My family and my life.

My family heals me; nurtures my soul; inspires me; cares for me; is proud of me; is honest with me; trusts me; believes in me; supports me; keeps me sane; keeps me grounded; loves me. I know these words aren't ground breaking in terms of the theme of family love, but it's difficult to find sentences that can evoke the happiness I feel when my family is together in one place.

My family, minus one brother who is busy at university, went on a day trip to Holwell Gorge, somewhere between Exeter and Frankford (I think). It was my other brother's last day visiting us before flying back to Western Australia, so we thought we'd better do something a bit interesting.

The Gorge was beautiful, but very cold as the tall trees cut out most of the sunlight. We weren't sure if there would be a walk for us to do because a few years ago landslides had destroyed parts of the track and we weren't sure what had been done since to restore it. The track was visible, however, so we decided to have a go. A few big, inconveniently placed trees made the track into a bit of an obstacle course, and eventually the trees became too big to straddle. But, I got a few decent pictures and only fell on my face once, so all in all it was a pretty lovely day out with clear blue skies, an energetic dog and my brilliant family. Or at least that's what we all thought until we clambered back into the car and soon after discovered several fat, black and malleable leaches - all of which ended up having a little flying adventure out the car window.

xx Thanks for reading xx

Hopefully I will get back to not being a slacker with blog posts some time soon.

Love Kate.

Businesses doing good things

Over my lifetime, I have become increasingly aware of environmental and social sustainability, ethical businesses and related issues. I naturally developed my own values and beliefs as I became more knowledgeable. The more I learn, the more companies I discover who have chosen to be mindful of people and planet, producing low impact products and trying to promote a different way of consuming.

It's often difficult to find such brands, though they have been becoming better known over the past couple of years, and when you find them the prices can be surprising when you are used to cheap as chips Kmart sort of prices. But, in truth, if you want to live with lower impact to the earth while supporting the people who work for these companies, you have to be willing to pay reasonable prices for good quality products. What you can do to save yourself some money is teach yourself to buy fewer clothes and beauty products. Look at fashion as an investment, buy good quality, ethical clothes (that aren't going to be cheap), but don't buy something new every week. If you buy fewer clothes, but of the good sort, and treat them well then they will last you longer and treat you better.

However, here in lies the problem of changing fashions and wanting to remain a young adult who has a sense of fashion that is somewhat accepted by society. I, for one, love fashion, I love being inspired by it, being creative with it and feeling confident in something that is slightly vintage, slightly op-shop, slightly hipster, but, most importantly, a whole lot of me. It is how we present our personalities to the world, to a degree, and how express ourselves. If you too enjoy keeping up with fashions or creating your own and thus feel the need to add to your wardrobe regularly, then firstly, you too probably have more clothes than you need and, secondly, spend more money than you'd like to on looking they way you want to. Having sensible parents with a middle class income and a mortgage, I was never allowed to indulge my want for regular new and different clothes, and I quickly realised that this was a good thing. However, that doesn't mean I don't have way too many clothes. For as long as I can remember, Mum and I have been shopping at the Salvos, City Mission, Vinnies, the Red Cross Shop etc. It got to a point a few years ago where most of my wardrobe consisted of op shop finds, so I have calmed down a bit over the past few years. Yes op shops are cheap, but even more brilliantly, they often support a good cause. So simultaneously, while you are doing good by supporting these charity shops your are NOT supporting the fast fashion brands that are not ethical or sustainable. Another of my favourite things about shopping second hand clothes is the variety and the vintage beauties available for next to nothing. Mind you, you have to have a well trained eye to find them!

A Norwegian hand knitted 100% woollen jumper I found the other week in City mission for $6!

Just one of the many things I have found in op shops over my lifetime.

Something else I do, which isn't for everyone and is fairly easy to do if you have a mother who has taught you such skills from an early age, is make my own clothes. I love it. I love making things in general so when you combine creating, a wide variety of sewing patterns to choose from, the skill to change a pattern up so it's exactly what you have pictured in your head, and being able to wear the result - what's not to love! Sewing seems difficult when looking at it from the outside, but, I promise that it really is a case of practice makes ...wearable results! As you keep sewing you build up the confidence to eventually sew things that you can get proper wear out of. I didn't wear the first few things I made more than once, but the better I got at sewing and the more confident I got, the more I was able to create pieces that fitted me, suited me and were even a bit hip ;) So even if you think you're too old to learn or have no one to teach you, if you can get your hands on a sewing machine there are plenty of books out there that can help, as well YouTube videos and even paid classes if you're really dedicated. 

