Flowers For Your Friday.

I didn't get to the markets for flowers this week so these beautiful flowers {are they jonquils? anyone?} are from our local florist. They smell amazing. It fills the whole house. Well... perhaps not the whole house... but I can smell them from here which is a fair distance away.

Lacey loves flowers. For a while now whenever she sees flowers she wants to smell them, which actually is quite the opposite of smelling. She sees a flower and she'll blow air out her nose instead of breathing in. She really doesn't know what she's missing out on.

This little sprig of the jonquils {right? wrong?} is sitting on my new work space which I have finally finished decorating. I'll show you pictures some day soon.

Have a lovely, lovely weekend. I know I will. xx

Giveaway: Bella Luce Photography.

Ah sweet love. As you probably know by now, I love photos. Photos of flowers. Photos with natural light. Square photos. This one ticks all the boxes for me. All of them.

Natasha from Bella Luce Photography is allowing one of you to be the brand new owner of this beautiful photograph (or similar from her store).

All you have to do is visit Natasha's etsy store, choose which photo you like best and then come back and tell me in the comments below.

If you're left wanting more then visit Natasha's blog here. I'm off to go and pick my favourite print. I want to put one up on my photo wall. Now which one to choose.

Good luck to you!

{Boring Bits}: Entries for this giveaway close on Sunday at 10am, and the winner will be announced on Monday.

Thanks guys. The link is fixed now. :)

Giveaway: Mad Stitches.

Time for giveaway number two!

Jessi of Mad Stitches has ever-so-kindly offered up this stunning skirt for one lucky Fat Mum Slim reader. Well, one lucky reader's daughter/niece/friend etc.


Jessi knew I loved polka dots so when I saw what skirt she had decided to offer I was, well delighted was a bit of an understatement. The winner will be lucky enough to have this skirt made in whichever size they need {ranging from 0 - 6}.


So just leave a comment below and you're in the running.

Check out Jessi's blog and goodies. Be sure to check out her two beautiful boys while you are there too.

{Boring bits}: Entries close 10am Sunday and the winner will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

Giveaway: Avonlea Designs.

Hello! It's my first {of three} giveaways for today.

Kylie from All Things Lovely who designs and creates over at Avonlea Designs has offered up two lovely bibs for a giveaway.

When Lacey first started having solids I purchased a bib from Kylie's store. It was her 'good' bib. After a few washes I realised hey this bib still looks 'good' wash after wash so it become her everyday 'good' bib.

Yes, I'm crazy. Yes, I prioritise her bibs. Doesn't everyone?

Anyway.... now you can win not one but TWO beautiful bibs from Kylie's etsy shop. There are plenty of designs so if you win you pick whichever two you like. I picked two of my favourites to show you below.



Just comment below to go in the draw. Easy Mashed Peasy!


And because we're lucky... Kylie is offering a discount of 20% to all Fat Mum Slim readers. Just write FatMumSlim in the comments after you purchase an item and wait for a new invoice.

So happy shopping everyone. Go crazy.


{Boring Bits}: Giveaway will end on Sunday at 10am. Winner will be announced on Monday.

Excuses, Excuses.

Well...

Ahem.

{Awkward silence}

I feel like I need to get a note from my Ma {which of course would never be forged, ever} to give reason for my absence over the past few days. I guess it would go something like this:

Dear ... You,

Please excuse Chantelle of Class Fat Mum Slim for being a rather shit and inconsistent blogger over the past week as she has been busy caring for her sick daughter {which joyfully involved being vomited on and then having to stay in vomited-on clothing whilst baby fell asleep in her arms
for four hours ... ewwww}, as well as working {recovering from a fun-filled school holidays} and partaking in a spot of Nintendo Wii activity.

She will be a better blogger in the future {at some point} and will bring treats for you and others {read: announcing giveaways} to make up for her absence. She did not at all watch America's Next Top Model or shop on etsy whilst she was absent from blogland.

Yours unfaithfully,
Ma. xx

Thank you for your emails and comments asking after me. We're all good here. I can't wait until Winter 2009 is over. We really didn't get out of this one unscathed. I am hoping Lacey's immune system is getting stronger and will be ready to rival any other Winter's that come her way.

