers.

Christmas Idea No3

2008-12-18T16:23:00.006+11:00

What a great stocking filler - wooden and tin christmas tree ornaments from Rhubarb

Christmas Idea No2

2008-12-18T00:23:00.001+11:00

Is it a tin?

Is it a puzzle?

No,

It's a tin with 4 magnetic puzzles!

Animals, Robots and Fairtale Characters to choose from.

Christmas Idea No1.

2008-12-17T22:02:00.006+11:00

Just imagine finding one of these under the Christmas tree!!!

The Fire truck even has a bell that rings! Fabulous.

$149.00

Save Homemade!!!

2008-12-17T13:35:00.004+11:00

I was sent this today and thought I would share it as it affects so many of my wholesalers and friends -

Below is an excerpt from 5 Minutes for Mom, (http://www.5minutesformom.com/5127/cpsia/), and a link to a petition. The CPSIA is a very real situation that will cause an unthinkable number of companies to cease business. Mine is one of those companies. I did the math, and in order to continue offering my current collection I would have to spend far beyond $52,000 in testing. Beyond this, it will destroy the creativity and uniqueness of our industry, forcing our children to be surrounded in mass produced factory products.

Please do what you can to spread the word. Post to your blogs, send emails, write letters, and please take a few minutes to sign the petition.

I am a mother.
Nothing matters to me more than the safety of my children and other children.
But I can also recognize when a flawed, reactionary law puts countless responsible, business owners at risk of unfairly losing their businesses.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) may have been drafted with good intentions, but along the road it became a law that is impossible to fairly implement.
If it is put into action on February 10, 2009 as it currently is planned, it will have devastating repercussions to both large and small businesses and basically end the handmade goods industry.
The CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in toys (obviously a good thing) but it mandates enormously expensive third-party testing and certification for all products intended for children under the age of 12. It’s the ridiculous expense of the third-party testing and certification that will close businesses and make it illegal for work-at-home moms and dads to sell their handmade goods.
We will all be affected if this law is not changed. As parents, consumers, business owners and employees we will all suffer from the economic mess that this law will trigger. Not to mention we won’t even be able to buy handmade baby blankets!
February 10, 2009 is already being dubbed National Bankruptcy Day. We must all take action now to stop this law from destroying responsible businesses.
How to Help:
If you are an American, write to your United States Congress Person and Senator and the CPSC to request changes in the CPSIA. You canfind your Congress Person here and Senator here. Write to the CPSC here.
Find a sample letter at The Handmade Toy Alliance.
Sign the iPetition for the CPSIA Impacts on Children’s Apparel Industry
Post your concerns on your blog, Facebook or Myspace page.
Send an email directly to the CPSC or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923
Twitter: Search using the #CPSIA hashtag
Join the CPSIA Facebook Group
Join these Etsy folks and send a handmade toy to Congressman Rush.
Learn more about the law and how you can help change it. Here are a few of the many blogs that have helpful resources: National Bankruptcy Day, The Smart Mama, Cool Mom Picks, Z Recommends

Thank you

Susan

Warm Regards,

Jesseca Bellemare
Owner and DesignerWarm Regards,
Quilt Baby
www.quilt-baby.com

The Advent Of Rhubarb

2008-11-22T22:16:00.004+11:00

I adore this advent calender. It is simple but gorgeous. Each pocket is the perdect size for a little treat. $29.00

And who wouldn't want this stocking, also by Rhubarb, hanging on their mantle?

Deck The Store...

2008-11-21T21:37:00.001+11:00

It's that time of year again so tomorrow I'm going to take some snaps of all the wonderful Christmas goodies we have in store - there's HEAPS so stay tuned.

Cute But Not Cuddly

2008-11-17T20:48:00.003+11:00

I absolutely adore this elephant and I get great amusement from watching customers pick him up for a cuddle and look bemused when they realise he weighs a tonne and is solid as a rock. He is actually a book end or a door stop and I think he is fabulous. He's our last one and I don't think I can bare to part with him. He used to have a giraffe friend and a lion for company but now it's just him and I.

