The Jumpsuit

The sun is setting a lot later which means that Summer is just around the corner. Summer has always been my favourite season - I love the longer days, the warmth and the smell of it (I'm strange). And of course I love the fashion. To be quite honest I don't own a lot of Winter clothing (I'll be working on that next Winter) so that's also another reason why Summer my favourite season; a lot of my clothes are short sleeved tops, tanks, skirts and jumpsuits. The jumpsuit or playsuit is my absolute favourite piece of clothing. They are so easy dress up and you can go from day to night depending on how you accessorise.

If you take a peak into my wardrobe you'll see that I love bright colours and prints. Here are some of my favourite jumpsuits:

Cooper St Digital Mosaic Jumpsuit

Cooper St Painted Love Jumpsuit

Maurie & Eve Valentine Playsuit

Seduce Diamond Girl Jumpsuit

Seduce Star Gazer Playsuit

Tallow Semara Playsuit

Ready To Pop!

36 weeks pregnant

In two and a half weeks time, we will be welcoming the arrival of our precious baby girl. As each day draws closer I get a little bit more excited but definitely a lot more anxious and nervous.

My first pregnancy journey hasn't been the way I thought pregnancy would be (like in the movies); constantly running to the toilet to vomit - thankfully I had none of that! However there were some hiccups along the way but nothing too serious or frightening. I wanted to reflect on this wonderful time and share a little bit about what my first time was like.

The common question people obviously asked were what cravings I had - potatoes. I craved french fries, potato chips and mash potatoes. As trimester three drew closer it became milk. I never really liked milk a lot and avoided drinking it as it never sat well with my stomach but now I find myself drinking up to three glasses a day. 

Although I had no vomiting in the first trimester I was nauseous and I slept a lot! The peak of my pregnancy was the second trimester where I had lots of energy and I was still able to walk and exercise without getting puffed out too quickly. The third trimester saw the return of nausea and constant napping. 

When my little bump finally turned into big belly it was a lot more difficult to do simple tasks - walking up a flight of stairs, squatting down to pick something up and getting back up quickly, getting in and out of the car and not bumping the steering wheel, rolling from either the left/right side to the other in bed, getting out of bed, bending over to pat the doggies, cooking, tying my shoes, get close enough to the mirror to do my makeup. You get the point!

Having said that there are so many good things about being pregnant, apart from it being the most amazing thing you'll ever do by carrying this baby and bringing life into the world.

I can't wait to start this amazing new chapter in my life.

Rosehip Oil

I love the way my skin looks and feels after my cleansing regime. I do feel quite lucky that I have clear skin and am not prone to breakouts because I know not all of us are in the same boat. I recently discovered Rosehip Oil and wanted to share some information on it. I use Sukin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil and I also swear by the Sukin brand for skincare.

What is Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip Oil comes from the “hip” of the rose, which is the seed pod or fruit of the rose that occurs after the rose petals fall off. This oil is extremely beneficial for the skin. Rosehip oil contains many nutrients including:

• Vitamin A – also known as topical trans retinoic acid, this can help with oily skin, skin that is dehydrated from sun exposure, fine lines, wrinkles, and an uneven skin tone.
• Linoleic acid – helps to preserve the cell’s natural barrier to the environment and is vital for the structure of cell membranes. This is an omega 6 fatty acid.
• Oleic acid – an omega 9 fatty acid, this helps to create supple and moist skin and improve overall skin condition.
• Linolenic acid – this is an omega 3 fatty acid and it may help to improve skin conditions by softening and moisturising the skin. It is also important for the structure of cell membranes.
• Lycopene – this is an antioxidant and it protects the skin from free radical damage, reducing the risk of premature ageing.
• Beta-carotene – a source of pro vitamin A and an antioxidant to help improve the appearance of sun damaged skin. It can also help to prevent the signs of ageing.
• Vitamin C – this is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. It also plays a role in the formation of collagen.

Rose Hip Oil is a very rich source of essential fatty acids – in fact; it is 80 percent fatty acids. These are vital for regenerating skin cells, and repairing skin tissue.

Benefits of Rosehip Oil:

• scarring
• stretch marks
• scarring from psoriasis
• scarring from eczema
• hyper-pigmentation
• dermatitis
• fine lines and wrinkles
• burns
• acne scarring
• chickenpox scarring
• skin damage caused by sun exposure
• skin elasticity and resilience
• dry skin
• skin tone
• premature ageing

Who can use Rosehip Oil and how is it used?

