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I had a couple of spare hours earlier this week, so what did I do?

I went shopping of course!

I’d been dying to get down to the newly refurbished Uni Hill Factory Outlet in Bundoora, so jumped at the chance for a couple of child free shopping hours courtesy of Grandma.

I barely made it through the door when I spotted Simone Pérèle . I just love this store, as I can always find bras in my size and it’s so nice to get a proper fitting (I haven’t had one since I stopped breastfeeding last year). I couldn’t resist this blue bra for only $50 (RRP $89.95) and am planning to go back and get more in different colours.

My next stop (only a couple of doors down) was Milu. I haven’t bought shoes for myself in a little while, so I was like a kid in a candy store. There were several pairs I loved but couldn’t resist this pair of blue suede shoes (cue music) for only $79.00 (RRP $139).

From there I headed to Converse, where I picked up a gorgeous pair of Chuck Taylor All Star Hi’s for my little man (blue of course). The were marked down from $50 to $30.

I then popped into Jetty Surf and picked up a new bag (because a girl can never have too many AND I really loved the colour). The bag was also on sale for $30 (RRP $59.95). It’s a great bag for throwing a few things in when I’m out with the kids and is big enough for a nappy wallet and other essentials.

I also picked up a gorgeous maxi dress (yes, I am a maxi addict) from Sorbet for only $20! Yes, that’s right, $20 (RRP $79.95). Now I just need to wait for it to warm up again so I can wear it.

All in all, I had a fabulous (kid free) morning, with lots of bargains and nearly all of them for me. It was only when I got home that I realised that nearly everything I bought was blue.

I can’t wait to go back again.

{GIVEAWAY} I’ve got $20 vouchers for the Simone Pérèle store at Uni Hill for two readers to win! All you need to do is visit the Uni Hill Factory Outlet website and tell me 3 stores you’d love to go shopping in. Leave your answer below. Entries close 10pm (AEST) on 16/5/12. Winners drawn randomly and announced on this page on 17/5/12. Good luck!

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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I’ve put together my wishlist of what I’m hoping for on Sunday. My kids are only little, so let’s hope hubby sees it.

 

1. Audrey Pendant by Koolaman Designs

2. Chloe by Chloe from Perfumery

3. Cashmere Wrap by Christian Hirth

4. Moccasin Slippers from Peter Alexander

5. 3d Blossom Heart from Mondocherry

6. Rose Bouquet Wide PJ Pant by Peter Alexander

7. Spanish Style Earrings from Contessa Dreams

8. Porcelain Flower Lamp from Red Bird

9. Signature Tea Cup by Cristina Re

 

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This week we’re getting to know Natasha from Book Bonding in Niddrie.

 

 

 

1. Tell us a little about yourself?
Before Book Bonding, I was a secondary teacher (English, History and Politics) which I loved immensely for 11 years but the afterhours corrections made life difficult to ‘switch off’. I met Mark, my husband, when I was 30 so married late but glad I did because it gave me time to kiss and discard a few ‘frogs’! He really encouraged me to follow my passion of opening a bookstore. We’ve no children of our own, though Mark has a 18yo son James who I get on well with. We recently got 2 King Charles Cavalier pups  named Jasper and Chobe and are absolutely adorable. My passions apart from reading are finding treasure trove places to eat or markets to visit, theatre (writing, directing and acting), collecting teapots and travelling (having been to over 25 countries so far on African, Asian and European continents).

 

2. Describe your store in one sentence?
Inviting and child friendly, Book Bonding has an interesting array of adult and kids’ books plus knowledgeable, passionate and helpful staff to help you find the right book!

 

3. What do you sell?

Children’s books – from young bubs through to teens, adult fiction, plus a good range of adult non-fiction such as biographies, cookbooks, family, etc plus other non book related gift ideas. We also hold five adult bookclubs, host author events, and sell to local schools.

 

4. What do you love most about what you do?

Interacting with passionate readers and novice readers, listening to what they’ve enjoyed or sharing what I have just read, helping someone find the ‘right’ book, creating our monthly newsletter, reading proof (prior release) copies of new books that you know everyone is going to love, or just gossiping about book related things!

 

5. What are 3 of your favourite authors or books for kids?
Oliver Jeffers – his illustrations are divine and he always has an interesting take on a story.

Lauren Child – from her younger reader Charlie and Lola series to her older reader Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books – she has a wonderful humour and way of storytelling.

