Optus MeTV: The Verdict (and yummy Salted Butterscotch Popcorn!)

Sponsored by Nuffnang

Last month I posted on the new Optus MeTV internet service that arrived on my doorstep.
Now here is the verdict you’ve all been waiting for with baited breath!
Just to recap, MeTV is an internet TV service which also lets you record, pause and rewind free to air television.

What I like about MeTV:

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Sew School Giveaway

So excited about this impromptu Giveaway thanks to The Haby Goddess. Jodie has offered My Poppet readers the opportunity to win one of 2 Sew School Courses valued at $49 each.

Jodie's online sewing course is so convenient (no baby sitters needed) and includes 30 online lessons over 6 weeks covering all the important bits, starting from scratch.
More info on the Sew School website.

This course and giveaway is open to everyone, wherever in the world you may be.
To enter just leave a comment telling us:
- What sewing skill you would like to learn or find most difficult (mine is putting in zips)
and
- Where in the world you are (country is fine)

Make sure you have a valid contact email so we can contact you if you are the lucky winner.
Comment entries close midnight (Melbourne time) on the 5th of April and 2 x winners will be announced here and contacted on the 6th of April.

 Good Luck!

How To: Paper Patchwork Folder & Giveaway by MoonmuM

Today's DIY project created by the lovely Belinda of MoonmuM. Belinda makes amazing paper based products and has been kind enough to offer a fab GIVEAWAY for all you lovely readers. Details at the end of the post.

Paperwork for me is the most dull thing EVER. I truly dislike it and avoid it at all costs, which isn't so great when running a small business. I do, however, love pretty stationery. So since I'm too cheap to pay for 'designer stationery' and i need to entice myself into action, i buy plain old bits'n'pieces and pretty them up myself. It's a whole lot nicer to sit down with a colourful folder in front of you to get organised when it looks good.

This is my latest attempt at getting my act together - a paper patchwork folder.

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Optus Me TV - A Review

Sponsored by Nuffnang 

It’s not often that Mr Man gets enthusiastic about my blogging, until I was asked to review the new Internet TV service called MeTV by Optus. He is a bit of a TV junkie and had been asking for something like this for ages, so you can imagine how happy he was that I accepted the challenge. He even helped me take these photos, crazy times!!

The courier delivered everything we needed to get started. There was the Fetch Tv box which lets you record, pause and rewind Live TV with a whopping 1TB of storage and a modem router thing which connects everything to your internet so you can use the Optus internet TV service. Oh and of course all the wires and instructions too.

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How to: Winged Shoes

Ever wanted to feel a little lighter on your feet? Isn't it obvious, just add wings to your shoes.

This project was directly inspired by Jeremy Scott's winged shoes for adidas, pretty groovy sneakers but not quite my style. Here is how to make your own set of wings that will fit ladies or kids size shoes.

This post is proudly sponsored by...

For the template and step by step instructions...

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Sponsored Post - IKEA 'Get Organised'

This post is RocketFuel sponsored 
It's pretty safe to say that we are big fans of IKEA here at casa de My Poppet. And I'm probably not alone in saying that there is possibly at least one piece of IKEA in every room.

So when I was asked to share these videos on how a team of IKEA organisers helped De-clutter one families home, I said yes, and secretly wished they'd come to my place. 

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Sponsor Profile - Shiny Happy Art

Today I'm interviewing Anna Bartlett of Shiny Happy Art. Anna has been a longtime reader and supporter of the My Poppet blog. I was delighted when she approached me to sponsor the blog, and I thought this would be a great way to get to know her a little better.
I love finding out what makes other creative folk tick, and I'm often interested in how others run their businesses and manage the other aspects of their lives.
Anna's work is very colourful and she has her own unique style. Let's get to know Anna a little better...

 
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Belle Magazine - Indulge someone this Christmas

{ Sponsored by Nuffnang }
The other day I told you about how my sister is really into fashion magazines, buys them all and has kept every one she has bought in near mint condition. My magazine style is a little different. I'm more into Home and decor mags, they have to have amazing photography and be totally inspiring so I can rip out all the pictures and paste them into inspiration notebooks.
In fact the first magazine I ever bought when I moved into my own place was Belle.

