An Update

I've been absent for so long - since the first day of this new year according to the date on my last post.

Wow, time sure has whizzed by and it's March already.  Geez... is this year going so fast because I have a new(ish) baby and I'm in that sleep-deprived blur?  Is it because I'm in total disbelief that my other baby just turned 2?  Could it be due to the fact that the recent Canterbury earthquake devastation has been top of mind and the safety of my family and loved ones paramount?  Or could it just be that as you get older, time seems to fly by faster?

Whatever the reason... it's March 6th and there are only 293 days left till Christmas!  Eeek!

Bubbalino has some exciting things on the horizon... possible international stockist opportunities, new products in the pipeline and the continuation of wonderful people like you buying our gorgeous goodies for your lovely little people.

Front of mind for most New Zealanders at the moment is the devastation in Christchurch following the earthquake on Tuesday 22nd February.  Everyone will have a story to tell about where they were when they heard the news and will no doubt know someone who has been affected by this tragic event.  Within ten minutes of the quake, I knew that my Mama was alive, safe and very shaken.  I didn't realise however, until I saw all the footage in the ensuing hours and days, just how lucky she was to be alive.  She owns the gorgeous jewellery and accessories boutique One Big Sugar Bowl in High Street.  High Street has suffered unbelievable destruction - like so much of the CBD - and once I saw images of the devastation of this area, I understood how different things could have been and really, really counted my blessings to still have my Mama with us.  Life is so precious and we never know when those we love, or those things we take for granted may be taken from us. Things like this also make me think about what is important and what life is really all about.  

Just two days before the earthquake, we had celebrated Little Miss T's 2nd birthday with a fun Morning Tea party at a local park.  My Mama had been here to celebrate with us.  She'd returned home to Christchurch just 24 hours before the quake struck!  Beautiful weather, lots of yummy food and a whole bunch of wonderful friends and family gathered with us to celebrate.  So much fun.  Yet I still can't believe it was 2 years since we welcomed our little princess into our lives.   Here is the cake she requested ... an elephant because her favourite movie is Dr Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who".  Thanks to Cake Bitz for the fantastic tin which made my job so much easier!  Honestly, how was I going to create an elephant free-form?

Bubbalino isn't showing at the Autumn Gift Fair this year - I'm still adjusting to life with two under two (although I guess can't say that any longer now that Little Miss T has turned 2) - but I'm very excited for the Spring Gift Fair in August which we'll be attending with some gorgeous new prints and new designs!  I hope your 2011 is going well.  I promise it won't be another 3 months before I visit you again.

Take care and give your loved ones an extra special squeeze today!

 xxx