Wednesday 21 December 2011

2012

I have decided to call my "new years resolutions" simply goals. I have not yet once made a resolution and kept it. So i figure if i change that word and consider my options for the year extract all the bull shit what do i want to happen in the New Year what can i do to make it the best year i can.

MY new years goals:

- regular exercise and healthy eating.
- To lose 10 kilo's
- To do a pottery class or a tafe course
- get more creative eg. cooking, painting and something fun for Delilah
- Plan the best 1st birthday party that ever was!

For the moment i am just going to leave it at that otherwise i am just going to overwhelm myself with too much stuff. These few things are simple and not exactly impossible. I really am looking forward to the new year to see what i make of it...

what will anyone make of 2012

Sunday 18 December 2011

admiration

There is something unique about admiring someone especially if they have a passion for a particular way of expressing their opinion of life. When you look at someone who means the world to you for so long it is easy to forget all the beautiful things in his mind. A photographer can be anyone and everyone but its those who capture life in its raw capabilities is truly inspiring. You have to remind yourself asking him to take photo's is like telling an injured ballerina to dance again. The love is there but the interest is almost impossible to regain after a dry spell... I just wanted to show you a piece of my boyfriend that i am sure he would modestly throw his head back and say its nothing, its just pictures. But i can tell you it is more than that, its art. Anyone who can visualize life as art will always be precious in my heart.

there are only a few but i encourage to take a look, they will take your breath away....

have a look here

Monday 28 November 2011

what i use

It is so important to know what goes on your babies body as well as your own.

Not so long ago my brother introduced me to a 100% natural product called Yoh, this wonderful woman wanted to make a difference and is working hard to make it happen. Whether it be shampoo + conditioner, face cleanser and moisturizer or baby creams, balms and body washes they all are amazing!
I have been using the facial cleanser every single day for about 6 months and still have almost half the bottle left and my skin feels soft and break-out free!
Delilah hasn't had any problem's with nappy rash and i feel happy and safe using it on her. I use the Sore botty cream, the shampoo + body wash and the botty balm.

One of my favorite products is the body exfoliating cream, it smells amazing, it feels amazing once you have used it and so simple to use.




I am not usually one to care enough about something that i announce it publicly but this really is worth your time. As well as being made out of natural products the woman who creates these miracle creams, balms and washes does it all on her own. 

 Visit her website here to have a look and see if there is anything that takes your fancy and give it a go:

Tuesday 22 November 2011

The cursed jumpsuit

The cursed jumpsuit happens to be one of my favorite of Delilah's outfits but i have come to the realization that it is in fact. CURSED!

I have tried to take her out in it many times and assure myself that what happened last time was just a once off. maybe i had coffee instead of decaff. or maybe i shouldn't have made that yum curry for dinner.
i convince myself enough that i surrender to her cute little onesie and it beats me, every time.

For example the other day was about to meet my mum for a coffee and as i pull up in the car park a large volcano irrupts in the baby seat. Of course she laughs because i'm sure she felt relief, but it isnt funny to mummy! especially not funny to the jumpsuit and for making nanny wait ever so patiently while i had to race her to the parenting room and say bon voyage for the 3rd time. Since this incident i have been a little cautious to dress her in it (for obvious and very realistic reasons)
until today. It is hot and i just want to test the water's a little bit and see if the cursed jumpsuit can make its redemption!

Monday 21 November 2011

Parmesan chicken with a bean salad

ingredients:
2 chicken breasts.
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 cup Parmesan
salt +  pepper.
2 table spoons oil

Bean salad:
1 1/2 cups green bean's
1 large carrot sliced thinly
1/2 cup pecan nuts
half a cheek of mango
1 clove garlic

dressing for salad:
good glug of olive oil
good glug of lemon
1/2 red chilli seeds and all
salt + pepper

step 1. cover chicken with glad wrap and then beat it flat.








Step 2. Whisk eggs in a deep bowl with salt and pepper (i added a little sour cream. you don't have to)

In a separate bowl mix flour, bread crumbs salt and pepper Along with parmesan.

Then simply dip chicken from egg to flour




Step 3. Seal chicken pieces

Then with another sprinkle of parmesan enclose in foil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 180 degree's.

whilst the chicken is cooking we can get started on the salad.


steam green bean's and carrot along with a clove of garlic until just tender
slice mango and chop pecan nuts.

at the base of the bowl drizzle about 4 or 5 tablespoons of olive oil along with equal parts of lemon juice.
add chili and seeds. pecans. Then cooked beans and then mango (dont use garlic)
mix together with hands.



