Cast a spell of delight on your little trick-or-treaters with a unique Halloween costume to pair with their basket of choice. From a hootin’ cute owl to a buzzy bee, and all your classic favorites in between, make your kids the stars of the night.
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Cozy Dinkum Nox and black laced tied around the handle of a Berry Basket make adorable accessories for this bewitching ensemble!
Whoo's ready for Halloween? This little owl is, of course, complete with a Stripe Berry Basket.
All you need for this costume is a piece of white fabric - easy peasy! Add battery-operated fairy lights to a Mushroom Basket to cast a spooky glow.
The Luggy Basket is one of our faves for trick-or-treating! Kiddos can keep their hands free, plus it holds so much candy!
Pair the Red Mushroom Luggy with a DIY toadstool costume for an adorable Halloween look.
Pair our Castle Bag with a princess-like lace dress and blooms from the garden for an easy enchanting costume. Perfect for last-minute party-goers!
Bring a Cozy Dinkum Lion along for a roar-tastic Halloween adventure in a Luggy!
Yee-haw! This little trick-or-treater is ready to tote a Chari Bag AND Luggy for the ultimate Halloween haul.
With a Casa Clutch in hand, this classic fairytale get-up is sure to be a fan-favorite with your kiddos.
Our whimsical Mushroom Basket is a generous size for gathering candy, and is fairy-ly adorable paired with any princess costume.
Good old-fashioned, screen-free, creative fun to keep little ones entertained! Tiny dolls, mini animals, and portable play sets for imaginative play, all while mom and dad run errands, sip coffee, and go on family road trips. Have a look at what we’ve got for you!
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Take the fun wherever you go with Playpa Mini - a portable playtime pal! Designed to fit in a carry bag, the compact 14.5cm box includes a 26 ft roll printed with a rolling adventure and four crayons. Playpa Mini is a must to keep kids entertained in cafes, on planes, or in holiday accommodation.
Bring Playpa Mini creations to life with Holdie World counterparts! Explore the depths of the Ocean with our Marine and Ocean Animals, and Mermaids. Trek the Forest with Princess Gloribel and Wanda the Witch! Made for little hands to hold, kids will love the portability of our pocket-sized Holdie dolls.
Curate a grab bag full of travel fun with a repurposed See-ya Wash Bag. Fill with goodies like Holdie World friends, crayons, stickers, small cars, fidget spinners and pop-its, and snacks. Pro tip: for long journeys, wrap each individual item in gift paper to prolong the fun and give your restless kiddos a task to focus on as they unwrap each delight.
The Mini Chari Bag is a multi-use shoulder bag that easily converts into a backpack. Strap it to your little one or their bike and keep hands free for exploring and collecting treasures on the go!
The See-ya Suitcase gives kids independence on road trips and sleepovers, plus it's great for toting all the must-haves that accompany your kids on day trips too! If you're feeling brave, ask your little one to pack their own carry-on so you can enjoy a surprise fashion show of mismatched socks, toys, and snacks you never knew you had!
For wheely big adventures, we recommend packing travel activities, snacks, and a warm sweater into a Luggy or Wonder Wagon. Pulling is easier than carrying, and the novelty for kids of wheeling their own basket will hopefully mean one less item for overloaded caregivers to carry!
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As a B Corp certified business, we are committed to creating a positive impact for our planet by mindfully working to minimize our footprint. The planet sustains our business, and we aim to sustain her in return. We are forever striving to better our processes to preserve mother earth and keep her safe and healthy for generations to come.
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OUR COMMITMENT TO PLANET EARTH
We are B Corp certified - meaning we meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance both profit and purpose.
We have aligned to a number of bodies to help steward effective toxin reduction across our products. This contributes to both the health of people and the health of the planet.
GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers which includes environmental, ecological & social impact criteria. Our Cotton Liners, Mattress Covers, WARES & Cardigans have been designed to reduce toxin inputs and outputs, made entirely of Organic GOTS Certified Cotton.
FSC exists to look after ‘forests for all’. FSC is a global certification with clear labelling to identify responsibly sourced materials. When you see a FSC label this confirms that materials have been sourced from responsibly managed forests, preserving biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring economic sustainability. Our Holdie™ House, Holdie™ Barn and Playpa Paper are all sourced from FSC certified sources.
When it comes to product design and assessment, we refer and certify with the Proposition CA 65 List. This assesses, informs and ensures we are creating products without harmful chemicals. We searched high and low for a well certified body that we could rely on for transparent information regarding toxic loading and hidden chemicals. We care about the safety of both people and planet and want our products to be loved for a long time. We don’t want harmful or hidden chemicals playing havoc in anyone's home, or our environment!
Wherever possible we strive to use natural and recycled materials to bring our product to life. See-ya Suitcases and Wash Bags are made from recycled bottles, and all Baskets, Rugs, and WARES are fully compostable.
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Our team of talented artisans handcraft each product to bring our designs to life. We are proud to have created hundreds of jobs for women in the communities we work with.
Many of our rattan weavers get the raw materials delivered to them so they can work from home!
Use of GOTS Certified organic cotton ensures production is kind to the local environment & people.
They bring our dolls & toys to life through their skilled handiwork & even make our See-ya Suitcases using PET (recycled plastic bottles)!
Who run the world? Girls! From the women who work in the stores to the women who run them, this wonderful community brings claycountyduilawyers to life in-store, and we love nothing more than spying our goods in shop windows around the world!
We asked a few of our retailors on how they can #BREAKTHEBIAS?