Rosehip oil can be used by anyone of any age. Because it has balancing properties, it can be used by both dry and oily skins, and it allows the skin to breathe. All skin types can benefit from rosehip oil.

Ideally, rosehip oil should be used daily before damage is done to the skin. Used as a preventative measure, rosehip oil can help reduce premature ageing. If you already suffer from things such as pigmentation, wrinkling, etc, rosehip oil applied daily can help to reverse the damage and make the skin appear healthier.

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Now more than ever I'm very aware of the damage and negative effects prolonged sun exposure can have on your skin and I'm taking care of mine a lot better now. I wear SPF 30+ sunscreen everyday, even in Winter and as it starts to warm up I will most likely step it up to SPF50.

Honestly, most of us love a bit of sun-baking but I strongly advise against hours upon hours of frying yourself - unless you want to look like a leather-skinned weirdo. Like the Jersey Shore cast I was all about the GTL - Gym Tan Laundry (not so much laundry when I lived at home with mummy) but now that I'm no longer a crazy party animal - I thought to myself 'what is the point of eating healthy and working out if I'm going to be damaging my skin by frying it for hours in the sun?' Sure you'll have sexy muscles but then your skin will look disgusting in years to come.

If you want to start taking better care of your skin, you can start by:

1. Drinking more water
2. Wearing sunscreen (even if it's not sunny) + avoiding prolonged sun exposure
3. Eating the right foods
4. Cleansing and moisturising
5. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night

Source: Natural Therapy Pages

Curried Chicken With Rice

Indian food is one of my favourite cuisines. It is just amazingly flavourful and the spices are delicious. I'm not very good at handling chilli so I prefer my Indian mild so I use Korma paste in this dish.

It's a really simple and quick recipe - just under 30 minutes. I love the sweetness of the sultanas and crunch in the apples. It's yummy!

Curried Chicken With Rice
Makes 4

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons Korma pasta
• 500g cooked Basmati rice
• 1 granny smith apple
• 1 onion
• 1/2 cup sultanas
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method:

1. Dice onion, cut apple into 2cm pieces and tomatoes in half
2. Chop chicken and coat with Korma pasta
3. In a frying pan - cook onions with olive oil until slightly brown
4. Add in chicken and cook for 5 minutes or until golden
5. Stir in rice until coated in paste
6. Add apple, tomatoes and sultanas

Notes:

• Optional - serve with natural yoghurt
• Using uncooked rice - start cooking the rice first and then start your prep

Chia Seed Pudding

I find chia really fun to eat because it's so crunchy. Other than being a fun food, they are a great source of fibre, omega-3 and protein, give you stronger teeth and bones, regulate your appetite, fight belly fat (yay!) and the list goes on. Hooray!

Chia Seed Pudding
Makes 1

Ingredients:

1. 1/4 cup chia seeds
2. 2/3 cup almond milk (coconut or soy milk)
3. 1 tablespoon honey
4. 1/2 cup mixed berries

Method:

1. In a bowl - add chia seeds, almond milk and honey and stir well
2. Refrigerate for 10 minutes
3. Top with berries

Notes:

• You want a tapioca-like texture - if you refrigerate the pudding for too long it will set completely

Crochet Bunnies

I am almost done with our baby's nursery but I couldn't resist going on Etsy. I love Etsy because there are just so many unique hand-made items from all over the world.

I found these adorable crochet bunnies that come in a cute little carrot purse and it's just so precious.

We already have so many toys ready for our little pea but I don't think I can resist these.

 

 

 

 

Honey & Avocado Hair Treatment Mask

I spend a lot of time taking care of my skin; I cleanse, (sometimes) spritzer, apply sunscreen, moisturiser and eye serum and after a shower I try to always apply body lotion. However I do tend to forget about my hair and my hair has been through a lot, those poor poor strands.

I found this great two ingredient hair mask that I love and even more so because it's all natural - no added chemicals eek! I've been very conscious about what I'm putting on my skin since becoming preggies so all of my skincare is natural, organic and certified organic.

Honey & Avocado Hair Treatment Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of honey. Honey is a natural humectant which is a natural substance that attracts and helps retain moisture
• 1 medium-sized avocado. Avocados are rich in unsaturated oils, nutrient-dense, and provides a ton of moisture.

Directions:

• Take a medium-sized avocado and mash until smooth. 
• Add in 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well. 
• Apply to dry or slightly damp hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes. 
• Rinse well and follow with shampoo and conditioner if desired. 

