i Chart You - Our Genealogy Print

For Christmas I organised and framed this i Chart You print and hung it on the wall for Christmas morning for Graeme to unwrap.

As we have been studying te reo Māori this year, Graeme has been very interested in his whakapapa and has been investigating his own family trees.

I noticed he had a few gaps to fill in, so I took it upon myself to send out a lot of emails to fill in the blanks for him! I was able to find everyones middle names too, but unfortunately many of them couldn't fit in the fields available!

Since Christmas all of our visitors have been drawn to look at it in our lounge. Usually the first thing they note is that Graeme's name is a hypenation of his parents (most people presume its from me), and also that Graemes grandparents changed their surname. 

It sparks a whole lot of conversation and is a great art piece and also information piece for our whānau to have! I almost have every person memorised.

I chart you designed this print and they have lots of other colour combos available. You simply fill in the form they have with all of your relations and they design it up and send it to you as a PDF. Take it to the printers and get it printed and framed! I bought a large design in a frame from The Warehouse and took out their "art", and replaced it with my print to be able to get a square frame this big! 

My advice is to choose your frame first, and to have all your info ready to go! It makes the process much faster, and they can design your print to fit your frame.

This isn't a sponsored post, I'm simply telling you this because I love our print and I see real value in displaying (and learning) your genealogy.

Also today while dinner was cooking I pulled off the old fabric from my footstool and replaced it with these pretty feathers! Amy originally gave me this footstool about 4 or 5 years ago. It's had a cow print on it all this time but was SO grubby from all the use over the years; I'm glad it's got another life covered in blue feathers! Thanks Deb for all the fabric!

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you ever get an i Chart! I'd love to see it! 

Ladies Pixie Coat - Pattern Release

After I made the Big Little Pea Coat a few years ago, I told Lisa that if she ever designed a women's coat I would love to be one of the first to make it! So here I am, showing of the very new-just-released-today Ladies Pixie Coat pattern! 

Lisa's Big Little patterns are so easy, they really are for beginners with no button holes or zips to worry about! 

I have made two coats already, out of super warm vintage blankets. The first is for me, and then Lisa adjusted the pattern and the fit based off our recommendations to the pattern. 

With the pattern updated to include a larger hood and longer arms I made another for my friend Georgia, who is modelling it below. 

The actual sewing of the coat only took one night and was very easy to put together. The pattern comes with a tutorial that includes step by step instructions and lots of photos of the process. 

It's hard to go wrong. But if you do, there's a pattern group you can join on Facebook and theres many sewers there who can supply inspiration and answer questions, along with Lisa (the designer) herself on hand. 

You can buy the Womens Pixie Coat with included rounded hood and regular collar options in sizes 6-18 from the Big Little Etsy shop.

For today and tomorrow the pattern is 25% off using the code LADIESPIXIE

Check out the other patterns on offer while you're there (like the Kids Pixie!), all designed in New Zealand by a Kiwi Mum! 

I'll definitely be making this coat again, it's been tested 10 times over so you know it will fit and work well! I just need to find another perfect woollen blanket to use! My coat is affectionately called the "blan-coat" in our home. 

Lisa, thank you so much for creating such beautiful patterns for children and women! I love your work, and can't wait for the colder weather to kick in to snuggle in my warm coat! 

And Georgia, thanks for letting me make you a coat and force you to model it for me without any warning! 

READ MORE:

Ladies Pixie Coat Pattern

My Big Little Pea Coat for Milla
More of my Sewing

Chillax, wearing Breastmates

Last year I sent this tweet to Franny from Breastmates:

And then last week she contacted me to say she had taken that on board, and designed up the "Chillax Sweatshirt". So here I am today, declaring my undying love, snuggled in my super cosy but also cool, sweatshirt!

Thank you Franny, I LOVE IT!!

I've had it for less than a week and have already worn it more times than not, as is usual when I get my hands on one of Franny's self designed range.

I was so delighted when she had told me she had designed something comfortable and casual, but stylish and in a nice light colour for the cooler months! Here in Canterbury everyone seems to wear only black in winter, its a breath of fresh air to be able to have a light coloured season appropriate top. 

Under the front layer is an opening so you can pull the top aside and breastfeed without having to lift your top up which is perfect in this weather. Also I must admit, I can't stop putting my hands inside the front layer! It's a bad habit but so. cosy.

I'm not pregnant, but i'm sure the vertical lines on this top would be really flattering to a bump underneath, and its long length will make bump wearing easy without it riding up. I like that its long enough to fully cover my childbearing hips and tum ;)

This breastfeeding journey will be nearing an end soon (some time?) and it's been an absolute pleasure to work with Breastmates for over a year now. I still wear each piece of clothing I have had the pleasure of trying, and although its been worn and worn and washed and washed, the quality and style have all stood the test of time. I continue to love Breastmates, and wear their designs week to week.

