https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog.atom claycountyduilawyers - claycountyduilawyers Blog 2024-04-04T21:10:22-07:00 claycountyduilawyers https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/halloween-costumes-and-baskets-for-kids 2023-09-13T22:02:01-07:00 2023-09-13T22:02:01-07:00 Trick-Or-Treat In Style: Halloween Costumes & Candy Carriers For Kids Liv Uther Cast a spell of delight on your little trick-or-treaters with a unique Halloween costume to pair with their basket of choice.

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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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  • Purr-fectly Witchy Duo

    Cozy Dinkum Nox and black laced tied around the handle of a Berry Basket make adorable accessories for this bewitching ensemble! 

  • Hoot-tastic Owl

    Whoo's ready for Halloween? This little owl is, of course, complete with a Stripe Berry Basket.

  • Spook-tacular Ghost

    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.

  • Buzzy Bee

    The Luggy Basket is one of our faves for trick-or-treating! Kiddos can keep their hands free, plus it holds so much candy! 

  • Cap-tivating Cutie

    Pair the Red Mushroom Luggy with a DIY toadstool costume for an adorable Halloween look. 

  • Petal Princess

    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! 

  • Little Lion

    Bring a Cozy Dinkum Lion along for a roar-tastic Halloween adventure in a Luggy!

  • Reach For The Stars...And Candy! 

    Yee-haw! This little trick-or-treater is ready to tote a Chari Bag AND Luggy for the ultimate Halloween haul. 

  • Red-dy For Fun!

    With a Casa Clutch in hand, this classic fairytale get-up is sure to be a fan-favorite with your kiddos. 

  • Granting Wishes, Not Tricks

    Our whimsical Mushroom Basket is a generous size for gathering candy, and is fairy-ly adorable paired with any princess costume.

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/play-on-the-go-toys-crafts-to-keep-kids-entertained 2023-08-06T21:43:15-07:00 2023-08-09T21:24:04-07:00 Play On-The-Go: Toys & Crafts To Keep Kids Entertained Customer Happiness Account 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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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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  • 01 Compact Colouring

    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.

  • 02 Pocket-Sized Plushies

    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. 

  • 03 DIY Activity Kit

    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. 

  • 04 All-In-One Caddy

    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! 

  • 05 Pack, Play, And Explore

    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! 

  • 06 Ready, Set, Roll!

    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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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/our-beloved-mother-earth 2022-04-21T14:04:16-07:00 2023-09-07T21:11:03-07:00 B Corp & Beyond: Balancing People, Planet, And Progress claycountyduilawyers Admin As a B Corp certified business, we are committed to creating a positive impact for our planet by mindfully working to minimise 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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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 

  • B CORP

    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.

  • TOXIN REDUCTION

    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

    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.

  • FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (FSC)

    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.

  • PROPOSITION CA 65 LIST

    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!

  • NATURAL & RECYCLED MATERIALS

    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 BasketsRugs, and WARES are fully compostable.

 

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/happy-international-women-s-day 2022-03-03T19:31:49-08:00 2022-03-08T20:53:07-08:00 Happy International Women’s Day claycountyduilawyers Admin Here’s to the mamas, daughters, sisters, aunties & all the wonderful women in our lives! In celebration of International Women's Day, we want to say thank you to all the women that make claycountyduilawyers possible, from our makers to our sellers to all of you! PLUS read what our founders and retailers have to say about this year's International Women’s Day theme #BREAKTHEBIAS

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Here’s to the mamas, daughters, sisters, aunties & all the wonderful women in our lives! In celebration of International Women's Day, we want to say thank you to all the women that make claycountyduilawyers possible, from our makers to our sellers to all of you! PLUS read what our founders and retailers have to say about this year's International Women’s Day theme #BREAKTHEBIAS

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The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is ‘Break The Bias’

Find out what #BREAKTHEBIAS means to Chloe & Olivia, claycountyduilawyers Co-founders.
 

 

Thank you to the women who make claycountyduilawyers possible...

 

Our Makers

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. 

 

Our Vietnamese Makers

Many of our rattan weavers get the raw materials delivered to them so they can work from home!

 

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 Our Indian Makers

Use of GOTS Certified organic cotton ensures production is kind to the local environment & people.

 



 Our Chinese Makers

They bring our dolls & toys to life through their skilled handiwork & even make our See-ya Suitcases using PET (recycled plastic bottles)! 

 

 

Our Stockists

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?

 

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The Kid Collective

“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

 

Pigment

“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

 

Little Gatherer

“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

 

Norman and Jules

“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

 

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Charlotte et Charlie

“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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Tutete

“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
 

Tinker Tray Play

“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

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The Little Woodenpeg

“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

 


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Natural Baby Shower

“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

 

Bohemian Mama

“We celebrate differences and provide the fundamental liberties to women that we all deserve” - Gina
@shopbohemianmama | Ocean City, USA 

De Gele Flamingo

“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

 

Le Petit Cocon

“We all succeed together. Let’s stand together as women instead of against each other.” - Dominik
@lepetitcocon | Quebec, Canada

 

 

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/2021-our-year-in-review 2021-12-21T21:18:12-08:00 2021-12-21T21:18:12-08:00 2021 | Our Year In Review  claycountyduilawyers Admin What a year 2021 proved to be! It was our 11th year in business and was a year that certainly kept us on our toes! Take a look back with us on the year that was, let's wrap it up!

