Tell Us it's Tuesday: Lesley of Leilalou

It feels like a Christmasey 'Tell Us' this week as it's from the talented designer Lesley of Leilalou who is currently tucked away in the mountains of rural France - where somehow I imagine it's already snowing! I'm picturing a stack of logs at the ready, faces of dolls and angels at the window, a full larder and a Christmas feast planned. If we could magic ourselves there we would!   

It was over a year ago when we were planning Sisters Guild that we found the Leilalou dolls on Etsy - it was instant adoration and so began a growing collection of dolls in the boutique and a growing friendship with our 'sister' in France. It's a lovely feeling that Lesley was there from the very start and was full of enthusiasm when the doors of Sisters Guild opened! We exchange tales back and forth and are always excited to see the new Leilalou creations - there's now custom dolls and a screenprinted range.  Lesley taught herself screenprinting this year. I've got a feeling Lesley is a mama who can turn her hand to anything!

You can read more of the Leilalou story on the blog and see the exquisite Leilalou collection in the boutique - each doll is hand-made and unique with fine linen fabric and detailed embroidery. Many dolls are now in new homes, which is so exciting, but more will be arriving in the New Year. Otherwise do pop over to Leila Lou on Etsy.

Read more about the creative mama and maker behind Leilalou...

On waking the first 3 things I do are…turn on the computer, make a coffee, turn on “The Gruffalo”  (my son’s latest obsession) while I read my e-mails and check for orders.

If I had a superpower it would be…the power to heal.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…A star of a Broadway show.

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be...Just do it.

When I was seven years old…We moved from a town in England to a tiny fishing village in the Scottish Highlands….It might as well have been the moon for a seven year old in the early 70’s.

If you open my fridge you will see...more vegetables than I have room for and more chocolate than I need.

My favourite view is…my children hugging each other or any view from any window in my house. I’m lucky enough to see both often.

The 3 things I will tell my children are…You can do anything, be anything, go anywhere if you really want it enough.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…Queen “Don’t stop me now”

I used to... be a very busy chef. Now I just enjoy cooking.

My biggest guilty pleasures are… Rod Stewart and chocolate.

My wardrobe is… full of pre pregnancy clothes which no longer fit and are most definitely no longer fashionable.

Never have I ever… been happier.

My kids taught me… life really is too short.

Life is like a… book in the writing.  With the possibility of filling its pages with anything you want, but now and again, losing the plot.

My fondest memory of Christmas is...any of my childhood Christmases, they were all magical and I only hope I can recreate them for my own children.

My underwear drawer… is in shocking need of 500 pound spending on it.  (My husband says doubles as a parachute drawer-I think his credit card might be short 500 pound in the morning.)

I feel like running for the hills when….the ironing has to be done. It’s like weeding, great satisfaction when it’s done followed by misery one week later when it needs to be done again.

On my teenage bedroom wall there was… Adam ant and Shakin Stevens. (The early 80’s had a lot to answer for).

Christmas isn't Christmas without...... children, “National Lampoon’s Christmas vacation” on the T.V, and your father asleep on the couch resting a half eaten mince pie on his belly.

Thank you Lesley.  I love that genuine vision of Christmas! And you are so right about life being a book in the writing.  Being a maker of fabric dolls it must feel like you stitch some magic into life too - with your dolls that fly off to new homes and are held by little hands across the world. Thank you for creating such treasures and we hope your talented hands have a rest for the Christmas holidays...and your birthday! Enjoy the family festivities. x

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow. We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery, Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Carla of Sisters Guild!

Here is Carla, the youngest sister and the most determined force of Sisters Guild.  I wrote about Carla in one of our very first blog posts here.  It is her amazing ideas and energy that we 'harness' in the Sisters Guild Blog & Boutique.  There's no need for me to list here what she does in her many roles - she is a walking (or galloping) phenomenon! I actually do think she has some superpowers - I know her 2 daughters certainly believe their mummy has a secret magic like no other!

