Merino Baby Review & Giveaway

{Post brought to you in conjunction with Merino Baby}

I was recently given the opportunity to select and review items from the gorgeous and extensive Merino Baby range which includes all the baby essentials you could wish for - dresses, bodysuits, cardigans, coveralls, hooded tops, pants, vests, mittens, hats, wraps and sleeping bags.

Let me tell you, picking a few favourites was not easy - so many gorgeous things that I adored.

In the end I opted for their beautiful dresses, in a few different colours, and a cardigan in the range.



When I opened the parcel, my heart literally skipped a beat - they were divine and so super, super soft!

 

Living in Melbourne Merino Wool products are perfect - they are light and breathable for the warm weather (which is not often at the moment, it has been so cold!) and perfect to keep the heat in when it is chilly (which is most of the time).

 

Most people associate wool with itchiness and abrasiveness on the skin, but let me tell you pure Merino Wool is anything but. All Merino Baby products are so soft and cozy on a babies sensitive skin. Miss C is prone to rashes and execma, but this did not cause any irration on her precious little skin.

The products are also very comfy and non-restrictive, so as you can see bub can move around with the greatest of ease. Miss C is starting to crawl around everywhere as you can see!

 

The stunning navy and grey dress pictured on Miss C is sized as a 1 (12-18) months and Miss C is 10 months (tomorrow), and this is a great fit for her. Not only does it look pretty teamed with her ballet flats, but will look great layered with tights and leggings for the cooler weather as well.

I love the classic, timeless style of this dress so much (wish it came in my size!), that I couldn't resist ordering it in a few different colours in a size 2 (18-24 months), which will suit her for next Autumn and Winter time.

As a busy Mum, I absolutely love just how easy Merino Baby products are to care for, all are machine washable. I usually pop mine in a lingerie bag and pop in a normal cycle (with like colours) and it is washed to perfection!

Dying to try the range too? I don't blame you! For one lucky reader, I have one gorgeous Hat and Mitten set to give away! Perfect for newborns or for that ultimate new baby or baby shower gift, the lucky winner is going to love this (in their choice of colour of course).

Simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below for your chance to win this set, total prize value is $29.95.
 

 Enter Here

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Terms and Conditions

 - The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- There will be one lucky winner for the Hat and Mittens Set

- Winner will be able to select the colour and size
 - 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
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

 

Feel free to share with any friends or family that you think may enjoy this prize too :-)

 

 

Pottery Barn (and Co!) comes to Melbourne at Chadstone Shopping Centre...

Today was a day that I had been counting down to for a LONG time. It was the opening day for the very first Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids store here in Melbourne.

 

It also so happens that it opened up at Chadstone Shopping Centre, which is where you will frequently find me doing my groceries or shopping (window of course!) on a frequent basis. I know, having a store SO close to me is going to be very dangerous.

 

As the opening day drew closer, I did debate whether or not I would go. But in the end, the emails and Facebook hype got to me and so I went...

 

Chadstone Shopping Centre was sheer madness today. I don't know whether it was the Pottery Barn stuff, the VIP Day or the fact that Hi-5 were there, but it was out of control. Much like the hysteria of 23rd of December or Boxing Day sales, this was on the same scale of crazy.

 

Once I finally got a park (and walked for miles, passing Livinia Nixon on the way), I was actually surprised that there was no queue or crazy crowds in the Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm or Williams and Sonama stores.

 

I could have spent HOURS in these stores, they all interconnect to one another. But alas two grizzly kids definitely doesn't afford such luxuries, so it was a quick zoom around - not an easy task as these have not been set up in the most pram friendly fashion.

 

I actually didn't love Pottery Barn as much as I thought, but West Elm was divine and the prices weren't too out of control - on par with say a Freedom store I would say.

 

 

 

Pottery Barn Kids was just as I had always imagined - FABULOUS. It was amazing to see all of the products I have lusted over online, come to life in the store.

 

The rugs were amazing quality and so many gorgeous designs

These chairs are even more amazing in person!

I tell you what, this place is going to be a complete money pit for me - so many things that I adored and wanted for the kids. I will be definitely coming back here (on a quieter day with no kids) to look at some things for under the Christmas Tree and the kids birthdays too.

 

Sheets, Sheets and more Sheets!