DETAILS:
Chillax Sweatshirt $59.90 designed Breastmates, available in XS - XXL

OTHER BREASTMATES REVIEWS:RaRa Dress
Nuture Feeding Top
Glory Maternity Dress
Clip on Cami

Wearing Breastmates at HAZED Launch and Giveaway!

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the launch of the first printed HAZED magazine!

Doesn't that sound so swanky?! Magazine launches and all, as a Mama! Who would have thought?

The invite told me to wear a "frock" so I wore this cute number from Breastmates! It's the RaRa dress, and is just as bright and fun as it looks! It comes in a bright blue too, but I just love this little pop of orange down the bottom on the pink version! 

When deciding what to wear I discovered that my pre-feeding dresses all have tight waists and can't be lifted up / pulled down to feed, but more than that, I discovered most of the dress straps just didn't work with my nursing bras!! I searched high and low on the internet and in malls for something feminine that had thick straps and was feeding friendly (the top flap lifts up to feed) and this was a winner!

So far I've worn this out to a mag launch, birthday date, birthday party and you'll see me in it through Christmas celebrations too! 

(and no matter what kind of day I think my body is having, it covers and forgives all! Bring on the Christmas Pav!)

It's nice to know that I still have a resemblance of a social life and I actually need nice to clothes to wear out, despite my mother badges! If you need a nice maternity / feeding dress this summer, definitely check out the range from Breastmates. (this one was designed by Franny herself, love!!)

Look! A maternity dress without a bump!

(I posted this picture on FB and Instagram, thank you for all your super kind compliments!!!)

I had such a great time at the HAZED launch, it was lovely to be out all dressed up with other put together people! 

I'm also crazy proud of Hazel for putting out such a beautiful magazine, it's first time in print after being published online for over a year!

Inside HAZED you'll see an array of interviews of NZ talent in the indie world, along with our own Sisterhood column! Huge thanks to Hazel for offering it to us and being such an avid Sisterhood supporter! 

GIVEAWAY::

*giveaway now closed* Congratulations Kimberley A!

Leave a comment here with your email address (or have it linked to your blogger profile) and let me know if you'd like to be in to win a copy of HAZED! 

[[I have one to giveaway, and will draw the winner on Friday 6th December, you'll be announced on FB and will be emailed. NZ entries only please.]]

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You can buy the RaRa Breastmates dress here, and buy a copy of HAZED here

Showering with Babywise & A Giveaway!

Earthwise have a new product range out for Baby, its gentle, natural and lovely, and with my hair twirlin' ezcema gettin' toddler we were the perfect family to try these out!

knots knots, always knots!

So here's honestly what I thought (because I don't muck around with skin care for my sensitive daughter, and I'm sure you wont want to either)

My favourites:

Babywise Shampoo:
"Lather up and sculpt hair into silly shapes. Let your baby see the result in the mirror before rinsing well" says the back of the bottle.

We aren't shampoo users, I find its a bit difficult in the shower to do (and we only shower over here) and for a while Camilla's scalp was so dry so I steered clear.

This Babywise shampoo is super bubbly and when its on the hair, almost stiff-like. You can shape the hair in anyway you want which makes for a few giggles!

Camilla's hair has never been so squeaky clean! Bubbles got all over her face when I was washing it out (I obviously need a lot of practice) and aside from the water upsetting her, they didn't sting her eyes. Bonus.

Babywise Detangler:
"Take the ouchies out of combing baby's hair after washing. Yummy jungle fruit scent makes hugs even more delicious." it reads.

This is possibly my favourite of all the Babywise products! We need detangling help around here!! It smells fruity and Camilla can see little bubbles inside. She loves it so much more than her previous detangler.

I love sniffing her head after a good spray, sooo fruity!!! Camilla's hair is so fine so its important not to have any chemicals loading it up and weighing it down!

Earthwise Wipes:
I'm loving the wipes. They don't seem to be for actual deep cleaning, more like wiping and cleaning surfaces before or after you use them. I've kept ours next to the toilet to wipe out the potty when it's been used (and it has been lately, lots!!! Hoorah!)

I've also used them to wipe out the basin after I've cleaned Katies poo-ey singlet tops (since we don't have a laundry tub, I have to do it all in the bathroom sink). Then I know its nice and clean afterward for whatever else happens in the sink.

Packaging:
Babywise are marketed direct to the kiddos. My toddler LOVES the packaging and bottles and knew straight away they were for her. She cried and cried (below) when she found out she had to leave the bottles in the shower, she was heart broken. We called her new bottle friends "Gumbie" and promised we'll see Gumbie tomorrow.

