6 Australian Mother's Day Gift Ideas That She'll Really Want

Stuck for a Mother's Day gift idea? Look to Australian designers and artisans for a gift that supports our local talent and that Mum will really love (or share this list with a loved one for yourself!). Here's what I'd really love for Mother's Day.

Bondville Mother's Day Giveaway 2016

Win this fabulous Mother's Day gift selection worth $200! We all deserve a little treat and this prize pack includes a ceramic mortar and pestle, cute art print (I'm picturing this one framed in a nursery!), a splash of colour for your bathroom, stylish side plates and a sweet timber wall plaque. To enter, comment here on Instagram. Closes Mother's Day - Sunday 8th May 2016. Read on for more details:

My Australian Valentines Day wishlist 2014

This might be a good post to forward to the other half. This is my actual Valentine's Day wishlist this year. I've chosen some goodies from Australian designers that I would love to find wrapped up with a bow for Valentine's Day. Just one will do.

1. Wristwatch - brushed rose/walnut leather from The Horse, $129.00. I haven't worn a watch for years, but this stylish number from The Horse in Newcastle might win me back. This style is sold out at the moment, but keep an eye out for new stock of this hot item.
2. Gang Gang Cockatoo illustration art print from Beth-Emily, $28.91-$58.63. There's an amazing creaky-door-sounding Gang Gang Cockatoo that visits our big gum tree in our front yard from time to time. It's as breath-taking as Beth-Emily's illustrations.I'd love an A3 print with a generous mat and skinny black frame.
3. Hello doormat from Down To The Woods, $75.00. I'm on the waiting list at Lark along with a gazillion others, but this doormat must be mine. I actually love the yellow and grey version even more, but this black mat will look great with our red front door.
4. Sweetheart studs in rose gold from Naomi Murrell, $25.00. I'm all about rose gold and these sweet studs would be an everyday staple. And they are hearts.
5. Emily Green hobes from Hobes, $159.00. This collaboration between the divine Emily Green, printers Frankie & Swiss, and cobblers Hobes is a trifecta of cool. Perfect for Autumn with cropped skinny jeans or pants.

Fingers crossed!

Emerald Green Submarine resin jewellery - more Mother's Day gift ideas

On the subject of amazing jewellery, here's another Australian designer working with resin that I spotted in Avoca a few weeks ago. Nicola Porello creates beautiful jewellery under the Emerald Green Submarine label from her base in the artistic community of Castlemaine in Central Victoria.

Add a little Zen with Boz and Love tees, dresses and totes

It's the last day before the school holidays here in NSW and like most families, we have a house of tired people! I'm looking forward to more leisurely mornings over the next two weeks and a slower pace (although I have a big birthday party to organise for next weekend, so maybe not!).

What I really need for next term long is a cute t-shirt, dress or tote from Boz + Love to add a little Zen to the every day. With messages like Love, Hope and Faith emblazoned across the front, it's a great daily reminder about the bigger picture. Here are some of my favourites from the current collection in the Boz + Love online store:

Boz + Love is designed and printed right here in Sydney by Bozana Vukovic who came along to our latest abcd meet-up at the LifeInstyle trade show. Boz + Love tees are made from silky smooth tencel (100% sustainably-farmed eucalyptus fibre) and the dresses are made from super-comfy modal and cotton, printed with environmentally-friendly printing processes and inks.

I'd love to sail through the day wearing the quote on the Loving Kindness tee: “With a boundless heart, should one cherish all living beings, radiating kindness over the entire world.” - Buddha’s Discourse on Loving Kindness. Or how about just "Hear The Silence". Anyone?

You can find Boz + Love in the online store as well as at various markets (keep an eye on the blog for details). Another great Mother's Day gift idea!

Images: Boz + Love

Lifted book for new Mothers by Georgina Hobson

I've long loved Georgina Hobson's styling, beautiful antique linens and vintage wares (through Perpetual One), so was excited to find out all about her self-publish book Lifted - words of honesty and hope for a Mother's heart.

