Catching Up With Zoe Howard from Cushionopoly

With winter now officially done and dusted (with the exception of a few days here and there!) and the pretty blossoms of spring still popping up all over the place, its once again a good excuse to open the windows, move some furniture around and add some fresh fun colour to your home. 

Today in our catching up with series, Im excited to have Zoe Howard, founder and creator of one of Australia's up and coming interior homewares business, Cushionopoly.

Cushionopoly is an Australian owned business proudly located in Melbourne.  Zoe's designs are fresh, fun, affordable and becoming very popular (you may have seen some of her cushions in the Block Shop!) . I love the combination of a gorgeous classic linen fabric with a contemporary feel of the colour and pattern range.

So, without wasting any more of your precious time, here is lovely Zoe, sharing withus a bit about herself and her wonderful business.

1. A quick summary about you and why you started Cushionopoly.

I grew up in a beachside suburb in Perth, one of four kids – middle child. While studying for my journalism degree I worked at a newspaper in media sales which saw me fall into a career of advertising media sales instead. My passion for travel kicked in and saw me travel to London for a stint of work and play. My husband and I met while working at a magazine which was popular for travelling Australians and New Zealanders – TNT Magazine. After a bit more travel we ended up moving to Melbourne in 2005 and I moved into marketing. 

Three years ago after the birth of my son Gus, I was off on maternity leave for 12 months. Naturally being a first time mother I spent a great deal of time at home with much of it staring at all the improvements I wanted to make (ours was a renovators delight!). Unfortunately being on one wage for a year my budget was somewhat lacking. Being a homewares nut this did make me very frustrated and I looked to simple ways to make updates. So I started out trying to source cushion covers as this was the easiest, most affordable and environmentally friendly way to update what I already had. I looked high and low and just couldn’t find the style, colour or range I had in my head.  Everything was way too expensive or the quality wasn’t there. My mother-in-law is a keen crafter and she helped me re-establish my sewing skills and I started making my own.   When friends would come around to visit they would comment on the cushions and couldn’t believe that I had made them myself. A few friends put in custom orders!

So when Gus was about six months old I started to put a plan in place to build on this idea of creating handmade, beautiful and fun cushions but making them affordable too.

2. Describe your style.

I would say my style is vibrant and fun with clean and simple designs that catch the eye and bring a smile to the room.

3. An average day for you entails…

My day starts when Gus wakes up somewhere between 5am – 6am and then he gets into bed with me for a cuddle while I check out instagram J then it is dropping off Gus to daycare (he is in three days), going to the post office and sending off the previous days orders. I usually drop in and grab a takeaway coffee (sometimes a morning treat) from my favourite local café Pure Italian and then it is back to the studio and I begin to go through my emails and orders and get back to new stockists and plan any social media I might be putting up that day. Lunch is whatever is in the fridge and then usually wait around for couriers to pick up wholesale orders in the afternoon while ordering supplies, working on any new designs and sewing up cushions. Then back to pick up Gus and get dinner started.  

4. Favourite  designers you take inspiration from?
 I work in a very inspiring community of people from fellow designers, makers, crafters, bloggers and instagrammers. I take inspiration froma so many places and images its almost impossible not to these days.

5.The room you love most in your home?

 I love my kitchen! We have renovated our 1960s home over the past year and we went for almost seven weeks without a kitchen (those of you who have kids you might understand that being without a kitchen, especially a sink, is a special kind of hell). So when it was finally installed I have never been more in love with a space then my new kitchen. Close second is my living room which does get all new cushions on the couch probably every three months.

6. Tea or coffee?

Tea definitely! My mum is British so I grew up always starting the day with a cup of fresh brewed tea (no tea bags for my mum and dad!). I love love love Earl Grey tea strong with a dash of milk.

7. What do you love most about having your own business?

I love the idea and feeling of endless opportunity and a sense of freedom to my life. To be able to get out of your business the hard work I put in is so very rewarding.

