tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69172369118057583902024-03-09T00:34:21.350+13:00five kinds of happyJust a mama addicted to makingAmy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-55697266917176149362021-01-06T14:35:00.002+13:002021-01-06T14:35:15.559+13:00Five kinds of happy.... at least<div id="fb-root">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">No blog posts through the whole of 2020... wow. Hello again!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">After a brief step back from social media recently, while we saw 2020 out and welcomed 2021, I realised I do really enjoy writing here, and the fact that it's not simply social media. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">So here's to a fresh beginning and a commitment to blog sometimes... a place to share thoughts that are my own, and hopefully lots of creative projects!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">If you know me, you may know I love to start a new project, sometimes to the detriment of finishing the previous projects ;) I want Five Kinds of Happy to be the place where I can record all my random, varied, and super-fun-to-me projects and ventures. Kid's activity packs you can print out? Decorating the baby's room and renovating the kitchen after 7 years? Decluttering everything I own and probably a bunch of stuff I don't? Natural immunity, health, being obsessively organised but also super messy because I'm an artiste and have a load of kids clinging to my ankles and whinging for food? I'm so on it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This really is my 5 kinds of happy, and I hope to share all of them here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-6510643220046028992019-12-16T09:41:00.000+13:002019-12-16T09:41:08.166+13:00Christmas and simplicity, 2019<div id="fb-root">
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Another blog post in 2019... it's a Christmas miracle ;)</div>
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This is really just a little update because I love blogging but don't really have time for it or a real purpose here, other than that it's good for my soul. But I will talk at the end of this post a little more about simplicity and how we're doing it.</div>
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We only used our favourite tree decorations this year and left all the rest in that big plastic box (which is at least half full still). I like it more than other years - so I guess the contents of that box can go now!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwd3Bm4bzaPhZ1dPLxvDKI_1aBA_fNudVJvBN7wpMgyo1gzZKBWzpr9uCzkG0POKPSc-GrBgjf1mkWcvj-S_VefGiyKBtMwg-w-S13n2G0mB7BqtbUi4pAEDQcH7DDaTN2K_QohpOKA0SC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.03.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwd3Bm4bzaPhZ1dPLxvDKI_1aBA_fNudVJvBN7wpMgyo1gzZKBWzpr9uCzkG0POKPSc-GrBgjf1mkWcvj-S_VefGiyKBtMwg-w-S13n2G0mB7BqtbUi4pAEDQcH7DDaTN2K_QohpOKA0SC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.03.30+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Ella is my crafter, she loves making things, and specifically making things or doing any kind of activity with <i>me</i>. So when I casually suggested we could put together some crackers for family members, she collected toilet rolls with gusto. They have no banger inside because she hates those... just a special drawing and a small wrapped lolly. I remember crafting up a storm at christmas when I was a kid, filling my wardrobe with things that no-one probably wanted but they were made with love. I sense gifts and quality time might be her love language.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4Zt7JhvJY9MQVN7vQujzGcZ7VACOydjItPmiuXIPOonoPbUp1sR5n-QhaRh49Ez7G8a_pJmPZ52Dry9Zb1tw5DgftPrJn7I9lwl1VY1jrKJB9S0K79MJlHyk95F6Zzs60z1nlER6AMiZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.04.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4Zt7JhvJY9MQVN7vQujzGcZ7VACOydjItPmiuXIPOonoPbUp1sR5n-QhaRh49Ez7G8a_pJmPZ52Dry9Zb1tw5DgftPrJn7I9lwl1VY1jrKJB9S0K79MJlHyk95F6Zzs60z1nlER6AMiZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.04.19+AM.png" /></a></div>
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How good is that Christmas-tree glow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U1K4UFlSXFHWnNfauT6uQPGNDLD1oycIRooo45Ai4UA7LNNdACGVB0cpGCgJ7Qbq0g9YJqirGxTLGOdSHbKJxrGODDfKxEt38Tpejfz2V2kVtxM3CXfmAXAtE7dkwtgl-UkU1Kibt4Hn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.04.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U1K4UFlSXFHWnNfauT6uQPGNDLD1oycIRooo45Ai4UA7LNNdACGVB0cpGCgJ7Qbq0g9YJqirGxTLGOdSHbKJxrGODDfKxEt38Tpejfz2V2kVtxM3CXfmAXAtE7dkwtgl-UkU1Kibt4Hn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.04.51+AM.png" /></a></div>
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I bought this wooden peg-doll & cups set for a few dollars online and dyed them using food colouring for Reuben's gift. They turned out pretty cute; time will tell if they are fun for him or if the dye leaks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7duuSm7iVfTvrH-WNJJM9pVNBb850aifwVxdKCmIXeA6BGyPGVKOSDlfbFwvVO9jz72_6RC0jIY85b4jiTaDIFEhBx8MjtZcXQhdYR5KzI1zUvXgpmwQgspO2y1I3m92nfAT_AycnAV7l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.05.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7duuSm7iVfTvrH-WNJJM9pVNBb850aifwVxdKCmIXeA6BGyPGVKOSDlfbFwvVO9jz72_6RC0jIY85b4jiTaDIFEhBx8MjtZcXQhdYR5KzI1zUvXgpmwQgspO2y1I3m92nfAT_AycnAV7l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.05.19+AM.png" /></a></div>
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And some ladies at our church had a cookie night so here are more creations, just made with fondant. I'm still dairy-free for the sake of Reuben's feeding, which is probably good or I would have eaten them all myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgidMTSLp2Kl5lqgXGvgVrwcGopx0i-iLINuiectr9wFCU-S7_Fszy2mmQHKwyjaMktn1QxiolUguZ90u4SDhyphenhyphen_NyOXdW9vNke5Xe5sVhFPMcuPvOG7QPS8OlXMsLCUZxyYred3CxVZ_lT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.05.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgidMTSLp2Kl5lqgXGvgVrwcGopx0i-iLINuiectr9wFCU-S7_Fszy2mmQHKwyjaMktn1QxiolUguZ90u4SDhyphenhyphen_NyOXdW9vNke5Xe5sVhFPMcuPvOG7QPS8OlXMsLCUZxyYred3CxVZ_lT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.05.40+AM.png" /></a></div>
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My sweet boys playing together and accidentally almost matching. Josh is so gentle and kind with his little bro.<br />
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<u>Simplicity/routine</u><br />
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Simplicity is such a catch phrase at the moment but I wanted to talk <i>briefly</i> about how we're embracing it at home and how it's helping me keep on top of everything. A couple of little things I've been doing that have made a big difference in my day-to-day:<br />
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- firstly, decluttering, but this has been an ongoing project as you'll know from past posts. Having less stuff truly lays the foundation for easier home-making, in my opinion.<br />
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- embracing a routine, but not a complicated one. Currently my rules are that I<br />
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<li>get myself up and fully dressed + hair, teeth and makeup before I go into the living areas or tend to the kids. This is usually pretty early thanks to my small and friendly alarm clock who sleeps in the next room.</li>
<li>After that, immediately take all the laundry downstairs and get a load going</li>
<li>Then come into living areas, feed baby, launch into morning routine of getting Ella ready for school etc.</li>
<li>After school drop off, put Reuben down to nap and use that time to prepare dinner, hang the washing out, clean up from breakfast. I think of this time as 'physical jobs' lol..</li>
<li>Then Reuben is up and we have our "window" - that time between naps when you can actually leave the house. So this is used for any errands or coffee catchups etc.</li>
<li>Try to get both boys to nap at the same time in the arvo, and use that time to finish preparing dinner, and do my 'admin jobs' and have lunch. And aim to have a rest for myself once the other stuff is done.</li>
<li>Then the rest of the day is with the kids, serving dinner, doing homework, surviving witching hour, yada yada, but I try to do a big but quick cleanup at about 4.30 - picking up toys (getting the kids to, actually) and vaccuuming before Calum comes home. It just means the messy work is done and the evening is much calmer for everyone. I'm not a night person and doing housework before bed is just.... nope.</li>
<li>Right after dinner, clean kitchen and pack Ella's lunch for next day while Calum gets the big kids to bed. I get baby to bed.</li>
<li>Rinse and repeat.</li>
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- eating REALLY simple food and being ok with having the same meal several times per week. The pic below is a typical meal here. I can put it all in the oven in advance so I don't spend witching hour stirring over a hot stove. And I serve the brocolli raw because it's good and LESS COOKING DISHES amen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6La9wDuh3belIpDOUKSmUn2vG-g7aIywouHk-NK9FuOgX9QCdymmrlQsMEcEG9A9usT1CoeSNCK1H5nviRN4Avs3Wo9hhQn6UfeFmDSsmM0QIRPF4hsbzg4qIYHBTlus13ce7aUrUjNDN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.06.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6La9wDuh3belIpDOUKSmUn2vG-g7aIywouHk-NK9FuOgX9QCdymmrlQsMEcEG9A9usT1CoeSNCK1H5nviRN4Avs3Wo9hhQn6UfeFmDSsmM0QIRPF4hsbzg4qIYHBTlus13ce7aUrUjNDN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.06.57+AM.png" /></a></div>
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In other news, I still love our kids' room update, and the next step is getting Josh into a big bed which will mean a shuffle of all the other furniture (these drawers won't fit anymore, for example).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJQz_0kmknpbf-kZ0KJCknkGELB2SqQwjVzxJZKeGQXmSueOOmkenl5uZOsMNnGB5EyXQ8YB8Js0k6UxupegRD5T69cABzghSzFeAlphkwnoG3BGOWbpmEZks-d41Snc8jmOterEGjrcG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.07.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="744" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJQz_0kmknpbf-kZ0KJCknkGELB2SqQwjVzxJZKeGQXmSueOOmkenl5uZOsMNnGB5EyXQ8YB8Js0k6UxupegRD5T69cABzghSzFeAlphkwnoG3BGOWbpmEZks-d41Snc8jmOterEGjrcG/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-12-16+at+9.07.42+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's my random little life update + how I'm staying mostly on top of things as a mum of 3 littlies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-17162491720123509212019-11-17T10:21:00.001+13:002019-11-17T10:44:36.060+13:00Reuben<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">About 5 months late to the party, here's our little lion Reuben.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtEBjR1QlC7Mt_-LaEFZxvuZTMIvxXMx75L2mPFf6Z1Nd70AUhG9IOWuPdp5iRMN92ZPCpryxvVoc3rp_0HvfIXDiJ4cvAYIDVSqyOjRBUDi_owpxIONAo1N0-ZRZmPrItL7xq5r0Wa8F/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.02.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="458" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtEBjR1QlC7Mt_-LaEFZxvuZTMIvxXMx75L2mPFf6Z1Nd70AUhG9IOWuPdp5iRMN92ZPCpryxvVoc3rp_0HvfIXDiJ4cvAYIDVSqyOjRBUDi_owpxIONAo1N0-ZRZmPrItL7xq5r0Wa8F/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.02.55+AM.png" width="530" /></a></div>
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He was born at home in a birthing pool and delivered by Calum before the midwives got here. It was such a great experience!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VA1Q7wbLArfIPxW0XvmEM_hA5mCEjYGLeCNIQHALGCdYK9mNy-8-x_oE3Hdid8U9BmORGZ92sIvRnzAmOYEXGIyOhOa1EWQs6Om5OiOCOHkEHVrV33EgcW0ClSNXRA4ozCEsmXxOWwEv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.03.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="434" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VA1Q7wbLArfIPxW0XvmEM_hA5mCEjYGLeCNIQHALGCdYK9mNy-8-x_oE3Hdid8U9BmORGZ92sIvRnzAmOYEXGIyOhOa1EWQs6Om5OiOCOHkEHVrV33EgcW0ClSNXRA4ozCEsmXxOWwEv/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.03.10+AM.png" width="526" /></a></div>
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After several weeks of basically grizzling or crying non-stop, he is now a super chill little guy, maybe my most relaxed baby?! He loves people and might be set to be an extrovert. We'll see. His big bro and sis are so good with him and my heart feels all warm and excited thinking about having all 3 of these souls under our roof.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUVG6uYIMA_gOzoKgw4MnLr-eCr6lpKcOLY3gfJN88AtMW45H7r-aQ9mB8pSRXjsQIWHHUJ2U2ktSIZcaRlRSBFHWpuhFO1hUzJGsqzGsuVp9ALpKLKggw6XTc452FgnZj8bsh_ki08od/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.04.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUVG6uYIMA_gOzoKgw4MnLr-eCr6lpKcOLY3gfJN88AtMW45H7r-aQ9mB8pSRXjsQIWHHUJ2U2ktSIZcaRlRSBFHWpuhFO1hUzJGsqzGsuVp9ALpKLKggw6XTc452FgnZj8bsh_ki08od/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.04.07+AM.png" width="508" /></a></div>
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In other random life updates.....<br />
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Flowers from my mum. We are almost onto week 2 of gastro in this household (I seem to be the only one who's ok so far!) and they were needed.<br />
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Getting ready for Christmas super early. I have most of my shopping done by mid-November, other` than just a few small things for my kids and husband, so that I can enjoy December and not stress so much about extended family gifts etc. Something about having 3 kids and a routine (thanks to school etc) that forces me to be organised and I kind of like it.<br />
