My little slabs of glass should be transformed into gorgeous new pendants by next week!
Friday, December 7, 2007
New Glass Collection
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Subiaco Street Festival is on Today!
Join us at the Subiaco Street Festival (Perth)
Today from 2pm - 6pm
Multiple live stages
Youth Lounges & Climbing Wall
Sunday Shopping!
Market Stalls _ you will find us here..
Dance & Martial Arts Displays
Telstra Kid's Zone
Carnival Rides, Petting Zoo & MORE
Stalls will be located between Seddon Street & Roberts Road so pop along & introduce yourself & grab a Christmas bargain!
Our web site will re-open for orders as of
Monday 3rd December.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
New Designs Online
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday Mum ~ Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual
Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual


When most women are 34 weeks pregnant, they’re planning for their hospital trip, picking out baby furniture and anticipating their showers. Not Kylie Short – pregnant with her third child, Kylie decided it was time to start a business! Named after her daughter, the business began as an answer to Kylie’s desire to have flexibility in her life as she actively participated in raising her children and nurturing her family. As a virtual business owner, Kylie understands the special challenges associated with establishing an online presence, document management and Web site design. Who better to partner with than an experienced, successful work-at-home mum?!!
Why Did you decide to start your own business?
I was 34 weeks pregnant so who knows what I was thinking. I began my business by applying for a part time bookkeeper/secretarial position in the local newspaper. The client took one look at my rather large belly and instead of offering me the position; he offered it to me as a subcontract position so I could do it from home. I became curious about other mums working from home. Surely I wasn’t the only one?? And I wasn’t. I managed to stumble onto the Virtual Assistant industry and instantly found what I had been looking for. I’ve always wanted to own my own business and here was the perfect opportunity for me.
Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
I will admit that there have been some days where I’ve just wanted to throw in the towel and admit defeat but I haven’t and no I can’t imagine working for an employer again. I’m too bossy, too controlling and I like the 2 second commute to my office. I’m a positive role model for my children and I like keeping the profits all to myself!
What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
My biggest challenge would have to be the isolation. It’s really hard to be at home all day with a toddler and a baby. But combine that with working online where the main source of communications is done via email… well I’m sure you get the drift. I can go a whole day without talking to an adult and that can be very isolating. To combat this I go to a mothers group and hang out with my friends and I have my online friends (including other VAs) who know what its like working from home with little ones and can give me the pep talk I need from time to time.
Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I don’t have a signature product or service. I do however niche myself as a technical VA. I have over 10 years administrative experience and I have the technical experience to help businesses market themselves online. My tag line is ‘making virtual personal’ and I’d like to think that, that’s what I do for my clients.
And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.
Hmm, this question is really hard so I’m going to pick the things I LOVE to do.
Designing electronic newsletters – I love taking a concept and turning it into a design. I can also import your existing database in the campaign software and collate the newsletters for you.

Website design – I’ve been getting into Joomla lately and the software can definitely do some amazing things for your website. I also write HTML so it’s a great mixture of both my research, problem solving and HTML skills that are used in designing a website.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Completion of a hand made masterpiece
I can't say however that you will be fining my own silver rings for sale just yet because with the hours that went into creating this it would have to be a 3 figure price tag and trust me although I am proud of my creation is is FAR from a 3 figure piece of jewellery..
Oh and don't you just love how the flash reflected the little star off the edge of it just to show you how much it sparkles!
Next assignment is a bangle... Watch this space!
This Week's Funky Find! Artist Melanie Cansler

Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Born Early Ribbons

Our aim is to increase awareness amongst ALL pregnant women of the signs and symptoms leading to premature birth.
increase awareness about premature birth and its consequences,
fund research into the causes and prevention of premature birth and
provide support to those who experience premature birth
Will your baby be born early?
Help to solve the puzzle of premature birth by purchasing on of our awareness ribbons.
They are a vibrant orange colour with silver “Born Early” writing on them.
Ribbons available from HERE for just $2.00 (postage is free)

Monday, November 12, 2007
Shiva Eye Pendant
Monday Mum - Jodie from The Mummy Planner

Jodie Brookes from
The Mummy Planner
If you are a mum who needs some help then Jodie is the one for you! Through her business The Mummy Planner Jodie helps with Meal Planning, Household Organisation, Family Routines, Time Management & Mother to Mother Support. She offers an Australia wide online support as well as home visits.
Don't let motherhood get you down - get in touch with Jodie instead!
I was doing paticular systems that helped me get organised and I thought there must be other mums who want help getting organised so I posted on a paticular forum what I was looking at doing (knowing full well I was risking my idea being taken but I need to know) and with in a hr I had over 120 emails from mums australia wide wanted to know when the service might be available. So that day The Mummy Planner was Born!
Oh No! never I love working my hrs and telling my self what to do.
What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
(We think that Jodie's entire service is a signature service in itself, it is remarkable, Kylie)
And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.
Monday Mummy Magic Newsletters full of Mummy Planner tips & tricks
One 1/2 hour one on one MSN chat with The Mummy Planner, on joining
Unlimted email contact with The Mummy Planner
Monthly competitions with great prizes
10% off Mummy Planner services
Yearly Membership is $35
Then My Home Visits which will be all over Australia soon as I have Mummy Planner starting all over the country soon.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Perth's Early Babies Group has a LOGO!

