Review: Gro-Egg Digital Room Thermometer

To be honest, I'm not as vigilant as I should be when it comes to checking James' room temperature. So when I was offered to test out one of the Gro Company's products, I decided to try the Gro-Egg Digital Room Thermometer. 

If you haven't heard of a Gro-Egg, it's basically a room thermometer and nightlight in one. The light changes colour depending on whether the room is hot, cold or just right. 

We all know that a safe sleeping environment for our little ones is a room temperature of between 16-20 degrees, however this is not always possible. Sometimes it may be colder than this and other times it will be warmer, and knowing what the temperature is at a quick glance allows you to figure out what to dress your bub in for the night. If you're a little unsure you can always check the clothing guide that comes with the Gro-Egg.

The first thing I noticed about the Gro-Egg was the size. For some reason, I had pictured it to be a lot bigger than it was.. not that size matters in this case. In fact, I like that it's small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, making it easy to pack when travelling. 

The light is a little more subtle than your stock standard night light, but it gives out a nice glow. We've been using it in James' nursery for the last week and he loves it. It's been great for us too, just being able to pop our heads in and quickly see the temperature of the room. 

Now I'm keen to get one of the super cute Gro-shells for it..

I'm leaning towards the Owl, which do you like best?

xx

Toddler Table Makeover / Hack

This was James' first birthday present from me and his daddy. We figured he'd need a little table soon for colouring/eating and I wanted to make him something special that he could use for while.

I was inspired by the Ikea Hack of the Latt Table (which in Australia retails for $40).. but seeing as we don't have an Ikea near us I decided to get this Junior Table & Chair Set from Babies r Us (for $45).

My first step was to assemble the table, I used a drill to tighten the screws (a lot quicker than doing it manually). I then sanded the chairs so that I could spray paint them (in hindsight I wish I'd gone with regular paint as the spray paint kept bubbling and dripping - so annoying!).



I sprayed them with White Knights Squirts Spray Paint in Dusk Grey.

My next step was to cover the print with contact paper. I then traced the inside of the seat on a blank piece of paper to get the right measurements, I then cut this and used it as a template.



Once I'd cut the print I super-glued it to the chair.

I then repeated the same process for the table.

 I decided to make a different version for my beautiful niece for her birthday too..



I won't lie, it was very time consuming (especially the spray painting), but I'm really happy with how they both turned out. I love that they are unique and something the kiddies will be able to use for years to come.

What do you guys think?



xx

James' First Birthday

James is officially one today! I still can't believe it - my baby has grown into a little boy!

We had his party on Sunday (mother's day here in Australia) and as you can probably guess we went with a Winnie the Pooh theme. I started planning his birthday months ago haha. It was fun to organise although the day before and the day of were pretty exhausting! I think it was worth it though, as it was a fun afternoon for my little guy and everyone had a great time.

Unfortunately the weather was pretty miserable. We originally planned to have the party inside and outside (as our place is tiny) but squeezing us all inside and away from the rain, didn't end up being as bad as I thought it would be.

I set up my first ever lolly buffet and I'm really happy with how it turned out. As I mentioned earlier I'd love to start a small lolly buffet business, so this was my first step towards doing so. My gorgeous and talented friend Carol made the beehive cookies and smash cake - they looked amazing and tasted even better! We did a smash cake shoot the next day with James which was soo cute! I'll do a separate post on that soon.

I definitely think that James' 1st birthday party was a success. I have to be honest though, it was a lot more stressful than I had imagined a 1 year old's party to be.. but that's probably just my personality! I tend to get stressed about having everything perfect which, let's face it, it never is.. especially when there are babies involved!

xx

2014 in Review and Resolutions for 2015

I always love starting the new year by looking back on the year that was and all the things I want to achieve in the new year.

So let me start by re-capping 2014..

I had a relaxing babymoon at the south coast.

I had an amazing joint Baby-Q (a co-ed baby shower) with my sister.

I started blogging again after giving it up for over a year!



I attended two hen's nights and two weddings (including my brother's surprise wedding!)



My life changed forever when I had my beautiful baby boy. Everyday since I've grown more and more in-love with him. He is the sweetest, funniest little man and I'm so lucky I get to be his mum!



I welcomed my gorgeous niece (and James' first cousin) Isla into the world!



We also got James' baptised, went on trips to Mollymook, Orange, Windsor, Sydney and Port Stephens and attended two baby showers (did I mention my brother is having identical twins?!)



Woah that was one hell of a year! I don't think I'll ever be able to top 2014 - it was incredible!

So what are my resolutions for 2015.. 

1. Buy a house!
Rob and I are looking for a bigger place and hoping to find our dream home soon!

2. Lose the baby weight
I really want to be back to my "normal" size before James turns one.

3. Start a small lolly buffet business
We'll see how James' first birthday practice run goes!

4. Travel overseas as a family
I'd love to go overseas again. We may even go to the UK to visit my family :)

5. Be the best mum and wife I can be
I want to continue putting my energy into raising an active, creative and sweet little boy. I also want to keep making time for date nights and family activities. 

I'd love to hear what your resolutions are for 2015.

xx

Outfits of 2014

Sorry there aren't more outfits to share with you from 2014.. it's hard to look stylish with baby drool and spit-up all over you haha. I definitely take my hat off to girls like Mica from awayfromtheblue who uploads regular outfit posts looking uber stylish WHILE looking after her little bub. Girl - you are an inspiration!