On waking the first 3 things I do are…
(weekends) dodge Oonas dive, (mostly succeed) attempt to tempt the girls back to sleep, (mostly fail) ask Eldar if it’s his turn to get up early…(mostly fail)

(weekdays)Dodge Oonas dive (mostly succeed), wish I could ask elder if it was his turn to be up early, start answering the onslaught of questions from the girls.

If I had a superpower it would be…
To control time.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…
with Sophia, my eldest daughter she has such insight already and I’d love to be able to understand her mind, and her image of the world around her/ with my mother, I could absorb all her wisdom, see the world through her, learn all her experiences and perhaps be a better mother for it.

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be...‘Mistress of distraction’

When I was seven years old…I met my father, had an invisible friend and ‘fell in love’ for the first time. It was quite a year!

If you open my fridge you will see...old salad having failed to keep my promise of eating it! home-made playdough, an optimistic amount of sauces, far too many jams and enough goats milk to bathe in.

My favourite view is…all my family together (anywhere)

The 3 things I will tell my children are… ‘enough is as good as a feast’  ‘look after each other you are the best friends you will ever have’ and ‘I love you’ everyday.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…Bare Neccessities (Jungle Book) or We Could Have Been Anything That We Wanted to be....(Bugsy Malone)

I used to...dream for myself now I dream for my daughters

My biggest guilty pleasures are… chocolate and shoes’s, and telling waiters/waitress’s its Oona’s birthday just so we can all sing the song! (I don't do it often enough)

My wardrobe is… a tribute to all that I have ever been and all that I would like to be

Never have I ever… had so many ideas in my head

My kids taught me… patience, the importance of time well spent, the ability to make pancakes whilst still sleeping, the joy in the simplest things, and more importantly that a box is never just a box .

Life is like a… an empty canvas that we should colour as much as we can.

My earliest memory is…of morrocan markets, (I just see blurs of colour and 'Uncle' TJ's style of walking).

My underwear drawer… is 8 drawers of tulle, lace, cotton and silk!  Or as Bekka would put it ‘nothing appropriate whatsoever!’

I feel like running for the hills when….I receive another (children’s) party invitation to gambado!.

On my teenage bedroom wall there was… a collection of black and white movie stills dating back to the 1920’s.

My ideal partner would have the mind and the skills of... Eldar (my husband) only he would be able to create a delicious meal without calling for take-away and he wouldn't have to travel so much.

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow. We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery, Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Faith of Damselfly

Today we have the pleasure of a very inspiring and imaginative British clothing designer, Faith Tilleray of Damselfly. As a mum of girls Carla is always seeking dresses that make a girl feel divine, through the cut and the fabric, the movement and the thoughtful detail. Carla found such magic in Damselfly and wrote about it here. I've seen Carla's daughter wearing a Damselfly dress, and it really does make you want to go back to being a girl again and feel such clothes against your skin.

Damselfly is a collection of beautifully hand-finished clothing for 'heroines and wayfarers.' It has added much wonder to the British childrens clothing industry. Yet, industry it is most definitely not. Each dress, skirt, coat or cape is made by hand following the 'whole garment system' which means a seamstress works on the whole piece. The result is clothing produced with much love and pride.  You almost feel like these are dresses created by magical elves during the night and left draped over the chair for the morning light to shine on all their glorious detail. They are in fact made in Shropshire using sustainable fabrics sourced only in the UK, such as yarn from the Shetland Isles. The new collection for Autumn Winter 2011 is Folk Art and Fairy Tales and it is the stuff of dreams.

We have an inkling that the creator behind Damselfly has quite a romantic mind and has truly followed her 'calling' through her creative adventure of Damselfly.  We asked Faith to tell us more...

On waking the first 3 things I do are…
Put the puppy out, drink green tea,  read the Independent

If I had a superpower it would be…
Flying - definitely. I dream about it sometimes and it's exhilarating.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…
Katherine Edmonds of Wovenplay.

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be…
The Unexpected

When I was seven years old…
I made my first skirt on the sewing machine.

If you open my fridge you will see
Lots of lovely cheeses, locally produced meat, baby leaves. ( trying the Atkins diet)

My favourite view is…
Standing at the top of our sloping garden, looking out across the village to the other side of the Clun Valley. Feels homely and wild at the same time.

