Friday 31 July 2015

The new K-Mart Catalogue is Here - FINALLY!!!!

After stalking the K-Mart website (and my postman) all week, I am excited to see that the K-Mart catalogue is FINALLY online!!
 
If you are yet to check it out, here it is for your viewing pleasure...
 
It feels as though my local K-Mart store has been teasing me for weeks about this catalogue, releasing items in dribs and drabs and keeping me guessing as to just what else might be coming! If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, I have been sharing quite a few fabulous little buys as I have seen them hit the shelves at my local.
 
I must admit much of the catalogue seems to be the same popular favourites that we saw in store last year (and in recent times), but for those kicking themselves last time they missed out, I am sure you will be glad to see some things back in stock.
 
Here are a few things from the catalogue that I love...
 

Outdoor Entertaining: Acapulco Bench Seat, Outdoor Planter Box/Bench & Deck Chair


The Acapulco chair is also back in stock too, but this time they have also introduced its' bigger cousin - the bench seat! Retailing at $69 this would be perfect for sprucing up the deck in time for balmy summer nights with a cocktail - I wish!! In reality no idea where I would put it, but I love it!

 
 
Same deal applies with this planter box outdoor bench seat. It just seems like I need to have one at only $39!
The folding deck chair has a gorgeous print that just screams summer - and bargain at $35!
 

Kids Table & Chairs

 



How I wish that I didn't have a perfectly good set already - this set is all kinds of amazing and no prizes for guessing what colour chairs I would go with... Chairs $19 and table $39.
 
 

Jute Rugs


 
These rugs have been starting riots across Australia (or so I have heard). Such a steal at only $39 (if you can manage to snare one that is!). Also available in a smaller version for $29 too.

Love those clever people that have been 'hacking these' with paint to swap up the yellow for a colour to match their home décor. If this is you, you'll have to share some piccies on my Facebook Page, I would LOVE to see them!
 

Spotted Coverlet

 


I was this, and I mean this, close to getting this coverlet for $30. The print is absolutely divine, but for some reason it doesn't come with any pillow cases and I tend to be a bit 'matchy matchy' with my bedding.
 

Toaster and Kettle


Both are $39 and both look to be so European in design!
 
Love, love, love the white but there is also a blue colour if that's more your thing.
 
 

Bathroom Storage Range

 
No room for it at my place (super sad face) but I adore the 'bathroom storage' range. 
 
Ladder Shelf $35.00
 


















Storage Unit $19.00
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towel Rail $25.00
 
I have also seen some super clever folk use the storage unit to store kids art and craft, books, kitchen bits and bobs and even toilet paper rolls too!


I notice that just about everything is now online - yay! So it means that you can also check to see if your local store (or surrounding stores) have what you need before you trek out :-)
 
What do you think of the new catalogue? Love? Loathe? What is on your shopping list?
 

Getting Organised for Hospital: Mum2Be Hospital Bag Review

Honestly with the stress of being so sick, two kidlets to look (who don't stop fighting at the moment!) after and the inability to be able to even shower most some days - organising and packing my hospital bag was a huge chore for me again this time around! So when I was given the chance to try out and review the pre-packed bags from Mum2Be Hospital Bags, I was a little bit excited by the help and the darn clever concept too - seriously why didn't I know about these first time around?!

Holly is the genius behind the Mum2Be Hospital bags. As a mother of two, Holly came up with the concept designed to 'take away the stress away from expectant mums, so that they could concentrate their thoughts on their newest arrival to the family'. And what an absolute lifesaver for expectant Mum's to be these bags are!

Mum2Be Hospital Bags take the guesswork (and hard work) out of packing your own hospital bag, by packing all of the hospital essentials in one gorgeous bag - which you get to select mind you! All you need to do is add your clothes for you and bub (and some PJ's too) and you are all set for the big day!
 
I was sent out the Mums and Bubs bag from the range which included the following items:
 

For Mum:

  • Duffle Bag
  • Toiletry Bag
  • Face washer
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Tissues
  • 5 x Hair Ties
  • Maternity pads
  • 10 pair Breast pads
  • Lollies
  • Lip balm
  • Moisturiser
  • Notepad & Pen
  • Facial Wipes



For Bub:

  • 10 Newborn Nappies
  • 50 Nappy sacks
  • Wipes
  • 2 x 000 Singlets
  • 2 x 000 Onesies
  • Pair socks
  • 1 pair mittens
  • Hat
  • 2 x wraps

The bag was posted to me on Friday and landed on my Melbourne doorstep in only a few days. So if you are starting to panic about your bag only a few weeks out, it is definitely not too late to order one!!
 
