Baby nursery

During my pregnancy, I was obsessed preparing the nursery – and to make it more challenging- on a tiny budget. Score! I achieved my budget thanks to generous family and lots of hours at op shops and Ebay.

Originally, the nursery was a “junk” room. I know everyone has one – ours is just a little (very) messy. It took me roughly a couple of hours to clear the room on a 30degree day and being five months pregnant.

I wanted a black and white theme, clean and not too “cute”. Does that make sense? I mean I didn’t want the nursery to be too “baby”, I wanted something different.

Here is a list of the items, approximate cost and where it was purchased from:

Curtains - Spotlight $70

A simple black iron rod with approximately 4 metres of sheer white curtain and the first item that went up in Project Nursery.

Hanging pom poms – Made out of tissue paper $6

I found the tutorial in the Martha Stewart website. Gorgeous little trimmings for the room.

Rocking chair – Ebay $22

One of my first finds. Needed a good sanding and varnish. I was considering painting this white but loved the timber so decided to varnish instead.

Throw blanket – IKEA $8

Cot – Hand me down from my uncle and auntie $0.

This needed some t.l.c. as it had been stored in their garage for around 9 years. A lot of scratches and bite marks but came out using the electric sander. Mattress is from Toys r Us as a gift from my brother and his fiancé.

Mosquito net – Op shop $12

I found this on one of my op shop trips. It was practically new, no holes and the stand came with it. A wash and the stand wiped down with disinfectant and I’m over the moon!

Hanging tea light candle holder – Dusk $15

Desperately searched for a bird cage and couldn’t find one that was 1) small enough 2) in my price range 3)chic. Stumbled across this one on the sale rack at Dusk and loved it.

Toy box – Ebay $20 IKEA Material $8

I did a post on this previously here. Again sanded and painted the box white and fixtures black. Ripped off the foam on top and recovered with IKEA material. What a difference!

Chest of drawers – Ebay $45

This was originally unvarnished pine when I bought it. Did the usual, sanded and repainted white. I also covered the knobs with fabric (see post here)to give the drawers some character.

Lamp – Op shop $3 IKEA material leftover

Had wanted to redo a lamp for some time and had the opportunity to do so when I found this lamp. See full post here.

Kitsch print – Op shop $4.50

See previous post here – how cute!

Stereo –already owned.

Monitor – Hand me down from uncle and auntie $0

Laundry Hamper – Op Shop $13

See previous post here.

Change Table – Op Shop $23

I found the change table the same time I bought the mosquito net at the same op shop. So imagine my excitement that day! The change table is IKEA and untreated pine. Again sanded and repainted to match the furniture.

Cane book shelf – Op shop $10

See previous post here.

Rug – Lincraft $17 Non –slip mat $8
I originally wanted a white shaggy rug but was not prepared to pay hundreds of dollars so needed to improvise. Browed my local Lincraft store and found a piece of remnant throw rug which was – in my opinion – too coarse to use as a throw rug. And then a light bulb went on in my head and I realised this would be great on the nursery floor. I had to buy non slip mats to place underneath to avoid any accidents.

Not bad right? All you need is some disinfectant, an electric sander, paint, varnish and elbow grease! It’s so rewarding seeing the final result and I can’t wait to do it again!

Baby Shower

A few weeks ago my sister S and a couple of my closest friends KT & HT organized a beautiful baby shower for me!

We played a few pregnancy/ baby games and ate and ate and ate some more. The boys (Hubby K ,RE and CC) stayed for the party and were in the background preparing the food or taking pictures.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped that day in preparing, attending and cleaning. I am blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and kind friends!

Another big shout out and thanks to HT, S and KT - what an amazing day!

Last chance to enter my giveaway here.

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!

Nursery purchases, before and after.

I haven’t mentioned much about the progress of the nursery. Don’t be fooled I have been like an insane woman scouting, sanding or painting furniture for the nursery.

I have been on the lookout for a bookshelf and laundry hamper for a while now both on ebay and thrifting. Finally, I found both on my thrift trip over the weekend. Both are cane and in pretty good condition. I get so excited and I love LOVE finding items during my trips. Don’t get me wrong, I usually don’t find anything but sometimes you just get so damn lucky!

I wanted these in the nursery so they obviously needed to be repainted white. This is my first “project” with spray paint so I really didn’t know what I was in for. I found spray paint by White Knights which is lead free and has non chroming properties. A great find given I’m six months pregnant!

Firstly I cleaned the hamper and bookshelf. And then I put my gear on, shorts/tshirt/thongs a.k.a. workwear, goggles, mask and spray painted my heart away. I didn’t realise that spray painting was so difficult! Ok not difficult but…awkward?! In hindsight, I maybe should have used a brush instead. Has anyone else tried to paint cane furniture? Did you have any issues?

Took a few hours to dry and once ok I had to put it in the nursery immediately. It’s very shabby chic but i think it works!

I started to paint the shelf before I realised I hadn’t taken a picture! So the before shot of the shelf should really be titled “in progress”.

 

 
I forgot to mention  the lid on the hamper wasn't attached so I used black ribbons to keep it in place and allow for opening and closing.
 
The nursery is almost finished. I am just waiting on a toy box, which I'm not sure I will get *sigh*.
 
The room smells like paint so I had to move some plants in there to filter the air. I *heart* indoor plants .... but I'll save that for another post.
 
Until next time!

Knobs.

I’ve been a busy bee preparing the nursery hence the lack of posts. Every night this week I’ve stayed up until midnight (yes that is super late for me) moving the furniture in and diy décor. I can’t believe I’m 70% there! YAY!

So I had a bit of a problem with the chest of drawers. I imagined it to be painted in white and replace the knobs with antique wrought iron style round handles. I found the perfect set on ebay at a bargain price. I received them and they were too damn big! Note to self: CHECK MEASUREMENTS! I know it’s ebay rule 101, but I was so excited I found them. Anywho, they will probably end up on ebay again – or I’ll store for some other furniture makeover.

I went back to the original knobs and was going to paint them black to contrast with the white. But that was too boring. So I went on Etsy to look for some inspiration. Etsy never disappoints! I found handmade fabric covered drawer knobs and they were exactly what I was after. So of I went to Lincraft to choose a fabric and craft glue.

So I started off with this:

And ended up with these:

It’s pretty simple to make. All you need is craft glue, fabric and a knob(s). Check out the tutorial on this blog http://afieldjournal.blogspot.com/2008/09/fabric-knobs-tutorial.html

I had a bit of material left over so used that to make a table runner to place on top of the chest. I like how the runner and knobs match.

I also sewed together a change pad cover (fitted Sheet). Got the fabric from remnants basket at Spotlight. Wouldn’t have taken too long if I measured correctly and sewed on the correct side. BUT I got there and here is the before and after shots. The picture doesn’t really do it justice but trust me it looks better in person (and on the actual change table).

If you haven’t noticed already, the nursery will predominantly be black and white in décor with a hint of romance. I’m not finished yet but I promise to do a comprehensive post once it’s done. In the meantime, keep checking in...