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What a year 2021 proved to be! It was our 11th year in business and was a year that certainly kept us on our toes! Take a look back with us on the year that was, let's wrap it up!

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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

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!



SOCIAL RESPONSIBLITY

This year we continued our commitment to social responsibility & engaged in important conversations with our greater community

claycountyduilawyers BCorp Community Event

Where we gathered to discuss all things BCorp with friends, businesses, & our local community for BCorp awareness month!

 

claycountyduilawyers Global Fund

We continued to support causes close to our hearts through the claycountyduilawyers Global Fund



CUSTOMER HAPPINESS

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!

BEHIND THE SCENES

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!!



 

YOU!

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!!!

 

Love claycountyduilawyers xx


 

SHOP OLLI ELLA 


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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/mother-artist-meet-sarah-darling 2021-12-01T20:23:25-08:00 2021-12-01T20:23:25-08:00 Mother & Artist | Meet Sarah Darling claycountyduilawyers Admin We recently spoke with artist, mother & WARES Aurora model Sarah Darling about women in the arts, her current daily inspiration, and painting practice. Sarah is part of our WARES series that profiles women within the claycountyduilawyers community that captivate us with their day to day. Based in Byron Bay Australia, her beautiful works are a dance of color and composition, a true exploration of abstraction! We are honored to share her paintings and words with you!!

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We recently spoke with artist, mother & WARES Aurora model Sarah Darling about women in the arts, her current daily inspiration, and painting practice. Sarah is part of our WARES series that profiles women within the claycountyduilawyers community that captivate us with their day to day. Based in Byron Bay Australia, her beautiful works are a dance of color and composition, a true exploration of abstraction! We are honored to share her paintings and words with you!!

 

“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 

 

Tell us a little bit about your journey in becoming an artist? What led you to where you are now?

I was always interested in making things ever since I was a little girl. I loved to paint, and I loved clay, probably because I was copying what my mum was doing in her studio. After school, I studied interior and spatial design at the university of technology Sydney. I never really made it to the workforce as the desire to travel took over, and I spent some years living in Europe, where I saw lots and lots of great art and architecture. When I came home, I finally made it to art school, and I studied sculpture and painting at the college of fine art in Sydney.

What memory signifies your first art experience?

I remember watching my mum painting on silk; she would hang these long sheets of silk to dry, and then our cat would lay in them like they were a hammock! I think this is my earliest memory relating to art.

Product featured: Organic Cotton Flourish Mini Muu

How would you describe your work?

I often describe my work as large-scale abstract paintings with an emphasis on color. This is pretty much a visual description, and my practice goes much further than this and is constantly changing! There are lots of themes that arise again and again when I am painting. Some of these are the body and gesture, intuition, chance, and of course, the materiality itself.
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Which element of creating do you thrive off the most?

I actually find painting difficult a lot of the time, and my final paintings often have lots and lots of layers of disastrous paintings below the surface. Because of this, I think when I reach a sense of resolve in a painting it's definitely a good day!

Product featured: Organic Cotton Flourish Mini Muu

Tell me more about what is inspiring you at the moment?

Right now, I cannot get over the Jacaranda trees that are in bloom. The color is almost too much!
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Your paintings derive so much energy from your color palettes. Can you tell us more about how color plays a role in your process?

I love mixing colors; I love reading about color theory and the history of color. For me, color is a never-ending conversation. There are so many shades and tints that act differently next to other colors and on top of or below them. Color itself is a lifelong exploration and will always be a significant focus of my practice!

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How do you balance creativity and motherhood?

I'm very lucky that my partner is a musician and a creative as well. So, we each take the baby and make space for the other to work. It often gets hectic leading up to a tour or a show, but it always works out.
Product featured: Organic Cotton Flourish Muu Muu 

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How does it feel to be a woman in the arts, especially over the past two years with COVID?

I am loving seeing lots of inspiring women in the arts and especially in painting right now. As we all know, the attention hasn't always been on women in the art world!
As for COVID, it broke my heart for lots of artists that worked really hard for their shows to be cancelled or to be held purely online with little to no government support. But many people turned to their art in this time as solace, and we are about to see a lot of interesting new ideas as the world opens back up, which is exciting and somewhat of a silver lining.
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What inspires your style?

I love vintage shopping, and my personal style revolves around vintage pieces I have found on travels.

SHOP THE AURORA WARES COLLECTION
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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/lifes-a-picnic-thanksgiving-recipe-dessert-chef-sarah-glover 2021-11-16T22:33:08-08:00 2021-11-16T22:33:08-08:00 Life's a picnic this Holidays with WILD chef Sarah Glover claycountyduilawyers Admin Introducing Sarah Glover, WILD chef, inspiring hunter-gatherer & global adventurer who prefers cooking in the great outdoors to a kitchen anytime! This Thanksgiving & Holidays we’ve teamed up with Sarah & her group of little helpers to bring you a most delicious recipe & picnic set up that’s sure to have you whisking your blanket & basket to your fave spot stat.

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Introducing Sarah Glover, WILD chef, inspiring hunter-gatherer & global adventurer who prefers cooking in the great outdoors to a kitchen anytime! This Thanksgiving & Holidays we’ve teamed up with Sarah & her group of little helpers to bring you a most delicious recipe & picnic set up that’s sure to have you whisking your blanket & basket to your fave spot stat.

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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.