In the days before blogs and Pinterest, a girl had to get her visual inspiration from somewhere. For me Belle was, and still is one of my favorites. With beautiful styling, stunning photography and so many amazing homes featured, one can't help being inspired.
There is nothing so indulgent as sitting down during a quiet moment with a cup of tea and a really beautiful glossy. Yes and now finding the afore mentioned quiet time is a little harder now than it used to be.So if you are looking for a last minute gift for a friend with really great taste, you can stop your panicking and head straight over to Magshop to get them a Belle Subscription with one easy click. A whole years worth of Belle is under $40, and think of how much your friend will love you every time a new issue arrives in their letter box. Come to mention it, I wouldn't mind a yearly subscription myself. Now I'm off to drop a few hints, because frankly I could do with a little more quiet time with a cup of tea and a beautiful magazine. Maybe I'll indulge myself with a subscription and maybe win a trip to Hawaii at the same time.


Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Give your loved ones a magazine subscription this year and you can win a tropical escape to Hawaii with Magshop’s Christmas competition. Treat your family and friends to a magazine subscription today - it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year round!

What to get a fashion lover for Christmas?

Sponsored by Nuffnang


Have you started your Christmas gift shopping yet or even made a list? What’s your shopping style? Some people I know make or pick up gifts right through the year. Me, I’m a December shopping sort of gal. I try and avoid the maddening shopping center crowds by hitting the internet for some gifts, and make a few myself too. We normally have a Kris Kringle kind of arrangement in my family, so gift shopping is a lot less stressful. I’ll be making all the kids gifts, but for the adults I’m thinking of getting Magazines subscriptions.

It’s a great option for those really hard to buy for folks...

...like my sister for example. She has everything a gal could ever want, so finding the right gift for her is not always easy, but the one thing she can’t get enough of is glossy fashion and interiors magazines. There was always an unwritten rule between us, I wasn’t allowed to look through one of her magazines until she had at least flicked through it first, and if I dog eared a page, well, I copped an earful. She has kept every single issue she has ever bought, and I’m sure she is single handedly keeping the Magazines Australia publishing industry afloat.

So Janet if you are reading this, a Harper’s Bazaar or Real Living subscription may be coming your way. (She’ll hold me to it now!)

But it’s a win-win for me too. I get to avoid the maddening shopping center crowds and get the chance to win a tropical escape to Hawaii. You know how much I love to travel, and a luxurious holiday in Hawaii sounds perfect to me.



Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Give your loved ones a magazine subscription this year and you can win a tropical escape to Hawaii with Magshop’s Christmas competition. Treat your family and friends to a magazine subscription today - it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year round!

Sponsor Profile - Mini Mecca

I was so excited when Anna from Mini Mecca became a blog sponsor because I think she has one of the cutest online shops around.
Mini Mecca is choc full of unique wares from Australian and International designers with a focus on wall art, decor and creative finds. I was hard pressed to pick my favourites because everything is fun and colourful, so I thought a festive inspired selection would be appropriate at this time of year.
I'm especially loving the apple place mats by engel and the mushroom clock by decoylab, but I think my favourite thing in the whole store is the Lion clock by decoylab (pop over and check it out).

Shipping is really affordable too, only $7.95 in Australia with free shipping for orders over $125

Find them on facebook here

Mini Mecca ♥ Creative finds for growing minds ♥


NEWSFLASH! Mini Mecca are offering free shipping up until 11th Dec on orders over $50 with the code MERRYXMAS

My dream Christmas involves food and travel...

