Baby Essentials

Sofia is almost six months old - where has the time gone?! Foolishly, I thought I'd have more time at home with a baby, I thought I'd be taking photos and be blogging but I haven't had time, and any time I have had between our feeding/playing/sleeping routine I've found myself cleaning, preparing meals (although most of mine are eaten sitting on the floor) or reading up on things like 'sleep regression', 'starting solids', 'how do you get poop out of carpet' etc. I have LOVED every second of being a mama, it's more than I ever imagined, and I revel in seeing Sofia grow and experience new things.

Six months in and I've also realised where I wasted money (on cutesy, unnecessary things that remain unused) and discovered a number of things that I'd recommend for all new mama-to-bes. These have made our lives much easier in the last few months so I thought I'd share my 'essentials' with you.  Note, we've just started solids so I'll do a separate post on this as Sofia has taken to it like a duck to water.

Ubbi Nappy Caddy
This has been so handy - providing convenience and access to all our nappy supplies in any room in the house. There are two main compartments for nappies, wipes and creams and a draw for smaller items. It also comes with an easy clean change mat. I'd be lost without this.
Ubbi Nappy Caddy RRP $79.95 (currently half price on The Stork Nest).

UPPABaby Cruz Pram
We looked at almost every pram on the market. The Bugaboo is always a popular choice but didn't have a large shopping basket underneath (priorities) so we decided on the UPPABaby which has a huge, easy to access shopping basket underneath. Our next decision was choosing between the VISTA and the CRUZ models. The VISTA is designed for growing families as you can add another seat and the CRUZ is designed just for one baby. Given the struggles we had trying to get pregnant with Sofia, we decided to buy the pram for the baby we were having, not for future babies that may or may not eventuate, so we settled on the slightly more compact CRUZ model which is sturdy, looks great and can navigate over anything. We also bought the bassinet which was great for the first 5 months as she slept in there a lot and it prevented me from feeling housebound.
UPPABaby Cruz Pram
UPPABaby Bassinet

The First Six Weeks - Midwife Cath
This book literally got me prepared, and through, the first six weeks with Sofia. As a first time mum it provided guidance about caring for our new baby, from feeding to sleeping and everything in between. With over 40 years experience, Cath provides a wealth of knowledge into babies, establishing routines and a lifelong loving bond. I read it before Sofia was born and then read each week (it's set out in weeks) as I was going through them and found it really got me through the challenges of the first few weeks. If only Cath could write one for the first 6 years!!
The First Six Weeks by Midwife Cath $29.99

Love to Dream Swaddle UP
Sofia didn't want to be 'traditionally' swaddled with her hands down from birth so we were thrilled to discover the Love to Dream Swaddle UP. They've provided both Sofia and us with a great nights sleep - something all new parents need.  These also make the perfect baby shower gift!
Love to Dream Swaddle UP Original $39.95

White Noise Sound Machine
This goes hand in hand with the Love To Dream SwaddleUP in promoting sleep. It plays white noise that calms and soothes and also drowns out other household noise whilst baby sleeps. This one is great as it's portable so can be taken on holiday or fastened to a pram or car seat.
Marpac Hushh White Noise Sound Machine $31

Stokke Tripp Trapp
I knew without question I wanted the Tripp Trap highchair as I had one as a kid - they grow as your child grows and you can choose a colour to work with your decor (we got white). We also got the additional newborn set so we could bring Sofia to the table at mealtimes from early on. That way she got used to being at the table and it's made her transition to solids much easier.
Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair $329

Baby Bjorn Bouncer
I wasn't sure if we needed one of these at first, so held off a few weeks and then I realised I need to put Sofia somewhere when I was having a shower, going to the toilet or making dinner. Portable and light you can move it around the house so your little one can see you at all times.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer $219

Baby Sleeping Nest
People either love or hate these and there was some controversy about using them as I believe some people use them inside the cot which isn't great for SIDs. We however, just used ours for day naps in the first 4 months or until Sofia's head was touching the top. I kept ours on our lounge room floor and Sofia LOVED sleeping in it, and it meant I could keep an eye on her during the day whilst I went about with my chores.
Cam Cam Baby Nest $159

Catching Up

I started this blog a few years back as a creative outlet and to share the things I like - recipes, fashion, home inspiration, DIY, mood boards and anything else that took my fancy. I stopped blogging a few years back when I lost my father as I just didn't have the time, nor the inspriation, however a lot has happened in the last couple of years and I feel like I'm ready to pick it up again...in some capacity.

