Gift Idea for an Expecting friend

Did you notice that I have an obsession with using baskets/boxes/buckets/containers to organise our home? So blame a huge part of this on my lovely former blogging friend Jade aka Super Organiser Mum. And I must admit I stole this idea from her from a few years back. One of my nearest and dearest friend's is expecting her 2nd child very soon and I wanted to give her something practical. Of course I'll be busting to buy a gorgeous little outfit for bubby when it arrives but this is a pre-emptive Mummy gift.

We often catch up over a cup of coffee or two at each other's homes and share stories of kid wrangling our little men and in recent times our conversations have obviously lead to dealing with a newborn and toddler. I'm certainly no expert at this but did share with her how much easier it is to have little 'feeding/mummy' stations dotted around the home for easy access during bub feeding sessions. So what better gift to give her than a 'mummy station'.

A few months back I picked up this gorgeous oval shaped basket from Target that I thought would be perfect sized for it.

Here's what I purchased to go inside the station:
:: baby wipes
:: nappy saks
:: tissues
:: water bottle
:: notebook - to keep as a feeding journal
:: mini to-do clipboard
:: mini pens
:: hand sanitiser
:: paw paw ointment
:: hand moisturiser
:: blackcurrent lolly tin
:: chocolates

I figured the only other things that would be a few nappies for both her newborn + toddler and a magazine/book.

I also have a little gift for the big brother to be, but thought I'd give that to him when we give the baby gift that way he feels special too. I've picked out a few bits and pieces that I thought could live inside the basket, for when Mummy is feeding.

AND I'm so excited to share that, just yesterday my gorgeous girlfriend had a gorgeous baby girl. Big brother, Daddy and Mummy are all doing well and proud as punch of their new edition. Welcome to the world little Stella. Can't wait to give you and your clever mummy big cuddles!

Rough Choccie Protein Balls recipe

So I know this recipe won't be everyone's cup of tea but given my new healthy lifestyle regime and some new found friends on the same journey, I thought I'd share this one.

Rough Choccie Protein Balls

2 cups Oats
2 cups Aussie Bodies Lo Carb Vanilla Protein powder
1 cup Vitarium sugar free Dark chocolate drinking mx
1 tbs cocoa
Cold water

1. Blitz oats in food processor until fine
2. Add in protein powder; chocolate drinking mix; cocoa
3. Slowly add cold water and blitz until it comes together into consistency that can be rolled into balls.
4. Roll into balls and store in sealed container in fridge or freezer. Makes ~34

NB
Don't be too heavy handed with the water. Very little is actually required to bring the mixture together. Just add a little at a time and keep testing the consistency.
By my calculations each ball contains ~2.5g protein and ~2g carbohydrates

Happy Days

It's been very quiet around the facebook page and blog for a little while, and that's not because nothing has been happening in fact, the complete opposite. Ever since seeding finished a few weeks back we've had lots of things on including a few little trips away. Thought I'd share some photos of these happenings.

Hubby was involved in the seeding of the community crop just after the farm seeding finished. This is such an awesome project where the funds gained from the crops after harvest, get put back into this very community. Last year they made over $100K. Here's a pic of just some of the locals involved in the 2013 Community Crop. The little boys and I went out to join Daddy at the bonfire held at the end of the night. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we're so lucky to live and be part of this fantastic little community, with such great people! 

Hubby and I were gifted tickets to Musical Theatre show Jersey Boys. So we did a hush hush/flying trip to Perth for it. We enjoyed a night out sans children. Big thanks to my big sis, her hubby and my gorgeous nieces and nephews for looking after Baden + Lachlan and for having us stay. The show was fantastic and we had a lovely time. So nice to get out for the night just with hubby.

My Mum + Dad have just returned from a 10 day holiday in Bali with my lovely Aunt + Uncle and some very good family friends. The little boys and I relished the chance upon their return to go visit them at their beautiful place; my former childhood home. So that's where we headed this week just gone. Great to hit two birds with one stone, getting the chance to see another one of my sister's and her kiddies, that are living there at the moment, whilst they build a new house - exciting times! Baden + Lachlan loved catching up with yet another set of cousins - lucky little boys they are! Thanks for bunking us in Stephs!

I love visiting this place and the beautiful garden and surrounds created by my parents. One of my favourite places on their property is the Woodlot. They've planted a variety of trees and have 11 special trees with plaques on; one for each grandchild. Here's Lachlan next to his tree.

Baden was so clever whilst we at Nan + Pop's; in one go he taught himself how to ride a bike without trainer wheels. He got on it, and off he went!

