My kids are going to love this.......................

‘Cars’ town of Radiator Springs coming to life at Disney California Adventure in 2012

Radiator Springs will celebrate California’s car culture with a nostalgic trip down Route 66 when the fictional film town built for and by cars makes its debut at Disney California Adventure in 2012.

Cars Land, the 12-acre themed land under construction at DCA, will feature three new rides set amid a faithful re-creation of the isolated red rock desert town populated by Lightning McQueen and other animated vehicles in the Pixar movie “Cars.”

Picture from the movie 'Cars'

As part of the thematic storyline for the new land, downtown Radiator Springs will be celebrating race day against the looming backdrop of Ornament Valley. Trimmed with neon lights, the town’s streetscape will glow at night.

The rides, restaurants and shops of Radiator Springs will include:


East side of street


Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree — Visitors take a spinning tractor ride through Tow Mater’s Towing & Salvage yard.

Cozy Cone Motel — The snack stands will serve chili cone carne, cone on the cob, popcone and other food pun novelties.

Radiator Springs Curio Shop — The Route 66 tourist trap will sell traditional roadside souvenirs, trinkets, knickknacks and bric-a-brac.

Luigi’s Roamin’ Tires — Riders steer a levitating bumper car through tilting towers of retreads behind Casa Della Tires.

West side of street

Fillmore’s Taste In — A hippie-themed snack shack under a tie-died geodesic dome.

Sarge’s Surplus Hut — Disney Imagineers have yet to announce whether the military-style Quonset hut will be used for retail or food sales.

Flo’s V8 Café — Customers dine al fresco on Route 66-inspired food at tables stationed between gasoline pumps. The restaurant will feature Flo’s Motorama girls posters, Doc’s Piston Cup trophies and other memorabilia.

Ramone’s House of Body Art — The retail shop will sell Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers merchandise.

South end of street

Radiator Springs Courthouse — The domain of town judge Doc Hudson will be reserved for a future use.

Radiator Springs Racers — The indoor-outdoor attraction combines a leisurely dark ride prelude with a dueling side-by-side race-car finale. The ride’s queue will wind through Stanley’s Oasis, Tap N Cap and the Bottle House.

Pictures and information fom the LA Times

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/cars-radiator-spring-7392/

New "Australian" Artwork coming soon!

Storybook Children's Art are very excited to show a sneak peak of our newest artwork "AUSTRALIA". This Australian themed artwork is something I have wanted to add to the collection for quite some time.

Set in the Australian outback with Ayre's Rock in the distance, this artwork is has an abundance of Native Australian Fauna & Flora. Children will love spotting all the different characters!

This amazing artwork will be available within the next week.

Smart, stylish and best of all no mess to clean up!

As a busy working mother of two, I am always looking for things to make my life easier and to save time. It does not have to be a great amount of time, just simple short cuts that can add up over a period time. That brings me to the Smart Space Countertop Dispenser ($29.00US), I have seen these units in hotel breakfast areas before, however this one is a great deal more stylish and would look wonderful in any kitchen or even in a walk in pantry.

Weekday mornings are a constant rush in my household, Mr 9 is an expert at getting himself cereal whilst I get ready for work, Mr 7 is not so good at this task. I regularly enter the kitchen and find cereal everywhere, all over the counter and on the floor. Rice Bubbles are the worst when this happens as they stick to your feet. I constantly have to get out the vacuum and clean this up. Another problem I encounter is the amount of cereal that is poured out which is never eaten, no portion control here. This unit is designed to dispense one ounce of food at one twist of the handle.

There is also a wall mounted version of this unit available to save counter space, and the great news is they can be used to dispense other foods such as pasta & rice etc: this would mean the oldest food would always be at the bottom, not like when you fill containers, how brilliant is that! I hope these units become available in Australia soon, at the moment they are only shipping within the US.


Here is the link if you are interested. http://store.yankodesign.com/home-and-office/kitchen-dining/smartspace-food-dispenser-wall-mount-by-zevro

The toothbrush every mother has been waiting for!

Once and a while an invention comes along that really impresses me. This newly designed toothbrush does away with concerns about whether your toothbrush is resting on an unhygienic surface.

This upstanding toothbrush makes use of a weight at the end of its rounded handle to create a centre of gravity at the handle base. When the toothbrush is set down, it will sway momentarily until it reaches a position of balance – much like a tumble doll. I know I am not alone in thinking this is "brilliant" especially for children.

I cannot tell you the amount of times I have told my two children to put their tooth brushes back into the holder. I can't wait until this design makes its way into the stores. The person who invented it is a pure genius in my eyes, who knew! So simple yet so effective. I just hope they make them with a replaceable toothbrush heads.