Camilla just woke up from her nap while I was typing this and saw the bottles on the table. Camillas review of these products:
"Bubbles! Shower. Face. Bubbles. Bubbles. Spray. Milwa"

I did try the other products from the photo up top, but found the hair products to be our favourites. Although this range is for sensitive skin, Milla is just too touchy when it comes to products on her skin so some of the others didn't work out for us, even though we so hoped they would!

Thanks Babywise for the products! We're looking forward to buying more of your citrus wipes in our next supermarket shop!

(enter below!)

**16/10/13 Giveaway closed - congratulations Ange!**

GIVEAWAY:

If you would like to win a baby care pack and laundry powders just leave a comment letting me know some shampooing showering advice OR tell me something fun that you and your kiddos do in the bath / shower!

Extra entries if you follow Sophie Slim blog through a feed or email subscription, or are a facebook / twitter follower. Leave an extra entry for each along with your email address!

Open to NZ residents. Closes Wednesday 16th October 2013.

Mokopuna [snuggly] Sleep Suit Review

Katie has been wearing her merino Mokopuna longsuit every third day for the last few months (as soon as I can get it out the wash its back on her!) Its so cuddly, soft and warm for her, I love putting it on. Also, the pink (we have the magnolia) is so nice and soft and a really lovely colour for a baby. (Her Grandad gifted it to her, good choice Grandad!)

[You can see Katie in her long suit in her 1 month update post ]

I loved it so much I went onto the Mokopuna website (Baby City amongst other well known stores stocks it if you're looking for a retail outlet) and had a look at the rest of their range.

We're now proud owners of a Raspberry Sleep Suit (as pictured), it's 100% New Zealand merino, super soft and an extra handy piece of baby clothing to own.

I'm not a devoted swaddler (I did in her first few weeks, but I seem to have extra wriggly babies so gave up pretty quickly!), so these sleep suits work perfectly for us. It means an extra warm layer, especially when those arms are up around her head out of the blankets. 

There's no annoying chords around her feet too which seem to be frustratingly common for sleep suits. I much prefer the stretchy elastic on this one which makes changing really easy.

We have the 0-3 month size, but it seems to have a lot of room to grow in it, its long, and there's quite a bit of space in the arms so I'm hoping this will fit for a while after the 3 month point!

Mokopuna's quality and snugglyness has so impressed me! They would make a perfect gift too, most of their items come gift-boxed when bought from the website. *hint hint*

Thanks Grandad, and thanks Mokopuna for such superb NZ clothing for Kiddos!

Have you ever had a Mokopuna item for your kids? Leave a comment and let me know!

Feeding Katie & Wearing Breastmates

Happy Breastfeeding Month!

There I was on my high horse, telling everyone how easy breastfeeding was. I did all I could to prepare to have a successful feeding relationship before my second baby was born. 

My last daughter, Milla, was SO easy to feed. She latched straight away and we never had any issues. I thought that would happen again.

But there we were, moments after birth, sitting in my nest of pillows waiting for Katie to latch. And she didn't. Not to my left side anyway. I didn't think too much of it and swapped her over to the other side where she spent the following hours.

The next few weeks were a struggle with the left. I didn't understand why she wouldn't latch to that particular side. I prayed and I hoped "please, just let me feed my baby". I was scared of going out of the house knowing I couldn't feed my baby without a fight admist tears from both of us. 

I ended up admitting that I was struggling a little on Twitter and booked in an osteopath appointment. As soon as I publicly admitted that I was having a little difficulty I felt a huge weight lifted off our shoulders. So many people replied saying they had initial trouble too, but babies and Mamas can both learn, they can get better. I felt so much hope instead of shame.

After that Osteo appointment Katie has been feeding perfectly. I am so so grateful. 

I am still glad I did all that preparing. The flavoured water was invaluable, the PJs perfect and I wear my breastfeeding cami's everyday. 

But then I hit that 3 week slump. The one when you're ready to leave the house, but you have absolutely nothing to wear. Everything is stretched from your big belly, old, or in my case, tracksuit material or flannelette. 

Breastmates were so kind to send me their brand new Nuture feeding top. Its another one of Franny's self designed in her Bump N Boob range and this one's for the cooler months with its long sleeves and layers. (And I helped name it! Aye Franny?)

It covers all my wobbly bits and hides my canyon of cleavage. The fabric is so lovely and soft and stretchy and drapey. Its slim where it should be (I love having my sleeves fit well!) and gathers where it should (around my chest and tummy!). 

The model on the website looks absolutely beautiful and perky, but I think my F Cup looks pretty good in it too ;)

It feels flattering for my body that struggles to find its happy place post birth, when everything's stretching and tightening and changing, this top is a perfect fit that seems to go with whatever my body is doing.

The front of it opens up at each side to feed, my midwife witnessed it in action and said it was brilliant! Er. I KNOW. Completely modest and stylish for public feeding, which I have done multiple times (Hoorah for well designed tops and feeding babies!) Just don't leak in it, the soft fabric soaks it up!