The selection of kids bed sheets and linen was beyond gorgeous. I don't think you will get the same range, quality and gorgeous designs anywhere else and poor old Adairs Kids up the road was looking a wee bit quiet....

How cute is the tulle bed skirt?!

This will definitely be a regular stomping ground for me, so if you want me to check anything out for you in the flesh, please drop me a line - happy to assist with info or pics for those of you who don't have a store in your state and will be ordering online.

 

Did you venture to the opening day? What did you think?

My Coles Little Explorer Nappy Review on the BubHub!

Eeek!!! I am a published author... well... sort of!

 

A little bit excited to see that the review I did recently on the Coles Little Explorer Nappies has just been published over on the BubHub website right here. The BubHub is such a fabulous online resource for Mummies, so if you haven't checked it out, definitely worth doing so.

 

 

Thank you to the readers that have already contacted me to let me know how they went with the range since my blog review a few weeks ago.

 

Anyone else take the 5 Day Nappy Change? Love to hear how you went if you did....

 

 

Our Trip to Santa's Magical Kingdom and Win a Family Pass to Go!

Last night we were so fortunate to be invited to the opening night of Santa's Magical Kingdom here in Melbourne.

 

When the invite arrived in the post a few months ago (from Santa), I wasn't sure who was excited more...

 

 

We have been literally counting down the days (and been doing a bit of Santa bribing 'if you don't stop annoying Mummy you won't go see Santa etc!!) until we could go.

 

This year Santa's Magical Kingdom is located at the Caulfield Racecourse which is a fantastic venue, easily accessible by the freeway and the train line. Living a wee way out of the city, we tend to give activities in the heart of the City a miss, so this was just perfect for us.

 

It is so hard to capture how amazing this is when you walk in (and just wait until you see your little ones face light up), it truly will take your breath away with so many beautiful lights, decorations and Christmas characters to greet you at the door.

 

 

With so many activities to see and do - it was hard to know where to start!

 

Being the ultimate sweet tooth, we headed for the Gingerbread Making area first up. Mr B loves helping me cook in the kitchen, so he absolutely loved this one - and he wasn't the only one...

 

 

Next stop were the rides - so many to choose from and these were all included in the ticket price. There was a giant slide (we had to do this so many times, great exercise though!), a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, Jet Planes, Dinosaur Ride and a Magical Train that we all ventured on. There were another few rides, but Mr B was just a bit small for these just yet. You get to go on these as many times as you like, which is fantastic value! Although we tried to tell Mr B that there was a limit of two turns on each ride, otherwise we would have literally been riding these ALL night!

 

After a few rides (a few times), we headed in to the Circus tent. Included in the admission ticket is a 30 minute Circus spectacular (just the perfect length to keep kids amused for!).  The show featured Santa and a whole host of magical tricks, displays and illusions.

 

After the Circus Show we headed back for more rides and a walk through Snowland, the Lego Brick Zone and met a few Christmas characters along the way!

 

If Mr B (and Miss C) are anything to go by, your little ones are going to LOVE this as a special Christmas treat they won't forget. Tickets are priced at $39.50 for adults, $35.00 for kids aged 2-12, teenagers and seniors. There are also family tickets available for $130.00 (2 adults and 2 kids). Definitely worth every penny as you get so many amazing inclusions with your admission ticket.

 

For one lucky Melbourne family, I have a family pass worth $130.00 to be given away which is valid for any Friday evening session in December. For your chance to win, simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below....

 

Enter Here

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Terms & Conditions

- The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- There will be one lucky winner of this prize

- Prize includes 1 x Family Ticket for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 2-12 years)
- Ticket is only valid for a Friday evening session in December 2014 (no other sessions or dates available)
 - The announcement of the lucky winner will be made on the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- The lucky winner will have 5 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

 

 

Good luck everyone and thanks again for having us Santa's Magical Kingdom - we had a ball and will be back again in 2015 for sure!

Project Extension: The End is Near, but SO Far!

These has been SO much happening in the world of Project Extension, I really don't know where to start...

 

When I last updated you, I was waiting on the bricklayer to start... well he started and is still going... This guy seems to come and go as he pleases and lays at the rate of two bricks a day - so it seems! So the brickwork is still going, much to our frustration... 