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Summer is coming! Not that you can tell here in Wellington most days. Is it always rainy and dark all November? Because I don't remember it being this bad before. We still have the heater on most days.<br />
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Sweet baby things because they cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gs5BQSxMyf_GZ4H5N5viNQiqXKKoFZZ8IewfJJ0Z1QWASwtizFvwViGfdM5rMdsY7ZZzGfbeJWGtQhrzPtZhv1JHzlCbXeOgXSy-90N0SJo96f5DW2qxQ9tnwWE99AEjzELojUTBpF34/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.04.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gs5BQSxMyf_GZ4H5N5viNQiqXKKoFZZ8IewfJJ0Z1QWASwtizFvwViGfdM5rMdsY7ZZzGfbeJWGtQhrzPtZhv1JHzlCbXeOgXSy-90N0SJo96f5DW2qxQ9tnwWE99AEjzELojUTBpF34/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.04.28+AM.png" width="550" /></a></div>
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I am on a decluttering journey and while it's an ongoing process, it feels so good to part with lots of our baggage. Honestly most of the things we are getting rid of are decor items.... which is eye opening to me! No more purchasing trendy decor just to fill a space.</div>
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This is the big kid's room above now that Reuben is in the nursery. I miss it being Josh's nursery, I don't know why, maybe because I have so many memories in that room with him and developed so much as a mother during that season? And had finally got it how I like? I don't know. It's different now with a bassinette and a mash-up of leftover decor but I'm content and not feeling rushed to have the perfect room anymore.</div>
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This is how it was as Josh's room:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOzNh90car9kIhWUYb5xQNNBkThURKoZzI-EFmaZn4rZXyclohXOaRhyphenhyphen43WchXWZNhq0FOaRFpYCDQ1Dgj9l2SWw5BB0804GgdQXXnsrcN1UvP7WE2cRr8GemiFk3P3xu8kHw9wfV_cKp/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.16.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="463" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOzNh90car9kIhWUYb5xQNNBkThURKoZzI-EFmaZn4rZXyclohXOaRhyphenhyphen43WchXWZNhq0FOaRFpYCDQ1Dgj9l2SWw5BB0804GgdQXXnsrcN1UvP7WE2cRr8GemiFk3P3xu8kHw9wfV_cKp/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.16.44+AM.png" width="508" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5ZvzMp3YwpKcOmQXQgQPWbVguJ_NOdpHhJh_22vQL8wrWkMeMnK2GRGrrQ3iB93WAxWt0KFFBuRYyswU2PKO_TkehvV81otAJ-wjDzFxXQN3XrWDXPwJdP4oI2ve4SLDyUmkKM0UbYPH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.17.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="473" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5ZvzMp3YwpKcOmQXQgQPWbVguJ_NOdpHhJh_22vQL8wrWkMeMnK2GRGrrQ3iB93WAxWt0KFFBuRYyswU2PKO_TkehvV81otAJ-wjDzFxXQN3XrWDXPwJdP4oI2ve4SLDyUmkKM0UbYPH/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.17.32+AM.png" width="508" /></a></div>
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.... before we had to move the cot into Ella's room and put them in together. </div>
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Now with Reuben in there it's more like this pic below, except I moved the shelves out last weekend. It's not as cute as before but it's an evolution!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwK4QXlJTa9GpSA3PoZkFoskjt89oXDNs9zE_nv5pBzKHdaDgscSinNnyVzVI380OL-mVAe-Bog9HWatXjgZYcrz9ev1d7f6knIIbAMdmhEnk9cFIzwtByR-NvHEwPu6XAdsuqq5Qq-gg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.18.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="578" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwK4QXlJTa9GpSA3PoZkFoskjt89oXDNs9zE_nv5pBzKHdaDgscSinNnyVzVI380OL-mVAe-Bog9HWatXjgZYcrz9ev1d7f6knIIbAMdmhEnk9cFIzwtByR-NvHEwPu6XAdsuqq5Qq-gg/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.18.58+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here's a pile of stuff leaving our home. There have many loads like this... and many more to go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWbhCC3oOhKcy__UhR9Pe84H-ZWJQ94gA3IIrrJqLZXL66Lxf192DjhyybLI3tgoGqLUc1kDjf_kcPyhNZ3LbdEf25VtWF6gf99TCPw5GnhhwHSLnrwdOJE2IOxoOGlNGQywZ22LBMdqN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.05.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWbhCC3oOhKcy__UhR9Pe84H-ZWJQ94gA3IIrrJqLZXL66Lxf192DjhyybLI3tgoGqLUc1kDjf_kcPyhNZ3LbdEf25VtWF6gf99TCPw5GnhhwHSLnrwdOJE2IOxoOGlNGQywZ22LBMdqN/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-11-17+at+10.05.46+AM.png" width="522" /></a></div>
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That's it from me for now. I have a baby to put to bed and a whole lot of food mess to clean up! And by food mess I mean diarrhea nappies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-11369155410096777522019-03-20T21:17:00.004+13:002019-03-20T21:23:09.630+13:00Baby wants; baby needs<div id="fb-root">
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Also known as: mama wants/needs, in no particular order!</div>
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I hope to keep adding to this list as I come across more products I can wholeheartedly recommend. Some of these are on my wishlist for baby #3. Help me out with your product recommendations too!<br />
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<b>1. Little mittens</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXlJbpUEOcRRrxRE4eCsJnY-dZNrD5-ZfRSzJKVthDQOk81LhEdCT6XWhpKDbKzMpgi6RjCpLPObY7ZE8fe288N17fT03cfM_ph89gdVLQF4YF_YeowUoKoazcZKqoaYKdj5mQV50zIKk/s1600/499558C4-5D0E-4AB3-9255-E66EEB78E9E4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="445" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXlJbpUEOcRRrxRE4eCsJnY-dZNrD5-ZfRSzJKVthDQOk81LhEdCT6XWhpKDbKzMpgi6RjCpLPObY7ZE8fe288N17fT03cfM_ph89gdVLQF4YF_YeowUoKoazcZKqoaYKdj5mQV50zIKk/s200/499558C4-5D0E-4AB3-9255-E66EEB78E9E4.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We were gifted <a href="https://www.naturebaby.co.nz/cotton-newborn-mittens">these ones from Nature Baby</a>. They are so soft and better than cheaper ones we've bought! They can get a little sweaty which is why I think pure cotton is best. (They also have merino ones).<br />
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<b>2. Warm booties </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN5-Gz62-VU4siw9vz2MGYpRcREG6P0bzqU7u5-_5tb2hPM3tZYjwO6V40-Way6c8USKLuvubQyEXCKYDTGd1yn6yaOwgAoOZ62_q2Im4e34aCvCp_3e-bq444A2gKyp-p38LcfWD7sOM/s1600/0CA906E4-9ACD-4579-834F-588958E27332.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="325" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN5-Gz62-VU4siw9vz2MGYpRcREG6P0bzqU7u5-_5tb2hPM3tZYjwO6V40-Way6c8USKLuvubQyEXCKYDTGd1yn6yaOwgAoOZ62_q2Im4e34aCvCp_3e-bq444A2gKyp-p38LcfWD7sOM/s200/0CA906E4-9ACD-4579-834F-588958E27332.jpeg" width="200" /></a>More-so if you have a winter baby. We recently ordered some of <a href="https://merinomana.co.nz/products/dapper-dreamwear-leather-baby-booties-natural">these natural booties from Merino Mana</a> and they look great - nothing synthetic, and elasticated around the ankle to stay on tiny newborn toes (we found knitted booties don’t stay on and we’ve been told that the ribbons on them are a safety hazard).</div>
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<b>3. Merino and pure cotton clothing!</b> The most affordable to us in NZ for us was the Superfit brand available at Farmers. You can also get merino gowns for nighttime which make nappy-changes so much easier (no snaps!).</div>
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<b>4. Muslin cloths/swaddle cloths + washcloths</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohZgWHDyibNNM9iq1xIvzglQnB_yD1VS6byhwq3w95h6Gfost3lVIgRga-V9PbmWwyiLmRoPHQTJgJmeJl7AWIcKocY6pc0tVDmmJzciHKHfYppfXaTX_WqwbkfoXIxaaG9_8bg3m-pxm/s1600/8CDC3AAC-4077-4847-AF9F-EAFC5FB8095F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="479" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohZgWHDyibNNM9iq1xIvzglQnB_yD1VS6byhwq3w95h6Gfost3lVIgRga-V9PbmWwyiLmRoPHQTJgJmeJl7AWIcKocY6pc0tVDmmJzciHKHfYppfXaTX_WqwbkfoXIxaaG9_8bg3m-pxm/s200/8CDC3AAC-4077-4847-AF9F-EAFC5FB8095F.jpeg" width="200" /></a> We use a mix of Aden & Anais or the lovely ones my mother-in-law made. The large swaddle cloths get used as: blankets on car trips when the kids only need a light layer; picnic rugs; burp cloths; on the floor when you’re out to protect carpet from baby spills; a sun shade over the stroller/car seat; as a sheet; as an actual swaddle... the list goes on. The wash cloths are just softer than a usual flannel wash cloth and come in handy for different things. I remember being surprised with my firstborn at how much mess we made... leaking boobs, runny baby poop that always got out of the nappies, endless dribble... etc. It's not glamorous.</div>
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<b>5. A play gym + hanging toys/objects</b></div>
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Super handy for lying the baby down under while you try to get something done - e.g. go pee before resuming your feeding marathon. This one from Kmart is only $17 and you can hook your own toys on it. </div>
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Speaking of toys/objects to hang from a play gym, you can totally make your own (some of our kids favourites were made from bottle caps strung onto a shoelace, or similar) or check out all the handmade options, like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/286625763/baby-gym-toys-fruits-set-of-5-hanging">these cuties on Etsy</a>. I would prob try to have some variation tho e.g. some that crinkle and make a crinkly sound, some with a shiny or reflective surface, some that rattle, some soft, etc, as long as they are all baby-safe of course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbFVAl6mwRASlDb0DJJBCrRkQAq0Q9uLgCQW4FTpjE_lF91L8MzjW7C6gjpLDF59HbLylz1PYfWGIxFmbr8Ypwq_s0ffl7q4KT0OiaO1K1VZeTObJd2_oh6T_fMOf4rrfOdBOCRe8Cu-K/s1600/9CAEAD4A-53F8-4EAA-9C23-71006CBA50E6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="723" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbFVAl6mwRASlDb0DJJBCrRkQAq0Q9uLgCQW4FTpjE_lF91L8MzjW7C6gjpLDF59HbLylz1PYfWGIxFmbr8Ypwq_s0ffl7q4KT0OiaO1K1VZeTObJd2_oh6T_fMOf4rrfOdBOCRe8Cu-K/s320/9CAEAD4A-53F8-4EAA-9C23-71006CBA50E6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>6. A quilt that doubles as a playmat</b></div>
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You can totally buy a separate playmat, but quilts have more uses I suppose! <a href="https://littleunicorn.com/products/hedgehogquilt">This one from Little Unicorn</a> is super sweet, or search "easy DIY baby quilt" for hundreds of beginner sewing tutorials.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvvzoeqjIygW8XyHmEsRixhlGb1VprBnb2DigxKx6d269KBswCrdiDIxt6wIn4vlUTc56rRtESKkBa8kYMZfgHoNp0FUGdjwmKx2EQ88KnE2pMIw-0HkgCTGMr0kONqFPlqL0zblGU4tr/s1600/C5754204-3551-40A1-A9D0-7AD0BCDCA42D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="554" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvvzoeqjIygW8XyHmEsRixhlGb1VprBnb2DigxKx6d269KBswCrdiDIxt6wIn4vlUTc56rRtESKkBa8kYMZfgHoNp0FUGdjwmKx2EQ88KnE2pMIw-0HkgCTGMr0kONqFPlqL0zblGU4tr/s320/C5754204-3551-40A1-A9D0-7AD0BCDCA42D.jpeg" width="294" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Water wipes</b><br />
Nothing crazy here - we just like 'em and this brand is more affordable than others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwFpMTqdPvAQ2fyH4E8aKB3c9TRD1x9zf-Qspyq3Do1_bWNpk2Hz5fqxQP4sYUrU_Islh02RYlLhi2SGsnYmF7b6YvZ7H_qvBWr4L4XY5kpZ4TKd0099S4O3YExO7a2uKiTmOEKI3yXCM/s1600/73A0B707-B96D-4738-8004-EE96998DE079.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="561" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwFpMTqdPvAQ2fyH4E8aKB3c9TRD1x9zf-Qspyq3Do1_bWNpk2Hz5fqxQP4sYUrU_Islh02RYlLhi2SGsnYmF7b6YvZ7H_qvBWr4L4XY5kpZ4TKd0099S4O3YExO7a2uKiTmOEKI3yXCM/s320/73A0B707-B96D-4738-8004-EE96998DE079.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>8. Bath thermometer</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqvtMPcUqHO_4AgtdvmeG4CaCW-uxjb3iIZym3xNlnyj8dWBEVUvceJekBa6244MXor0EA1TJD9RBJvhS13KLqXrqtXomTRxO1EI3wOT-ayujbzMyb5exaCQv7U6rVToSQVKonFTUAwi8/s1600/BF6584AA-D769-4F2E-A1DD-47C8216388D8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="638" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqvtMPcUqHO_4AgtdvmeG4CaCW-uxjb3iIZym3xNlnyj8dWBEVUvceJekBa6244MXor0EA1TJD9RBJvhS13KLqXrqtXomTRxO1EI3wOT-ayujbzMyb5exaCQv7U6rVToSQVKonFTUAwi8/s200/BF6584AA-D769-4F2E-A1DD-47C8216388D8.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Our babies hated baths until we got the water exxxaaacctly right and this makes it way easier. Testing it on my wrist never ever worked for me. Maybe I am too hot or cold blooded or something?!<br />
This one is just from Kmart.<br />
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<b>9. Baby nail clippers or a fancy nail trimmer like <a href="https://www.haakaa.co.nz/products/baby-nail-trimmer?variant=2504381104152&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpMPdzaCQ4QIVziMrCh2aTwuPEAQYAyABEgKl5vD_BwE">this Haakaa one</a>.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hT2aipJpRgn7niNIGfwxpKaCYd_Ilvi8W2TVvYhDftf67CyQQoWctkCLLobNizpr2Rq7TOdIYkE4CLwFAJ-9lhOjqfGR8hlxXSdGlzTF9jl-r5Rwp7_P07HuMi7laRS-RSUrgxE8JEyE/s1600/02A4BF3D-3553-4B90-BDD9-02949BB3D5AA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="407" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hT2aipJpRgn7niNIGfwxpKaCYd_Ilvi8W2TVvYhDftf67CyQQoWctkCLLobNizpr2Rq7TOdIYkE4CLwFAJ-9lhOjqfGR8hlxXSdGlzTF9jl-r5Rwp7_P07HuMi7laRS-RSUrgxE8JEyE/s200/02A4BF3D-3553-4B90-BDD9-02949BB3D5AA.jpeg" width="171" /></a></div>