Everything is beautifully packaged in a gorgeous bag of your choice.
 
 
 
 
As you can see, I opted for the gorgeous chevron print in pink. Now even though I am convinced #3 is a boy, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the pink and the gorgeous print (love me a bit of chevron!). Plus this bag is going to double as an overnight, beach or gym bag (wishful thinking!) for Mummy well after bubs has arrived.

If pink is not your thing, there are so many other colours and designs to pick from.

Available Bags & Even Custom Bags!

 
Holly was an absolute pleasure to co-ordinate my bag with. Because we don't know the gender of bubs, my bag was tailored to suit with gender neutral items (singlets, socks, suits, hat and wraps) accordingly. I was even able to select my favourite lollies too - yes I am an old school Party Mix fan from way back!
 
The range also includes a Baby Hospital Bag, Twins Bag, Mums Bag, Daily Hospital Bag and an Essentials Bag too. Each bag is designed for different needs and budgets. You also have the option to work with Holly and tailor and create your own 'ultimate' hospital bag - genius!!

The Mums and Bubs bag retails for $110 and can be ordered here.
 
These bags really do make the ultimate baby shower, new baby or maternity leaving gift for the new or even the third time mum (like me!).
 

Like to Try?!


Now for one lucky reader, I have a $50 gift voucher to spend on any item at Mum2Be Hospital bags. Be sure to pop back tomorrow for your chance to win!
 
 
Once again a BIG Thank you to Holly for letting me try out this amazing bag for my upcoming hospital stay - so many things that I would have (and did) forget to pack myself!!
 
You can find out more about Mum2Be Hospital bags, and place an order, via their Facebook Page or Website.


Thursday 30 July 2015

Win!! SRC Essentials Range

If you read my Hospital Bag post earlier this week, you'll know that one of my absolute essentials when it comes to hospital bag packing is comfy clothes. But finding comfortable clothes that also look a little bit stylish on your new post bub body is no easy task - trust me after 3 pregnancies!

Lucky for me (and you) SRC have hit a home run with their 'Essentials Range' - stylish, affordable and darn comfortable while your body heals and recovers post birth.

 
Now I am trying very hard to restrain myself and save these garments for the hospital. But my ever expanding waistline (seriously when is it going to stop?!) is dying to try on these garments and tell you all about them. Rest assured, as soon as this bub is out and when I'm lounging about relaxing (I wish!) I will pop up a review for you all to read...
 
Til then, I have the chance for one very lucky reader to join me in trying out one fabulous item from the Essentials Range for themselves. And of course I would love to hear your review and thoughts on what you pick too....
 
The winner has the chance to choose from:
 
- The Feeding Dress (also available in black)
 
- The Feeding Tank (also available in a grey spot print and black)

 
- The Jersey Pants (also available in grey or print pattern), or

- The 3/4 Length Sleeve Feeding Top (also in black and white)

I know, it is going to be a tough choice for you!!
 
All you need to do is follow the Rafflecopter prompts below...

Please, please, please note that entrants MUST provide a comment in the box below as to what item from the Essentials Range they would select, and why, if they won.

Entries will be verified, so please be sure to pop your full name with your comment too. I absolutely hate having to disqualify winners because they don't follow all of the steps and conditions, so please ensure that you read carefully.
 

Enter Here

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Terms and Conditions

  • The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
  • Winner has the choice to select ONE item of clothing from the Essentials range (Feeding Dress, Feeding Tank, Jersey Pants or 3/4 Length Sleeve Feeding Top)
  • Winner can select colour (where relevant) and size
  • Entrant must comment below on this blog post as to what item from the Essentials Range they would select, and why, if they won
  • Failure to comment as required above will result in the entrant being ineligible to win and entries will be verified
  • Entrant must include their full name with their comment below, so that entries can be verified
  • The announcement of the lucky winner will be made on the Utterly Organised Facebook Page and displayed on the Rafflecopter widget above
  • The lucky winner will have 4 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize so that the prize can be finalised
  • Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
  • Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com
 
 

Wednesday 29 July 2015

My Visit to the Officeworks 3D Printing Experience Centre

{Post brought to you in conjunction with Officeworks}

Last month I took my heavily pregnant self off to check out the brand spanking new Officeworks 3D Printing Experience Centre right here in Melbourne town. The Centre is currently the one and only in all of Australia and resides within the Russell Street store (awesome Officeworks store by the way) right in the heart of the CBD.

