Fabulous Female Files - Mum's Closet

My friend Claire from Mum's Closet is running a great series of interviews on her blog from women from all walks of life. 

This week she is interviewing me with questions on my home, family and business.

You can read my answers and learn a bit more about me here

Thank you so much for asking me to take part Claire. 

I'm honoured to be considered a Fabulous Female! xx

You can read more Fabulous Female File interviews here

Online Business Mummy - an interview.

Today I am doing another interview in my series of interviews with mums. 

I'm talking to Kirsty, wife, mum of two (Alfie and Evie) and business owner. Kirsty runs an online business called Pear Blossoms which sells gorgeous vintage kids toys and homewares. 

Tell us about your online business, what products do you sell?

Pear Blossoms sells everything you could ever want for your little ones. From Vintage inspired homewares to toys, accessories and themed party supplies. Our best selling item is definately the insulated lunch bags. They are made from recycled plastic bottles so not only are they super handy they also save the planet! (well sort of!)

How did you come up with the name/idea for your business? What inspired you?

My gorgeous family is the inspiration behind the name! Pears being our last name. Tom and myself have always called Alfie and Evie our "little pear blossoms"!

How long has Pear Blossoms been up and running?

Since October last year, 2010.

Have you always worked in this field? Or was it something different you created after having children?

After the arrival of my son Alfie I became obsessed with creating a space that he loved retreating back to. I loved collecting unique things for him but found it increasingly difficult to find what it was I was looking for at a price that suited a modest family budget. That is what prompted the idea, I wanted things that my children would love. Things that were not only unique but also helped them get creative and build their little imaginations!

What hours do you work? Do you have a set schedule?

I usually work of an evening, after dinner (of course). My husband puts the kids to bed which he enjoys as that is his time with them at the end of the day. Then I make myself a nice cup of tea and retreat to the office to work on my orders, latest specials or my new website!!! (hint hint)

Is there a time that is more productive?

Definately of an evening as there are no distractions.

How do you juggle running a business with the life of wife and mum and still have time for yourself?

It can be really hard sometimes, especially if the kids have a lot on or they are sick. I just make sure I put aside work time each day and stick to it, life is one big juggling act but I wouldn't change it for the world :) My reward a few times a week is to grab a coffee (and a friend) and go for a long walk along Manly beach front, it clears my head and recharges my batteries. Then it is back to housework, washing etc ahhhhhhhhh

What are your dreams for Pear Blossoms?

Dreams... oh where to start! I want to keep searching for unique, inspiring and affordable products to add to the ever growing Pear Blossoms family.

an insulated lunch bag

Number one tip for other mums trying to balance an online business and a family?

Balance is the key! Always differentiate between your work and your family time. They can't overlap and when you're spending time with your family, enjoy every minute. It's just way too precious xx

Thanks so much for talking to us Kirsty, it is always wonderful to hear other women talk about their lives and business. I think we are all in the same boat in trying to balance everything in our lives. Please go and check out Pear Blossoms website and they also have a facebook page. They have soooo many fabulous things!

Have a gorgeous day!

Simone xx

My life, My home - an interview.

Today I am interviewing Georgie from St John's Wood, Q. 

If you aren't already following Georgie's blog please do! 

Georgie and her family were originally from Sydney but are now living on a farm in Queensland, which looks idyllic.

Her posts are just gorgeous and full of details of her gorgeous home, children and inspiration.

my life
My first hobby was.... horse riding. I first sat on a horse at 18 months of age (an extremely slow and trustworthy horse!) and it was my one obsession until I was 10. I have wonderful, fond memories of my pony club days and my trusty four-legged friends, Lizard and Piccolo. I can't wait for my girls to have a horse of their own.

My style icon  is.....I take fashion inspiration from everywhere, just as I do inspiration for our home. I do, however, identify with Kate Middleton. Her casual look is simple style. Now that it's nearly winter its not too many patterns, boots over jeans, fitted jumpers, subtle jewelry and a beautiful handbag.

I love to read..... full stop. 

My signature scent is.... blood, sweat and tears. When I'm not gardening, however, it'sEstée Lauder's Pleasures, so feminine.

I like clothes that are..... natural. Cotton for summer, wool for winter with the odd touch of silk. 

I feel naked without ....... my children. 

