Happy 2011

Good Morning 2011!

What a wonderful way to make a start on 2011 and the year ahead.  It is such a beautiful day here, sunshine all around along with lots of smiles!

We wish you a New Year and hope that 2011 is filled with Happiness for you and your family xx

Image:  Pink 2011  Photographer:  jscreationzs
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/New_Year_g168-New_Year_2011_p24256.html

Breaking through the Shy

My eldest daughter was once very outgoing and as a young child she loved to dance every chance she got.


As she got older she became shy and withdrew. She refused to sing and dance in front of anyone which was sad considering it's her favorite thing to do! 


This year she turned 8 and I heard about kulture break a creative arts organization that offer children a whole lifestyle. 


Founded by Francis Owusu this organisation has done amazing things for my child.  Things that I have been trying to do for years; she is confident and proud of who she is and always keen to get on stage! 


She is mindful and respectful to others and excelling in everything she does now! 


I watch her dance and can't believe she's up there doing it and not hiding in the garage dancing! 


One term at kulture break and her attitude and personality finally matches who she is on the inside. 


Such a great feeling for a parent xx


Image: Happy Dancing Girls Photographer; E.C.M

Puppies & the Responsibilities

The question that every parent faces at some stage; "Mummy can we have a puppy pleaseeee...???"


So instead of just saying no, I decided to teach my girls about puppies and the responsibilities that go along with having one.


We have been researching puppies and how to care for them which led us to looking at the sad facts of animal shelters. We took the girls for a little excursion to the RSPCA and explained these puppies are here because their owners didn’t look after them properly and now all the dogs are homeless and have no families. 


As much as it was sad what a good lesson for the girls. 


Instead of just wanting a puppy now, they want to know how to take care of one properly so to doesn’t get taken to the RSPCA! 


The Canberra domestic animal service impounds on average 40 dogs per week so maybe when buying a furry friend families can consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue organization! 


And as my adorable little girl said well maybe mum everyone should just learn how to look after a puppy before they get one!


For more information on the RSPCA and their Adopt a Pet programme, please visit http://www.rspca-act.org.au/adopt-a-pet/ for more information.


Image: Puppy-free image via the web

To go organic

The Dahlia team has been discussing the move to organic materials or at the very least, to feature organic materials in our collections.  We are carrying out a little more research on the benefits for your child's skin and health along with the environmental benefits.

A child's skin absorbs things easily.  Their skin is thinner, softer and therefore more easily susceptible to bacteria and other harmful substances.

In the production of organic clothing, the cotton used for the clothing is farmed in unconventional ways (ie natural) without the use of pesticides and with safer overall methods for producing crops.  This means that the end result is a product of cotton or wool that is free of toxins.

The pesticides in non-organic materials are generally petroleum based and have many serious side effects.  These chemicals do stay in the fabrics throughout the production and for the lifetime of the product, and some experts have stated that they have the potential to cause a variety of sicknesses from an allergic reaction to asthma, even cancer.

Children's clothing made from organic fabrics eliminate health issues that can come from traditionally grown cottons.

Organic cotton is sturdier, safer and comfortable.  Although more expensive than normal cotton, Organic cotton last for over 100 washes before it starts to break down compared to non-organic fabrics that last for 10-20 washes before breaking down.

With a little more research still to do, we are definitely thinking of introducing Organic cotton into our collections and I am off to source some beautiful organic materials for our Winter 2011 collection!

Enjoy your weekend!

The Launch of my label

A beautiful spring day in September .... gorgeous little ones ready to walk the green runway, giggles, nerves and lots of excitement as we started to get ready to take part in the Jasmine & Jazz High Tea and Fashion Parade being held out at MissChief Maker and the launch of my new label Dahlia Style.

A peek through the doors .... everyone is seated at the pretty tables having afternoon tea ... the music starts and then .... off we go 

My first two little ones are out the front doors and on the runway... walking their walk in my designs.

A celebration of all things pretty Dahlia Style was finally real ...  too tired for tears, however a huge sigh of relief as the first walk was over .... I did it ~ I was so proud.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped me make my dreams come true!

Tea Rose Collection by Dahlia Style:

Inspired by the beauty of Spring, the whimsical freshness of a warm breeze, beautiful flowers and gorgeous clothing for young girls - Dahlia Style presents the Tea Rose Collection

The Tea Rose collection is available from MissChief Maker in Pialligo, Canberra