Day 9 Snap Challenge

Playing in the garden whilst Daddy works

Day 8 Snap Challenge (late again!!!) and a bit of makeup blogging!

So I am late again, and I didn't follow through on the promise to unveil my makeup gift. But better late than never right?! 

I have been using Mac foundation (liquid) for the past couple of years and although it comes with a love/hate relationship I have decided it is time to flip back over to my trusty Napolean Perdis foundation stick! It's probably far too expensive for what it is but I love it! I am definitely a heavy coverage kind if girl and this foundation topped with their wonderful camera finish pressed powder is a match made in heaven in my opinion. So I am back on the Napolean Foundation and Pressed Powder train. 

It was gift time (obviously) at David Jones  so I decided now was the time to stock up. I am unfortunate enough to be cursed with happy, CURLY, eyebrows so I figured a new eyebrow pencil could be great! Napolean offers 2 shades and after much deliberation I decided the lighter colour was better matching to my fake blonde locks! 

So these purchases tipped me over into the gift giving zone. I received not one but two gifts! 

Gift #1 included a voucher for a 1 hour makeup lesson at Napolean Perdis counter in David Jones, a gel eyeliner, an eyeshadow quad, a lip gloss, a highlighter palette and a handbag sized mascara (valued at around $200 retail)

Gift #2 included my all time favourite mascara in a full size (Mesmer-eyes) and you'll never guess it but it included the dark eyebrow pencil! 

I was so happy with my purchase. #lovingfreethings! 

Xx

Day 7 Snap Challenge

On this Friday night my darling husband and I are being our usual wild selves, hot cups of tea and watching an awesome movie. So far loving #The Intouchables

[Please excuse the very unclear photo]

Day 6 Snap Challenge

I needed new makeup, and is there ever a better time to buy than when David Jones has their gifts on? Tomorrow ill open it and reveal!

Me and My Girl

I had dreamed of being a mother I think probably since the day I realised you could have a baby. It has always been something deep within me, calling me, drawing me to the one job that I knew was meant for me. When I first found out I was pregnant I was ecstatic. My dream had finally come true. I spent a week in elation, followed by around 12 weeks of utter despair and absolute and complete fear as I faced the possibility of losing this baby that I loved so immensely from the moment I knew it was growing inside me. 

As I passed different milestones, 12 weeks, 20 week, 24 weeks, 36 weeks I slowly relaxed (albeit not that much, definite stress head here). I let myself imagine all the possibilities of my life ahead. A life that came so neatly packaged and in the form of a teeny tiny, perfect little girl. And I began to wonder, how can you so suddenly have an all encompassing love for someone else, it is unquestionable and unceasing the love a parent has for their child, a mothers love is in a whole new league of it's own. The moment she was placed on my chest after a not so pretty delivery saw the dawning of a new era. Gone were the times of Me. Where the only thing I had to worry about really (because let's face it, my husband can actually look after himself pretty well) was what I had to do each day, vacuum the house, go to work, make sure we had dinner and get some precious sleep before the next day began. This new era was one that was so completely all about someone else. It seems when you become a Mother life really truly takes on new meaning. You see colours differently. Hear sounds in a new way. You learn to really feel and to really hear because these are the only ways you can understand the language of your new child. I think this silent language, the look of a baby towards it's mother as it feeds, or that complete trust your child has in you, is the beginning of that unbreakable bond. 

I always knew I would be over the moon regardless of whether or not I had a little boy or little girl. But I must admit, when I gave birth to the most perfect baby girl I was in a state or Nirvana. I have an amazing relationship with my own mother and I long for a relationship like this with my own daughter. I see us as she grows becoming the best of friends, and I hope and pray that our relationship is a mirror of the generation before hers, of me and my mum. And if I could have one wish, I wish for a sister for my Blossom one day, so that she can have a little sister who she loves, just like I do!

Could she be any more wonderful?!

*This was definitely meant to be a post about becoming a SAHM and house work but it didn't turn out that way so I will save that one for another day xx

Day 5 Snap Challenge

Today Daddy taught our girl how to pack up her toys! 

Day 4 Snap Challenge (a little bit late)

Is there anything more perfect than a sleeping baby?

Day 3 Snap Challenge

My sick little blossom having a relaxing bath before bed 

Day 2 Snap Challenge

Little missy moo pulling out the DVDs! What other fun is there to have on a blustering rainy Sunday?! 

Day 1 Snap Challenge

Photo #1

Nothing exciting to take a photo of when your curled up on the lounge with the dreaded cold! 

The very first day of Winter

Today, June the 1st, the first day of Winter. When I pictured it I imagined it would resemble something out of a wonderful novel. A warm, crackling fire warming toes that walk on icy tiles. A steaming cup of English Breakfast Tea like a cuddle for the soul. And a book. A deliciously enthralling story that is impossible to put down. Sounds perfect right?