Anyway ... moving on.

I have some lovely giveaways for you today. Keep an eye out for some rather wonderful goodies up for grabs. That's later on today.

Before I go I have to wish my beautiful Big Sis a BIG Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful birthday.

Sarah is living it up for her special day of days in Greece with her best friend. I'm sure they're having a lovely time.

Happy Birthday Sarah. Love you. xx

Flowers For Your Friday.

Hello!

I'm still here. Hubby questioned me this morning: Why aren't you blogging?

He even pulled up my blog page as evidence. See, he said, I read that yesterday and there is nothing to read today.

So my response? I plead guilty. I just forgot to blog. I promise to do better.

I settled for a little community service {cleaning the house} and a promise to blog more next week.

I hope you've all had a lovely week. I am going to leave you with this lovely image by the talented photographer Maleah Matthews. Maleah has a beautiful etsy store called Urban Design as well as a cute little blog. I love reading the stories behind the photos, where she's been and what she's doing. The image above is titled New Beginnings, and I love that. I'm a big fan of fresh new starts so it's pretty apt. Go and visit Maeleah's store, you'll recognise lots of her photos. I must admit I'm a bit obsessed!

Have a lovely weekend everyone. xx

Sun Kissed.

Good morning.

I'm pretty knackered. It's the third week of school holidays. I love the school holidays. My head is so filled with the constant laughter and chattering, I can't really produce an interesting post here.

So instead I am just popping in to say hello. So, Hello. The above picture is called Sun Kissed by Urban Design, and that's how I feel. We've had a glimpse of Summer over the past few days. It's been unseasonably warm, and wonderful.

Have a lovely day. I hope you get a little sunshine where ever you are. x

{one thing}

Image: Mare.Bowe

Everyday Everybody: Kahlee.

Good morning!

I hope your morning is treating you well so far. It's time for another interview in the Everyday Everybody series. The next person up is Kahlee, you can find her over at her blog. Happy reading.



Do you believe in life after death?
I like to think that there is life after death, yes. I'm not really sure what form that takes - I like to think that we are reincarnated .. and while I'm certainly far from a practising Catholic, I do like to think that Heaven exists. Reincarnation and Heaven don't really go together, however! As to whether I actually believe that there is life after death? I'm not sure. Sometimes I have moments where I feel like I've already experienced something,or I've had a conversation before ... and sometimes when chatting with small children that I babysit, they are SO wise beyond their years, that it's almost impossible to not believe in the afterlife .. I'd hate to think that at the end of the day we all end up worm-food, or in an urn on a mantle somewhere ..

What was your last argument about and who was it with?
It must have been a pretty good argument, because I seriously can't think of the last time I argued with somebody *wink* If I were to hazard a guess, I would say it was probably with my mother .. I couldn't tell you what it might have been about though!

What do you cook for a romantic dinner?
My idea of a romantic dinner, is going out to a restaurant and having somebody else do all the hard work for me! But if I were doing the cooking? Roast Lamb with sweet and kipfler potatoes, broccoli and beans!

What's your ideal occupation?
To be honest, I'm still working this one out. I like to write, and I like to travel, so perhaps a travel writer? I'd also love to work for a major glossy ..hopefully one day that will come true! I'm also a bit of a traditionalist, and look forward to one day being a SAHM. I'm sure that Gen Y-er's everywhere had brain explosions over that little revelation.

On a train, which way do you face?
I try and always take a seat in the direction that the train is going. SometimesI get confused and sit facing the opposite direction, and then I feel too silly to get up and sit the other way *blush*

Do you like your partner's family?
Yes, I do! Sometimes the language barrier makes things a little difficult with his parents, but ultimately, they're wonderful, loving people, and they make fantastic in-laws! And his brother is also great!

Where were you ripped off?
When we cancelled our big "fairytale" wedding, we were taken for a bit of a ride by some vendors .. most eventually came around and saw our side and came to the table (and I would use again), but there is one person that was very aggressive and ripped us off - and who I would now never recommend to others!