Product featured: Mosey Basket, Rattan Medium Luggy, Casa Bag Rose, Wonder Wagon Natural, Piki Basket Large

‘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 RoseMosey BasketWonder 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 LargeMosey BasketRattan 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

RECIPE 

CINNAMON PUMPKIN CARAMEL BARS!



Product featured: Mini Chari Bag Rose

DIRECTIONS


STEP 1


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.


STEP 2

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.

STEP 3

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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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/a-little-kindness-goes-a-long-way 2021-11-12T02:18:29-08:00 2021-11-12T02:18:30-08:00 A little kindness goes a long way! claycountyduilawyers Admin It’s World Kindness Day, a day to highlight the little things and remind us all that simple acts of kindness have power and that together, we can all work to create a kinder world. To celebrate this important day we chatted to Ally Strain, the founder of Byron Bays, The Kindness Project, a community initiative-based group that helps vulnerable members within our community.

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It’s World Kindness Day, a day to highlight the little things and remind us all that simple acts of kindness have power and that together, we can all work to create a kinder world.

To celebrate this important day we chatted to Ally Strain, the founder of Byron Bays, The Kindness Project, a community initiative-based group that helps vulnerable members within our community.

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10 WAYS TO BE KIND WITH THE KINDNESS PROJECT

Can you tell us a little about what The Kindness Project is?  

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. 

Was there a particular moment that inspired you to create The Kindness Project? How did this passion project come about?   

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. 

You’ve  organised  family Christmas hampers for victims of domestic violence and toy donations for Brisbane’s Children’s Hospital. Do you have plans to expand into more causes? 

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!

Tell us about some of the people  you’ve  met along the way   

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

 

 What has the overall community response been to The Kindness Project? The project grows bigger and bigger every year {how great is that!}  

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!

 

 How can people get involved?  

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! 

claycountyduilawyers is very excited to be donating goods, woman power and support this Holiday Season to the Kindness Project and their amazing Hamper Drives.

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/dinkum-dolls-you 2021-07-27T01:42:28-07:00 2021-07-27T01:42:28-07:00 Dinkum Dolls + You Ahava Mehlman We're so excited to see the Dinkum Dolls being adored by little claycountyduilawyers folk all...

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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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Shop Dinkum Dolls 

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/rooms-around-the-world-round-five 2020-08-11T01:11:00-07:00 2020-08-11T01:11:25-07:00 Rooms Around the World | Round Five Ahava Mehlman Take a trip around the world with us! We visit some bright and cheerful kids rooms and nurseries, adored by their teeny occupants.

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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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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/meet-emma-hollingsworth 2020-07-17T13:04:00-07:00 2020-07-17T13:04:43-07:00 Indigenous Artist & Model | Meet Emma Hollingsworth Ahava Mehlman 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.

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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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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/welcoming-baby-olli-ella-favourites-for-first-time-mums 2020-02-27T20:44:00-08:00 2023-04-30T21:55:00-07:00 Welcoming Baby | claycountyduilawyers favourites for first-time moms Ahava Mehlman Take a peek at our fave nursery design tips, an all-natural homemade nipple balm...

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Take a peek at our fave nursery design tips, an all-natural homemade nipple balm recipe, and our favourite tunes for lulling your little one to sleep.
Take a look at our baby & new mums collection to get you started.

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/finding-the-calm-kate-dalton-mayde-tea 2020-02-13T14:32:00-08:00 2020-05-04T15:24:19-07:00 Finding the Calm | Kate Dalton + Mayde Tea Ahava Mehlman Creating a good morning, day and night routine for yourself and your little one is...

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Creating a good morning, day and night routine for yourself and your little one is not always an easy task. We caught up with the beautiful Kate Dalton, owner of the organic tea brand, Mayde Tea, to share how she brings a holistic approach to her routine. 
Take a look at our baby & new moms collection to get you started.

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 You started mayde tea almost 6 years ago when you were only 23 years old! Tell us more about that journey and the inspiration behind the brand... 

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! 

Can you walk us through your morning, day and night routine with your new baby and how Mayde Tea is a part of it?

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.  

Afternoons out and about: 

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. 

 


Website maydetea.com
Instagram @MaydeTea

  

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/olli-ella-folk-brandi-sellers-jackson 2019-10-28T19:32:00-07:00 2019-10-28T19:32:38-07:00 claycountyduilawyers Folk | Brandi Sellers-Jackson Ahava Mehlman Today on the blog, we're chatting to Brandi Sellers-Jackson, a doula, musician...

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Today on the blog, we're chatting to Brandi Sellers-Jackson, a doula, musician and mother of three from Los Angeles. Brandi's radiating joy and enthusiasm for life inspires us endlessly, as does her unique and vibrant personal style and ability to pair pieces together like nobody else. We joined Brandi in her LA home, bursting with plants and positivity, to chat about style, parenting and her online platform, Not So Private Parts

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Tell us about yourself, your family and where you live…

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. 


You launched #notsoprivateparts a little over three years ago now. Tell us more about what inspired you to start this movement..

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.  

Arguably, you are best known for your work as a doula and an educator in all things birth and motherhood but we hear you also have a passion for music and song-writing?
Yep, before I landed in the birth world, my life was music. Many many moons ago, I went to school for music and later signed a publishing development deal with EMI. I still dabble when it feels right. As far as I’m concerned it all comes from the same source of creativity. 

You really do have an innate eye for style and pairing pieces together in a way that is uniquely your own. How would you say your personal style has developed over the years, through motherhood and all the varying stages of life?
I am all about what feels right. I tend to gravitate to what feels most authentic, even in my style choices... what feels most comfortable. I never force myself into wearing something simply because of trend. I like to be intuitive with my clothing choices. 