I only just created this salad and had to share it is beautiful. The flavor's are sweet and sour, spicy and fresh and i am really proud of it :)

Saturday 19 November 2011

bruschetta

perfect for an entree or a snack and also very yummy :)

ingredients:

2 tomato's
1 large onion
1 teaspoon dried basil
fresh basil
olive oil
3 pieces of bread
parmesan cheese

Step 1. lay bread onto baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil and then sprinkle some parmesan on each slice then bake until cheese is melted and bread is crispy
Step 1.






 Step 2. mix together chopped tomato, diced onion, basil along with a good glug of olive oil salt and pepper Then use your hands to mix it all together    

(excuse the mess, i got a little creative in the kitchen..will put up the cake recipe you see there next time)














 Step 3. Spoon mix onto toasted bread.
yum!
                                                                
quick, easy and amazing!

Wednesday 16 November 2011

milestones


first's are the things you wont forget in a hurry. 
From the very first ultrasound, the first smile and everything else.
These are just a few milestones i would like to share

She had her first sip of water the other day and i wasn't fast enough with the camera and missed it.
Call me a little obsessive but i want a keep-sake of every minute.

My little angel is growing so fast.
On the 29th June 2011 my daughter was born at 6 pounds 4 ounces (2.8kilo's)
and now she is 8 whole kilo's!

eight whole kilo's

So far i have lost about 13 kilo's or so since having Delilah and that is a huge milestone for me because not only have i lost weight but i have committed to afternoon and weekend walks and am bringing Jay in the mix of exercising. 
It might be something small but it matter's to me a great deal. Just like every tiny first of Delilah's means a great deal.  


























Sunday 13 November 2011

don't apologise

These day's I occasionally find myself apologizing to friends because I can't do everything like before and i find that a hand full cannot relate or understand.

I will admit I am young so have only just crossed the going out, going clubbing getting drunk stage and believe me when i say i was the alcoholic life of the party. So now I go out if i can and rarely drink. I sit and make chit chat and enjoy my short lived freedom.

Lately I have been noticing that because i am not as inclined to get blind drunk I am being judged and it is the most peculiar thing... As a result of my new found maturity and responsibility I can finally open my eyes to the people around me and really take note of who deserves my company as well as changing myself, life in itself is changing and it is SCARY! Unfortunately the truth is i might have to choose the company i surround myself with and this is scary because the reality of high school being well and truly over has suddenly dawned on me. We are growing up and growing out.

I think it is so important to embrace every moment and enjoy your life. Therefor i wont ever apologize here on for not being somewhere because that would mean saying sorry for being a mummy.

Sunday 6 November 2011

breast is best?

breast feeding is sometimes a sticky subject and until i had Delilah i never knew how complicated and controversial it really can be.

From the massacred nipples to the awkward moment when your bubby is hungry in public and all the other delights of breast feeding it is such an important aspect to being a mummy.

I was sitting in a restaurant having lunch with a friend and little lilah started crying and since i hadn't planned on being out for long i hadn't expressed so my only option was to get ma boob out!
i had prepared in that i had a maternity bra on and an extra shirt so there was no visual of my breast. Funnily enough i noticed a man get up and move away and that was fine because obviously he was a little self conscious of the situation and didn't make a fuss.

But the fact is is that i just wanted to get up and go all the way home just so i could feed my hungry baby because i was so embarrassed.
So it got me thinking about all the fuss in the news about how breast feeding mothers shouldn't feed in public because its awkward for those in the public and blah blah blah... you know what? how dare anyone tell me were i should feed my child. And why would it be awkward for anyone else, they have the option of walking away. If they think it is difficult for them how the hell do you think i feel when i see someone watch me and then shake their head. I promise if you keep looking at me i will flash you! I don't want to feel like i have to go to the darkest corner in the room to feed.. that's my vent over.

I also wanted to give a few pieces of advice that i found worked:

after the first couple of feeds make sure you soak the nipples in warm salt water.. it sounds too simple to work but it does, trust me!
make sure when you put nipple cream on you tweak them at the same time even though it will be painful it helps toughen them up.
make sure you place it above her lip so she has a chance to latch properly
and dont give up! its hard at first and painful but if you stick with it and do these few simple steps you will be fine :)

Thursday 3 November 2011

now 4 months

like a breath of fresh air! that first night she slept right through the night.. i have not felt this human in well over 3 months and i have a knew excitement for getting up and getting started..

my new day starts at 7 instead of 5am i get up and feed her and we play and talk and then go for a walk around the block.

the dishes aren't done. her toys are still on the ground and i don''t really care..

what happens at 4 months?

she can hold her head up on her own
babble and talk and mouth words
she can hold her head up when on her tummy
playing with toys and being interested in EVERYTHING
laughing (melting my heart and reduced me to tears the first time i heard it)
all these new achievements make everything else not at all important and i hope that other mother's out there take this precious moment to en-hale the love and appreciation that your baby shows you every day. 