Nautical But Nice

2008-11-15T22:31:00.003+11:00

via - The Kids Window

via - IMG

via - Cheyenne Mill Work

via - All Things Blue

And then there is this!!!!

Vintage Baby Shoes

2008-11-07T23:00:00.003+11:00

Aren't these just gorgeous?

Michelle sources the most wonderful vintage embroidered fabrics, doilies, tablecloths, and turns them into these cute-as-pie, one-off baby shoes. As one customer pointed out - they are double the goodness as they are vintage and hand made. Some are even 'double hand made' as the fabric embroidery on many is also done by hand.

Fabulous.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T22:33:00.001+11:00

Don't Forget Halloween on Friday!

2008-10-29T21:29:00.002+11:00

Phot courtesy - Goodhousekeeping.com

Boy's Room

2008-10-27T23:03:00.001+11:00

Paper hats - now why didn't I think of that. Look out for them

soon in the window display at CHALK.

Better Late Than Never

2008-10-19T23:47:00.003+11:00

A while ago I said I would show you the quilts I was madly making over the school holidays. I only remembered to take a photo yesterday, and only after quite a few have sold. Oh well. Here are some that are still in store.

2008-10-12T18:55:00.002+11:00

Image via Inside Out

ITCH

2008-10-09T19:58:00.003+11:00

Once again ITCH have outdone themselves - I love it when our ITCH order arrives as it always makes the store look so bright and cheery. There are more delights from ITCH so pop in and check them out.

Ahoy There.

2008-09-29T22:50:00.002+10:00

I love this shot from Jared Fowler for Inside Out. I like to think that CHALK kids are doing this every day, all over Australia.

Totally Innocent

2008-09-28T16:52:00.002+10:00

For all of you who have missed the beautiful Totally Innocent cards - THEY'RE BACK.

The very clever and talented Lou dropped them in on Saturday and they are so cute. Check out her website too at Totally Innocent.

2008-09-25T18:53:00.000+10:00

The Last Quilt

2008-09-23T22:32:00.004+10:00

For some reason this has been the week of the 'quilt'. I had a lovely stack of quilts in the store a fortnight ago and now there is ONE! Looks like it's back to the sewing machine.

Kristine from Townmouse passed on some wonderful offcuts from her summer range so I am dying to make them up. They are going to make gorgeous quilts. I'll post some photos when they are done. For now though, if you want a CHALK quilt, it's this one or nothing I'm afraid.

2008-09-17T23:33:00.002+10:00

Via Hazy Jane Blog

More New Stuff

2008-09-12T22:56:00.001+10:00

A Picture Tells A Thousand Words

2008-09-07T21:58:00.003+10:00

I love this photo.
I love the bedspreads,
the great big windows,
I love how much fun those 5 boys must be having sharing a room,
I love their gorgeous smiles and their 'boyishness'.
I like to think they are on some wonderful summer holiday and have spent the day jumping from rope swings into a river, or catching frogs in glass jars....

I'd like a thousand more words about this picture.

Rhubarb

2008-09-01T22:44:00.003+10:00

This season Rhubarb has outdone itself.

Not only do we have the gorgeous ceramic plate sets, but now we have beautiful melamine boxed 3 piece sets, cutlery sets, sipper cups, sectioned plates, art smocks, back packs, book ends and a new design for the cooking set.

Go nuts!

How To Scare The Crap Out Of Your Kids...

2008-08-29T20:54:00.000+10:00

Pure Baby

2008-08-28T20:01:00.003+10:00

One of our most popular ranges for babies is the Pure Baby range and we have just received our first summer drop.
As usual it is gorgeous and makes me wish my kids still fitted into it.
The organic cotton feels fabulous and the colours this season are lovely and soft.

I adore this red tree - I'd wear it myself.

Letter Swap

2008-08-27T09:57:00.005+10:00

Unfortunately our fabric letters are no longer available due to them being discontinued by the wholesaler. We still have quite a few but as there is a sad lack of vowels, it is a little hard to make up names.

Never fear!!

