And off to the Trade shows we will go.......

It's that time again.... Trade shows galore!
I've already been to one affair already and there are another 3 coming up in the next week or so!
I guess I don't have to go to them... no one is forcing me.
BUT I can't stand not having a sticky beak at what's out there.
What's new?

The problems I always face with these events:
*I have limited time to visit - because I have little ones (so I run around and try to see everyone in one day... the shows go for about 5 days).

*I have to negotiate between what I WANT to order and what THEY (the suppliers showing their wears) MAKE me order. Example: MUST spend $250 min. or order 10 of this item minimum. (Actually WE don't do any negotiating at all, it's me deciding whether I REALLY want this product or brand enough to blow more money on them.)

*There is also the "Internet Store" stigma that I have to go through with new brands (some, not all). Some don't want to do business with you if you don't have a bricks and mortar shop. And then there are the brands who you have been supporting and buying from who open their own e-store and then don't want to deal with you anymore. Weird har??

*The biggest dilemma I face is actually narrowing down all the fantastic stuff that's on offer from so many great labels (including the ones I already support) and deciding THIS IS WHAT I WILL ORDER. If I had a money tree, I'd be right! But I don't and I'm not going to sell my first born to get next season's must haves...... and neither should you.

I did not mean for this to be a rant, but I think it would be interesting for some to know what a buyer may be going through. Or maybe it's just me!
On a more positive note, I am looking forward to going to the Trade fairs! Really!
It's like window shopping and you get to chat with people who really dig the stuff they're representing.
I'll keep you posted.....

This is.... my letterbox!

My first This Is!


We love our new letterbox! Waiting for that red flag to pop up is something special around our home.....
Recently someone thought it would be fun to kick our letterbox off it's steel pole! We didn't catch them in the act, but they left a shoe print on it.
Well it bounced right back and looks as good as ever!
Unlike our last letterbox.....



'Old woody' was a goodie, but obvious it refused one too many junk mail catalogues and was punished for it's effort. May it rest in peace..........

Thanks to Angela for our 'do what you want' theme this week - you too can join THIS IS on Angela's Three Buttons blog!

Time for a snuggle!

It's winter in my part of the world and although it seems mild (ie; no snow around, lots of sunshine), it's fun to get all snugly and warm when we play outside!

I've been getting crafty and have whipped up some woolly beanies for the shop. (under the Made for bpab label)
These are pretty special, because I've used all reclaimed (or recycled) fabrics and trims.
The knits are old jumpers!
The trims are odd buttons and unwanted (or long forgotten) wool.
The only thing I've used NEW would be the over locking thread....... hehehe

They are pretty free form in size and shape, but should add a bit of mischief to any child's wardrobe!

Miss Chai modelling the 'buttons' beanie $15

And sneak peeks at the others.....

'Pom-pom' $17

'Owl' $17

'Holey stitches!' $15

Nanny June (as in the girl's grandmother, not the hired help that I would love!), has enjoyed making a few zany scarfs for bpab.... they are limited editions and come in 5 glorious colours!
Knitted long ways and using a different type of wool for each row, they are truly a work of art.
Thanks Nanny! Look under Made for bpab to see the lot.

Hummus recipe

I thought it would be fun to share some yummy kid friendly recipes time to time!

This Hummus dip is made weekly at our house.
Easy to whip up at the last minute too!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can of ready to use)
3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 cloves of garlic, peeled (if they are large - make it two or you'll get that garlic sting after taste)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons water

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
I sometimes add more cumin at the end, to balance the garlic. Up to you.

Great on toast, in sandwiches, with sticks of vegetables or crackers.
Keep sealed in the fridge.
Enjoy and let me know how you go! (or any variations to the theme)

Want a Travel Buddy?

The Moon Monster little travel buddies have arrived!

The first lot I got in were sold straight away, so you probably haven't seen any yet anyway.


Olive

Jimmy

We've set up a comfy place for Olive and Jimmy - but they are rather restless and want to go travelling really soon! Can you help them?

Poss Bloss now in store!

It's taken me a while to get ALL the Poss Bloss stock entered into the web shop.......... but it's now done and we can welcome mess into our lives with re-newed confidence! Bring it on I say!

The cool 'scooter girl' on one of the art smocks.
I love it!

Thank goodness for Poss Bloss!

Boy! Life is slow when you're on dial up!
I've had modem troubles (ours finally died!) and have resorted to my internal modem.... which uses the dial up connection instead of fast DSL. New modem should be here next week!
So until then, I will be practicing the art of patience! (And not doing as much as I'd normally be doing!)