so my only question is... were the hell did this year go?
I almost feel guilty that i didnt spend enough time to just stop and look at her longer or take more photo's because she has grown into this little person over night. yesterday she couldn't roll on her side. today she can! i blinked and she had shuffled herself around i am so so proud to be a mother.
she is an angel and i love her.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

beautiful lullaby

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are grey
you'll never know dear how much i love you so please don't take my sunshine away...


things never seemed quite as sentimental until little Lilah came to our lives and i found myself singing out loud more than usual. Everything and anything but mainly this little tune, it seemed to calm her and make her smile. Maybe because i sang it to her while i was pregnant or maybe because she has a new found love in music. 
Other than that song there is the "change the nappy" track that goes a little like:


nakey nakey baby, i love you! i hope you havent made too much mess on my favorite little dress!" or various things like that


then the morning bath time song: "we wash our tummies, we wash our knee's we wash our toes and cheeks.. we wash with soap until we sparkle and that's how we start the day"


which brings me to wonder if i am the only crazy mama who sings everything to their bubs. What kind of tunes do you sing? are there any nursery rhymes or sing a longs you trill along to....

Saturday 22 October 2011

gardening is like doing the dishes.

"no, its not weeds. just mow it anyway." i said to my partner as the rent inspection was the next day and i just wanted it done!
well, now i have silently elected myself to reverse the damage i have inevitably caused from my reckless gardening. For any of you who garden can appreciate how much effort it takes to fill an entire green waste bin with weeds and tree cuttings on your own! i learnt something today: men don't respond to reverse psychology and had to send Negative Nancy away before i seriously put a rake in his hand.

Just like the dishes, the longer you leave them the worse they get and there is no away around them as both sit scornfully awaiting. As painful as it seems the end product makes it all the more worth while! it's such a satisfying feeling looking back and seeing all the sweat and back breaking work had in fact made such a difference..

Thankfully Delilah slept peacefully and woke just as i was sweeping up. good timing baby :)


next week its the front yards turn!

Thursday 20 October 2011

a little place called heaven..



never under-mind the importance of self clarity whether you're a mother or not we are all human and need a little time out. 
replace lights with candles and take all phones and ipods, laptops or anything that makes noise out of the bathroom you can't relax 100% if you have a distraction in the room, giving yourself that 30 minutes - 2 hours of complete silence is essential for keeping a healthy attitude. Especially if you're like me who is fighting a cold and in agony! People forget to tell you about the "no days off" section in the motherhood book... 

add a little lavender to the bath and your body will sing a big thank you. 


If all else fails share the moment.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Fears, hopes and dreams

  my fears


                                        
   broken heart -  depression
   not accomplishing my goals
   becoming a bad mother.
   as far as childhoods go i wouldn't say mine                            
   was rainbows and lollipops, so it is so important i get this right.. 



                                                         





My hopes 


                To be happy and loved
                           




 talk about the good old days
  To live in the moment










                                              

   have 1 or 2 more :)












Healthy living
healthy mind









                    well. a girl can only dream







my own horse













to win the lottery!







My dreams

little house with a picket fence, floor boards and glass pane kitchen cupboards.










with a puppy in the backyard.











To study
and complete it.








to have my own farm

Sunday 16 October 2011

a house wife? what?

I currently don't have a job so technically this makes me a house wife. (even though i am not married)
my mornings go something like this:

5.30AM - feed lilah, feed new kitten i found back to bed

7.50am - get up bath lilah feed her let her play

9.30 - she has a sleep.

i have between 45mins to 2 hours to eat breakfast, shower, do the dishes and what ever else...

lets say she wakes up at 12. 

feed her, change her play with her: tummy time and generally keep her happy since she is going through this cling faze and i am not allowed to put her down which is ok by my because there is nothing better than a 3 month baby cuddle. 

so by now its about 2 and havent had a chance to do anything really and she will go down for another nap around now. a shorter one but still a nap!
i have about 45 minutes to scrub the bathroom clean the laundry vacuum the floors tidy the clutter. You can start to understand how fucking hard it can be to keep things together..

by 4.30 im getting ready for our afternoon walk which is around the block and takes about 45mins.
home by about 5.30 then its shower time then dinner time by 6 and then in bed by 7.
after that i want to just sit down. but i have to cook dinner as well so the mess is back, hooray i have something to do for tomorrow (as if there is nothing else to do) and its a monday which means the partner has been home and he sleeps in so getting anything done is impossible because i dont want to wake him up. did i mention the 3 week old kitten i found? yeah. its still in nappies.

I love my job, i do. i just wish i had a double who would clean for me while i was playing and feeding the baby. maybe one that didn't try their luck and give me advice?.. i am sure thats a wish many of you mums have out there, especially the single ones. i dont no how you do it!




being mummy..