The 3 things I will tell my children are…
Be true to yourself
Be kind to yourself and to other people
Follow your dreams

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…

Joni Mitchell - 'All I Want'. My mum used to play it when I was young and I've loved it ever since.

I used to be…
An English teacher in the UK's top state school ... huge pressure. Still have nightmares about not having read the books on the A level syllabus and having to stand up in front of my sixth formers knowing nothing.

My biggest guilty pleasures are…
Chocolate. Downton Abbey

My wardrobe is…
Small. I wear things until they fall apart.

Never have I ever…
Been to Paris. My life's dream. Am planning to make it come true in 2012

My kids taught me…
That it's always better to be honest - not to always feel you have to protect everyone else.

Life is like a…
A journey - destination not so important as travelling well.

My earliest memory is…
Going to nursery school without my knickers. It was my birthday and I was too excited to get dressed properly. Felt mortified all day as I was wearing a skirt.

My underwear drawer…
Almost completely black. I'm no good at washing pale colours separately so they all end up grey and washed out. Easier to stick to black.

I feel like running for the hills when….
I  work from a studio at home ( in the hills). It's lovely but I do get cabin fever if I work too many days without a break. Sometimes my body just will not walk over the threshold and I have to escape. I usually head for London.

On my teenage bedroom wall there was…
Nothing much apart from bookshelves. I couldn't understand the whole 'pop idol' thing.

My ideal partner would have the mind of .....and the skills of
Sorry on this one - has to be my partner. Wouldn't change a thing.


Thank you Faith, your answers are fascinating - flying dreams and previous career as an English Teacher, wow! Chocolate and Downton Abbey, yes! Also, you've reminded me of Carla's no-knickers-at- school experience when she was in the Infants.  We had to share with everyone the 'All I Want' song as it's one of our favourites as our mum played Joni Mitchell too - maybe it's growing up with her words that makes for minds that meander on love, beauty and adventure! We hope you enjoy your trip to Paris - inspiration for the next Damselfly collection maybe?x  

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow. We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!


We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery, Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.


www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Rachael of All Abroad Baby

When we first launched Sisters Guild we found many admirable women who were inspired to start a business after becoming mamas - we certainly know the dedication and hours involved!  Rachael of All Abroad Baby is one such talented mama from Australia. Her connection to the UK reads like quite a romantic one as her Scottish grandparents came to Australia on the £10 boat tickets in 1945, Rachael spent most of her twenties in London (a city she loves) where she worked for magazines such as TNT, Top of the Pops magazine, heat, Closer and Good Homes, and Rachael also met her husband here (and this is where we have a Somerset connection as he's from our own beloved west country!).

Now settled in Sydney with her son and a baby on the way, Rachael has just launched All Abroad Baby, a place that brings together design inspiration for mums and their little ones from all over the globe.  'How did she do it?' we hear you cry! Well, I can tell you this:  All Abroad Baby was developed from a passion for good design, a love of learning about different places, a seriously good eye for detail and style-savviness, an amazing career and a studious mind, along with a wonderful vision of connecting people and online boutiques from all over the world.  It's an astounding achievement and a beautiful site to navigate - you can literally shop the world!

We've got to know Rachael over the past year and there is talk of some west country tea and cake on her next visit to England.  In the meantime, we just had to know a bit more about our gorgeous antipodean 'sister' ...

Rachael with her son in Singapore

On waking the first 3 things I do are…
Tiptoe around so that I don't wake my son (who I'm very lucky sleeps until about 8-9am!). Make a cup of tea. Check my emails.

If I had a superpower it would be…
To freeze time around me so that I could fit more into my day.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…
If it was just for a day I'd have to say The Queen.

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be…
How to try and see the positive in everything.

When I was seven years old…
I put on my own circus for the kids who lived on my street.

If you open my fridge you will see
Baby yoghurts, adult single-serve yoghurts (my husband's) and a large tub of yoghurt (mine)... all 3 of us love it.

My favourite view is…
from Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point in Australia, Byron Bay.

The 3 things I will tell my children are…
Cultivate joy from within and this comes from learning to master your mind and emotions.
Try to leave your mark, however small, in whatever domain suits you.
If you want to be happy in life you have to take responsibility for yourself.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…
Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles.