Additional Tips:

• This is also a great scalp treatment so feel free to massage it directly onto your scalp. But if you have an oily scalp, you can apply the treatment a few inches down from the scalp. 
• While the mask is doing its magic, use a shower cap (or saran wrap) to keep your hair out of the way.

Another great tip from my hairdresser - leave treatment in all day and overnight if you aren't going anywhere. Wash your hair the next morning and it will be silky smooth. 

Source and credit to: Pretty Gossip

Mixed Berry Smoothie

I am a big believer in never skipping breakfast. I will always eat breakfast, even if I wake up at 11AM - which then I call brunch. And I also love brunch! Especially when I go out for it and have it made for me.

Whenever we are in a rush; a lot of the times I will make this quick and easy smoothie for Alex and I. We've had a lot of prenatal appointments at 8AM and unlike myself, Alex isn't normally awake at that time. If I'm not in too much of a rush, I'll also make some French Raisin Toast.

I love smoothies. My mum and I made them frequently at one point because they're so easy and you can add in whatever you want!

Very Berry Smoothie
Makes 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups frozen berries
2. 1 banana
3. 2 cups skim milk (soy, coconut or almond milk)
4. 175g berry yoghurt 

Method:

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
2. Divide between two glasses

Notes:

• Add more or less yoghurt to achieve desired consistency
• Sprinkle chia seeds for a boost of antioxidants
• Add organic orange juice for extra sweetness
• Adding protein powder will keep you full for longer

Pregnancy Pampering

As my pregnancy journey is soon coming to an end and it won't be long until I begin a whole new exciting chapter of my life; being a mummy - I wanted to write about a few little pleasures I'll be taking to the hospital with me to make my stay a little bit more glam.

Being a first time mum(-to-be) I have learnt from movies that having a baby is not exactly the most glamourous time in your life. Here a few extra things I've packed...

Clearly Great Skin Pack from Endota Spa - it was one of the many gorgeous gifts my girlfriend Trang gave me at my baby shower

Heathcote & Ivory Sweat Pea & Honeysuckle shower gel - after giving birth I'd like to be able to hop into the shower and lather myself up with something delicious

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Cream - my boyfriend purchased this one for me (after I guilt tripped him into doing it. Score!) 

Ladakh Crystal Origami Pants - wide elasticised pants that are lightweight and thin because little bub will be a Spring time baby!

I also packed a a lightweight sundress as my going home outfit but I will leave that as a surprise and reveal it in a post-labour post! 

Hopefully if you are due soon I have inspired you to pack a few more extra little luxe items to make your stay more pleasant.

No Bake Coconut Ball Dog Treats

How could I not post this recipe considering how dog crazy I am? I found this simple recipe on Pretty Fluffy. Pretty Fluffy's founder and editor is Serena Faber Nelson. On her blog you will find chic, stylish DIY projects for the home and pet and up-to-date content and products. It's a must for pet lovers and owners. I've already bookmarked it myself!

No Bake Coconut Ball Dog Treats
Makes approximately 20 treats

Ingredients:

1. 1/3 cup coconut oil
2. 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter
3. 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
4. 1/3 cup finely shredded coconut

Method:

1. Add Coconut Oil, Peanut Butter and Rolled Oats to food processor and mix until well combined
2. Scoop out bite sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls
3. Toss each ball gently in the finely shredded coconut until well coated
4. Place on a flat tray lined with baking paper, refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve

Serena's tips:

If the mixture is too dry or wet add extra oats or coconut oil to correct

And yes... you can have some yourself. Just don't eat it all and leave none for your furry friend!

Weekend in Daylesford

Over the weekend Alex and I drove to Daylesford in central Victoria to house sit for his brother and wife. I am not the type of person who likes being in the car or driving for more than twenty minutes. Having said that, it was great to get out of Melbourne - we are yet to have our first vacation interstate and overseas!

We visited The Mineral Springs whilst we were there and took a little walk, tasted some of the spring waters. There are about four different springs that are spread out a few kms. We only two tried two of them - you could actually tell one was bubblier than the other. There's something special about drinking the water straight from the tap and not through a bottle. The only downside was that the smell of the waters were a little bit funky.

After that we headed to the Chocolate Mill considering we both had a 'day off' we decided to treat ourselves and bought a little box of treats. They were delicious!

On our last day we went out for coffee and cake at Larder and also bought some little hand-made baby goodies!

There are taps at all the different springs for you to fill up your bottle

One of the Mineral Springs

The Chocolate Mill

A selection of the delicious chocolates

Hand-made booties, beanie and toy giraffe