To catch you up, 2015 was a momentous year from me - I got engaged, bought a house, got married and had a sensational honeymoon in Italy and France, all in the space of 8 months. The wedding was definitely THE highlight and we had the most amazing photographers, Erin & Tara who captured all the magical moments and (I think) made us look like absolute superstars. Below are few photos of their photos from our special day.

2016 saw us settle into married life and we started trying for a baby. In February 2016, after only a few short months of trying, we fell pregnant and we were absolutely overjoyed. Sadly, a few weeks later I miscarried which left us devastated but eager to try again - we knew miscarriage was extremely common (20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage with 80% of them usually in the first few weeks) and  we believed it would happen again pretty swiftly. A year later we were still having no luck so sought the advice of a fertility specialist - I wasn't getting any younger, at 37, so they suggested we try IVF. Lots of friends and family had had success with IVF and other fertility treatments so we signed up immediately and commenced all the pre-treatment testing. In March 2017, I started my first cycle and by April we got a positive.  Initially, we were pretty apprenshive and found it difficult to get too excited, miscarriage still played on our minds and we honestly felt getting pregnant on the first cycle was just too good to be true (we weren't that lucky) but as the weeks went by, seeing and hearing the heartbeat and the growth from appointment to appointment we relaxed and started to enjoy the pregnancy and the excitement of starting a family. Now our little girl (who we affectionately call Colin right now) is due the first week of January 2018. 

So that's the last couple of years in a nutshell and here I am, 35 weeks pregnant and back to sharing my life. Posts may be random and pictures may not be very slick but I'll still try to get a few hair tutorials up as these proved very popular, particularly on Pinterest, and there will definitely be lots of 'mummy' posts (I'm obsessed with baby anything and everything), food and fashion related bits and pieces. Watch this space...

What's in my Make-up Bag?

My handbag contents is pretty boring - sunglasses, keys, iPhone, make-up bag so I didn't think a 'what's in my bag?' would have been any fun so thought I'd share a what's in my make-up bag. This is my day-to-day make-up bag that I use on work mornings and keep in my handbag for any random touch-ups.

Clockwise: Tender Love & Carry Make-Up Bag $12.16 (on sale), Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil $48, Chanel Powder Brush #1 $65, Paul & Joe Lipstick Refil in Pret-a-porter $25.34 & Paul & Joe Lipstick Case $14.19, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm $46.20, Geurlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 $52, Lancome Effacernes Longue Tenue Concealer $53, Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm $30, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $11, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation $45, Paul & Joe Lip Pencil Duo $26

YouTube Obsession

This is more like a confession but I am OBSESSED with youtube!! What started as me looking for online reviews on hair curling wands a year or so ago has grown to a full on addiction to the lives of 'youtube beauty gurus' and sadly sometimes their boyfriends (Jim Chapman). I started watching Tanya Burr as I couldn't believe how she could transform her face with make-up. Don't get me wrong she is a beautiful young 20-something but with some eye make-up and careful conturing she looks like a sexy vamp. To be honest, I am more fascinated at the amount of product these fresh faced young women are putting on their faces and how much older they appear than I am about learning how to apply liquid eyeliner but I do pick up some great tips and beauty recommendations. My recent favourites are Vivianna Does Makeup and Essie Button and both of these girls have led to my recent purchases of Alpha-H Liquid Gold (A-Mazing!!), Hourglass Arch Brown Sculpting Pencil ($48 but is the perfect powder/wax consistency, I swear) and Dior Creme de Rose lip balm. Ok, so at $30 (for lip balm!!!) I probably didn't need this but the packaging is so darn cute and my initials are CD...yep, this YouTube thing is not good. Prior to this I've changed foundation to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (thanks Fleur De Force), bought a Clarisonic Mia, Shu Uemura eyelash curlers, Bumble & Bumble shampoo and conditioner, Oribe Texturising Spray and the list goes on. Seeing how their reviews can obviously influence a 30-something women, it's no surprise that these young ladies are doing this 'Beauty Guru' business full time, turning a hobby into a career and raking in the cash. Check out their youtube videos and try not be influenced, I dare you. I'm off to go see what the SacconeJoly's got up to yesterday. That is a story for another day...