Sponsored by Nuffnang I really can’t believe how quickly this year has flown! Christmas decorations were already appearing on the supermarket shelves months ago and I think we often start feeling a little anxious about everything we have to squeeze in before Christmas. I know some people really love this time of year, the parties, the gift giving, it all sounds so happy. But it can be pretty stressful too. Especially trying to think of Christmas gifts for all you friends and family. This year, I am thinking of having a Magshop Christmas and giving magazine subscriptions as gifts.
At this time of year I usually get itchy feet and long to be on my way to an exotic destination, far away from the festive season chaos. It’s not always possible, but a few years ago, way before Emma was born, Mr Man and I were living and working in the UK. Rather than spend Christmas working, and without our family there, we decided to take the opportunity to have a proper ‘White Christmas’. I think it’s something that as kids growing up in Australia you always dream about. Sure beach and a barbie for Christmas day is nice, but real snow on Christmas day is something out of a dream! So we booked a chalet holiday in France and spent the week skiing, eating fondue and enjoying the views. It was like a feature out of the magazines Australia Gourmet Traveller. My knees aren’t really what they used to be so there was more sitting around in cafes than skiing. But you get the idea. No cooking, battling for car parking, wearing silly paper hats, just tranquility.

And now I look back and think how nice it would be to occasionally have a time out during the holidays, and every year on boxing day Mr Man says “Next year we are going away!”. But we are never that organized and flights at that time of year cost a fortune.
The only way one could get away would be if I won the lotto OR this awesome Hawaii Holiday Competition offering the chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii thanks to Magshop. Sure the grandparents will be heartbroken if they didn’t see Emma’s little face light up when Santa (who I think this year will look remarkably like my Dad) gives out the presents, but hey, I’m sure Santa gets to Hawaii too.
So if you think that you could do with a little rest and relaxation during this crazy holiday season, I’d suggest entering this great competition. What have you got to lose?

Sponsor Profile - Little Shop of...

If you live in Melbourne and haven't been to Little Shop Of...what are you waiting for? It's a treasure trove of local handmade goodness by amazing Victorian craftisans.
Bec, manages to fill every little nook and cranny of the tiny space with all manner of desirable objects (including some of mine, yay!), and I challenge you to walk out of there empty handed. Most items are under $50 which makes it a great place to find the perfect gift on a budget. But don't be to sad if you can't make it into the store, the online store is just as pretty as the shop with convenient shipping right to your very door!

Pop over and Like their facebook page

8 Woorayl St Carnegie
Melbourne, Australia, 3163
Opposite Carnegie train station

Now with new extended Christmas trading hours
starting from Mon 12th Dec all the way to Christmas Eve

Monday 11- 5.30pm
Tuesday 11- 5.30pm
Wednesday 11- 6pm
Thursday 10 - 6pm
Friday 11 - 5.30pm
Saturday 10 - 4.30


Shop Local
Shop Indie
Shop Australian

Sponsor Profile - Diddi

Today I'd like to introduce you yo Lizzie of diddi who produces a colourful range of wall art and wall stickers right here in Melbourne's bayside suburb of Elwood.How was the whole concept of Diddi born?
I studied graphic design at Monash University, and have worked in Melbourne design studios since graduating in 2003.
In 2006, illness required me to take a year long break from work. During that time of recovery (and extreme boredom) I was introduced to quilting. The fabric colours and patterns, and graphic nature of the process really appealed.
Finally the birth of my niece two years ago, and a baby boom amongst friends and acquaintances, led to the creation of diddi. My aim was to create a series of user-friendly simple designs that would make a big statement in a room with minimum effort.
And the name diddi?
It's what my niece first called me (Lizzie in baby-speak).

diddi’s range includes personalised framed prints and wall decals for kids. Everything including the frames are made to order locally in Melbourne and can be personalised with the child's initial for a really personal gift.
The fabric wall decals are great as they can be applied, removed and repositioned, without damaging paintwork. Ideal for renters or those that like to change their mind frequently.

You can view the full range of designs available on diddi's website, they ship all over Australia and even have gift vouchers available for those little ones that may not even be born yet.

Sponsor Profile - Green Nous by Scruffy Dog

We often hear a lot about how big companies are doing their bit to be more earth friendly, "carbon offset this, greener strategy that..." But sometimes I think the big boys should learn a little bit from the little guys like Scruffy Dog, who have used their common sense and started Green Nous.

GreenNous is an initiative founded by the people at Scruffy Dog shoes, with the aim of doing a little bit for the environment by recycling material that would otherwise likely be discarded. They encourage others to think about how the apparently useless stuff they come across on a daily basis might be reused or put to some good use and then turn those thoughts into action. It's all about green nous: commonsense recycling.