Wouldn't this just be perfection
Image gained from here

Instead Winter has greeted me with a raging cold leaving my snot filled head feeling like it has been home to a herd of angry Rhino's trying to push their way out through my pounding ears! The headache not helped by the squeals of my little Blossom who has decided today would be optimal to start singing! That coupled with the intermittent whines of a teething baby it is needless to say my winter is not off to a flying start. And winter is my FAVOURITE season! 

Not quite the same now there is a baby in the house that requires protecting

So I am on the lounge whilst I unsuccessfully attempt to distract said baby with ABC Kids and an Arrowroot biscuit. I am watching a trashy American teeny pop tv show (which I might just love). I am surrounded by tissues and dirty tea cups, piles of washing that needs folding and a floor that resembles that of a dirt stable. But I am in my pjs and I do have my fire! Such a shame my slave boy has headed off to a wedding and I must get my own tea now he has left. 

Note baby to the right watching Peppa like a good girl

And that is my whine for the day...back to mummy duties I now go...

Welcome to my newest challenge...Thermo Thursdays!

A month or so ago I went to a Thermomix Party. I was sceptical, a little curious, and a lot fascinated. I was greeted by a silver machine that looked something like a fancy mini washing machine. I eyed it off with uncertainty wondering how in the world this "thing" was going to manage to cook a 6 course meal in under 2 hours. As I sat myself down (baby free for the first time - and is it just me or are other Mummy's totally lost without their little blossoms?) I felt strangely nervous about what I was about to witness. Well.......

The Thermomix, you can find out more here

That machine whipped up a scrumptious fresh lemon, lime and mint sorbet. It chopped its way into a beetroot salad. It whisked up the most amazing garlic and herb dip. It kneaded and turned a delicious dough that was then popped into the oven to create fresh, warm bread rolls. It churned and turned mushrooms and rice into an incredible Mushroom Risotto. And last but most certainly not least it delivered a vanilla custard that would warm the hearts of the most wicked! And that was me done...SOLD!

A berry sorbet...picture courtesy of google images!

So I trotted home with the brochures and the intent to host my own Thermomix demonstration. Ideas flew around my head about becoming a Thermomix consultant, inspiration filled every space in my mind, "I would cook all day, everyday!". Then I ran it past my husband, he asked the typical man questions, "Does it wash itself too?", "Can it vacuum and fold the washing?"...blah blah blah! I think only a stay at home Mum (or Dad) can truly appreciate the value of saving a minute here and a minute there, because as a Mother, you are mighty capable of achieving great things in just a few minutes! So I lay low, talked about it every so often and virtually sold the idea to half of the people I know...and you know what? My amazing husband SOLD HIS MOUNTAIN BIKE, just so I could buy myself my very own, very shiny, very sparkly, THERMOMIX!

And therefore, announcing my new blogging challenge is...*Thermo Thursdays! I will aim to cook and document the steps and photos of my Thermomix creations and dedicate Thursdays to sharing a new recipe and finished product with you! 

This is how I envision myself!

*Please note, I have not actually received my Thermy yet so the minute I do will be the week I start blogging, I am envisioning within the next fortnight!

M.I.A and a 30 Day Snap photo challenge

So, I have been a little MIA over the past fortnight. What happened to my enthusiastic blogging you ask? Well, nothing but a little life got in the way. Early morning rising, answering every beck and call of a now very proficiently standing 9 month old (how is it that they go from lying still to getting into everything within a millisecond, see below photos!) and then falling into bed virtually comatose of a night really left not a smidgen of free time in my day. Poor excuse Emma. Get used to it. This is your life! A life you very much happen to love! 

So they're not the clearest photos but they are quick snaps in the moment

And going on from the love I have for my life I have decided to participate in a blogging photo challenge set up by the lovely lady behind A Sprinkle of Glitter. So for the 30 days of June I will be taking a photo of something from my everyday life and uploading it on here. The photos might be a little hazy if taken with the help of my ever inquisitive assistant a.k.a My Little Blossom. They might be of rushed tea and toast in the morning, getting ready to head out or to head into bed.

I hope they will be a window into my home and family, and something to help anyone who reads to get to know us better.

And coming soon.....I have a little surprise blog feature that I will announce later today (don't get too excited)

Autumn Weddings

Yesterday my husband, Blossom and I attended the wedding of a beautiful couple. It was a picture perfect day. The air was crisp and cool on the mountain where they wed. The warm Autumn sun shone through breaks in the trees and lit the ceremony up, sending glistening rays onto all the waiting guests faces. And best of all, this glistening perfection was definitely reflected in the look on the grooms face when he saw his bride.

This beautiful wedding was held in a private garden, owned by Garden Designer Michael Cooke and was followed by the most wonderful reception at The Springs Golf Course. Oh to get married again!

