Nursery Update – Kitsch print

I can’t believe its Sunday evening already – where has the weekend gone?

I did a spot of op-shopping this weekend and found this gorgeous retro print of a little boy and his dog standing in the rain. I think it is a “kitsch” type of print but I’m just guessing from what little research I’ve done on the net. It is very “vintage” and I thought it would be a perfect addition to the nursery – not to mention too cute to pass on.

I did a little restoration on the frame – that is I painted it white to lighten the picture up a bit and of course to match the nursery décor.

How cute is it? *giggles*

 

Does anyone know about these types of prints? If you do or have one of your own, please do show and tell!

 

The countdown begins…

Hi all! I hope you’re all having a great week so far.

I’m so excited to announce that I am in my last 9 weeks until I’m due to give birth! Wow I can’t believe how time has flown – where has the last seven months gone? And what has happened to my body?!

I haven't really blogged about pregnancy so I'm going to try and do it all in the one post. Here is what I’ve experienced so far:

Increased appetite – The first clue that I was pregnant was when I had dinner at my in laws and had three servings. Then got home and was still hungry, so naturally ate again. Since becoming pregnant I eat and eat and eat. Sometimes I just can’t seem to satisfy my hunger. My appetite slowed down around 4-6 months but has now returned with a vengeance. However, I do get full quicker as there isn’t much room in there at the moment. I haven’t had too many funky cravings. Really the only foods I have craved are pasta with creamy mushroom sauce, sausage sizzle and ice-cream.

Fatigue – In the first three months, I was dead tired. Being at work wasn’t too bad and kept myself busy and awake. It was as soon as I stepped in the house that it hit me. I would nap as soon as I got home, get up to eat and sleep until the morning. I could have slept through a night club– that’s how tired you get! Luckily, a new burst of energy came out of nowhere in the second trimester and I’m still feeling great.

Nesting – The nesting instinct kicked in around 5 months and it hit me hard. Luckily it was around Christmas holidays so I had a bit of time to do this. I was like a crazy woman needing to finish the nursery immediately! I did a lot of cleaning, refurbishing furniture and decorating. I’ve never had such a strong urge to do anything as I did nesting. I think I’m back to “normal” or I just can’t seem to find the time to do anything due to social engagements and I am moving at a much s…l…o…w…e…r pace.

Bathroom runs – I had a weak bladder before which doesn’t help my situation. I used to get annoyed (understatement) having to get up at least four times a night to go to the bathroom. Now I think I’ve adapted and it doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is when I can’t even make a train journey home and having to use public toilets at train stations *all together now eeeeeeeeeeewwww!*

Body changes – Ok let’s state the obvious, your stomach gets big. I hadn’t really noticed my stomach growing as it’s been a gradual process. But the last week I have noticed that my belly has just popped out! And just tonight I found stretch marks. I didn’t notice them because they were on my underbelly but needless to say I am D.E.V.A.S.T.A.T.E.D. I’ve also put on weight, initially all over. But now I feel it’s slowly moving to my stomach area, and sometimes I feel like I’m going to topple over because I’m so disproportioned.
Other minor changes include hair growing at a faster rate and glowing skin.

Symptoms – Earlier in the pregnancy my mood swings were out of control! Made PMS look kind. Other pregnancy symptoms that I’ve experienced include easily becoming breathless and leg cramps during the night. These have occurred recently and I’ve been told this is normal.

So far, I’ve been pretty lucky with my pregnancy. No morning sickness, cleared for gestational diabetes and more importantly bub is active in there and growing at a healthy rate!

I guarantee the next 9 weeks will quickly pass and before you know it, I’ll be introducing little bub to you all!

@ 2 months

@ 5 months

@ 7 months (current)

And it will only get bigger!

Question: Is there any Australian bloggers out there? I am following mainly international blogs but would love to find some home grown talent…I just can’t seem to find you all.

Camberwell Market

If you’re ever down in Melbourne, make sure you have Camberwell Market on your itinerary. If you live locally and have never been – make sure you go this weekend! It’s a market full of clothing, shoes, vintage items and bric-a-brac items. H & my Sunday mornings used to consist of Camberwell Market – Coffee – more browsing around the market and yum cha on the way home. What more can you ask for?!

Yesterday we were at the market once again as sellers. My sister and I in one stall and H & her sister in the one next door. It was a very early start – 5am early – but the market closes at midday so it was really only a half day event. We sold a variety of things predominantly clothing, shoes and home wares. It was very enjoyable & you meet so many great people. I would definitely prefer to do this over my day job (if my boss is reading this- errr I’m joking haha)!

Word of advice- if you decide to run a market stall try not to do this when you’re seven months pregnant!

Baby talk – disposable or cloth nappies?

The last few months, I’ve been trying to decide whether to use disposable or cloth nappies once bub is born. After doing some research, talking to mothers who have used cloth or disposable and looking at my own circumstance, I have decided to go with cloth! Why why why you ask? Well first and foremost it would be for environmental reasons. Disposable nappies take years to decompose and clog landfills. Pro disposable users argue that cloth nappies have similar environmental impact. That is, using more water and energy for washing and drying cloth diapers. I disagree.