To read more about this wonderful design, visit the  company who invented it Ryan Harc. http://www.7760.org/intro-projects-2

I am learning fast...........

Hi everyone, I realize it has been a while since my last post so I do I apologize, so much has been happening in my world. I have been working very hard on designing all of the new products, kid’s lunch bags, drink bottles, clocks & rugs etc: and it has been a very frustrating experience to say the least.

The most challenging aspect is trying to find companies that understand my vision, and the level of quality I expect. I can't tell you the amount of samples I have received and binned straight away. I look so forward to receiving them only to find that when I open the package, the colour is wrong or they just look plain grubby! I paid a great deal for a sample clock only to have big black dirty finger prints all over it, I was so disappointed! The company in question is still emailing me asking me if I was happy and if I would like to place an order for 3000+.

I can't help but ask, if you were trying to secure someone’s business, would you not send the best sample you possibly could? I have found a few great companies though, so it's not all bad, and I am really looking forward to having a long-lasting business relationship with them.

Anyway, here is a picture of my vision, I decided to go with my Owl Design first.
I would love to hear what everyone's thoughts.

My New Website Has Launched!

My New Website Has Now Launched!!

Hello to all my customers! 

By now you would have discovered that my website is currently undergoing some construction.  I have been working around the clock to get everything up and running.  There are still many categories and links which are yet to be completed, so bear with me whilst I get all the products online. 

The process of moving items from the old website to my new one is a huge task but I'm sure you'll be impressed with my new online store.  The layout is easier to follow and I've branched out into new lines due to your positive feedback.

In addition to my artworks, you will be able to buy gifts, toys and lighting online as well.  It will be your one stop shopping site.  And there are new exciting products being developed.

There will also be a new section devoted to Design Tips.  Many customers have an idea of what they'd like when it comes to decorating their child's room, but often have no idea how to pull it all together.  So starting soon I will be offering tips on how to do this with the least amount of stress.  There you go, artist, consultant and part therapist!   Believe me when I say I've been there.

And now to the big reveal (drumroll please...)

The best way to keep up-to-date with new products and sale items (coming soon) is to subscribe to my monthly newsletter (main page of my online store).

Please feel free to email me any questions you have about the new website.  And any feedback as well. 

Last of all, thank you to everyone who has helped me with my new website.  I will thank you all individually!  I could not have done it without you.  And to my husband and boys who support mummy when she's practically falling asleep at her desk near midnight.  Hugs and coffee do the trick!

And to my customers, thank you again for your on-going support.  I wouldn't be here without all of you.

Fiona

xxx

What would you go through for your team?

Not sure if I've mentioned it before, but my family are Manly rugby league supporters.  Which makes sense since we live on the Northern Beaches.  (Apologies to those who don't like our team - please keep shopping at my store!).  It is almost tribal up here on the peninsular and the area certainly gets behind their local team.

Their home ground isn't as modern as many other grounds but the locals love it.  The atmosphere is fantastic and it is full of families on picnic rugs watching the game.  I think if they renovated the ground it would lose much of the character.

Well last night I went from a regular fan to a die hard fan.  I stood in the rain with only the most dedicated sea eagles fans and supported my team playing against the Parramatta Eels.  For me that is "huge" and even my sister sent me text messages asking me if I was insane.  I've always loved football but not enough to stand there in winter and in the pouring rain.  How times have changed!  And the funny thing is that "Parramatta" is her team. 

Earlier in the day I had bought a new burgundy pashmina (sorry, but I like it better than the supporter scarves - I do have some boundaries), and thankfully it kept me warm.  Lucky I took my umbrella too.  Those plastic wrap covers that you can buy for a few dollars don't do your hair any favours.  Trust me to think of that!

It was actually a funny night.  There is always good natured ribbing from the opposition supporters, though the man next to me who had downed way too many beers, loved leaning across to scream "Paaaaaarrraaaaaa!" in my face every time they scored. 

It is always fun to watch the banter between the supporters of both teams, including the manly fan who kept yelling (at the Parramatta fans), "We have the beach and you only have a river!" all the way down the road after the game.  I have no idea what that is supposed to do with rugby league but it seemed to make everyone laugh.  The rivalry between Parramatta and Manly is legendary and so is the "sledging".

Manly lost the game but it didn't matter to us.  We all had a great night despite the weather and had some laughs.  The team will be back and so will we to watch them.

New Family Thrills?

In the quest for fun it seems the new destination other than Disneyland and Dubai will be Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), is shaping up to be the new mecca for tourists and children. Opening in October this year will be the Ferrari theme park called (no shock with this one..), "Ferrari World".

My boys will be begging me to take them to this newest theme park. As will most people who love high speed cars.

Set to be the world's largest indoor theme park, it comes complete with a racetrack that will host the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, shops, hotels, various attractions, rides and just about anything else to make it a gear-head's "Disney Land".