To finish a piece of clothing, with many mistakes and bugger moments along the way, and to love it when you try it on, is one of the most exciting, freeing and rewarding experiences. Plus, you know for sure who made it and if you're extra careful you can even make sure the fabric used is ethically produced too. You can truly take control of your fashion and its impact.

Conversely, op shops and home made clothes aren't the only alternative to fast fashion brands, there are plenty of ethically managed fashion labels and cosmetics and beauty labels who are working their buts off to give the world happier alternatives. And a great many of them are Australian owned. Because it is fashion revolution week, and I coincidently had the idea for this blog post, I thought I would share a list of my favourite, tried and trusted, ethical and more sustainable fashion and beauty brands. And I apologise to any men reading this in advance that they are mostly women's brands, but some of them do cater for both and all in between.

1. Dharma Bums - I am a yoga fan and found this Australian yoga and active wear company a few years ago. They make gorgeous printed leggings and sports bras and all that sporty stuff.
      'All Dharma Bums clothing is designed, printed and made here in Australia, close to the home of the head office. By working closely with our partners in the supplier chain we are able this ensure ethical and fair working conditions to all those involved in helping us bring the product to you.' 

This quote is from the website, where they tell you all about the company and it's mission - always a good sign when a company openly discloses everything about their products.

2. Vege Threads - This Australian label sells basics that are a bit more special than your average basic. Their production is moving towards 100% Australian this year and all garments are dyed in Australia. They also use certified organic fabrics. Check 'em out.

3. Thunderpants - A New Zealand label here to fill your under garment requirements. Made in New Zealand from Organic cotton that comes from Indonesia. They have some pretty snazzy prints, which is another bonus. 'Exacting standards and keeping it local' - from website.

4. Alas - A sleepwear label who's products are 'made in India where the cotton is also grown, spun, woven and dyed. All of our garments are constructed with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton, in fair labour, sweatshop-free factories. We visit our producers regularly to maintain strong relationships and trust between all parties. We believe this personal approach is the best way to ensure the integrity of each factory.' 

While the clothes aren't made in Australia the company includes information about the Indian factories. I have a onsie from Alas that is heavenly comfortable and looks so cute! 

Image from http://alasthelabel.com/

5. Tightology - 'Tightology is an Australian independent label producing hosiery and essential consumer products, with a social and environmental conscience and a considered approach to design. Made in Australia and Italy we are known for our use of fine materials, detailed design approach and luxurious fibres.' Yes, I am getting lazy and just copying the descriptions from the websites. Deal.

6. Etiko - An Australian brand who make ethical versions of popular shoes like Converse, Toms and thongs, which sounds a bit dodgy, but it's actually great. If you think about it, Kmart, Target and similar shops rip off the same brands and charge half they price. The only difference between them and Etiko is that Etiko is ethical and has been awarded for the way they business. They also make clothing, but footwear is their main gig.

7. Inkkas - An American footwear brand. They make gorgeously colourful Latin America inspired casual and smart casual shoes (sneakers, sandals, boots etc.), and they do it ethically and sustainably. 'using authentic textiles and working with local artisans and launched the Inkkas brand to create footwear that connects the world.' - from website.


8. Duckfeet Shoes - 'Quality is the heart of Duckfeet shoes.' These gorgeous Danish boots, Mary Janes and similar kinds of shoes are hand crafted, made from leather and died with vegetable dyes. And my mum vouches for their comfort.


9. Veja shoes - There's a lot to say about Veja, but I'll just say they are extremely ethical and focused on sustainability. So check out their about page. They produce casual/smart casual shoes as well, quite slick and urban style.

10. mighty good  undie - An Australian label who produce 'affordable organic quality' underwear for everyone.

11. Cue - Cue is an Australian brand that is well known and mingles among the most popular fashion industry brands, in department stores like Myer and David Jones. What many don't know is that it is an ethically accredited brand by Ethical Clothing Australia.

12. Sukin - An Australian skincare brand whose slogan is 'Skincare that doesn't cost the earth.' 'Nuf said. I have been using their products on my sensitive combination skin for about 5 years now.

13. Natio - Another Australian skincare and cosmetics brand that I adore! Their plant based products are not tested on animals, made in Australia, the packaging is recyclable and most importantly just works with my skin. They do as much as they can to continually improve the sustainability of their products and reduce their impact on the environment. 

