Sass and Spice

Boori Madison Bassinet and Ikea bed canopy

With my uncle passing away suddenly and being occupied with the house build process, I haven’t had much time to think much about my pregnancy this week. I did manage to buy the above bassinet though. It ain’t fancy, but it had good reviews for safety compared to the Mother Choice bassinet that I originally planned to purchase. I also like how it has wheels so I can move Cashew around with minimal interruption.

I’m going to get something to decorate it though as otherwise it looks too much like a shopping trolley! I’m currently liking the Ikea bed canopy but I’ll wait to see what the bassinet looks like first to make sure it will suit.

I am now 31 weeks and I’m feeling every punch, kick and movement. It’s like Cashew is reminding me that she is around and to not forget about her. It forces me to pause and reflect at the miracle that there is a life flourishing inside of me. It’s hard to explain what the movements feel like to people who have never been pregnant, but to me at the moment, it feels like a wiggle, wobble, and pop in your belly. It’s the most reassuring feeling knowing that your baby is moving and an instant bond and connection is formed. And knowing that there is a baby inside you that moves to your emotions is like having a constant companion.

Here is a link to how I felt about baby movements last time I was pregnant.

I’ve been asked if this would be my last pregnancy but in honestly I have no idea. I’m not treating it like my last, but like all things it depends on our circumstances.

Have you ever been pregnant thinking that you will never get pregnant again?

Check out the ultra beautiful House of Zaccaria threads I got to see from their VIP night last week. Most of the clothes were from their ‘Delicate Darkness’ Winter 2013 collection and my favourite piece would have to be the beautiful magenta peplum blazer with the leather detailing (kindly modelled by the lovely Donna from StyleHunter). I also fancied the deep navy blazer with the skull lining and the black dress with the detachable leather drape.

I adore the gorgeous bright yet winter appropriate colours and the different textures at play. What also impressed me was the quality finish of all of their clothes. Everything from the style of buttons to the lining in all of their blazers had some intricate detail about it.

Check out the list of stockists for House of Zaccaria. My photos don’t do these beautiful clothes justice so you should try to see these in person!

”A portrait of our children, once a week, every week, in 2013″

Most Sundays, I get Lily to help me with baking. We usually make yoghurt cake as she knows most of the ingredients and it’s very easy to make (recipe on the blog to be posted soon!). She really enjoys it and it’s something I hope to continue to do together.

This week Lily has been sick so she had to skip daycare and I had to work from home on a couple of days. Since she hasn’t been sick for quite a while, I’ve forgotten how tiring sleepless nights can be as she woke up a few times wanting to be cuddled.

Cradling her in my arms took me right back to her baby days though. In the dark, I can still make out her baby features with the outlines of her round face and the same facial movements she made as a newborn. I suppose it’s all preparing me for what is to come in a few more months.

I’ve noticed a few blogs from the Chi and Fidel sharing their link love to the favourite posts so I’m going to do the same. Last week I loved Atticus running through the Autumn leaves at boyeatskasha.

How was your weekend? Did you have a happy Mother’s Day?

Linking up to the Che and Fidel’s 52 portrait a week challenge

My mother has always ruled the household with an iron fist. Her parents lived through a World War so living in scarcity and preparing for the worst were simply Parenting 101 survival tactics passed down to her. Strict rules applied in nearly all circumstances.

One of the first memories I had of my mother was when she made me one of those gorgeous Women’s Weekly birthday cakes for my fourth birthday. I went over to have a look, and she yelled at me to not go near the kitchen and I would get a smack if I dared come in again. I was expected to be obedient at all times. Even if I didn’t exactly understand why…

When I was 9, I was best friends with a girl at a school who had just moved from England. She always wanted to ring her parents to let her know she arrived safely at my house since she walked alone (gone are those days right?). These phone calls didn’t last longer than a minute, but my mum got furious that she was ringing every time at an expense (er 25 cents back in the day??) so she forced me to tell my friend that she couldn’t use the phone anymore.

After that, this girl turned on me and became the most popular and meanest girl in school. I had to endure bullying from her until I left high school. So even though I don’t blame my mother for this mean girl’s actions, I can’t help but think how things could have been different…

In high school I was never allowed many clothes as my mum insisted on buying limited things from stores such as Kmart and Target. She also prohibited me from dying my hair and plucking my eyebrows. I struggled with her ultra strict and conservative ways and went absolutely crazy and rebelled during my late teens as I couldn’t handle all the rules anymore.

I still get frustrated at how my mum never drives outside a 10km radius away from her house – yes and that includes to my home. She also only eats Chinese food which is annoying when we do go out (she even demanded to know where the Chinese restaurants were in Florence). To this day, I can’t really talk to her on the same level as we don’t have much in common with each other. We usually disagree on most things and just end up getting angry at each other.

But after all these years it somehow works. I know I can no longer live under the same roof as her but she helps and supports me like no other. There is no doubt in my mind that she loves me even though her views and rules are very old fashioned. But you know what? I get why she is a bit crazy. Her own mother was even stricter and there was limited opportunities for my mother or her siblings to further their education. My mum had to raise 5 kids including my 2 autistic brothers all whilst being a SAHM with no support (I don’t never recall being babysat). She also had to spend a long time in a tiny Pilbara town away from her family and having very limited English skills. Life hasn’t exactly been easy for her and I admire how she kept it all together.

