Photo’s by Jenah Piwanski.

Today I wanted to get behind a cause that deserves some attention. The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Branch+Bel were inspired to make a difference when one of their friends son’s was born with some serious health problem.

Branch+Bel believes that the gift of giving is a very fulfilling experience. Leading into the Good Friday Appeal, they are donating the proceeds from all candles sold to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Their candles are made with pure soy wax, high quality fragrances and lead free wicks making them an earth friendly and thoughtful gift for any occasion.

Please red Harrison’s story below, as told by Hanna from Branch+Bel.

         

This project has been ‘Inspired by Harrison’, a friend of Branch and Bel. Harrison was born on 28th September 2013. Upon birth it was alarmingly obvious that Harrison had significant difficulty breathing. Two days after his birth, a consultant from RCH came to visit Harrison and it was from there that his journey with this wonderful hospital would begin. Harrison was diagnosed with Pyriform Aperture Stenosis, a very rare congenital anomaly where the anterior opening of the nose is too small to pass air. With all newborns being reliant on nasal breathing for the first six months, this posed a serious problem. Harrison underwent two operations to correct his breathing problem; his situation being so unique that the second operation was a first for the hospital.

He successfully made it through both surgeries; however, this would still be a condition that Harrison would have to grow out of. He continued to have difficulty breathing while feeding so it was a slow and painful process for him to increase weight and strength. After nearly three months at the RCH, Harrison was allowed to go home for the first time. RCH facilities demonstrate that every dollar donated can make a difference.

Harrison is now an extremely healthy, vibrant and energetic 16 month old boy. He has reached and in many circumstances surpassed each milestone thus far. Without this hospitals service, there is every chance that Harrison would not have survived.

 

Hanna already runs a successful business selling beautiful hand poured soy wax candles, I can confirm they are gorgeous because I have one in my own home. Branch+Bel are selling candles to raise money for this worthy cause, from now until April 2nd.  They have created an engraved bamboo lid for all their 300ml candles, which will be packaged in their stylish boxes along with Harrison’s Story. You can purchase a range of scents from Branch+Bel. All profits from the sale of these candles will be donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal 2015. They are only $25, which is a great price for a beautiful candle, and when you know your money is doing so much good, it’s less of an indulgence and more of a good deed.

You can purchase your candles from Branch+Bel here.

You can find Branch+Bel’s Instagram here and Jenah Piwanski here.

Get behind it!

Hayley x

Yes, I quickly got hooked on #7vignettes on Instagram and I played again this month. You can see my last months 7 vignettes here.

‘7 Vignettes’ is the creation of Jen from The Interiors Addict. Starting on the first day of the month, and running for 7 days, with daily photo themes or words, you post a picture and use the hashtag #7vignettes. It is a friendly, supportive and encouraging community. I have met new people, followed new people and gained new followers. I highly recommend you have a go, I’m already looking forward to April.

Here’s a list of this months themes.

So, again, because my brain works in mysterious ways I had to work within my own sub theme, I chose to share ways we eat, and in one case, cleaning up after eating.  I also chose to take all photo’s from above, like an aerial shot. I only gave myself 15 minutes per day to take the photo. I was happier with some more than others, but overall I think they worked well for the themes.

So, here they are …..

There are so many creative and talented Instagrammers out there, I just had to share some of my favourite round ups for you all to see (click on their picture to be taken to their Instagram page).

And the winner was …….. The Stylist Splash (pics below)  Yvette has amazing style, she uses colour so well and all of her entries were bright and beautiful. A well deserved win!

Yvette also has a fashion and lifestyle blog that is definitely worth checking out. I’m a subscriber and enjoy reading her posts daily, always full of great advice, recipes and lots of pretty photos. That’s not all, Yvette also has a small online shop, yes … she’s a small business, so please pop over and support her!

What do you think? We have some talented stylist out there, don’t we. Competition is tough and I’d hate to be the one picking a winner!

Hayley x

 

 

 

 

As many of you know, I like to support small businesses as often as I can. If I can buy something beautiful from a little or local business, I will! Small businesses often make unique, handcrafted items that you can’t buy anywhere else. Why wouldn’t you want something different, something that not everybody else has, something that someone has put all their love and effort into? I definitely do.