Talking about Disney Land, the Ferrari theme park which is located on Yas Island between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will include the world's fastest rollercoaster. Travelling at speeds in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph), it is said to emulate the feeling of being in a Ferrari F1 car as the passengers go over 62 m through the roof and back down again.

As for the theme park's now completed red roof, which is claimed to have been directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, it covers a surface area of 200,000m² (2.15 million square feet) and features the largest "prancing horse" emblem in the world, measuring an astonishing 66 meters (217 feet) in diameter.Designed by one of the world's most prominent design firms Jack Rouse Associates

Featured attractions include:


The world's fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car


G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62m, through the roof and back down again


State-of-the-art racing simulators using a similar system as those used by the Ferrari racing team


Flume ride journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine


Driving and Racing school for junior drivers, with expert training


Aerial voyage over Italy following a Ferrari

The UAE will also feature heavilly in the new "Sex and The City" movie as well.  Disneyland and family friendly holiday destinations now have new competition for the tourism dollar.

Find For The Day...

In the morning I get so frustrated saying the same thing over and over again to my boys.  On school days I am constantly having to say "Get your uniform on".   Why doesn't it seem to sink in?

Well... why not use this instead to get the message across.

The Note Toaster

Make up a note and have i burnt onto the toast.  Brilliant.  Where do these inventions come from?  Seriously!  I would need a deluxe version (if they are available), as my message/list for my boys would be extensive.  Number 1 would be "make your poor mum a cup of coffee pronto".

From the "What were they thinking" file...

I don't quite get the need to dress up animals in little costumes.  I understand that in some of the world's colder locations that animals sometimes wear little doggy coats. 

My parents live in a very cold part of Australia and they have a little Cairns Terrier.  Even he, with his long white fur is not immune to the cold so I "get" the need to give him a warm jacket as well.  Especially on those freezing mornings where you can't even get water out of the pipes.  And of course it snows there in winter as well.

The costumes i am talking about are these...

Yes they are very funny but I'm wondering what the little dogs think about it all.   The things people do...

Found - The Lego Birthday Cake

Lego Construction Cake by "Ace Of Cakes"

In a previous post I mentioned the cake artists "Ace of Cakes" in the U.S.  Well have a look at this brilliant cake!  My boys would love this cake as they are Lego fanatics.

Even the lego pieces in this cake are handmade out of icing.  I love the way it looks like the little lego men have constructed the cake out of lego blocks and are then rolling the white icing down over it. 

And how cute are their little chef's hats!!

This is definitely a work of art and i would love to make this cake.   Though I don't think I could bare to eat it.

Bowling, Cocktails and Laughs

On the weekend we went to Strike Bowling at the King Street Wharf (Darling Harbour).  My sister and her children came too and we had a fantastic time.

Much smaller and more intimate than other bowling centres, it is so much fun.  With the loud dance music, video clips, cocktails ( for the adults of course) and excellent finger food, it is as much a place for the adults as the children.

They even have private Karaoke rooms for hire so we are thinking of going back next time and doing that too.

Afterwards we walked from the King Street Wharf around past the Sydney Aquarium to Darling Habour (central) for ice-cream and coffee.  I was surprised that even on a Sunday night there were so many people around.  There were performers and tourists. All the restaurants were full and it had a fantastic vibe.

King Street Wharf - Darling Harbour

Even better was the fact that it was quite a balmy night.  The kids all ended up with glow stick light sabre's and ran around while we ate our icecream. 

It was a wonderful night and since I work long hours during the week, I always try to make my weekends fun for the family.  We like to get out and about and if the weather is good then we make the most of it. 

If you haven't been to the Strike Bowling at King St Wharf then I recommend it. 

Loving...Owls

My love of Owls continues.  Not only is my artwork very popular, I have also introduced soft toys, owl pillows and owl gift cards (copy of my Owl artwork) into my range.

Why not think about decorating a bedroom in an owl theme?  They are timeless and enchanting. 

Take this Owl inspired room from Pottery Barn Kids.  I am in love with it!

How cute is this room?!

I would have never thought to use a clock that way. 

Owl Linen from Pottery Barn Kids. 

Owl Fabric - Robert Kaufman Design

Owl Fabric - Amy Schimler Design

Spotted... Alice In Wonderland Jewellery!

Just when you thought girls jewellery couldn't get any cuter, along comes and new line by Juicy Couture.    Their pieces are made with 14K yellow gold plated and accented with colorful cute cupcakes, glittering hearts, tasty ice cream cones and strawberries. Price: $32-$78 (US).   Then again, even with age who doesn't love these.  So maybe the "big girls" might want to buy some too!  Check out Nordstrom.com for the current range.