“We're not afraid to do things 'our way' at The Kid Collective. Female led, we approach the work we do with flexibility, compassion, and enthusiasm. The world can be different. And more kind.. And we support the need to #breakthebias.” - Laura
@the.kid.collective | Leicester, England
“It is our privilege and honor to work with a team of amazing kick-ass women, may they continue to trail blaze and light the way! ” - Amy
@ShopPigment | San Diego, USA
“I am really proud to have created a business that not only employs a team of amazing women, but that is also full of products that celebrate differences and encourage the next generation to grow up to be happy, compassionate, and inclusive humans.”- Leila
@littlegatherer | Auckland/Cleveland, New Zealand
“I imagine a world where we don’t have to call out for equality because all ARE equal. A world where people embrace one another’s differences. Where it doesn’t matter the color of your skin, where you were born, how you identify. As a company and as a family, we stand against discrimination. We welcome and support all. Our team has and never will never be homogenous. Please join me in a call to #breakthebias” - Coutney
@normanandjules | New York, USA
“As a female owned company and a team of strong women, we are truly inspired by the sisters, mothers, leaders, and friends who paved the way for us. Together, let’s continue to fight for a better and equal world everyday, take positive actions and be proud of our improvements. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.” - Andréanne
@charlotteetcharlie | Quebec, Canada
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“Let’s raise our girls free of stereotypes
. Being a woman does not mean being weak, submissive or dependent. The fact that we are women makes us strong. It makes us independent and capable. Our girls only need themselves to be whatever they choose. Our job is to show them how.” - Teresa
@tutete | Murcia, Spain
“A happy child is one without bias. At Tinker Tray Play our toys are for all children to enjoy. To #breakthebias we must allow our sons to play with dolls and our daughters to become superheroes” - Anna
@tinkertrayplay | Weymouth, England
“I'm so blessed with strong and confident women in my life. Women's strength and love is layered and deep, there's always enough to draw from it when we need it most and share it with others along the way ❤” - Ruth
@thelittlewoodenpeg | Dublin, Ireland
“It can be tough to balance being a mum and a female business owner, particularly when neither role shouldn’t negate the other! What I find ironic in my case (and for many women in the nursery retail industry) was that when the idea of Natural Baby Shower was born, it was completely inspired on my experience as a woman, and as a mum. Bringing up my first baby whilst travelling in New Zealand, there were so many natural and sustainable products to choose from so, it came as a shock that on my return to the UK that those options were no longer available. It kickstarted my vision to bring British parents the very best for baby, parents, and the planet too.
Now, 15 years on and 3 little ones later, we have a thriving, sustainable retail business that is succeeding on our mission to help parents shop conscientiously but like many, running a large business is no easy feat! However, I’ve learnt to adapt and prioritise my time to make things work; whether that means planning meetings around the school pick-up and doing emails when my children have gone to bed, or making sure to book in holiday for quality, family time away from the business.
I also want to inspire my daughter and female staff I lead, so for International Women’s Day, we need to appreciate that being a woman is our biggest asset and not a weakness. Instead let’s harness the advantages of being a woman. #BreakTheBias.” - Vics
@naturalbabyshower | Surrey, England
“We celebrate differences and provide the fundamental liberties to women that we all deserve” - Gina
@shopbohemianmama | Ocean City, USA
“It’s time we start celebrating the genders’ differences instead of trying to clear them, and provide the fundamental liberties to women that we all deserve”- Sophie
@de_gele_flamingo | Antwerp, Belgium
“We all succeed together. Let’s stand together as women instead of against each other.” - Dominik
@lepetitcocon | Quebec, Canada
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Lots of amazing new claycountyduilawyers came to life this year!
Here are a few of our faves:
Our superstar DOZY DINKUMS stole the show and your hearts 💖💖💖
There were underWARES for bump, breastfeeding & beyond!
Our wonder filled Wonder Wagon had us all adventuring far & wide!
This year we continued our commitment to social responsibility & engaged in important conversations with our greater community
Where we gathered to discuss all things BCorp with friends, businesses, & our local community for BCorp awareness month!
We continued to support causes close to our hearts through the claycountyduilawyers Global Fund
This year we made it our mission to ensure the smiles stayed on your dials!
We heard from you about what matters to YOU in our Global customer survey!
And we started our FB group page so we could share exclusive tid bits and sneaky peaks just for you!
This year presented many challenges for the claycountyduilawyers team & the business itself!
From Global supply chain disruption to lockdowns & some extreme postal delays it was a year filled with challenge, problem solving & adaptability!
We celebrated when we could & championed causes that we love;
Such as Earth Day and International Women's Day
There were some VIP new additions to the claycountyduilawyers team
Welcome to babies Rocky, Quentin & Lennon!!
And then there has been YOU.
Our customers, the life force of claycountyduilawyers!
💖 THANK YOU 💖
You have supported us & been our biggest cheerleaders!
You’ve bought claycountyduilawyers into your homes & taken us on your adventures.
We are so grateful for all your support & can't wait to show you all the fun stuff we have been working on for 2022!!!
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“Ever since I was a little girl I have loved to paint, and I loved clay, probably because I was copying what my mum was doing in her studio”
Product featured: Organic Cotton Lilly Pilly Shirt
Product featured: Organic Cotton Flourish Mini Muu
Product featured: Organic Cotton Flourish Mini Muu
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Sarah Glover is a chef who is taking the sterile out of cooking & turning food into an experience! Adventuring with her is always fun, surprising, & good a reminder that viewing the world with curiosity, creativity, & healthy dose of childlike wonder is always a brilliant idea.
‘I'm one of eight kids, a lot of my fondest memories are being outside and going on adventures’
Product featured: Piki Basket Large, Shell Bag Straw, Casa Bag Rose, Mosey Basket, Wonder Wagon Natural
This Thanksgiving & Holiday seasons we are all about celebrating the return of gathering, connecting in groups & simple pleasures like picnics at the beach while the sun sets & the kids beachcomb for treasures!
Product feature: Piki Basket Large, Mosey Basket, Rattan Medium Luggy
“Kids get so excited seeing that they can cook something so simply — there's an adrenaline rush that you get from being around that excitement.”
Of course, no picnic would be complete without a delicious treat to eat & Sarah along with her sweet little helpers have the yummiest recipe to share with you all that’s perfect for Thanksgiving & the Holidays!
Product featured: Wonder Wagon Natural
Product featured: Mini Chari Bag Rose
Preheat oven to 180°C. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line with a 9-by-21-inch sheet of baking paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each short side. Put caramels and cream IN a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted, about 5 mins. Once melted add the tin of pumpkin puree. Allow to cool.