If you've seen me in the last month outside of my home, its probable that I've been wearing this top. Its my go to for public appearances! 

I am so grateful for babies who feed, friends and family who encourage and for lovely maternity wear that flatters and makes you feel good about going out!

If there's a next time, I'll be buying a few tops specifically for feeding before I have the baby, maybe it'll help avoid the 3 week slump?

Do you have any practical or mental ideas for a successful feeding relationship? Leave a comment and let me and other expecting Mamas know!

And hey! I'm on the cover of Breastmates Mag! (along with hundreds of other beautiful Mama and Daddys!) If you want to become a pin-up-girl check out the Breastmates Facebook page

READ MORE:
Nuture Top
Bump n Boob range
Preparing for Feeding & Clip on Cami Review
Glory Maternity Dress Review

Preparing for Feeding

I had a great breastfeeding relationship with Milla right from the first minutes of her life. She latched straight away and continued to feed well over the next year.

I can see now that there are a few things I can do to prepare for feeding to make it as comfortable and easy as possible for both of us. Here's a few tips if you're planning to go down that road yourself:

1) Clothing: Your whole wardrobe is going to be based on accessibility for the next few months. As baby gets older and you're feeding less you can get away with wearing some trickier clothing items, but until then layers are going to be your best friends!

I have one of these new Breastmates Clip On Cami's that I can't wait to use! Its another in the Breastmates self designed and produced line, it clips on to a maternity bra so you don't have extra straps on your shoulders, you're not stretching down your ordinary singlet tops(!!) and you dont have a million layers over your boobs.

I love Breastmates clothing, the quality is so good and long lasting and this is no different. I'm still wearing my Glory Maternity Dress from earlier in the year and still loving it. 

Breastmates clothes are made from great materials, they wash so well and they fit!! I really can't recommend them enough!

I plan to wear this cami at night allowing for easy access and support from my maternity bras. They have a huge range of other styles of feeding singlets if you're in the market for one.

2) Nightwear
Consider what you're going to wear at night. You'll want to stay warm, especially in the winter months and feeding can often leave your chest and shoulders exposed.

This time around I've gone for flannel winter PJs so I can unbutton them at the front. I should probably have thought more about my colour choice but the range available at the time was disappointingly limited!

3) Hydration!
I did not realise how much I would need to drink!! So. crazy. thirsty! I'm normally a cup drinker, but having bottles around was just so handy! I would always have one in my handbag! Don't even think about leaving the house without water.

One of the best "new Mama" gifts I was given in my first week with my first born was a couple of bottles of flavoured water. I was told at the time "water can get pretty boring when you're drinking so much" and I didn't really comprehend how true that was until it hit me!! Flavoured water quickly became my treat friend. This time I've been slowly stocking up so I can have my water-treats on hand.

4) Feeding friends
I found it so hugely important and encouraging to have breastfeeding Mama friends. First time round I had 3 close friends who all had babies within a few months of each other. Each of us breastfed and it was never ever a big deal. It was totally normal to us. I'm so thankful for that! I'm also thankful for a Mum and Nana who tell it like it is and fed each of their children (my mum had 5!). They are hugely encouraging (and honest). And a Dad who told me to get "over it" and "just feed my baby forgoodnesssake". Its so vital to have encouraging supportive people around you, whether they are feeding at the time or not.

Here's to a successful feeding relationship with my newest daughter! I can't wait to have that bond with her and be able to provide, sustain, soothe and connect with her all at once! 

READ MORE:
Breastmates Glory Maternity Dress Review
Follow Breastmates on twitter

Baby book reviews for 21 month old

On Having a Staycation

Stay-cationing is a holiday at home! It comes with all the benefits of having a holiday, and all the benefits of staying at home (in your own bed!) and relaxing!

Some minor details definitely made our Stay-Cation a winner so I wanted to share them here if you are considering your own.

• We agreed on having a staycation long before we were on it. We looked forward to it and my husband and I were both in agreeance that it would be a good time for our family.
• We made a list ahead of time of some things in our city that we loved doing, and also asked friends for their own ideas. Our friends had lots of suggestions we had never heard of before so it was worth asking around. 
• Being a young family (with a toddler and being pregnant again) most of the things on our list were small trips around the city that were toddler friendly and were cheap / free! 
• After creating our list we decided to keep it flexible and woke up every morning to decide what we would do off this list. This was based off energy levels, amounts of sleep and the weather outside. The only rule was we had to do at least something.
• We bought a few extra groceries and treats since we were going to be home a lot.
• At night we invited over friends, had delicious meals and deserts and ate plenty of junk food.
• After the day was over we got to tuck up in our own beds and wake up and doing it all again the next morning! 