 

Looks a bit ugly at the moment, but we will have all of the outside rendered over the next week or so (if he ever finishes the job).

 

The inside has seen massive progress, at long last the plastering has been done. I had forgotten just how hard plaster dust is to contain - boy!

The new Lounge - the air con was where the old wall finished

 

 

A few hiccups, areas that required them to come back again (and again) to fix up, but we are almost there now.

 

The skirtings/architraves have been popped on - another drama which saw us a few days behind because they couldn't get the right style for us.



The new 4th bedroom

The much anticipated Walk In Robe!!!

 

 The doors have also been put on in the rooms, cupboards etc.

 

Looks like another HUGE week this week. We are madly trying to paint EVERYTHING in readiness for our carpets and flooring going down.

 

The roof is getting sprayed next week - finally goodbye to that horrid Terracotta!

 

I have selected the blinds for the new spaces, which are getting made at the moment.

 

We have ordered a new front door as ours just wasn't letting in enough light in the entrance way as you can see from the below.

The Old Door, just a wee bit dark!



The new entrance hall - the door ahead is the mud/storage room. Where the carpet stops is actually where our front door used to be, hard to believe!

The new door should go in this week too, I hope it makes a BIG difference with the light factor.

 

I have ordered a new couch and dining table - these get delivered on Friday and the old stuff has been sold and goes out on Saturday.

 

I need some advice on finalising an entry hall table and a mirror - so expect to see some posts very soon!

 

We have been busy trying to design our front landscaping. So many plans on that we need to finalise and book in so that we get it all done for Chrissie.

 

We have come so far, but I still feel like we have so long to go. We are all still sleeping in Mr B's room (on a mattress on the floor), tired and cranky with one another. I cannot wait to get our lives back, it has been 4 months and we have had enough!

 

And Mr Bricklayer if you are reading this - GET MOVING!!!!!

Project Cubby House: Win some Stylish Decorative Pieces for your Cubby or Playhouse!

Well folks, this is the very last post in my Project Cubby series!

 

I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading this series, and if looking to buy your own one for Christmas time, I hope that this has made things a teeny bit less confusing for you.

 

Don't forget if you do buy a cubby come Chrissie time, I would love for you to share your pictures over on my Facebook page.

 

What better way to finish the series than with a giveaway?! None? I agree! 3 very lucky readers are going to have the chance to win some of the fabulous handmade pieces that I have in my very own cubby house!

 

Prizes

 

Prize 1:

Waterproof Bunting  from My Wonder Wall Art

 

My Wonder Wall Art is on Etsy for any orders, information and to check out the range

RRP $30.00

The winner will have the pleasure to work with Nicole and select patterns and colours that suit their scheme!

 

 

Prize 2:

Crochet Ikea Mammut Stool Cover x 2 from Coco and Scotch

 

Coco and Scotch are on Etsy  for any orders, information and to check out the range

RRP: $30.00 for two covers

I had mine made up in a mix of Mint and Pink, but Lea has these in a variety of colours in her Etsy store - you can select your favourite if you are the fortunate winner!

 

Prize 3:

Felt Ball Garland from Mint Imprint

 

Mint Imprint are on Etsy for any orders, information and to check out the range

RRP: $20.00
Ally has a gorgeous range of colours (as you can see above), so you can be sure that you will create the perfect garland for your special space!
 

Enter Here

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Terms and Conditions

- The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
- There will be one lucky winner for each individual prize (3 individual winners in total)
- The announcement of the lucky winner will be made on the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- The lucky winner will have 5 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize
- Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
- Entrants must like the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
- Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

 

Good luck everyone!!!

 

Now that the Project Cubby series is done, I will be back in the swing from next week with our Project Extension updates. My golly gosh do I have a LOT to update you on as well embark on the final few weeks - yay!!!

 

Project Cubby House: Your Questions Answered!

So you've read the Step by Step Guide?

You've caught up on the final reveal and stockist post?

Well now it is time to answer all of your questions on the Tuff Cubbies Havana Cubby House... 

1. What are the measurements of the Havana?

The approx. measurements (including the deck/veranda area) are:

1500mm (W) x 2350mm (D) x 1700mm (H)

The height given above is to the highest point in the roof, the actual sidewall height is approx. 1300mm.