Stir together oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Blend in butter with a fork or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal; press half of the mixture onto bottom of lined pan. Bake until just set and starting to colour, About 20 mins. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Sprinkle crust with chocolate chips; drizzle with caramel pumpkin mixture and top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake until pale golden, 20 – 25 mins. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
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The Kindness Project is a small community initiative group based in the Byron Bay, Australia. It is run by me; Ally and a few friends who have volunteered over the last few years on different projects.
The Kindness Project aims to help vulnerable members within our community via little projects throughout the year. I work with incredible, local organisations who deal directly with the families in need. Some of these families have fled domestic violence, are in witness protection, in refugee housing or homeless. Other families are experiencing extreme hardship/crisis and are just needing some extra love and support.
I created The Kindness Project after selling my business earlier this year, this definitely kick started me into creating an actual space to help give back to our community!
My passion for charity work and giving back led to the creation of The Kindness Project that is inspired by my hero, my grandfather Clemmy. He was the most charitable man ever and I just grew up with the idea that doing things for your community was very normal. Clemmy organised Christmas Hampers for the homeless in Sydney. It was so chaotic with hundreds of green shopping bags flooding his house for weeks whilst organising, but I loved to see the joy it gave him to help those who were struggling. Clemmy unfortunately now has dementia and cannot remember all the amazing things he once did. So, I decided to continue his legacy here in the Byron Shire.
Absolutely! My aim is to turn The Kindness Project into a registered charity next year and continue to give back and help where and when I can. I am already talking to other charities and organisations in the area about ways we can all help each other and work together. There is such a need in this area!
This may sound corny but every single person I have met on this journey has been incredible. There is something pretty magical about creating a project and space for people to give back and see how much they enjoy it. Connecting with local businesses is also a highlight. The continual support is epic
It is intense, in the best way! I started the Christmas Hamper & School Pack Project 2021 on the 1st of November with the aim to help 170 families and I have already (almost) organised help for each family. Four years ago, we organised 16 Christmas Hampers and this year 170... I mean, that says a lot, doesn’t it?
I have many conversations with people who are keen to donate and they explain that they want to help and get involved in initiatives like this but have no idea where to look. I am creating a link to people keen to give back to the organisations that need the support and I am very honoured to do so!
Please follow the @thekindnessprojectaus, share what we are doing and reach out if you’re able to help in any of our future projects. As The Kindness Project is very new and growing quite quickly if you are keen to get involved on the volunteering side, please reach out, I'm am all ears!
We're so excited to see the Dinkum Dolls being adored by little claycountyduilawyers folk all around the world! The reception to these dolls has been beyond what we ever could have dreamt of and we're really feeling the love, so we wanted to give some of the love back and share our favourite Dinkum Doll adoption stories... featuring Y.O.U!
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]]>Take a trip around the world with us! We visit some bright and cheerful kids room and nurseries, adored by their teeny occupants. From Düsseldorf to the UK, we love that our claycountyduilawyers pieces contribute to everyday play and making these little rooms a home.
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]]>We sat down with the lovely Emma Hollingsworth to chat about her work as an Indigenous artist, model, and passion for her culture and creativity. Emma is known for her beautiful, bold, and feminine artworks and to our community as the model for WARES by claycountyduilawyers since it launched in 2019 {you’ll also spot her in our new collection launching in late 2020}.
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I started Mayde Tea when I couldn’t find a product I was searching for. I was looking for herbal tea to help with my own health issues, digestive and nervous system imbalances. I wanted something organic, handmade, formulated by a qualified naturopath/herbalist, so that it was medicinal, and to be in functional and eco-friendly packaging. It was surprisingly hard to find! So, I made it myself while I was studying at Uni. By the time I graduated I was working full time on Mayde Tea, and it’s been the best little unexpected life change ever!
My morning routine: Every morning I wake up to the most adorable sound of Alfie chatting away in her cot. I get up, feed her, and then Ryan spends some time with Alfie while I meditate for 20 minutes. Next, I have a huge glass of filtered water, an Energise tea and a big brekky to start the day.
My days change a lot. I make sure I move my body somehow and get out in nature, the lighthouse walk in Byron Bay or a
surf (if baby daddy isn’t at work!). I work on Mayde Tea while Alfie sleeps, and spend a LOT of time staring at her adorable face.
Being summer here
in Australia, I always make a 1L bottle of an iced tea that I drink throughout the day. At the moment I’m drinking our Nursing blend.
Winding Down:
I’ve always naturally created a calming space and had a set of
night-time rituals before bed. I experienced pregnancy insomnia, so when I was pregnant, I was working on how to support my nervous system and hormones to
allow myself to be able to sleep well at night. Serenity tea is the perfect pre-slumber beverage for a restful night’s sleep.
To allow my body to wind-down at the end of the day, I avoid bright lights and screens after 6pm. Keeping the lights
dim after the sun has gone down teaches your body to convert serotonin to melatonin (your sleep hormone) —bright lights confuse this conversion.
After
Alfie's bath, we take her to her room and give her a light massage with a natural oil blend and read her a book. Then we have a cuddle and feed and she’s
off to bed.
We try not to get too caught up in ‘parenting and sleeping techniques' and just do with her what we personally like, in terms of
night-time rituals.
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I am a birth and postpartum doula, mama of three boys, and wife. I am also the creator of the online wellness platform, #NotSoPrivateParts and the Co-Creator of Moms In Color. My family and I live here, in Los Angeles, CA.
After having a miscarriage in 2014, I was amazed by the lack of resources available to folks who have experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage. Pregnancy loss can be super isolating, and I simply wanted to create the community that I needed, way back when.
I feel soft. I love the feeling of organic cotton. When I wear WARES, I feel like I can take the guess work out of, “what to wear” and just simply be present, beautiful and connected.