How often do you clean your ears?
I had a conversation with my Doctor once, that went a little bit like this: Him: "You shouldn't put anything smaller than your elbow in your ears."Me: *twisting elbow* " ... but I can't even get my elbow NEAR my ear!"Him "Exactly." Regardless, I clean my ears every second day or so. It's a compulsion! I loveit.

What did you dream about last night?
I don't have a very good memory of my dreams. Occasionally I remember bits and pieces, but never really the specifics. With that said, I always have very vivid/colourful/real dreams, and I often wake up in tears! My "real life other half" is often getting into "trouble" for things that my "dream other half" did. Ha!


Thanks Kahlee. That was so beautifully written, and such an interesting read. Thanks for sharing parts of your life with us. xx

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait ...

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait ... for more sunshining days. This photo above was taken on Sunday, mid-morning. We were out playing at the park, and the sun was shining down. It's meant to be beautifully sunny all week and I'm already enjoying it. There is nothing like a boost of good old vitamin d.

What can't you wait for? Play along here.

Women Be Shopping.

Online shopping is far too easy. I can shop from the comfort of my couch, in my PJ's. There's no bad lighting. No confronting change rooms. I turn the screen to Hubby and ask: You like? He responds with: I really like.

And in one swift move of the mouse, I hit purchase.

Of course there is the downfall that when they actually arrive that they look decidedly disgusting, or don't fit right... but as always, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

New Clothes courtesy of Dorothy Perkins.

And The Winner Is ...

It's finally time to announce the winner.

We sat out in the backyard yesterday to pick the winner. I tell you writing on 132 teeny bits of paper was tedious, yet surprisingly fun. I was so excited that so many people entered! Thank you everyone.


Lacey took time out from her hectic schedule of eating vegemite sandwiches and dressing up to help pick a number. The number she selected was SIXTY TWO.

And that person is:

Thanks Joanna. Please send me your address via fatmumslim@hotmail.com and I'll get your prize out to ASAP.

I was pretty happy to see that Joanna was the 62nd commentor. She has been reading Fat Mum Slim since it's conception. Thank you, and thank you everyone for playing along. x

{hello!}

Hello. Hi. Hey. Howdy.

How was your weekend?

Me? Mine was filled with blue skies, sunny days and my two loves right by my side. I actually had such a lovely weekend. Hubby had the weekend off (he has every second weekend off) and I love when he is home. We always spend the weekends laughing... and that's just the way I like it.
This is just a quick post to say hello, and to see how you're doing and then I'll be back a little bit later to reveal who won the giveaway. Sorry to keep you waiting!

I'd love to hear what your high and low for the weekend was.

My low for the weekend was ... absolutely nothing. Oh, I got vomited on Saturday night ... and it wasn't from a big night out partying ... I think Lacey just had a full tummy and it didn't sit right. I'm used to it though. It's funny how we just adapt as parents. There was no freaking out from either of us. We just swoop in and deal with it.

My high for the weekend was ... lots of things. Finding great new parks for Lacey (and us) to explore. I lost 2kg at Weight Watchers. The sun was out and was wonderfully warm and delicious. I got to spend lots of time with the ones I love. Too many highs to write down. That's a high in itself.

I'll catch you all a little later on. In the meantime share your weekend with me. Go on. I know you want to. xx

Ate. Cooked. Bought.

Weekends are a wonderful time for grazing, shopping and cooking ... here's what my weekend involved food wise.

I ate ... wagyu beef hamgburgers that Hubby cooked. We have a really nice butchers and Hubby often comes home with new bits to try. This weekend he come home with some wagyu beef mince, which he turned into burgers. They were delicious, and even Lacey was a fan.

I cooked ... not much at all. Does pouring milk on my cereal count? I didn't cook anything this weekend. Tutt. Tutt.

I bought ... a beautiful chicken pie from the Farmer's Market. It was chicken and leek, and ever so yummy. Actually I put that in the oven and made sure it didn't burn. Perhaps that counts as cooking?

A Little Reminder.

Hey!

I just wanted to remind anyone that hasn't entered my giveaway to do so now... because it will close tomorrow at 10am (Sydney time, Australia).