8. Favourite country destination?

My favourite country destination is Tasmania. My in-laws are poppy and sheep farmers from Cressy just out of Launceston. I spend a lot of my holidays in Tasmania and even launched my first screen printed range The Dark Horse there at Agfest.

9. Favourite colour combinations at the moment?

Peach and mint! It feels so fresh and summery.

10. Three items you can't currently live without?

Family, iphone and chocolate. 

A very big thank you for Zoe popping by and sharing with us her wonderful business.
All images courtesy of Cushionopoly.

And if your having a spring cleaning moment and looking for a easy, affordable and cheerful room makeover, click over to Cushionopoly's online store and check out their gorgeous cushion's. 

You can also find them at the Finders Keepers Markets in Melbourne held tonight and tomorrow.

Details-
www.cushionopoly.com.au
Stay up to date by following on Instagram (@cushionopoly) and on Facebook.

Catching Up With Lisa O'Connell from Wallingford Flowers, Echuca

Its been a month or so since our last "Catching up with" series, but todays guest is a real treat for anyone who loves flowers. And let's face it- who doesn't? 

Introducing the lovely Lisa O'Connell from Wallingford Flowers, Echuca. You may remember Lisa from a recent post I did sharing some photos of her amazing garden studio where she operates her business from.

Lisa is a very talented florist who is well known in the area for her amazing ability to transform any function room into a gorgeous flower show that will leave you gasping! With 26 years experience up her creative sleeve, Lisa specialises mainly in weddings. She is also a very keen gardener and although most of her flowers she buys in, her garden does provide her with a good supply of David Austen roses, seasonal flowers and lots of lavender which grows in abundance along with the many rose bushes up Lisa's front driveway. 

Lisa is incredibly passionate about her flower business and creating a personalised and unique floral arrangements for each of her clients. A background in teaching floristry has led her to also run workshops from her dairy studio which is another way Lisa can expel some more of her creativity and special talents.

So, without wasting any more time, below is a rather large handful of questions for Lisa and a chance for you to get to know her better. If you are considering "tying the knot" in the Echuca/Moama area or a party that requires some flower love, I would highly recommend getting in contact with Lisa too!

As an extra treat to add to Lisa's interview, if you scroll right down to the bottom of this post you will find a music clip I am really enjoying at the moment (let's say it gets played quite a bit in our house!!). The kids love the video (watch it and you will know why!). Press play and listen to it whilst reading about Lisa and checking out all these stunning images- which I might add have been taken by two very talented local photographers- Tamara Cadd Photography & Cindy Power Photography.

1. Describe your style?

Friends and family often laugh at the fact I am a bit of a chameleon.  One day I may be in designer heels and frocks, full hair and make-up, the next day hanging out in the dust/mud of the paddocks in my work pants with built in knee pads, and work boots.  My work with flowers is similar- I make things for others, so I try to see what their style, or vision is and make it happen for them. So I get to create many varied things-  although in all honesty I tend to attract customers that like similar things to me, so it's really quite easy!

2. What you love most about your job?

I love when people trust me enough to say, do whatever you think will work. When they say, I want something people haven’t seen before - as quite often I will be decorating a venue half the people have been to many times.  I will spend countless hours thinking of ideas and concepts, quite often drawing ideas and sketches at 3am- a strangely productive time for me!

Also unpacking flowers is a sheer joy, especially when you know an order has materialized, sometimes many hours of planning and ordering go into a function.  You never really know for sure until the beautiful fresh blooms are in front of you.

3. Favourite flower?

Gardenia ( I was given 5 boxes to make my bouquet as a wedding present by Carolyn whom I did my apprenticeship under ). My favourite bouquet I ever made. I finished it at 2 am the night before our wedding.

4. Three things you can't live without at the moment?

Family, garden, tea.

5. Favourite scent?

Tuberose.

6. Where do you seek inspiration and ideas from?

I follow many overseas designers. Also many brides come to me with great ideas - I just need to make them!