Being a young mum. It is so many different emotions all at the same time.
love, envy, confusion and patients are just a few and as you can see they all contradict themselves entirely.

Love - it fills every crevice of my body for this beautiful little girl who i made. Who laughs and drools and spews every were. who can't talk but loves nothing more than the sight of your face. Something so rare has become so common in my life and it feels amazing.

Envy - because i do want to still do the things i did before, even though i know that it's mostly impossible. Having my friends go out and have fun and not be invited. well  it sucks who ever you are. Or the girls he looks at but cant stand the sight of me. child birth is a scary scary thing i understand that but it still makes me feel worthless.

Confusion - Why does this little person love me so much? How can i get so annoyed with sleepless nights, dirty nappies and spewed on clothes when she loves me so much. What makes me such a special mother? What can i do to make her love me forever and to listen to me and be the best mum i can be.
Why can't i lose the baby weight fast enough. What have i done differently? Who have i become. Is this who i really am? is this my purpose in life? why wont he look at me the same? why wont he kiss me like he used to?
Why is this all happening so fast. the list of questions is endless. and i am still in the process of answering them.

Patients - It is so important to have patients especially with a new born who's only way of communication is crying. Patients to get organised and into some form of routine. Patients for the people around you who want to pick her up at bed time or baby sit or give me advice over and over again. It's a personal trait that would go along way as far as wife or mothering goes.

I longed to be a mummy and when i found out i was pregnant (at 19) it was the happiest, scariest most exhilarating day of my life. I fell in love with the life inside of me instantly, it was my gift. I new from that day on things would never be the same but i was happy to follow it through and see were life intended this test to walk.
Telling my family was just as horrifying. I have 3 brothers who are older than me who dont have kids yet so you can imagine how i felt. along with a sister who had other things in her life (as if she needed any more stress) Mum well, she has watched me make mistakes over and over and i thought surely she would be disappointed. and my DAD oh god. I'm only 19 I'm his little girl what ever will he think. well i can tell you that he was less than impressed at first but to tell you the truth he turned around and was more compassionate towards me than ever before. I was so surprised at how a new life can bring so much positive change to the world..

Wednesday 12 October 2011

girls night in?

So you have put the baby to bed, expressed if you're BF and have invited the girls over for a long awaited catch up here is a way to lighten up the mood and impress everyone with your new cocktail making skills..

what you will need:
1 punnet of strawberry
1 small can of diced pine apple + juice
Vodka
lemon cordial
ice

blender
sift

what to do:

blend strawberry and pineapple with juice of the pineapple.
add vodka and a cup (or more if you want more than 4 cocktails) of made up lemon cordial
add ice. blend.
in batches poor the mix through a sift making sure you get all the excess liquid.
then place in the freezer for about 4 hours.

tip: with the vodka fruit mush thats left over spoon it into ice block moulds and pour made up lemon cordial over the top that way they freeze.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

cookie monster!!

Ok so you're home alone, hungry and a little bit emotional. what do you do?
make the best cookies EVER and eat them until you feel all better :)

what you will need:

1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 tbs vanilla essence
180g melted butter
1 cup flour
1 1/2 self raising flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup caster sugar (or raw sugar if you want a crunchy surprise)
1 cup macadamia nuts (or i tried it with un salted cashews and they were just as good)
1 cup choc chips (a big cup. lets face it its not a healthy snack you might as well make them chocolaty awesome)
2 big spoons.

how to make them:

pre-heat oven to about 180*C
combine all the flours and sugar together until the flour turns brown.
make a well in the middle and add melted butter, egg and vanilla essence.
this is probably a good time to add the nuts and chocolate
then stir around until it forms a dough consistency
grease up an oven tray
then get your 2 spoons and scoop some mixture into a ball and place onto tray repeat until all the mixture is gone.
cook for 10 - 15 minutes
and let them cool a little so they dont fall apart when eating them!

seriously the easiest, quickest way to make cookies and they taste amazing. Perfect for coffee with the girls!

Monday 10 October 2011

love

Love is a curious thing.
It's painful when it fails,
and senseless in understanding
whether it be the first time
a summer time fling
or the great love we yearn for
whether she sleeps in her cot
or the ones lost and forgot
we continue to love
and continue to love
for the rest of our lives...






baby baby baby

An important lesson to learn in life is that pregnancy also leads to child birth. Even 30 something hours of excruciating pain can be a little questioning as to who and if you are about to meet the love of your life.  A lot of the time i spent breathing and laughing - also not the way labor was intended but don't worry it laughed in my face when i was induced and almost killed me with off the Richter contractions! Who ever says it isn't that bad is  A LIAR. 

In all serious children are a cliche because they honestly are delightful and have certainly given my life purpose. 



You will have to forgive me - I am a little fresh with this blogging thing..