Thanks so much for playing! xx

Flowers For Your Friday.

I didn't get a chance to pick up my own flowers at the markets this week, so I've had to 'borrow' some instead. We had ranunculus for our wedding flowers, and when I see them they make me smile. Guess what I'm doing right now? Smiling. Happy weekend to you. xx

Flowers by Alicia Bock.

Friday, I Love You.

Hello!


Hello to you. Hello to the weekend.


How was your week? Mine was jam packed full of fun, and children chattering. Last night as I was driving home I noticed that the sky was an odd colour. It had tinges of pink and orange. It looked like something had been on fire. I drove a little further to see what was going on. Thankfully as the houses started to clear and I could see a better view I noticed it was just the sky. And it was just putting on a bit of pretty.


I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Before I go I'd like to share three wonderfuls that happened to me this week:

1. I sold two more items from Confetti Hearts, and had a custom order request. Yippeeee.

2. Hanging out with all the kidlets. Laughs and silliness galore.

3. Getting all the lovely, jubbly comments on my giveaway. I can't tell you how wonderful it has been.

Whilst on the topic, there is still time to enter the giveaway. Pop over and comment, if you haven't already.

I'd love to hear what your 3 wonderfuls from the week were. I hope you don't have to dig too deep to get them. xx


Balloon image from Scarlet Beautiful.
Sunset image from AquaBumps.

Little Leona.

Little Leona is the children's version of beautiful frocks from Leona Edmiston. I am in love with this cute dress, and it's on sale. Half price. Run don't walk, I say!

{love}: abby try again.

When I first stumbled across this photo, I fell in love. I love the whimsy of it. The ladylikeness (I know, not a word) of it. I just love the beautiful in it. Looking back I'm actually surprised that I didn't buy when I first set eye on it.

I would actually pop over and look at it now and then, mesmorized and then return to normal blogging.

The other week abby try again released a set of two of her most popular prints for sale for the price of US$12. Of course I snapped them up. They come packaged so nicely, how could I resist? They should be arriving any day now.

We used to have a photo wall in our dining/lounge room, but I pulled it all down about a month ago. I've been collecting, like a crazy bowerbird, in order to make a better, more sophisticated photowall. Now I just need to find a few more beautiful frames and I should be good to go.

Young Inventors.

Lacey's molars are slowly (and painfully) making there way down. Her cheeks turn the brightest of reds. She gets a little grizzly. But whilst the sun is up she's pretty happy.

On Saturday I thought perhaps a little icy pole would help ease the pain, and be a nice little treat.

I remembered when I was a kid Ma would wrap the icy pole in a tea towel and we'd forgo icy hands whilst munching away.

So I thought I was brilliant. I wrapped a folded paper towel around it and put a rubber band around it. It worked wonderfully, and did the the job. I just threw the whole thing out when she was done.

On Sunday night Lacey started banging on the freezer, and in her own little diva manner demanded an icy pole. My Lil Sis was over, so obeyed her demands and fetched her an icy pole. I hadn't told my Lil Sis of my brilliant invention. When I came out to see how things were going, I had to laugh. She was an inventor as well. She'd grabbed one of Lacey's little socks and popped the icy pole inside.

It seems brilliance runs in the family. xx

Have you invented something, or created a little something to make your life easier? I'd love to hear about it (or just laugh at you!). xx

{one thing}

What is one thing that made you smile today?

Me? Well seeing how many people entered into my giveaway (and the beautiful compliments) has had me smiling all week, and will continue to do so, I'm sure. Thanks guys. You have really made me feel so special.

And seeing that the Audrey print above is only $4. Well that has me smiling too. How cute for Lacey's or our bedroom. Or my photowall. Or as a gift. I just have to have it, I guess.

LBD.

Iris from Fleur Delice has done it again, created a cool little outfit using Polyvore. The theme is LBD (little black dress). I can't really get my head around creating a great outfit today... but if you imagine this dress is black... it kinda works.

LBD Outfit by fatmumslim featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

What would you throw together?

Everyday Everybody: Leanne.

