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.

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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?!

     

EasiYo Product Review

{Post brought to you in conjunction with Nuffnang and EasiYo}

If there is one thing in this house that sends me broke (apart from nappies!!) it has to be yoghurt.

 

We eat it by the bucket load in our home - all 4 of us. It really does cost us a small fortune and I estimate that on our weekly shopping bill that I spend close to $40 a week on yoghurt alone. Crazy!!

 

In an effort to cut down our shopping bill, I have always wondered about the prospect of trying my own yoghurt at home. But to be honest I was always put off by the hassle of doing it (would it be hard) and the taste (would it be yuk) and also what on earth would actually be inside those packet mix sachets.

 

When I was offered the chance to try out the EasiYo maker, I was really interested to give it a shot. I have to say a big thank you to the readers on my Facebook and Instagram pages that answered all of my questions before I started, definitely helped me loads!

 

Okay so this is how I went....

 

Attempt 1: Strawberry Yoghurt

 

Hard to believe that with a bit of water, a sachet and a shake that you can actually make yoghurt! My first batch was made during the day using the EasiYo Strawberry Flavour sachet.

 

 

 

I popped it on the bench for 10 hours during the day and before I went to sleep, I popped it in the fridge overnight and woke up to this...

 

 

 

It was perfect! So thick and creamy - just the way we love our yoghurt in our house. The strawberry flavour was divine and within the day, the full 1 kilo was devoured and loved by all.

 

It seemed a bit too easy!!

 

Attempt 2: Passionfruit Greek Yoghurt

 

For attempt two, I decided to try out the EasiYo Passionfruit Greek flavour. This time I mixed up at night, left overnight (for 11 hours) and popped this in the fridge first thing in the morning. I then left it in the fridge to cool and set further for most of the day and ended up with this...

 

 

 

Unfortunately I have to say that batch #2 was definitely not the success that #1 was. It was much runnier in consistency and not thick and creamy like I loved the first time. Because Melbourne was so darn cold that night (down to 0 degrees), I think this is what contributed to the failure of this batch. I am told that these cold nasty nights can play havoc on achieving yoghurt perfection!

 

I have since resorted back to making during the day and have been achieving results the same as batch #1 - yay!!

 

What I loved:

 

* The ease: Seriously it is so darn easy to mix up and make yoghurt and literally took only a few minutes to get the batch underway and all you need is water!

 

* The flavours: There are SO many different flavours to choose from. We love the Strawberry and the Greek Yoghurt with Honey the best so far

 

* The cost and savings: The sachets are only around the $4.50 mark per sachet and this makes up a kilo of yoghurt. This is a HUGE saving for us as we typically buy the Jalna Yoghurt ($7 for 1 kilo) or the 5AM Yoghurt (almost $7 for 700g) for the kids, eating per week a few tubs of each. For hubby and I, we have been previously eating the Gippsland Dairy yoghurt (pregnancy craving) which is $7 for a 720g sized tub

 

* Convenience: I'm always found mid week doing one or two top up shops that usually consist of yoghurt because we go through it so fast. I love the concept that I can stock up on as many sachets as I like at a time and they won't go out of date or take up valuable fridge space. This is going to be an absolute life saver when #3 comes and it won't be as easy to nip out!

 

Sachets can be easily picked up at your local Woolies or Big W, both of which are super handy options for me

 

* Health Benefits: I try to be very conscious when it comes to what I feed the kiddos. The EasiYo sachets contain only natural ingredients with no additives or stabilisers. They are also loaded with probiotics too.  They also don't contain any gluten, wheat or meat products (such a gelatine) for those following special diets.

 

I love that they also have an unsweetened version so you add in your own 'flavour' with honey, fresh fruits or anything else that you like!

 

What wasn't so great...

 

* A toddler asking me every 30 seconds if the yoghurt was set yet - all day!! Yep this drove me insane, he didn't quite grasp the whole 'setting' concept!

 

 

All in all, I really found this product to be a worthwhile (and small investment) that every family should make if you too love your yoghurt! The actual machine can be purchased for under $25 also at your local Woolies or Big W store.

 

Do you have one? Love it? What are your favourite flavours?

 

Love to hear your thoughts...

 

 

Skip Hop Grand Central Nappy Bag Review

One month (yikes!!) to go and things are starting to seem a little bit more real with #3 arriving in to the family. So much still to do and organise, but at least I have one thing ticked off my list thanks to The Stork Nest - a nappy bag!!

I was recently given the opportunity to try out a nappy bag through The Stork Nest (thank you guys!) and I was pretty darn excited about it too. You see I have never really owned a true nappy bag before now - I know - shock horror!

 

For the past almost 4 years, I have just been using a tote/beach bag (that I purchased from Valley Girl) in conjunction with a change mat. Yup it has been less than ideal, and has usually meant that in addition to this bag, I have had to lug around an additional smaller bag (Cotton On Kids Backpack) for snacks/cups/food, just so that I could fit everything I need in.

With 3, aged 3 and under, a true nappy bag was really becoming a necessity for me this time around. Not only will I have 2 full time in nappies (my goodness how poor am I going to be!), but I will need to lug around all of the other accoutrements that go along with 3 kids (not just nappies - but snacks, bottles, drink bottles, wipes, spare clothes).... and then there are my things too!

 

I gotta tell you, picking just one nappy bag from the extensive Stork Nest range wasn't easy - I was like a kid in a candy store! There are so many gorgeous brands and designs to choose from in their range.