I was promised the opportunity to try out the new 3D printing technology and create the ultimate in 'selfies' - a Mini Me!
 
 
 
This is literally a Scan and Print service whereby you stand in a little booth surrounded by a lot (and I mean a lot) of 3D cameras which scan from every angle and then print up a lifelike miniature version of yourself.

The 3D Scanning Booth

Now I was 'very' nervous about creating a replica of my fat pregnant self (and seeing myself from every angle too). But I figured that this would be an amazing little keepsake for me (and bubs) to look back and laugh (hopefully!) at how big I was this pregnancy.

The scan process was super quick and only took a few seconds in the booth to capture all of the images needed.



From there I selected the size of the model that I was after (3 sizes available) and the material desired (5 to choose from) and locked in my order. You don't get the final product on the day, instead the data is sent offsite to print and arrives in store ready to collect in approx. 14 days.
 
 
The pricing on a 'Mini Me' ranges from $39 - $579 and is dependent on what finish and size you elect. Here is (mini) me...



I selected a Powder Finish in a Medium Size which is priced at $199.00. As you can see, the 3D 'Mini Me' definitely is very detailed and captures every lump and bump!

In addition to the 'Mini Me' printing, the 3D Centre also allows you to bring in your own 3D file or object and have it printed up in your choice of material, colour and size.



I decided to try out this technology to create a little keepsake of Mr B's most prized possession - his Peter Rabbit teddy of course! For those not familiar with 'Petey', Mr B has been unable to do anything - sleep, eat, play or exist without this fluff ball since day dot. It is definitely well loved and I imagine in a few years will disintegrate to nothing due to constant 'love'.
 

 
 
By capturing him in a 3D model/doll, I can pop this away for him to treasure in his keepsake box for long after Petey is no longer with us (what a sad day this will be!).
 
 
When the finished Peter Rabbit arrived, I was absolutely blown away! It just looked like our soft and cuddly Petey. The detail captured by this technology was just amazing and so life-like. Mr B absolutely loved it - and of course there were fights between him and Miss C as to who was going to hold it - ahh the fun of two!!
 
If you'd like to get this technology in your home or office, the Russell St store also have a range of 3D hardware and consumables available to purchase too.

A big thank you to Officeworks for letting me try out this amazing technology. Both the 'Mini Me' and 'Petey' are headed straight to the memory box for Mr B and baby #3!
 
Visit the 3D landing page and tell me, what favourite object of yours would you get scanned and printed in 3D/what would you do with your very own Mini Me.
.

 
 

Tuesday 28 July 2015

My Hospital Bag Essentials... A peek inside my bag!

With my first pregnancy, I was told to expect bubs to arrive late (being my first bub and all). So you could say that I was caught completely unawares when Mr B arrived at 38 weeks. So much so, that I did not have my hospital bag completely packed when my waters broke at 2am one night (it was almost like a movie!).
 
It is no word of a lie that my hubby dropped me off at the hospital, made sure I was okay (I was put in a bed to rest as I had no contractions), went home to clean the carpet up and packed some clothes for me. The selection of clothes that he made on my behalf (I know he tried!) meant that I pretty much spent that whole stay in the one nightie!!
 
Needless to say, each pregnancy since, I have always tried to ensure that the hospital bag is ready to go nice and early!!
 
So what do I pack...
 

My SRC Shorts

 
BEST. THINGS. EVER! If you missed my review on these amazing shorts last year, you can catch that here.

 
 
These shorts are the ultimate in recovering post C-section. They go a long way to help regain stomach muscles (not sure if I have any left), assist in muscle separation and body shape. To be honest, I think the recovery from #3 is going to be a BIG challenge given the large size of bubs (and me right now!) so these were the first thing packed!!
 

Nighties, Slippers & Dressing Gown

 
Some people love PJ's, but personally I adore good old fashioned nighties for breastfeeding at all hours. The ones that have the button down front are super hard to come by (trust me I have been trying to stockpile for months). My picks here are Kmart, Sussan and Target.
 
Definitely size up here because there is nothing worse than clingy clothes or nightwear on a post baby body.
 
 
I also think a new pair of slippers are a must for any hospital stay - these ones are also from Sussan - cute right?!
 
I am still on the hunt for a new dressing gown - that is my mission for this week...
 

Feeding Pillow & Burp Cloths

 

Right up there with one of the first things to go in the bag! Makes breast feeding (with a C-section) so much easier and comfortable. 
 