This is my tiny contribution with helping the environment and I will not be swayed! K and mums I’ve spoken to think I’m crazy and it would just be so much more convenient to use disposables, but I’m willing to give it a go. I admit we will still need and use disposable nappies on the odd occasion (e.g. if we are out). To offset the occasional use of disposables and to further reduce energy consumption I pledge to:

• Make sure full washing loads.
• Reduce water temperature when washing.
• Air dry instead of using the dryer.
• No ironing of nappies (didn’t even consider this but there is people out there who do!)

Using cloth nappies are more economical. This is secondary for me, but could be useful to families who are on a budget and the savings would definitely be a major benefit.

Have I prepared for the cloth nappy domination? YES! I bought 3 dozen nappies from Big W – currently on sale (woo hoo).

Anyway – this is just one of the few baby decisions that I have been contemplating with of late. I am not trying to write an argumentative essay or trying to persuade you to do anything. I would, however, love to hear your thoughts/experiences on this. EEEkkkk have I set myself up for 2-3 years of full time laundry?

 

Glorious (Japanese) Food.

Last week, K & I were invited to a friend’s birthday at Yar Restaurant on Southbank. It’s all you can eat Japanese! I *heart* all you can eat and I *heart* Japanese so I was very much looking forward to this meal. The restaurant has a funky and fresh décor with an upstairs area. I tried to get a pic but didn’t do a very good job (note to self – do not aspire to be a professional photographer).

The deal is you order from the menu and the food comes out fresh. There was the choice of sushi, sashimi, noodles, tempura, teriyaki, tofu, soup and the list goes on. And to top it off – it’s very affordable. There are two menu options $39.95 and $49.95 – obviously you have more dishes to choose from if you decide to opt for the $49.95 menu. Included in this price is anything on the menu, a drink and dessert. Ok the dessert was a bit of a letdown (vanilla ice cream) but I was so full it didn’t really matter. Here are a few pictures I took of some dishes. I did have my camera out ready to take photos of each dish but my hand-food-mouth coordination was too quick.

P.S. If you do decide to eat here make sure you’re not pregnant. Trust me when I say, it was torture having a plate of sushi in front of you and you aren't allowed to eat it. K said it wasn’t that great – what a sweetie. I knew he was lying when he polished off the plate in 30 seconds flat!

Nursery update – toy box & bird cage (not).

Hello everyone I have returned! I have been so busy the last few weeks with dinners, catching up with mates, birthdays etc , that I have totally neglected my blog. Also, now in my third trimester, I really utterly feel and look pregnant! Been going to bed at 9pm latest and napping when I can over the weekends which can be partly to blame for my absence. Ok enough excuses.

For those who follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook, you might have noticed that I recently won a toy box on ebay. YAY! This was one of the last pieces I needed for the nursery. Luckily enough this toy box/chest doubles as a bench and I didn’t have to drive halfway across Victoria to pick it up. Location was practically down the road, over the bridge, down another road and around the corner! The item was in great condition and I don’t think I would have revamped if it wasn’t going in the nursery – on second thoughts maybe I would have replaced the fabric!

So initially I removed the screw (things) that was holding the fabric in place. The foam was glued to the box and needed to be extremely careful not to damage the foam, unscrewed all the fittings, sanded down with an electric sander (my new best friend) and it was ready to be painted. This time around I used a small roller instead of a brush and it halved the time in painting. I spray painted the fittings in black as I didn’t think the brass would suit. Finally, washed the foam and sewed a cover using the same fabric I used for the lamp shade – you know to provide some continuity around the room!
 
So here it is before and after - in all its revamped glory!

I’ve also been on the hunt for a small decorative bird cage to hang in the nursery. I have searched high and low during my charity store trips, trash and treasure markets and ebay, with no success. So during one very humid lunchtime – I was walking (my current and only form of exercise) around the city and came across a candle store. On the sale table was this gorgeous mesh candle holder. I know it’s not a bird cage but I loved it and instantly visualized hanging in the nursery. Hubby K didn’t see my vision when I showed him but men are hopeless when it comes to ATTENTION TO DETAIL!

Have a great night lovelies!

Paella Feast.

Spain seems a distant memory – ok so it was only 6 months ago. During our stop in Spain, my Europe companions were on the hunt for delicious paella. We had paella at least once a day while we were in the country and NEVER did we get tired of it. Finding delectable paella was definitely a hit and miss but the experience was priceless!

My sis, S, recently organized a night at Brandy Creek Winery (Regional Victoria) for their paella feast. It was definitely a road trip but when we arrived the view was picturesque and the aroma was mouth watering. For a set price, entrée, paella, dessert and a drink was included. There were five different paella’s available, a mixture of meat, seafood and vegetables.

Good company, great food and memories of Spain – what a night!

Thanks for the pics N&LDC.