Tanya Burr before and afters 

Happy Father's Day, Daddio

Happy Father's Day to all the best dads in the world,

Thank you for your patience, your understanding, your strength, your positivity, your dad jokes
and your never-ending love.

To my Dad, I love you so very much. You're the greatest x

The Chop

I've cut my hair - might not sound like a big deal but I probably get it cut every 6 months (if that) and I've been sporting the same long locks for the last 12 years. I don't know whether it's because it's my birthday this weekend (turning 34 and needed a more grown up look perhaps?), spring is on the horizon, or if I just needed a change. Anyway, I've cut off about 10 inches and it's the perfect mid-length for me - doesn't fall too short or hang too long down my back - I was getting sick of it long but I'm not ready to commit to a bob just yet.  I love how swingy it is (I swear I look younger!) and wish I'd done it sooner. I don't have a good photo to share with you right now but the images below were my hairspiration.

*Images via Pinterest

The Winner Is...

Congratulations Karen Reid-Mogford! I'll contact you via Instagram and also leave a comment on your blog. If you read this, please email me at alittlesliceof@gmail.com and I'll arrange your gift voucher.

Thanks to everyone that entered and again, thank you so much for your support x

Recent Purchases

Thought I'd share some of my recent purchases. I'm probably getting a little too excited for summer with a couple of these, but I refuse to buy any more wintery clothes and I'm on the countdown to summer.

ASOS lips print shirt. I love a print and this is as cute as they come. I missed out on this on ASOS but I picked this up on eBay for $17.

Saltwater sandals - these are sure to be a summer staple. So comfy I can see myself getting a rainbow of colours and matching them to my pedicures. The kids ones are so cute too - if only I had a mini me! 

TOMS Sandela Sunglasses. Not only are they great quality with lots of styles to choose from, but with every pair you buy, TOMS give or restore sight to a person in need. You have to love that!! 

Sanctuary Spa Therapist's Secret Facial Oil. I battle with dry skin in winter, but still get oily patches and the occasional huge red under the skin pimple (you know those really sore ones where you feel like you have a second head/chin). When it comes to skin, you name it, I deal with it. I only bought this last week so I can't claim it's a miracle potion but I've been using 2 drops (morning and night) under my moisturiser and my skin feels softer and brighter and although it's an oil, it's completely non-greasy. Here's hoping it does great things for me.  If you know of any other skin miracles, let me know.

First Birthday Giveaway

August 1 marks one year of A Little Slice Of. I honestly can't believe:

• I have people regularly reading my blog
• I've clocked up 119,000 page views 
• Some people actually take the time to comment
• That I've kept it up (I know I'm not that regular but I have managed at least one post a week)
• My Instagram pics have featured in the Sunday Herald Sun Style mag (twice!)
• My double braid tutorial was featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere's most recent 'Links I Love'

To celebrate a year and as a thank you for all the support I'm offering one lucky person the chance to win a US$200 NET-A-PORTER Gift Card.

For your chance to win, simply follow me on Bloglovin, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest (links at right) and leave me a comment below letting me know how you're following (you will receive one entry for each type of follow). Entries close at midnight AEST on 31 July and I'll conduct a random generator draw at 7pm (AEST) on 1 August. Winner will be announced immediately after the draw. This giveaway is open internationally. Thanks again and good luck x

Life Lately in Instagram

Double denim | Cupcakes | What I Wore | Moive Date Outfit

Hermes Scaft | DIY Flower Pin | Fruit Toast for Breakfast | Floral & Stripes

$4.24 Necklace | Tulle Skirt | Red Accents | Chevron & Sequins

Eggs | Shoe Clean Out | Perfect Winter Day in Melbourne | Stripey OOTD

I've said it before but I'm obsessed with Instagram - not just sharing my own pics but I can spend hours (I'm not kidding!!) looking through random people's beautiful snaps. Last Sunday one of my pics was in Melbourne's Herald-Sun Sunday Style Magazine. I nearly choked on my cereal when I saw my pic. Check it out below.