Website notsoprivateparts.life/about
Instagram @bstereo
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Originally from Tasmania, these days I’m lucky to call the beautiful Northern Rivers of NSW home (still defrosting) and am a Mama to two little people, Evie (6), and Roo (3). I launched my business, Nuni, in December of 2018. After my own boob health experiences, I recognised a need for someone to offer products & resources to help enhance breast wellness, connection & self-awareness in a fun, modern way. I’m really passionate about having positive conversations about how women can achieve optimal breast wellness and proactively manage their risks through self-massage.
About 10 years ago I tested positive to a gene fault called BRCA2, made "famous" by Angelina Jolie. It’s not so comfortingly referred to as the breast cancer gene, as those who carry the fault have an increased risk of developing breast cancer (up to 80% lifetime risk), and with a relatively young onset – my Nan was in her mid-thirties. Three years ago when my youngest bub was 10 months old, I underwent a risk-reduction mastectomy and reconstruction. Everyone’s journey with preventative measures is so personal, but taking this step felt right for me.
Throughout my years of research after finding out about BRCA2, I found an overwhelming lack of positive messaging around the things we can actually do to promote breast wellness; and the seed was also planted after many conversations I've had with friends and other women about the relationships (or lack thereof) they have with their boobs. I realised that someone needed to create a product to help women get in touch with their girls, and a platform to hold a conversation around breast wellness in general….and that person might as well be me. While I no longer have my boobs, I’m here to help other women keep theirs healthy and happy! My hope is that Nuni invites, inspires and informs women of all ages to take care of their breasts.
I’d actually really love to see BCA month be renamed Breast Awareness Month or even Breast Health Awareness month, a more positive spin on the same message! October is a really tough month for a lot of people - a time of heavy, hard-hitting stories, a fair bit of pink-washing, and a constant reminder for those who have been directly or indirectly impacted by breast cancer. Of course, fundraising for better testing methods and treatments is a wonderful thing, but I do wonder whether October can actually foster more fear and worry, rather than helping empower women to take a proactive approach to their breast wellness!?
Breast care doesn’t have to be a sterile monthly breast check! How uninviting is a clinical prod around in some sort of search and destroy mission - as though we’re hunting for something to be wrong!? I think that the most important thing we can all do is cultivate a regular breast care practise, so that we can feel more connected with our breasts, understand how they fluctuate throughout the month, and therefore put us in a far greater position to recognise any changes if they were to occur.
As much as I prefer to keep things light and positive, the fact is, breast cancer is on the rise. While the great news is that mortality rates are decreasing, overall occurrences are increasing. It’s actually the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 40, so we need to shake up the misinformed belief that it’s a disease of aging women. Women with genetic faults such as myself only account for less than 10% of all breast cancers, so that means that the other 90% of women have no reason to believe they’re at risk. What we do know is that early detection is key, and that in women under 40, self-awareness really is our best defence because mammography isn’t considered effective screening measure in dense (younger) breast tissue. So rather than waiting till we’re of screening age (currently 50-74), we need to get in touch with our girls now, talk about our girls, and model this behaviour with our own little girls – we need to value our breast health like we would any other aspect of our health – such as gut health, dental health etc. We grow them, so we should know them!
nuni.com.au
Instagram @nuni_wellness
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We use a diverse basket collection throughout our home-office to reduce visual clutter and increase functionality. Top uses include: Utilizing the Strolley for library books (it’s just the right size, and so easy for our little one to move around!), using Luggys for storage when home and for market and library trips when on-the-go. Using lidded baskets for miscellaneous toys, creating drawers on our shelves/built-ins with shallow bins, and keeping our Mosey open for versatile, last-minute use during the day (whether when picking grapes, harvesting lettuce, corralling games and blocks, play fishing with our son, or sorting through paperwork to be scanned or recycled).
Rarely do folks enjoy this reply, but if I’m being honest, the “hack” is simply to own less stuff. The fewer belongings we have, the fewer storage solutions and space we require. In my mind, that’s a positive thing, as it lessens both our physical and environmental footprint. Having shared that, we all have stuff, of course, and we need a place to put it. I think that versatile and adaptable baskets and shelving are key, so that we can always adapt our space (such as a closet) to suit our current and evolving needs. For example, our single closet has changed over the years from a wardrobe for 2 people, to a nursery for one child, back to a closet again… this time for 3 people!
Blog tinycanalcottage.com
Instagram @whitneyleighmorris
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Yvonn Deitch @bytheseasidedaisies
Images by Louise Beaumont
Louise Bannister is the Co-founder and Editorial Director of Lunch Lady Magazine; a visual treat full of clever writing, beautiful photos, inspiring interviews, and kid-friendly crafts and recipes to make any Pinterest-lover swoon. A mother of three little ones, and an entrepreneur with a catalogue of successful publications under her belt, Lou is well-versed in the ups and downs that come with raising a family... and a business. We caught up with Lou at her beautiful home in the Byron Hinterland (complete with skate-ramp!) to chat about life, magazines and combining the two.
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There’s five of us - Myself, my husband Rick, Harriet who is almost 8, Pearl, 6 and Bon, 3. We live near a lovely small village in the Byron Hinterland. It’s a contradiction of sorts - only has one old general store but also a world class Japanese cafe!
Lunch Lady is a magazine for parents, but it’s not a parenting mag! It's a fun, engaging, practical quarterly magazine filled with recipes, super simple craft and interesting interviews with extraordinary people. It’s non judgmental and it’s objective is to have fun and connect us all through the ups and downs of being parents.
What we do is find interesting stuff we know could be helpful and fun for parents. We are constantly canvassing for interesting people with stories to tell, funny takes on parenting and ways as families we can spend time together that we all enjoy. We don’t see it as a parenting magazine in the way we don’t tell anyone how to parent. How could we! We’re just learning as we go too.
Lara, my co-founder, and I have been making print magazines for 20 years. We launched Frankie Magazine for a publishing company when we were 25 and Smith Journal a bit later. Print is what we know and love. There’s nothing more intimate or engaging then sitting down with a magazine that feels like a friend, and that's what we strive to create.
I find magazines a powerful way to tell the whole story. It’s not about clickbait, it’s not about how many impressions you get. It’s about making something quality that people who love it really engage with. They’re also a wonderful way to build community. The amount of readers that bonded over the fact they both read Frankie are too many to count and we hope we’re creating the same space for people to connect over Lunch Lady.