7. What do you love most about living in the Echuca area?

Most definitely the people, or maybe the restaurants - Ok both!

8. Most loved colour combination at the moment?

Pale blue, any pale blue flower melts my heart. 

9. Your morning ritual is…..

Again with the chameleon, some days I am at a spin class at 6am followed by a productive morning organizing family, cleaning house, to be in the garden by 10am.

(Until recently several people in my gym class, thought I was two different people - I look different with no make-up and my red curly hair in a tight bun apparently).

 If I have a wedding and the weather is hot I will start a 4 or 5am in the dairy, to make everything as fresh as possible, or alternatively I have been know to wait till last service in Oscar W’s 10.30 pm to set up for a wedding the next day, leaving when the staff knock off at 1am, then return at 8am to finish.   I will then start at 8am on Sundays to take everything out, so they are ready for lunch service.

Some days I like to not get out of bed until I have had at least 2 cups of tea!

10. Are you an early riser or night owl??

Again both, depends on what I need to do that week,  I feel very lucky to self indulge and work all night if I am in the mood.  Or not!

(note: work sometimes involves pinterest!!!)

11. Favourite season and why?

That is really hard for me, as I have favourite parts to them all. 

Autumn – Autumn leaves, cooler nights, best weather in Echuca for weddings, best planting time, bulbs start.  Nerines, and roses in the garden at the same time

Winter – Winter hellebores, ranunculus, lily of the valley, forget-me-not, anemones, stock oh and another favourite daphne.  Brides should get married in winter for the fragrance alone!!

Spring – Peony need I say more? ok sweet pea.

Summer- The succulents come into their own, roses show why they are to be revered, and respected.

Just press play, sit back (or bop along) and enjoy these stunning photos of Lisa's work…..xx
Music- In Your Arms by Kina Grannis



Special Thanks to Tamara Cadd Photography and Cindy Power Photography for sharing their beautiful images. 

Details-
Wallingford Flowers-"Wallingford", 9179 Murray Valley Highway, Echuca, Victoria, 3564
www.wallingfordflowers.com.au
Phone Lisa on 0414 709376
Or follow on Facebook ,Instagram and Pinterest

Tamara Cadd Photography- www.tamaracaddphotography.com.au

Cindy Power Photography- www.cindypowerphotography.blogspot.com.au

Catching up with Emma from She Sows Seeds

She Sows Seeds is a blog written by the very talented and clever Emma Steendam. Emma writes about snippets of her life, living in rural Gippsland, Victoria, with her farmer husband and soon to arrive Baby.

I have been following Emma's blog now for about a year. Back then, Emma and her husband were living and working over in South Australia on a farm. Earlier this year they moved back closer to family and friends, to their home region of Gippsland.

Emma shares stories about their life in a rural community, setting up a home and growing a garden. She is very handy with a crochet hook and a sewing machine, and a real whizz in the kitchen. She is also a professional photographer, so her photos are always a delight to look at. And to add to all of that, Emma even has her own online store selling all her own homemade children's wear and accessories, called Little Miss Emma- definitely worth having a look!

Emma is currently 38 weeks pregnant (as this post goes to air!) and so She Sows Seeds has also been a lovely way to document her pregnancy and for Emma to share this special and personal journey along with her thoughts and plans for motherhood.

What I love about this blog, is that for me it represents pure and simple country living. Emma's stories and photos are what I yearn to see in Country living magazines…..for me, this is what real country living is all about!  I love that her content varies- recipes, crafty DIY tutorials, garden updates,  decorating her home,  thoughts on living in a rural community and now the excitement of a baby soon to arrive, which will no doubt add another lovely dimension to Emma's blog. She Sows Seeds is beautifully written; romantic yet real. Emma is incredibly passionate about rural living and supporting the farming community. My visits to She Sows Seeds are like catching up with a dear friend. And did I mention….Gorgeous photos- Emma can make even a mint plant look simply amazing…see below!