  

As a breastfeeding Mama, what are your go-to pieces at the moment and what things do you gravitate toward when shopping for clothes?
All the button down and wrap shirts. Dresses. Layering pieces are amazing. I love a good jumpsuit. Hats. All the hats. I love super soft fabrics that feel good on my skin. I love supporting brands made with love. 

How do you feel when wearing WARES?

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.  

 

  

Shop WARES

 

Website notsoprivateparts.life/about 
Instagram @bstereo

  

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/check-yourself-with-nuni-wellness 2019-10-22T16:06:00-07:00 2019-10-22T16:12:45-07:00 Check Yourself | with Nuni Wellness Ahava Mehlman October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women's health is something we...

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women's health is something we are extremely passionate about here at claycountyduilawyers, and encouraging conversation around topics such as Breast Cancer and other women's health issues is something we will continue to strive for. This is why we got in touch with Dayle from Nuni Wellness, to chat about bettering our relationships with our bodies and breaking the stigma surrounding, you guessed it..... boobs! 

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Tell us a little about yourself and your business…

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. 

 

The The term "self-care" is something we are beginning to hear a lot in 2019. #selfcaresunday is even a popular hashtag on Instagram, but putting yourself first is still uncharted territory for a lot of women. What does "self-care" mean to you and what form does it take in your life?

I definitely agree, the term has become very en vogue and while I think it can tend to get misused at times, it’s so refreshing that we’re recognising that it’s actually not cool to push ourselves to the point of complete burnout; and that maybe we can still achieve all of the things we want to, without compromising our own health. 
It definitely is uncharted territory for a lot of women, and as a mum and business owner, I’m the first to admit that feelings of guilt can tend to arise when self-care comes into play, so it’s a relief to be reminded that it shouldn’t be confused with self-indulgence or selfishness. Having said that, it’s still a work in progress for me. I think that true self-care is a daily practise, rather than being something we resort to because we’re absolutely exhausted (or when we polish off a pizza and a bottle of wine and label it self-care… #guilty). 


I’m learning that actual self-care has very little to do with “treating myself” and a whole lot to do with parenting myself and making choices for my long-term wellness, so for me that might look less like a bubble bath & sheet mask, and more like accepting help, or going out for a (long) drive alone just to listen to a podcast! Aside from treating ourselves to the occasional mani, I feel that tending to our physical body is a form of self-care that many women avoid, particularly when it comes to their breasts. Taking a moment to consciously care for our breasts can become a ritual in itself. Massaging our boobs is beneficial on so many levels – it promotes lymphatic drainage and increases fresh blood flow into the area, helps to decrease hormonal tenderness and improves the tone and texture of our boobs, but on a deeper level it’s also a chance to connect with ourselves and our hearts. Taoist & Tantric traditions believe there’s a strong link between the breasts and heart centre, so taking a moment to cultivate this connection can have a beautiful flow-on effect into our daily lives.  

I’m excited about self-care for the collective. Any reminder to look after ourselves and inspire us to become better equipped to deal with the stressors of daily life is a great thing. From a breast health perspective, studies show that it’s not stress alone that increases the risk of breast cancer, it’s how in control we feel of that stress – or how we manage it, that makes the difference. I think that if we have more tools to counteract stress, statistics could look very different!  
 
 
There is still a social stigma that exists surrounding the female body. Things like sharing photos of nipples or breastfeeding, or even talking about breasts is still strangely taboo for many. What are your thoughts on how we can strive to change these attitudes and why it's important to do so?

Wow, where do we begin! I could talk about this all day! Given that Nuni’s social media content is pretty boob heavy, I’ve had to get used to the rules around what is ‘acceptable’, and what boggles my mind is how men’s nipples and breasts are perfectly acceptable to display openly, whereas women’s are considered, and I quote, ‘obscene’. The intricacies of this rule are almost more nonsensical – it’s acceptable to display a woman’s breast, as long as the nipple is covered – so the under-boob and side-boob is fine, but heaven forbid the areola is on display! The reason these social platforms uphold these rules is to maintain a 15+ rating, because female nipples are considered obscene, so I do worry about how we’re ever going to shift this stigma if young girls are growing up to believe this to be the case!

I think it really comes down to us as parents to be open with our children about breasts, and to try and shift the value system that is ingrained in so many of us – to cover your breasts, as bare (or scantily clad) breasts are pornographic and lewd. I’ve asked a lot of women whether they were talked to about breasts and breast wellness during their childhood / teenage years, and the resounding answer is always that boobs were "just never discussed". My six year old daughter already raises questions that challenge the logic of this societal stigma. ‘Why was that mummy feeding her baby in the public toilet?’ The fact that the most natural act in the world must be hidden from sight so as to not cause offence is absurd, especially when male nipples (which aren’t likely to be providing nourishment to a growing human anytime soon) are deemed socially acceptable.    

I think we can start by cultivating a more open dialogue about our boobs, both with our children, and with other women! Truth be told we’re actually all united by boob stuff, but tend to move through these experiences alone. A lot of big feelings are associated with our boobs, stemming back to childhood and puberty, feelings which can tend to create detachment and lead us to do little more than tuck them into a bra and forget about them. More boob banter can only be a good thing!  
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we believe that women's health issues such as this should be talked about year-round. What do you feel is the best way to create awareness surrounding breast cancer and keep the conversation going?