GreenNous in action:
Local "Reverse Garbage" is their office supplier where they get: arch files, filing cabinet, work benches and some very comfy office chairs. Local shops and post office give them their discarded cardboard boxes which they reuse for shipping Scruffy Dog shoes to retailers.
An old bicycle found by the roadside has become their vehicle for the daily small parcel run to the post office. Pedal Power Yay!

Not only do these common sense initiatives save the environment, it saves them money too.
I really like the idea of teaming up with other local businesses to help them reduce their waste output. Re-using materials uses up no energy compared to the whole recycling process, there by saving other businesses money on recycling and waste disposal services as well.

Good one Scruffy Dog.

Go and check out the great kids shoes Scruffy Dog make over on their website. There is no online shop, but Leila will be happy to organize your order, just email them.

Breaking News: Scruffy Dog is now on facebook, pop over and LIKE their page and tell them My Poppet sent you :)

Clothes Lime Giveaway winner...

And the lucky winner of a $40 shopping credit giveaway to Clothes Lime boutique is... drum roll please...

Jessie Boan

Thanks to everyone that left a comment and congratulations to Jessie (I will be in touch shortly).

If you have a business that you would like to promote through a giveaway or sponsorship, I am now taking bookings for Nov and Dec. I have lots of lovely readers that would love to find out about you. Just email me - cinti (at) mypoppet.com.au

x cinti

October Sponsors and Giveaway...

I'm so happy to have some new sponsors to introduce to you this month:

First of all I present Diddi, a Melbourne based company that specializes in framed art and wall stickers. I'll have a whole blog post about them soon, in the mean time why don't you check out their lovely designs.
Next up is Angela and the Yes, Dear! blog. Angela writes a frank and entertaining account of life as mother and business woman, and more importantly as a real woman. You know the stuff you think in your head? Angela blogs it. So go and add Yes, Dear! to your reading list, you won't be disappointed. Oh and don't let all the talk about Poo and Big Knickers put you off! Lol.


And last but not least is Clothes Lime Recycled Children's Clothing Boutique who are generously offering a GIVEAWAY this month.
Clothes Lime is the brain child of mum of 3, Katrina, who was sick of paying top dollar for her kids clothes that was grown out of in only a few months.

Emma and I wear a lot of pre-loved clothing because I like the idea of reducing your footprint, saving money & reducing landfill. Thanks to Clothes Lime we can work together to save the planet and some $$... one outfit at at time. And only $8 flat rate shipping in Australia is great too.

Clothes Lime is offering a $40 shopping credit to use in their online store: Thanks Katrina!

Just leave a comment on this blog entry, telling me what 1 item in their current stock would be a well enjoyed piece at your house and why. If you win you can use your voucher for this or anything else that tickles your fancy...Good luck!

If you are reading this post on Google reader (or similar) be nice and click over to the blog. I have a heap of lovely independent businesses that have been kind enough to help me do what I do. All their cute buttons are over there <------- and they would love a visit from you. Who knows, it might be the start of a beautiful relationship...

The fine print: Giveaway closes Tuesday 18th October 7pm EST. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on the blog on October 19th. Winner will also be notified via email so please make sure you have e-mail enabled on your comments or leave an e-mail address in your comment (entries with no e-mail contact will be void). Giveaway is open to the whole world. Even though we'd love you to become a 'Liker' of our facebook page, entry is NOT conditional on becoming a 'liker' of the My Poppet or Clothes Lime business pages. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook in any way.

Sponsor Profile - Scruffy Dog: New Season

Scruffy Dog one of our favourite brand of kids shoes has Just released their new season range. Introducing two great new styles, Giselle and Juliette.I'll let Leila from Scruffy Dog tell you all about them...

"Giselle is such a superbly elegant and versatile shoe that can go straight from school to a party. Dance with confidence to your hearts content in these flexible soles and secure foot hugging elasticated fastenings. With a full leather upper and lining of stunning soft red leather your feet will be comfortable and healthy with or without socks. In black or distressed white. Rrp $79.95.