So today on our "Catching up with" series,  Im thrilled to introduce the very lovely and very heavily pregnant Emma Steendam……x

1. What do you love most about living in the country?

Gosh - where to begin...the space, the freedom, the slow pace, not having (close by) neighbours, the sense of community. I do love Melbourne, and lived in the city during uni and boarding school, but my heart belongs to the country, after a weekend in the big smoke it's always nice to come home.

2. Name three things you currently can't live without?

A crochet hook nearby (I have way too many projects on the go at once!), orange juice I've craved throughout my pregnancy and my comfy pillow I sleep with these days as I'm 37 weeks pregnant and getting a bit uncomfortable with not much sleep!

3. How would you define your personal style and where do you find your inspiration and creative ideas from?

I think my style is a combination of modern country farmhouse, a bit of French provincial, a bit of classic Cape Cod, a bit of vintage eclectic. It depends on my mood! I love to scour markets like Camberwell or Glen Waverley bazaar and antique and vintage shops, and although our home is bursting at the seams I still like to look and get inspiration, sometimes for an idea to evolve into a crafty blog post or decorating idea. 

4. Tea or coffee…?

Tough call...but probably coffee. Good coffee.

5. Favourite time of the day?

First thing in the morning at the moment as I'm getting up super early with my pregnancy insomnia! The day is fresh and anything could happen, full of possibility. My husband makes me breakfast, I make the coffee, simple stuff.

6. Why did you start your blog, She Sows Seeds?

I've blogged since early 2008, first as 'Little Miss Emma' (my handmade children's wear business) and then as 'Cinderella at Brindabella' when we moved home to Gippsland to my family's farm. After our wedding we packed up our life, sold our car and dogs, quit our jobs and headed north indefinitely, working on a cattle station in outback Queensland and then traveling around Australia. I blogged about our adventures on 'The Happy Campers'. When we finally returned and back to reality, I craved having a home and garden again, I'm a total nester at the best of times, and I really missed having a consistent blog full of content that I was passionate about. 'She Sows Seeds' was born just as we embarked on a new adventure living and working on the Limestone Coast in South Australia. As I'd changed blogging identities so much over the years I wanted She Sows Seeds to be my 'forever home' for blogging. I try to keep content simple to homely things, gardening, baking, sewing, decorating and crafty bits and pieces. She Sows Seeds tries to celebrate a simple country lifestyle that we try to lead, with a focus on rural living and farming.  

7. Some favourite blogs you love following?

I'm addicted to Beth over at BabyMac, I also love Kate from Foxs Lane, Jodi from Practising Simplicity, Em from The Beetle Shack. There's some chicks in the Aussie blogosphere kicking some serious butt at the moment.

8. Dream job?

I think I have it right now! I'm a freelance photographer (currently on maternity leave) - I studied photography for three years at university, majoring in commercial photography so probably should be taking photos for car advertising campaigns or something...instead I point my lens at things I bake for the blog, newborn babes, happy families and lovely couples on their wedding day. I have a love/hate relationship with the type of work I do - sometimes I absolutely love doing weddings and children's shoots, but I also like to keep my hand in the commercial field for magazines and businesses to keep my commercial photography brain ticking. 

9. Favourite recipe (at the moment)? If recipe on blog- can link to!

I made this pear and walnut custard tart recently which was a bit of a hit, the shortcrust pastry is super easy to make in a food processor and my husband is a huge custard lover so this went down a treat...http://www.shesowsseeds.com/2014/05/29/pear-and-walnut-custard-tart/ (photo below).

10. Current DIY project?

So many! I'm desperately trying to put the finishing touches on our baby's nursery, if you could see our lounge room at the moment there are about seven crochet projects strewn across the couches and coffee table and floor! I'm working on a giant doily floor rug which is causing me a bit of grief, as well as several baby blankets because I just couldn't decide which one to make so I'm making about five! I've also got some little overalls for our cousin's little baby's 1st birthday on my sewing machine I need to finish off. Always unfinished items floating about!