It's Wednesday, which means it's time again for the Everyday Everybody interview series. Next up is Miss Leanne. Leanne blogs over at Little Blonde Riding Hood. Don't run over there just yet. Stay here and have a read first.

Is there a TV in your bedroom?
No. Hubby and I have some of our best conversations in bed. I would be sad for them to be replaced by the voice of a late night narrator describing crimes that are "considered especially heinous".

What's the worst item in your wardrobe?
If we are talking style it would be my pop out roller skates sneakers (left over from my teenage years). Now that I am 30 I may have to finally admit that they will never be 'cool' again. In terms of comfort (or lack of) it is an original 60's prom dress that I bought on eBay. It is gorgeous but extremely itchy to wear.

Has a stranger ever helped you out?
Many times. One that really sticks in my mind is when we were in Paris with our baby daughter. We had been warned that the French were rude and unhelpful so it was a pleasant surprise to see them rushing to our aid to carry our pram up and down the Metro staircases. We also were personally escorted behind the ropes (and in front of the queue!) to view the Mona Lisa by a caring security guard. Really lovely people. :).

Did your parents smack you?
Mum did, Dad didn't. I have never smacked my children.

Without looking, how much cash have you got on you?
Haha, none! I would be a muggers worst nightmare. I never carry cash.

What do you do on a Sunday morning?
Besides avoiding the numerous visitors that wander over to our house (we live in walking distance from my parents!) I usually just try to have a relaxing day with hubby and the kids. If we are feeling like a splurge we will head over to a nearby Cafe for breakfast.

Have you ever won anything on the lottery?
No, I always talk about what we would spend the money on if we won the Lotto conveniently forgetting that we don't actually play the lottery.

What's your favourite CD at the moment?
I can't remember the last time I bought a CD! At the moment I probably know more words to the opening credits of In The Night Garden than I do to songs on the charts. I am loving the Gnarls Barkley song "Run" though.

Have you ever thrown a party?
Oh we used to be big party throwers! Now we just call the police and dob in our neighbours *blushing*.

One night of passion. No strings. No questions. Who would you chose?
Can I say my hubby? With a small baby it would be nice to have a night to ourselves. I honestly can not think of one celebrity! How fussy am I!

I think it's so incredibly sweet that you would chose Hubby as your fling, I think I would do the same. Thanks for playing along.

If you too would like to play along, and be interviewed, please email me at fatmumslim@hotmail.com

Baby On Board.

About this time a year ago I did something a little bit silly.

It was early, about 7am. I was on my way to work and needed to grab some bread. I had Lacey in the car. I quickly double parked right outside the door of the little shop and ran inside, leaving Lacey in her car seat. I felt sick for the whole minute I was gone. Sick for so many reasons. I'd left Lacey in the car. I'd parked in a dangerous manner. It was a quiet street, but that doesn't make it any better, really. I grabbed the bread. Tossed the money on the counter. And ran back to the car, and drove off. Lacey was still safely strapped in the back.

I see lots of people, parents included doing the same, all the time. Often when it's a lot busier. Often to get coffee, or breakfast.

When I got home that night I, filled with guilt and remorse, told Hubby and my Little Sis what I had done that morning. They couldn't believe that I would do something so stupid. I think Hubby's words were: You should NEVER EVER leave her in the car. Ever.

Oh the guilt. I already felt so bad, so guilty. And now I felt a million times worse.

This morning there is an article in the Daily Telegraph about the same type of situation. A woman left her baby in the car for ten minutes whilst she grabbed a coffee and did some window shopping. She returned after a few minutes, strapped her toddler in the car and then returned back to shopping.

I'm pretty sure this isn't a rare occurrence. It doesn't make it right. She wouldn't be the only one that left her child in the car yesterday, I'd put money on that.

Author and parenting expert Renee Mill said it was human nature to want to take shortcuts. 'Having children is difficult and life-changing but you can't just carry on with your life the way it was,' she said.

The quote above is taken from the article in the Daily Telegraph. Now anyone leaving a child in a car can face fines of $22, 000.

