The Inspired Occasion

Some wonderful businesses have come on board the Sugar & Spice bandwagon, and we are more than excited about the lovely sponsors that we have secured for our big 1st birthday bash.  It makes me smile to introduce you to one of them today:

The term 'Mumpreneur' is most definitely becoming a fixture of our everyday language. You may know the story - where clever Mum's create new businesses from home, that fit around the little people in their life. Two very clever Mama's who keep proving that the rise of the 'Mumpreneur' small business phenomenon may be unstoppable, are Renee and Alex from The Inspired Occasion.

Their divine boutique event management business is rapidly growing with booking after booking. You may have spotted them recently with a huge appearance on Network Ten's, The 7pm Project and a feature article in the Herald Sun.

They believe that the special moments of celebration with your children should be as beautiful as they are. Whether its a baby shower, children's birthday party, christening, naming day, anniversary, special dinner or small celebration they will help you turn it into an Inspired Occasion.... and why wouldn't you if your celebrations turn out looking like this!

Welcome Renee & Alex to the Sugar & Spice community. We can't wait to visit your beautiful stall on June 5 at Woodend, because the Inspired Occasion is truly a perfect fit with all things Sugar & Spice!

See more of Inspired Occasion's beauty here:

www.theinspiredoccasion.com.au

All things nice - Little Puddles

Today's 'All Things Nice' post features Natalie from Little Puddles Custom Jewellery.
Natalie's accessories for little people can be found at our Sugar & Spice, June 5, Woodend Market and Ballarat in both July and November.

I know first on my Woodend shopping list for Miss Spice is this cute piece :)

Are you more sugar or spice?

I would like to think I am more sugar, but I think I am naturally more spice...I will leave it up to others to come to their own conclusion!

What inspired you to start your own business?

I would like to say it is because I had some kind of calling, but it's because I have an addiction to jewellery, accessories, and homewares...and when I started crafting products for myself, I found that my friends and family were interested in purchasing these from me! It was a huge compliment and from this, I have expanded into a mini-empire (in my dreams!) which now includes accessories for my beautiful baby girl, Emily Mae.

How did you name your business?

I love this question...my mum is Welsh and her maiden name is Poole. She is one of 12 kids. When her mum (my grandma) used to go for walks with the family, people used to say, 'There goes Mrs Poole and all her Little Puddles'.

What is your favourite piece from your own range?

I have 2 favourite pieces:

1. MaeBaby Headbands! I made these for Emily Mae because a lot of the headbands sold at retail outlets were too tight for her head and had 'bits' in them that made them unsafe for babies like Emily who put everything in their mouth...these are completely safe and so soft and stretchy that even I can wear them!

2. Bunting! So much fun to create and I am absolutely addicted to crafting with fabric, so making custom orders for people completely makes my day! I'm currently sewing a set for Emily's first birthday in a gorgeous mix of reds and pinks.

Where else can we check you out? 

Come visit me at www.facebook.com/littlepuddles 

or at www.littlepuddles.com.au

Natalie and her inspiration, Emily Mae

Thanks Natalie!

A beautiful read

Nat from Tiny & Little has done it again! Issue 2 of her gorgeous online publication is full of beauty and inspiration.

If you haven't checked out Tiny & Little before, be sure to click the link below. This edition is all about the little men in our lives and the notion of a 'slow childhood'.  Ah does that mean I can skip this week's early morning kinder drop offs?

Divine pics, thought-provoking quotes and contributions from us yay, and some of our friends including; Little Melbourne, The Little Hip Traveller and Little Eats.

(Our feature is all about the market bug - which I'm sure most of you may know well!)

Issue 2, Tiny & Little:
http://www.tinyandlittle.com.au/2011/05/issue-02-tiny-little-magazine/

Mud Babies

If there is mud, Master Spice and Miss Sugar will surely find it!

It doesn't help that we live in a new, not-fully-landscaped house. We have half dug trenches, stump holes and garden beds that were created with good intentions, but haven't yet quite been completed. In the eyes of my little people this makes perfect conditions for making mud pies and puddle jumping. They splash in the mud so often that now when I hear rain I sigh, get the shower ready and NapiSan in hand.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves....

If you have mud babies of your own make sure you check out Pickle & Pop's gorgeous gumboot range at our June 5th, 1st Birthday Market in Woodend and our Mornington launch on July 10.