I used to be…
A ballet dancer.

My biggest guilty pleasures are…
Chocolate, er, chocolate, and, um, chocolate.

My wardrobe is…
Currently full of maternity but usually a little more boho.

Never have I ever…
Been to Antarctica.

My kids taught me…
How to truly live in the moment.

Life is like a…
An epic journey with lots of scenic detours.

My earliest memory is…
When I was 2... my dad picking me the last flower from a tree in our garden in our house in Malaysia.

My underwear drawer…
Is yet again full of maternity bras as I'm due to have my second baby in 10 weeks.

I feel like running for the hills when….
The bathroom needs cleaning.

On my teenage bedroom wall there was…
Prince and Madonna posters.

My ideal partner would have the mind of Einstein and the skills of Jamie Oliver (and my husband's pretty close!)


Thank you Rachael you worldy-wise woman! So, Antarctica is your last continent to explore? I loved reading the things you will tell your children and your beautiful earliest memory. With love and luck for All Abroad Baby and your soon to arrive new baby too! x  

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow. We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!


We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery, Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.


www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Maggy of Red Ted Art

This week we have the pleasure of the wonderful Maggy from the crafty blog Red Ted Art.  Actually Red Ted Art is far more than a blog, it's a creative hub, the place to go to for 'how to make a ..' - you'll find everything possible for kids and grown-up crafters too. Red Ted Art links up with many other crafty bloggers, with parties and blog hops. I do believe Maggy is a bit of a crafting legend online and contributes to the Guardian too. Maggy is a Mama of  2 and it must be great for 'Red Ted' himself and 'Pipsqueak' to grow up in a crafting household.

We were inspired by Maggy right from the start and have regular Twitter chat, which mostly turns to food. Being half Austrian, half Spanish must give Maggy quite a good culinary combination.  Look out for her recipes closer to Christmas

Never satisfied with the 'About Me' of any blog, and whilst Maggy's About is actually a good read, we had to ask her a few questions to feel a bit closer to this craft sister of ours...

On waking the first 3 things I do are….

Turn on the Laptop (does this mean I am classed a “work a holic”?!)
Make the Kids breakfast
Make a cup of tea

If I had a superpower it would be….

Magic (then I could do everything – incl. magicing the laundry away, magic perfect cakes and magic a clean and tidy living room..)

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…

A shepherd up in the Austrian Alps on a sunny day (one day only, right?) – then I would enjoy the stunning few, enjoy the sunshine on my face, hear the bees and enjoy a picnic…

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be…

What happens when you try something new

When I was seven years old…

…I always had scabby knees, my socks on back to front and one of my pig tails undone. I was rubbish at reading, but always won the maths quizzes.

If you open my fridge you will see….

Uhm a bit of a mess? Like the rest of my house?! (don’t worry, I do *clean* the fridge though.. just has lots of stuff in it)

My favourite view is…

Is my view.. hehehe... I do love mountain scenery (see above)

The 3 things I will tell my children are…

Always be nice and help others
Work hard and do your best
Enjoy life

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…

Strict Machine, by Black Cherry (maybe I am harsh on myself?)

I used to be…

A management consultant, but bored stiff

My biggest guilty pleasures are…

Chocolate
Twitter & Facebook

My wardrobe is…

Untidy (see above re fridge)

Never have I ever…

Bungee jumped or flown in a helicopter

My kids taught me…

…to not always do things my way (gosh, that is so hard though)

Life is like a…

The weather? Unpredictable? Always changing with sunny days and rainy spells?

My earliest memory is….

Dragging home some stray (manky) kittens and asking if we could keep them (no),  helping my brothers throw all our toys out of the bedroom window

My underwear drawer …

Is a mess (see wardrobe and fridge… no, no underwear IN the fridge)

I feel like running for the hills when….