We have just received our first shipment of these letters...

They are wooden with a very easy hanging system on the back and they are only $9.00 each!

I've already bought a few for home

Who said CHALK was only for kids?

Oh Boy!!!

2008-08-22T21:31:00.003+10:00

Now, seriously - who ever said there was a lack of interior ideas for boys??? Here are some rooms that show you that an excess of enthusiasm can create something rather...well... interesting!! Although they are giving me a slight headache, I'm sure the kids love them. Hilarious!

Living On The Ceiling

2008-08-21T20:56:00.003+10:00

Me! Me! Me!

I want the top bed!!

I'm tipping that if they have central heating then that bed is very toasty.

Just how massive is this room too?

SCOUT

2008-08-20T09:30:00.003+10:00

We're pleased to bring you our new organic label from the USA -

SCOUT ORGANICS

Scout is a family-owned and operated company. Mom Mimi is the founder and general manager. Grandma Ellen (2007 Employee of Year) is the lead artistic designer. Dad Pat manages the web site and photography. Daughters Stella and Flora manage quality assurance. Dog Ralph sleeps most of the time.

SCOUT comes in sizes 0 - 4 and the dresses in this pic are $36.00

Look Up!

2008-08-17T21:47:00.002+10:00

If this was an Australian flag......
The reason I love it is that I had never thought to paint the ceiling as a feature! Genius.
(now if they would just get rid of the sunflowers and that dodgy pine dresser..)

Let's Go Swimming

2008-08-16T19:48:00.004+10:00

Who would have guessed that on a 12 degree day we would have a rack full of bathers!

Test Pattern Boardies - sizes 0 - 6 $23.00

Frog Camo boardies - sizes 0 - 6 $23.00

Cool Cats boardies - sizes 0 - 6 $28.00

Spot On Rashie - sizes 0 - 6 $28.00

Girls One piece - 0 - 6 $28.00

Serena and Lily

2008-08-15T21:11:00.001+10:00

Unfortunately we don't stock these but Oh My! I wish we did. Once again I have major Serena And Lily envy. Just gorgeous.

Rock Your Baby

2008-08-14T14:08:00.003+10:00

Starts with a drizzle, ends with a flood.

Summer stock has started to trickle in and I am a little concerned that before very long we are going to have to open up next door to fit all the stuff in.

These delicious Rock Your Baby dresses have arrived and I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will extend their size range. My poor kids miss out this year as they stop at a size 4.

Summer Is Coming

2008-08-07T17:55:00.006+10:00

Not long to wait now - We should start seeing Summer stock arriving next week! How Fun!

This little man has just welcomed is 3rd little sister. Welcome to the world Lucy Japp!

Now that's how you paint a wall

2008-08-02T20:38:00.004+10:00

My coffee table at home was annoying me - years of scuffing, texta marks etc had given it a decidedly shabby appearence. While deciding on a new design, I made one of my snap decisions and painted the top of it with blackboard paint. Moondoggie (age 4) thought I'd gone nuts but it's been a huge success and may stay around much longer than anticipated.

Here's one of my favourite blackboards -

Image by Melanie Acevedo

Newbies

2008-07-28T14:13:00.008+10:00

We are in the midst of the messiest time of year for retail. All our winter clothing is on sale so we are in the annoying position of being rapt that everything is selling through, but annoyed because all our sizes are disappearing. Good for us, not so good if you're after a specific size. I guess that is the nature of a sale.

Although our racks are getting very thin to make room for the summer stock, we do have some fun new things...

Rock Your Baby are always evolving their brand and as well as new girls jeans we have two new tee designs for you.

Our gorgeous floral rabbits are also back and are hanging around in our window grinning at passersby.

There are always new CHALK quilts arriving,

and we have the fabulous little book by I.D.Tees called 'I Love My Babycinos'. At $9.95 it is walking out the door. Lots of other goodies too to tide us over, some come and visit.

2008-07-24T21:57:00.001+10:00

Siobhan, can you email me so I can send you your ribbon!