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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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/olli-ella-folk-whitney-leigh-morris 2019-09-29T16:21:00-07:00 2019-09-29T16:21:11-07:00 claycountyduilawyers Folk | Whitney Leigh Morris Ahava Mehlman Sustainability warrior, interiors guru and long-time friend of claycountyduilawyers, Whitney...

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Sustainability warrior, interiors guru and long-time friend of claycountyduilawyers, Whitney Leigh Morris is setting the example for everyday folks who hope to lead a fuller life, with less. Whitney's now famous Venice Beach cottage (which measures in at 400sqft) is loved by people near and far for it's clever use of space and her blog and Instagram have become a constant source of inspiration for many thanks to her small space styling hacks, incredible eye for design and the environmentally fuelled ethos by which she lives; you don't need to live large, to live beautifully. We chatted with Whitney about her family, her home and her growing passion for Tiny Living. 

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Tell us about yourself, your family and where you live…
I’m a Small Space Lifestyle Consultant, blogger and author. I refer to my company and house by the same name: The Tiny Canal Cottage. Our little live-work space is home to my husband, our 3 year old child, our 2 rescue beagles, and myself, along with my small business. It’s a 1924 Craftsman located by the Venice Beach Canals in Southern California. The interior measures under 400 sqft, and includes space-maximising features such as built-in furnishings, pocket doors, ample windows and skylights, and vaulted ceilings. 

 

The merging of interior design and styling with your passion for sustainability has really become the heart of your brand. Is this passion a result of owning The Tiny Canal Cottage, or is this an area that you have always been interested in?
I’ll admit that the focus on sustainability is newer to me, and is a direct result of living in the Cottage. I wish I'd been dedicated to leading a greener existence much, much sooner, and I still have so much to learn. Being in this small space as a family, coupled with reading more environmental impact reports and studies, sparked our awareness about the amount of waste around us, and our determination to get more involved in finding and sharing solutions for individuals and families in this time of climate crisis. Tiny Living can significantly reduce the environmental impact of a home - from the amount of materials used in crafting the structure, to its daily operations once occupied, which is one of the reasons why we love publishing images and stories about the routines we share here in under 400 sqft.

 

 
Something you often say is "you don't need to live large, to live beautifully". Tell us a little more about this sentiment and what it means to you…
For me, the key to living in a small home or apartment is not figuring out how to puzzle together a life’s worth of stuff into limited square footage. It’s about understanding what you truly need — and don’t need— in order to live practically and happily, day by day. Living in— and with— a smaller footprint can be immensely fulfilling, comfortable and stylish.
We LOVE baskets, and we love that you do too! What are your top five favorite uses for baskets in your home?

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).

 

  
When it comes to storage, nothing seems to be more daunting than tackling the wardrobe. Living in The Tiny Canal Cottage, what are some handy storage hacks you have come across to make wardrobe organisation a breeze?

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!

 

 

You are a longtime friend and lover of claycountyduilawyers and we adore seeing our products styled throughout your home. Over the years, what would you say is the claycountyduilawyers item you have used the most?
That’s a tough question— we legitimately use claycountyduilawyers items constantly here in our tiny home. Currently, the role of MVP is a toss up between the Strolley and the Mosey. Personally, I find myself reaching for the Mosey multiple times every day to use it for a variety of activities. But we also constantly use the Strolley with our son. If we’re lucky enough to be able to have a second child, perhaps the Changing Basket will become our next claycountyduilawyers necessity!

 

Shop WARES

Blog tinycanalcottage.com 
Instagram @whitneyleighmorris

  

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/chasing-rainbows 2019-09-23T21:21:00-07:00 2019-09-29T19:29:03-07:00 Chasing Rainbows Ahava Mehlman There's something so special about being a part of a community. The unique...

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There's something so special about being a part of a community. The unique sense of belonging and comfort that a friendly neighbour, or a group of likeminded people can bring, is something to be treasured. This Spring, a beautiful member of the Byron Bay community took to the beach with seven painted rainbows and seven baskets full of positive messages to create the "Chasing Rainbows Walk" - a fun family project, turned art installation and community initiative created without any motive but an urge to give back and desire to bring people together. This is Yvonn Deitch's story:

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When we moved from our old home, my eldest daughter missed the view and spotting rainbows from her window. We once secretly hid a small treasure in the spot where we believed the rainbow might have touched the ground - something she still talks about years later. So when we finished building our family home closer to town, we used a leftover piece of marine ply to make a rainbow for our backyard.
One day, to escape the routine of things, we took the rainbow to the beach. We blindfolded the kids, spun them around and let them find the rainbow, where we had hidden a tiny chocolate coin underneath. After a swim, we built a sand castle and observed people stopping, smiling, chatting and taking pictures. This simple rainbow, painted just in three colours, surprised people and opened up conversations between strangers.
This is what inspired the idea behind Chasing Rainbows. I imagined placing the rainbows along the beach and attaching messages of positivity to each one. I saw children running from rainbow to rainbow on a sunny day, taking a message, putting it in their pocket and remembering the feeling of the sea, the wind and the sand underneath their feet. 
The rainbows spent one whole day on the beach, from dawn till dusk, and afterwards were donated to public schools in the Byron Shire area for use in school veggie gardens or sandpits.  This little family project has brought us and our friends so much joy and I hope that the rainbows and messages have made a tiny change, which will hopefully create a positive ripple effect in the community - encouraging acts of kindness in a fun way.
Shop WARES

Yvonn Deitch @bytheseasidedaisies  
Images by Louise Beaumont

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/olli-ella-folk-lou-bannister 2019-09-19T16:15:00-07:00 2019-09-19T16:15:52-07:00 claycountyduilawyers Folk | Lou Bannister Ahava Mehlman Louise Bannister is the Co-founder and Editorial Director of Lunch Lady magazine...