And it has shaped the way I am as well. I might not be as tight as her with money but I know how to save but I reward myself as well – something I don’t think she does enough of for herself. Not having anything I wanted probably fuelled my desire to be independent with my finances and that I shouldn’t depend on anyone (i.e parents, bf, husband etc) for handouts or presents and to just work hard to look after myself the way I want.

So even though my mother doesn’t read this blog, I want to let her and the whole world know that I love and appreciate all the love she has given me – even though there are certain times in my life where I doubted this as her strict parenting style has caused disagreements in the past. But tough love is still no doubt true love and the past is now the past. And we can only learn from this and to move forwards and upwards. I love you back Mum.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mums out there by the way!

xxx

Image courtesy of (Left to Right) – Shopbop and Ann Brady

Image courtesy of (Left to Right) – Pink Horror Show blog and Monday’s Child blog

Leather trackpants/sweatpants are a hot trend for Autumn/Winter and are certainly more of a casual option compared to their tighter skinnier version which is more sex and rock n’ roll. Leather trackpants being so buttery soft are a great juxtaposition of luxurious yet ultra comfy. To not look like a hip-hop try hard (yes Kanye we know you are already a hip-hop star but you still look like you are trying a tad too hard!), I would avoid overly baggy styles with a high sheen look.

Above are some of my picks that are less than AU$1K:

(Left to right)

• Friend of Mine
• J Brand
• Hideseekers

What do you think of this trend?

Have you gotten your Mother’s Day present yet? Here are some of my ideas… and I must admit I wouldn’t mind getting any of these as a presents myself….*hint hint wink wink*

A Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for all the mothers that love reading. This version of the Kindle eReader also has a light which shines on front of the screen so you read at night whilst still being gentle on your eyes as opposed to the backlights of tablets which make your eyes strain when reading for long periods.  I adore Jo Malone fragrances but if you find a fragrance too personal, why not opt for getting a candle instead?  Perfect for winter too.

I think most mums would love to update their existing home interiors and a couple of new cushions will make this easy for her! I got some new cushions from Freedom furniture recently which I think would be perfect for mothers especially since they are quite well priced too.

I don’t know about your mother, but mine is pretty clueless about gadgets and how to protect them so it’s about time she gets a new phone cover. I love the simple but cute look to the Kate Spade covers and you could give her more than one if she wants to change it now and again. It makes for a very budget friendly gift too!

You can never go wrong with a spa/massage voucher and if you think this has been done to death…DON’T! As I appreciate every spa/massage voucher I get as it’s one of the things you tend to skip on if you are busy (i.e most mothers). The Aesop collaboration with French retailer A.P.C range is great for mothers who seem to have everything. The Fine Fabric Care cleaner is for for delicate hand washing and gentle for your hands with extracts of Petitgrain, Lemon and Cedarwood. And yes the other item is indeed reads ‘Post- Poo Drops‘ and apparently the French translation is even funnier! Squirt it into the toilet after *ahem* finishing with your business, and the crisp citrus and floral notes neutralises any nastiness and much better than any Glen 20-like spray your mother is likely to have. A great gift for mothers who have a good sense of humour too.

Now if you want a really last minute idea, or you want to add to an existing gift or live overseas/interstate, long stem roses will never disappoint. I love the roses from Roses Only as they are beautifully gifted. And for the ultimate gift, whether you don’t have a budget or your family is the size of the von Trapp family to share the big cost, the Thermomix is the ultimate kitchen gadget which will trump over everything she already owns!

What did you get for your Mother or what other ideas do you have for Mother’s Day?

”A portrait of our children, once a week, every week, in 2013″

Lily trying to blow her own bubbles. And a minute later she accidentally spilt the bubble liquid all over the floor…but luckily there weren’t any tears.

How has was your weekend?

Linking up to the Che and Fidel’s 52 portrait a week challenge

Yesterday I attended the Times Square Claremont blogger morning tea with some fellow Perth-based bloggers. We got to taste delicious fresh sweets by Little Sweet Baking and got our coffee fix from Lemon Espresso, and with our bellies full of delights we left SIMA Art gallery and embarked on a (window) shopping tour of Times Square along Avion Way.

What sets Times Square apart from other shopping precincts in Perth, is the number of exclusive and local designer boutiques mixed amongst other beauty, lifestyle and food retailers in such a relatively small and quiet area. Avion Way is shielded away from the busier St Quentin Avenue and Stirling Highway, so it escapes from the typical chaos associated with other high streets which makes for a very relaxed and chilled out shopping adventure – the best kind I say!

Lost Souls was our first stop and Zhivago’s latest collection caught my eye along with a collection of consignment clothes including a beautiful orange Willow dress which I would have snapped up if I wasn’t pregnant. They had some beautiful shoes on display as well.