FREEBIES

2008-07-13T20:33:00.005+10:00

I was clearing out the stockroom at CHALK on the weekend and came across a bag of my grosgrain ribbon. I thought I might parcel up 2 meters of each (6 meters) and send them off to a couple of my readers. So leave me a comment and I'll choose 2 or 3 out of a hat to send some gorgeous grosgrain.

Never Too Old

2008-07-09T23:23:00.002+10:00

For a Treehouse.....

Or a Teepee!!

Images - Melanie Acevedo

Making Room

2008-07-06T23:07:00.002+10:00

image via Scrap Junkie

Yes it's that time of year again and summer stock is literally just around the corner. All our winter clothing is on sale with 30 - 50% off everything. Sizes are selling out quickly so don't leave it too long.

Mellow Yellow

2008-06-27T20:16:00.002+10:00

I am totally in lust with this gorgeous Serena and Lily yellow doona cover. Where is bed linen like this when you need it. Have a lovely weekend and drop in and say Hi if you're in Yarraville tomorrow.

Now we need Frogger!

2008-06-25T22:58:00.004+10:00

I keep forgetting to take my camera into work and therefore have nothing new to show you - wait.... yes I do.....

I accidentally stumbled across my favourite new product while playing around on my new laptop. A few email flew back and forth and CHALK is now the first ever retailer selling the fabulous PacMan and Space Invader wall decals!!!

They are $36.00 a set by memory and I LOVE them.

I am always on the hunt for great boys stuff and these are perfect for livening up a boy's space (or a living area for that matter).

There were two in the bed....

2008-06-11T18:31:00.003+10:00

Another fabulous idea for sharing a room. Once again it is way too neat to actually have real kids living in it. I'm assuming that within 15 minutes of the photographer leaving, the room was in a completely different state. Or maybe it is a holiday home and they haven't unpacked yet!

Great panelling and I love the sheet music as a decoration. Sigh!

Warm but always stylish

2008-06-10T21:51:00.002+10:00

Doesn't every baby girl deserve socks that look like Mary Janes?

Box of 6 pairs for $19.00

2008-06-02T13:44:00.005+10:00

I often get asked if it is hard to decorate when my son and daughter share a room. I thought it would be when we started out but I have discovered that it is actually great fun and ensures that you don't end up with a room that is too twee. There is nothing that makes me cringe more than a kids room that is styled within an inch of it's life - the doona matches the curtains which match the rug etc ect... Yuk! Having a boy and a girl sharing ensures you don't get too carried away with a theme and makes for a more interesting environment, I think.

One of the reasons we made built-in bunks was so that both the kids had their own individual space. This has worked beautifully with fairies and Barbies sharing the room in harmony with dinosaurs and Star Wars characters.

Here is a photo by Melanie Acevedo, which I think is a fabulous way of harmonising a room shared by four personalities. I love that the bunks have been offset too to add extra interest.

I don't think these are real children though as this room is way too neat!!

Lonsdale

2008-05-28T21:34:00.002+10:00

This season we have stocked the new kids and baby range of Lonsdale. We only chose a couple of pieces that we thought were particularly cute and for summer we are adding a few more styles. It seems to have been well received and gives us another label that is not too cutsie.
The quality is great and it is always great for us to be able to offer a wider range of labels.

Mountains Of Inspiration

2008-05-26T11:56:00.004+10:00

I've been thinking a lot about wallpaper lately and when I came across this kids room I just had to show you.... Now that is a fantastic way of adding interest in one fell swoop. I imagine the child that owns this room must lie in bed at night and be transported to all sorts of adventures.

I particularly love the white floor boards too, one of my favourite floor treatments.

A Bird On A Shirt Is Worth ....

2008-05-18T18:23:00.003+10:00

We have so many of these weird birds flying around CHALK this season. We have them on Raincoats, gumboots and this gorgeous shirt. I love the colour of this shirt - it is the most beautiful cherry red and looks stunning on every child I've seen it on. I'm going to take some plain, white, long sleeved tees in this week as they look great under this top.

