What the heck does a new baby actually need?! My essential guide...

{Post brought to you in conjunction with Gumtree}

 

One of the hardest things about being a new parent (sleepless nights aside) is working out what the heck this little creature actually needs! I know when we were expecting Mr B (our first), he had every single baby product known to man kind. But now, four kids later, I think I have finally figured out what you really do need.

This is a little list of my new baby essentials, what worked for us and tips on buying. You know that I love a bargain, so I hope it helps (and saves you a few dollars along the way).

 

The Bassinet

 

Some people choose to go straight for the cot, but I am a huge fan of the humble little bassinet. In fact, when it comes time to move on out into the big cot, I get so sad not to wake up with my bub by my side. This could by why at 4 months old, Mr J is still snoozing by my side in his little bassinet.

 

Because people either love or hate having their bubs in their room, consider hitting up Gumtree to pick up a bassinet second hand. These are only used for such a short time (or if at all), so you can usually pick these up in immaculate condition for a fraction of the price.

Boori Urbane Bassinet

Non Chocolate Easter Gift Ideas

Beautiful pastel colours, cute bunnies and chocolate - Easter really is one of my favourite times of the year! We have a little one in our family with food allergies, so each year I try and come up with little non-chocolate Easter gifts that fill most of the easter baskets.

Each year I try and get items that each child needs for the upcoming Winter as well as a few little treats.  Some things I have done in the past include a new set of pj's, a dressing gown, gumboots, Easter stickers, Easter craft set, bunny clothing or socks and a little Easter picture book. My go to store for all things Easter is definitely Seed, I find they have the cutest range for all ages and genders (particularly the girls).

 

Here are a few things that I am loving if you are stuck for ideas...

 

 

Clothing:

Bunny Tutu Dress (Seed) $59.95 - Buy it here

 

He's Here....

My poor old neglected blog, I promise that I am still here... just!!

 

If you follow me on social media, you will know that in late October, five became six as we welcomed baby number 4! How blessed are we right?! Blessed or crazy I am not quite sure which it is... haha.

 

 

Our baby Jesse is going really well and we are slowly learning our groove as a family of 6. Mornings are hectic, daytimes are crazy and bedtimes are bedlam, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Thank you to my lovely readers for the gorgeous comments and well wishes!

 

Smokin' Chicken Muffin Recipe

{Post in conjunction with ProQ}

Family barbeque lovers enjoy the authentic, full flavoured, succulent dishes that only true smokers can deliver. So as the weather warms up and outdoor entertaining with friends and family is all that more appealing, barbequed smoked meat should definitely be on the menu.

 

To make your Summer barbeque more memorable, ProQ has shared its recipe for finger licking good chicken muffins, an all-time favourite and people pleaser that will have adults and kids alike calling for more! 

5 Space Saving Furniture Pieces for Small Homes

{Post in conjunction with BoConcept}

When living in a small apartment, or trying to furnish a small room in your home, it can be quite difficult to find space for everything. There are a lot of ways around this, we can show you how to make small living fun. Having furniture that adapts for guests can be a real-life saver. How about a footstool that turns into a bed or a coffee table that doubles up as a dining table? Check out some of BoConcept’s genius designs that can breathe life into small living areas!

To rinse or not to rinse, that is the question… Whirlpool top 6 myth-busters for dishwasher etiquette!

{Post brought to you in conjunction with Whirlpool Corporation}

 

The after-meal clean up can pose quite the challenge, with differing opinions about the most efficient and effective methods. If your kitchen is equipped with a handy dishwasher, you might consider yourself one of the following types…an expert Tetris-style dish stacker, a dedicated pre-wash rinser or believe that glassware on the lower rack is the ultimate cleaning sin! If this sounds all too familiar, there are a few tips and tricks from experts at Whirlpool Corporation that can take the guesswork and bother out of cleaning your dishes…

 

1. Loading cutlery – Knife blades are best stacked facing downwards and although there’s an ongoing dispute as to whether spoons and forks should follow suit! It’s really up to personal preference and makes very little difference. Alternating the bowls of spoons up and down to keep them from nesting together and not cleaning is an easy method, or you can mix the type of cutlery in the same sections to prevent poor cleaning results.

 

Birdsnest Autumn Capsule Wardrobe: for the busy stylish Mum!

Are you guilty of having racks full of clothes and absolutely nothing to wear?! You are definitely not alone! If this sounds like you, then the concept of a capsule wardrobe is definitely going to be a game changer for every day dressing with ease.

 

So what is a capsule wardrobe? In a nutshell it is a small number of clothes that all mix and match to create effortless (and stress free) dressing every day! The super clever ladies over at Birdsnest are the absolute 'queens' of the capsule wardrobe. Over on their website you can view the perfect capsule wardrobe to suit your personal style, life stage, season and even special occassions such as vacations.

 

I was super excited when Birdsnest asked me to create my very own capsule wardrobe. Using only these 7 classic pieces, I have created what I feel is the perfect mix and match wardrobe for the busy, yet stylish, Mum for Autumn (and beyond)

 

 

Win a Family Pass to See Lights by DreamWorks!

Shrek and Kung-Fu Panda are set to light up Rosebud’s Foreshore Live Under the Big Top in March and April this year at an Australian-first exhibition of some of DreamWorks Animation’s best known characters in a large-scale lantern experience!

 

 

The Experience is an interactive, walkthrough experience for all ages (I am just as excited as the kids!) and is set to run for 30 days and attract more than 150,000 local and international visitors who will marvel at more than 100 of DreamWorks’ characters brought to life.