14. Simpleasthatskin - This Australian owned and made, organic, fair trade, vegan skincare brand is a smaller company that I haven't tried yet...but they sound fab so far! 
     'using the fewest ingredients possible to promote natural beauty.' - from website.

15. The good polish - Vegan, cruelty free and made in Australia, this nail polish brand was founded by two Sydney mums. As well as being a less toxic nail polish 'with heart', the company donates 30% of their profit to charities that support women and children in need.


There are plenty other brands that I haven't thought of or remembered in this list, but I often check out the brands that Frankie Magazine and Peppermint Magazine promote when looking for a new brand to get excited about.

So hopefully this post wasn't too lengthy for you to get through and you're reading this now thinking...well, ain't that a dandy thing to have read on a Sunday! And fingers crossed I have pointed you towards some brands you can try and trust and love for the rest of your life, knowing you are lowering your impact on earth and contributing to ethical business practices, increasing the quality of life for many.

I'll leave you with a quote from the Dharma Bums website -

'We believe that given the choice people will choose to support a company that shares their values and helps create a difference. We aim to offer you that choice.'

xx Thanks for reading lovely people,

Love Kate xx

Handmade (with love) in Tasmania

My mum's third doll making class was held this weekend in our cosy (slightly squishy) playroom. 6 women - creators, mums, a collector,and all Waldorf doll enthusiasts - came from both interstate and within Tasmania to learn what it is to create a Waldorf style cloth doll from scratch. What could have been a very uncomfortable weekend - having 6 strange doll loving women in your home - was in fact a happy, refreshing two days, due to the wonderfully interesting, kind and polite nature of our guests. Using all natural fibres, a bit of sweat and more hands than they had available, each of them created a beautiful little cloth person to take home and cherish.

 As each head was intricately assembled and the finished product realised, the creator fell in love with the face they had made with their own hands. Every unique head claimed to be the sweetest we'd seen.

It's always so interesting to meet new people who love to create and share the deep love my mum has for cloth dolls. I love hearing about their lives, about why they love dolls, how they discovered the Steiner lifestyle or the Waldorf doll, and how they came to know and admire my mum's beautiful dolls.

Something I realised over the course of the weekend was just how wonderful and refreshing it is to create things in the company of other people. It does get lonely and a little tedious making jewellery or crocheting something alone at a table or while watching tv or listening to music. To have people to talk to about unrelated things, and to help and receive help and inspiration from on your projects was such a gift. And I've decided I'd like to enjoy this gift more often. In my mind arose the idea of a craft group of friends who meet every other week on a Sunday, perhaps, drinking tea, catching up and working on something lovely with their hands. How nice. I think I may have to organise something or else be a lonely creator for the rest of my days, missing out on what was once a very common excuse to socialise.

xx Talk next month, Kate xx

The Window Seat

This morning (late morning) I showered, dressed, made a delicious cup of coffee and put on my Adele album, just like any Saturday. The chill vibes were overflowing, but I couldn't figure out why. As I sat in the chair next to the window seat in our playroom, I looked at the seat, the windows, through the open window into the garden and at the books that line the wall next to that corner. The air was crisp and the sun was warm, no leftover stench of yesterday's heat and sweat. Suddenly I realised what was different about this beautiful Saturday morning. Autumn was in the air and it made all the refreshing difference. It made the light funnel into the room in warm blocks and lines; the books feel close and nurturing; the terrarium seem cold and damp, unfreezing as the sun touched the glass panes. It was all highly poetic and very pretentious, but I didn't care because it made me feel ecstatic with the promise of something new and overwhelmingly grateful for this lovely nook of nature and books and music and yummy coffee in which I found myself this morn.

Don't know quite what this was, but if you liked it, please, do leave a comment. xx

2016 - Gap Year

Hello Come and Play Betsy May readers of 2016! Happy new year and welcome to my blog :)

For me, the beginning of each new year doesn't mean much, except an excuse to get all happy and a tad teary about what you and the people around you accomplished over the last year, or made it through in one piece. But, what always seems to naturally follow such reflections is the chance to set new goals and make a few plans for the twelve months that lie ahead of you. Months that are waiting to be used, enjoyed, completely missed in a blur of business, or wasted binge-watching hours of Netflix while you wallow in a pit of self-pity at the loss of your motivation - because Netflix is definitely the place you will find it again.

So, as always, in the days following my first proper New Years Eve - as it involved the perfect amount of alcohol and dancing with my best friends to live music at a festival- I began to think about how I would keep myself occupied over the next twelve months of not school. 