Super Comfy Clothes

Having a C-section is definitely very sore for the first few weeks and finding comfy clothes that don't cut in or press on your healing body can be tough. I absolutely adore the look of the range by SRC which has been specially designed with healing, post surgery and breastfeeding in mind!

 
 

 
SRC have very kindly sent to me several items from their 'Essentials' range above to try out post baby and I cannot wait to do just that! The range is made from the softest, softest fabric and they look to have nailed fashionable yet super flattering post partum wear.

The first item to try out is the Navy/White Stripe Feeding tank which retails at $49.95 - also available in a super cute polka dot print and classic black too. This design is actually perfect for me to wear now in pregnancy (with stretchy side panels), but I am choosing to save for the hospital.


I also have the 3/4 Sleeve Feeding Top in Grey Marle (also available in white or black). This top is also going to be perfect for breastfeeding and looks so comfy that I am going to need to get one in each colour! This retails at $59.95.


The Waterfall Cardigan in Grey Marle is going to be living in my closet well past the baby days! Super comfy and flattering (do you sense a theme here?!) with its' drape front fit and longer length, this might just be seen on the kinder run this week... Retailing for $69.95, you can also get this in black too.

The Black Jersey Pants ($69.95) feel like a dream come true, cannot wait to try these on post baby! Love that as your tummy shrinks (here's hoping!), you can adjust the waist band to suit.


I was also sent the super gorgeous Coral/White Striped Feeding Dress ($69.95), but this one will be saved for post baby outings in Spring and not for the hospital.

I will pop a full review up on these once bub arrives and I have given these a good road test, but until then I do have the chance for a lucky reader to also try out a piece from the range for themselves - stay tuned for that this week.
 
Whether it be a holiday (or a hospital stay), I always prefer to take my clothes on a hanger in the car and pop in the wardrobe when I arrive. 
 

Baby Clothes

With all of my pregnancies, I never know the gender of bubs which makes packing a little bit frustrating for someone as OCD as me!
 
First time around it was all about grey and white and a swag of gender neutral outfits.
 
Second time around I was a bit smarter than that - or so I thought! In addition to a little grey and white, I packed a lot of navy and baby blue. You see I was 110% convinced that our Miss C was a 'he'. So much to my surprise (and delight!), all of the boys clothes that I had packed up had to be returned and exchanged by hubby while I was in hospital.
 
This time around I am again convinced that I am having a little boy. But after last time, I have decided to pack a bit of grey and mint, and purchase outfits for both genders.



 
 As you can see, the pile of blue is greater than the pink pile, but we will see if I am right...
 
So the idea here is that the gender specific clothes will be handed to my Mum and she can wash whatever pile is needed while I am in hospital. The other pile will be returned to the shops post bub for refund. To me, this will be a lot easier (and less stress) than having shop-phobic hubby try to buy again!

Another thing that I do is pack babies 'first outfit' and pop it in a plastic/sandwich bag right at the top of my case.


That way when I get to hospital, it is not a mad panic to sort through everything.
 

Swaddles and Baby Blankets

 
Having a Winter bub has meant that the thin muslin wraps I used for the other two summer bubs are a bit redundant this time around. But I still have some of the 'warmer' blankets from Mr B and Miss C that can easily double up as swaddles for the early days.

 
Upon recommendation, I have also purchased some Country Road wraps which were recently on sale for $20.00 (from $45.00).
 
I plan to purchase some gender specific blankets and a pram blanket once bubs arrives, but this lot will definitely tide me over!
 

Beauty Products

This pregnancy I have been far too sick (and lazy) to care too much about make up and skin, so I cannot see my motivation returning in hospital. I have packed the bare essentials when it comes to beauty stuff:
 
- Shower Cap
- Cleanser, Toner & Moisturiser
- Soap and Shower Gel
- Lip Balm
- Tinted Moisturiser (in case I do get motivated to 'doll' up!!)
- Paw Paw Cream (I don't go anywhere without this!)
- Brush and Hair Ties


 
The hospital that I will be at supplies most of the nappies and wipes, so it is a few less things to pack.
 

Breast Pads, Pads & Wipes

 

Not very glamorous, but so very essential.  
 

Camera

Goes without saying - just don't forget to charge up and pack the charger as well - we've all been there before!!
 

I do have large (and I mean large) comfy undies and slingshot sized maternity bras in the bag - but in the interests of not frightening you all, I didn't think a picture was needed!!
 
So what have I forgotten?!

 
 
 
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