A true labour of love, Lifted was written for Mothers to provide an honest and sincere voice and dialogue about the joys and the real challenges of growing your family.

Lifted began as a reflection of Georgina's experiences as a new mother and grew to include quotes and interviews with a whole range of mothers of various ages and backgrounds. The lovely testimonials that Georgina has received so far prove that Lifted is achieving its goal -  to bring comfort and hope to new parents in an authentic way. I think that's an amazing achievement - and it's pretty gorgeous too.

Each limited edition Lifted book is hand-finished with a unique wrap. Georgina has also released a sweet charm bracelet as a companion to the book - a reminder to keep the words that you connect with the most close to your heart as you work through each day. It all sorts of lovely.

You can find the Lifted book as well as companion bracelet and other lovely goodies in the online store. Keep this one in mind for Mother's Day coming up.

Images: Perpetual One.

Butterfly cupcakes trend and Mother's Day wishes

Happy happy Mother's Day to all you 12,000 wonderful Mums out there reading this post. Yes, that's you! Our work is an amazing legacy, and gift to the world. I hope you all enjoy your day with your families (and with them in your thoughts if you aren't together). And to our own Mums too - thank you for inspiration, and endless love.


Remember to take a break today, even if it's just a cup of tea and something sweet to remind you of the sweet things in your lives. This is a delicious lamington butterfly cupcake that my littlest and I made together. Just a few left now from the dozen, and we'll scoff them for morning tea.

Don't you just love the butterfly cupcake, with it's fresh whipped cream, maybe covering a dollop of jam, and those sweet wings perched on top? Do you remember them growing up? Quite different from today's sugary sweet frosting smothered mini cakes. These be-winged cakes were the only cupcakes that we knew and we adored them. I'm calling a trend - the comeback of the butterfly cupcake! (you read it here first...)

Happy Mother's Day!


Steph
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Image: Steph Bond-Hutkin

Catherine Martin for Ferrero chocolate goodness

And speaking of goodies, this is a Ferrero Roundnoir.

YUM! It is just one of many, many (53!) round chocolatey balls of goodness that I kindly received from the good people at Ferrero. They have released a limited edition gift box full of Rocher minis, designed by Australian costume designer doyenne Catherine Martin.

Behold the hamper in all its glory:

And behold the glam art deco box that will be storing sequins, fabric squares, needles and thread for my craft club/book exchange/girlfriends get-together nights. Cos all those 53 choccies are now in my tum. Oh dear. Thanks Ferrero!

Just in time for Mother's Day you can find the Limited Edition Catherine Martin for Ferrero gift boxes in the Ferraro Boutique online store.

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin

Milk and Honey Photography family portrait offer

Did you know that Autumn/Winter are the peak months for portrait photography? Weather for outdoor shots is more predictable and comfortable, and it's perfect timing to get the family together for Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Luckily, my favourite Sydney photographers Milk and Honey Photography have a great offer for all bookings made this month:

Book in for a family portrait sitting for $120 plus one of our gorgeous print packages (starting at $550) and receive:

an extra three 5"x7" prints, and

five photo cards (valued at $297.50)

Terms: Bookings must be made by 30th April, 2012. The 5 photo gift cards must be all of the same image (of your choice). This offer may not be used in conjunction with other current offers. Portrait sessions for this offer must be completed by the end of August, 2012.

Images: Milk and Honey Photography

Mother's Day Giveaway: $480 Portrait Photography

Hi again my friends, this is a reminder to head over to Facebook and enter my Mother's Day Giveaway. You have two more days!

Award-winning boutique studio Milk & Honey Photography, based in Rozelle, NSW, has ever-so-generously donated an amazing $480 Portrait Photography package for you or your family. So fantastic.

All you have to do is comment on the Facebook link here with your favourite location for a family photo shoot. For all the rules, prizes, terms and conditions and more drool-worthy photography, head back to this original post about the competition.

Hurry! Better do it now before you forget. (and hey, at this stage your chances of winning are *very* good).

Steph

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