The house needs hovering. My husband or the cleaner does that (yes, so middle class, I know)

On my teenage bedroom wall there was…

A Paul Klee poster

My ideal partner would have the mind of /  skills of  / body of…

Hehehe what can I say but that of my husband…

Thank you Maggy. Your seven year old self sounds a bit like me with scabby knees and pigtails undone, and I'm quite impressed with your teenage taste for Paul Klee posters.  I can also relate to what your kids have taught you, but yes, it is hard isn't it! Look forward to trying some of your Christmas crafts & recipes x

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow.  We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery,  Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Kat of Housewife Confidential

Today's 'Tell Us' is a special one for us as we have the wonder that is Kat aka @thatkat, blogger of Housewife Confidential , editor for Bambino Goodies, Mum of three and a whole lot more.  Her twitter feed alone is noteworthy as she has a lot of love to give - the definition of 'surfing powers for good'. We were 2 uncertain sisters at the start and Kat embraced us like our true sister mentor.  That's something we will not forget.

Kat herself is incredible - you can see this from her blog Housewife Confidential.  It is an honest and beautiful blog about family life with stunning photos (making Kat a Mad Blog Finalist), delicious recipes, stories and insights that are often very moving and heart-warming.  Kat is someone who inspires, who makes people stop and think and you'll always come away from her blog feeling lifted.  We think Kat's a little bit magic.  She knows a lot of things. We wanted to know a bit more about her.  Here she is...

Photo by Kat's son Monty

On waking the first 3 things I do are…. try to go back to sleep, check the time and pick up my phone to checkout blogs/instagram/twitter

If I had a superpower it would be…. endless energy – I never seem to have enough to do everything I dream up


If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be… Jane Foster – I would love to rifle through her fabric collection


If someone wrote a story about me the title would be… greed: a tale of many meals


When I was seven years old… I had a lot of rabbits


If you open my fridge you will see…. (I went to look) piles of vegetables, lots of eggs, cheeses, trout fillets, sausages, a big tub of yoghurt, chorizo, chilles and a lot of condiments.


My favourite view is… looking across Beer beach at the cliff top allotments


The 3 things I will tell my children are… look after each other, do what makes you proud, dream big


The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is… Mushaboom by Feist

 

I used to be… a scientist

My biggest guilty pleasures are… I don’t do guilt!

My wardrobe is… practically empty – I never manage to put anything away these days.

Never have I ever… eaten a tomato

My children taught me… to trust myself

Life is like a… never ending series of surprises

My earliest memory is…. sneakily drinking a Cinzano & lemonade and then later falling off my stool during Christmas dinner. I was 17 months old.

My underwear drawer … is filled with beautiful bras from my pre-breast feeding days (I miss them)

I feel like running for the hills when…. I see the thousands of unread emails in my inbox

On my teenage bedroom wall there was… horse and band posters

My ideal partner would have the mind of /  skills of  / body of… Mr Kat and I are so well suited that I can’t think of a single thing I would change.

Kat, your passion for life really is contagious. I'm going to be listening to 'your' song all day.  Your fridge reflects a true cook - when's lunch?  Enjoy life's surprises - guilt-free, yes, that's the best way. Thank you Kat. x

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Poppy of Baby Style File

This week we are rather excited to be able to reveal the gorgeous mama behind Baby Style File.  Poppy is a creative mama who really does know about good design, with more than 10 years experience of being a stylist for big clients.  Tally that with a few years of motherhood and you know you're going to be introduced to some great stuff on her site.  Poppy became one of our 'twitter sisters' from the start and we've always been curious to know more about this talented figure!

Baby Style File is such a super slick site bringing us design finds in the world of baby and child..... yet, apart from the obvious good taste this blogger shows we can't glean much about who exactly is behind it.
Until now...

On waking the first 3 things I do are….mutter something about getting up, roll over, go back to sleep for another 5 minutes

If I had a superpower it would be….like a Miss World wish list: world peace; save dolphins and make people happy.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be… my son...it would be nice to see the world through a toddlers eyes!

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be… Tea and Marmite

When I was seven years old…I had straight hair!

If you open my fridge you will see….milk, cheese, and a collection of jars that may have been there some time.

My favourite view is… of my family playing and laughing in the garden (corny but true)

The 3 things I will tell my children are… be nice to people (no hitting!), being happy is more important than being rich, they can do anything they set their mind to.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…'We could have been anything that we wanted to be' (from Bugsy Malone)

I used to be…able to wear dry clean only clothes and high heels.