I really have had to work at having fun as a parent and starting Lunch Lady has helped that so much! I think it’s ingrained in many of us to just get stuff done, constantly doing things - cleaning the house, looking after the kids, working, doing, doing, doing. Like our mothers did. But when my husband tapped me on the shoulder one day and reminded me to have some fun, it really dawned on me that I was doing rather than living. So now, I try much harder to have fun with it! If we’re not having fun, what’s the point ?
Everything. As we face some challenging times with the climate, I think everything comes back to being connected with one another and community. I’m not talking about just through our phones. Real community gatherings and real conversations about how we can celebrate with each other and support each other when the goings get tough.
I dabbled in skateboarding as a teenager but was always much too intimidated by the culture (and the boys!) to real give it a go. I feel I missed out. So when I turned 38, I picked up a board and joined a mums group learning to skate. It has been life changing on so many levels. When you skate you don’t know the outcome, so the more you surrender the better you get. The more relaxed you are, the better the trick. Surrendering and not controlling situations is not something that comes naturally to me, so it’s been wonderful on many levels. I also see it as a form of activism in a way, skating skateparks as a now 40 year old and not giving a toss about what anyone thinks is really liberating.
Be kind, be empathetic, know your boundaries, know when to say no, work hard and find opportunities when times get tough. When things look rocky, it doesn’t mean it’s over, just means you have to find another solution.
Twelve years ago I was working a job I hated in real estate, not making much, and got a small bonus. I put the money in an envelope and wrote “bicycle” across it, intending to spend it on a bike. But in a twist of fate I got an email from a woman who had one Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy left in the litter asking if I was interested. So I spent the money on a puppy and what was left on a super basic DSLR camera so I could take photos of my puppy. Before long, co-workers began asking if I would take photos of their dogs, and then those people would ask if I would photograph their weddings, and then their children, and so it went.
Over the last decade I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons about running a business, existing in the photo world, and juggling work and being a mama. The beautiful thing about the way I started out, though, is that for me it’s always been about capturing the spark of my subject — my own dog, initially, but then so, so much more. My aesthetic has definitely changed and been refined over the years, but the heart of what I do really hasn’t changed since that original impulse to buy a camera so I could capture the essence of that puppy. That dog, Roux, whose nickname, Rouxby, is the namesake of my company, is still my constant companion and falls asleep every night tucked into bed next to my eldest daughter.
Ahh, children are magic to photograph! They’re not trying to be anything other than who they are in their beautiful little hearts. They’re not trying to look a certain way. Instead of focusing on the way their image will be presented to the rest of the world, they’re just actually living the moment. I think that, in a nutshell, is the magic of childhood. Whether I’m photographing portraits of a family or shooting for a brand, this magic is the thing I want every image to communicate.
I have a few go-to ways of encouraging connection or thoughtfulness (“What colour are your mama’s eyes? Does your daddy have teeth? Is there a bird in the sky?”), but the truth is I don’t really use tricks. That magical quality of childhood doesn’t really require any. Mostly, I just like to let children be themselves because the truth is that the moments they make on their own are far more magical than anything I could contrive.
Oof, this one is tough. I’m a bit of a nomad so I have connections to so many different places in different ways. But one of the first places that comes to mind is my Dad’s house. He lives in the mountains of Southern Colorado, a town so small it barely qualifies as a town (just a post office, gas station, and a bar). His house is soaked with light, very secluded, and full of treasures he and his girlfriend have collected over the years and around the world. When my girls and I go there in the summer we spend mornings hiking, afternoons in the creek that runs through the property, rinse off under the outdoor shower in the late sun, and eat meals full of home-grown vegetables.
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This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and in honour of the occasion we thought we’d catch up with our friend Magdalena Roze, who is an expert in all things post-natal health (and also an expert in the kitchen!). Read on for Mags’ top tips for nourishing your body as a new mama, including the recipe for her famously hearty and healthy Chicken Bone Broth - yum!
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Coral | @coral.atkinson
"We are renovating our mid century house and did the kids rooms first. My two boys share a room so it needed to be something that would reflect both their ages and interests. I kept the walls a simple neutral (though I’m thinking about adding some colour!) and have added lots of shelving and wall art. They each have a matching chest of drawers set on either side of the room, so I’ve created a seperate zone for each of them, filled with their favourite things, books and colourful highlights! Willa’s room is in contrast to the boys and is a very feminine space, but I added plenty of muted shades as I didn’t want anything to be too matchy-matchy. I used wicker and wood with grey painted furniture and Liberty print bedding to create a whimsical space. She loves her Holdie House and her claycountyduilawyers baskets, along with her toy kitchen, vintage Peacock chair (which I sourced from Etsy) and her tiger rug."
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Save money, preserve space, and reduce your environmental footprint by borrowing books from your local library— particularly if you have children. While we do have a permanent assortment of books in our home, the most used and efficient collections are those we borrow from the city and county libraries. We keep our son’s borrowed books in the Strolley as it’s easy and safe for him to roll around the house, and it keeps everything well-organised and easily accessible.
We all know that single-use plastics are responsible for a staggering amount of damage to the planet and its inhabitants. Bring your own reusable produce bags, bulk good containers, reusable to-go boxes, utensils, linens, coffee and water vessels, and refillable jars for cleaning and body products whenever possible. It doesn’t have to be as cumbersome as it sounds once you figure out a system that works for you. And since these items are constantly in varying stages of use, they’re easier to stash around your tiny home than you might think. We tote ours daily, and use our Luggys to transport them to and from our local farmers markets and grocery stores.
You can stylishly organise toys, games, accessories, equipment and more within your small space by skipping the bulky plastic storage bins, and opting instead to use beautiful, versatile baskets made of natural materials. Instead of storing everything together, arrange the containers throughout your home. Use simple hardware, such as coat racks, s-hooks and wall hooks to mount and hang select baskets. This will free up some precious floor space, while enriching the look, feel and function of your home.