It's such an odd feeling to go out sans children, to walk at my own pace, head up instead of focused on the little ones in front or trailing behind me, handbag void of nappies, water bottles, wipes, snacks, the toy du jour. I only enjoy it for about five minutes and then I find myself racing home for that little bit of chaos.

my home

My look is.... collected. We have everything from an inherited desk and dining table to Ikea bookshelves to roadside and Ebay finds to a delicious chocolate leather Chesterfield chaise for our library from Coco Republic (www.cocorepublic.com.au) in Sydney. I'm always drawn to black, white and shades of cream so everything just 'fits' together. 

    I love my ...... Apple laptop. 

    

    I've got my eye on.... a large mirror with an ornate white frame for         the end of our hallway. It will bounce light from the main bedroom and act as a sort of communal full-length mirror. 

My prized interior possession is..... we have so many! When Mr SJW and I returned from London together nearly 10 years ago we had a beige 1987 Nissan Pintara, a microwave, a teeny television and just enough cash for a deposit on an apartment to rent in Sydney. We've built up bits and pieces from there, mostly with careful consideration, and I love every piece we have from the cutlery to the art to the furniture.

When decorating you cant go wrong with...... leather sofas. My gorgeous children must have spilt a million litres of milk and other assorted bits on them but you wouldn't know it. Ours are chocolate brown and I will only replace them when they have fallen to pieces, hopefully not for a long time yet.

 I collect.... glass bottles and books. The Italian soft drinks from the supermarket, vintage milk bottles, olive oil bottles, wine bottles just for display or to use as vases... I just can't throw them out. And books, always books. I have so many still from childhood, as does my husband, and our girls would rate them amongst their favourites for sure. A good book is a timeless investment.

Thanks so much for taking part Georgie. 

It was lovely to have you here on honey and fizz.

Have a gorgeous day everyone! 

Make sure you pop over and say hi to Georgie :)

Simone xx 

I've been nominated!! - Kidspot Top 50 Bloggers.

Squeal!!!! Wow, I can't believe I have been nominated as one of Kidspot's Top 50 Bloggers!

I am so honoured to be nominated with so many other fantastic blogs. I'm up there with some of my favourite daily reads!

Kidspot is setting a few challenges for us to compete for "the title" and I will be posting these in the next few days but today 

I just wanted to ask you to "Please vote for me!" - 


If you follow on the link and like Honey and Fizz, I'll be your best friend forever!! 

I'm off to a little do tonight to meet some of the other nominees and fellow bloggers and the Kidspot team. I'm both nervous and excited in equal parts!

I thought I'd share with you below my little interview with Kidspot about why I blog and why I started Honey and Fizz.

Thank you so much to my lovely bloggy friends who take the time to read my little blog each day and leave comments and encouraging words. You truly make my day.

Happy Reading :)

Kidspot - Why did you start blogging? 

"Introducing Honey and Fizz…"

I've been blogging for almost a year now and I can't imagine not doing it. It has become one of my favourite parts of my day and a constant source of happiness and inspiration for me. Honey and Fizz is "my" place, somewhere I can disappear, into a world of love and pretty things. It is all very light and airy fairy and that is just the way I like it!

I started blogging as I was looking for something "more". More than just a wife and mum. I was looking for me, the person I used to be and the person I wanted to be. I stumbled across a couple of blogs and was so inspired my them I decided to start my own.I chose the name "Honey and Fizz" as it conjured up to me a combination of the sweetest and the most exciting and happy things in life. Exactly what I wanted to write about :)

Kidspot - Why do you keep blogging?

"Blogging is a lifestyle!"

I blog every day. My posts are not long but a prerequisite is a gorgeous picture. Gorgeous pics are a very important part of "Honey and Fizz"! I love that my blog is a constant in my life. I adore those moments to myself in the morning to post my feelings, inspirations and tidbits of my life. I love feeling a part of the blogging community and I have made some wonderful friends through this little world. I will keep on blogging until my inspiration disappears. I hope this never happens! Instead I think my blog will evolve and change and reflect the changes I am going through and my new loves and obsessions.

Kidspot -What is your inspiration to blog?

"Inspiration Overload!"

My inspiration to blog comes from everywhere. I don't really have a choice. It is something I NEED to do! My inspiration may come from something I read in one of the thousands of magazines that I read, a colour I love, something I bought that I just HAVE to show my bloggy friends, the need to share my rearranging of my furniture, which I know my friends will appreciate :)I follow lots of other blogs and constantly find inspiration in their crafts, clothes and style. It makes me want to make "Honey and Fizz" a prettier and "nicer" place. I love words, quotes and typography and this is a must on my blog. I want people to read "Honey and Fizz" and think, wow this is a nice place, I want to stay a while.

Kidspot - How do you overcome blogger's block?