My biggest guilty pleasures is…trash telly...X factor, Strictly Come Dancing, Big Brother (made even better with twitter commentary!)

My wardrobe is… more practical than it used to be

Never have I ever…liked coconut

My kids taught me… work isn't the be all and end all/ sleep is for losers.

Life is like a… great big adventure

My earliest memory is…. Father Christmas telling me I wasn't allowed to eat the sausage rolls at the nursery Christmas party.

My underwear drawer … is in an old wooden filing cabinet

I feel like running for the hills when…. my toddler hits another child (I know it's just a phase and they all do it, but it's still mighty embarrassing!)

On my teenage bedroom wall there were… quite a few Levi's posters

My ideal partner would have the mind of /  skills of  / body of…  my husband obviously!

Thank you Poppy.  It's been a joy to catch a glimpse into your world. I would absolutely love to read a book called 'Tea and Marmite' - you really must be our sister! And your favourite view is just beautiful. Oh, and I shall defnitely be joining you for Twitter + Strictly soon! x

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow.  We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery,  Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us It's Tuesday: Chloe of Olli Ella

This week it is with pleasure that we bring you the fabulous Chloe - mama, gallery owner, founder and director of Olli Ella.  Chloe & her sister (yes, another super sister team) have modernised the nursery for our generation of design-conscious mamas.  With their stunning nursing chairs and now a beautiful range of baby bedding, it is clear that these sisters know about style for the modern home. We are inspired by the fact that the Olli Ella collection is Made in England, but we also know that whilst Chloe grew up in Sydney & LA she was in fact born in England - now that makes for a glamorous combination for sure!  Now coveted from all corners of the globe, Olli Ella is a wonderful vision turned into a very desirable and recognised style.

Our first encounter with Chloe was on Twitter where talk turned to shoes and shopping, as well as giggles about gliding!  We simply had to know more about the style savvy mama behind Olli Ella....

On waking the first 3 things I do are….Kiss my hubby, listen for sounds of toddler waking, and check emails.

If I had a superpower it would be….Extendable, multiple arms!

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…That's a hard one! After watching 'Big' as a kid this has always scared me! What if we didn't switch back?!

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be…Misadventures of the Slightly Adventurous.

When I was seven years old…I developed the biggest crush on a boy who loved Hulk Hogan and Nike Airs. I made it a mission to be as informed as he was on both subjects. It was an age that I am not proud of...

If you open my fridge you will see….Well I am pregnant and so things have changed up a bit: A lot of olives, cheeses of all sorts (this regrettably includes 'Laughing Cow'), peaches and strawberries, and a lot of juice.

My favourite view is…One where you can see the whole sky, uninterrupted.

The 3 things I will tell my children are…To have integrity, to not wait on hold for more than 10 minutes, and to listen to your mama!

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…Billy Joel - Vienna

I used to be…Even goofier than I am now.

My biggest guilty pleasures are…My bed. Nutella on toast and Alexander McCall Smith. Simultaneously if possible.

My wardrobe is… Looking up!

Never have I ever… not had a dog!

My kids taught me… To slow down. To let go. To be so grateful.

Life is like a… An Oreo cookie - the beginning looks great, the middle tastes the best, and the rest leaves a sweet taste in your mouth.

My earliest memory is….Is visiting our mum in hospital to see my new baby sister (I was about 2.5)

My underwear drawer … Pass.

I feel like running for the hills when….It has rained all August with no sunshine...

On my teenage bedroom wall there was…A collage of photos of friends and family, a poster of Gavin Rossdale, and a Kimono.

My ideal partner would have the mind of /  skills of  / body of… I have him :)

Thank you Chloe. I do believe we've caught a glimpse of quite a romantic side to you.  You have a very lucky hubby ( I hope he reads the last answer with a big smile) and I hope you get plenty of time for your guilty pleasures of Nutella on toast and Alexander McCall Smith, especially whilst you're pregnant. Enjoy x

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow.  We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery,  Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell us it's Tuesday: Lindsey of Urban Mums

This week we have invited the beautiful mama, journalist and blogger of Urban Mums to 'Tell Us.' Lindsey grew up in Northern California and is now settled in London, the city she loves.  Lindsey's passion about motherhood and an active life with her kids comes across in her blog as she charts her way across London and beyond bringing us snippets and stories of family, people, places, style and design.