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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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Tell us Lou - about your family and the town where you live?

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! 

If you could describe Lunch Lady in a nutshell, what would you say? 

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.

How do you decide on what type of content will be featured in each issue? 

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. 

 

There’s something special about print magazines - the feel, the imagery, the sensation of turning a page.
Why did you choose to go with the print route for Lunch Lady as opposed to publishing exclusively online? 

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.

 

What is it about magazines that made this career something you knew you wanted to pursue? 

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.

 

Tell us about the importance of “fun” in motherhood. You’ve spoken to us about this in the past. We’d love to hear more.

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 ? 

What does community mean to you?

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.

 

You are also a skateboarder too! What made you get into skateboarding and what do you love most about it?

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.

As an entrepreneur, what are the most important lessons you’ve learnt from building your own business? 

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.

When do you feel most beautiful?
I actually never think about this! I still don’t know how to properly apply makeup. I always feel like a 12-year-old a tomboy, so I suppose I feel most comfortable and happy in nature, surrounded by my family and friends. 

When do you feel the most tired?
The most tired I have ever felt was when I had three kids under five and I was working on making Lunch Lady happen. You know that bone tired feeling? Thank goodness everything passes and changes - I could never have kept it up!
What excites you?
The possibility of change and the fact we are always growing and learning. And even when times are hard, there’s always potential for them to change. I feel I only know so little about so many things and I’m excited to learn more about pretty much everything.
How does WARES make you feel when you wear them?
Super dooper comfy. Like, I wanted to sleep in it.
Sign up to the Lunch Lady Newsletter for lots of recipes, simple craft DIY and laugh out loud parenting stories (and the chance to win a magazine subscription!)  

 

 Shop wares by olli ella 


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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/olli-ella-folk-meet-claire-roeth 2019-08-26T23:56:00-07:00 2019-08-27T00:04:02-07:00 claycountyduilawyers Folk | Meet Claire Roeth Ahava Mehlman We’re so lucky at claycountyduilawyers to be a part of such an enthusiastic community...

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We’re so lucky at claycountyduilawyers to be a part of such an enthusiastic community of likeminded mamas, who continue to support and inspire us every day. Whether you only own one item, or are a seasoned collector of claycountyduilawyers, our customers are just as much a part of what makes this company great, as the products we’re known for. One of the many beautiful people we have come to know through this brand, is photographer, writer, and mother of two girls, Claire Roeth from @rouxby_photoClaire’s creative vision and approach to photographing the joy of family, captured our hearts and is something that we couldn’t help but to share with you. Read on to find out all about Claire, her journey into photography and her outlook on life as a creative, working mother.
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Tell us a little about yourself and what you do...
The question of what you do is a funny one to answer, because the literal answer is the same as so many other working mamas. Making food for kids to eat, cleaning up, exercising the kids, dog, myself, carving out 15 minutes to answer emails, revelling in blocks of time where I have childcare and can sit and work uninterrupted, revelling in the incredible luck of getting to be with my children as they grow, cleaning kids, dishes, the house, photographing families, children, couples and finding so much magic in that. Then finally crawling into bed at the end of every single day with an empty gas tank but a really full heart.

 

How did you first get into photography, and then turn it from a hobby into a career?

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. 

 

What's your favourite thing about photographing families and children?

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. 

 

Taking photos of little ones can be a tricky task - what are your tips for capturing the perfect moment?

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.  

 

Where is your favourite place in the world (and why)?

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.   

 

 

Shop Rose Strolley

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/nourishing-tips-for-new-mamas-magdalena-roze 2019-07-31T23:03:00-07:00 2023-04-30T21:56:15-07:00 Nourishing tips for new Mamas | Magdalena Roze Ahava Mehlman This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and in honour of the occasion we...

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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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Chicken broth would have to be one of the most nourishing, healing meals going. It’s as an immune booster, digestion aid and super tonic for glowing skin, hair and nails. It’s particularly nourishing during and post pregnancy for replenishing the body. Your bone broth should end up much thicker than your normal soup broth because your cooking the ingredients, especially the chicken bones, for much longer (12-24 hours). This gives them time to breakdown and release a whole lot of incredible nutrients like calciummagnesium and phosphorus. It’s also super rich in protein, glycine (helps with detoxing), proline and gelatin (amazing for skin). It’s excellent for digestion too as you’re getting a whole lot of nutrients that are normally missing from the modern diet.
A good broth will solidify when it’s in the fridge because it’s so gelatinous, but it goes runny again once you heat it up. It’s the perfect thing to make in the slow cooker overnight, and you’ll be rewarded with liquid gold that’s incredibly versatile. It’s great on it’s own in a mug as a drink, and the perfect canvas for a quick but more substantial soup, stew or sauce. Because you’re slow cooking the chicken bones to extract every bit of nourishment, ideally organic, pasture-raised and ethically produced chicken. - Lovely photo by Rob Palmer

 

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/rooms-around-the-world-round-four 2019-07-29T23:29:00-07:00 2019-07-29T23:29:31-07:00 Rooms around the world | Round four Ahava Mehlman It’s time for another journey around the globe to visit some amazing rooms for...