"Beating the Blogging Block!"

My sure fire way to overcome writers block is to use a beautiful picture! I have sooooo many in my files waiting to be used that I always have something up my sleeve. Sometimes I find the less words the better. There is nothing worse than someone waffling on with nothing much to say, just to fill the space.I also think that is why I blog every day. It is easier to keep the rhythm going but in all honesty, I never really run out of things to blog about. Because above everything else, "Honey and Fizz" is for me. Don't get me wrong, I love all my followers and the interaction with them but this place I have created is like my own diary filled with thoughts and dreams and pretty things I covet and want to own one day.

Kidspot - What's been your best blogging experience to date?

"The Sweetest Thing!"

Out of everything I have gained through blogging this last year the best and most rewarding experience has been my friendships I have made through this blog world. From comments on blogs that led to personal emails, that led to phone calls that led to coffee and drinks and resulted in real life friendships.To be around like-minded people who are positive, happy and interested in beautiful things and exploring new horizons as been so wonderful. It has let me be Simone again and not just mummy. It reminded me of a big, beautiful world out there that doesn't revolve around school pick ups!I have discovered new restaurants, gorgeous homewares, fantastic books to read, new destinations to add to my "one day - travel list", the sweetest and most supportive community. I can truly say it has been nothing but a positive experience and one I would definitely recommend. I have already converted a couple of friends to Blog World!

Hope you have a gorgeous day

Simone

Stylish Mummy's :)

My friend Jess is one of those mums who oozes style. 

It's not contrived or over styled, it's just effortlessly cool.

Jess is a mum of 3, a wife  and runs her own business Visual Styling. She is also attended RAFW this week! I thought I would ask her a few questions to get an insight into a life of a Stylish Mummy :) 

This is a new series I will be doing , interviewing mums on all different subjects.

ice-cream time with Jack and Lily

I would describe my style as....... my style is all about how I'm feeling. If I'm tired and emotional it reflects with black and draped styles with detached and floaty styling- on the other hand if I'm feeling amazingly happy, like the world is full of colour I dress in things that create confidence but hopefully still have taste and style. Vintage mixed with my favourite Aussie labels  

My style icon is ....... Julia Roberts- purely for her elegance.

I get my fashion ideas from........ the streets! I love people watching, it's my favourite pass time. The best trait a woman possesses is the appreciation of another woman. For example- a stylish and confident girl walks into a bar and all the women in the room turn to look at her and pass comments amongst themselves- it's almost always positive and appreciative  - we collaborate together in a way only women know. It's like a club, a secret one. 

My favourite fashion blog/website is......... http://www.stylestalkerblog.com/ Sue-Ann and Rachel are truly dedicated style junkies!

My essential winter fashion purchase would be....... well.. it's leopard. Always has been! Something about a good animal print that is timeless and stylish and a little bit kinky! But day to day I LOVE over-sized slouchy tops (3 kids will do that to you) with tights and flat boots- stock standard, get dressed with your eyes clothes type stuff!

My daily look is.......See above- Oops! note to self- read ahead before answering!

At home. Yum!

My signature scent is...... Body Shop Vanilla concentrated oil 

I like clothes that are........ Comfortable!! If you feel weird and uncomfortable at home in the mirror, times that feeling by 10 and that's how you will feel in public. You have got to have faith in your outfit no matter the occasion.

My favourite designers are........Ahhhh! I LOVE Manning Cartell, Alice Mccall, One Teaspoon, Camilla and Marc, Bec & Bridge, stylestalker... The list is never ending... Aussie designers are meeting all our expectations.. why go else where! 

I feel naked without...... my children-(Lily, Jack and Macy), it's the reason my heart beats with a smile!- and sadly my iphone-I love being organised and contactable at all times. Socialising is my favourite past time!

Alex , Macy and Jess 

Thanks so much for taking part in my interview Jess! 


A little more info below on Visual Styling :- 
You can join their facebook page for updates on the latest fashions,inspirations and gorgeous pics!

Visual Styling

Description

I established Visual Styling 18 months ago to assist fashion brands with their visual interpretation within department stores. I achieve this by merchandising in 4-6 stores weekly, restocking, communicating with management and sustaining relationships needed to assist the Brand growing within stores. I relay information about new styles, deliveries received and equip staff on the floor with the necessary tools to ensure optimum sell through for my brands. Each Brand receives a detailed... (read more)

Products

Mimosa, GRAB, Phyllis Boho, Mink and Riche

Email	jess@visualstyling.com.au Have a wonderful day Simone xx