Pickle and Pop

All things nice

I thought it might be nice to give you the opportunity to regularly 'meet' some of our gorgeous retailers, via our new 'All things nice' blog post. Stay tuned for your chance to find out more about some of your favourite retailers and see the working-forces behind them!

First up, I would love for you to meet Jo from Grumpy Heflumpy what a gorgeous name for a kids business! Jo is a new retailer to Sugar & Spice and you will be able to meet her and her gorgeous range at the upcoming Woodend market on June 5 and our Ballarat market on July 31.

Jo and Noah (aka Grumpy Heflumpy)

Are you more sugar or spice?
I think I am a good blend of the two. On the surface I probably come across as “sugar” but it’s the “spice” that drives the business I think.

What inspired you to start your own business?
Having my own gorgeous boy I struggled to get something cute and unique for him to wear… the commercial look was just not my thing and my love all things that remind me of my travelling days and have developed a very unique taste and style.

How did you name your business?
My son was a big baby (nearly 10 Pound) so we nick named him heflumpy… and he was such a good natured baby he really only ever got a bit grumpy so the nick name stuck… He is my inspiration …my “Grumpy Heflumpy”.

What is your favourite piece from your own range?
My NEW little traveller range I love! These long sleeve tops are organic, super soft and have very subtle, fairly gender neutral designs. The fabrics are from Japan and feature designs of Paris, London and Russia. There are 3 designs per country in the range and available in sizes 00, 0 and 2. I think with this season I have found my groove and am very happy with how they have turned out.

Where else can we check you out?
We have a website: http://www.grumpyheflumpy.com.au/
And a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Grumpy-Heflumpy/155157667839740

The 'little traveller' range

Thanks Jo, we look forward to seeing you at Sugar & Spice soon!

Boy: A noise with dirt on it

My Master Spice has a secret. A secret that if exposed would bring out his best angry face. Ahh how he is renowned for mastering the angry face! Arms crossed, head down, eyebrows dropped, a look of thunder, which is usually unleashed when he is embarrassed, tired, grumpy, the list goes on. My little rough and tumble boy, who adores dinosaurs, Ben 10, and all things footy, isn't quite as tough as the world perceives. Nearly every night without fail he sneaks down the hallway and crawls into our bed and curls his fingers around mine. Yes, my Master Spice sleeps while holding my hand. Little boys were definitely made to melt their Mama's hearts.

Angry face - who me?

I know it has been said before but it's the little men who often get forgotten about in the handmade world. There is definitely a niche in the market there and I am putting a call out to all of you crafty, creative and clever people to bring on the boys goodies! Sugar & Spice would love to have you at our Markets.

Here are some of the gorgeous boys products previously seen at Sugar & Spice Children's Markets.

These beautiful pics were taken by Kim Selby.

1. Pirate dolls - Miss Ruby May

2. Little boy print - Almond Tree Designs

3. Boy bunting - Retrobub

4. Boys tees - 5 Star Baby!

Happiness is...

Time for a cup of tea? Are the munchkins sleeping?

Whatever you may be doing, if you have a few spare minutes and are up for a quality read, then click on this little link and you will be taken to a whimsical place...

http://1000homesofhappiness.blogspot.com/

My super creative and clever sister has a little (BIG) blog project underway where she plans to 'release' 1000 origami homes.... just because. She writes a word on each home and posts about her life as a working Mama of three little ladies and their interactions with the world.

I thought I would share it with you as I find her blog inspiring, beautiful and full of ideas. I have no doubt that after reading, you will leave with a smile on your face and even better you can get involved by requesting to 'release' a home of your very own. I am quite fond of my blogging sis!

You may also get the chance to meet her as one of our retailers at the upcoming Woodend 1st Birthday Market, where she will be selling her quirky children's paintings. On the condition that she never publishes embarrassing childhood photos of me on her blog ever again. What better time to introduce you to her blog when she is giving one of these very paintings away!

Enjoy...

Blow out the candles!

Sugar & Spice is turning one...
Our June 5, Woodend Market, marks one year of Sugar & Spice goodness.

A year since Ali's vision resulted in a bustling, much-talked about boutique market.

A year since the delicious cupcake stall was sold out within two hours.

A year since 100 goodie bags were snapped up by keen shoppers in the first 45 minutes.

A year since over 60 applicants applied to fill the 20 plus stalls on offer at St Ambrose Hall.

A year since Sugar & Spice Children's Market began!

On June 5 we plan to replicate all of this and more with a beautiful Sugar & Spice 1st Birthday Market in Woodend. We would love for you to join us for some celebrations and of course yummy cake!

