Wednesday 20 August 2014

MAGICAL BOOK






It's been a while since I've been this excited about a book - for adults or children. A story of an intelligent sleeping beauty by Tania Mason straddles the best of both worlds. It takes young readers into a magical world - and a familiar story. For adults, the pages are sheer beauty. The words are clever too. There's a message in there that's worth the cover price alone.

Tania's book is available through the Fratelli Fresh store above Galleria Vicino in Potts Point, Sydney. A series of artworks based on the book, as well as pillow covers and toy-shaped cushions are also for sale. The exhibition runs until the end of August.

images the indigo crew

Thursday 14 August 2014

ART OF DISCOVERY IN SUMMER HILL





There are many happy discoveries to be had in a bricks and mortar store. That's what I was reminded of when I arrived at the stylish kids store My Messy Room in Summer Hill recently. The excuse to visit had been a pair of leather moccasins for the littlest by Hubble and Duke. While there I found so many brands that I have admired over the years, including Fine Little Day and Lucky Boy Sunday. The store also had a great selection of kids books. You can follow the adventures of Stav Hatchett, the owner of My Messy Room, on Instagram.

images the indigo crew

Wednesday 13 August 2014

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...






We gave a friend with a lemon tree a little nudge. We'd be happy to take some if they had too many on their hands. Three bags later we were planning a lemonade stall. The kids helped to make the signs, and they hung them up while I was out running around for ice. They also customised the paper cups and brown bags. The recipe was a big hit with customers. We made several batches, and still ran out. Here it is:

Homemade lemonade
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups water
3/4 cup caster sugar
lemon slices to serve

1. Combine lemon juice, water and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat. Transfer to a jug filled with ice and add lemon slices. (You can also chill in the fridge.) 

NOT YOUR USUAL PLAYGROUND







It was a warm winter's day in Sydney. Renovations were underway at home. We needed to head out and decided to explore the grounds at the University of Sydney. It was a last-minute decision but perhaps one of our best.

It turns out there was something for everyone. The boy found a deck that became a launch pad for his plane. The girl took off her boots as soon as we hit the grass then shuffled her feet through a sea of pebbles. The baby, also a girl, played with them too, picking them up and dropping them over and over again until it was time to leave.

As it turns out no one wanted to leave. A sign of a good day. And it didn't cost a thing.

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN


What is it that you remember of your childhood? 

For me, it was a nearby farm with a nook behind the back of a hill, Daisy Hill.

It was summer holidays. To the countryside in France.

And it was Christmas - a special time with family when everyone was at their most rambunctious. 

There is much more, of course. Most of it fuelled by an active imagination. Since having had children, these memories have become more vivid. And it is what I want for my little tribe - all three of them. I want to create the opportunity for their imaginations to run wild. 

That is what this site is about. Sharing some of our adventures, discoveries and projects to maybe inspire you and your crew.