Monday, June 29, 2009
Everyday Jeans
Massive thanks to Chantelle and Carly-Grace for pointing me in this direction. So much fun!!
I wear something similar to this pretty much all the time. In fact, I pretty much have this exact outfit (give or take the Chloe bag - a girl can dream!). Stretch side paneled tees are good for my bigger-by-the-day belly!
Can't help but think a bit of a colour injection wouldn't go astray though.....
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Nesting?
I have loved my house from the minute I saw it on the internet.
It's in a lovely leafy suburb. It's a 1920s Queenslander with the original leadlights, plate rails, cornices and decorative ceilings. It's a serene haven. It has a colour palette of white on white, with a bit of black and silver thrown in for some definition and elegance. It has a massive walk in robe with special storage for shoes for heaven's sake. It's practically perfect!
But something has happened to my serenity. Recently, all I can do is walk around and find things I want to change. Paint walls, put up wallpaper, buy new furniture, knock some walls out, build a new patio, re-stain the floors, and why not re-install the kitchen while we're at it.
And not in a "perhaps this is something we could consider doing at some point down the track". It's more a "I need to discuss these plans with you RIGHT NOW, and yes, I am quite aware that it's 2am" - rather disconcerting (for my husband mainly) I imagine.
This is not good. I have a tendency to get 'itchy feet' after living somewhere for a while (and I'm at nearly 2 years in this house (yes, the one I bought for 'forever').
Here's hoping it's only those crazy nesting hormones.....
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Baby Shower musings
I've started thinking about my baby shower. I know, it's still a reasonably long way off. But I am 23 weeks pregnant. And I am having twins, who apparently love to make an early appearance. And I don't want to be too tired to enjoy it.
Besides, I always think it's better to be well-organised! And to be totally honest, I love planning so much - sometimes even more than the execution to be honest - and it's such an exciting thing to be thinking about.
My gorgeous friend Megan has offered to throw it for me. And I'm very glad it's her. She has divine taste, and with her at the helm I am sure it won't look like Disney has vomited all over the house and garden (or at least I hope not).
I'm finding lots of joy in duck egg blue at the moment, so I think we might start there. And I think I'd like an afternoon garden party. Crystal, delicate glazed china, huge blooms of hydrangeas, peonies, roses. Paper lanterns.
Hmmmm, lovely.
Besides, I always think it's better to be well-organised! And to be totally honest, I love planning so much - sometimes even more than the execution to be honest - and it's such an exciting thing to be thinking about.
My gorgeous friend Megan has offered to throw it for me. And I'm very glad it's her. She has divine taste, and with her at the helm I am sure it won't look like Disney has vomited all over the house and garden (or at least I hope not).
I'm finding lots of joy in duck egg blue at the moment, so I think we might start there. And I think I'd like an afternoon garden party. Crystal, delicate glazed china, huge blooms of hydrangeas, peonies, roses. Paper lanterns.
Hmmmm, lovely.
Time to redecorate?
I've just finished watching homeMADE. These shows always make me want to re-do my house. I luuurve the Porters Paints wallpaper Chontelle and Richie used in the guest bedroom of the house they renovated. So stylish and calming.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
BlogThis Challenge - Holiday
This week's Blog This Challenge is about Holiday Nostalgia:
I have been really lucky to travel to loads of countries and wonderful places. I have a head full of fantastic holiday memories - Christmas time in New York, skiing in Switzerland, eating and drinking our way around Tuscany, sailing around Croatia, eating weird and wonderful Swedish food, driving through the stunning Scottish highlands, Athens and the Greek Islands, a wonderful week in San Sebastian, and too much of France and Italy to recollect in a short list!
But one thing really stands out in my mind. Not because it was the most beautiful, the most perfect, or the most interesting. But because - at the time - it was heart-racing and terrifying, and in hindsight, is the hands down funniest thing to ever have happened to us on holidays in our little lives so far.