Miss Sugar discovers the beauty of 1st birthday cake

We are currently looking for sponsors to be involved in this special event. Email me at sugarandspicemarket@gmail.com for further info.

Big Shoes....

It is with great excitement that I introduce myself to the Sugar & Spice community and friends. My name is Sherryn and I am the new Owner and Director of Sugar & Spice Children's Market yay.

I can not go any further without giving much kudos and love to Sugar & Spice creator, Ali. Not only is Ali a lovely person, she is incredibly clever as well. Ali has created this gorgeous little brand that celebrates the world of handmade and takes beautiful and unique kids products to rural Victorian locations. I am so humbled that she chose me to take over! Ali has stayed true to the 'boutique' style market and I know that I wouldn't be alone in saying shopping at Sugar & Spice is a gorgeous experience all round. Thank you, Thank you Ali. You have poured many hours and lots of love into Sugar & Spice - I promise to take great care of your 'baby'.

A little background on me, I am the mother of two beautiful little people, Master Spice, 4 and Miss Sugar, 2. If only you knew how fitting this was to their personalities! I am a crafty lover and have been known to stalk all things market related. Including this very blog.

Have I told you we live in a beautiful part of the world?

I have 10 years plus experience working within the PR/Marketing & Event Management industry, and have just resigned from my role as Scienceworks' PR person to devote my attention to Sugar & Spice.

So from here I plan to throw myself in wholeheartedly. Let's hope for some fun, new relationships, LOTS of publicity, smiley shoppers/stall holders and busy, busy markets.

Drop me a line to say hello. Your suggestions and ideas to further the growth of sugar and spice are so very welcome. sugarandspicemarket@gmail.com

Sherryn

Goodbye and hello!

Well today marks my last day as the owner and organiser of Sugar & Spice. It is a very bittersweet moment, especially typing those words. However, it is most certainly onwards and upwards for the Sugar & Spice market with it's lovely new owner, Sherryn. There are some exciting things happening for S&S this year so watch this space!

Sherryn has a strong background in PR, marketing and event management which is exactly what the market needs. I am sure that Sherryn will introduce herself to you all in the next day or so.

Before I sign off for the last time I just wanted to thank everyone for their understanding and support in the last few weeks. Your messages of support have been touching and heart warming to say the least. I also wanted to thank all of the beautiful businesses that have put their trust in S&S (and me) you guys are what make S&S such a fantastic little market.

Lastly many thanks to the lovely, lovely ladies behind Little Melbourne, Tea & Jam,  Little Eats, tiny & little and The Little Hip Traveller. I would have been lost without your friendship and support. You all inspire and humble me with your brilliance every single day.

I wish you all happiness and success. Especially you Sherryn, I can not wait to see where you take Sugar & Spice from here.

The Mornington launch has been postponed

I am sorry to inform you that I have made the very difficult decision to postpone the Mornington market.

This is not easy for me to write but I feel that it is the least I can do. At the end of last year I experienced a fairly traumatic experience in the midst of all of the Christmas markets. I was devastated at the time and did not feel strong enough to share any information with you all. So I soldiered on and thought all would be fine. Then it was Christmas with all the work do's and running around and on top of that we moved. I kept busy and I thought I was still fine.

But several weeks ago it call came crashing down. A friend of mine experienced a similar tragedy to mine, and it brought all of my sadness flooding back to me. Unfortunately I am also prone to depression and that is where I have managed to spiral to. My husband travelling overseas for a few weeks has not helped either.

Please be assured that I am receiving the help that I need however, it has impacted on my preparations for Mornington and things have not progressed as I would have liked them to. The launch market is very important and I do not want to mess it up by doing an okay job.

So I have decided for the sake of my health and for the sake of the market it would be best to postpone the launch until July.

I will also be handing over the reigns to Sugar & Spice sooner than I had planned and I have found the PERFECT person to take over S&S, but that is a whole different post.

Mornington sweetness!

How sweet is this little hall? I love its blue doors, almost the exact same colour as the hall at Woodend It is going to look even prettier in a few weeks time when it plays host to the first Mornington Sugar & Spice!

Many thanks to the very lovely Nada of Red Mango Design and Photography for these photos. Nada is also the official photographer for the Mornington market!

Mornington Sugar & Spice

Sunday 3rd April

9am - 1pm

RSL Memorial Hall

19 Main Road, Mornington