Some of the things we did on our stay-cation:

• We went to a free animal farm in Spencer Park
• Berry picking (twice!)
• Visited our local museum
• Discovered a local park with a paddling pool (which quickly became our family's favourite)
• Went to the beach. A lot.
• Went on a small trip to a near by town for a few nights (doesn't really count does it!)

This holiday was one of the best I have ever had, and definitely the best that we've had together as a family. It was a perfect combination of exploring and adventures, with comfort and keeping routine and naps (to keep us sane!)

If you ever go on a stay-cation I'd love to hear about it!

Summer Berry Picking

Berry picking at Sweethearts

One of the ideas for our Stay-Cation list was to go raspberry picking at Sweethearts at Berryfields.

I worked as a waitress at Sweethearts for a few years as a teenager, and during each summer would run their Berry Shop. We eventually got married there a few years later, it was the perfect location for my  summer outdoor wedding dream, amongst the berry vines and under the big trees. 

Despite working in the Berry Shop for years, I never actually tried any berries while I was there so I was excited to go back and try out their pick-your-own service.

From memory it worked out to be about $10-$13 a KG, which was about half a buckets worth.

At the time Milla was 16 months old and handled berry picking like a pro. I was SO surprised (and thrilled) to discover that we could take her some where, quickly teach her something new and she could grasp it straight away.

We taught her to pick the RED raspberries, how to hold and pull them and put them in the bucket. She went along the vine picking all the red ones. Some got squished in her fingers, a few green ones ended up in the bucket, but overall I was thoroughly impressed!

(the perfect task for a transporter)

MrMoo and I had a good time too, we even went back with out of town friends a few weeks later to do the same again.

The second time around we had afternoon tea in their gardens, right where we were married. 

Its such a lovely atmosphere there, I really do love the whole complete business, it is great for locals and tourists. Think devonshire teas, raspberry dacquris, berry punnets, frank sinatra and all the waitresses in pinnies. 

I am loving finding all these new things that our family enjoys that could become traditions one day. I think berry picking at Sweethearts will be on our yearly summer to-do!

[This week I'm reminiscing in my 2013 Summer Series. I had a great summer but most of it wasn't blogged about due to morning sickness. Here's my record!]

[Sweethearts At Berryfields are not a sponsor or partner of Sophie Slim.]

How to Find a Good Midwife

Our midwife showing MrMoo how to put on Millas first nappy

While I snuggled a little newborn in 2011 I heard of so many stories of my friends ending up with midwives they didn't like, trust or believe it. It made me terribly sad. I loved my midwife and I was truly sorry to be out of her care. I trusted her completely. I believed in her philosophy and how that impacted the decisions she made.

It was then that I realised that no two midwives are the same. Its important to get one who fits with -your- philosophy, just how no two mothers are the same.

Can I urge you, if you are entering your first pregnancy (or even subsequent ones) and you dont know the first thing about choosing a midwife (don't worry, no one does) have a think about the type of birth you would like to have, and about the type of care you would like to receive. Then ring up and ask a midwife what they offer.

Each midwife is different and will offer a different type of care. Some will only do hospital births, others are skilled specifically at home births. Some can't be involved in epidurals so if you get one you'll be passed over to the hospitals care. Some midwives work within a practice (so you get to know the other midwives on call), others work within a roster at a hospital so you'll have a stranger midwife attending your birth (or possibly delivering, depending on what week or time of day it is).

Some midwives are only part time, some are full time. Some will do home visits, others you'll need to go to their clinic to have your monthly and fortnightly visits.

Some midwives will befriend you and will be interested in your life outside of your uterus, others will be strictly business. Some will be all for medicine and tests, others will weigh up your risk factors and suggest different options.

What suits someone else may not suit you, and vice versa.

I have heard countless times from people who had a birth and care other than what they wanted, and could look back and see that they saw it coming all along.

If you see a midwife for a few months and you feel like you are not clicking with them, see someone else. You are not stuck with them.

Personally, I love my midwife and it is a happy coincidence I stumbled into her care. I was originally seeing a different LMC but a few months into my care for my first pregnancy she had to pull out of midwifery due to family circumstances. Instead, I was referred to this new midwife with the option of seeing someone else if I would rather. I'm so happy I was able to meet her.

READ MORE:
Praising my midwife in 2011
What antenatal classes are like

Chicago by MUSOC

In August a friend took me to see a modern production of the musical Chicago by the musical society of Canterbury University.

It. Was. Brilliant.

I was so very impressed with the level of professionalism, instantly feeling like I was in a broadway audience, or even in prohibition Chicago amongst the jazz scene. The singing, dancing, costumes, acting, it was all of a very high standard.

I particularly loved the costumes, all in sexy lingerie or suits, the black was all
matching and the ripped stockings gave way to the sinister profession of the murderesses.

I'm not much of a muso, but the band and cast were amazing, from the first number (All That Jazz) I was blown away and instantly trusting their performing skills. 