The scene begins in Italy - on a two week Tuscan adventure. Being Australian, in Europe, and for a reasonably short period of time, naturally we tried to see as much as possible. And somehow, a day trip to Pisa and the Cinque Terre - from Arezzo, on totally the other side of the country! - seemed like a wonderful idea.
Our hosts at the gorgeous Il Torre - a beautiful old restored Tuscan tower home with stables - just shook their heads in disbelief. But we weren't to be deterred. Off we went!
And we made it. It was wonderful.
Saw the Leaning Tower, boarded the Cinque Terre's train, had the most amazing fresh seafood lunch, and managed to get to all five towns.
We boarded the train back to Pisa with plenty of time to get our rented car out of the multi-story carpark and start the looong drive back to Arezzo. Or so we thought.
The train stopped. Perhaps for some reason. Perhaps for no reason at all. It just stopped. We had a lovely lovely view. But with a crowded train, in the middle of summer in Italy, with no air-conditioning, it started to feel a little hot after a while. After 40 or so minutes it was just plain uncomfortable.
The mounting stress didn't help matters. All I could think about was our car, locked in a carpark that had a very clearly spelled out closing time, and what on earth we would do if we didn't make it back in time.
But then we started again. Sweet relief. Smiles, laughs, "oh, we're so silly - nothing to be worried about - hahaha". For about another minute. And then we stopped again. For another half an hour. By this stage, we were starting to feel rather concerned because we were still 4 towns away from our car, and we had about an hour until the carpark locked. Which would have left both without a car and hence without anywhere to rest our weary sun-drenched heads. (Also, no clean underwear, or a toothbrush... urgh)
And so it continued. Stop start stop start for nearly 2 hours in total. I was a mess. A hot sweaty ball of stress.
We eventually made it back to the main train station with literally 3 minutes until the carpark closed, but we still had to actually get there!
Thankfully, taxis were easy to come by. However, my Italian is far from understandable, as was the driver's English. We managed to write down the address of the carpark and he slowly nodded his head and set off at a leisurely pace. What happened to crazy Italian drivers who all think they belong in on the F1 circuit??? Perhaps they take it slower in such a beautiful part of the world. I don't blame them actually.
Anyhow, I can't describe how panicked we were. All we could think about was getting our car out of the carpark before it was locked in for the night. I didn't know what else to do but to try to communicate to our driver just how much of an 'emergency' situation we were in.
How did I do this?
Oh, very sensibly. I simply said "emergency, emergency, emergency" - but wait for it..... in an Italian accent. Yep, that was my secret weapon. That is, "emergenceeee, emergenceee, emergenceeee".
Oh no.
Oh yes.
That was all I had in my moment of panic. The sum total of what my poor little brain could muster in such a situation.
Finally, I remembered 'pronto', and that did the trick. We got there, but it was about 4 or 5 minutes after closing time.
Now, to this day, I have no idea if it was luck, or an incorrect sign, but we screeched up, raced out, literally sprinted to the paystation, where were were greeted by a girl laughing her head off. She was laughing so hard at us she couldn't breathe.
We must have looked like a panicked, ragged, sunburned, hot, flustered mess. We couldn't even stand upright, let alone speak, pay or otherwise. Which was fine for the moment, because neither could she. I think we made her day :)
But we made it. We got the car, drove back to Arezzo, and that was it. Such an anti climatic ending. (Except for the certificate our hosts had made on their home computer and presented to us upon our arrival home - exclaiming an 'award for the most ambitious travellers they've ever had stay with them').
Whenever I think about this I laugh out loud. It is absolutely hilarious in hindsight. And all that panic and wasted energy for nothing! And as if we wouldn't have sorted something out! We had our trusty guide book and a perfectly functional credit card.
And let's not forget my wonderful Italian..... "emergenceee!!!" Oh dear. Funniest, funniest holiday story of my life. I hope I never forget it. It brings a smile to my face every time.
