A Lovely Weekend

We've had a pretty lovely weekend.

We started off with takeaway Chinese on Friday night. Normally we're very much Thai takeaway junkies but we discovered a good Chinese place up the road and ordered twice in a row. Good sang choy bow, good Cantonese style sweet and sour chicken..... Shame they don't do chips as Englishmen need chips with their Chinese!!

Yesterday we had a sleep in, made ourselves a nice breakfast of scrambled eggs on sourdough toast and tea, then went out looking at cars. My Englishman has finally decided that his little car will be no good for kids and has agreed to upgrade- with conditions of course! (his car also needs a few expensive fixes so while some have to be fixed to sell it, others, like new tyres, we can give a miss.)

We have only been able to agree on one type of car and even then, the sensible side of me thinks this is not the best choice of car. But the little bit of car hoon in me REALLY liked the car- its looks, its sound, it's comfy comfy seats..... We looked at two cars and have verbally bought one! A few financial things to sort out and we will have a new car very soon.

Saturday evening a had a Hen's party to attend for a lovely lady who is getting married in Italy very soon! Her husband-to-be and my Englishman are firm friends, so I'm glad we've gotten to know and like each other, too.
A week ago I had no idea what I was going to wear- being 6 months pregnant I have a limited 'going out' wardrobe (read- almost nothing). Lucky for me, my lovely friend Candice leant me some maternity dresses last weekend, perfect for nights on the town, weddings or other parties which require a certain level of dressing up!
A blazer, tights and boots and I think I scrubbed up pretty well.

after drinks, nibbles, games and some light entertainment, the Hens party headed out for Spanish tapas in Surry Hills for dinner. So.Much.Food!! And delicious too!

A quick dance after dinner and I was ready to head home so said my goodbyes and left the girls to party on. I had such a good time and hope there'll be an opportunity to go out with them another time, sans pregnancy.

This morning has continued the loveliness of the weekend! After a nice sleep in, we headed up the road to the new farmer markets at our local primary school. They're relatively new and I've only been up once before but was keen to head up and get some breakfast, then mosey around and find something nice for dinner. The Englishman was a little reluctant, being a tad hungover from keeping the buck company the night before, but luckily the free range bacon and egg rolls didn't disappoint (they even had brown sauce!!), there was Toby's estate coffee, and we found some yummy pumpkin and ricotta ravioli for dinner with a truffle cream sauce to top it off- mmmm decadent!

We also picked up a massive bag of fruit, all grown in Orange. The stall owner kept slicing pieces of pear off and feeding us- soooo good! We only wanted half a bag of apples and pears but came away with an overflowing bag instead! Not sure what we're going to do with it all......

We also bought some free range pork,apple and cranberry sausages and some cream delight potatoes for tomorrow night's dinner. Yum!

After we got home I spent almost 2 hours tidying, cleaning and generally making the house nice. Now I've say down, I'm done!! The Englishman is doing some more cot painting and after I finish this post I'm going to read, have a nap, maybe eat a pear or find a pear related recipe for later.

Have you had a lovely weekend? What makes a weekend lovely for you?

Future Conversations with the Monkey Monkey

I was thinking this morning about being a teenager and a young adult and all the 'life experiences' I had through this time....possibly brought on by Mrs Woog's posts and blog about alcoholic beverages of choice in your teens.....sub zeros, Bombora and Wipeout all got a mention and got me all nostalgic for my 'escapades' as a 15-18 year old.

But it also got me thinking about all the other things I did when I was a little bit younger: things I was glad I had done, things that may not have been fun at the time but taught me something, gave me some understanding for a different life or a different world, or just plain taught me the things I should avoid at all costs in the future.

And THAT got me thinking about the type of advice I might give my own kids one day.....in particular, one little boy who is currently rolling around in my tummy weighing about 600grams....

So, in no particular order, these are a few things I would suggest/encourage the 'Monkey Monkey' (as he is affectionately known) to do at some point....well, maybe some of them I might not suggest or encourage but just hope he gets the experience without me having to know about it.....

* Live in a Share House. There are so many good things about this and a few bad things but you learn a lot about yourself and about living with others that you dont nessecarily learn when you live at home. And you can make some amazing friends if you choose to live with people you havent met before.