When you buy from a small business you are often helping a stay at home Mum pay for her kids dancing or soccer lessons, or a family put food on the table or pay their mortgage. Would you rather this, or would you rather help the CEO of a huge store pay for his second luxury car?

One small purchase can make a big difference!

OK, rant over, I really just wanted to share and showcase a few of my favourites that I have featured on #mumlittleloves recently.

Oars Galore custom paint and pattern new oars and paddles to suit any decor, they also source and supply vintage oars. They will work with you to create a custom piece that is unique and hand painted. All their oars are authentic, maritime grade, sea worthy oars. What a fabulous conversational piece for your home, and ‘oarsome’ to style with. Prices start from $90. (*all photos from Oars Galore Instagram here)

      

I met Carolyne from Carolyne Hallums Art on Instagram many years ago. She is a beautiful soul, always so supportive and encouraging. Her art has always been full of love and life. She has recently started a series of mini floral paintings which has created quite a frenzy on Instagram, she can barely keep up with the orders. I was lucky enough to snap up the first of Carolyne’s mini series, and trust me it won’t be my last, it is absolutely stunning. Her original pieces are very affordable at $55 for the 8×8″ and $65 for the 10×10″ (plus postage), bigger pieces available by request. You can contact Carolyne via her Instagram account here.

      

Pili Pala Pieces has a gorgeous collection of unique and whimsical pieces. They are all designed and made in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. They feature vintage illustrations and patterns from the 1800’s and 1900’s. Some pieces also feature their exclusive illustrations based on old nursery rhymes. They are fun and classic. These are some of my favourite pieces. The sets of 3 clouds or pears are $109, the vases start at $39 and the tea towels are $16 (wouldn’t it be adorable framed). You can shop here.

      

Nouvelle Vie says – ‘We believe that even the little things you do everyday can be done in style and should make you feel good….and it shouldn’t cost a fortune either!’  They are staying true to their statement with a gorgeous range of handpicked items from across the globe. Here’s some of my favourites. The ‘Desert Blossoms’ enamel set ($42 for the pitcher, $34 set of 3 cups) is a showstopper on any table setting, pair it with the ‘Fork it’ ($20 set of 4) napkin rings and ‘La Paz’ reversible table runners ($32) and you’ve got a winning combination. If your short on dining seating I love the idea of having a few of these ‘In the Hot Seat’ pouffes($35)  around to pull up for extra guests. You can shop here.

          

Noc Noc Wooden Toys sources a collection of hand-crafted, original wooden toys from artisans around the globe. They are hand picked, non-toxic and made with love. I love their range, not for my children, but for myself. Their wooden pieces would be right at home amongst my ginger jars, books and flowers. The little whale pen holder ($89) is adorable, and I would proudly display him on my desk. The ‘Boatload of Sailors’ wooden people ($46) are such a fun little nautical family, I would sit them up on my bookcase. Don’t even get me started on that adorable little boat ($89).

         

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to answer a couple of questions I get asked regularly.

“Do you get paid to feature products?” No, I don’t. I feature products that I like or feel that my followers will like. I prefer to feature products that I have personally seen or used as I would hate to promote something that is of inferior quality or is not as it appears in photos. I want my followers and readers to trust my judgment on products.

Will you do promotional post in return for products? Yes, If I believe the product is of interest to my viewers. If I come to an agreement with a business to promote their business in return for a product I will disclose it as a ‘sponsored post’. Be prepared, If I do a sponsored post I will ask for a special offer for my readers, there has to be something in it for them too! Occasionally, I receive gifts with no prior arrangement to promote the product, If I choose to share these with you it’s because I genuinely love the item.

How do I get on #mumlittleloves? Simple! Tag me on Instagram, send me an e-mail, leave me a message, send me a sample, just alert me to your product. If I think my readers and followers will like it, I’ll feature it on Instagram and Facebook.

FYI – The Desert Blossoms enamel set from Nouvelle Vie was gifted to me.  Everything else is shared because I love it!

Happy Shopping!

Hayley x