Happy Mother's Day

This day is all about the most special lady in my life - my mum. So very wise, selfless beyond belief, and always there with an open mind, open heart and open arms. Thank you for all you do, you mean more to me than you could ever know. I love you. Happy Mothers Day x

Mother's Day Gift Guide

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd round up some gifts to spoil the most important lady in your life next Sunday 12 May. From beauty and pampering to technology and jewellery, I've found gifts that suit every budget.

1 Diptyque Philosykos EDT $165
2 J.Crew Crystal Compilation Necklace $165
3 Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick $34
4 J.Crew Vintage Pajama Set $85
5 Candyhouse Rosey Apples Jar 280g $12.95
6 Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleaning System $139
7 Soap & Glory Hand Food $11.95
8 Kikki.K Leather iPad Case $79.95
9 Ikea FÖRTJUST Decorative Bowl with Lid $6.99

March in Instagram

Sequins & stripes | Rained in Byron Bay every day | Leopard & stripes | Easter breakfast

Soda bread | Green for St Patrick's Day | Chocolate brownies | San Pellegrino print

Selfie | Coffee at Ground Up Toowoomba | New yellow heels | OOTD

Gingham & bling | Leopard Pants | Breakfast at Harvest Cafe Byron Bay | Easter eggs

Currently...

1 Wearing: My J.Crew Flower Lattice Necklace – I’m obsessed and it seems to go with everything, which is good seeing as I’m wearing it with everything.

2 Watching: Girls – Love it! If you’ve been living under a rock, it’s about 4 young twenty-something women living in New York who are trying to sort their lives out after college. It focuses on their relationships with each other, with friends, lovers, bosses, ex’s, parents. The characters are so self-absorbed they’re not even that likeable (I wouldn’t want to be friends with any of them) and be prepared to see Hannah naked in every episode! It’s at times painfully raw, embarrassingly real and I think I enjoy it so much because I can relate to it – we’ve all been there or know someone who has - the scene where Lena Dunham’s character, Hannah, is face down on the couch awkwardly trying to pull her tights off…oh the humiliation! I can’t wait for Season 3.

3 Reading: ‘They Storyteller’ by Jodi Picoult. The main character, Sage Singer strikes up a friendship with an old man who is highly respected in the local community. One day he confesses his darkest secret and asks Sage a favour: to kill him. An Amazing novel about forgiveness and redemption – riveting and thought provoking it’s Picoult at her best. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down.

4 Buying: Jumpers, sweatshirts and knits for Autumn/Winter. I’ve already started layering these on even though the weather in Melbourne is still in the mid twenties. The 'Hello' sweatshirt by Hello Merch is so comfy and soft.

5 Eating: Easter Eggs - I have so many left over I’ll be eating them for months.

6 Drinking: Pimm’s and Lemonade – my all time favourite with or without mint, cucumber, orange slices and strawberries.

7 Wishing for: A new parka – doesn’t need to be expensive but I need to replace my old shabby looking one. I do like this J.Crew version and I've spotted a couple of cheaper ones on ASOS too.

8 Listening to: Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience. I love me some JT and I’ve been enjoying this on my long drive to and from work.

February in Instagram

Yes we're more than half way though March but I didn't want to miss a month of Instagram images. I am totally obsessed with Instagram and love looking at everyone's insta-highlights. So, if you're into it too, let me know your profile name and I'll follow you.

Styling my new JCrew bling | My new brows | Banana bread | Baby lips

French pharmacy skin care | The Strand Sydney | Couscous and grilled vegetable salad | Pillow OD

Socks and heels | Movie night snacks | Coach and polka dots | Cherry Ripe for Valentine's Day

Gingham and bling | ace&jig dress | Ribs at Hurricane's | Changeroom snap

Be My Valentine

1 Chinti and Parker Heart Sweater | 2 Jennifer Meyer Heart Earrings | 3 Stella McCartney Underwear

 4 Byredo Parfums Gypsy Water | 5 Jennifer Zuener Love Bracelet 

6 Marc by Marc Jacobs Lip Earrings | 7 Cartier Love Bracelet
8 J.Crew Pavé Heart Bracelet | 9 Cherry Ripe Limited Edition Chocolate Bars
10 Marc by Marc Jacobs Heart-shaped Headphones | 11 Comme des Garçons Play Heart Stripe Tee

Make Me Up

I don't really wear make-up day to day - I don't own eyeshadow (I have hooded eyes so it doesn't do great things for me) and I purchased my very first lipstick last year, but lately, for a night out, I've started to experiment a little - emphasising my eyes with lashings of mascara (sometimes false lashes!!), a red lip or highlighter on my cheeks and brow bones. These are the products I've been using for a nighttime make-up look:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
I'm in love with this product! For use with and without foundation on the days I need to look fresh, awake and radiant and at night I use it as a primer.