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Those little nails are so sharp - ask any new mum what the scabs on her neck and chest are and she'll confirm! I would love to have something like this nail trimmer/filer as our babies always fought having their nails cut and it felt a bit dangerous.</div>
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<b>10. A soft hairbrush</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T6bYOsqi2t-S5wPTFdfGxJizpya_hhJIw8GqhQta6nxVi2M6-gkb3ZCe0X5m5fezDJQ-ewplwTlSqyG-EMdqEIeOsZoKNWEp2CcyX9N3crs8_eauvjOqCJmbtHaaHKmeGLsd6d3UWqIu/s1600/64702E2C-A1C3-4035-90D8-B74BF6CC6163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="434" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0T6bYOsqi2t-S5wPTFdfGxJizpya_hhJIw8GqhQta6nxVi2M6-gkb3ZCe0X5m5fezDJQ-ewplwTlSqyG-EMdqEIeOsZoKNWEp2CcyX9N3crs8_eauvjOqCJmbtHaaHKmeGLsd6d3UWqIu/s200/64702E2C-A1C3-4035-90D8-B74BF6CC6163.jpeg" width="200" /></a>We love and still use <a href="https://www.naturebaby.co.nz/toddler-hairbrush">this one from Nature Baby </a>(and I also have a cheap plastic one for using with oil and water on cradle cap.)</div>
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<b>11. Fess Little Noses</b></div>
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I still take this with me on any road trip because there is not much else you can do for a stuffy baby (or even toddler) nose when the baby is not old enough to blow it! Being able to breathe whilst feeding or sucking a dummy is kind of essential, or no-one is getting any sleep. I should add - a baby thermometer! We've had a few but none have lasted, so it's probably worth paying more for quality.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1bTsif5A0MWMGuwGqP4iP1lADPFIoEqMWzPc5cfNH6SdyCh0ECmL1er7IJEiRZmdtQKn-fXXfQwWkSNxcqAtHO-Uzh8ufVvL7u1hcrjMJjnQ1nfiQhP8lFLMhh61tf7uLEXPIlOQt942/s1600/66817835-9263-47B8-B0B5-EC41B0F238B7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="717" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1bTsif5A0MWMGuwGqP4iP1lADPFIoEqMWzPc5cfNH6SdyCh0ECmL1er7IJEiRZmdtQKn-fXXfQwWkSNxcqAtHO-Uzh8ufVvL7u1hcrjMJjnQ1nfiQhP8lFLMhh61tf7uLEXPIlOQt942/s200/66817835-9263-47B8-B0B5-EC41B0F238B7.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>12. Totally unnecessary but I had to include it - cute wooden animals by Ostheimer. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP1dyXOcsdpu_kNrPM_NbLl_NnApy9hQY_kwVRZ4nHri9qJmzKVqVUnQYn0LOxHJtLj6brvaOo3-jMOJxxXmksRri6yZABC7CjhyUkt9xZziM4mOshlF3xkX6T8JA3xrzA_iXqvQBrZ2m/s1600/C763C547-2E05-4477-BC6B-38530D12FB1B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="554" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP1dyXOcsdpu_kNrPM_NbLl_NnApy9hQY_kwVRZ4nHri9qJmzKVqVUnQYn0LOxHJtLj6brvaOo3-jMOJxxXmksRri6yZABC7CjhyUkt9xZziM4mOshlF3xkX6T8JA3xrzA_iXqvQBrZ2m/s320/C763C547-2E05-4477-BC6B-38530D12FB1B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I always wanted a baby bear for Josh's room, a fawn for Ella's room, and a lion cub for this new baby. Maybe one day if they ever have a sale...... (laugh with me - these things are permanently sold out and pricey).<br />
They are available from various online stockists.</div>
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<b>13. A safe newborn dummy like this one from Haakaa.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFoM35jJvtFk6f5j7XvEGRpIE4HymczqDv1JmCrPoILJZ9XbZQrIFJILBEKLZPDrpV4kZmcEO_m8BvCYD0jTVjNzqWL1UUrj9zTwJ69xwrg26DBrC_KqIvWgZme1odJEEEBmoUZ6_8qh8/s1600/8F670709-243F-4DC2-930B-AF95FDDE2F81.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="555" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFoM35jJvtFk6f5j7XvEGRpIE4HymczqDv1JmCrPoILJZ9XbZQrIFJILBEKLZPDrpV4kZmcEO_m8BvCYD0jTVjNzqWL1UUrj9zTwJ69xwrg26DBrC_KqIvWgZme1odJEEEBmoUZ6_8qh8/s200/8F670709-243F-4DC2-930B-AF95FDDE2F81.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Pretty much all new parents are against dummies but when you are desperate for an hours' sleep you'll do anything. These are also brilliant for reflux babies - they will either use your nipples or a dummy for their pain. You get to choose which. Josh still has his dummy which has been a pain but also a Godsend. </div>
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(Ella sucked her thumb which was easier all round!). This one shown is the <a href="https://www.naturebaby.co.nz/goldi-orthodontic-pure-rubber-pacifier?color=1611">Goldi Orthodontic Newborn Pacifier</a> and I'm tempted to get it for those desperate moments.</div>
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<b>14. Haakaa Breast pump /letdown collector.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyWVOeJ2MqoZ3TptFDPiHT2KltZDdbwsEVSFsOTBziIV14AdxLl8uLC3AJiBmI0M3qTPOnlKeRF2RJVjHhZP0F_M3iqUuK5xSQt_LaCP9OeE2v2WmHGxBtfW2P2PyL09FrpqhXZeOh_Dg/s1600/9E046BF5-10B1-46AB-9842-26EBD2213AE4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyWVOeJ2MqoZ3TptFDPiHT2KltZDdbwsEVSFsOTBziIV14AdxLl8uLC3AJiBmI0M3qTPOnlKeRF2RJVjHhZP0F_M3iqUuK5xSQt_LaCP9OeE2v2WmHGxBtfW2P2PyL09FrpqhXZeOh_Dg/s200/9E046BF5-10B1-46AB-9842-26EBD2213AE4.jpeg" width="125" /></a></div>
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I HEAR these are amazing for casual collecting of breastmilk. I haven't tried personally, but I would love to have one for this baby so I can relieve engorgement and hopefully have better luck with mastitis. I have an electric one but it's super annoying to set up all the chords and plugs etc. This one can go anywhere with you. You can get Haakaa products on Amazon or a bunch of baby stores, or direct from their website I believe.</div>
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<b>15. Similarly, Haakaa nipple shield</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJQwb_ZAecNJXgH4CxpUfzNKzHZLe-e6B1431YgFDGWIhhjCqu2HoZeLBult1nA3ck585PYKCKl6Q4pk2oXnEnn0ChCRVNGY63tA8n2-kS68QLSOLWnPyTT-u-CD6bKTnQ9u8ZWLk8Ucq/s1600/38A29D90-16C5-49E2-81E7-D0A7CAE9BD95.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="407" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJQwb_ZAecNJXgH4CxpUfzNKzHZLe-e6B1431YgFDGWIhhjCqu2HoZeLBult1nA3ck585PYKCKl6Q4pk2oXnEnn0ChCRVNGY63tA8n2-kS68QLSOLWnPyTT-u-CD6bKTnQ9u8ZWLk8Ucq/s200/38A29D90-16C5-49E2-81E7-D0A7CAE9BD95.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div>
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Has anyone used this? I've had horrendous BFing experiences with my babies - my nipples were never sore or damaged (which I'm told is rare) but my babies had such strong feeding aversions that I had to trick them into thinking they were not BFing - my nipple shield bought me a few feeds I would not have otherwise been able to give.</div>
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(Side note: I also then had to trick them into thinking they were not bottle-feeding. Both of them had such strong aversions they didn't drink properly unless they were asleep, and didn't really start recovering until they were on solids. I suspect severe silent reflux, as does my midwife, so this time we will hopefully get extra-good paediatrician attention!)</div>
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<b>16. <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/artemis-baby-gripe-tea-atbg.html">Artemis Baby Gripe Tea</a> + <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/artemis-breastfeeding-tea-atmtn-g.html">Artemis Breastfeeding Tea</a></b></div>
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Can you tell we've had some hard times with babies around here?! These are both on my wishlist and the reviews are good! We love using Healthpost - amazing service and the best prices most of the time.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_1HNjIme6OPN2oDm5ZmA97i7gNkpAsRciT5V6P476mN75kyFbFNRuFZ1gs6HoN4-_-9ZUNt1joqlBvXEyo0Xzpfz_pbAR3bqUXx3uxXJiT257RS9ZjWYs7ZPXtHHIAAPJTRi2vVCzASN/s1600/79A65B05-24BA-4DA5-89E5-0EF664DFF758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="562" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_1HNjIme6OPN2oDm5ZmA97i7gNkpAsRciT5V6P476mN75kyFbFNRuFZ1gs6HoN4-_-9ZUNt1joqlBvXEyo0Xzpfz_pbAR3bqUXx3uxXJiT257RS9ZjWYs7ZPXtHHIAAPJTRi2vVCzASN/s320/79A65B05-24BA-4DA5-89E5-0EF664DFF758.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGd5MkjASe0aXER4FwaVH261qY5u5Mo2gW4Yj3Jj5ZmSpXYTfbsv6w34MBhfMNMxCeipDolsaf8ewNe6K8knWB0oCTzi-duI6KZ4jGNV7XLQsRkBQXlNE038k5wMQptOFi-clrWjADPAcG/s1600/10828F61-A0F0-4436-831E-D4DF00268581.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGd5MkjASe0aXER4FwaVH261qY5u5Mo2gW4Yj3Jj5ZmSpXYTfbsv6w34MBhfMNMxCeipDolsaf8ewNe6K8knWB0oCTzi-duI6KZ4jGNV7XLQsRkBQXlNE038k5wMQptOFi-clrWjADPAcG/s320/10828F61-A0F0-4436-831E-D4DF00268581.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<b>17. <a href="https://www.sleepytot.co.nz/product/absolute-essentials-baby-sleep-essentials-package/">Absolute Essentials baby sleep package</a>.</b><br />
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Ummmm yes please! I trust this brand hugely - a New Zealand organic essential oil company who really know their stuff. This 3-part package comes with "Twinkle Star" sleep blend; Nose & Chest care; and Chamomile Roman which is for sore little tummies. Basically covering off all the things that can make baby unhappy (they sell a teething blend too... and a blend to hurry along labour if you're way overdue!). I am keeping a close eye on this because it's something I am really considering for baby #3. Anything to make sleep easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBtsoGRVLmL1-EPyTPSi5WWlTQjzEiL5efVY-3H7zm8upqtvWN0o1CjeqCjMRD00SecoqHSpJdZ1K2HWyRVtbsD6sfJ2_vjkVT7UzcUbY5Hu-KCcAlN-MrUlHmYUiAeq2AAmxmjrIwN3A/s1600/61030C1D-CA0E-42E3-B094-2DB9310143C1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="608" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBtsoGRVLmL1-EPyTPSi5WWlTQjzEiL5efVY-3H7zm8upqtvWN0o1CjeqCjMRD00SecoqHSpJdZ1K2HWyRVtbsD6sfJ2_vjkVT7UzcUbY5Hu-KCcAlN-MrUlHmYUiAeq2AAmxmjrIwN3A/s320/61030C1D-CA0E-42E3-B094-2DB9310143C1.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div>
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<b>18. <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/kiwiherb-baby-balm-soothes-and-protects-khbb.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu-m0vaKQ4QIVjouPCh3C7gidEAQYASABEgKPBfD_BwE">Kiwiherb Baby Balm</a> (currently on sale!)</b></div>
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We use a cheap zinc + castor oil nappy cream from the supermarket, however whenever I have a "nice" nappy cream I so appreciate it. We love the Kiwiherb brand for their natural medicines, and this balm can be used on all skin irritations including mama's broken nipples, so it's a double whammy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-ssZYgrpO1M5K3aEZORonj8cECK7eafAxaqq1GOzoasjaUILgn_6TI6Xd5E7Cq3fYUDuEpE290KvOBsUuklV83Ie8Txtanbae0ICIrVX8E6Mxp2enlX9XW1aThYgcFCUnMN4FcJtTokT/s1600/DDC15BA3-F5BB-4418-9850-C861C73E15FD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="548" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-ssZYgrpO1M5K3aEZORonj8cECK7eafAxaqq1GOzoasjaUILgn_6TI6Xd5E7Cq3fYUDuEpE290KvOBsUuklV83Ie8Txtanbae0ICIrVX8E6Mxp2enlX9XW1aThYgcFCUnMN4FcJtTokT/s320/DDC15BA3-F5BB-4418-9850-C861C73E15FD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know I've missed things so will keep adding to this as I think of them! </div>
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But tell me, what would you add that you found useful? I can add your recs too :)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" />Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-11496772810496239072019-03-18T20:21:00.001+13:002019-03-18T20:36:58.421+13:00Renting out your home on Airbnb - is it worth the money?<div id="fb-root">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[So fresh, so clean, so depersonalised]</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">We recently rented out our home on Airbnb for the third time. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">So, is it worth it? Would we do it again? Let's have a look at the pros and cons...</span></div>
