My afternoon at Wallingford's Flower School!

With the smell of spring so close now, I thought I would share some photos taken from my friend Lisa's, lovely flower workshops held a few weeks ago.

Lisa is a local florist here in Echuca, which if you have been reading this blog, you will have possibly read a post or two (here and here) about her lovely business, Wallingford Flowers. In between the busy wedding seasons, Lisa is now running various flower workshops catering for anyone interested in learning the art of floral arranging (and many other fun flowery things too!!). As a qualified teacher in the field, teamed with her 26 years experience in the industry, Lisa is bursting with knowledge and ideas. Her classes are fun, creative and very colourful!

Sunday week ago a group of ladies came together out at Lisa's Old Dairy to learn a few tips from the expert herself about putting together pretty jam jar bouquets. A wonderful way to escape for a few hours and be surrounded in the sunlit dairy by gorgeous fresh anemones, ranunculus, hyacinths, jonquils plus many other pickings from Lisa's garden.

Over champagne and nibblies, much chatter, laughter and lots of lovely flowers to play with, Lisa guided us through the basics of caring for cut flowers and then some simple techniques for putting together posies to scatter around your home.

Such a fun afternoon, meeting some new friends and going home with our creations feeling very motivated to ensure that I keep our house decked out with some pretty bouquets scattered around the house using what flowers and foliage I can find from the garden. Such a nice alternative use for the zillion jam jars I have sitting in my pantry too!!!

For more information on the Wallingford Flower School, head over to Wallingford Flowers Facebook page, 'like' and stay up to date on upcoming workshops.
You can also follow on Instagram (@wallingfordflowers), visit the website or contact Lisa on 0414 709376.

The Bendigo Trove Makers' Markets- on this Sunday!

Im not sure about you- but I love a good market! Strolling around at my own pace, getting caught up in the music playing, coffee in hand, and pastry or a bacon and egg muffin in the other, and just poking my face here and there as I try and see what clever bits and pieces local folk have made. I always come home feeling quite inspired and also with a few extra bags and a much lighter wallet!

Well, a treat for anyone who lives in Bendigo or surrounding areas, is the gorgeous Trove Makers' Markets, which are on this Sunday 20th July, between 10am-2pm in central Bendigo.

These markets are held every 3rd Sunday of the month and hosts just over 40 stalls. A wonderful community event which is guarenteed to provide the family a lovely day out and a chance to find some unique handmade arts and crafts and discover some new foodie treats too.

Below is a sample of business's that will be attending this weekend.

Image source from Trove Makers' Markets website

I have to say Im very excited about The Itty Bitty Book Van attending which is bound to be incredibly popular with the kids and as a parent, a really fun activity to do with them. Kerri's funfilled and beautifully adorned caravan is filled with lots of great children's books and if you can't make it to the markets, I would highly recommend checking out her website and blog, which is filled with good book reviews- quite handy for any parent looking for the perfect book to give as a gift!

So, if you around or looking for a fun family activity this Sunday, be sure to bead to the Trove Makers' Markets. With lots to see and do you wont be disappointed. And if you cant make Sunday, perhaps lock in the date for next month!

For more information- 

Check out the website- www.trovebendigo.com.au

Held on every 3rd Sunday of each month

Between 10am-2pm

at The Good Loaf Sourdough Bakery- 404 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

Follow on Facebook and Instagram and keep up to date with upcoming news and events!

Enjoy- and let me know if you go!

The Itty Bitty Book Van

Keeping in with the book theme this week, I discovered this wonderful Victorian business called Itty Bitty Book Van. 

A travelling children's bookshop in a beautiful vintage caravan!

I can't think of a more fun way to encourage small people to get excited about reading than to have a gorgeous old decorated caravan and a lovely display of children's books just begging to be looked at and read. A super clever idea!

Images from the Itty Bitty Book Van Website

Im hoping very much they visit Echuca soon! Please, Please!

For more information on van and touring dates, visit the Itty Bitty Book Van website.

Or follow their Facebook page.