My baby and me

My gorgeous husband and beautiful daughter

The newly weds

The most beautiful vintage styled veil

My little Blossom making her way to the dance floor

This photo, despite being blurry, makes me smile :)

First chance to wear one of my vintage buys from Wednesdays shop

This afternoon my little family headed to my in laws for lunch. It was my mother in laws birthday. I was very excited at a chance to wear one of my new lovelies. My sister in law tells me I look like Minnie Mouse. 

Sunglasses - Forever New

Leather Jacket - Dotti

Dress - Oh Deer Vintage

Tights - Tempt

Leather boots - Sandler

(Thanks to my lovely husband for persisting with me trying to get a blog-able photo!)

2 big & 1 small

It was just a few weeks ago that I had a very cranky and irritable baby as 2 little teeth pushed their way into the world known as my babies mouth. These 2 sharp little toothy pegs caused days of discomfort for my girl, and days of throbbing nipples for this Mummy as she discovered the joys of using those biting teeth. These teeth represent a change that is coming, and as a first time Mum I look to these with both excitement and trepidation.

Two little toothy pegs

After the initial Oos and Ahhs of how adorable she looks with those new pearly whites, and realising how fast our little blossom is growing into a little girl we know that she is steadily steadily moving towards childhood and leaving those moments of sweet babyhood behind. I suddenly realised that now a new bathroom accessory will be added to the basin. Where once only two sat, one blue and one red, now there are three...a very lovely, very girly, tiny pink toothbrush, all for my little one.

Teeny pink bristles sitting between Dad and Mum

It is a stark reminder to enjoy all these precious baby moments because all too soon she will be tying shoe laces, having her hair pulled into pigtails and cleaning more than just 2 teeth. In just the last month alone she has begun to crawl everywhere, stand on her own and last night she took a lone step which marks the beginning of a whole new stage of motherhood for me, and childhood for her. 

A real life crawler on our hands, off to see Daddy in his office

Standing and waving to Mummy

Proud as punch with her new skill

I feel like her babyhood is a mere flash in time. Although I long for the day where I will no longer worry about how much milk she is getting, or know, instead of wondering, how she is feeling and most of all, get a full nights sleep, perhaps just for a moment it could slow down for me?

How have you realised unexpectedly that your baby is growing up?

Op shopping after high tea

My husband has been away this week for work. So instead of staying home, I decided I would go home and spend a few days with my Dad, Mum and Little Sister. It was lovely being at home, getting looked after and not having to worry about the house chores of normal life. 

This morning we all set off to The Two Birds Gallery and Cafe for a late Mother's Day High Tea. We were treated with a beautiful selection of sweet and savoury, we had samosa's to die for and the most delicious scones. It was wonderful spending some time with my family. After we had indulged in such a treat we went for a walk around the block near the sea. It was like going back in time, spending quality moments with a family that I love so much. How lucky I am, how many grown up women and mothers get the opportunity to spend this time with the people they have spent their whole lives with? Do you have days like this one?

The 2 mothers (me and my mum)

Then, this afternoon I picked up my best friend Jill and we headed out for an afternoon of much anticipated Op Shopping. I was after a few things for Blossom's nursery; some crocheted blankets to warm her toes during the coming winter, a chair for all those overnight breast feeds, something to store a multitude of story books in, and anything else I could find to give her nursery a lift! We picked and browsed through 3 Op shops, 1 homemade and refurbished goods store (The Bower Bird Project) and finished off by having tea in a coffee house/gallery/vintage clothes store (The Glass Onion Society). It was not as successful as I had anticipated, I am not sure why I thought I would simply waltz in and acquire every little piece I was after, but it was certainly fun and I can't wait to do it again! 

Old magazine rack that I am going to house kids books in

Crocheted blanket for the nursery

This dress made me feel like Little Red Riding Hood :)

Loved this dress on. Reminded me of a breezy spring day

Unusual but classy navy and brown

Finally found a dress with front access for easy breast feeding #happy mummy

I have to say my favourite purchases of the day were definitely my "new" vintage dresses! They are one of a kind, Oh Deer Vintage, dresses and I think I am in love! 

My first Mothers Day

Yesterday was my very first Mother's Day. 

I was treated by my very precious Blossom to only one night waking which resulted in me bouncing out of bed at 6:30am when my girl woke for the day.

I had eggs on toast and 2 cups of tea brought to me by my loving husband.

And my present. I absolutely loved. I now fully understand how a Mother can love a handmade gift more than any gold or jewels. 

A handmade card that Daddy and Blossom made together and printed wrapping paper for my gift!

My wonderful gift! A voucher for a Day Spa whilst Daddy looks after Blossom and seeds for my newly created vegetable patch! (I cannot wait to go picking fresh food with my girl)

The smiles my cheeky monkey gave me all day as she crawled around the lounge room floor!

And at the end of the day, my two greatest loves sitting together watching Peppa Pig!

I had a great first Mother's Day, can't wait for next year!