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CONS</div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Airbnb tenants are total strangers who stay in your home when you are not there. This means they have the opportunity to snoop through anything they please, and you can't do anything about it! Ordinary guests are probably too polite to examine the inside of your bathroom cabinet, the top drawer of your bedside table or anything else that you don't want them to see. But nothing is off limits for someone renting your home, unless you physically lock it away.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It's a LOT more work than you think, especially if you have children and/or lots of personal or precious items. For example, here are some of the things you have to take into account:</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Kids break things. On that note, so do adults. After our first Airbnb experience with a family staying in our home, we came home to find several of our things broken or missing. Mostly small things - an old shoe rack, a curtain rail, a kids puzzle, etc, (they also cracked our glass stovetop but that's another story!) - so we learnt the hard way that anything we want to keep nice, we need to remove. There is a dispute resolution process you can go through but honestly it's easier just to remove all your nice things. Don't want your new throw pillow getting stained? Remove them. Don't want your kid's puzzles getting massacred? Remove them. Baby photos, sentimental letters and cards, journals, bathroom products, things you'd rather not have a stranger poking through? Remove them. But know that it's a LOT of work to remove so many things from your home!</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">On that note, you really need a lockable room or at the very least a wardrobe. We lock a whole room downstairs. I'm listing it as a con because it takes some work to set up, and it seems to take months afterwards slowly sifting things back into the rest of the house, but it's the only way we can make it work.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Everything must be cleeeeean. Maybe I have high standards on this but I spend several weeks beforehand trying to clean/sort a small area of our home each day. We clean inside the cutlery drawers, inside our emptied-out top drawers, under couches and under couch cushions, under beds, dusting the skirting boards, etc. It's a big job because they have to be not only clean but also tidy.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">You may go through a LOT of linen and therefore a LOT of laundry. We recently had 4 people staying while we were away and between towels, duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases and mattress protectors, it took about 3 weeks for me to get through all the washing afterwards. Chances are you also have all your washing from your time away from home, AND all the linen that you stripped off your beds BEFORE the guests arrived. It's just a lot. I'm thinking in future, we would say linen NOT provided and just skip all that.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It can be little gross coming home when your house has been lived in by strangers. Finding someone's hair all through your child's bed, for example, or stains on your sheets... it's just a bit stomach-turning, for me at least. I also find myself thinking, were people sick here? Did they sneeze on our cutlery while they emptied the dishwasher? Did they wash the cups properly? We had long-term tenants one summer of a lovely family similar in stage to ours, and they left everything spotless and it felt like we'd just had friends staying. But then other times I've found blood and who-knows-what and, well, enough said!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">You can't assume people will treat your home the same way that you would treat theirs. We found that when we didn't meet the tenants face-to-face beforehand, they would basically treat our home like a motel. Stained towels, mess everywhere, melted chocolate crumbs in the beds... etc. But when we made an effort to meet the tenants face-to-face beforehand, they seemed to understand that it REALLY IS OUR HOME where we live and treat it better. Our policy now is we always try to meet them in person when they arrive.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0o-5wErM4jzlMrhtaUGezGk7lcd_0poWGpG8VrvaHz1noCRzaB7-eUNnpUrd6Wp_fM8edZKulpUShbA1ifEQygeFnpZ0we_uydH-_wugnoaY9fKyJkk02tFnJDQArYK_VRh6XJWr29L2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-03-18+at+8.15.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Renting your home on AIrbnb - is it worth the money?" border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="665" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0o-5wErM4jzlMrhtaUGezGk7lcd_0poWGpG8VrvaHz1noCRzaB7-eUNnpUrd6Wp_fM8edZKulpUShbA1ifEQygeFnpZ0we_uydH-_wugnoaY9fKyJkk02tFnJDQArYK_VRh6XJWr29L2/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-03-18+at+8.15.58+PM.png" title="Renting your home on AIrbnb - is it worth the money?" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">PROS</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">If you price your home right and 'sell it' well (with good photos, nice decor and nice touches like baking or whatever) you can make some decent money. Especially if you do this at a time where you would be away anyway, or if you have a flexible job and can go take a cheap holiday whlist renting your home out. We try to time ours for when we had a holiday planned anyway. But on that note - if you price it too low as we did the first couple of times, it might not really be worth all the hassle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">It COULD be fun. I think this applies more to people without kids tho, who are free and easy and have a nice home that doesn't take much work to get in order!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">It makes you clean and organise with motivation. Which is good. However, stuffing stuff into our downstairs room was actually a backwards step for me because I have been decluttering and organising our home, and now half our stuff is downstairs in piles again.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">Ok, that's a lot of cons for not many pros, but if you really need the money and can make it worthwhile financially, then that's kind of the only motivation you need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">So, would we do it again?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">I don't know. Each time we've done this I've sworn we're never doing it again, and I still kind of feel like that! Maybe in a year's time when I've recovered from alllll this laundry and feel like I have the time and energy to be ridiculously organised. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">Have you done Airbnb hosting of your permanent home? Would you try it?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-59755868334204972912019-03-14T21:28:00.002+13:002019-03-16T09:13:27.970+13:00Organisation: konmari-ing our medicines<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I'm just going to go straight out and say I didn't study up on the exact Konmari way to purge medicines, but by this point we'd covered so much else I just did it.</span></div>
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We had a lot of medicines and they were all in different spots around the house. I had been storing them up high in the pantry and it was a nightmare to keep them from becoming a total mess, seeing as I could barely reach them let alone see them!</div>
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<b>1. Gather all your medicines into one area.</b></div>
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This means get them from your bathroom, your handbag, your car glovebox... all of them.<br />
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<b>2. Discard everything expired, and everything you realistically don't need or would buy fresh if you needed it. </b>We had several double-ups which showed me we weren't even using the old stuff anyway. </div>
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<b>3. Group remaining items by category, OR, do what we did and put everything in ONE BOX.</b></div>
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We had previously had a different box for each category but some overlapped and bascially nothing was getting put back in it's correct box. It was actually making it worse. I purged ours down to the products shown below, but now we have them all in a white plastic container in a locked cupboard in the bathroom. It has really simplified things knowing all the medicines are in one spot.</div>
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<b>4. A friend pointed out that you can donate make-up/hair/beauty items that are still good, to an organisation like Women's refuge. </b>So that's something to consider! Often these women leave with only the clothes on their back, so I think this would be appreciated!<br />
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<b>More decluttering and organising posts:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/03/decluttering-big-time-our-thoughts-and.html">Thoughts & intro to the Konmari method</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/03/organisation-konmari-ing-our-pantry.html">Decluttering our pantr</a>y</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-69019583252556328982019-03-14T21:18:00.001+13:002019-03-16T09:10:09.474+13:00Organising: Decluttering our linen closet<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I can't believe I didn't take a </span>before-picture<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> of our linen closet! Can I just assure that it was a </span>dump.<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> Like everything falling out of everywhere. Every now and then, I'd go on a rampage of re-folding all the sheets, duvet covers, towels etc, but it NEVER lasted because the moment you pull a pillowcase from the bottom of a pile, everything on top slides off.... as you will know if you are a human that uses a linen closet.</span></div>
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So here's how to do it!</div>
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<b>1. Remove everything</b>. Everything. EVERYTHING. It will look like a mountain of doom piled on your bed, which is good because you need to deal to that before you go to bed!</div>
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<b>2. Everything stained, ripped, etc.... make a ruthless decision about it's usefulness</b>. We culled about 5 towels that were not needed and had permanent stains, and moved them to a box in our garage shelves that literally just contains old towels. So useful when you have kids or pets. We are always needing old towels for terrible messes, or carsick kids on long journeys.</div>
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<b>3. Keeping that duvet cover you bought when you were first married and didn't know what your taste was, even though you hate it now, but you feel you should keep it because it cost $200 and it's technically still in good condition? MOVE IT ALONG.</b></div>
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<b>4. Sort through your purged items into different boxes/baskets/bags according to where you will donate it or move it to.</b></div>
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<b>5. Aim to purge 50%. </b>This always sounds ridicuous but we have only been married 7 years and already had enough linen that we could get rid of 50% without noticing it. How is that? I kept our favourites, and asked the question "is this something I want to bring into our future?" for everything. I kept only my favourite pillowcases and now when I look at the basket of them all together, they literally make me happy with their fresh, clean colours!</div>
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This was our linen closet after purging, but before I had figured out containers. IT ALL FIT. I was amazed. It's like 1.5 feet wide and I always thought waaay to small for a family. But it all fits. </div>
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In the end I decided nothing was going to stay neat if stacked like this, because I often pull something out from the bottom. So....</div>
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<b>6. Store items except for towels folded upright in bins/baskets.</b></div>
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We got more of these Nouveau containers that you might recognise from the bottom of <a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/03/organisation-konmari-ing-our-pantry.html">our pantry </a>and I folded everything into them, in the way you see below. </div>
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After using this system for several weeks/months I can honestly say it makes <b>all the difference.</b> When I pull out one pillowcase, the rest stay put. When I tug out a set of huge sheets, the rest stay neat. I can't recommend folding linen upright in containers like this more strongly! My linen closet, like my pantry, is still exactly as neat as when I first organised it - and that has never happened before.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeyuYMdvLW6MUkeF0eEJYvjTxfHsPZB2HcUQnVQoBEglOnh7-jA_b05kmhJcPHwp0iPOYx0EdePYm1kJfYplo4PKLynm5wVhskKZ97SwXxM-WxCM98FxLXf2Bgra-TKFFVAqZZp5nBsWE/s640/IMG_5107.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Towels we use daily and they are easier to reach-and-grab without a container. It's not a problem since you just grab whatever towel is on top of the stack. But everything else has a box/basket now.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>7. Label the bins/baskets.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I just wrote on bits of card and tied them to the bins - it makes it so much easier when I'm looking for, say, single fitted sheets for a guest. I don't need to guess what's what. It's awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">In the picture below you can see our mostly-finished closet. I have since got 2 more containers for the top shelf for those stacks you see there (hand towels and face-cloths). You can see how our towels are not in baskets, but everything else is.</span></div>
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<br /><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzzHXRJGqVtpsWCsUQh-ana06XPufUF8hs-d4l2MYwTU7A18vBrAAyveJdGSxhr34RpjMR_Wz55kcgF2NMAwrVhmyVMIUAsR8xV1Y1C2lf5VPkTMb-U2fmT9l2-H54-6L70_kkShDaB4T/s640/IMG_5110.JPG" width="480" /></div>
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<b>8. Quickly do the same with your tea towels, aprons, random cloths etc.</b><br />
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This is our drawer in the kitchen with tea towels, aprons and bibs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ua09fZpMKUKdwYzvehaGkn2HHP3tj-t2p_xxoiCnXqncugbWRfrLxibWguMzr313QJV6EtsC50lS9ja5P_8uQdpvgn3Ab0Y6lO2_eZvYM9pBQohDWOHgwr5hu4sNSUlv2g4qIY7Cq8Wj/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ua09fZpMKUKdwYzvehaGkn2HHP3tj-t2p_xxoiCnXqncugbWRfrLxibWguMzr313QJV6EtsC50lS9ja5P_8uQdpvgn3Ab0Y6lO2_eZvYM9pBQohDWOHgwr5hu4sNSUlv2g4qIY7Cq8Wj/s640/IMG_5331.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>9. Sit back and enjoy the cleanliness and function :)</b><br />