For versatile party shoes with a bit more glitz, you simply can't go past Juliette. A strong well fitted shoe with full leather upper and lining and that irresistible flash of glamour in silver, pink or blue. Now on special at $64.95."

Pop over to their website now and check out the stockist page to find a retailer near you. You can also purchase directly from Scruffy Dog, just ring or send an email to check size and colour availability. Their Gallery Page has pictures of all the styles.

Thank you to Scruffy Dog for their continued support of the blog, it's great to have such an awesome sponsor!

Sponsor Profile - Mon*star Kids

I have been a fan of the Mon*star Kids clothing label for a long time now. When I opened the shop it was my number one 'must have' range. Monstar was a big hit with my customers too, I often had a waiting list of savvy mums wanting to snaffle up new stock. I know a lot of you out there are big fans and were quite sad to see the store close because you wouldn't be able to get your Monstar fix any more. Well fear not, Monstar now has an online store and the new season range does not disappoint. Fiona the creative talent behind Monstar has been nice enough to share a sneak peek of the new Summer range about to hit the stores very soon and available online now.

As usual the range has been made in Australia, and this season Fiona has designed some exclusive fabrics for the collection which have been printed in Melbourne. Monstar has always been about a hands on approach, with all the screen prints, embellishments and even button details finished by Fiona herself. Pop over and check out their new range. It's very reasonable priced and the quality is excellent.
You can also pick up a last season bargain on the Specials Page.

Find them here:
WEB SHOP : FACEBOOK

Sponsored Post - Win $1000 to spend at Lark

The very lovely Allison from Lark is running a fantastic giveaway over on the Lark shop website this September. All you have to do to be in the running is subscribe to the Lark weekly newsletter and then refer a friend for your chance to win a $1000 shopping spree! I receive the newsletter in my inbox every week and it certainly brightens my day. Click over here for the entry form and details.

Now that would certainly be an amazing prize both to win and to spend. I've already compiled a modest wish list of my favourite things that I'd put my prize towards. Secret Santas pay attention...

1. Toadstool Lamp, 2. Pippi Longstocking, 3. Toy Grocer's Shop, 4. Fairy tale blanket , 5. Valise, 6. Made by me ribbon , 7. Babushka carafe, 8. Decorate , 9. Op Shop tote, 10. Ploc , 11. Diamond ring icy pole mould , 12. Vera

I'm so thrilled that Lark has chosen to sponsor this post and tell us all about this great chance to win a really wonderful prize. Make sure you all enter, it's would be so awesome if one of our readers won.

Sponsor Profile - Little Sparrow

Have you heard of Little Sparrow? It's a pretty awesome place to spend some time. It is owned by my friend Shelly who is an amazingly creative and crafty lady. Not only is Little Sparrow a Steiner inspired toy store, it is choc full of beautiful organic yarn, craft and specialist Steiner books and lots of hard to get habby supplies. My idea of heaven really.
Little Sparrow has recently moved to a bigger space in Balaclava, Melbourne, with a dedicated class room for craft workshops. Check out their website for class timetables. You may even find me holding some classes there soon...

Shelly loves to support local artisans, and stocks some amazing handmade products as well as beautiful German and fair trade wooden toys. I visit a quite regularly to catch up with the lovely Pilgrim who also works there, and Emma is kept entertained in the kids play corner. Isn't that toadstool table so cute?

My most recent purchase there were a few of these amazing painted beads. I'm hoping to make a few little dolls with some pipe cleaners and fabric scraps. Watch this space.

If you are in Melbourne's south, make sure you visit them at
324a Carlisle St, Balaclava, 3163, Vic, Australia. Telephone 03 90410103
Open 7 days
Mon to Fri 9.30-5
Sat & Sun 11-4

Or you can shop online here

*In the interest of full disclosure I have categorized this as a sponsor post because Little Sparrow has an ad on my side bar, but really I've been meaning to write about Little Sparrow for well over a year now. Shelly is really an amazing person who I am lucky to call a friend. She is very generous with her time and knowledge (she helped me make my first Christmas pudding) and I am embarrassed I haven't got around to telling you all about the store until now.