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It’s time for another journey around the globe to visit some amazing rooms for small folk, from Switzerland, Australia and the UK! We love that our claycountyduilawyers pieces are so loved by both boys and girls, and we think these amazing rooms show that off perfectly! ~

Queensland, Australia

Georgie @willow.wynter.van
“Van's room is definitely a favourite in my house. We purchased new and old - the thought of incorporating old finds make it feel even more beautiful. I would say our style is a bit boho and my favourite pieces in his bedroom would have to be all the cane. I’m obsessed! His bedroom was created around his beautiful nature, he is bright and bubbly so I made his room to suit him; my little beach babe! Every time I walk in there, I love it all over again!”

 



Zurich, Switzerland

Isabelle | @ miniundstil
"At the moment, I love natural materials like wood, rattan or linen in the kids room. I mostly combine muted colours that harmonise with each other and match the soft pink walls. The claycountyduilawyers Strolley is in daily use here and therefore our favourite piece… especially since the little one is playing with her dolls all day long!"

 



Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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."

 

   Shop the rooms

 
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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/small-space-styling-whitney-leigh-morris 2019-07-17T23:44:00-07:00 2019-07-21T21:05:47-07:00 Small Space Styling | Whitney Leigh Morris Ahava Mehlman Whitney Leigh Morris is a Small Space Lifestyle Consultant, blogger and...

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Whitney Leigh Morris is a Small Space Lifestyle Consultant, blogger and author based in Venice, California. A firm believer that you don't need to "live large" to live beautifully, Morris uses her blog and Instagram account to share tips and ideas geared towards helping individuals, couples, and families live comfortably, contentedly, and more sustainably in compact quarters. With populations growing and the world in the midst of a climate crisis, Whitney aims to assist others in embracing and enjoying life in— and with— a smaller footprint. 

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Tip 1: Use Your Local Library

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. 

 

Tip 2: BYO... Everything

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.

 

 
Tip 3: Organise In Style

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. 

 

  
Tip 4: Get Some Fresh Air

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. 

Tip 5: Decorate With Greenery

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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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/olli-ella-folk-magdalena-roze 2019-05-26T13:00:00-07:00 2019-07-02T18:13:45-07:00 claycountyduilawyers Folk | Magdalena Roze Ahava Mehlman Magdalena Roze is a lover of all things post-natal health. She’s a wizard when...

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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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Please introduce yourself and your family to our fellow claycountyduilawyers folk:

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 farmers markets look amazing, tell us more about this little slice of paradise:

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.  


Go-to stalls at the markets:

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.

 

How do the WARES dresses make you feel? 

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. 

 

We know you are a food lover and amazing cook, can you share your ideal day on a plate?

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.

 

And your favourite family food traditions?

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!

 

Five things a new Mum needs in her pantry and fridge:

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.  

 

Your fave quick toddler dinner meals: 

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! 

 

Three quick tips you'd tell a new Mum trying to get her baby on solids:

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. 

Magdalena shares her delicious Breast Feeding Brownie Recipe with us from her book, Happy and Whole, which are available here for Australia customers and here internationally.

 

 

 Shop wares by olli ella 


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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/mums-we-love 2019-05-08T23:31:00-07:00 2019-07-02T18:16:39-07:00 Moms We Love! Ahava Mehlman In a few days time it will be Mother’s Day - one of our favorite...

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In a few days time it will be Mother’s Day - one of our favourite days of the year! “Why?" you may ask. Because quite frankly, being a Mom is kind of awesome… and so is breakfast in bed. In honour of Mother’s Day, we caught up with a few of the Moms from our WARES campaign shoot with Lisa Sorgini, and chatted about what being a Mom means to them.

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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!!!

 

"It will be my very first Mother's Day, so hopefully I'll be getting all loved up by my husband Che, and Cloudy boy for all the sleepless nights!"

 

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. 

  

"There are days that are overwhelming & frustrating, 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. 

 

"Motherhood can be grinding, but I always want to remain a person that they genuinely want to hang out with. 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!

 

 Shop wares by olli ella 

 

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/chloes-newborn-essentials 2019-04-30T21:44:00-07:00 2019-07-02T18:19:46-07:00 Chloe's Newborn Essentials Ahava Mehlman You may or may not know, that recently we welcomed a very exciting...

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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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01. Susukoshi Kimono Gown
The only sleepsuit you’ll ever need! So easy for midnight nappy changes — Augie lives in these!
02. Josefina Baby Bag
Super stylish, well made, lots of compartments — it’s the perfect diaper bag/ hospital bag and also going to the office bag (I’ve used it for all three). 
03. Bibs USA Natural Rubber Pacifiers
Natural and in great colours - yes please!
04. Mayde Nursing Tea
Great for booby milk!
05. Wildflower and Oak 100% Linen Blankets
Can’t have enough blankets and swaddles - love the earthy colours and soft linen.
06. Juem Intimates
Finally maternity underwear that looks nothing like the part! Love the colours and the delicate straps — undies are super comfy too.
07. Ecoriginals Baby Wipes
Beautiful wipes that are so gentle on the baby. Love that all ingredients are natural and the wipes are biodegradable. 
08. Tom Organic Maternity Pads
No nasty chemicals, these were a life saver post birth.
09. claycountyduilawyers Bayu Changing Basket
Love everything about claycountyduilawyers changing baskets - 100% natural materials, ethically made, and they look great in the nursery or bedroom.
10. claycountyduilawyers Luxe Organic Cotton Liner, Mustard
Take them with you and the baby as a sweet changing mat or use with one of the changing baskets — love the earthy pastel hues.
11. claycountyduilawyers Bowery Basket
I use this to store wipes and nappies — can’t get enough rattan!
12. Liniment Bum Cleansing Cream
Love this for on the go, it’s like a baby wipe and barrier cream in one. I’ve used this with two of our babies and swear by it for preventing nappy rash.
13. WARES by claycountyduilawyers
Feeding friendly and sooooo comfy. Perfect for the mama who craves comfort but also wants to look just a little bit pulled together. 
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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/rooms-around-the-world-round-three 2019-03-12T16:38:00-07:00 2019-07-02T18:40:29-07:00 Rooms around the world | Round three Ahava Mehlman For this instalment of Rooms around the World, we're meeting three...