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<b>More decluttering and organising posts:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/03/decluttering-big-time-our-thoughts-and.html">Thoughts & intro to the Konmari method</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/03/organisation-konmari-ing-our-pantry.html">Decluttering our pantr</a>y</div>
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<b><br /></b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-38568622779229421112019-03-14T20:48:00.003+13:002019-03-16T08:58:44.696+13:00Organisation: Konmari-ing our pantry<div id="fb-root">
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One part of our home I'd been avoiding like mad was our pantry. It was just such a mess. After <a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/02/update-2019-baby-hg-decluttering.html">my 2 months of being bed-ridden during pregnancy</a> everything had just escalated. My husband, bless him, was trying to look after me at the same time as run his new business from home, and keep on top of the kids' schedules, groceries, and cooking for everyone, etc. Even with help from family and friends that we are SO grateful for, it was a lot to deal with. One outcome of those months of pure survival mode was that items somehow ended up piled on the pantry floor - which already needed tending to before I even got sick. It was just an un-functional mess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbQvCJnBVtSZ-7kOxyPCxt2dPfJsyJO0bJK_XWG8ruDcXYnJ5sSYl7MSDM6pAG30InY7CO86eFL9o3CMDx0DPqw9g-KoGizm7BomA4HGP2-p4hzEfFm4HegZp7NXchdpBrP8Q6foGcqO6/s1600/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbQvCJnBVtSZ-7kOxyPCxt2dPfJsyJO0bJK_XWG8ruDcXYnJ5sSYl7MSDM6pAG30InY7CO86eFL9o3CMDx0DPqw9g-KoGizm7BomA4HGP2-p4hzEfFm4HegZp7NXchdpBrP8Q6foGcqO6/s640/IMG_5177.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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See what I mean?<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Let's get a close up of that floor situation.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhwXEjDzho7KG2cwWfFOLW2D72Q8uguOH_aAm8sEOKpQZFhljLNOScp5UBKRDnL52DZd1NyJimUYwHguyeHE5qEgPGxVmriDmyEdC2sE5BZIee9Jecr-RZdzHafIy_8dZSLoGAcE4NdT7/s640/IMG_5178.JPG" width="480" /></div>
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Ouch.</div>
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One day I finally thought I had enough mental energy to tackle it and oh my goodness, it took the 2 of us at least 1 full day of work, plus more for me the next day. Once we'd got everything out I sat down and sorted through all the items, then sent Calum out on endless errands going to different places buying the exact right storage containers that I needed, and donating any dry food that wasn't expired but was just not going to get used.</div>
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Here's how it looked at the end of our organising:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvU_DKRO2n_EJCjbeShfgZF_v5YCAug9E1M-rZZT-Pc-VwAejeIWbp91XGsWEvyUX_X6lHwf4iqSZQztSYyKqV40Z2N2s_2gDVMMi_tIjDIFReDr1ESEdTjJTIG1Zo0zOF10zjgQjhvE0/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvU_DKRO2n_EJCjbeShfgZF_v5YCAug9E1M-rZZT-Pc-VwAejeIWbp91XGsWEvyUX_X6lHwf4iqSZQztSYyKqV40Z2N2s_2gDVMMi_tIjDIFReDr1ESEdTjJTIG1Zo0zOF10zjgQjhvE0/s640/IMG_5196.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The craziest thing to me is that this was over a month ago now and it still looks exactly the same (with the addition of some labels). That's a sign of an effective system - it should literally make your life easier.</div>
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There are a couple of areas I'd still like to tackle (a lazy-susan for the spreads and some kind of solution for the spices) but there's a chance we'll be re-doing our kitchen soon and those things may end up elsewhere.</div>
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<b>Anyway, here are my tips for tackling this job, based on our experience!</b></div>
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<b>1. Lay out a large box and a rubbish bag in the area you will be moving the pantry items to.</b> We labelled the box "donate" and also had a smaller box or 2 for more specific donations eg "donate to food bank" or "donate to friends/family". The rubbish bag is for actual rubbish and expired items - of course use your discretion about what to recycle/compost etc!</div>
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<b>2. Start by emptying EVERYTHING into a designated nearby area</b>. We covered our whole huge dining table and more, and got the pantry completely empty.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvOanDuQijbV1ConJQJvSNgrOhhP3vs-96RXGHYFB7nUV1cxcYlmZOVsirT-WbQchyphenhyphenPTuWYe3lB7cW1pKatUyydoGQXIYdezHh_kpA5zH39ut_mOXfRkSMzgVMhph1mlA7Q96QuHjs2jJ/s640/IMG_5181.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-D3EXbch3kR0BzMrAgUT1kxcrVMAK5FRczhRrXXW6NneA9QE3reV5dug2DuxmAt10nFvuV34k3lKKEGqHUmuARI7WOPKw1em9ek_8tk7ZbNufWRaJGuOYGI_uAi5By6IeFlg7iVIuqty/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG" /></div>
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This was the most stressful part. Just LOOKING at all that stuff made me feel a bit sick, and Calum had to leave the house! But that's the beauty of this process. By taking everything out you REALLY feel the pain of how much you own. You get a true sense of what you're hoarding, and that is motivating in itself, so don't skip this step!</div>
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<b>3. Go through each item:</b></div>
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<li>check the expiry, discard expired items</li>
<li>ask yourself if you will actually use it. We had teabags for a thousand people and had somehow ended up with about 10 bags of a type of pasta I don't really cook with. So those were donated to a local food bank.</li>
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<b>4. For the remaining items, get a piece of paper and jot down the items and what size or type of container would be item for them</b> (if you need one). I kept a tally showing which items would need:</div>
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<li>a small lidded jar (ideal for those smaller quantities of nuts, seeds, dried fruit)</li>
<li>a medium lidded jar (ideal for things like dessicated coconut, or homemade spreads)</li>
<li>a large lidded jar (ideal for things like organic coconut sugar that don't get used heaps. Large jars can be heavy so I wouldn't use these for everyday baking ingredients unless you never move them)</li>
<li>a large cereal container (ideal for all products that get poured into a pot, bowl, or measuring cup - including rice and pasta, not just cereals)</li>
<li>a large tupperware style box container with lid, <b>with a cup-size scoop kept inside. </b>I have about 4 of these for: flour, sugar, self-raising flour, and wholemeal flour. I.E everything I measure out with a scoop by the cupful.</li>
<li>cans. We got these <a href="http://www.briscoes.co.nz/furniture-and-storage/storage/3-tier-can-rack-white-1058860">can-racks from Briscoes</a>, on sale for about $13 each and used 4 of them on our lower pantry shelves. They happened to fit well and it is SO nice to finally be able to find the can you need! We usually have at least 3 of each type of food item and the shelves fit 3 one behind the other, which is perfect.</li>
<li>which things can stay in their packets but to be coralled together with other items. E.G a large storage container with no lid to keep small boxes of lasange sheets in; or in our case a large box to keep "spares" of coconut water and cooking oil that we buy on special but don't need yet.</li>
<li>....and which of your items would be fine in existing containers that you already have (it may take a re-shuffle).</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVqiPx-JSlFior3mNaZ-mMnver5icuRigasMWzM0xK9xc4LDIrIV1GjNufBKTaP99URpRG53Iv1qlKgVnK01Cl-A1XpmDHYbdKMswANJkJzVIQ2Esha5Kuvj0bco4Munraj-6doNSaxVw/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVqiPx-JSlFior3mNaZ-mMnver5icuRigasMWzM0xK9xc4LDIrIV1GjNufBKTaP99URpRG53Iv1qlKgVnK01Cl-A1XpmDHYbdKMswANJkJzVIQ2Esha5Kuvj0bco4Munraj-6doNSaxVw/s640/IMG_5187.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Go and get your products!</b> I'd say always get a couple extra containers than you think you'll need, and for most of them, buy a slightly bigger size than you think you'll need. It's nice to have room to grow and some empty space in the jars for top-ups.<br />
If you're curious, my favourite items were lidded jars from the brand "Kate's Kitchen" (sold in Mitre10 and Briscoes in NZ), and the white plastic Nouveau bins from Mitre10 (I've seen almost identical ones at Kmart and The Warehouse too). We also used good old sistema containers.<br />
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Of course, you don't need to buy new! I see lots of people re-purpose jars and containers from second-hand shops. Just do what you need to do.</div>
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<b>6. Rinse all new containers with hot water or give them a run through the dishwasher, and make sure they are thoroughly dry before filling.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxwBKSRJjcRCHf0oR-QDsoEjAn3OYw7r08j5CDlYJTMY_MlWX03fq44qRH8toJAodGqsdvZqwNiaWoEs2kWYSHmgrriz-QBetn7ca3QOpwqV0TVA6gbmUZjg6phwsz4uRsfyEgMePUdhz/s1600/IMG_5188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxwBKSRJjcRCHf0oR-QDsoEjAn3OYw7r08j5CDlYJTMY_MlWX03fq44qRH8toJAodGqsdvZqwNiaWoEs2kWYSHmgrriz-QBetn7ca3QOpwqV0TVA6gbmUZjg6phwsz4uRsfyEgMePUdhz/s640/IMG_5188.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Clean out your pantry shelves and vaccum the pantry floor while they are drying</b>.</div>
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<b>8. Start emptying ALL packets, bags and boxes into your new storage containers and discard/recycle all the wrapping appropriately.</b><br />
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This is the part where you finally start to feel you are gaining ground. I found it overwhelming until this point.<br />
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<b>9. Fill your shelves back up and keep an open mind about where things go.</b> Think about the items you use the most and keep them in arm's reach; and obviously things you hardly use or that are dangerous for kids go higher up.<br />
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<b>10. Go forth and donate/sell/etc any excess</b></div>
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I think that's everything!</div>
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Honestly once this job was done, I felt so much better about all the other organising I had left to do.<br />
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In our day-to-day life, I no longer have any hidden packets of who-knows-what lurking in my pantry and I never end up with double-ups, because everything goes straight into its container. For me personally, I prefer to have a designated container for every single thing, rather than just for the larger items like flour and sugar. I bake with a lot of alternative ingredients (coconut sugar, arrowroot powder, almond meal to name a few) and it is a total game-changer to have a separate labelled container for every single thing. Not to mention you can take the containers directly to bulk-bin places like Bin Inn and have them filled, bypassing the whole packaging situation altogether.<br />
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Like I said, it's been weeks and everything is still orderly. Normally after a pantry-purge I have to keep tidying things up, but this truly works as a sustainable system for us.<br />
