What gets lost in the deluge

My heart goes out to our friends in Queensland who are suffering through the worst floods in over 30 years! The imagery on the television is obviously nothing like the real horror hundreds of families are facing as we speak. Lost homes, belongings and animals, not to mention the loss of life which I am sure will sky rocket as more news comes to hand of those lost in the brown muck.

With Christmas so close to the disaster, my heart goes out to the children who lost every inch of Christmas joy as it was ripped away from their memories, forced to face the loss that has ensued. The pain is no doubt uncategorically beyond comprehension for these families who have lost it all.

So I, sitting here on my haunches, looking outside at a fabulous Adelaide day (albeit overcast) am wondering what can I do to help?

This year was my son's first Christmas experience, and whilst it was so lovely for him to be spoilt and come home with bags and bags full of toys for him to play with, found myself feeling, ultimately, guilty for the excess we have! My thoughts are, moving forward, I will have Oscar give one toy or present he receives each year to charity; a feel good token to ensure he knows that not all people are fortunate enough to live a life of excess.

With this thought fresh in my mind, images of the Queensland floods began to flood our news casts and entire into the sphere of our realities. People have lost everything! Towns have been wiped out!

My first thought... the kids! The joy of Christmas gone, the thrill of being on holidays forgotten.

And so, I would like to send a call out to our Bargain Mums far and wide across Australia. Can we help these kids to remember that life does go on even if, for a while things aren't what they were. That people do care, and that we are thinking of them and that they, after all, should remain kids for as long as humanly possible.

I am asking for readers of my blog to get in touch with me if they have second hand toys or, in fact as we find new toys in abundance, which they would like to donate to the families who have been affected by the Queensland Flood Disaster. If this is you please email india@bargainmums.com.au - whilst we are still working out the logistics we are keen to get in touch with employees of Australia Post, who could potentially help us with delivery to the major centres in Queensland who have been hit, as well as anyone located in Salvation Army or Red Cross offices in Queensland who can help with distribution.

Keen to get in touch with anyone who can assist us in this toy drive for the Queensland Floods.

Make Baby Stuff - a great way to save money for those of us who are creatively inclined

I have just found the most amazing new website called Make Baby Stuff. If you are looking to save money on toys, clothing and the endless list of baby 'stuff' then head to http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/ - an amazing array of step by step instructions to help you create one of a kind items for your family.

Everything from making cheap nursery wall art to sewing bedding and customising clothing. No stone is left unturned.




If you are an artsy/crafty sort of mum, then why not share your own patterns and ideas with other mums by sharing your design and instructions on the site too.

: : MUST VISIT : : I have just found the most amazing new website called Make Baby Stuff. If you are looking to save money on toys, clothing and the endless list of baby 'stuff' then head to http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/ - an amazing array of step by step instructions to help you create one of a kind items for your family.

Don't miss the recent blog post from Indy Hilditch, the Bargain Mum! http://thebargainmum.blogspot.com 

Sorry for the silence

Firstly, apologies for the silence of late. I have been a very busy girl.

I got married on the 18th of December to the absolute love of my life and have been in ditsy wedding/marriage mode. Ah... to be honest that wore off quite quickly. When you have a one night honeymoon at The Pier down at Glenelg and your 10 month old crashes the party, reality sets in fast. Christmas, New Years and finally leaving my full time job to focus my full and devoted attention to the Bargain Mums phenomenon. How exciting.

So where are things at now? We are in the process of redeveloping our website and are set to open about 12 regional and capital city sites on February 1. Moving forward in leaps and bounds!! I certainly do have my work cut out for me over the next little while.

Thank you for being patient with me and for enjoying the silence.

I'm back for 2011, firing and ready to help your family save money.

Stay tuned!

Indy Hilditch (yep, I'm a Hilditch now!).