When I did leave Lacey in the car, I was trying to take a shortcut. Getting a proper parking spot, getting her out and putting her back in would have taken more time. Lacey was at her peak of hating the car a year ago. Strapping her in created great anxiety within in me, and many tears and crying from her.

I did just want to make my life easier. I wanted to take a shortcut. But after feeling that guilt from the moment I left my car to run into the shop, and having that confirmed with my dressing down from Hubby... I know what I did was wrong. I wouldn't' do it again.

I don't leave her in the car to pay for petrol. I won't leave her in the car to grab a drink. I won't ever leave her in the car again. It does make life a little more difficult, but I'd rather life be a little more difficult, and have my daughter safe in my arms. I definitely learnt a little lesson. And I'm thankful that I did.

What are your thoughts?

Top Image from *Andrew

Bottom Image from Daily Telegraph

Tumble.

Last Friday we went to the zoo. It was me, the kids and Hubby. We went early, to avoid the crowds, and it paid off. When we were leaving the line to get in was nothing short of massive.

There is a new little addition to the elephant enclosure, a cute little elephant who I call Tumble. He is so small, and so sweet.

When we arrived he was having a feed (breastfeed) and his parents were very protective of him. After a few moments they let him explore within their reach, as us parents do too. We want our little ones to experience the world, whilst we keep a watchful eye over them.

Tumble clambered up some little rocks, and because he's not completely confident on his feet he took a tumble. It wasn't far enough to hurt... but the way his parents ran to be by his side was just so sweet. It's so like us humans. They then made sure he stayed by their side, in such a protective manner.

I often feel sorry for the animals at the zoo, I know they're not there purely for our entertainment value. It's nice to know the zoo is trying to help with conservation and breeding programs too. It's not just about animals being in confined spaces for us to look at.

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait...

It's Tuesday, & I Can't Wait ... until Hubby is feeling better. On Sunday night Hubby all of a sudden felt really sick. He was in pain, shivering and shaking. Yesterday whilst Lacey and I were at work he drove himself to hospital and was there for most of the day.

I've never seen him so sick. It's just a virus, so he'll be better before we know it. I look forward to then.

To see what others Can't Wait for, visit Buttons By Lou Lou.

i heart ...

i heart ... steaming hot showers, especially when it's raining outside.
i heart ... pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, it's always worth it.
i heart ... skype sessions, it makes the missing a little easier.
i heart ... mixtapezine, it makes me want to be a better mama, crafter, person.
i heart ... listening to old cd's, and reliving the wedding day all over again.
i heart ... the glimmer of hope that we might just get this sleep thing sorted yet.
i heart ... hearing my daughter call me telle, it's so wrong, yet incredibly cute.
i heart ... the way hubby takes care of us, and is always thinking of us, all the time.
i heart ... the smell of gardenias, my favourite fragrance, ever.
i heart ... the leaf photo from yoshiko.

Loveliness.

Hello.

How are you?

We're good here. We had a lovely weekend. I know I say that all the time, but we did. It was the perfect mix, weather wise. Saturday was sunny and warm enough for parties in the park. Sunday was cold and miserable, perfect for snuggling inside and hot chocolates.

I hope that your weekend was just as lovely, filled with lots of snuggles and chocolate.

As always I love to know what you got up to, and what made you smile, and what may have made you frown. Please jump on board and comment to let me know what went down in your town/life over the weekend. It makes me feel like I'm not talking to myself...

My high for the weekend was ... hanging out with Ma on Saturday night. We had a girly night in the City. We had no idea where we wanted to go for dinner but we stumbled across this little French restaurant. It was lovely. We then watch a movie, and since we were too full for any cinema type food we picked up a choc top on the way out. I think the last time I had a choc top was 1990, so it was yummy to revisit those times. It brought back memories.

My low for the weekend was ... hearing that an acquaintance's daughter is ill with leukemia. It just broke my heart. I know she'll be okay, but the journey to wellness is a long one. It's just so heart breaking.

I wish you all well for the week. I hope it's kind to you. xx

P.s. Sorry about the formatting. Blogger drives me bonkers sometimes! It just won't fix!

P.p.s. Don't forget to enter my giveaway.

Giveaway: Happy Birthday Fat Mum Slim.