Were were a bit nosey intrigued to find out more about this stylish mama behind Urban Mums. 
Food features a lot in her blog and below she reveals her ideal man for delicious dinners....

On waking the first 3 things I do are… roll over to see if my husband is awake (hoping he is already attending to the kids which means i got to sleep in!), debate whether or not to get out of bed, give my youngest (the early riser) a morning kiss.

If I had a superpower it would be…. to perfectly clean/organise our home with the snap of my finger.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be… Gwyneth Paltrow. She is doing everything these days!

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be…. Good Intentions.

When I was seven years old… I was a tomboy — playing sports and not a barbie in sight.

If you open my fridge you will see…. cookie dough, strawberries, oj, innocent smoothies.

My favourite view is… watching my daughter "streetdance" (her word, not mine!).

The 3 things I will tell my children are…I love you, give me a kiss, take another bite.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is…. I Will Survive!

I used to be… athletic. 

My biggest guilty pleasures are… Green and Black's butterscotch chocolate and People magazine.

My wardrobe is… a big fan of Comptoir des Cotonniers.

Never have I ever… drank coffee. 

My kids taught me… love, patience, and to savour every moment, especially the simple ones.

Life is like a… a gift.

My earliest memory is…. camping at Trinity Lake. a summer tradition throughout my childhood. i vaguely remember being bathed in a metal tub on the camp picnic table! very basic camping in the beginning...

My underwear drawer … is very messy and disorganised. (where's that superpower?) 

I feel like running for the hills when…. my kids whine. 

On my teenage bedroom wall there was… Leonardo Dicaprio in Baz Lurhman's Romeo & Juliet poster and Alma-Tadema prints. Interesting combination!

My ideal partner would have the the skills of Raymond Blanc. uh, yes to delicious dinners every night!

Thank you Lindsey.  We also believe that a clicking-the-fingers superpower (in the style of Mary Poppins but with a very stylish wardrobe) would be the ultimate skill for any mum.  But we can already spy that you have some super skills with that cookie dough in your fridge! You'll have to let us know the recipe sometime. x

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow.  We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery,  Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday: Peggy of Paul et Paula

This week we present you with Peggy, a fabulous blogger & mama from Amsterdam (via Berlin, Paris & London). Peggy not only blogs about childrens design & family lifestyle on Paul et Paula, she is also a photographer AND designs and makes beautiful things for her own shop.  We were intrigued to find out more about this talented lady.  Here she reveals her love of the rooftops of Paris and that Life is like a feast....

Peggy at 2 years old

On waking the first 3 things I do are…think what time is it and how can I extend bed time a tiny bit, not successful in like 97% of my attempts as kids got the energy jab just right after they were born and the first years this means: I am awake, I am busy, I am 200%.... this fades with the years it seems…. But hallelujah… it takes some time…

Checking the weather, which is just a glimpse out the window as we sleep under the roof!

Switching on my phone and checking e mails…. Oh yes, call me an addict, that is fine!

If I had a superpower it would be…. sentencing people who abuse children (in any possible way) because I feel that they get away too easily and “too short”.

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be… Kate Moss, to see if skinny really feels better than any food, I think I know the answer but let me prove it!

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be… Peggy in Wonderland

When I was seven years old…I was already addicted to Nutella and would NO WAY accept a different chocolate spread.

If you open my fridge you will see…. face cream because that is where I store mine, I love the fresh feeling it gives! 

My favourite view is…  the rooftops of Paris!

 

The 3 things I will tell my children are… be yourself, be happy and enjoy what you do.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is… Sterephonics/ Maybe tomorrow -  And I love that video… !