* Work in Customer Service. Retail, Hospitality, Call Centres, these can be Hell to work in, but working in them can give you an appreciation of why store clerks are so moody sometimes, and also of when you know someone is doing everything they can to help you but just.cant. AND you can then rule it out as a career choice (if of course, you want to rule it out!)

* Experience a Relationship Breakup. Relationship breakups are hell and they suck and can be really horrible, but again you learn a lot about yourself and often about the person you are breaking up with. That might mean you realise you are meant to be together, or maybe not. Usually not. And you can learn how strong you really are and also how many people care about you and are there when you can't get yourself up on your own.

* Get so drunk that you never, EVER want to drink again. For some people that might mean having 4 West Coast Coolers, dancing on a table and showing your knickers to strangers, for others that might mean drinking so much you end up in hospital with liver damage. Hopefully it doesnt come to that. Either way, its about learning your limits.

* Go on an overseas holiday WITHOUT your family. Our little monkey will have ample chance to travel overseas with us, since half his family live in the UK! But travelling with friends or a partner is a totally different experience. And travelling in general is definitely going to be encouraged in our house!

When I posed this question on facebook, travel came up a few times (including via student exchange, something I wish I had done myself!) but a few more general comments came up as well.

My gorgeous friend Candice at Measuring Out My Life With Coffee Spoons made the comment:

"I always come back to advice about making decisions that are right for you rather than what other people says is right for you. And about making your own mistakes."

I think this sums up a huge part of what I want for my little monkey. To make his own mistakes and not to regret them, to learn from them and move on. And for him to take any opportunities that he wants to take and to do so with gusto.

What experiences would you want your kids to go through, to shape the people they become? What experiences that you had as a teen and young adult do you think shaped you as a person? And is there anything you wish you'd done that you chose not to or never got the chance to do?

(Mine is going to Japan to teach English - I had the opportunity but my boyfriend at the time didn't get accepted so I didnt go without him. But even with that I can't regret it as I may not have moved to Sydney and met the Englishman later on.......)

Signature Outfit - Winter

Yesterday, I read this post by Mrs Woog. Her innate sense of style inspired me to share my own Signature outfit.

My outfit is a winter outfit only, although parts of it can be worn in the transitional seasons also. It is a fairly new outfit (2010-2012) but this is because previously, I did not have an outfit for the occaision of "not leaving the house today/now I'm home". And THIS is because previously, I simply wore my pyjamas during these periods of time - Satin pjs are the most comfortable piece of clothing on the planet as far as I am concerned!

Ongoing requests that I not put my pj's on as soon as I get home from my Englishman have created a gap in my wardrobe which I have filled over the past 2 winters, and this is the result:

FIRST - THE UNDERLAYER.

I like my clothes to match so imagine my delight when I came across this wonderful ensemble! Wildcats indeed. It had been quite a few years since I owned a tracksuit (don't ask me why, I really don't understand it myself) and this was the perfect pair to re-introduce myself to the wonders of fleece and hoods.
This was purchased about 2 years ago while living in our previous unit - top floor with lots of windows and air con that would trip the circuit, requiring a phone call to Energy Australia to get into the room downstairs and flick a switch. Hence, the need for warmth, comfort and something that doesnt quite look like pyjamas.
When its really cold, I add a singlet a la Supre or a grey 'Cheetahs' tshirt to this outfit, which fits with the underlayer theme of 'slightly feminine sounding animals as mascots for ficticious sporting teams'.

NEXT - FOOT UNDERLAYER
In keeping again with the feline theme, these little beauties were shipped back from the UK in my last visit to the 'Motherland' (thankyou, TopShop). In fact, they were replacements for the previous pack of 3 bought a few years prior which are still in rotation but looking a bit sad.
Really, how can you resist thick, warm socks with Hello Kitty all over them? The colours aren't a great match for the tracksuit (Blue, Brown or Blue-and-white) but hey, you can't have everything, right?