SANA Boutique stocks brands including Lover, Nicholas, Willow, Watson X Watson, Camilla & Marc, Ginger & Smart and Alice McCall. It’s definitely my go to place to view some of the latest collections of my favourite brands.

We then explored Breathless and Poppy Lissiman Addition. Breathless had beautifully constructed dresses but it was the fluffy vests which I loved the most made from Turkey feathers and Goat wool which would be perfect for Autumn. The bloggers had lots of fun at Poppy Lissiman Addition trying out all the different sunglasses from House of Holland and Le Specs. Three Floor Fashion is also stocked at this store and I loved the orange houndstooth jacket which I’m very tempted to get.

I probably go to the King Street CULTSTATUS store on a weekly basis (look a girl needs to go walking during her lunch break right?!) so it was great to have a proper look at the Claremont store. This accessories store stocks Balenciaga, Givenchy, Valentino, YSL, Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler. So basically if you are an accessories addict like me you’ll be in HEAVEN. I actually got my latest Balenciaga clutch from here…

Our last stops were at Ae’lkemi and Ruth Tarvydas. Both had some gorgeous evening and wedding dresses. My favourite dresses at Ae’lkemi was a fluffy feather number and slinky silver evening dress which I was thought about getting for a wedding I’m attending until I was told the dress would probably upstage the bride! Ruth Tarvydas had a gorgeous white dress made with intricate lace flowers which would be perfect for a bride.

So in all, it was a great outing of me as I could actually do some proper window shopping – something you take for granted before having kids – and really get to explore the shops at Times Square. It was also nice to put the faces to some of the blogs I’ve been reading too.

If you would like to see more pictures from my Times Square Claremont adventure be sure to check out my Times Square Blogger morning tea album on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sassandspice. And finally a special thank you to Nikola from Times Square Claremont for organising and hosting this fabulous event!

{Outfit}
T-shirt: Country Road
Black sleeveless top: T I N D A L E
Leggings: Topshop
Shoes: Siren
Accessories: Willow (scarf) Prada (bag)

My bump has definitely popped out now as now officially in my third trimester. I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. Cashew is moving around heaps and I can feel every poke and kick and sometimes they can actually hurt. She is quite the mover!

As I go further into my last trimester, less and less clothes will fit me, so I will need to start wearing maternity clothing to work soon. On the weekends I’m happy to live in leggings and a long t-shirt, and I spice up these basics with some accessories.

And what do you think of my latest accessory? My Prada two toned saffiano tote. It’s my last selfish purchase before I go on maternity leave. I’m also wearing my T I N D A L E top which was last featured here.

How did you dress during your third trimester?

Most of Cashew’s baby items will be hand-me-downs such as the cot, change table, pram etc, but we are still planning to get a few new items that we didn’t consider before when we had Lily. A lot of the above items will also make life easier with a newborn and a toddler, and I also like how were are still getting some new things for Cashew to call her own.

I didn’t get a capsule with Lily, but have been told it’s handy especially when you are making lots of short trips and you want an arm free to hold your other child’s hand whilst the baby is sleeping (e.g. school/daycare drop offs, quick visit to the shops etc). The downside is that I would still need to buy another car seat when the baby outgrows the capsule (around 6 months) so might consider hiring one instead. I’ve chosen the Maxi-Cosi because we will be able to attach it onto our existing pram (Bugaboo Cameleon).

Cashew won’t have her own nursery so she will be in our room for the first 6 months (at least) and then she will be sharing a room with Lily. I need all the space I can get in my own room so was thinking of getting a cradle which is a lot smaller than a cot. The Mother’s Choice cradle is also very affordable (AU$169) so won’t break the bank. I would so love the Leander cradle, but just can’t justify the cost for only a few months use.

The Kid-Sit buggy board is actually an item for Lily rather than for the newborn. It is compatible with our pram and I like how Lily would be able to sit or stand on it as we will be using the pram for the new baby. I really don’t want to buy a double pram and think Lily will be too big for one anyway so the Kid-Sit buggy board seems perfect.

Since Cashew will be a Winter baby, we need to have a sleeping bag to cover her arms. And if she is anything like Lily, she is likely to prefer to sleep with her arms up, and I’ve heard that the Wrap Me Up swaddle wrap is great for this as allowing babies to move their arms near their mouth/cheeks will apparently help with self-settling.

Yesterday, I bought a brand new Medela Freestyle double breast pump off Gum Tree for half the price! With Lily, I only had a hand held manual single pump but it really became a chore afterwards when my milk supply reduced. And what effort it was too! Now that I have a toddler to look after as well, I just want to get the task done easy and quick with minimal effort.

And lastly the Wheely bug Ladybug is not a newborn or essential item but I think it will be so cute for Cashew to have a toy which will truly be her own to treasure. I won’t be getting this straight away as she won’t be able to use this properly until she is nearly two!

There are a lot of beautiful items out there for babies and it is very easy to get sucked into it all (i.e. Me when I was pregnant with my first!). But now since I know what has worked previously and I’m lucky to have most essential items already in good condition, I don’t need to go as crazy as last time.

What newborn products would you recommend for the second child?