Classics such as Enid Blyton’s Enchanted Wood series or Roald Dahl’s funny stories – they never lose appeal and the stories are always well loved

 

6. What’s one item you can’t live without?

My passport and a good book – that way I can travel anywhere!

 

7. Favourite place to shop for yourself?

I love Venus Day Spa, Ascot Vale if I want indulgent beauty treatment, anywhere that sells Devonshire tea, T2 (I collect teapots) or otherwise farmer’s markets are so fun and full of surprises

 

8. If you weren’t running the store what other job would you like to do?

Working overseas teaching English or in an orphanage, or proof reading novels for a publisher – getting paid to read!

 

You can visit Book Bonding at 409 Keilor Rd, Niddrie or visit them online at www.bookbonding.com.au

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I’ve redrawn some of the lucky shopper prizes that were unclaimed from Melbourne Mamma’s Market on Sunday, 18 March 2012. If you see your name below, please email me at melbournemamma@bigpond.com, to claim your prize.

 

Congratulations to Ebony Rea, Sandra Willis, Natasha Crimmins, Darlene Samin, Laine Duggan, Joanne Pezzimenti, Janelle Mitchell, Penny Gaitanis, Bev Armour, Julie Pratt, Melinda Attard, Fiona O’Day, Dayjelle Schachi, Michelle Grace & Gail Hewitt.

 

Any prizes not claimed by Friday, 18 May 2012 will be redrawn.

 

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Congratulations to all the lucky shoppers who won prizes at Melbourne Mamma’s Market on Sunday, 15 April 2012.

 

All of these prizes have been generously donated by fabulous local businesses, so please take some time to visit them, either online, on facebook or in person. They all offer a fantastic range of products or services essential to us mammas and our families.

 

So, without further adieu, the winners are:

 

Lucky Shopper Prizes

Arbonne Pamper Pack & Facial – Megan Mousley
Verve Portraits Photographic Packages –  Michelle Wing
Verve Portraits Photographic Packages – Donna Harvey
Verve Portraits Photographic Packages – Jessica Davis
Verve Portraits Photographic Packages – Melanie Medjumarac
Verve Portraits Photographic Packages – Michelle Howard
My Time Cafe Voucher – Natali Perkovic
Essential Stuff Pamper Pack – Carol Blight
Essential Stuff Pamper Pack – Kendrea Noce (handed out on the day)
Healthy Balance Fitness 7 week Boxing/Boot Camp course – Taryn Gilpin
MELBOURNEmade Magazine – Jacqueline Cassar (handed out on the day)
MELBOURNEmade Magazine – Pina Comerford (handed out on the day)
MELBOURNEmade Magazine – Emel Senbay (handed out on the day)
MELBOURNEmade Magazine – Armida Pantano
MELBOURNEmade Magazine – Devina Narayan
Miss Bella Blooms Creations Ivory Silk Dupioni Flower Headpiece – Julia Mendola
House of Bebe Baby Sling – Laura Vojtisek
Schkinny Maninny One day juice cleanse – Linda Shaba
Christian Hirth Cashmere Scarf – Suzie McManus
Love JK Robot Softie – Adele Forgione
Love JK Horse Softie – Esther Coghlan
Melbourne Mamma’s Market VIP Ticket (August) – Vera Deeming
Melbourne Mamma’s Market VIP Ticket (August) – Kylie Loy
Melbourne Mamma’s Market VIP Ticket (August) – Deborah Mortellaro

 

Prize winners please email melbournemammasmarket@bigpond.com with your details. Any prizes not claimed by Friday, 11 May 2012 will be redrawn.

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This weekend we’re celebrating my husband’s 40th Birthday with a “Rock of Ages” 80s Rock party. Here are a few items I’ve seen for little rock stars.

 

1. Oh Baby London Mexican “I Rock” T-Shirt $29.95 from A Little Bit of Cheek
2. M Is For Metal Alphabet Book $27.99 from Readings
3. Micro Me Punk Princess Tank $29.00 from A Little Bit of Cheek
4. Rock Your Baby Denim Jeans $49.95 from Kids Cargo
5. Rock Star Baby Heart & Wings Bottle $15.95 from Hello Charlie
6. Chilli Kids Black Rocky High Top $44.95 from Baby Bootique
7. Rock Your Baby Jimi Long Sleeve Tee $19.95 from Cradle Rock
8. Sparkle*Liscious Rockstar 3d Shadow Box Frame $40.00 from Kids Style Hub
9. Munster Touring Hoodie $55.95 from Tiny Wardrobe