I came home with the Cell Block Tango running through my head, feeling very sexy and powerful.

I will definitely be attending another MUSOC show and can't wait to see what they come up with next!

READ MORE:
More SLIM Reviews
More burlesque on the blog later this week...

The Sparkliest Jug in Town!

Okay Girls. BIG news. After all my bragging, you're going to thank me for this one!

I have t.h.e sparkliest jug and toaster in town, and they are 3.5 years old! They have never looked cleaner since we took them out of their box... and I owe it all to this little white square of goodness...

Last year I did one days work for my Mum in Law (she's a cleaner), and she had this little beauty in her kit, I was amazed and cleaned dirty marks off walls with out any products! I figured it was some sort of cleaners secret that I wasn't allowed in on, until I saw this bad boy in Briscoes last week! YES!

"HONEY! WE HAVE TO BUY THIS!!!"

"Why?" Questioned Hubby. "Whats so special about it?"

"Its just amazing. Trust me."

Yup, demonstrations later came for the Hubs. I cleaned black marks off the skirting boards, our toaster and jug were done in seconds, and soon I'll be tackling our stainless steel rubbish bin. It can also do soap scum, food and most surfaces. You just rinse it in water, rub it on something, and it is instantly ah.mah.zing! For $3 (and no chemicals).

Go and buy one. Now.

Not convinced? Heres my before and after photos (know that I have tried to clean these surfaces before with other products to no avail)...

p.s - it comes in a big white block, I've cut mine up to make it last much longer. You could get about 4 decent hunks of sponge from one whole block.

You're welcome.

READ MORE:

Joining in with Best In Blog

Other Lovely Things in my Home

5 Ways to Dress Up - New Mama Styles

Last week I went out for a glass of wine and delicious desert, during night time hours, sans baby. It was wonderful to enjoy the company to some other beautiful ladies and dress up a little bit.

If you're a new Mama like me, perhaps you have realised that your standards of dressing up might have changed for now? While that used to include a dress, heels, full make up, hair do, the works, these days it includes a few easier things and I thought I would share them with you.

And you know, I felt like a million bucks


1) Apply some make up, and something different. 
If you don't usually wear mascara, put some on, or eyeshadow, same with blusher, or in my case lip stick. That little difference will make you aware of yourself and how you look and you'll feel like you've made an 'extra effort'. I had some new make up to put on for when we went out (just replacements of the old stuff) but putting on something new and different was exciting. Small minds, huh?

2) Accessorise.
As a new mum with a little inquisitive baby on my hip I can't wear any extra jewellery. I'll end up with my ear lopes ripped off or my necklace yanked off my neck (don't underestimate the death grip of a baby!). When I went out I had my new Pretty Birds earrings on. They were an absolute treat to wear and not something I wear often. Again, because its irregular you'll notice it and it will feel good. Maybe wear that necklace you have touched since your pregnancy, earrings or bangle, the world is your oyster!

3) Change your bag up. If you have a few hand-bags at home go for something other than your nappy bag. Only take the essentials and make sure there are NO nappies in there. The weightlessness of your bag will make you feel like you're walking on air!

4) Do something spesh with your hair.
If you're a hair person do something different with it. Sadly, I'm hopeless with my hair so it just gets knotted on top so its out of my way.

5) Keep your phone inside your bag.
Lastly, when you're leaving home, tell your baby sitter or partner to call if they need you (NOT text. Otherwise you'll be checking your phone all night) and preferably only in an emergency - if they are on the way to the hospital ;)

Close that door, hold your shoulders back and breathe in that freedom.

You're beautiful!

READ MORE:
The importance of having Mama support around you
Like my Sophie Slim Facebook page for more updates

Cloth and Disposable Round Up

A lot of great feedback was left on my two posts last week from my readers about the use of disposable and cloth nappies.

If you've had a baby its something you would have spent a fair bit of time thinking about, in those early days, easily changing 10 nappies a day, maybe thinking to yourself "is there something better out there?" Whatever way you chose to go, after my posts last week I thought I would summarise and also publish your suggestions and tips on the blog!

CLOTH

Since posting last week I have increased my use of modern cloth nappies. I am finding they are a lot more absorbant than I first thought. Its really amazing what they can hold but I still haven't used them over night.

Storage - Make them accessible - Have your cloth nappies at your changing station. I have a little basket in our lounge with everything I need to change the Baby. In it is disposables, reusables, baby flannels, wet wipes & baby powder. It hides behind the couch so its out of sight. Seeing the reusables when you go to get your supplies will remind you to use them.

Have a plan to wash them - At this rate I do one load of washing a day, I alternate between whites and darks everyday. So far I have been washing my nappies in the white load. I toss the nappies in a rubbish bin with a closeable lid in the laundry until a white load day. So far I have not needed to do any extra washing. If I was using the cloth nappies around the clock it may add an extra wash during the week but that would be the extent of it.