Thursday, November 8, 2007
Help Raise Awareness of PND

SHOP 4 PND
18th November
For $47 visit 9 factory outlets with morning & afternoon tea and a buffet lunch.
With lucky door prizes and lot sof raffles you are sure to have lots of fun and help raise money for PND Support Group Baby Bumps. Pick Up Blacktown area.
For more information & to make your booking please contact Jodie
email at info@themummyplanner.com or call 0416 864 878
or you can e-mail walk@walk4pnd.com or phone 0414 548 103

Commencing 6.30pm at Prevale236 Union Road, Ascot Vale
$39 per person, 3 courses, drinks at bar prices
Raffles and giveaways on the night - all funds raised will go towards the organisation of walk4pnd
Bookings essential - please click here
(If you're after a babysitter for the night, please visit www.vicbab.com or email rose@vicbab.com)
Thankyou to Amanda Cox of http://www.realmums.com.au/ for organising Walk 4 PND and the Walk 4 PND Dinner and Jodie Brookes of http://www.themummyplanner.com.au/ for organising Shop 4 PND.
We wish you all loads of fundraising success for the events and can't wait for some photos!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
November Free Giveaway
Cuski is a calming, safe and a healthy alternative to other infant comforters. Its simplicity is designed with baby in mind and works to soothe; calm and reassure you and your baby. If you would like to create a peaceful environment when feeding baby or want baby to settle to sleep, Cuski baby comforter can help.
If you are breastfeeding place Cuski, with its highly absorbent material, somewhere comfortably inside your clothing to pick up more of those mummy smells your baby loves so much. When baby has finished feeding and is ready to settle down to sleep, baby will want to snuggle up with Cuski and all those comforting Mummy smells will be transferred to your baby, reassuring them that you are always close by. Do exactly the same when bottle feeding. If it’s Daddy’s turn to feed baby, he can also do this. You will find baby is soothed quickly when you carry out this routine as it is the next best thing to a cuddle from Mummy or Daddy.
Once baby is settled you can have a well deserved rest, content in the knowledge baby is sleeping peacefully.
Suitable from birth Fully machine washable (YAY!) Helps to create a healthy sleeping and eating pattern.
Using Cuski in the NICU - It is not always possible to have constant skin contact with your baby especially when they are premature, so by keeping Cuski close to you such as near your breasts, the closeness of you will stay with baby as they drift off to sleep feeling warm and comforted. This is the next best thing to giving your baby a cuddle and allows for bonding while they are still in the humidicrib, before the kangaroo cuddles start.
Two Cuski comforters were recently donated to two NICU’s in the UK by Cuski ® and received a warm and welcoming response. The two hospitals were so impressed with Cuski, that they now recommend Cuski to be the ONLY comforter allowed in any NICU
Australian Expo is Open
The Australian Expo that I mentioned last week is now open so pop along for a visit... Oh and don't forget to make your cuppa first because there are some great businesses and offers to view so you may be at your computer for a while!
Check out our Marakye Expo Page HERE
Monday, November 5, 2007
Monday Mum ~ Tracey from Kids Kontact

Tracey Birch from
Tracey's business Kids Kontact provides vital products to protect the most important people in our lives - the kids!
She has a great selection of products which are fantastic for any time of the year but especially with Christmas and the holidays coming up where the little ones can get lost in large crowds.
Tracey says "I am a mum of two beautiful children, Brendan 6 and Georgia 3. My business sells identity products for the whole family".
Why Did you Decide to Start your Own Business?
I decided to start my business firstly so I could be home for my kids. I was struggling with the need to have some mental stimulation but didn’t want to go and work for someone else. Hopefully I can continue to be there so my kids always have someone when they need them. My parents both had to work when I was growing up and that made it hard for my sister and I at times. I want to be able to take my kids to sporting events and not have to beg for time off from a boss that may not be overly understanding.
Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
Not sure, I suppose if the business goes well then I won’t have to, here's hoping I won’t need to. As above my kids are my drive for starting and building my business.
What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
Definitely getting started was hard, it has been so time consuming. I also find it difficult when people say negative things about my product as I sell things that I really believe in and I believe they can help others. But I suppose that’s business. My greatest reward is actually doing it. I had to get through a lot of self doubt to start but thought why not just give it a go.
Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I don’t really have a signature line as such, I try and source anything that can help keep loved ones safe. Although keep a look at for some special items coming up soon.
And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.
The ID 4 Me products, these are an Australian invention and look great. They are a good for those children who can’t resist undoing Velcro. Also the canister has a tamper proof seal so you know if it has been opened.