Everyone loves Holidays. Everyone has had a holiday - be it a great big backpacking adventure, a luxury weekend away,a caravan trek as a kid with the family taking in Big Bananas, Big Prawns, Big Pineapples et al, Camping in the neighbours yard under the stars for a few nights. Elaborately planned holidays, impromptu 'let's get out of here' holidays. Blog about a holiday you've had that stands out - adventure, relaxation, family, friends, disaster, hilarious events! Who were you with? Where did you go? What made it so memorable? Share a photo if you want!
I have been really lucky to travel to loads of countries and wonderful places. I have a head full of fantastic holiday memories - Christmas time in New York, skiing in Switzerland, eating and drinking our way around Tuscany, sailing around Croatia, eating weird and wonderful Swedish food, driving through the stunning Scottish highlands, Athens and the Greek Islands, a wonderful week in San Sebastian, and too much of France and Italy to recollect in a short list!
But one thing really stands out in my mind. Not because it was the most beautiful, the most perfect, or the most interesting. But because - at the time - it was heart-racing and terrifying, and in hindsight, is the hands down funniest thing to ever have happened to us on holidays in our little lives so far.
The scene begins in Italy - on a two week Tuscan adventure. Being Australian, in Europe, and for a reasonably short period of time, naturally we tried to see as much as possible. And somehow, a day trip to Pisa and the Cinque Terre - from Arezzo, on totally the other side of the country! - seemed like a wonderful idea.
Our hosts at the gorgeous Il Torre - a beautiful old restored Tuscan tower home with stables - just shook their heads in disbelief. But we weren't to be deterred. Off we went!
And we made it. It was wonderful.
Saw the Leaning Tower, boarded the Cinque Terre's train, had the most amazing fresh seafood lunch, and managed to get to all five towns.
We boarded the train back to Pisa with plenty of time to get our rented car out of the multi-story carpark and start the looong drive back to Arezzo. Or so we thought.
The train stopped. Perhaps for some reason. Perhaps for no reason at all. It just stopped. We had a lovely lovely view. But with a crowded train, in the middle of summer in Italy, with no air-conditioning, it started to feel a little hot after a while. After 40 or so minutes it was just plain uncomfortable.
The mounting stress didn't help matters. All I could think about was our car, locked in a carpark that had a very clearly spelled out closing time, and what on earth we would do if we didn't make it back in time.
But then we started again. Sweet relief. Smiles, laughs, "oh, we're so silly - nothing to be worried about - hahaha". For about another minute. And then we stopped again. For another half an hour. By this stage, we were starting to feel rather concerned because we were still 4 towns away from our car, and we had about an hour until the carpark locked. Which would have left both without a car and hence without anywhere to rest our weary sun-drenched heads. (Also, no clean underwear, or a toothbrush... urgh)
And so it continued. Stop start stop start for nearly 2 hours in total. I was a mess. A hot sweaty ball of stress.
We eventually made it back to the main train station with literally 3 minutes until the carpark closed, but we still had to actually get there!
Thankfully, taxis were easy to come by. However, my Italian is far from understandable, as was the driver's English. We managed to write down the address of the carpark and he slowly nodded his head and set off at a leisurely pace. What happened to crazy Italian drivers who all think they belong in on the F1 circuit??? Perhaps they take it slower in such a beautiful part of the world. I don't blame them actually.
Anyhow, I can't describe how panicked we were. All we could think about was getting our car out of the carpark before it was locked in for the night. I didn't know what else to do but to try to communicate to our driver just how much of an 'emergency' situation we were in.
How did I do this?
Oh, very sensibly. I simply said "emergency, emergency, emergency" - but wait for it..... in an Italian accent. Yep, that was my secret weapon. That is, "emergenceeee, emergenceee, emergenceeee".
Oh no.
Oh yes.
That was all I had in my moment of panic. The sum total of what my poor little brain could muster in such a situation.