If they are too expensive then pop down to your local "Diva" store in Australia.  I was in their yesterday and spied the most fabulous Disney inspired jewellery.  Very similar to Juicy Couture but without the price tag.  However they are not 14K gold (but who would know), but just as cute.

Check out the range here: http://www.diva.net.au/#/shop/ranges/disney

My personal favourite is the "Alice Necklace".  With a long gold chain, a tiny pink cupcake and saucer (very "limoges" inspired), a real working gold fob watch and a jewel encrusted cupcake that says "Eat Me"; the necklace is very Alice In Wonderland.   Priced at $24.99 it is a bargain.  Look out for the matching cupcake/teacup bracelet and cupcake earings.  Or the adorable cupcake and teacup rings.  

Now, unless you've been hiding under a rock (or not reading this blog!), you would know that I am loving Alice In Wonderland and produced my own artworks to celebrate Alice.   Just in case you've missed them, here they are again...

Jest Jewels also have an Alice In Wonderland range of charm bracelets. 

Gold plated mad hatter tea party bracelet features crockery charms (tea cups, tea pots, plates, crackers, cup cakes, "eat me" cookies, and pocket watches

Antique gold plated tangled chain necklace has Alice's Adventures through Wonderland charms (card suites, pawns, mad hatter hat, scissors, forest animals, mushrooms, rose buds, keys, key hole, pocket watch, locks, cheshire cat, "drink me" vile, "eat me" cookie, crown and animals.

Check out Jest Jewellery at : http://jestjewels.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

Alice In Wonderland is timeless.

Leopard and Jaguar Print

The other day I mentioned Zebra print being "on-trend" at the moment.   The other print making headlines in fashion and interior design is Leopard/Jaguar Print.  Though I don't think leopard print ever goes away.  It is the one print that you know will always be in fashion every couple of years.  A few choice investment pieces in this print can last years.  I find it much easier to wear than zebra stripe as well.

At the moment if you go to any fashion store you will find tops and scarves in this print.  Today I even found a metallic leopard print scarf in a shop.  At the moment metals are popular as embellishments on clothing.  Mix the two together and you have an updated look.

Photo's taken this week.

Katy Perry, Chloe Sevigny and Sienna Miller.

No longer is it the Peggy Bundy Look from "Married with Children".  You might recall that in the show she had a leopard print obsession.  Now it is wild child or rock chic.

Kate Hudson this week

Betsey Johnson - Animal Print Wayfarer.

I prefer a little bit here and there when wearing this print.  Accessories are perfect to add the right dash of colour to an outfit.  Too much and it cheapens the look. 

French Sole Henrietta High Leopard Pony Hair

In home furnishings a leopard print pillow or throw strategically placed can give a room a touch of the exotic.  Dark wood, natural materials and African touches are also popular.

In my store I've found that Africa never goes out of fashion.  My African prints sell themselves.  Like me I am sure the children with my african artworks will mostly likely be the leopard print fashionista's of the next decade.

From the "Why didn't I think of that" file...

Sick of your children asking you how long until their birthday, how long to Christmas or the weekend?  Or the dreaded "How long until we get there" (Are we there yet?). 

Just enter it into the clock and hand it to them.  Hours and hours of fun watching the clock count down. 

Everyone's had that sneaking suspicion that there's a little bit less wine in the bottle than you thought there was when you polished off half of it last night. Could you really have drunk that much?  Or has some cheeky person half-inched a few swigs while you were out?

With a padlock-style four digit code device, all you have to do is pop the lock in the neck of the bottle, change the code, scramble the lock and rest safe in the knowledge that only the most bored of liquid thieves will have the slightest chance of getting to your precious liquid. Turning the lock mechanism will expand it so it locks tight in the neck of the bottle, so that when you lock it no-one but you can get in.

So, short of smashing the bottle to pieces and sucking the carpet, any untoward individuals coveting what is rightfully yours will be thwarted by this ingenious security measure. Or, if you're feeling mean, stick it in someone else's bottle and delight in their frustration.

Have a crack in the wall?  Don't have a very handy fix it man or woman in the house?  Or need to sell the house and cover up a crack?  Why not make the branch part of a wall decal.  That's right, turn your wall cracks into art!   Add the birds and leaves and hey presto you have unique wall art. 

Convince the Real Estate agent that it is worth a fortune!  I'm not sure what the solution is if the wall has holes.  I'll leave that one to you.

The Pizza Boss may just be the manliest pizza slicer you'll ever own. It's shaped like a circular saw (the manliest tool in the garden shed second only to the drill, which takes first place based solely on the fact that it looks a bit like a laser gun) and will make short work of your freshly baked pizza.

If it encourages my husband to get back in the kitchen then that is a good thing!