Well as I was telling you last week, this little itty bitty blog turned one last Friday. I thought that it would be nice to celebrate with a little giveaway. A giveaway of a few of my favourite things.

I have been collecting and buying up for this giveaway, and it's been fun. This little stash includes:

* a little coin purse from Love Libby (I have about 15 of these. They're great to keep little things in your handbag)

* a bookmark from Buttons By Lou Lou

* my favourite white chocolate by Lindt

* blue polka dot mini patty cases (I'll include my favourite cupcake recipe too)

* my favourite night cream

* a mix tape (well, CD) of my favourite songs

* a copy of the latest Mix Tape Zine (I love this and have every issue!)

* and some little Confetti Heart goodies

All you have to do is leave a comment below to go in the draw. It's really that easy.

I'll leave it open for a week, with entries closing next Sunday. I'll let Lacey pick the winner and announce next day, being Monday.

Good luck. xx

How cute are those capsules in the first picture. I love a gimmick, so had to buy them. It's a little fake capsule filled with a scroll. Neat!

What I ...

In a rare moment of pure silence and bliss this morning, as Lacey is in the sweet land of slumber, and I wait for my sister to pop onto Skype ... I thought I do this little ditty again for the weekend.

I ate ... chicken and mushroom with puff pastry (in essence a vol-u-vant) at a quaint little French restaurant before a movie last night. We had a nice glass of white wine, listened to beautiful music, surrounded by beautiful red tones.

I cooked ... my favourite salad for dinner with friends on Friday night. Rocket, baby spinach, goats cheese, roasted kumara, pine nuts, tomato and avocado. Cooked isn't really the right word, is it?

I bought ... I was tossing up ideas for dessert on Friday night. I thought about chocolate pavlova, and then considered caramel puddings. In the end Hubby said to just relax and buy something, so I picked up some little New York cheesecakes.

I hope you're all having a lovely (yummy) weekend. xx

Flowers For Your Friday.

kale + poppies from my local farmer's market xx

Friday Fling.

It's hard to believe but this little baby (my blog) is a year old today. A year ago I was still nursing my own new little baby, before starting fat mum slim on a whim. I did it just as something to do. Breastfeeding seemed to take forever, and often Lacey would sleep in my lap. I'd blog one handed, and about pretty much nothing at all. And here I am now. Doing pretty much the same thing. Writing about nothing. Typing as Lacey is in the sweet land of slumber.

Some days I wonder why I do it. And when I don't for a few days or two... I miss it. I realise I do it for me. It's my little creative outlet. I'm proud of this little space I've created. I've loved watching it grow, and blossom, as I do with my own child. I've loved the relationships formed with other bloggers, through comments here. Thank you all for being part of fat mum slim. You really make it such a nice place to write.

I have a little treat in the works, but haven't been able to give it as much time as I would like. So stay tuned for that next week.

Moving on ... I've had such a lovely week. The kids are just so happy to be on holidays, and it's such a nice energy to be around. I am so, so lucky to do what I do. I really am. I don't like to talk about work too much here, but I just want to say that the kids that I care for ... are simply the best kids. They make me laugh, and smile each day. I never tire of being around them. And Lacey loves them so much. I am so lucky.

How was your week? What sort of wonderfuls did you experience this week?

My three wonderfuls from the week are:

1. Laughing constantly, all week. Between Lacey and her groovy little dance moves, and the kids sharing their sense of humours... well I don't think I've stopped laughing all week.

2. Hubby just being Hubby. I am so lucky to have him. He's so thoughtful. He cooks dinner every night, and even when he's on night shift he makes sure he's made a plate of something for Lacey and I to have when he's not here. It makes life so much easier. ♥

3. Lacey sleeping through the night the other night. I checked her mouth the other day, and she has two molars through, and two more about to come through. Even when she does wake, she is easier to settle. The night she slept through just made such a difference. I was so proud. We'll get there.

I would love to hear how your week was. Please share.

And have a lovely weekend, whatever your weekend holds, I hope it's filled with much love, light and happiness. xx

Image: Nikilynn

Weaning.

My name is Chantelle, and I haven't breastfed for a month now.