I decided not to post about my 'New Year's Resolutions' until I had given them a one month test run to see which ones would stick. I did wonder at whether anyone else would find my 2016 plans interesting, but, then I thought, who cares. This year was the first time I enjoyed making plans, because I was at liberty to decide everything for myself, so it felt right to publish them. I am looking forward to a year of working to accomplish them, because I know they will ensure my enjoyment of the majority of the next eleven months.

Anyway, I'll shut up now and just tell you about my possibly exciting and enlightening plans for 2016.

1. Aim to earn at least $50 a week from Etsy shop.

Click to see what's in store!

2. Get a part time or casual job.

3. Start doing Zumba again, and maybe hockey.

4. Do yoga once a day. (I haven't exactly done this, more like every other day, and no one said these were rules...more guidelines)

5. Cook tea once a week. (to give Mum a rest, but, also to make sure I have a good repertoire of meals for next year when I move out.)

6. Read one book each month. (so far I have been successful, and I have decided this was a very good idea for 2016. Highly recommend.)

7. Blog post once a month. (so far, so good - yay!)

8. Make 4 items of clothing this year. (I have made one dress so far this year and have 2 other pieces in the making, I think maybe I should have been a bit more ambitious than just 4, but, there's no harm in over-achieving haha.)

I wore my newly made red party dress to a Boy and Bear concert a few weeks ago!

9. Play the ukulele and piano regularly, sing.

10. Finish a folio or collection of art. (Perhaps to apply to be exhibited in Sawtooth gallery 2017, probably too ambitious, but, there's nothing wrong with dreaming big.)

11. Visit lots of galleries and exhibitions.

12. Travel interstate and visit relatives.

13. Road trip around Tasmania, camping, with best friend.

So there you go. A nice little assortment of creative, recreational, cultural and career goals. Hopefully I will come across extra exciting opportunities on my journey towards these goals as well.

While I enjoy thinking and talking and writing about myself greatly, I have to follow up a post like this with a reminder that there is something which overrides all my personal aspirations - laughing and enjoying every moment with my gorgeous family and beautiful friends. And, as luck would have it, being a part of their lives means I will in turn be a part of their journey to achieving their goals for 2016. Ain't it wonderful that you can do the things you love, while being surrounded, stimulated, inspired and supported by the people you love.



I would love to hear about your plans for 2016, thanks for reading my waffle about youthful epiphanies and post-school freedom.

xx Kate xx

a misty day for an immense view

In the last few days of Dad's holidays we (Ma, Dad, Frankie and I) thought we'd treat ourselves to a lengthier than expected trip up the North West of Tasmania Leven Canyon. Dad had been nagging me to go with him since before my final exams and folios. I had been so busy between then and now that we slowly forgot about our desire to go, but the hankering for a hefty bush walk this week reminded us of the idea.

Over the past few days Tasmania has hit a few days of cooler weather and there were even promises of much needed rain. I thought this could be problematic, but, I decided half way up a bugger of a steep incline, if it had been any hotter I wouldn't have made it home. 

Our little legs, and Fran's even littler ones, worked hard as we ventured up to one lookout, round to another on the other side of the canyon, then down to the canyon floor next to the water and back up again. Our eyes were overwhelmed by the immensity of the hills, trees and sky, struggling to find something on which to focus. 

If your looking for a way to make a bush walk more challenging, take your dog with you. Frannie didn't seem to understand that it wasn't easy keeping myself upright as she ran full speed down every decline, taking me with her.

The otherwise perfectly lovely day was only tarnished by the deep contrast of scenes of destruction within the beautiful landscape. It seems as though logging could single handedly destroy Tasmania's vast beauty. I don't claim to know as much as I should about the effects of logging on Tasmania, past or present, but, the way my Dad reacted to the derelict setting left behind by logging, only meters from the entrance to the canyon path, was enough to wake me up to the continued relevance of the issue. 

So, as well as the joy my little heart felt during today's adventures, a melancholy undertone surfaced in my thoughts on the drive home. The more I can learn about logging in Tasmania, the less anxious I will feel about the issue. So my task now is to investigate further and, furthermore, discover where I fit into the debate.

Anyway, despite all the bad things that happen in the world ever, there is enough beauty in Tasmania alone to give me the hope and happiness to deal with that shit. Hope your holidays have been equally as beautiful and enlightening and full of people you love. 

xxx will write again soon xxx