The Havana is the base model in the range, so if you need something larger - check out the other styles in the range here.

You can also extend the height from 1700mm to 1900mm by purchasing a height extension kit - a great option if you have taller kiddlets in the family!

 

2. Did you purchase the Height extension kit?

No, my cubby pictured is the standard height.

As you can see from the pictures though, it is still a fantastic size (my son is almost 3 years of age and quite tall for his age).

 

3. Is delivery expensive?

The delivery prices are dependent upon where in Australia you are located, please contact Tuff Cubbies for an accurate quote to your postcode.

For Christmas time, they do offer a bulk delivery pick up option in Melbourne and in Brisbane. On certain dates and times, you can go to a set address and pick up your cubby house for a super small delivery fee of $145 (save $200 - $500 on delivery costs).

If you contact the team at Tuff Cubbies they can give you some more information on this and other depot delivery options (outside of Christmas periods) - such a great idea!
 

4. My husband is not super handy (and neither am I) - do you think we could put this together?

I do think that you do have to have a basic handyman abilities - like putting together an Ikea flatpack - not Carpentry building skills or anything special but a basic use of tools!

The hardest part for us was the painting (and Mr B trying to 'help' out) - I suggest do a weekend working bee and rope a few friends or family members and knock this off in no time at all!

Don't forget if you are in Sydney, there is an installation service available for a fee.
 

5. Do they offer a payment plan?

Tuff Cubbies have a 3 Month Layby available, whereby monthly payments are required to pay off your cubby.

 

I am a bit of a Layby fan, so I think this is a fabulous idea!

 

 

6. Can you tell me a bit more about the Reader Offer? And does it only apply to the one you have?

 

The reader offer applies to all models in the Tuff Cubbies range, not just the Havana.

 

Tuff Cubbies have very kindly offered my Utterly Organised readers a very exclusive offer to  receive 10% off their Cubby order, simply quote UTTERLY when placing your order direct with the team (by phone or email).

 

For pricing, availability and orders you can contact Tuff Cubbies on their Facebook Page or by emailing tuffcubbies.info@gmail.com

 

This offer is only valid from now until 31 December 2014 (or while stock lasts - and these sell like hotcakes!).

 

Offer is not valid on delivery. It does not apply to any sales, specials, discounts or promotional items. One claim per person.

 

7. What paint colours have you used?

Dulux Vivid White: For the inside and white trim

 

Dulux Tranquil Retreat: For the Pale Grey Exterior

 

Dulux Colourbond Colour Basalt: For the roof. This is actually going to be our new roof colour post extension - thanks to my amazing reader that told me about this colour if you are reading this!

 

Even though I am totally prone to post paint change of mind, I love how the colours all turned out.

 

More Questions?

 

Right, I think that I have now covered all of the questions that I have received so far. I wanted to say a big thank you to those that took the time to send me questions and also lovely comments on the cubby house too.

 

Got another question for me?

 

Please comment below and I will reply to you ASAP!

 

Stay tuned as over the next few days I have an amazing felt ball garland, outdoor bunting and set of two stool covers (just like I have used!), up for grabs in a giveaway. Hope to see you then!

 

 

Project Cubby House: The Finished Product - our Havana Cubby House from Tuff Cubbies!

I hope that you enjoyed the Step by Step guide to putting selecting and putting together your Cubby House from Tuff Cubbies on Monday. Missed the post? You can read it here.

 

Today I am a little bit excited to be revealing the finished product.... 

 

Before the Furnishings! 

 

 And the Final Product...

 

 

What do you think?

Honestly, you cannot wipe the grin off Mr B's face (or get him out of here), he just loves it SO much!

As you can see from the images above, there is loads of playing space in the Havana Cubby House which is the base model in the Tuff Cubbies range. Being the base model definitely does not mean basic, this cubby really has it all :-)
 

Stockist of Products Used

The Cubby

Havana Model

Supplier: Tuff Cubbies

Cost: $899.00

Don't forget about your special discount when ordering! More information below...