Finally, I remembered 'pronto', and that did the trick. We got there, but it was about 4 or 5 minutes after closing time.
Now, to this day, I have no idea if it was luck, or an incorrect sign, but we screeched up, raced out, literally sprinted to the paystation, where were were greeted by a girl laughing her head off. She was laughing so hard at us she couldn't breathe.
We must have looked like a panicked, ragged, sunburned, hot, flustered mess. We couldn't even stand upright, let alone speak, pay or otherwise. Which was fine for the moment, because neither could she. I think we made her day :)
But we made it. We got the car, drove back to Arezzo, and that was it. Such an anti climatic ending. (Except for the certificate our hosts had made on their home computer and presented to us upon our arrival home - exclaiming an 'award for the most ambitious travellers they've ever had stay with them').
Whenever I think about this I laugh out loud. It is absolutely hilarious in hindsight. And all that panic and wasted energy for nothing! And as if we wouldn't have sorted something out! We had our trusty guide book and a perfectly functional credit card.
And let's not forget my wonderful Italian..... "emergenceee!!!" Oh dear. Funniest, funniest holiday story of my life. I hope I never forget it. It brings a smile to my face every time.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Prints prints prints!
I have prints on the brain - when I couldn't sleep last night (thanks to two very active little boys deciding to play a football match!) - I came to the computer to find some prints for their nursery.
And what good timing! Amanda over at Swish and Swanky has posted a gorgeous Studio Mela print idea, and Chantelle at Fatmumslim has also posted about Caitlin Shearer who also does beautiful work.
I adore these ones too - they remind me of a fairytale enchanted forest. They are by Tom at TR Mack Studio - you can find him here on Etsy.
Don't you think these would look just gorgeous in a nursery? I think I'm in love :)
Does anyone know of any other artists producing gorgeous prints that I should look at?
And what good timing! Amanda over at Swish and Swanky has posted a gorgeous Studio Mela print idea, and Chantelle at Fatmumslim has also posted about Caitlin Shearer who also does beautiful work.
I adore these ones too - they remind me of a fairytale enchanted forest. They are by Tom at TR Mack Studio - you can find him here on Etsy.
Don't you think these would look just gorgeous in a nursery? I think I'm in love :)
Does anyone know of any other artists producing gorgeous prints that I should look at?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Milliner and Mama?
I make hats. I love it. I don't think enough people wear them (myself included!) but every time I take an order, my heart smiles. I make lots of bridal pieces, lots of things for the races, and silk flowers silk flowers silk flowers!
It's a gorgeously relaxing meditative hobby, and I love the time I spend with my fabrics, scissors, ribbons, felts, blocks and the most wonderful antique french flower tooling set.
I hope that I will still have some time to do this when my little ones arrive. I'm sure I won't for the first few months, but at least I know my things will be there when I emerge from my new baby bubble.
Here is a photo montage of a small range of my head pieces. Enjoy!
It's a gorgeously relaxing meditative hobby, and I love the time I spend with my fabrics, scissors, ribbons, felts, blocks and the most wonderful antique french flower tooling set.
I hope that I will still have some time to do this when my little ones arrive. I'm sure I won't for the first few months, but at least I know my things will be there when I emerge from my new baby bubble.
Here is a photo montage of a small range of my head pieces. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Step away from the books!
I'm suffering from an obsession: an affliction perhaps? I am devouring pregnancy, birth, and baby books (texts!) at an alarming pace. The problem? It's really - really - not helping.
Always wake your baby for a feed. Never, ever wake your baby to feed. Be guided by your baby (huh?). Make sure your baby is getting enough food. Don't worry about how much food your baby is getting. Wrap them. Don't wrap them. Never co-sleep. Co-sleeping is best. Don't put twins together in the same cot. You wouldn't dare separate twins would you? Don't let them get too hot. Or too cold. They only cry if something is wrong. All babies cry - lots.eeek!