Poss Bloss is our new local label at bpab.
Jodie is the PVC queen! She has all things under control when it's time to make a mess.
I'm half way through entering all the fabulous stock into the shop........
We have art smocks, aprons, place mats, floor 'spat' mats and fold overs (which we've re-named nappy wallets.

my nappy wallet! (funky isn't it??)

full of nappy stuff (2x nappies, wipes, change mat and disposal bags)

back of wallet

Our splat mat! GREAT for mealtimes and catching bits of play dough!!!
I had my heart set on a colourful spotted one (which will be in the shop for sale), but Chai was very very very pushy and would only limit mess-making if it was on this PINK one!
Still looks good though....

Poss Bloss are Australian owned and (hand)made! Yay!!

July Newsletter! (1st blog one)

Hi there!
Okay, not as flashy as the old one.... but I hope you'll still enjoy it (maybe a little bit more??).
You can comment on anything in this newsletter! Just scroll down to the bottom of this loooong post to the 'comments' box. Others will be able to read your remarks, so keep it squeaky.
The idea behind doing the monthly newsletter via the rainbow blog: to keep all news, ideas, reviews and thoughts in one place! You will be able to venture to the rainbow blog during the month to find out about things as they happen in the world of bpab. And I won't be cluttering up your in box.....

Welcome to July!

A time to clear out the garage and get rid of stuff that's been taking up room (in the garage that is...) and fill that new space with stuff that's been cluttering up the house! And once you've made room in the house, why not go to the sales and buy stuff to fill those empty spaces you've created!
OR
Go on a holiday away from everything you are tired of looking at and have some fun!
Be it a day trip, a weekend or the whole works; it will give you the pep you've lost by this time of the year. (If you can't get away.....even a stolen moment at a cafe devouring sticky date pudding, could do the trick.)

Enjoy the news and the new (financial) year,

Monica (@ bpab)

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GOODBYE OOBI BABY!

Well, for us anyway. I have been talking about this for awhile and some of you may know already. I have decided (with the help of Oobi) to stop buying Oobi baby for the shop and sell what ever I have left. Sorry to those who love Oobi and I don't mean to make you cry, but you'll be able to still buy their stuff from 1,000 other stores...... (and I hope they were not the only reason you shopped at bpab.)

HELLO MON*STAR KIDS!

I wouldn't leave you in the lerch! (what ever that is)
New funky clothing, designed and made in Australia, by Fiona Roy (Vic. based)..... goes up to size 8!!!!!! Yay!
We've got a good range of the Monstar Kids Winter line in store now.
Lots of cool tops for the boys and some mixed pieces for the girls (sorry boys, no pants this season.... I got in too late. Bubble skirts anyone??)

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SOMETHING DIFFERENT ON THE WEBSITE:

We have lots of Aussie customers, from all over, which is brilliant!
We also have some International customers too! Yay!!
So I've made the Clothing category 'seasonal'. Now you can browse Winter Wear or Summer Wear..... no matter 'wear' you are!
Don't worry, there will still be 'clearance' or 'end of season' SALES for both sides of the world. Phew!

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JULY = FREE REGULAR SHIPPING!

I know you are scratching your head here.... what is she on about? Regular shipping?
I have decided to start offering 'normal' post for purchases now. This means 3 to 5 days delivery (rather than the lightning overnight of Express Post) and some interesting packaging options!
I've been feeling a bit guilty about the plastic satchels I use for Express Post... you can not recycle them, so they're adding to land fill aren't they? So at least with regular post (through Australia Post), there will be a choice to re-use packaging. So that's why it's free this month!
I'll expect feedback from you too, as I still want to offer my amazing customers the best postage they can afford!

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NEW STUFF:

Cinti Does Vintage felted wool booties, handmade right here in Melbourne by Cintia, from reclaimed knit wear!
4 colours $30.00 a pair

Moon Monsters softies!
Local gal, Felicity (you may have seen her at Rose Street Market) takes a trip to the moon every so often and produces these adorable monsters. All are unique, made out of socks and have been named! (no more "what's his name?" "what should we call it?") Start from $15.00.
(Please note: we do have more travel buddy sized ones coming.... they were adopted at the time of writing.....)

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For V.I.P.'s:

Just letting you know, if you are a VIP customer, that:
1. All points earned expire in 6 months now, not 12 months like they used to be. So you don't forget about them.......
2. Earn $1.00 for every product review you write at the shop!
Sign in, go to the product you want to write about (or a similar one if it's a one off item), go to the bottom of the product and click on the 'REVIEWS' button. Away you go!
Remember: a review helps everybody make more informed decisions about products.
And now you get paid for it too!

(Become a V.I.P. and be special too!)

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LAST ONE......

The new look Weeride Center mounted BIKE SEAT is here!
New colour way and extra features too. Same price as the old one! Ride on.....