I also love the chance to catch up with extended family that live close by to my parents place. Here's a photo of my gorgeous cousin who also happens to be one of my very good friends and was my bridesmaid, Gemma aka blogger 'Rural Miss'. We chat on the phone all the time, but it's so nice to see each other and to let our kids that are similar ages play together, just the way we did so often as kids.

My parents have an Olive Grove on their property, that was planted a few years ago. I've decided to try my hand a preserving these enormous Kalamata olives that we picked off their trees. I'll let you know how it goes and will most certainly share the recipe. Funnily enough, I don't like eating olives.. looks like lots of friends will be gifted these if they're successful LOL.

Here's some of the home grown produce from both my parents and in-laws gardens. We called in for a visit to Grandma + Grandad's on the away home from Nan + Pop's. So lucky to come home with a swag of fresh fruit to enjoy and it looks so pretty too! 

Just yesterday, hubby and Baden went off to Perth for the day to the Dockers AFL game. Baden and his fellow Auskickers from our town were lucky enough to get to play at half-time during the game at Paterson's Stadium. Such a fantastic experience for this great bunch of kids from the bush. He and Dad had a great day, and he's still buzzing! Bonus that my team the Dockers had another win! 

Am enjoying some down time today, having a Happy Home Day with the family.

Happy Days.

4WFF Journey: Post #6 The NEW and improved

I know it's technically a little over 4 weeks but we've had a busy week so you'll forgive me for not bringing this to you sooner..

I challenged myself at the start of May to lose 7kg in the 4 weeks... and guess what... I fell short (by around 1kg)... but you know what, I don't care ONE.SINGLE.BIT. Why? because this is a JOURNEY not a DESTINATION. I never started this with the intention of it being a quick fix/crash diet fad that I was going to kick to the curb as soon as I'd lost what I wanted, and reintroduce old/bad habits. That is something I've done in the past with other fad diets and programs. But NOT this time!

 

So here I am 4 and a bit weeks in to a new and improved way of living. Yep, I'm definitely at this for the long haul. I now feel empowered to make good choices about what and how I fuel my body and know what I have to do to keep my energy levels up and maintained.

As you'd know I was gifted access to the 4 Week Fat Flush from the amazing Chriss from Bod Squad PT, in exchange for blogging about my journey, but I can't recommend it highly enough. Seriously, if you're in need of a shake up in the way you eat and live your life, then this is definitely for you. 4 weeks full of support, guidance and advice galore, that will help you transform the way you look at food and exercise.

I did say the exercise would be my struggle element, and I'll admit, it has been, but slowly, slowly I'm learning to make this a compulsory part of my weekly regime. No doubt about it, controlling the calories certainly aids in weightloss but nothing gives you and energy boost and that get up and go like getting the endorphins pumping from exercise.

And you know what? I also purchased a new pair of jeans this week.. SKINNY JEANS! They were a complete bargain at $9 a pair but I couldn't resist buying them, in a smaller size too - thankyou very much (LOL sorry bout the self admiration party going on here) They definitely are right up the top of that pile of jeans to conquer. However, I'm pleased to say, that the skinny jeans fit, but are a little snug. I just need to budge the baby belly bulge and muffin top that have been hanging round for too long. Move over baby body, hello yummy mummy!

Thanks for sticking with me and for all the encouragement and support you've given, it's been amazing. Whilst I won't be posting about the 4WFF every week, I will keep you updated with my journey.. I'm about a third of the way done. And look out for those full length pics that I'll be busting to show you!

Certainly a way to go before I wear these skinny jeans out.. but proud of myself none-the-less 

4WFF: Post #5

4WFF: Post #4

4WFF: Post #3

4WFF: Post #2

4WFF: Post #1

That Tablecloth!

A while back I purchased some oilcloth fabric to use on our kitchen table. As I often get asked about it, I thought I'd do a quick blogpost with the information or those of you interested.

I've wanted an oilcloth for our table for a good while, thinking it very practical to be able to spray and wipe it clean, especially with little ones. I have covetted Cath Kidston oilcloth for the longest time, but have never been able to purchase as they don't ship internationally.  So I searched online and came across this online store in the UK that had exactly what I wanted. Yes, I did have to pay a little in shipping but I believed it was worth it in the long run, because the oilcloth is very sturdy and I leave this on our table nearly all day, every day. I think in total the oilcloth cost me around $60. 

Here's the link to the store where I purchased it, it's called Norfolk Fabrics. In saying that I can't seem to find the exact oilcloth I purchased, it must be out of stock, but there are plenty of other gorgeous ones to choose from. 