Whenever possible, skip the car. Clearly this planet needs us all to cut back drastically on emissions from transportation. Plus riding a bike is better for your body, and getting outside is good for the soul. If your town offers shared/rental bikes, use them. If not, there are numerous handmade small space storage solutions for bikes available on sites such as Etsy. Our family shares one car, but we ride our funny little fleet of bikes far more often than we drive. I have a multi-tasking Mamachari for holding my phone and keys while I’m on my bike, and my son has a sweet little Mini Chari on his tricycle.
Adding a diverse array of air-cleansing plants to your home is not only a wonderful way to make your space visually striking and unique, but it’s also a creative way to avoid filling your home with mass-produced decorative objects. The less manufacturing that is required to create your residence and the items within it, the less harm you’re doing to the Earth. Choose plants that suit your vibe and location, and be mindful of selecting varieties that are safe for your family and pets. (Our son loves to water our houseplants at the kitchen sink while standing on his Storie Stool!)
Blog tinycanalcottage.com
Instagram @whitneyleighmorris
Book Small Space Style
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Magdalena Roze is a lover of all things post-natal health. She’s a wizard when it comes to creating recipes that nurture both Mama and baby from birth and beyond. We sat down with Mags and her two little ones at the New Brighton Farmers Market in Northern Rivers to enjoy a fresh market breakfast and learn a little about her passion for food, family and motherhood.
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I’m a mum of two living in Byron Bay with my chef partner Darren Robertson. After a decade long career as a TV presenter in Sydney hosting the news and weather, my chef partner Darren Robertson and I followed our hearts (and tummies!) to open a restaurant on a farm and we’ve never looked back! At the time, it seemed pretty crazy giving up my busy life in the city and I really did love my job, especially the thrill of hosting at big events like the Olympics or interviewing interposing people on The Project, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Our sea change gave me the chance to pursue my others passion for food and lifestyle, start a family and embark on a diverse media career that’s included writing a whole foods cookbook and starting my food podcast The Pass. I’m so inspired by the abundance of amazing food and producers here, as well as the slower and more connected way of life, and I love being able to share this with others.
These markets are my happy place, my favourite part of the week. They’re a small market so I know all the producers, and few things make me feel happier than putting together a beautiful, nourishing meal and knowing the face behind every ingredient on my plate. There’s live music, craft for the kids, coffee (a necessity!) and one of the best breakfasts you can get from The Nomadic Kitchen. You can get everything at these markets including dairy, meat, eggs, bread and fish so this is my main weekly grocery shop now and while it’s a fairly simple thing to do it’s had a very gradual but really important effect on me. Of course it’s great that it’s ethical, local and supports the community, but it has also made me a lot more connected to food and cooking which has informed much of my recipes and food philosophy, which is eating seasonally, locally and intuitively. Plus, it’s a such a nice place for catching up with friends.
Definitely The Nomadic Kitchen for breakfast which changes every week; Picone Exotics for some of the most delicious and interesting exotic fruits. John and Lyndall manage to grow things in the climate like vanilla and cocoa that are pretty much impossible here. They pick everything at just the right time so it tastes amazing and always introduce me to new fruits like Brazilian cherries every time I see them. I’ve never tasted better figs or pineapples than John's! Church Farm for the best local made soaps, sauces, curry pastes and Passata which is the best for a quick and easy dinner.
I’m obsessed with my Wares dresses, I live in them! They’re perfect every day dresses because they’re easy, super soft and comfortable and so feminine so I feel good no matter what kind of day I’m having. I’m still breast feeding my baby, Charlie, so the buttons are great for that but I also enjoy wearing them the other way around when I go out and know that I won’t have any children hanging off me! I recently discovered that they’re actually very durable because I wore my much-loved mustard dress to Blues fest (a music festival here) and then again a few days later (see, I told you, on high rotation) and no one told me that I had huge red wine stains all over the back! I was so worried that I had ruined it because the stains were pretty much black by that stage and on that beautiful vibrant golden fabric, but I threw it in the wash hoping for the best and it’s as good as new. If it can survive that, it really is the perfect Mama dress.
I love starting my day with a latte followed by breakfast either from The Nomadic Kitchen at the farmers markets or sometimes I’ll make a pancake batter at home and then we’ll load the kids in the car and make pancakes on the beach at Wategos with yoghurt and berries and go for a swim. At the moment I’m making lunch for myself, a toddler and a baby and because I don’t like to cook three separate meals so I try and make something we can all eat like a a chicken rice congee. Archie and I often bake cookies or cake which doubles as an activity and the added bonus of a sweet treat in the afternoon which I’m really craving while breastfeeding. An apple cake with cream hits the spot with a cup of tea. As it’s getting cooler now, nothing beats an old fashioned roast chicken for dinner or slow cooked lamb ragu with pappardelle and fresh garden rocket salad. With a glass of red wine, of course.
My background is Polish/Russian so I grew up eating a lot of fermented foods like sauerkraut and gherkins and when my dad comes to visit he always brings a car boot full of them as my kids love them too, including baby Charlie. Some of my fondest memories are around preparing food for things like Easter and Christmas, like the production line of the whole family chopping up vegetables for my mums Polish potato salad or painting eggs for Easter which I now rope Chloe’s family into too. But the best tradition is picking mushrooms in Autumn and then cooking them up on the gas stove with butter and garlic in the middle of the forest. I thought that was normal at the time and now realise how special it is!
The key to nourishing a new mum is eating foods that are warming, soft, oily and easily digestible. My top five would be bone broth, ghee, oats, eggs and rice because they’re very simple foods but such a great foundation for a wholesome meal. Bone broth is one of the most restorative and replenishing foods she can have and it can be sipped on like a tea or added to stews, soups and congee. I also swear by good fats and my favourite is ghee as it makes everything taste delicious (think a caramelised butter or fudgy flavour) and adding a spoon of it to a meal also helps in the absorption of other nutrients. I literally add it to everything and it’s easier to digest than butter. Oats make a yummy porridge and can be jazzed up with everything including honey, cream, yoghurt, ghee, figs, berries, nuts and nut butter, plus they're believed to help with milk supply. Eggs make a great, quick, very nutrient dense meal. And rice is the key ingredient for “Kheer” or an Indian rice pudding which when cooked with milk, ghee, molasses and spices like turmeric, ginger, cardamom and saffron, is incredibly nourishing for a new mum especially in the first few days after birth when she needs to replenish her stores and her digestive system.