Some delicious home cooking….image from here.

Image from here.

Some pre baby crafting….image from here.

and here.

A few travel stories…..image from here.

A bit of gardening….image from here.

 Some gorgeous photos around Emma's home……

and, life in the country….both images from here.

If you haven't already discovered She Sows Seeds, please pop over and say hello to Emma.
I know her gorgeous blog won't disappoint you.
It's definitely worthy of a pot of tea and some alone time so you can emerse yourself in Emma's lovely life in country Victoria.

Stay up to date with She Sows Seeds on Bloglovin, Facebook and Instagram.

Special thanks to Emma for taking the time to partake in 'Our Catching Up With' Series, especially being so close to having her baby. Best wishes Emma and I look forward to reading the next instalment of She Sows Seeds- The Next Generation!
Such exciting times ahead for you both! xx

All images courtesy of Emma Steendam, She Sows Seeds.

Enjoy xx

Catching up with Janelle from A White Farm Blog!

Today on our 'Catching up with' series, I'm excited to introduce a fellow country mum blogger, Janelle, who writes the lovely and very homely blog, A White Farm.

Image found here

I first discovered A White farm on Instagram last year, and since then I love seeing Janelle's daily snippet's taken around her home and of her latest crafty project.

Janelle's home is, as the name of her blog states…. white, and then filled with pops of colour throughout which changes regularly depending on her daily mood and inspiration. As you will learn, she has an eye for finding an old piece of furniture and, with a simple coat of paint, giving it a gorgeous makeover. I love that she has fun with colour and her home is classic with a fun, colourful, modern twist! She is also pretty clever with a set of knitting needles or a crocheting hook!!!

Janelle is a busy wife and Mum to three children, living on a farm in western Victoria. A White Farm began a few years ago as a place where Janelle could share all things in life that she was loving at that moment, especially her home DIY crafty projects, favourite recipes and decorating style ideas. She has just under 4500 followers on Instagram (I think that says a lot!!!) and has a wonderful sense of humour- I love reading her posts and instagram feeds- they always make me laugh. I feel like Im catching up with an old friend- silly huh? But that is because of Janelle's warm and friendly personality that shines through. Her instagram often acts as a bit of a forum amongst her dedicated followers, as to what colour should a new find be painted, or thoughts on rug placement, new cushion colour, etc.

So….without wasting anymore time, here is Janelle answering a few questions!

1. My personal style? Hhhmmm....tricky one. This can change from one week to the next!! I think the constant theme would be neutrals, white (of course!!) child-friendly, a good mish mash of homemade and store bought, usually a good bargain...I so believe that you don't have to have a huge budget to create a beautiful cosy home, in fact I think the less you have to spend you usually have to put more thought and creativity into it so hence it becomes that much more personal  to you and your family. Of course I appreciate high quality and luxury but I also love the thrill of a good thrift find too!! I tend to grab inspiration from anywhere and everywhere...mags, pinterest, blogs, and my favourite - instagram...so many gorgeous creative inspiring REAL homes out there!!

2. I love most about my home - I think the light and space...when we built this house this was one of the main features we wanted so we have loads of windows which catch the light and sun pretty much all day long and it's very open plan. I also love how it's growing with us all the time...little bits and pieces being added as we grow as a family. I like to use the kid's own artworks and lots of photos to help make it a real family space.

3. Why did you start blogging? I started A White Farm blog after becoming so obsessed and inspired by other blogs out there. I kind of felt the need to start my own. I have always loved writing but apart from the grocery list and the odd school note there really isn't much call for writing as a SAHM! I also love the connection it creates between other like minded creative people out there. It also gives me some focus and reflection on my own life which might otherwise just kind of drift along.

4. Three things I could not live without? This one has kind of stumped me! Let's go with ipad (sad I know but it's pretty much attached to me), knitting needles/crochet hook, and a good home magazine - I have reeeeally tried to live without them but nope...cannot resist the temptation!!!