Washing - Keep powders to a minimum, you don't want to get power stuck inside and clog up the microfibre fabric. If you do, you can strip them. I think you do this with hot water but I'm not entirely sure :) Don't soak them.

Poop - Any poo in the nappies I 'knock' into the toilet and flush away. If things are a bit squished I rinse them under the tap then chuck them into the rubbish bin in my laundry. There are such things as nappy liners - you put them inside and then can lift them out with the poop attached. You can get them from the supermarket but I don't know what they are made out of so I haven't looked into them.

Smell - Things can get a bit stinky in that rubbish bin. Miriam suggested sticking on the inside of the lid a panty liner that has a few drops of smellies on it. I used lavender oil and it works a treat! I have also heard baking soda in the bottom of the bucket to soak up the smells but I tried that and didn't find it worked.

Stains - If you find you have any stains after washing hang them out to dry in the direct sunshine. If you didn't know this already, the sun will get most stains out of your clothing. I only learnt that last year and it has REVOLOUTIONISED our laundry. Its now my mission to tell everyone this. The sun is your laundry friend!

Folding - If you're using insert nappies like I am (and love them!) put your inserts in when you're folding your washing. It only takes a few extra seconds then and there so they are ready to go later (making them accessible, remember?)


DISPOSABLES:

If you're buying nappies before your baby is born you need to know that you buy them by the weight of your baby. Each brand has their own weight measurements so it can get a bit confusing. Before our baby I bought 6 packs of newborn nappies (around 4kgs) and 3 packs of the next size up (generally called 'infants' (6 or 7kgs ish). With a new born you're changing nappies pretty regularly. Some days I was using up to 12 nappies a day in those first few weeks. That chugged me through a pack in a matter of days. I was worried I'd have too many new born nappies left over but I didn't have a big baby so she fitted them for a while. 


Huggies seems to be a very good nappy choice for those babies with sensitive skin. I have heard of many cases of babies coming out in rashes when in other nappies and not in Huggies.


Widge also suggested Cherish, a Pams brand that supplies sizes over 6months old.


If you're worried about the environment but still need to use disposables like Max you could look into 'enviro-comp': For a fee they pick up your nappies and compost them. Otherwise disposables sit in land fills for years while their contents rotts and chemicals leak... You get the point. Composting is goooood.


If you're not composting and just chucking them in the bin (argh, a part of me feels so irresponsible talking about this, but I do it, so i'll talk about it) keep some bags handy. I use that huggies wet wipes container (the travel flat one with the lift up lid) to keep my bags in because I feel its much safer than just having them float around the lounge or my baby bag. Some times I buy bags. You can buy nappy bags from the supermarket or a $2 shop, or often I use our left over plastic fruit and vege bags from the weekly groceries or bread bags. They are pretty perfect sizes.


When I had a new born I had a clear plastic zip up bag that stayed under our change table and I put the dirty nappies straight in there after changing the baby. I also put a few drops of lavender oil in there because when you get a few dirty nappies in the bag it can start to stink. Once a day I would empty the bag and it would mean you weren't always going to the rubbish bin after every change, especially during the night! 


I hope some of that information helped, it certainly helped me and I loved receiving all of your feedback! Do you have anything else you'd like to share? Leave a comment and I'll edit the post to keep it up to date :)


READ MORE:

• My favourite disposable nappy and a review of the rest
• My initial thoughts on cloth nappies

On My Favourite Nappy - A Review

In all my life I never imagined I would be so consumed and focussed on the contents of a nappy.

Nappies are so important and I completely underestimated their value prior to Baby. I found myself carrying around multiple changes of clothes because of the inevitable poo explosion. It is a total pain in the *bum*, holding a baby and realising you have poo on your arm, on your clothes, on their legs. Gag. I am SO glad we are past that stage and have moved onto something more solid and more cloth nappies!

I tried a lot of brands; Huggies, Treasures, Baby love (aweful), eco genius nappies, Budget Brand (sucks!!). My favourite nappy? Homebrand.


What!!?? You don't have to pay the earth for a good nappy? I know! The cheapest nappy of all provided the best coverage, absorbency, fit, price, range of sizes and well, I couldn't really fault them.

I know. Disposable nappies! Cue the nappy banshees raining down on me! I know disposable nappies are filled with only God knows what chemicals. I'm not condoning their use, but if you're going the disposable way; I can recommend Homebrand nappies - Ain't no shame in havin' Homebrand in your nappy bag!

What did I think about the other nappies I tried?