If you aren't prepared to pay the shipping or prefer to shop within Australia, I have seen oilcloth at fabric stores such as Spotlight and I know they have a style of wipeable cloth (not strictly oilcloth) in red and white polkadot. 

When the oilcloth arrived it was folded in a postage bag, so it took a little trial and effort to remove the creases, which I was eventually able to with a warm iron on the underside of the fabric. When and if I remove it from the table, I prefer to roll it rather than folding, to avoid the creasing. 

Definitely saves having to wash and iron a traditional tablecloth and I think it's gorgeous! What's not to love?

4WFF Journey: Post #5: Fit

When I embarked on this 4WFF Journey just over 3 weeks ago, I set myself some goals. Obviously a  number of kgs I'd like to lose in both the 4 week challenge and in the long term, but some other goals too

:: to run the entire length of our drive away and back (about 2.5km) -I'm not a runner, always wanted to be able to sustain long distance running, but have never been successful or ever been fit enough

:: to wear knee high boots - have struggled to fit them over my calves in recent times

:: to wear my skinny jeans!

Currently in my wardrobe, I have 6 pairs of jeans, well that I can find anyways. Like many women, I have a range of different colours and fits but more depressingly largely varying sizes! Different sizes that have fit me over the passed 8 or so years.


I'm certainly being realistic with achieving my goals. I know I'm not going to get to my goal in a miracle amount of time, but that's not the point. I'm hoping over the next 6 months I come close to getting there. I'm also hoping to have learnt much more about listening to my body when it comes to eating, and that I'm maintaining a consistent exercise regime that is keeping me healthy and improving my fitness.

Just so excited to be moving closer to achieving my goals..... 2 pairs down, 4 pairs to go!

Follow my Journey here:
4WFF: Post #4
4WFF: Post #3
4WFF: Post #2
4WFF: Post #1

Method Hand + Body wash: Giveaway

Little boys + dirt. Certainly two words that go hand in hand in our household. Still getting my head around this boy thing, even though I've been a Mummy of boys for over 5 years. But these aren't no garden variety boys... they're farm boys! We are surrounded by little boy heaven with big machinery; farm animals; mud and dirt! You name it, if it's dirty; messy or mucky, guaranteed my boys will find it and get into it, usually hands first!

Enter Method foaming Hand wash. Perfect solution for my grubby little people that also have an obsession with washing their hands, pumping as much as they can from regular handwash bottles, leaving a soapy mess for mum to clean up. But not with the new foaming formula hand wash from Method. One pump and they're done. A frothy drop of scented hand wash in their little palms and they're happy! These foaming bottles are so smart, they also have a twist top allowing you to stop the pump and flow of the hand wash - again, perfect for little people.

Obviously these aren't just for little hands, the foaming hand wash, comes in 4 gorgeous varieties that leave a lovely lasting scent on your hands, long after your hands have been rinsed clean.
Waterfall - such a fresh and clean smell
French lavender - lovely for the bathroom
Hibiscus flower - a beautiful, pretty smell
Green tea + aloe - I love this one for eliminating kitchen smells

Then at the end of the day with all that caked on dirt in every crevice possible, there's nothing better than having a nice long hot bath or shower to rid all that grubby dirt off both little boys and big boys alike. Method sent me some Pure Naked Moisturising body wash in both White tea and Surfside fragrances. It feels luxurious on your skin and both have a lovely fragrance. My favourite would have to be the White tea and the boys definitely all love the Surfside. I'm certainly going to be indulging in a few more White tea bubble baths now that hubby is going to home more often.

All of these fabulous hand + body products are available from both select stores Australia wide and Method online store here.

But of course, the fabulous people at Method not only sent me all these gorgeous products to try, but are giving me a set to giveaway to a THSM reader valued at $47.94.
Entering the Giveaway is super easy, using the rafflecopter widget just below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Terms & Conditions

:: Only one entry per person will be accepted and the giveaway is only open to Australian residents.

:: The giveaway is being hosted here on The Home She Made blog commencing on the 28th May and will close on the 4th June 2013. Shortly after the Giveaway has ended, 1 winner will be selected using the Rafflecopter widget and random.org

:: The winner of the Giveaway will be announced inside the Rafflecopter widget and on The Home She Made facebook page a short time later

:: The winner will have 5 days to make contact to claim their prize, otherwise it will be redrawn and a new winner selected

Big thanks to Method and best of luck!

Find Method here: facebook | online store

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post but was sent the products to review from Method. All opinions shared are mine.