I could go on, and on, and on....
As someone who tends to live somewhat on the 'process' side of life (spreadsheets anyone?), I feel slightly anxious at such blatant contradiction. How on earth am I going to know what to do?
Perhaps I should take my mum's advice (she has raised three children after all (including a set of her own twins) - without an obsessive dependence on heavy tomes) and STEP AWAY FROM THE BOOKS.
Thanks Mama
(what would a girl do without her mum?)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Origami
I've been making some origami paper cranes, with the intention of turning them into some sort of hanging mobile for over the change table. I just love the idea of them fluttering gently in the breeze. I'll post more pictures when they're more than a bundle of birds on a table.
Random Acts of Kindness
Unexpected flowers from my husband, bearing a beautiful message:My darling Jennifer,
Just because I love you.
All my love always, Txx
These gorgeous blooms (and my gorgeous husband) have brought a huge smile to my face all week. So I just had to enter this week's Blog This Challenge (my very first one).
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Letter to my unborn babies
To my darling boys
Isn’t it amazing: that I know you’re two perfect darling little boys? It wasn’t so long ago that no-one knew for sure whether their babies were boys or girls until they were born.
Your Daddy and I were just too too excited and impatient to wait that long. We wanted to know as soon as we possibly could (around about week 19 of pregnancy!) so that we could look forward to meeting you even more than we already were.
The minute we found out we were having you we loved you. I think we loved you even before you were made. We loved you the moment we started thinking about you.
Do you know that from almost the first moment I met your Dad I knew he was going to be a wonderful father. There is such kindness in his eyes and in his heart. You’ll get to see that for yourself soon.
I can’t describe the feeling when we found out we were expecting you both! Two precious bundles. We felt doubly lucky. We always thought it would be perfect to have two little babies together. You’ll each have a best mate for life. You’ll each have someone to learn, grow, share and experience life with.
Being pregnant is a truly amazing thing. I never knew my body could perform such miracles. I’m much stronger than I ever knew. I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to now. You’ve brought that out in me and I’ll always be thankful.
Lately, I can feel and see you wriggling about. I stare down at my tummy for what feels like hours on end, waiting for your next move. It’s a wonderful, strange, and exciting feeling. One of the most special times so far was just a couple of nights ago when your dad felt you kick! He had placed his hand over my tummy – eagerly waiting – and then it happened! You should have seen the look on his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such tender love and amazement in his eyes like that.
I dream about you all the time. I see our lives together like an old-fashioned movie reel – snapshots of what’s to come. I think about you all the time. Seriously, all the time. I talk about you all the time too. I just can’t make space in my head for anything else. And I don’t want to. You gorgeous little critters and your dad are all I need to feel perfectly happy.
The four of us are about to embark on the biggest adventure of our lives. We’ve never been parents: although we’ve imagined it for such a long time. There’s so much to learn! We’re doing our best to prepare, but I think most of the learning will happen ‘on the job’. I’m sure we’ll muddle our way through together.
I can’t help but wonder who you’ll look most like. If you'll have your dad's blonde hair; my freckles; maybe both? Whether you’ll love playing and swimming in your backyard. If you’ll like cricket. If you’ll love music. Whether I can learn all the rules of rugby in time….
People often ask me what dreams I have for you. I’m afraid they’re not particularly detailed! But here are the four things I wish for you. I think if you find these things, you will be well on your way to having a wonderful life.
I hope you will be kind. Kindness is such an important thing. This world needs all the kindness it can get.
I hope you will be tolerant – of people and of differences. Differences are the threads that hold this remarkable fabric of life together. Don’t be afraid of them. Learn about them. Embrace them. Enjoy them, and enrich your life with them.
I hope you will be happy. This world is a beautiful place, and having you two in it will make it even more beautiful. I hope you see that. I hope you see the wonder of every day and enjoy it. Happiness can be found in the tiniest of things.