5. Current DIY project?…Mmmmm…there may be more than one on the go...there's usually a few happening in various stages around here. I'm excited to be in the first stages of revamping an old set of drawers that will live in our bedroom, a few stools are waiting for a coat of paint, as are a few plant pots. Alot of craft is also on the go in preparation for an online  AWhiteFarm shop of some type to commence in the (hopefully!!) not so distant future!

6. Fave colour combo...I can never go past black and white. It just always seems to work. Although pop a bright mint, turqoise or melon etc amongst it and you really have a winner!! 

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would jet off to any small coastal town where I can hit the beach with the fam. Or Sweden/Amsterdam/Denmark where I could randomly knock on people's doors and poke through their beautiful homes!?!

8. Fave time of the day? - probably the evening wind down…closing blinds, flicking on lamps, getting cosy and ready for some quiet craft time!!

9. What do you love most about living in the country? I love living in the country because my family is SO loud I don't think we could live amongst other human beings without being told to shut up!! And the fresh air...the fresh country air cannot be beaten...especially when raising kids.

10. Favourite recipe - it's got to be a toss up between my mum's Chocolate Hedgehog Slice and my nanna's French Tea Cake…both are on my blog and both are baked around here way too often!!

And I couldn't not share some of Janelle's lovely images from her gorgeous home…. so here are a few to sample!

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Special Thanks to Janelle for taking time to join us on TMCM!!! and sharing her gorgeous images with us.

When you get a moment, go grab yourself a cuppa and a comfy spot on the couch, and visit Janelle and her beautiful family home on her blog. You won't regret it!

A White farm can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Happy friday to all!!!!

Catching up with Prue Hufton from Olive & Clover

Today on our "Catching up with" series, we have the very clever and stylish Prue Hufton- owner and founder of the gorgeous online store, Olive & Clover.

You might recognise Prue from a recent article in January's Country Style magazine. Prue's family home, near Harden in NSW's south west slopes, was on display showing what talent Prue has for putting colours, textures and her favourite homewares together. She really does have a gift for putting things together and making them look so incredibly good and homely.

Prue's latest venture, Olive & Clover, is a lovely online boutique selling women's fashion, accessories and homewares, of which she runs from home. Having just opened almost a year ago, Prue has gradually been sourcing and adding to her store, filling it with beautiful and ecletic pieces that represent her style and personality- classic, sophisticated and fun! Stocking homegrown australian designers as well as some overseas ones too,  there are some truly divine items that will add some 'pizazz' to your wardrobe…and your home!

Prue's background is in interior styling and fashion marketing, so it's only natural that she has her finger on the pulse when it comes to undertanding new trends and styling. Her business offers styling advice and her showroom in Harden is open by appointment only. Otherwise, the convenience of online shopping makes it so much easier for us, and the rest of the world, to browse through Olive & Clover's wares. You can also find Olive & Clover at market days scattered around central and the south west slopes of NSW- so keep your eyes and ears open if you live in that area!

Prue writes a blog alongside her online store which is definitely worth a read. She writes regularly about new stock arrivals, fashion and style tips, homeware trends and country living. One post I particularly enjoyed was this one about the Art of High/Low Dressing. That is, the idea of combining a designer piece with a cheaper piece of clothing and still being able to make it look amazing without having to sell your house to fund your wardrobe!

It is also worth checking out Olive & Clover on Instagram and facebook  for regular photos and posts for inspiration on fashion and how Prue mix and matches o&c's clothing range.

It's no secret that Olive & Clover is one of my favourite online stores- its a place I go to, to drool and immerse myself in beautiful, classic and stylish pieces.

So, without  further ado ….here is Prue, answering some hardcore TMCM questions…..

1. How would you describe your personal style?
Feminine and sophisticated. But I always try to add a bit of fun to an outfit. I dont take fashion or style too seriously that's for sure. It could be a quirky necklace, or bright coloured shoes I will try to always have fun with my outfit.