Looking back on these pics, makes me miss my big belly haha - I never thought I would say that! Maybe I'm getting clucky again! :O

My style this year has been all about comfort, both during pregnancy and after, with leggings/jeggings, flat shoes, loose tops and cardigans. I wonder how next year's outfits will compare!

xx

Boxing Day Bargains

I LOVE going boxing day shopping - despite the crazy crowds! It's become a yearly tradition that we look forward to around Christmas. This year was even more fun, as we could shop for the little man too! Here's what we got from..

Lush

2x Vanishing Cream Facial Moisturiser (RRP $40ea, Sale Price $20ea), Ultra Bland Facial Cleanser (RRP $18, Sale Price $9), Popcorn Lip Scrub (RRP $10, Sale Price $5), It's Raining Men Shower Gel (RRP  $14, Sale Price $7) & Magic Wand (RRP $10, Sale Price $5)

Sportsgirl
(excuse the wrinkles)

Khaki Jacket (RRP $90, Sale Price $40)

Cotton On

Minnie Dress (RRP $40, Sale Price $15)

Sadie Cross Back  Tea Dress (RRP $40, Sale Price $15)

Myers

Navy Spot Tights (RRP $25, Sale Price $12)

Benefit Hot 2 Trot (RRP $51, Sale Price $35)

T2

Twenty Moments (RRP $20, Sale Price $10)

Target - Baby

(excuse the wrinkles)

Target Baby Top (RRP $8, Sale Price $4)  &
Target Baby Shorts (RRP $6, Sale Price $3)

Target Baby Onesie (RRP $12, Sale Price $6)

Target Baby Top (RRP $6, Sale Price $3) &
Target Baby Shorts (RRP $6, Sale Price $3)

Target Baby Top (RRP $10, Sale Price $5) &
Target Baby Shorts (RRP $8, Sale Price $4)

Did you pick anything up on Boxing Day?

xx

Solids - Week 2

This week James tried Green Beans (he's not a fan!) and Carrots which he loved but are sooo messy! I forgot to take pics of him eating them, so he's one of him enjoying pear instead :)

Day 8

11am - Peas

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Breast milk)

Day 9

11am - Peas

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Breast milk)

Day 10

11am - Introduce Green Beans + Peas

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Water)

Day 11

11am - Green Beans + Peas

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Water)

Day 12

11am - Green Beans + Peas

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Water)

Day 13

11am - Introduce Carrots + Green Beans

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Water)

Day 14

11am - Carrots + Peas

6pm - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Water)

xx

Starting Solids - Week 1

So we've bitten the bullet and started James on solids this week. I wasn't sure he was ready, so I  "tested the waters" by giving him a little taste of rice cereal and he LOVED it, he practically bit my hand off when I spoon fed him and cried when I took it away! He's a big boy (7.8kg) so he's got a healthy appetite! Obviously I'm no expert on introducing solids, and there's a lot of different (and conflicting) opinions out there about when and what you give your bubs. But for us, this is what we've started with and it's all going well so far (touch wood).

Day 1

After 11am Feed - Introduced Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Breast milk)

Day 2

After 11am Feed - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Breast milk)

Day 3

After 11am Feed - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Breast milk)

Day 4

11am - Introduced Pear

After 6pm Feed - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Breast milk)

Day 5

After 6pm Feed - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Breast milk)

Day 6

After 6pm Feed - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Breast milk)

Day 7

After 11am Feed - Introduced Peas

After 6pm Feed - Iron-Fortified Rice Cereal (with Pear & Breast milk)

It's exciting being able to introduce him to new foods and see his reaction. I still can't believe he's eating solids already! Naw my little baby's growing up so fast *tear*.

xx

Things to do on Maternity Leave

When I was pregnant I was constantly googling 'things to do on maternity leave' because I thought.. "I'm going to get sooooo bored being at home all day with a baby". Boy was I wrong. Being a mum is a full-time job! I'm so much busier now than I ever was when I was working full-time. It's just a different type of busy. Between feeding, showering, nappy changes, laundry, housework and playing with James.. it's hard to find time to do anything else. 

''

I make use of any "free" time I have by doing fun and productive things like..

Catching up with Friends and Family
I catch up regularly with my sister (who I'm lucky enough to be on mat leave with) to go shopping, watch trashy shows or go for walks. I also meet up with my mummy friends and my work friends during the week and still see my close friends on the weekend.

Building a Herb Garden
James loves playing outside in the shade while I potter away.

Watching Girly Shows
I'm slowly getting through the Gilmore Girls box set and loving every minute of it!


Organising my Closet
It's actually neat and tidy for once!


Going for walks with James
It's been especially nice lately, now that the weather's warmed up.


Preparing for Christmas
Why wait til Christmas to start buying presents! I've been buying presents online and wrapping them as I go. It's been fun and it's going to make Christmas a hell of a lot easier.


Watching my Fave Youtube Channels
I love the SacconeJolys, the Mom's View, Erin and Baby & Amanda Muse. I tend to watch these in the morning while having my brekky :)


Filling out James' Baby Book
This can be a bit tedious but I think it will be such a nice keep-sake for him when he's older.


Going to Mother's Group
I attend a mother's group once a week if I can. It's a good opportunity to talk to other mums who can relate.  I also like the social aspect for little James.


Selling Clothes on eBay
I've been selling a tonne of clothes that have been wasting space in my closet. It's so liberating getting rid of them and making money out of it is just a bonus!


and of course.. Blogging!
I've been pretty slack lately.. I try to blog every few days but it doesn't always happen (as you can tell haha).

There's so much more I want to do on mat leave like go to playgroups, swimming lessons with James, mums n bubs movies (can you believe I haven't been to one yet!) and I can't wait. I really want to make the most of this time off before I have to go back to work (boooo).

xx