My favourite would have to be the new purple ID wristband. It is divine. It is so different from the other colours available and the flowers add that little extra something.

Number three would have to be the Autism tattoos. I didn’t realise before starting this business how many autistic children there are. Hopefully these tattoos will help make the parents lives a little bit easier.

Tracey has an online newsletter where you can stay up to date with her products as well as receive member only discount offers. I also believe that she has some fantastic new products on the way so it would be a good idea to sign up so you don't miss out! For more information on Kids Kontact or to register for the newsletter just visit http://www.kidskontact.com.au/
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Born Early

Virtual Expo

Australian Expo starts
Monday
5th November 2007
Mark your calendars!
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Essential Woman Life Expo - Perth March 2008
dedicated to providing everything a woman wants, needs and loves under the one roof -
for the ultimate ladies day out.
Once I receive our complete registration pack I will be sure to let you know where to find us but it is going to be a very busy, fun filled and exiting weekend.
I will be showcasing our Marakye Design Jewellery
Fashion & Beaded Jewellery
Our gorgeous Range of Bath & Beauty Products
and More!
Masterpiece in the Making!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Introducing Monday Mums!
Each Monday I will introduce you to a new wonderful mum and some of their amazing businesses as well.
Kylie from Marakye
As I have mentioned previously I am a stay at home mum who runs an online jewellery and gift store around my 2 children aged 3 and 1. It is challenging but also very rewarding and something that i am extremely proud of.

Why Did you Decide to Start your Own Business?
The big question that everyone asks... I was a chemical laboratory technician working shift work when I fell pregnant with our daughter. I resigned immediately as I did not want to work with the chemicals and was fed up with the shift work. I had an ABN from a previous venture that I was still trying to keep alive although my heart was just not in it. I was living in a semi remote area with few shops and looking for a necklace online. I found one I loved but it was only available wholesale so I popped in my ABN and never expected to hear back from them. The next thing I knew Marakye was born and it has gone from there.
Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
It depends on the situation - I would never make a career from it I don't think - there is just too many rewards and too much freedom with your own business. I would never say never though because you don't know what the future holds. It is definitely much easier to go to work, do a job and come home with a pay cheque but it would greatly depend on whether money was the motivator. I now strongly believe that if you do what you love and you have a real passion for what you do then you can succeed pursuing your dream with perserverance and an open mind.
What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
My biggest Challenge is taking a step back as well as making "me" time. I am a 1 woman show so everything depends on me so I devote every spare minute to building my business. Working from home it is very difficult for me to close the office door and not go back in when business is "closed". My greatest reward has been to be able to work my business to help overcome a lot of personal obstacles that I have faced in my life in recent years. It has been very therapeutic and decisions have not always been "business" based. Marakye has been built from my heart and is something I am very proud to have developed from the ground up. It is also great knowing that once the kids are st school I can work from home and be able to attend all of their school events.
Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I have just started our Marakye Designs category which is for my handmade jewellery designs. Currently my signature pieces are my dichroic glass although I do also do bead work and am starting a silver making course tomorrow so you never know what might pop up next!
And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.
Vibrant Tac Fired Dichroic Pendant. The photo just does not do this pendant justice. I LOVE the colours and the texture in this pendant. It is definitely one of my favourites and I had fun making it!


Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Rose Garden
I had no idea what to do with roses other than that everyone else had pruned theirs and mine were running wild.
- in truth I must admit that I think I was saved by the fact that they were so well established as I am definitely no rose gardener!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
New Blog & New Stock
Thanks guys for making it so easy to navigate and to use because I am fairly new at this and still trying to get my head around the whole BLOG Craze!
It is a busy time of year for my business in the lead up to Christmas but I hope to be able to keep up my commitment to my new blog.
Our gorgeous new range of Jewellery Organisers are here in time for Christmas. With fabrics ranging from cotton through the oriental designs, paisley and silk baroque there is a design to suit everyone. I love these.. they come in a whole range of different styles and colours and are fantastic for jewellery, make-up, craft, pretty much anything.
Well I guess I had better introduce myself..... All seems pretty boring really (although life is never dull) so I will keep it brief.
I am a stay at home mum of 2 gorgeous children, Little Miss 3 and a bit and Mr 19 months. Tay was born 11 weeks premature and I have a strong passion for organisations, businesses and individuals who are out there to help support parents in such a difficult time. I will introduce you to my favourite prem business soon! We live with my wonderful husband of 4 years in Perth Western Australia.
I started Marakye when little Miss was about 6 months old (so we are almost 3 YAY!) it was started by accident really when I was looking for a necklace online and the one I wanted could only be purchased wholesale. I started selling jewellery at our local markets and the next thing I know Marakye was born (my 3rd baby).
I have recently started a selection of designs called 'Marakye Designs' which predominately features dichroic glass at the moment but there are LOTS of surprises on the way!
Here is a sneak peak at one of my latest designs...