An enchanting visit at the QVB ...

On Sunday it was my father in law's birthday. We all met in the city and now that we have discovered the $ 2.50 Family Funday Sunday excursion pass, we left the car at home and took the Ferry. This pass allows you to travel all day, by bus, train, ferry and only costs $2.50/person.
After the restaurant we all headed to the QVB top floor for a nice coffee and this is what happened ...




 I couldn't resist posting this ...

Window Display, Just White, QVB, Sydney

The picture is not great (taken with my phone and kind of hastily) but how CUTE is this! LOVE it! This is only a small portion of the window display at Just White, located on the top level of the QVB, Sydney.
This is well and truly a magic toy shop. Dainty, retro, everything is beautiful and so well displayed that it is well worth stepping in. Expensive of course, but if you're in search of that one special present, you are in the right place.

Little Voice Shop, QVB, Sydney. Photo source: Wordpress

 Opposite Just White is another whimsical store: Little Voice. A different style, not quite mine, but again a fantastic window and shop display, very very attractive for little girls. So precious! They have fantastic Tutus (almost too pretty to be worn) but my favourite items were The  En Gry & Sif felt houses.

By then, Mia was very excited. The good thing was, it looked so much like a fairy tale that she forgot these places were actually shops and didn't beg us to buy anything! Just little girl wishes! Pure pleasure!
Now, Mia was not the only one having a good time. The boys headed to Hobbyco. Another fantastic window shop with  a huge model railroad on display. It caters for everyone but it's definitely one for the boys; big and small!
There was also a nice stationery and cards shop and one for dogs lovers too. We enjoyed a fantastic coffee, bathed in a quiet, indulgent atmosphere. Nice change!


What a good Sunday...

Fabric run ... at the Remnant Warehouse

It's a rush ...

Occasionally, I drive to Alexandria to the Remnant Warehouse on Botany road. From the outside, the shop is not inviting but once you are in, it is very hard to get out! Be prepared to be overwhelmed! There are so many BEAUTIFUL fabrics to choose from! They have a great selection of Amy Butler and oh, so many others!


 It took me ages to choose, but here is my selection ...

There is no special reason for this selection, it just happened ...  Playful, warm, and a tad retro ...

I can see cute retro two-tiered skirts for Mia with the green Japanese print ...

Orange, Polka dots ... I don't even have to think to know I'll be using every bits of these two cheerful fabrics. They will work with everything ... for everything.

  Eyes candy Fat Quarters ...

from Amy Butler.

And if you go to the Remnant Warehouse on Fridays, you get the"buy one get one free" Fat quarters deal! So I got these four gorgeous pieces for $12.

And because it was an awful cold, grey, rainy day, I bought some sunshine for ... $2. Yes, for both.

and four buttons to go with ... just because.

By then I was on a roll ... this I think will be for Mia's babydoll.

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It took me almost two hours, but I'm happy with my bag of goodies!

An OOPI kind of Christmas ... Dreamy toys (Part one)

During my last, semi satisfying, trip to Spotlight, I realised that the Christmas fabrics were already out. ( I can't believe I'm saying this but some were actually pretty good!). I wasn't prepared to think Christmas. Way too early I told myself ... but it got me thinking. Thinking I don't want to become the slave shopper I was last year, trying to fulfill everyone last minute wishes. I used to LOVE Christmas until too many trips to crowded malls stole away all the merriment, until too many junk catalogues invaded my mailbox and the kids' heads.
I want to claim back the joy of giving. So I have been window shopping around the net and I must say that without a set list or a deadline in mind, it has been a pleasant experience.

MIA's dreamy list ...

Because Mia is five, the possibilities are endless; she'll play with anything! But this year I want to give her a Babydoll. Although 'Babyborn' is cute I find the hard plastic body difficult to dress/undress for a 5 years old and not very cuddly. I don't understand at all 'Baby Alive' : these dolls look so wrong!
So after much looking around for a cute, cuddly, babydoll, here's what I've found: Bitty Baby from American Girl. Their Website is very "pink", so I have posted instead some of Dana's (from Made) beautiful pictures. It captures perfectly the retro feel of the doll. I just LOVE it!!!

Dreamy Toy Number One: Bitty Baby

photo source:http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/blog-post.html

At 15 inches, the doll is the perfect size for all the sewing enthusiasts. I know I 'm going to enjoy making outfits for this baby! There are plenty of outfits and accessories to choose from on the American Girl Store website or on ebay (make sure to view the International listings). Personally, I preferred the handmade stuff. I will keep you posted on the Bitty Baby handmade wardrobe as I progress ... I can't wait to find the time to start on this project!

 photo source; http://www.dana-made-it.com/search/label/Doll%20Accessories

The Redhead is the one for us, naturally ...

but they all are very cute if you ask me ...

Now it wouldn't be a true love story if it was all easy.
There is no retailer for Bitty Baby in Australia. I have search and search with no success. Even in America, the doll seems to be exclusively sold by the mother company. Good on them I say , but not so good for us as it makes adopting Bitty Baby a bit more complicated.
The good news is, they do ship to Australia, the bad news it costs more than the doll itself: USD$48 for the doll, around USD$50/55 for the shipping. But it comes in first class mail in about 7 days. The customer service is excellent, twice now they have provided me with quick
answers to my queries. Decision has been made; I'm ordering one this week!


You can check on ebay for second hand dolls (make sure to view the international listings)

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 Bitty Baby not for you?  Check Keptin Jr ... Starting to melt?