I also got motivated on Friday and finished a few girls quilts. Hopefully I've broken the drought and I'll go quilt crazy this week! (doubtful but hopeful.)

Just looked at the photos and they look like blobs but are are in fact birds, I think!

O.T.T.

2008-05-15T11:28:00.004+10:00

Following yesterdays post I'd like to show you something I stumbled accross this morning...

Here is a wonderful example of 'Too much money, not enough sense'!!

For more hysterically over the top beds check these out - Sweet Dream Beds.

Kids Room Ideas

2008-05-14T19:50:00.003+10:00

Through CHALK I often get to consult on children's rooms and occasionally take on clients to interior decorate their kids rooms. It's great fun and I am always finding great inspiration from all sorts of sources.

This gorgeous bed belongs to Charlotte from Sweden, via 'Absolutely Beautiful Things' blog. I'd love to get my hands on some of that fabulous red spot fabric. I'm also loving her use of wallpaper. Lots of people are still very scared of using wallpaper and I think this is a lovely example of how it can be used to great effect.

Ugly Dolls

2008-05-10T21:29:00.003+10:00

These guys have just arrived fresh off the boat. They have had an exciting journey from U.S.A. via New Zealand to finally end up in Yarraville.

Both my kids snuggle Uglies at night and I defy you not to fall in love with them. They are soft, cuddly, and have a face only a mother could love! I don't think I can bare to part with them though..

Introducing...

2008-05-09T20:36:00.005+10:00

Wow, it's been a while between posts. Sorry! The big, huge, exciting news at CHALK is that we have a new member of the CHALK team. Eliza has started work for us and can be checked out every other Sunday. Make sure you pop in and ask her a really curly question. Tell her Lorelai sent you!!!

I'm excited because now there will be one more person at the Christmas Party! That makes 4 of us - 8 if you count partners - 12 if you include families....it's all getting out of control!

Maybe Eliza will be the one that gets drunk and does inappropriate photocopying........

Anyway, Welcome To Chalk Eliza.

Unfortunately I don't have a photo of Eliza yet, so Mary Kate will have to do.

CHALK Comes Of Age!

2008-04-28T20:09:00.004+10:00

We were very flattered and thrilled to find ourselves in this months copy of The Age's Melbourne Magazine.

We couldn't have asked for much better than being chosen for the High 5 section. We were rapt, especially as we have been thinking we should get off our bums and do some promoting. Now we don't need to - someone lovely at The Age did it for us!! Woo Hoo!!

Kiss the Frog... dare ya!

2008-04-17T18:23:00.005+10:00

It's all about the FROG today - Pure Baby's gorgeous range for boys (or girls for that matter) is divine. Organic cotton and oh so soft.

Makes me wish I had gone back for a third...wait a minute.....no it doesn't!!! Sleepless nights, teething, nappies, can in no way be cancelled out by a mere frog.

I'll happily make do with buying it for friends I think. Anyway enjoy.

New Friends

2008-04-11T19:21:00.002+10:00

Thank god - he has finally arrived and he brought these two delinquents with him..

Light Up.

2008-04-03T20:28:00.004+11:00

I mentioned these light shades arriving a few posts ago and they have almost sold out.

I was a bit concerned that only I might like them but apparently not. At $9.00 what's not to love.

... I'll Blow Your House Down.

2008-04-02T17:18:00.004+11:00

Today in Melbourne we have had really freaky weather. It's mild but the wind has been so strong that they actually closed the West Gate Bridge to all trucks, vans and small cars - (not a lot left!) Now as well as the gale force wind gusts, it's raining.

Rain good - not only because of the drought but because for the last few years the sales of raincoats and gumboots has been pretty dismal.

Thanks to the cold snap we've nearly sold out of these...

CUSKI

2008-04-01T11:03:00.003+11:00

Here's CHALK's latest friend for babies.... CUSKI..... and here's a speel from the Cuski people....