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I hope this has helped motivate you to get purging and be more thoughtful with your storage systems! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-11687485685444207242019-03-14T20:22:00.000+13:002019-03-14T20:49:33.451+13:00Decluttering big-time: our thoughts and experiences with the Konmari method<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I typically turn and run the other way whenever I see a bandwagon of any kind, and I think that was my initial response to Konmari once *everyone* started doing it thanks to the Netflix series. However, having used the Konmari method a few years back, I totally appreciate it's effectiveness compared to other styles of decluttering.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I'm going to launch into a mini-series of blog posts about the areas that we have worked through, but first I wanted to share a few tips and things we've learnt in this process. I can assure you that this whole thing has felt SO much more liberating than any other purge-sesh I've done before - and I've done many! I consider myself pretty organised but even so, physical clutter has a way of bringing anyone down in my opinion.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">So what are the main takeaways I'd want to share for those wanting to declutter, perhaps with this method?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>1. You both need to be on board.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I didn't realise that this was where my past decluttering attempts had failed. If your partner doesn't see the value in what you are doing it's unlikely to be sustainable as a lifestyle. I don't think Calum was remotely interested but I convinced him to watch half an episode of the Konmari show and to my delight, he was all "yes! Let's do it! Let's get rid of everything! Can we watch Vikings now?" But that was enough - I had his buy-in and he got where I was coming from when I talked about getting rid of X Y Z.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Don't be discouraged if your partner is not on board tho - you can still do HEAPS to improve your mental clarity and clear clutter at home.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>2. Go big or go home</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I actually found the Netflix series quite frustrating because some of the clients were not really invested and just wanted to keep all their weird trinkets and hoards, albeit in a more organised manner. Those people had a momentary gain from getting a professional organiser in their home... but that's where it would have ended. Organising your crap is not the same as getting rid of your crap. I've learnt along this process that you honestly need to aim to get rid of about 50% of each category if you want to REALLY feel the joy of living in a light, ordered, easy-to-clean home. Even if you were already "organised" like me. And trust me, the feeling <b>is</b> joyous!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Start by being ruthless with your wardrobe. The system is designed in this order because saying goodbye to clothes is easier than saying goodbye to your childhood artwork or whatever. But once you experince the buzz of truly getting rid of something you've been scared to let go of, the feeling actually becomes a bit of a rush. You don't need that stuff! It's freeing to realise you have the control to choose what things you actually need... your possessions should never own you.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>3.</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> <b>Commit to the whole process</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It's rough, but the Konmari process takes you through every single category of items you own, in a specific order. It can take a while. We are about 70% through after several months. I see people folding their clothes in a certain way and saying they have konmaried their home - it's a really good start, but folding is a tiny, tiny portion of the whole picture! My motivation to keep going is seeing how far we've come and how good it's been. I don't miss a single thing I've purged, in fact I can't even think what was in those boxes and boxes and boxes of items we said goodbye to.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>4. Examine your true feelings - guilt?</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This might sound a little strange, but when you are considering parting with a belonging, there are a series of "reasons to keep this" that run through your head, and hardly any of them are legitimate reasons but you have to be in a place to recognise what that undercurrent of your thoughts is! For example, when culling through my clothes, I was super ruthless. I then looked at my "to donate" pile and saw an item that had some sentimental memories for me. I reached for it and put it back onto my "keeping" pile. Immediately I had a sinking feeling, that I had had before but not paid any attention to. I put the item back on my donate pile and the sinking feeling disappeared. It sounds silly, but that was where I learned to distinguish between feeling obligated to keep something and actually wanting it. That gives me so much freedom to discard items. Guilt or obligation are not reasons to keep anything! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>5. Thanking your stuff - why it works</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">One of the more woo-woo practices of the konmari method is thanking your belongings before you discard them. I've touched on this before but this principle is so simple - you acknowledge the positives about what you are doing, and it gets rid of that guilty feeling. We don't actually believe our clothing has a spirit (gasp) but the principle is good. E.G instead of "I looked so good in that dress that it makes me sad to part with it" you can say "I'm thankful for this dress and all the fun memories I had in it." or instead of "I'm gutted that I spent money on this bag that I never even wore. What a waste" you can say "I'm thankful that this bag taught me not to spend money on things in this style/colour/quality etc in the future".</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>6. When you're stuck, ask: do I want to bring this into the future with me?</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Given that you start the Konmari process by visualising the kind of lifestyle you want to have, this is a good question to ask. It's a simple "does this fit with where I want to be headed?".</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I also find it useful for distinguishing between past joy and future joy. A certain item might have given you so much joy in the past. Will it give you joy in the future or dampen your ideal lifestyle/goal?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>7. Lastly, let this process guide your future purchases and decisions!</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I've seen people criticising the method for getting people to donate all their junk or dump it in a landfill and then carry on with their consumerist lifestyle. I don't think you <i>can</i> complete this process and then carry on buying rubbish to fill up your home with. It really makes you re-think all your purchases. Nothing like looking at all the things you are getting rid of to make you not want another single thing coming through the door for a long time!</span></div>
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That's it for my decluttering intro post... you can read more about the exact steps of the Konmari method anywhere online, but these are some crucial points that have helped me. </div>
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We started purging our clothes and were able to condense 2 wardrobes into one immediately, freeing up our downstairs wardrobe. Then we moved onto books are literally almost emptied our bookcase, keeping only our favourites or ones we know we want to refer to. I didn't take many photos at that stage, but you can see <a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2017/08/konmari-ing-my-closet-or-time-i-threw.html">this old post about my wardrobe</a> from several years ago that also explains a little more of the theory behind konmari.</div>
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The next blog posts are going to move straight into how we purged our pantry (big time), stationary, and a few utilities. See you then :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2019/03/organisation-konmari-ing-our-pantry.html">Decluttering our pantry</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-20422472786523987642019-02-12T13:47:00.002+13:002019-02-12T13:47:42.220+13:00Update 2019: Baby, HG, decluttering!<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Oh my word, so much has happened since I last blogged that I don't really know where to start!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">In September 2018 I found out I was pregnant after feeling dizzy and just suspecting something was up. Our plans to have a "big gap" between Josh and the next baby just didn't quite happen. So, baby #3 is due a few days after Ella's birthday in late May/ early June this year. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkXW4NbWZT822rAnf8NcVUu7duzVZ93MPQLmS4KHVk2IeM7s0q0u1zUkX4OcNqIjmXdh_H6xWHwAxut9TjJtDOniP9BOkUQ99WEf2CEpoS9rhO1Y5NpQnSKuV94IKaD0KLaPuje5v5Qhz/s1600/DSC_0147+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="998" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkXW4NbWZT822rAnf8NcVUu7duzVZ93MPQLmS4KHVk2IeM7s0q0u1zUkX4OcNqIjmXdh_H6xWHwAxut9TjJtDOniP9BOkUQ99WEf2CEpoS9rhO1Y5NpQnSKuV94IKaD0KLaPuje5v5Qhz/s400/DSC_0147+copy.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Hyperemesis Gravidarum hit me hard, and I was completely bed-ridden for 2 months. (<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2016/11/preparation-for-hyperemesis-pregnancy.html">Read here about my past experience of avoiding Hyperemesis</a> in my last pregnancy with prayer + lots of prep).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This time, I didn't even make it to the couch or get to see any of the other rooms in our house apart from the bathroom, which was lucky because Calum was in survival mode trying to look after me, the kids and run his business from home, so housework was not exactly a priority. I was taking doxylamine succinate and other B vitamins like last time, but they barely seemed to be working. With some support from the amazing facebook group "Preventing Hyperemesis Gravidarum", at 13 weeks I added in an additional dose of <a href="https://www.healthpost.co.nz/solgar-pyridoxal-5-phosphate-p5p-sgp5p.html?utm_source=Commission+Factory&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=-Text+Link&utm_campaign=47846&cfclick=448efcc0db884279bc4ef6cfe5d254db">Vitamin B6 in the form "P-5-P</a>" and also added the anti-histamine called Diphenhydramine (known in the USA as Benadryl, but completely different to Benadryl cough syrup we have in NZ. Medical names and brand names can get confusing!). With these additions, I managed to get the nausea and vomiting under control and the week before Christmas I was finally out of bed and able to participate in Christmas celebrations, despite the mild queasiness, that still comes and go at 24 weeks. Currently I'm still on the 2 anti-histamines and all the vitamins, and have been able to add in "Pregnancy Care" - a high quality supplement from Metagenics that you can only get via a practitioner; and <a href="https://www.healthpost.co.nz/ethical-nutrients-megazorb-mega-magnesium-enmg-g.html?utm_source=Commission+Factory&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=-Text+Link&utm_campaign=47846&cfclick=77f41fa634d3419e81b98c614672f40b">Mega Magnesium</a> pills before bed, now that I can actually swallow a large pill without vomiting. The <a href="https://www.healthpost.co.nz/ethical-nutrients-megazorb-mega-magnesium-enmg-g.html?utm_source=Commission+Factory&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=-Text+Link&utm_campaign=47846&cfclick=77f41fa634d3419e81b98c614672f40b">Mega Mag</a> makes a huge difference to my sleep and to muscle cramps - I take 2 before bed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">SO! That's where the last few months have gone. Since getting out of bed I've been in nesting mode and basically making up for lost time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">We have Air bnb guests staying at our house in a couple of weeks, and I've been on an organising spree anyway, so I plan to blog about that in the coming weeks. I guess I am following the famous Konmari framework but in our way. my main goal is just to be ruthless about our possessions, and try to replicate the scenario of moving house - i.e. get EVERYTHING out from its hidey holes and collate it all together. We've already found double-ups of things we thought we needed to buy more of, but had actually just lost behind all the clutter... it's terrible! But that's a post for another day.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Oh, and if you don't follow me on Instagram, we're having a BOY this time around. I was a little stunned as everyone had told me that the reason I avoided severe HG in my pregnancy with Josh was just because he was a boy... turns out it was nothing to with that, and all my <a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2016/11/preparation-for-hyperemesis-pregnancy.html">preps and precations</a> actually worked! Too bad I didn't have time to prepare my body or get prayer before this current pregnancy. Which I'm pretty sure will be our last because I never want to experience this kind of nausea again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Anyway, that's just a little update while I get my life together.... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fivekindsofhappy/">follow me on Instagram</a> for more of our day-to-day life and projects that I'm working on!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-22970104898314203182018-06-20T20:27:00.002+12:002018-06-20T20:30:25.923+12:00Ella-isms vol 4<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I know these posts don't serve as much except a memory for me and entertainment for grandparents, but here are some recent Ella-isms.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeqptxMYINmsQf-7oOFVrox9lkexPm9Y9q1ofz6FWCMwwx0CPNOaOZhtFpyZhl7_3I5jeqAeXWwuM0busBXytZLZZAVzi0IkOJrdwjjdDCiQjsxxejbPzr88lD9Ys-lKf-s58oa4FxEvF/s1600/DSC_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeqptxMYINmsQf-7oOFVrox9lkexPm9Y9q1ofz6FWCMwwx0CPNOaOZhtFpyZhl7_3I5jeqAeXWwuM0busBXytZLZZAVzi0IkOJrdwjjdDCiQjsxxejbPzr88lD9Ys-lKf-s58oa4FxEvF/s640/DSC_1308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span id="goog_900853182"></span><span id="goog_900853183"></span>"Mum can you draw a big volcano, and some skeletons and persons in the lava? Not me or you or daddy or Josh.... just some Australian people."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Calum: And then the shell sucks in the nutrients from the water and poos it out from it's bum.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Ella: Oh daddy. You <i>are</i> a silly man. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Getting into the car one morning after Calum had driven it the night before "I can smell Daddy's dog-farts."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Ella talking to me about Calum "He calls himself a big daddy bear... because on his chest he has fur."