I write that like it's a confession. A remorseful confession. And I guess it is.

I had been toying with the idea of giving up breastfeeding for a while. Everyone has their opinion, and most weren't afraid to share it with me. The voices played off in my head. Give up. No don't. She doesn't need it anymore. It's so good for her. Keep it up.

One day I just woke up and decided that I wasn't going to breastfeed anymore. The one thing I knew was that I couldn't stew on the decision. I'd be emotional. I'd cry feeding her for the last time. So, I just didn't give her that last feed. I didn't feed again.

I thought it would solve all my problems. I'd have my body back. Lacey would sleep better. She wouldn't smell my milk anymore, and therefore she wouldn't wake up at night.

Obviously I'm a parenting genius and should CLEARLY write a book.

I did think that Lacey would be more upset than she was. She probably searched for a feed for the first few days, but after that she didn't even seem concerned with the whole weaning process. Meanwhile I was in sheer pain and agony. My breasts were engorged. I couldn't move or lift anything. I didn't know what to do.

I went to see the local pharmacist. He said that I should express a little off, and then see my doctor for some medication.

I left the chemist and wandered to the fruit shop to grab some supplies. As I left I noticed the pharmacist waiting outside for me. He'd realised that there wasn't a medication and he'd been confused. He said I should just express a little off, not enough to demand more from my supply. And he wished me luck.

I realised in that moment how odd that was. I was standing in a main street, talking to a young male pharmacist about my breasts. I think I even motioned towards them, explaining how sore they were. I didn't really even care.

Eventually they stopped being sore. They leaked a LOT though. I never had to use breast pads... but during those few weeks I would leak at any time. It didn't matter where I was.

So the decision was made. I didn't back down. Did I make the right decision? I don't know. I don't do regrets... but there is a part of me that wishes I didn't rush so much into my decision. For the month since I weaned Lacey has been sick EVERY day, bar four of them. Every day. Do you know what settles a upset little breastfed bubba? Breastfeeding. Do you know what I couldn't do? Breastfeed.

There is definitely guilt. Definitely a tinge of sadness. I didn't know that so many emotions and feelings were attached to breastfeeding. I thought that people gave it up willy nilly and then went and drank twenty bottles of wine and had a night on the town to celebrate their freedom.

Ok. I know that's not what happens, but I didn't realise just how attached us Mama's can get to it all.

In this past week there have been some moments when Lacey, in the midst of sickness and overtiredness, has motioned for a feed. There was even a moment when I sat down with my grizzly girl and started to hold her and prepare to unclip my maternity bra, when I realised that I don't have any breast milk... and I was wearing an underwire bra. It was such a natural thing to do. Wearing an underwire bra was not so natural. I had to put my training wheels on and get used to that again.

So that's my weaning story. I felt like the Universe was conspiring against me and my decision by making Lacey sick for this past month. If I knew all this would have happened, I wouldn't have given up. Actually, my advice to myself would be to give it up slower. I would still like to be feeding her at night to settle her. Just the one night feed.

But at the end of the day (anyone hate that saying? I know there must be at least one out there) my little girl is still happy and somewhat healthy, and I'm happy too. Thinking back that I had such supply issues for the first few months, I actually did well. I should at least give myself a little pat on the back, I guess. xx

Image: Etsy

She said.

'Her name is Lacey', I replied, whilst reaching for her teeny little hand.

'I love that name', she said, 'I really do. It's on my list of names for when I have a baby. I'll call one Lacey and the other Avalia. Lacey is such a beautiful name.'

And in that brief encounter she made my heart sing. xx

Sale Away.

There are so many brilliant sales on at the moment. I'm seeing 50% off here, 70% off there. It's crazy. And I've been quite well behaved. So far I've only purchased a little dress from Gumboots for $20. I can't find a picture online, but I'm sure Lacey will happily model for me one day in the near future.

In the meantime check out what I'm loving online.

The above three are available from Kido Store.

The above two pieces are available from Modern Little Munchkins.



The above three are from Baby's Got Style.


And this last beautiful dress is from My Messy Room.

Happy Shopping! xx