Cuski was created to provide parents with a stylish, natural and compact alternative to dummies or bulky blankets. Made from the softest natural cotton, Cuski is simple in design to help stimulate and develop your baby’s imagination.
The sense of smell is important to infants and help them to feel secure and loved. Cuski absorbs familiar scents that reassure your baby.
To help your child to bond with Cuski, mum or dad sleeps with it on the first night to transfer their comforting scents to its super-soft material.
In the morning, give Cuski to your baby and they will naturally adopt a new friend.
Your baby will associate Cuski with reassurance and security, safe in the knowledge that mum or dad is always near by.
From then on your baby will feel safe and secure, morning, noon and night – allowing you to get a well deserved rest at bedtime!

Sounds good, and apparently works a treat. We are selling them for $38.00

Hope You Had A Great Easter

2008-03-26T09:01:00.003+11:00

I have a feeling Mick has probably eaten all the eggs but we still have some bunnies looking for a home.

Happy Easter

2008-03-20T16:43:00.003+11:00

Here's what my family will be doing for Easter.

The mandatory Easter Hunt in the garden at the beach house, followed by eating way too much chocolate and copious amounts of Hot Cross Buns. I'm going to assume that this scenario is going to be pretty familiar to most of our customers.

The one difference is that Easter for us also means King Tide, which means Surfer Boy will be completely preoccupied with checking the surf every 1/2 hour or actually having 'the best surf ever', for hours on end. Oh Well, you can't have everything.

Mick and I wish you all the best for Easter and look forward to seeing you safe and sound next week.

Wrapped in a Pink Hut

2008-03-15T19:31:00.004+11:00

One of our best selling baby blankets is back. The Pink Hut cot blanket is a luxurious double layer of cotton knit and from personnal experience I know that it washes and wears really well. Mick gave me the navy one when I had Ben and it has been fantastic. It's a really great big size and he stills uses it all the time. I often find it draped over a chair to make a fort, or scrunched up under him on the couch.

The other thing I love about, it apart from the obvious (how cute are the stars), is the way it doesn't stretch out of shape or pill. Ours is now 3 years old and looks as good as the day we got it.

3 stars from the Kiely Family

New Stuff

2008-03-14T20:27:00.004+11:00

I can't wait to get to work tomorrow as during the week a big juicey pile of boxes arrived which means lots of fun new stuff. I know most of it is from one of my favourite clothing ranges - the Purple Caterpillar. We've ordered quite a lot from them this season and even more for Summer. Luckily for us, just as one of our major labels went off the boil, we discovered the Purple Caterpillar- great clothes at the price we love.

I think the other boxes are from a new supplier and should contain some fabulous new fairy lights....

God, I love unpacking new stock. I think there may even be some big, round, rice paper lanterns as well. How fun!

If you're in the Seddon\Yarraville area on the weekend make sure you pop in to Gourmet On Gamon and say Hi to Alison and Krissa. It's Krissa's first day on Saturday and I know she'd love to practise her politest waitressing voice on you. Tell them Lorelai sent you!!

Gourmet On Gamon (or Ali's Cafe, as it is known in our house) 84 Gamon Street Yarraville

Animals past and present.

2008-03-10T20:35:00.007+11:00

I have always said that there just aren't enough Woolly Mammoths in the world, partly due to that pesky extinction thingy, but luckily thanks to OUCH the problem is being addressed.
I was in the shop all weekend this week which was great because it gave me a chance to do what I love best, which is to change everything around for no apparent reason.
Our gorgeous French friends got a new home in the front of the store and although I have posted about them before I just had to show you more of the range..

Hope you all had a lovely long weekend.

EARTH HOUR

2008-03-06T22:20:00.002+11:00

CHALK is very excited to be participating in Earth Hour again this year. Please join us and sign up. Have a candlelit dinner party, throw a street party, light the garden torches... just switch off for one hour and see what a difference we can make.

Little Boy Blue

2008-02-29T20:29:00.003+11:00

I love it when I pop into the shop and Mick is unpacking new seasons stock. Apart from the obvious enjoyment of seeing something new, it also means I don't have to unpack it tomorrow!

Some more stuff for the boys...

Blue marl hooded jumper from Bebe Junior - $52.00

OUCH khaki pants - $36.00