(this was the hardest question really, I love music and a couple of songs came into my mind. Some I was a bit afraid you might think I am depressive or something and I am not …. Or how would you like Life of Agony/ Let’s pretend… it is one of my favourite songs of all time)

I used to be… a “no cheese and tomatoes for me” person, I still do not like tomatoes but I LOVE cheese, thank god my taste changed because cheese can be so delicious…hmmm ….

My biggest guilty pleasures are… Haaegen Dasz, dark chocolate and online shopping! 

My wardrobe is… very dark…

Never have I ever… had a cup of coffee in my life… 

My kids taught me… patience and joy for the little things.

Life is like a… feast! Lots of appetizers to start with and have fun, splendid main courses with only the best you can get and an awesome desert to top it all!

My earliest memory is…. Strolling through the woods with my grandpa.

My underwear drawer … ui, needs a refreshment… and it is on the list. The day I stop breastfeeding and kick my BF bras I will go and have fun in the underwear department… that is so sure! Want to join? Would love to take a fun gal with me….

I feel like running for the hills when….  I am asked if I like beer and sausages…. (because of my German roots)

On my teenage bedroom wall there was… Andre Agassi and Depeche Mode!

My ideal partner would have the mind of /  skills of  / body of… my husband! He is perfect… for me!!!

Thank you Peggy.  So great to find out more about you - you sure do know how to live and love!
Yes, new underwear shopping, I need a date for that, as long as it involves a really good lunch too.  See you soon x

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all. We wanted a fun way way to get to know the people behind the blogs and businesses we follow.  We have more people lined up to reveal themselves and may be asking you too!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery,  Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk

Tell Us it's Tuesday

We are briefly interrupting the Tuesday series of 'The Story Behind Our Collections' to bring you a sneaky taster of a new series of revealing interviews.

Bekka has been brave enough to go first...Bekka is one half of all that goes into running, creating, administering, designing, operating and dreaming of the journey of Sisters Guild. Here she shares some insightful thoughts about Rudolph Valentino, goats cheese and Lenny Kravitz!

On waking the first 3 things I do are…answer my son questioning at my bedside ‘Is it morning time?,’  open the curtains to see if it is morning (not) and try and persuade him back to bed.

If I had a superpower it would be…. to fly or to heal, or both if that’s allowed!

If I could trade places for a day with someone it would be…a dancer at the Folies Bergere in the 1920s, maybe Josephine Baker.

If someone wrote a story about me the title would be….'A Wing and a Prayer'

When I was seven years old…I liked nothing more than being outside all day and I wanted to be an archaeologist!

If you open my fridge you will see… fresh homous, goats cheese, goats milk, but a scarey amount of unfinished jars of various things that have become unrecognisable!

I used to be…a stamp collector.

My biggest guilty pleasures are…Dolly Parton and Maltesers.

My favourite view is… peeping my eyes over the top of my book where I can see my feet framed by the sand, then the sea and the horizon.

The 3 things I will tell my children are…Love your life and live a life of love, forgive, and find a way to express your creativity.

The song or musical piece for the theme tune of my life is… Let Love Rule, Lenny Kravitz

My wardrobe is…taken over by my husbands clothes. 

Never have I ever… drunk a whole pint of beer.

My kids taught me…what life is really about.

Life is like a…voyage. You have to be prepared for the disasters as well as mind-blowing sights too and be sure to have some fine food, inspiring books and some good company along the way.

My earliest memory is….crawling towards the door to the garden with light flooding into a room with coral-painted walls.

My underwear drawer …has seen better days!

I feel like running for the hills when…. anyone talks about Big Brother.

On my teenage bedroom wall there was… cloud wallpaper and Duran Duran

My ideal partner would have the mind of Leonardo Da Vinci and the skills of Rudolph Valentino!



Watch your inbox as we're coming to ask you next!

---

This is part of our new series of Tuesday blog posts where we ask you to tell us all! We shall be inviting some people to reveal themselves soon, so come by on Tuesdays if you're curious!

We also publish other series in our blog including our Monday Makery,  Wednesday we show you our favourite seasonal pieces and Thursdays is dedicated to the 'Art of Living' in which we share ideas and inspiration from places to visit, things to see and articles about things that enrich our lives.

www.sistersguild.co.uk