HUGGIES REVIEW: Huggies were always the most expensive. They did their job, but I'm a Mum looking for a bargain and it wasn't anywhere near huggies. They have cute designs on them, but honestly, my Baby doesn't know who Winnie the Poo is, and I'm not fooled by your expensive marketing campaign! The outside of the nappy felt almost like brushed fabric

TREASURES REVIEW: I quite liked treasures. They were unisex and purple, not sure if that effects the use by a Mum of a boy, but I enjoyed them none the less. When my baby got a bit older and was rolling over during her sleep she would wake up in the middle of the night and be soaked in her own pee - I think it was because her tummy was squishing the nappy and pee was coming out the top. Don't ask me how that works by it only ever happened with Treasures nappies! The outside of the nappy feels a lot more papery than Huggies - very different!

BABY LOVE REVIEW: Aweful. Don't even bother. I bought them because they were on sale and I immediately regretted it. They leaked nappy contents 70% of the time and I didn't even use up the whole packet, I gave up. They do have good sales on their nappies though so sometimes you can grab a bargain, but i'll never be fooled again! The outside of the nappy has some sort of synthetic layer on it, supposedly to stop leaking, but I found my baby was very damp and sweaty underneath even when the nappy was relatively dry. I think it prevented her bum from breathing. Unlike all the others they don't have a stretchy waistband at the back. I don't know why, but the stretchy waistband is definitely good. Oh, and they have the wiggles on them. Marketing to my 3 month old? No thanks! I would never bother with these again.

ECO GENIUS REVIEW: I am having nappy-brain. I can't remember using these but I know I wasn't fussed.

BUDGET BRAND REVIEW: Leak, leak, leaks!

**All of my opinions, no sponsorship involved.

Oh! Can I say something else about Homebrand? Yes? Thankyou. Last month I bought my Babys regular size and when I got home the nappies inside the bag were huge! I emailed them, and went in and they exchanged my nappies and gave me a full refund! A 200% guarantee! Huzzah Countdown!

READ MORE:

• My thoughts on cloth nappies
• A cloth and disposable round up and review

The Shack - A Book Review

Enouraged by Mrs Readalot I picked up the shack at my small temporary quake library, it has only the most popular books stocked because it is in such a small space (only 3 shelves). The Shack awaited my arrival.

I remember this book going around christian circles a few years ago and I remember people taking it as gospel. That's why I didn't read it. "That's not gospel!" I would tell myself. It's a novel; A completely made up, ficticious book that a man created for his family to read. And it is brilliant. Instead of telling you about I'm going to tell you what it did for me.

Not many books have the power to do something for you which is what makes this book unique, it ministered to me in quite a different way.

At first I was disturbed, I had to face the realities of loosing a young child and dealing with blame and guilt and fear and absolute disgusting MESS. This world is so messy. Good people get hurt, some people are twisted, evil and scary and are words that I don't even have to describe them. I couldn't read these parts alone, I had to be near my husband. They upset me and opened up my heart "Please God, not us" I prayed.

I was then confronted with meeting god and she [He] wasn't what I expected. I was confused and challenged and determined to push through. I came to meditate and accept that perhaps God is far bigger than myself. In the book god explains that often peoples picture of him is of a better version of themselves. That is definitely how I have viewed God. Just maybe 100x better than me. But still, that limits him. Still, that shows that he has flaws, as I do. But in reality that is not the case. God is far bigger and greater than I could possibly imagine and I started to believe that because of the picture that was written in this book.

I started to believe in God. 

The real God of the universe. Not my small God.

Through reading this book my prayer life has changed. I especially loved the story where the main character Mack was at the dinner table where god had prepared him a meal. He bowed his head and went to say "grace" before looking up and thanking god. God had literally provided his meal for him. It was a little comical. Also, at the dinner table the Holy Spirit asks Mack how his family is. Mack goes on to tell the 3 his familys troubles and triumphs and about each of his children until he stops and asks "Don't you know already?" the Holy Spirit then goes on to tell him that they do know, but they choose to give up that power for a relationship with him. Who wants a friend who knows absolutely everything about you so there is no reason to speak to each other? Who wants a relationship that is based on power and having that lorded over you? Instead, she [because in the book the HS is a female asian] explains that they would rather hear from you, from us, about whats going on. They like to hear it from our perspective. Isn't that wonderful? I have known this of course because the bible encourages us to pray in all situations, but hearing it in this form put a whole new understanding and perspective. God wants to hear from us. Mind blowing!

I started to pray.

Isn't that amazing? As a result I have been talking to him. Not just when I need things or huge things are happening. I have been vocalising my little worries, my little joys, how I feel when I see my beautiful daughter, my nerves, my triumphs, my relationships. I have been sharing almost everything with him and it is amazing. I really hope to keep it up. You know how it is. Ebbs and flows and all that.

The novel ends, and wont ruin it, but I could definitely think of 5 people off the top of my head who I thought needed to read this - people who needed a new perspective on a God they felt had left them.

Thank you for suggesting this book Mrs Readalot.

Next on my night stand is Growing Great Girls by Ian and Mary Grant.