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Asked loudly in Kmart while I'm browsing the shelves: "Mummy, when I grow up to be a farmer, what will you be? A shopping lady?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"What about we make lots of necklaces for everyone in the whole world for Christmas Day. Maybe on Friday? Or Tuesday?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"Daddy needs to go and get his hair cut because it will fill up the whole house."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Grandpa: That's my beard. Does your daddy have a beard?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Ella: No, my daddy has stubble.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Me: oh my goodness there are so many crumbs! How did you do that?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Ella: I was eating, and then some crumbs came along. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Suddenly while playing with her toy cake mixer "Mum, I love this decision!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Me: Get ready so we can go</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Ella: But MUM! I need to do my incredible things.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">You might also be interested in:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2017/06/ella-isms-v1.html">Ella-isms Vol 1</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://ella-isms%20vol%202%20%7C%20five%20kinds%20of%20happy/">Ella-isms Vol 2</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://ella-isms%20vol%203%20%7C%20five%20kinds%20of%20happy/">Ella-isms Vol 3</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-82660967836371015922018-05-29T14:02:00.000+12:002018-05-29T14:11:00.726+12:00Dino Mat - an easy portable play-mat DIY<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBBZT4L2nKMvyYXoz459IDcb_Q7Lk-_eAr44XdK-DMCHVVaeMz2WzUXWD8obHScj2HDwFvJcbonYrQWQfD2n0cJYdQcEI2L7t98srMASkk2-2LMYh0UjkvtEanEn_QwKpEHDZTzCGqr7Y/s1600/Dino+Mat+playkit+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBBZT4L2nKMvyYXoz459IDcb_Q7Lk-_eAr44XdK-DMCHVVaeMz2WzUXWD8obHScj2HDwFvJcbonYrQWQfD2n0cJYdQcEI2L7t98srMASkk2-2LMYh0UjkvtEanEn_QwKpEHDZTzCGqr7Y/s1600/Dino+Mat+playkit+tutorial.jpg" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Ever wish you had something to take to the cafe for your preschooler to play with while you sip a latte? UM YES. Like, you don't even know how many little snot-fingers have been all over the grimy old plastic toys that are stuffed in a basket somewhere in the corner of many cafes. Not to mention often these cafe basket toys were donated for good reason - i.e. they are missing parts, don't hold kids attention, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Here's a simple DIY you can put together for playing on the go. I made this for my daughter's birthday and it cost me $1 thanks to my scrap fabric, and the fact that the little plastic dinosaurs came from a damaged package so they were discounted. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This toy is open-ended, allowing for endless scenarios and habitats. My 4-yr old can go out into the garden and forage for twigs, bark, stones etc to create her own dino habitat for this, which combines fresh air and nature as well as having "ventures" as she calls them, and that makes me happy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDvDzCZjyyydQh4-_99pun2HTCJ-A7y0EhBTBK6fY391PVieBEXCmD0CBcaN6NbHFqAgh8e_rnUpn5XaTbVTp9zI97PIbrNA5P_6j1_jxNsdgwUPqiDsSxnGKamfq4RHAy2CkF-lQKDsv/s1600/IMG_2845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDvDzCZjyyydQh4-_99pun2HTCJ-A7y0EhBTBK6fY391PVieBEXCmD0CBcaN6NbHFqAgh8e_rnUpn5XaTbVTp9zI97PIbrNA5P_6j1_jxNsdgwUPqiDsSxnGKamfq4RHAy2CkF-lQKDsv/s640/IMG_2845.jpg" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>Fabric you need:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- Green felt for grass (this is an A4 piece)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- Scraps of blue-ish fabric for pond</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- Scrap of sandy coloured felt/fabric for sand/swamp</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- 2 types of fabric for the drawstring bag, or one type if you don't want it double-sided (OR use a small bag you already have)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- Ribbon / sewing tape / drawstring for bag chord</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- Optional: a smoother fabric for a backing. This is handy as it's easier to brush clean than felt.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>Step 1: </b>Cut the fabric in the shapes you want. I made a pond and a sandy patch.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">If you are making a backing (I did, but the fabric is not pictured in the photo below) cut that the exact same shape as the green felt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2s5V-BsuTt16EGl9jKPsD5BYkbGtRsYrXBvUM7Edt9yYVPeNyQe8zs4DwaIC5akeVQjXG12yb5M9Hl8ibax7B6mzG2K2z8FC-oTGB90wyiukC6JLBArDLAz4YS6zICKLGdEz1mg0MHcb/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2s5V-BsuTt16EGl9jKPsD5BYkbGtRsYrXBvUM7Edt9yYVPeNyQe8zs4DwaIC5akeVQjXG12yb5M9Hl8ibax7B6mzG2K2z8FC-oTGB90wyiukC6JLBArDLAz4YS6zICKLGdEz1mg0MHcb/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>Step 2:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Sew your pond onto the green felt with a basic zigzag stick. If you are handy with "no sew" glue then you could use that, but I haven't tried it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4fBhYt8exx6O4YiSBMEEVvndELJJRh6yXWagZDwLv0dmpDq_54Z9UV4ikfbVvuXct7o58pRQp3vM1om99cP7NZag8zNEXaGIJZ8sjQn5uaFdU9EtWIrQLRYrkqWBsqId0s7qj4qvinvT/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4fBhYt8exx6O4YiSBMEEVvndELJJRh6yXWagZDwLv0dmpDq_54Z9UV4ikfbVvuXct7o58pRQp3vM1om99cP7NZag8zNEXaGIJZ8sjQn5uaFdU9EtWIrQLRYrkqWBsqId0s7qj4qvinvT/s400/IMG_2905.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then your sandy patch in the same way:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC6zdtsnfFOXJctoOG2uRdJSgyHKM8xE-zDPYfMyk7n05yXJ3KPIBz9opfs5iXsE0wxRu9Tq9MI2uxZXxHG7ZRZCrZnqEF4Kw3DxpE3y7E9bqN5uP_Vv3L9z9X5EUAdyKoH5TLc-Czw4R/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC6zdtsnfFOXJctoOG2uRdJSgyHKM8xE-zDPYfMyk7n05yXJ3KPIBz9opfs5iXsE0wxRu9Tq9MI2uxZXxHG7ZRZCrZnqEF4Kw3DxpE3y7E9bqN5uP_Vv3L9z9X5EUAdyKoH5TLc-Czw4R/s400/IMG_2906.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then, place your backing on and zigzag stitch around the whole thing. Mine is pretty imperfect, as you can see. If you want it to be really neat, choose a much closer zigzag stitch. But this does the job, in my opinion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVj0bcKc5DPPDaOBTj7_T3xwAsunvxzSpkcqp8ijHFATVlHhBDcBclh1-p9qGBkUb1mMsngbSuUgJHKESOEDQV6TnNP_0Y6pEvLYW4r2mBsLY9x9GRKGZzk5Ppxk72HKFME2pVa9SeLed/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVj0bcKc5DPPDaOBTj7_T3xwAsunvxzSpkcqp8ijHFATVlHhBDcBclh1-p9qGBkUb1mMsngbSuUgJHKESOEDQV6TnNP_0Y6pEvLYW4r2mBsLY9x9GRKGZzk5Ppxk72HKFME2pVa9SeLed/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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Now you have your mat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjF6qT4DgkKlaSGLBQcMjUjiJII1IYtYSU9fZJqVWFH8_A1vgtf2UVzg6NHO2uzGVmPxFi67ZNCA6RdpPQfISzpROocK7_iVNtN5g8TkdNGYSpo_tX8qAEurIWewSp4XeUldOTkEI0DJO/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjF6qT4DgkKlaSGLBQcMjUjiJII1IYtYSU9fZJqVWFH8_A1vgtf2UVzg6NHO2uzGVmPxFi67ZNCA6RdpPQfISzpROocK7_iVNtN5g8TkdNGYSpo_tX8qAEurIWewSp4XeUldOTkEI0DJO/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Make the drawstring bag</div>
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Ok, forgive my wrinkled fabric but I couldn't risk waking the baby by getting the iron out of the cupboard by his room ;D</div>
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I used 2 scraps of linen type fabric. These were actually samples and are roughly 15cm x 20cm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDEJ_0QRMLuu1TNhx0nvmvotGDFucFxs6hNDpmp4fCJTemiVaq-yH7xy9uriTEc9HGssszwOJ45GEUsu3lIkCvtPUntuiUDUDay43Ep9bkQoProub5W34PSLuH1IP3FssTn0ujmGl2k0Z/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDEJ_0QRMLuu1TNhx0nvmvotGDFucFxs6hNDpmp4fCJTemiVaq-yH7xy9uriTEc9HGssszwOJ45GEUsu3lIkCvtPUntuiUDUDay43Ep9bkQoProub5W34PSLuH1IP3FssTn0ujmGl2k0Z/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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Place your fabrics together with right sides together. (I.E the fabric pieces are inside out to how you want the finished bag to be).<br />
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Sew a straight stitch on 3 sides.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMrr8tm_hhbItyccMnymBCdkfBl2J76NjH72QPRj0fkFljiaY53U1mHQEOABQ9bp0319DNBk_ZD3oD1g16WySILJcd9B9aq3grn8Feh1Rym13Xf9VAJ_Ma0ivKOsCvqDobpqz1ewyo8w1/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMrr8tm_hhbItyccMnymBCdkfBl2J76NjH72QPRj0fkFljiaY53U1mHQEOABQ9bp0319DNBk_ZD3oD1g16WySILJcd9B9aq3grn8Feh1Rym13Xf9VAJ_Ma0ivKOsCvqDobpqz1ewyo8w1/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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Fold down the opening and then fold it again, so the raw edge of the fabric is hidden, then (ideally ;D) iron it flat before sewing right around, leaving a 1-inch gap where your drawstring will go in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zrJR_wOiNmjEjcDcwhD1AWlgNVhCPeZnMvKuU5AC4W_m-UmdlHREsPz2JM3R7cA51DPh9XvfJqcrEBXCOMPwJvwksq07Lns7Di5HFtszTzXlQMYTUFO-4Gx2q_bhuDS9og7Ys4S6M2vc/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zrJR_wOiNmjEjcDcwhD1AWlgNVhCPeZnMvKuU5AC4W_m-UmdlHREsPz2JM3R7cA51DPh9XvfJqcrEBXCOMPwJvwksq07Lns7Di5HFtszTzXlQMYTUFO-4Gx2q_bhuDS9og7Ys4S6M2vc/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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Turn it inside out and admire how crafty and talented you are.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeVsQJyXlv1R4s2uTjyTy7_8WVr3Z6F_axnpiw7rQUPLcoDvcRFXXN4aGtsCxqoiryoqc6gY2BPDW4gvYyPhZcnON-alTTb4cdF99wGCZxcJ1lE-G3M8y0eR5Hh_m2FtsBApt7jpr_oVK/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeVsQJyXlv1R4s2uTjyTy7_8WVr3Z6F_axnpiw7rQUPLcoDvcRFXXN4aGtsCxqoiryoqc6gY2BPDW4gvYyPhZcnON-alTTb4cdF99wGCZxcJ1lE-G3M8y0eR5Hh_m2FtsBApt7jpr_oVK/s400/IMG_2850.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="352" /></a></div>
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How cute! Get your drawstring or ribbon, pin it to a safety pin and thread it through, making sure to keep hold of the other end so it doesn't get lost inside.<br />
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<img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEXeFdTdAUX-Lz7bCPwdVCzj7KVyCv0wJjCtyOuOmZjItNVoE7rjTm98qTUk4d91kzfxUKu5JjMfxles3j3eHcv5XlS3HdVxV0oyRu-hUKMjdJHkNZZalXjKRIF_fs67qSTxpy-WWAQyO/s640/DSC_0717.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="424" /></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> Populate your mat!</div>
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I used small balls of green plasticine, placed on a circle of card (shown below) as bases for my trees. Pebbles, twigs, and pieces of bark also make a great habitat.</div>
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<img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tUrzs51CK-fEp7yNnRBwx_G2FHBsu63Jp-VCtTET-vTjuh2D1Z0HJBJke3Qyv7GKTxioDm9OYdfNPlRntJOBdwSAzL2htYtPabE56kZKahmfLXoJJXWixs05dFVF6dvX-JE374D3I0ug/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></div>
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Have fun setting it all up. </div>
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I store the plasticine and the small circles of card it a mini plastic sandwich bag inside the kit, so it doesn't stick on things.</div>
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<img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXRIf9KX0CpAffvNLM0QJ0ACyzEnDvEgMGsMCNJDAAeFwYA60kzp8LkZj4GoLfBVJD2XbS0m19Q8KtFlfwXtl1xi3tDRziZxWxJ_EaDvmCbH5CcKj2hHRN7U866Xp7ndS-pRnhZoj_RE3/s640/DSC_0711.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="425" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8Mhh9NbPA6hNNY19hblqWFzBmFbOs_oiaTq2IOGrG-BAr0ZURlCQ3s2AlwvpehV0rZ_DDTR9nSdpkUzs90G85OtnsbHmJQavE7uhOXzVzkYNAsQdln1rWJ6cIPb_Xsj8t-M1yGeqk_GT/s1600/DSC_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8Mhh9NbPA6hNNY19hblqWFzBmFbOs_oiaTq2IOGrG-BAr0ZURlCQ3s2AlwvpehV0rZ_DDTR9nSdpkUzs90G85OtnsbHmJQavE7uhOXzVzkYNAsQdln1rWJ6cIPb_Xsj8t-M1yGeqk_GT/s640/DSC_0707.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqXv8VlCB4IvVi2KQI9QIgFY1cQQBK6zqCpAZxeakHDatUmdI4k7XGoR-t_HZqRnuXgutcaEuQJ_znm9Sxt2xOfvMbCRlgr1MyaoivmelW6RPcx4PL1woUvqWUqRXtt4E84UFww84B__v/s1600/DSC_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqXv8VlCB4IvVi2KQI9QIgFY1cQQBK6zqCpAZxeakHDatUmdI4k7XGoR-t_HZqRnuXgutcaEuQJ_znm9Sxt2xOfvMbCRlgr1MyaoivmelW6RPcx4PL1woUvqWUqRXtt4E84UFww84B__v/s640/DSC_0698.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" width="424" /></a></div>