Chicken rice is great. Just saute some onion, garlic and a pinch of whatever spices your child will tolerate like turmeric or sweet paprika for a little flavour. Add diced chicken until it browns and then a cup of rice with double the amount of water or broth. Let it all cook until the liquid is absorbed. This is just a base and simple enough for the fussiest child, so make it your own and season with a little tamari or add extra vegetables and herbs. A good quality passata makes a quick pasta. Even though I love cooking, I totally get the struggle of trying to get dinner on the table some nights so my advice is not to be too hard on yourself. Scrambled eggs or cheese on toast are fine on those days too!
Try and source ingredients that are in season as they will always be fresher and therefore have greater nutritional value and taste better. Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy certain foods straight away. It can take many attempts for a baby to embrace a new food and it’s often not because they don’t like it, it’s simply because they don’t know it. Once they get to know it, they usually like it! I remember the first few times I gave baby Charlie plain natural yoghurt and he shuddered but now he loves and there’s no need to sweeten it, though I often do with banana, melon, figs or apple. Good fats like egg yolk and ghee are a really important (and delicious) foundation of first foods. Adding a good fat like ghee or coconut oil to any vegetable puree totally transforms it from good to great in terms of flavour and also gives the baby a great dose of nourishment. Baby food doesn’t need to and shouldn’t be bland. I believe that introducing baby to delicious new flavours and enjoying fresh wholesome food with them, sets them up with really positive habits and a positive relationship with food in the future.
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Kiddo's name + age, your name:
Cloudy, 6 months, and Chelsea.
What are you doing to celebrate this Mother’s day?
It will be my very first one so hopefully I will be getting all loved up by my husband Che, and Cloudy boy for all the sleepless nights!
What is your favourite thing about being a Mom?
I have never felt like more of a woman. Watching Cloudy constantly grow, change, learn and develop his own little cheeky personality is just the best!!!
What's something funny your kid(s) is doing or saying at the moment?
Cloudy is obsessed with poking out his pointy little tongue and is so proud of himself, it honestly melts me every time he does it!
Three things that make your #momlife easier:
Other Moms, coffee and wine.
Three words to describe how you felt wearing your claycountyduilawyers dress:
Fresh, comfortable and confident!
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Kiddo's name + age, your name:
Kelly, Mama of two girls - Sunny, 3 years & Ari, 2 months.
What are you doing to celebrate this Mother’s day?
We don't have any plans that I know of, but I hope something that involves the ocean, coffee and just being in one another's company.
What is your favourite thing about being a Mom?
That it's shown me the meaning of life. I know that sounds so heavy but being a mum has made me a better person - a better wife, friend, mother. It has taught me so much about myself and my relationship. It has taught me patience, resilience and empathy. It has shown me that working only to make more money to buy more things is wasted energy and that family is absolutely everything. There are (many) days that are overwhelming, frustrating and exhausting, but mostly, I just feel total gratitude, that these two girls chose me to guide them through life.
What's something funny your kid(s) is doing or saying at the moment?Everything Sunny does and says at the moment is hilarious. Three year olds are the absolute best! Yesterday she told me I needed to 'compromise' but what she really meant is that I needed to do exactly what she was telling me to do.
Three things that make your #momlife easier:
- My husband!
- Chekoh Wraps and Baby Bjorn carrier for the baby.
- iPad for the toddler. I know what you're probably thinking! So not PC, but for kids that hate the car or when you just need to have a shower or make yourself some breakfast or just need 10 mins to yourself, the iPad has been very helpful!
Three words to describe how you felt wearing your claycountyduilawyers dress:
Comfortable, effortless, feminine.
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Kiddo's name + age, your name:
Indiana (who goes by Bindi) age 3, and Claudia.
What are you doing to celebrate this Mother’s day?
I’m going to let my two girls plan the day for me and completely surprise me. I also have a 6 year old (Eve) who takes charge and lives for planning surprises. They’re usually so sweet and thoughtful... as long as I get a good coffee and pastry in bed, I’ll be happy.
What is your favourite thing about being a Mom?
At this age (very aware that’s its likely to change soon) my girls still think I’m the coolest thing ever, they both fight over me and call me their bestie. They even still want me to match their outfits to mine! Motherhood can be grinding, but I always want to remain a person that they genuinely want to hang out with too. I love that I’ve created my own little girl gang.
What's something funny your kid(s) is doing or saying at the moment?
Bindi is a little firecracker. Quite often she rolls her eyes and says “are you kidding me?!” when she doesn’t like a suggestion I make. I get so much sass from her all day, every day!
Three things that make your #momlife easier:
- Friends and community.
- Coffee.
- A really hands on and helpful partner (probably the most important one!)
Three words to describe how you felt wearing your claycountyduilawyers dress:
Feminine, comfortable & myself!
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You may or may not know, that recently we welcomed a very exciting new addition to the claycountyduilawyers family, and this time, it’s not a basket - it’s a baby! claycountyduilawyers co-founder and Mama extraordinaire, Chloe, welcomed little August Bear into the world this April, growing her crew of kiddos from three to four! In light of our special new arrival, Chloe has chosen to share a few of her absolute favourite, must-have items for newborn bubs and new Moms! These are Chloe’s Newborn Essentials:
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Majken | @majkenthrane
"It's important for me to create a room with several functions. There should be room for contemplation as well as play!