FINALLY - THE OUTERLAYER and FOOTWEAR

These are only a recent purchase and one that I am thoroughly pleased with. I believe I have many, many years of comfort ahead of me!
This particular set may still be available at your local shop that starts with a big 'K' and includes pyjamas (tshirt and long pants) which don't feature here because frankly, my tracksuit from the shop with the bit red spot is MUCH better.
As I mentioned before, I like my clothes to match. And while my Underlayer doesnt match the Outerlayer, I'm still very happy. Purple being my favourite colour, I'm even more pleased!
Did you notice this dressing gown, like the underlayer, also has a hood? Double warmth for the head if I need to duck outside for some reason. The minky softness of this layer is its biggest drawcard, and the slipper/bedsocks even have grip on the base!
It is also important to note that a dressing gown is adjustable in size, and as I am currently looking like this:

 and still 3 months to go! Adjustability is important.

I will lament the day my Wildcats Hoodie no longer stretches over my bulbous stomach - not quite sure how I will replace this important piece without throwing the balance of the outfit off altogether.....

What is your signature outfit? Blog about it and link to me (or Mrs Woog) or just comment and let me know!

More than halfway there....

I've been quiet on the blog front lately: too busy soaking up this whole 'pregnancy experience' I think!
I've been a lucky lady so far as I've had very few issues. No morning sickness, just constant nausea for about 2 weeks and random nausea for a few weeks either side. I've had a bit of indigestion and reflux but very rare. The worst and most constant symptoms I've had are congestion and tiredness. The tiredness has not gone away as promised, though winter always makes me tired anyway.

This weekend we are off to Fiji for a Babymoon! Though the term Babymoom always confuses me: Honeymoons happen after the wedding so shouldn't Babymoons happen after the baby?

Anyway- its our last holiday as a 'Two' for a while and I'm really looking forward to it. Heat, water, yummy food and relaxation with the Englishman, doesn't get much better than that!!

Oh and did I mention we're having a boy? The Englishman is very excited!!

New Bump Photos - Weeks 12 - 16

So a few weeks ago a posted my 'Bump' photos so far.


Here's an update:

Week 12 - where we last left off

Week 13....

Week 14....

Week 15.....

Week 16!

A work friend commented that I was looking 'slimmer' even though I've developed a bump....and I don't seem to have put any weight on scales-wise, which was worrying me....then I had a little think and realised that as soon as I became pregnant, I cut out a whole calorie food group - alcohol! So now it all makes sense...cutting out 3-4 glasses of wine most nights has allowed more room for food :-)

When did you start putting on weight in earnest? Was it different for different pregnancies?

I Like Nice Things

I like nice things. I do! I really, really do. I'm not just talking about 'regular nice' either - I'm talking slightly more fancy nice. I've gotten a taste for it too.

Since moving to Sydney, meeting my Englishman and combining our financial resources, the attainability of said 'nice things' has been, well, attainable. Add to that the fact that the Englishman likes nice things too and you have a recipe for indulgence.....

I like to think I have some restraint when it comes to spending money on the finer things in life - I don't go out and splurge all the time, in fact most of the 'nice' things I have are presents from the Englishman or friends and family. I actually still find it hard to go out myself and justify the spend. I think it's the 'poor uni student' in me ;)

There are some smaller 'nice things' that I dont feel too bad about spending more on. In particular, I LOVE to have nice smelly things to wash in, and Crabtree and Evelyn is my favourite! I have a thing for lavender but rose, vanilla and a bunch of other scents are also on the list. I love to have beautiful smelling soaps and shower gels to wash in, and yummy moisturisers to lather myself in afterwards (when I can be bothered).

More and more, I like to spend a little more money on nice wines to drink (well, not so much at the moment!). It's taking a while as again, I have the 'poor uni student' mentality that involves the idea that 'you dont need to spend more than $15 max on a bottle of wine to get a good one, and really, you should be able to get something good for about $10'. We have started going to dinner at our friends D&D's house on a regular basis though, and they like good wine and really appreciate it, too. So when we go there we make the effort to spend a little more and are finding the quality is often MUCH better.

In the same vein, I really enjoy going out for a fancy meal now and then. Not all the time, but just every so often. My Englishman and I started a tradition a few years ago of booking a 'fancy restaurant' for each others' birthdays each year, so we end up going out for a fancy meal every 6 months. We've been to places like Rockpool, Aria, Red Lantern, and most recently, Marque. It all started with Bill's restaurant in Surry Hills and we end up back at Bills more often as its nowhere near as expensive but still lovely!

