What mama thinks: The 'housewife' returns....but is she welcome

I recently interviewed Stacey Murray of the Sheeps Clothing blog for a piece I did for the Herald Sun newspaper on the rise in popularity of the domestic crafts among women.

I argued in a related opinion piece in the same paper that this was very much about women proudly reclaiming the personal realm, as opposed to earlier incarnations of feminism which roundly rejected the domestic sphere.

As Stacey points out on her blog, the pieces have incited much debate - such as this piece by Adelaide columnist Clementine Ford and heated reaction. It is intriguing as I believe Ford and many of the online comments have misunderstood my argument - that embracing the domestic realm is a sign of moving forward for women - that they finally have the voice to reclaim this space.

Anyway, take a look at what Stacey has to say over at her blog, and by all means, feel free to add your thoughts.

There are also active discussions on this article going on in Adelaide here, in Brisbane here and in Maryland, USA here, and in Oakland County, California, USA here.

Home & Hearth: Green tomatoes

Green tomatoes, originally uploaded by Baysidemama.

I am ridiculously proud of these little babies. My first batch in a couple of years and they are growing nicely. So easily in fact that I don't know why I didn't get to planting more this season. However the herb patch is booming, with rosemary, basil, chives and mint in copious supply. These will taste great with some lovely mango chutney that has proved a daily summer staple in our household.

What mama thinks: The New Housewife

Here's a link to my column in today's Herald Sun. It's about how domesticity is back and why this is an empowering thing for young women. Did you know that sales of things like sewing machines, fabric, knitting materials and vegie punnets have enjoyed a boom in the last six months. I argue it is partly the economic situation, partly green concerns and partly women proudly taking back and owning the domestic crafts. Take a look.....

www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24857435-5000117,00.html

Home & hearth: Vintage teak table

White with vintage teak table, originally uploaded by Baysidemama.

I've had this dining room table for quite a while now - it was recovered from a beach house on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula and dates from the 1960s. Although the surface needs a little work, I like it's shape although there have been points when I have been tempted to trade it in for a new more solid table.
Since we've added a lot of white to this room in the form of sheer blinds and light shades, I am enjoying it again.

Home & Hearth: CHRISMAS WREATH - INSPIRED BY JANE CUMBERBATCH'S PURE STYLE

CHRISMAS WREATH - INSPIRED BY JANE CUMBERBATCH'S PURE STYLE , originally uploaded by Baysidemama.

Merry Christmas everybody and I wish you a safe and happy 2009.

Home & Hearth: Have yourself a vintage little Christmas

I have a great little collection of new and vintage Santas, collected from everywhere from Quebec City to Vienna and good old Bentleigh market. I'm pretty sure these two numbers came from local op shops for a couple of pennies each. The vintage balls above also came from a lovely box of six very old ones in a local op shop. The santas look most charming with their collective red hats bobbing on the tree.

magnolia square back in bayside

For all you locals, the Magnolia Square market is back on November 27-29 at Brighton Town Hall. Lovely handmade goods. The last one I went along to I found some great beanbag covers for the kids in fabulous vintage fabric. But be warned....the crowds are big. And speaking of magnolias, how lovely is this shot. Take at look at: www.magnoliasquare.com.au