I prioritise floor space with room to play and room for movement. I try to tease the curiosity and the natural desire for knowledge children have by making things available that awake the imagination and support acquisition of knowledge. I've bought your products for the obvious reason that they are incredibly beautiful. At the same time they are functional and fit in well with my whole way of thinking about interior design. I love that the Mini Chari can be used both on the bicycle and as a bag. It invites many hours of play and the boys use them diligently for adventure in the forest and in the garden! We use the Luggy in the garden during Summer and for storage in the Winter. I've chosen to decorate this room with flea finds and things from my own childhood. I think this creates coziness and gives the room character. Among the furniture, the green sideboard is particular a hit. The many small drawers are perfect for storing a five year old's small treasures!"
Last October, our co-founder and wanderlusting Mama, Chloe Brookman, packed up her growing gang (hubby Charlie, Tennyson 9, Arlo 6, Nell 2 and soon to come baby number 4!) and journeyed to Mexico for three weeks traveling through the Yucatan Peninsula! Come behind the scenes on Chloe’s adventure and check out her must-do list of Mexico faves...
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It was a long trip from Byron Bay to Mexico, with lots of planes and buses and cars. But they made it! First stop - Tulum!
The weather was balmy and overcast, which led this little crew to seek out some waterholes, called Cenotes, for which the Yucatan is famous. In Tulum, Chloe and her fam spent most of their time exploring local Cenotes and feasting on Pork Pibil, a famous local dish that is best served with a cool bottle of Coca Cola.
Next Stop! Chloe and co head inland to the historic town of Valladolid, full of incredible architecture & Mayan Ruins. And also found the most delicious locally made ice cream ever!
Last stop before heading further west, deeper into the Yucatan, was Suytun Cenote, an underground cave full of turquoise fresh water, tiny bats and little fish that tickle your feet!
The final leg of the adventure is Acaneh, a sleepy country town, staying at a wonderful Kid and Coe rental home. Here they caught up on lots of sleep, and explored the cute little villages including Izamal, a town entirely painted in warm yellow gold.
Ella | @ella_and_tinyt
"I would describe my style as somewhat Scandinavian but definitely not minimalistic. I love using lots of natural wood combined with some muted colours, blue, grey, a splash of dusty pink and rust for the room to feel like a calm yet fun place. Apart from that I don’t have any particular scheme, it’s sea creatures clashing with wooden toys and dinosaurs, bright prints, wreaths, embroideries, star garlands and flag buntings. My kids inspire me the most, their spaces/rooms evolve around their needs and preferences as they grow and discover new things. Our play kitchen is definitely a solid favorite, a centre of their playroom but I also give them all kinds of boxes and baskets because the two are all about sorting and organizing stuff!
At claycountyduilawyers, we’re pretty big fans of all the boss-ladies who manage to maintain a top-notch sense of humour and good hair whilst juggling motherhood and career all at the same time. Nicola Cross is no exception and to be honest, we are kind of obsessed. We first spotted Nicola on Instagram, travelling the world in style and sharing her adventures with a band of merry followers, who fondly know her as dicolaaa. Now, she’s embarked on a whole new journey, becoming a mum to little Rosie Bear. We chatted to Nicola about style, travel, a few of her favourite things and of course, her new life with a little one.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself, where do you live, who do you live with and what keeps you busy?
Hello! I live in Adelaide, with my partner Patrick, our darling dog Atticus and latest addition, our baby girl Rosie. I am a photographer, blogger and Pinterest enthusiast. Lately I am kept busy with piles of baby washing and a revolving door of visitors excited to meet our girl... luckily they come baring food.
Describe your personal style
Connies, a floaty dress and something on my head, whether it’s a hat, a headscarf or a crown braid and I always, always wear white eyeliner.
What never fails to make you laugh?
At the moment Rosie, she has so many expressions and I am constantly giggling at her and the morning notes Pat leaves for me. This morning was a sketch of ‘egg and bacon’ with ‘better together’ written under it.
The Nyla changing basket! It’s an essential and looks good too. Makes changes a little more glamorous.
What’s the place that really feels like ‘home’?
Our bedroom. The linen is always white, the curtains dance in the breeze, there is a subtle hint of cedar-wood aroma filling the room and my favourite coffee mug on my bedside table. In winter, when it’s too cold for the beach... it’s my favourite place to be.
Fave claycountyduilawyers product and what you use it for
The Nyla changing basket! It’s an essential and looks good too. Makes changes a little more glamorous.
So far, what is the best, and worst, thing about becoming a Mum?
Perhaps an unpopular choice ..but I love the 3am feed. It is silent, still and feels as though we are the only two in the world. She wraps her little hand around my finger and all though I am so tired I can hardly function, I know these moments won’t last forever and at 3am I don’t have to share her. The dim salt lamp gives us some warm light and I just stare at her thinking how lucky I am. Corny by true! The worst thing, a lot of unwanted advice, especially in grocery stores! Bugger off, I don’t care for your thoughts on rocking, not rocking, dummies, no dummies, breast feeding, formula feeding. Jog on with your trolley and let us buy our damn tomatoes.
Bonus Round
Book you’re currently reading
The last book I read was The Motherhood by Jamila Rizvi.
Podcast you won’t miss an episode of
Oww, I like Tim Ferris, Australian Birth Stories and a bit of Joe Rogan if I am in the car with Pat!
Next adventure
We purchased a bus last year and we are currently in the early stages of revamping it for a trip around Australia with Rosie and Atticus. We think we will head up to North Queensland. Of course we will stop by Byron on the way to say hello to you guys!
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Korea @daldalmom
“I am Chaeyon. I’m a mother of a 4 year old daughter and we live in Korea! The natural colour of claycountyduilawyers products looks great in the interior of our playroom. The Holdie House is strong and the grain of wood feels nice but the Minichari Basket is our favourite!”
Texas @tojaneandrose
"My husband and I both love clean lines, neutrals and natural elements, and I tend to gravitate towards a feminine aesthetic since we have two daughters - but I also really love fun, vintage, whimsy with pops of retro colour, and I can never resist a good wooden dino or a classic truck! When it comes to home decor, I am always drawn to items with personality, ones that really catch your eye when you walk into a room (as is the case with my claycountyduilawyers pieces!) and then I build everything around them. Overall, we try to invest in quality, timeless pieces that will make our home feel well-designed but also inviting, cozy and special."