My other favourite 'nice things' are presents that I treasure and use all the time - my Oroton wallet that's 3 years old and looks almost new, my pearl and diamond-chip earrings that were a graduation present from my parents, my diamond necklace from the Englishman, my Mimco clutch that the lovely C&D gave me for my 30th, my Tiffany bracelet my Úni Girls gave me for the same, my Oroton brolly, my French Connection winter coat....

I think the best thing about these 'nice things' is that they are classic, good quality, and they last. I use them all the time and as long as I look after them, they stay in good condition. It makes the cost worthwhile.

I guess the reason I am thinking about this now is that with the impending arrival of the "monkey monkey" I am aware that the attainability of these nice things won't be quite the same. Dinners at fancy restaurants, at least for the next 12 months, will be a little too difficult to navigate with a small child. Expensive presents from the Englishman (and for him as well) won't be quite so expensive. And we will have to a be a bit more careful about what we decide to spend good money on when it comes to wines and luxury items.

No longer being 'DINKs' is going to affect our lifestyle - but I think I'm ok with that. I know it will be worth it, to have a little person around to take up all my time, to love and to look after instead.

And when I do get the opportunity to have/experience/eat/drink nice things, I will appreciate them all the more!

What a Week! And Pregnancy word vomit :P

This week has been HUGE! Since Monday, I’ve visited a friend and her 2 week old baby, watched my Englishman become an Australian, spent a day in the vineyards with a bunch of wonderful friends and had lunch with my Mum’s entire family to celebrate Nan and Pop’s Birthdays! Add to that the drive to Newcastle and back, some minor housework and a big grocery shop, and I’m stuffed!

Highlights of this week include:

Finding out about a few more pregnancies – sorry everyone but my lips are (better) sealed this time!

Having a dance with my ‘Uni Girls’ at Lovedale – LOVE!

Seeing one friend’s teeny tiny baby and having a nurse of my cousin’s little one, Grace

Watching my lovely, handsome Englishman make a pledge to be Australian, get his certificate and sing (well, try to!) the National Anthem for his first time as an Aussie J

Seeing all of my Mum’s family come together to celebrate some special birthdays. Our Pop recently had to move into a nursing home, a choice no one wanted to make and one that Pop was (and is) very unhappy with. But I think he had a good day, he smiled and laughed, chatted to everyone, had a lovely sit in the sun and his eyes just lit up when I brought little Grace over to him. He also loved my cousin’s dog, Scruffy, who came along and provided some entertainment too!

Lastly – I booked into the hospital and met my midwife, Rose, this week. She was lovely and friendly and informative and smart and I felt really happy when I left the hospital. I’m feeling quite confident with my choice to go with the Midwife Program and hope that the experience is as good as I’ve heard.

On a side note – I’m finding out the further I get into this pregnancy (and I’m still only 14 weeks in people!!) that everyone who has ever had a baby has something to tell you about pregnancy . Sometimes it’s practical advice, sometimes it’s ‘things that worked for me’, sometimes it’s opinions on what you should or shouldn’t (will or won’t) ‘need’ for baby, and sometimes it’s about what it’ll be like once the baby arrives – how hard it’s going to be, or how hard it could be.

The only thing I’m finding really hard to take is the horror stories about ‘the first 6 months’. I KNOW it’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I KNOW I’ll feel more tired than I ever thought possible, I KNOW that I might even feel like giving Baby back at some point! And I know that despite all my own thoughts and feelings and hopes, it may be made even harder by a dozen other possible factors like colic, reflux, post natal depression, problems with breastfeeding, mastitis, and other things that don’t even bear thinking about.

 BUT, I will NOT understand ANY of this properly UNTIL I DO IT MYSELF.

In the meantime, reality stories just freak me out. My emotional-pregnant brain cannot handle hearing negative ‘whatifs’ and really, there’s nothing I can do about any of that stuff right now except have supports around me ready and know what numbers to call.

I LOVE that everyone wants to help and give advice and ideas – I feel so supported and loved and cared for! But please, no more horror stories!

Phew. I feel better now.

ooh - and here's week 13's 'Bump' photo :-)

*Please note, this post is not aimed at anyone – it’s been building for a little while and I just really needed to vent! I feel very lucky to have some many lovely friends and family who want to help me and appreciate every bit of it. Every.Bit. xoxoxo