2. What item in your wardrobe are you loving most at the moment?
My new "Flower Bomb" pants- they are so fun to wear. You can never have a bad day in something so bright and fun!

3. What inspires you?
 I do get a lot of inspiration from magazines and bloggers, but nowadays I find a lot of inspiration via Instagram and Pinterest. Instagram in particular, allows you to gain up to date inspiration from people the world over. People who you may not have heard of or been in contact with before. Locally, I get a lot of recipe inspiration from Local is Lovely by Sophie Hansen.

4. What beauty/fashion/decor items are you loving at the moment?
Beauty items- Cloud 9 Wand. Im thinking of embracing my hairs ability to create a wave all of its own. However, my hair needs a bit of help in creating a loose controlled wave, instead of the disheveled look it goes for on its own.
Fashion- A pair of black leather pants for winter. Not sure yet if they will be legging style or more of a loose boyfriend style pant?
Decor- rugs! We are currently in the process of ripping up the old carpet and some of the tiles in our house, exposing the beautiful floor boards underneath. With winter fast approaching we are going to be needing plenty of rugs. This one is currently on the top of my wish list!

5. Favourite piece on Olive & Clover site?
They are yet to arrive, but I am having my own vintage Kantha vests and jackets being made in India at the moment exclusively for Olive & Clover. I cant wait for them to arrive, which should hopefully be around April.

6. Ultimate travel destination and why?
Paris! Seriously, who doesn't love Paris? My husband and I travelled over to London a few years ago to visit some friends we have living there. We jumped on the train for a few days in Paris and it was by no means enough. We decided to ditch some of the tours of all the touristy things I had booked us in for and just spend our time walking the cobblestone streets and taking in as much of the atmosphere as we could. I can't wait to get back there one day.

7. What do you love most about living in the country?
I know this sounds cliche but it really is the best place to bring up children. From horse riding and motor bike riding every day after school- even my 3 year old can catch the bus to pre school has been a huge milestone and help our day to day lives. I guess I am lucky having my parents live in Sydney that we spend some of our school holidays up in the city, so the kids get to experience the best of both worlds.

8. What do you love most about your business?
Setting up and running my own online store has been something I have always wanted to do, but the timing was just never quite right. But now that the children are all growing up (the tricky toddler days are nearly behind us), things have just been working out as I had always hoped. I have always loved finding new and interesting products, and I have always loved finding unique fashion pieces to add to my eclectic wardrobe. People used to often say to me… can you take me shopping? or the next time you buy a dress can you buy two, one for you and one for me? This now gives me the opportunity to do that, and share my passion with women all over the world.

9. Five essential items for this Autumn/Winter?

A Vintage Kantha Blazer / Vest (of course)

Silk… anything!

Kimono Jacket

Great pair of boots

Warm woolly scarf.

10. Best styling tip?

A stripe Tee goes with just about everything.

Here are some of my favourite Olive & Clover pieces……

'Providore at Four' Blouse- so incredibly classic!

'The infamous & must have wardrobe item'……Saint James Stripe Tee

"Beach Cottage" Map Dress- fun, yet oozes so much style and grace!

Talitha Knit Wrap- OMG…..drop dead gorgeous!

Gypset Woolen Scarf- perfect for that cold winters day! How gorgeous are those pom poms??

Apple Dish- quite simply……cute!

Indigo Tweed Pot- perfect pop of colour on the kitchen bench filled with herbs!

Hopi Tray- see Prue's blog post here for a clever and fun way to add some art to your walls!

(All images from Olive & Clover website)

You can find Olive & Clover at the Milthorpe Markets  
this Sunday 6th April

8am- 4pm

Redmond Oval, Milthorpe
(Milthorpe is 3.5 hrs from Sydney and Canberra, 30 mins from Bathurst and 20mins from Orange)

If nearby, drop in and visit Prue and her lovely store!

Otherwise pop over to the website!!!

Special thanks for Prue in participating in our "Catching up with" series!

Until next time x