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For this instalment of Rooms around the World, we're meeting three very special Mamas from Australia, Denmark and Switzerland! We love their unique styles and how each of them have incorporated our claycountyduilawyers products into the the most fun, functional and timeless spaces for their little ones that evolve as they grow! ~

Victoria, Australia

Sarah | @bearcubclub
Being creative, my style is always evolving and changing. There are certain things that never change however; my love of light and bright spaces, minimal colour and playing with texture and layering. I like to contrast soft whimsical elements with strong, straight lines for balance. I am mostly inspired by finding amazing decor pieces which I then arrange the room to compliment. I can honestly say I adore everything we own of claycountyduilawyers! All the decor and toys capture the playfulness and imagination of children while remaining super practical and ahead of the trends. The colours and designs are so thoughtfully considered - I don’t feel the boys options are ever an afterthought! This is so often the feeling when shopping for boys. It’s always so exciting seeing the new products claycountyduilawyers release!

 

Gallen, Switzerland

Steffi | @ape.41
" I love searching for inspiration all around; in nature and little details. I also love getting inspired on Instagram by others and on Pinterest.
Seeing pretty things is my hobby! I’m a huge claycountyduilawyers fan - I guess I love every single product! I love how every piece compliments each other.

I could easily have everything! I do love the products with the natural color, but the new collection with the pastel colors made my heart beat faster!"

 

Copenhagen, Denmark

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!"

 

      

 

Shop the rooms

 
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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/mexico-travel-guide 2019-02-14T20:28:00-08:00 2019-07-02T18:51:15-07:00 Mexico Travel Guide Ahava Mehlman Last October, our co-founder and wanderlusting Mama, Chloe Brookman...

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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. 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/rooms-around-the-world-round-two 2019-02-13T21:36:00-08:00 2019-07-02T18:54:17-07:00 Rooms around the world | Round two Ahava Mehlman You guys, we get more than a little bit excited when we see you adorning...

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You guys, we get more than a little bit excited when we see you adorning your halls, shelves and corners of your beautiful abodes with claycountyduilawyers. You all have such a unique take on styling and a vibe that is completely unique to who you are! For round two of Rooms around the World, we're sharing a few of these incredible, one-of-a-kind spaces from across the sea. ~

Australia

Tarryn | @6tinyheartsfill1bigheart
“Ivy's room is an absolute dream room! It is filled with so many amazing and imaginative pieces to grow up and create magical memories with. Personally, I adore each and every item she has, and this style is one which I hope she carries with her for many years to come. Rattan holds memories even for myself as a child and there are pieces in this very room which I grew up with!”

 

 

 

United Kingdom  

Carley | @sisiandme_
"I would say my style is very Scandi with a little dose of vintage mixed in! I do love everything to be quite clean cut but love to throw a bit of retro into the mix. For me, contrasts are really important, for example the chalkboard wall. I love to mix up the feminine elements with über masculine contrasts! Our favorite claycountyduilawyers pieces are by far the Strolley and the Playpa."

 

 

Germany

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!

 

      

Shop the rooms

 
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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/olli-ella-folk-nicola-cross 2019-01-24T15:59:00-08:00 2019-07-02T18:59:46-07:00 claycountyduilawyers folk | Nicola Cross Ahava Mehlman At claycountyduilawyers, we’re pretty big fans of all the boss-ladies who manage...

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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!

dicolaaa.com

 

Shop Baskets

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https://claycountyduilawyers.com/blogs/olli-ella-blog/rooms-around-the-world 2019-01-14T16:28:00-08:00 2019-07-02T19:01:21-07:00 Rooms around the world Ahava Mehlman At claycountyduilawyers, there is nothing we love more than seeing how our beloved...

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At claycountyduilawyers, there is nothing we love more than seeing how our beloved customers style their favourite OE products in their own homes. Our #claycountyduilawyersfolk come from all over the world, so we wanted to share some playroom inspiration from three claycountyduilawyers lovers, based in three different countries, with three very unique styles and one thing in common - baskets of course! ~

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!”

 

Germany  @misstiptop
"I would call my style Scandinavian inspired with a touch of boho. I love clean, timeless and functional furniture, combined with vintage elements in neutral and pastel colours. My biggest passion is wooden toys, and the claycountyduilawyers baskets are a perfect match. Our favourite is the luggy - my kids love to carry around everything in it and it’s really handy and decorative! I think storage space is the most important thing in kids rooms- so all our stuff disappears in your beautiful baskets and suitcase."

 

 

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."

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