 

Cubby Exterior

Waterproof Bunting (isn't this amazing)

Supplier: My Wonder Wall Art on Etsy

Cost: $30.00 for 3 metres (mine has been cut down to size)

I haven't seen a bunting that is suitable for outdoors before and Nicole (who is a Melbournite!) has so many colours and patterns to choose from - perfect for the cubby or even use on your outdoor living space too :-)

 

Artificial Flowers in Planter Pot

Supplier: Ikea

Cost: $7.99 per pot (I used two pots)

I plucked the flowers from the pots and popped them in place in the planter boxes using Florist Foam. This seems to be holding up okay in the rain and crazy Melbourne weather

 

Kids Ikea White Mammut Stool

Supplier: Ikea

Cost: $7.99

On a side note, why have they stopped making these in yellow?!

 

Crochet Ikea Stool Cover

Supplier: Coco and Scotch on Etsy

Cost: $15.00 (such a bargain!)

I had mine made up in a mix of Mint and Pink, but Lea has these in a variety of colours in her Etsy store. These would be perfect for kids bedrooms and playrooms too - which is where mine will reside once our play area is done - it is too nice for the cubby!

 

The letterbox. fence and deck are all included with the Tuff Cubbies kit - aren't they so cute?!

 

Cubby Interior

Dream Big Canvas

Supplier: Adairs

Cost: I purchased this on clearance a wee while ago for $9.99

Although this print is no longer available, you can check out their super affordable range here. At the time of writing this, there were canvas designs on there for $4.95!

 

Felt Ball Garland

Supplier: Mint Imprint on Etsy

Cost: $20.00

I cannot recommend Ally more highly, she is so lovely (and affordable) and has so many colours to choose from! While you are checking out her Etsy page, make sure you look at her fabulous wall art and party printables too :-)

 

Janod Toy Kitchen

Supplier: Lime Tree Kids

Cost: $189.95 (though I purchased when on sale last Christmas)

If this is a bit above budget, then Kmart have a brilliant option here for $85.00

 

Chair & Table Set

Supplier: Deals Direct

Cost: $69.95. Wait for a sale as I just picked this up on promotion for $49 with free shipping as well

If you are after an even more budget friendly option, you can check out my Budget DIY Ikea Table post here

 

A4 Sized Mini Blackboard

Supplier: Typo

Cost: $5.00 with any purchase a wee while ago. I can no longer see these online, but I am sure they will come around again soon - such a cute size!

 

To Do!

Of course, there are still plenty of things that we want to do to the cubby now that it is finished:

1. Add a large outdoor blackboard to the plain exterior side of the cubby wall

A cheap way to do this is by purchasing a Masonite Blackboard panel that you can find in the timber section of your local Bunnings. It is so cheap and light and easy to install with tacks or screws.

If you have a large cubby (and don't mind a bit of chalkdust inside) then this is also a great option to pop inside too!

2. Once our Outdoor Blackboard is up, I plan to remove the small one hanging on our Polka Dot wall. Instead I plan to create an area where Mr B can pop up his artwork creations on display in this space.

Image Source: Momma Rake

3. Pop a number on our Letter Box of course! Otherwise how will Santa, The Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny contact us?!

 

I will definitely keep you updated with progress pictures as things update out here, I can see that this is going to enjoy much love (and a few changes) over the years!

Now that you have seen the finished product and the step by step guide, do you have any questions that you would like me to answer? If so, please comment below, PM me on Facebook or contact me by email. I will address some questions in a post this week.

I cannot tell you enough just how amazing this product is, I think that the pictures speak for themselves in terms of the quality and just how gorgeous it is! If you are thinking about a Cubby for Christmas, this really is the ultimate Christmas gift that your kidlets will adore for many. many years.

 

Reader Offer

Tuff Cubbies have very kindly offered my Utterly Organised readers a very exclusive offer to own their own Cubby House from their extensive range.

 

To receive 10% off your order, simply quote UTTERLY when placing your order direct with the team (by phone or email).

 

For pricing, availability and orders you can contact Tuff Cubbies on their Facebook Page or by emailing tcenquiries@live.com

 

This offer is only valid from now until 31 December 2014 (or while stock lasts - and these sell like hotcakes!).

 

Offer is not valid on delivery. It does not apply to any sales, specials, discounts or promotional items. One claim per person.

 

More information during the week on this offer, but this is just in case you are BURSTING to place your order before then, I know I would be :-)

 

 

Don't forget that there will also be a giveaway to win some of the products I have used in my cubby above - stay tuned for that too this week!