 

In the end I opted for the 'Grand Central' Skip Hop Nappy Bag in the black and white stripe.

I wanted something neutral, classic and that looked big enough for my needs (but not too big at the same time). I also wanted something that could double as a beach and swimming bag when we head to the pool each week for swimming lessons. The print is also not too girly for those times that hubby will be carrying this around for me!

Outing #1: The Shops!

So what do I take with me to the shops?

 

 

At the moment a shopping trip looks a little like this:

- Nappies & Wipes for Miss C
- Hand Sanitiser, Tissues and Creams

- Toy and Book for Miss C (because she cannot sit still)

- Snacks and Drinks for both kids (and me!)
- Spare Pants for Miss C (the most accident prone girl in town with a drink)

- My Wallet, Phone, Keys & Sunglasses (for all)
- Change Mat

Actually at the moment my bag is not too cluttered at all, but my goodness, this is going to triple when #3 arrives. This is going to mean the addition of more nappies, dummies, bottles, baby food, spare clothes and additional items to keep bubs entertained.... anything else I have forgotten?!

Outing #2: Swimming!

 

What do I try and squeeze in for swimming each week?

 

Well my swimming bag looks much the same as a shopping trip, but with the addition of:
 

- Spare Clothes for Mr B

- Towel for Mr B

At the moment we just have Mr B doing lessons, but Miss C will be starting lessons in September so again this is going to double as I add in her swim nappy, spare clothes and towel too!

Even though my needs as going to increase dramatically with another bub, the bag still has plenty of room to cope with these extras.

What I loved about the Bag...

* So many pockets and sections!! All up there are 11 pockets in total and the bag has three fabulous sized sections so I can compartmentalise and have a section for baby, me and 'the toddlers'.

* I love that it comes with a co-ordinating change mat - I love a bit of matchy matchy!

* Insulated size pockets to keep drinks and bottles at the right temperature (and upright!). These side pockets are HUGE and each can fit two large sized drink bottles in each (4 at least in total)

* The bag attached neatly over the handles of our Baby Bogger Pram with special stroller straps that clip over any stroller/pram that you are using. The bag also stowed easily in the generous basket under our pram (one of the features I adore about our pram is the basket space!).

* The bag is still lightweight even when packed to the brim, but it is not too bulky when only filled for a 'quick' trip - whatever that means with kids!!

 

* Even though this bag is quite sizable, it does make it so much easier for me to have everything in the one bag rather than me having to carry my tote bag and separate bag for snacks/food like in the past

* Inside of the bag is easy to wipe down if you do have any spills and the lining is water resistant too. This makes it great for a swim or beach bag too.

 

 

The Skip Hop Grand Central Nappy Bag is available to purchase through The Stork Nest for $149.99. Did you know that The Stork Nest actually have a gift registry service?! Perfect if you are planning a baby shower, or you have friends who want to know what to get you for bub #2, #3, #4 or #5! I would be popping this bag on my list for sure....

 

Bump Update - Almost There!!!!

Well folks this will be the first (and most likely the last) picture of the bump that I post, because as I am told "I am HUGE this pregnancy". Yeah thanks for that....

 

In the past I don't think that I have felt (or looked) this big until I was waddling in to the hospital to have the baby, so goodness knows what I am going to look like in 5 or so weeks time! I am refusing to step anywhere near the scales this time around...

 

 

 

We had a bit of a scare with the baby's kidneys at the 20 week scan and so have spent the last few months worried about what this will all mean. At a further specialist scan last week we received the great news that the condition seems to have corrected itself for now, we will need more tests though once bubs once his/her grand entrance!

At this same scan, I was told that baby was already measuring 2 and a bit weeks ahead and she told me (in no uncertain terms) that this is going to be one BIG baby (and to speak to my ob about delivery dates!). Apparently bub is in the 97th percentile - no idea why he/she is so big this time around.

 

Definitely such a relief to hear that everything looks okay with bubs, I am such a worrier during pregnancy from start to finish (and then forever after!).

As for the sickness, I have had a shocking few days stuck in bed where it has ramped up again. I am still so weak and cannot do very much each week. Still so much to do/organise before bubs comes, but I will have to take it as it comes (yeah easier said than done!).

 

We still don't know the gender, so any 'bump' experts, what do you think? Boy or Girl?! I am still thinking boy...

 

 

Win a SodaStream Play Drinks Maker!

It looks as though I left a few of you drooling when I shared over on my Facebook and Instagram accounts, my mocktail recipes made in the SodaStream Play yesterday.

 

 

 

If you missed my post, recipes and my review on the SodaStream Play, you can read it right here.

 

 

Now for your chance to experience 'Water Made Exciting' with SodaStream for yourself (yay!), I am a little bit excited to be giving away one (1) White SodaStream Play Drinks Maker valued at $99.00.

To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter Widget below.

 

Please note that entrants MUST provide a comment in the box below as to what mocktail (or cocktail) they would love to whip up using the SodaStream Play if they won. Entries will be verified, so please be sure to pop your full name with your comment too.

 

Enter Here

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Terms & Conditions

• The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
• There is one (1) SodaStream Play available, valued at $99.00
• Entrant must comment on this blog post as to what mocktail (or cocktail) they would love to whip up using the SodaStream Play 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 5 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

 

The SodaStream Play has an RRP of $99.00 and is leading retailers such as Myer, Target, and Big W as well as on the SodaStream website.