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation
A great foundation if you prefer a more lightweight natural looking coverage.

Lancôme Effacernes Concealer
This is without doubt the best concealer I've ever used - great coverage of dark under eye circles and it doesn't get cakey, flaky or crease when covering blemishes.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Powder
A sheer natural finish - perfect for setting foundation for flawless longer lasting wear.

Chanel Powder Brush #1
Bought this at the same time as the powder and the round brush helps provide a flawless powder finish. It doesn't lose hairs like some cheaper brushes so it's worth the investment.

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
I've been using this bronzer for over 10 years and love it's creamy velvety texture. It's never orange or dirty brown and has no glitter or shimmer which is rare for most bronzers.

Nars Blush
I'm brand new to blush but now I'm wondering how I ever survived without it! I was recommended Nars for their high pigmentation yet natural looking finish. I use the cult classic Orgasm - a peachy pink with a hint of golden shimmer that would suit most skin tones.

Lancôme Hypnose Mascara
I always have a Lancôme mascara in my makeup case and love how the Hypnose provides great volume and length whilst defining and separating lashes - no clumps here.

Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Lipliner
Perfect for lining, defining and maximising your lips. Prevents bleeding and helps hold your lipstick all night long. I use 14 Carmin which is a great match for Gabrielle Rouge Coco Lipstick.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick
Soft and creamy lipstick that is moisturising and ultra pigmented. I wear 19 Gabrielle - the most perfect red that lasts for hours.

January In Instagram

Gorman sale shopping | Braided bun | Dinner with Chanel | Philly Island Chocolate Factory

Popcorn parfait at Coda | Jamie Oliver's boards | Berries and ice-cream | J Crew Bling

What I wore | Melbourne laneway graffiti | Engagement party | Corona

Horse print dress | Evening make-up | Waving cat | Double Denim

December In Instagram

Stripy selfie | Peanut butter toast | Mr Whippy | Topknot

Christmas Cupcakes | Stripe Top | Christmas Party | Werribee Zoo

Blogshop | BBQ with BFF | Christmas Cookies | Slurpee

Christmas presents | DIY Christmas Wreath | Gorman sale shopping | San Choy Bau

You can follow me on instagram carlamariedaly

New Year Commitments

I’m all for eating better, exercising more, drinking less etc, but I know I should be doing those things, so let’s assume I’ll try those ones anyway and make some new commitments for 2013. Here we go…

Spend more quality time with friends and family. It’s all too easy to neglect your nearest and dearest, putting other commitments like work before everything else. In 2013 I will make an effort to see my parents, catch up with my close girlfriends and re-connect with the old friends that I miss having in my life.

Save money to buy a house. I’ve realized that in order to get the house I want, I need to reign in the frivolous spending a little this year. This probably means spending less on clothes. Surprisingly I don’t actually spend that much (by who’s standards I hear you say?) as I love a bargain and telling people the new dress they're admiring was 40 bucks! However those $40 purchases all add up so I resolve to spend less…or if I must spend, sell some things on eBay first…surely that’s ok?

Take a photography course. Just something short that shows me what all the buttons and functions mean on my DSLR and how to use my tripod so that I can get a couple of outfit posts with my head in them! My partner currently takes me outfit post photos on my iPhone before he rushes off to work…usually before I’ve done my hair or make-up, hence why my head isn’t in any of the photos.

Have one technology free night a week. This one sounds easy but I’ve become a social media whore and since I’ve started my blog I can spend hours at night trying to perfect layouts in Photoshop. Pinterest and Twitter in bed can be banned once a week…I blame my iPad (oh how I love you!). I’m thinking this one will be the hardest!

Volunteer. Give back to the community and do something selfless and meaningful whenever I can.

Are you making any resolutions? I'm always curious to hear what everyone else is trying to commit to.