I hope you know love. I hope you understand how much we love you both. I hope you love each other and importantly that you love yourselves. And I hope you find love in this world. A heart filled to overflowing with love is one of the most beautiful things you can ever experience.
We can’t wait to meet you. We can’t wait to cuddle you. And we can’t wait to show you how much we love you.
Your Mama
Isn’t it amazing: that I know you’re two perfect darling little boys? It wasn’t so long ago that no-one knew for sure whether their babies were boys or girls until they were born.
Your Daddy and I were just too too excited and impatient to wait that long. We wanted to know as soon as we possibly could (around about week 19 of pregnancy!) so that we could look forward to meeting you even more than we already were.
The minute we found out we were having you we loved you. I think we loved you even before you were made. We loved you the moment we started thinking about you.
Do you know that from almost the first moment I met your Dad I knew he was going to be a wonderful father. There is such kindness in his eyes and in his heart. You’ll get to see that for yourself soon.
I can’t describe the feeling when we found out we were expecting you both! Two precious bundles. We felt doubly lucky. We always thought it would be perfect to have two little babies together. You’ll each have a best mate for life. You’ll each have someone to learn, grow, share and experience life with.
Being pregnant is a truly amazing thing. I never knew my body could perform such miracles. I’m much stronger than I ever knew. I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to now. You’ve brought that out in me and I’ll always be thankful.
Lately, I can feel and see you wriggling about. I stare down at my tummy for what feels like hours on end, waiting for your next move. It’s a wonderful, strange, and exciting feeling. One of the most special times so far was just a couple of nights ago when your dad felt you kick! He had placed his hand over my tummy – eagerly waiting – and then it happened! You should have seen the look on his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such tender love and amazement in his eyes like that.
I dream about you all the time. I see our lives together like an old-fashioned movie reel – snapshots of what’s to come. I think about you all the time. Seriously, all the time. I talk about you all the time too. I just can’t make space in my head for anything else. And I don’t want to. You gorgeous little critters and your dad are all I need to feel perfectly happy.
The four of us are about to embark on the biggest adventure of our lives. We’ve never been parents: although we’ve imagined it for such a long time. There’s so much to learn! We’re doing our best to prepare, but I think most of the learning will happen ‘on the job’. I’m sure we’ll muddle our way through together.
I can’t help but wonder who you’ll look most like. If you'll have your dad's blonde hair; my freckles; maybe both? Whether you’ll love playing and swimming in your backyard. If you’ll like cricket. If you’ll love music. Whether I can learn all the rules of rugby in time….
People often ask me what dreams I have for you. I’m afraid they’re not particularly detailed! But here are the four things I wish for you. I think if you find these things, you will be well on your way to having a wonderful life.
I hope you will be kind. Kindness is such an important thing. This world needs all the kindness it can get.
I hope you will be tolerant – of people and of differences. Differences are the threads that hold this remarkable fabric of life together. Don’t be afraid of them. Learn about them. Embrace them. Enjoy them, and enrich your life with them.
I hope you will be happy. This world is a beautiful place, and having you two in it will make it even more beautiful. I hope you see that. I hope you see the wonder of every day and enjoy it. Happiness can be found in the tiniest of things.
I hope you know love. I hope you understand how much we love you both. I hope you love each other and importantly that you love yourselves. And I hope you find love in this world. A heart filled to overflowing with love is one of the most beautiful things you can ever experience.
We can’t wait to meet you. We can’t wait to cuddle you. And we can’t wait to show you how much we love you.
Your Mama
The beginning
I'm currently about 5 months pregnant with twin boys and trying to sanely navigate my way through what I think is the most remarkable adventure of my life so far.
I decided to start this blog so that I can keep track of my life, my days, my loves, my dreams, and most importantly, my family - as we grow from two to four.
I decided to start this blog so that I can keep track of my life, my days, my loves, my dreams, and most importantly, my family - as we grow from two to four.
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