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isn't it fun?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KwzxD3gjM6MAedKsdKGmzgzW5HSjoy2ifs26BOnD-dv-JMJzmWnc4v730mYkJbFYyiAzIDsX3vMSJYGV_XpEmYssN_PLFBpsgJldnf6JQP34aNtWuGPCeArBtKt0ggvUtfX2OpqMP14i/s1600/DSC_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KwzxD3gjM6MAedKsdKGmzgzW5HSjoy2ifs26BOnD-dv-JMJzmWnc4v730mYkJbFYyiAzIDsX3vMSJYGV_XpEmYssN_PLFBpsgJldnf6JQP34aNtWuGPCeArBtKt0ggvUtfX2OpqMP14i/s1600/DSC_0703.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNJX0NIM0qGqrP52oGJaOIvBqgR_DeSnji6iCCV3qcAvHQ596t9xL_obEjIIa7VKOkSZa9AhziYfey17uZj8BW8gEK5npS9-Hey9fmI0VRnrAft5EVz9LaybZOHY45a7Hf7ZE8NORLH7Y/s1600/DSC_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNJX0NIM0qGqrP52oGJaOIvBqgR_DeSnji6iCCV3qcAvHQ596t9xL_obEjIIa7VKOkSZa9AhziYfey17uZj8BW8gEK5npS9-Hey9fmI0VRnrAft5EVz9LaybZOHY45a7Hf7ZE8NORLH7Y/s1600/DSC_0712.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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Now you can roll it all up...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dycVO5cTVDCVxDuhtaXSkJ88FhwX1gSZMcBEKgk2M2d7ARiusK35SzwlNRuJEKBYhAGaSsSrv3s-_cfcogmRKahtJIIux1uoXTEgvD9ozL0vuJwGgINr8b7-NEuAAuVeuB7rcN3q7ayS/s1600/DSC_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dycVO5cTVDCVxDuhtaXSkJ88FhwX1gSZMcBEKgk2M2d7ARiusK35SzwlNRuJEKBYhAGaSsSrv3s-_cfcogmRKahtJIIux1uoXTEgvD9ozL0vuJwGgINr8b7-NEuAAuVeuB7rcN3q7ayS/s1600/DSC_0716.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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...store it in your handy drawstring bag...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEXeFdTdAUX-Lz7bCPwdVCzj7KVyCv0wJjCtyOuOmZjItNVoE7rjTm98qTUk4d91kzfxUKu5JjMfxles3j3eHcv5XlS3HdVxV0oyRu-hUKMjdJHkNZZalXjKRIF_fs67qSTxpy-WWAQyO/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEXeFdTdAUX-Lz7bCPwdVCzj7KVyCv0wJjCtyOuOmZjItNVoE7rjTm98qTUk4d91kzfxUKu5JjMfxles3j3eHcv5XlS3HdVxV0oyRu-hUKMjdJHkNZZalXjKRIF_fs67qSTxpy-WWAQyO/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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...(which is so darn cute)....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9qa9s9NErK2qqa6senFiiHrlpzvJ9ovrL5TexYGP8hEpCkgaIdNndmzd8uDD8A-b88lhvHJg-DPeSmQ7DEaymMMaRZL6sW4A4MKzOQl59FbLNuXWE4IA8koEmZVNvJ_G4yxv5djLqt0a/s1600/DSC_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9qa9s9NErK2qqa6senFiiHrlpzvJ9ovrL5TexYGP8hEpCkgaIdNndmzd8uDD8A-b88lhvHJg-DPeSmQ7DEaymMMaRZL6sW4A4MKzOQl59FbLNuXWE4IA8koEmZVNvJ_G4yxv5djLqt0a/s1600/DSC_0718.JPG" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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.... and gift it to your favourite dino-lover!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntfarV_2o9X7v6fqf8ZNuQhzejdEvNqjl87cPgaBrMo7C7sWI8fEmLzULTH7v_HIuc5h6Nm3K2gbjSrxXbeD6pIOXt_Di5zSWcc0YcUjIAyi-ftzUhNMEMAD01IFlr22WaljcD31vFXEl/s1600/IMG_3002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntfarV_2o9X7v6fqf8ZNuQhzejdEvNqjl87cPgaBrMo7C7sWI8fEmLzULTH7v_HIuc5h6Nm3K2gbjSrxXbeD6pIOXt_Di5zSWcc0YcUjIAyi-ftzUhNMEMAD01IFlr22WaljcD31vFXEl/s1600/IMG_3002.jpg" title="Easy DIY dinosaur play mat toy" /></a></div>
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For more dino-inspired fun, check out our <a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2018/05/easy-girls-dinosaur-party-pink-dinosaur.html">super-simple girl's Dino Party and cake here</a>.<br />
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For more handmade toys and gift ideas, check out these posts:<br />
<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2015/12/all-things-i-made-because-i-am-obsessed.html">All the things I made</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/2015/12/a-creative-christmas-handmade.html">A handmade Christmas </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-57382340608700727292018-05-28T10:39:00.000+12:002018-05-29T19:00:33.950+12:00Easy Girl's Dinosaur Party (& pink dinosaur cake tutorial)<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIYt5ANKp7OgH2sJUmkOILiyjU4bw4XcXXJ3dj0G2z_tzGYyThQxdxv1botf3U20QpRCyWCP-xdhrJpvJB-F588FdioDFzMD0maGIeP0vFI2pKUxxxJq1Ayj1IA1-76zaPbNGD5VgTX30/s1600/Dino+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIYt5ANKp7OgH2sJUmkOILiyjU4bw4XcXXJ3dj0G2z_tzGYyThQxdxv1botf3U20QpRCyWCP-xdhrJpvJB-F588FdioDFzMD0maGIeP0vFI2pKUxxxJq1Ayj1IA1-76zaPbNGD5VgTX30/s1600/Dino+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ella is four!</div>
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When I was a kid, half the fun of birthday parties was choosing which cake Mum would make from the Women's Weekly Birthday Cake book (an NZ & Australian classic). Of course, the key was to choose the cake with the most lollies adoring it. The table would be spread with chips, jelly, cheerios (cocktail sausages) and little bowls of lollies. We'd tie a couple of balloons to the letterbox and guests would arrive for a game of musical statues, pass-the-parcel, and usually a treasure hunt. At the end we'd have party bags for the guests to take home - usually filled with a couple of gimmicky party toys, some lollies, and a slice of leftover cake wrapped up in a soggy paper towel for good measure, with hopefully a few smarties or cadbury pebbles still stuck to the buttercream icing.<br />
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Those parties were all about the kids, and they were awesome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZqWyHbIuFgqiSEKtlatemu54vEYfWOvOy6uCCr573a8EyCwC67qoT0UO9Dn1ueGfLAcBify8RA6mZr3d_CS4zbSuJI4cWAu3vBxTB3BqNhfiHA8SA5tKH81nNDbub83vve4Yxc8lPNaW/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZqWyHbIuFgqiSEKtlatemu54vEYfWOvOy6uCCr573a8EyCwC67qoT0UO9Dn1ueGfLAcBify8RA6mZr3d_CS4zbSuJI4cWAu3vBxTB3BqNhfiHA8SA5tKH81nNDbub83vve4Yxc8lPNaW/s640/DSC_0719.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="462" /></a></div>
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I wanted that for Ella's 4th birthday, along with a few dinosaur themed treats because that's what our girl is into at the moment. She has been talking about her cake and party for months, and after roaming through the options (shark and volcano cakes were the big contenders) she settled on a dinosaur cake. And then she asked it to be pink, since she "only likes pink and yellow". At that particular moment, anyway.<br />
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I saved some speckled eggs from Easter thinking they would make great "dino nest" cupcakes. Ella looooves cupcakes and asks to make them all the time, so this was very exciting for her.<br />
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Green-blue buttercream, some coloured sugar (bought) and a few eggs were all we needed. The cases are silicone and so much easier to get the cupcake from than paper cases. (The larger eggs are M&M's brand, the smaller ones were something else I've forgotten!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ibGMebusvPqblTZ5-OHi9P_moXgNgYE7z5qaVDoxxmLEF8DGzMBL4VWnAOFEV6pbUwEytBbYoyxLpm6rzJRu7CkxmszvXARbMwvU-oPt9u3RAspFnY-cXgkJOSzHqFQEBAFmIRzCi9g-/s1600/DSC_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ibGMebusvPqblTZ5-OHi9P_moXgNgYE7z5qaVDoxxmLEF8DGzMBL4VWnAOFEV6pbUwEytBbYoyxLpm6rzJRu7CkxmszvXARbMwvU-oPt9u3RAspFnY-cXgkJOSzHqFQEBAFmIRzCi9g-/s640/DSC_0723.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chocolate crackles from the Chelsea Winter recipe were so easy to whip up. I melted a block of Cadbury Energy chocolate (200g) with 25g butter, and stirred 3 cups of rice bubbles into it before diving up the mixture and leaving to set. Done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInNPjh-lsP4-WZlbkiZi2mXXk7EgtMla5llXthjgvZ3NwT0G98UD4Grjdk9xuDfcz5-aGGswu5-NjRBMMF1qxyN5glczX69aVY4gLrEeYeoiRUlZs-CHTud9a-joInuM5FOJFUJ2_uV03/s1600/DSC_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInNPjh-lsP4-WZlbkiZi2mXXk7EgtMla5llXthjgvZ3NwT0G98UD4Grjdk9xuDfcz5-aGGswu5-NjRBMMF1qxyN5glczX69aVY4gLrEeYeoiRUlZs-CHTud9a-joInuM5FOJFUJ2_uV03/s640/DSC_0725.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="424" /></a></div>
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The jellies were my modern-day take on the jelly-oranges we used to have as kids. For this I set 2 colours of jelly into the jar, leaving about 2 hours between each layer, and popping in one Natural Confectionary Company gummy dinosaur to each layer. We called it dinosaur slime. I think using all green or all blue jelly instead of the 2 different layers would have been great too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr5EglDzNWtxk87hyVKwlCME10eGZcPzidcmCQTlB5QwD3H-3S_0k-1klg9yiGIqjALxeKPT-lYR2VFr6F1ckS0UzQbQpRgOJSsVp-9YztMeTDM-sbc-WTYWjMHA_nHTsvm8jFp31pvkW/s1600/DSC_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr5EglDzNWtxk87hyVKwlCME10eGZcPzidcmCQTlB5QwD3H-3S_0k-1klg9yiGIqjALxeKPT-lYR2VFr6F1ckS0UzQbQpRgOJSsVp-9YztMeTDM-sbc-WTYWjMHA_nHTsvm8jFp31pvkW/s640/DSC_0746.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc2W3f5AYLAIMnDU-5cXz2iS66UWBHyB5WjhbfAp2RaOneAsN90dNsQr-b3xdNBizWFWWEPhcH8i8S-A9Fm9UxLx0Bw3dT3qKTQcQVKTmwvl0eE1_74PaOXZeDgEOgnoz9hn0CeS_40e9/s1600/DSC_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc2W3f5AYLAIMnDU-5cXz2iS66UWBHyB5WjhbfAp2RaOneAsN90dNsQr-b3xdNBizWFWWEPhcH8i8S-A9Fm9UxLx0Bw3dT3qKTQcQVKTmwvl0eE1_74PaOXZeDgEOgnoz9hn0CeS_40e9/s640/DSC_0748.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNGtgTO7oPObnufjeAEwFlA7KmcQiVMu8LlgDpYJD0J-JZK0ss9Ovsu3gEAqbJqWWecYCmY_BhE9ObB2pqllAccyxpbgCEkvcYkw4Z6_MMOR4n-Yu50ZbP5a0Gva4-Uo7qK1HDaNravOs/s1600/DSC_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNGtgTO7oPObnufjeAEwFlA7KmcQiVMu8LlgDpYJD0J-JZK0ss9Ovsu3gEAqbJqWWecYCmY_BhE9ObB2pqllAccyxpbgCEkvcYkw4Z6_MMOR4n-Yu50ZbP5a0Gva4-Uo7qK1HDaNravOs/s640/DSC_0727.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="424" /></a></div>
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It's somehow become a tradition for me to draw a new chalkboard sign for each big event. This one was simple but fun:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n0KoyYKgIisZdNnjYwrW5ixyUlcyeHYy0xJRtZFQ2Du27p7DOxfT-zFxOJ1lcQ2sgMfUx7PbWFJ1RBAocJ0s9KSCYi83oY98VvZN6xaZuT-uho1jgoq8D6NdvH6bV6Bg7UakMNnxkCxU/s1600/DSC_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n0KoyYKgIisZdNnjYwrW5ixyUlcyeHYy0xJRtZFQ2Du27p7DOxfT-zFxOJ1lcQ2sgMfUx7PbWFJ1RBAocJ0s9KSCYi83oY98VvZN6xaZuT-uho1jgoq8D6NdvH6bV6Bg7UakMNnxkCxU/s640/DSC_0835.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="424" /></a></div>
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I made up my own dinosaur cake pattern as there was nothing I could find that was quite what we wanted. I figured out how to make it from just ONE round cake tin - so it's pretty simple. For a basic guide to how I made this shape from just one round cake tin, see the bottom of this post.<br />
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The icing is just plain pink buttercream, and the cake base is from the Chelsea Sugar website called "birthday cake". It was simple to make and perfect for a birthday cake. Not dry, but firm enough for easy carving. I love classic vanilla birthday cake with buttercream.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicxWIBprLzCeO5QXuUfGxJr838LpTrmKoULbfzwX5lccPc5nFabShtjDxa3fxrfZZhAVWkQSD5teD5dayjodCLJ-MRJZZbvi_HNfdawqEyNUNubO54331POH8ldsVMthL087cUwOpu0_0/s1600/DSC_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicxWIBprLzCeO5QXuUfGxJr838LpTrmKoULbfzwX5lccPc5nFabShtjDxa3fxrfZZhAVWkQSD5teD5dayjodCLJ-MRJZZbvi_HNfdawqEyNUNubO54331POH8ldsVMthL087cUwOpu0_0/s640/DSC_0781.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't let her see it until we sang happy birthday, and she loved it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier3aoWVPGYg0yXH91udqctBaKyH3V-urjS5q7tiYKJD-VAe1hu6t-7FVqoD2Vr9gNqbpN6KYZrtQk_L8-sB3jH4EOJEVrpf1igeOsV_fvuz8Iv6cPnBXSNg60jP6puJppjyMLTOeDW3DD/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier3aoWVPGYg0yXH91udqctBaKyH3V-urjS5q7tiYKJD-VAe1hu6t-7FVqoD2Vr9gNqbpN6KYZrtQk_L8-sB3jH4EOJEVrpf1igeOsV_fvuz8Iv6cPnBXSNg60jP6puJppjyMLTOeDW3DD/s640/DSC_0774.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgUXYTNZTdCOT_KXti8nvw_H5Xjdes9CWqHE1RGVBWirz7JTue0AP7sUFYrUEEwknGqKXsPtvOUBKqACVexkouw6DVmMaAwNgKwhgdo_uBk765xokj3Jhwjpuk1Rkz1istrNPAeCgkbcy/s1600/DSC_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgUXYTNZTdCOT_KXti8nvw_H5Xjdes9CWqHE1RGVBWirz7JTue0AP7sUFYrUEEwknGqKXsPtvOUBKqACVexkouw6DVmMaAwNgKwhgdo_uBk765xokj3Jhwjpuk1Rkz1istrNPAeCgkbcy/s640/DSC_0834.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make the diplodocus / longneck / brachiosaurus or whatever you want to translate this dinosaur as, you need a large round cake tin (mine is 26cm) and a vanilla cake recipe that's large enough. I used <a href="https://www.chelsea.co.nz/browse-recipes/birthday-cake/">this recipe</a>, pouring it all into the one tin (instead of 2 like in the recipe) and it fit perfectly. </div>
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If you look closely on the cake below, you can see the where I've scored it with my knife BEFORE cutting. There is an oval body at the bottom of the circle, a neck and head piece coming up the left hand side, and a tail (hard to see) curving up the right hand side of the circle. Got it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPSA73bs09_k-MBwhKF5uf6FZwZaUvX41xw5zv0VfZgPi2gNujm3uy-281QLm3jnh1xh4vfLyO99Rb2Yhk-QWXpMMx8-DXGUTFIypo9haGj3dWAxsTld2jPD6vcYuk5kdBhNWXlaAYAGc/s1600/IMG_2963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPSA73bs09_k-MBwhKF5uf6FZwZaUvX41xw5zv0VfZgPi2gNujm3uy-281QLm3jnh1xh4vfLyO99Rb2Yhk-QWXpMMx8-DXGUTFIypo9haGj3dWAxsTld2jPD6vcYuk5kdBhNWXlaAYAGc/s640/IMG_2963.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once cut, you move the neck piece to the right side, and the tail piece to the left side. you WILL need to cut the base of the neck and tail on a different angle to get it to sit right, and fit on your board. (This is just a chopping board covered in foil.)</div>
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I haven't included the legs in the image above, but from the part of the cake that's left you can cut two little legs. </div>
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Use a sharp, long knife to carve any bits that you want to curve. In my case, one side of the head/neck needed to be carved to be lower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBZypqjYLzGiEIL8bERvZHOpHERblsJbSnKjBSVtXtWKr6yC4jv_rmUWJ4p1_aMckdk9cU93eqn1Kuc-jksBOkHqTJ9PMok-974qXP-lbscJNCQ3DBqy6P_PeEog7sIP6Tu-0BQT0dmtD/s1600/IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBZypqjYLzGiEIL8bERvZHOpHERblsJbSnKjBSVtXtWKr6yC4jv_rmUWJ4p1_aMckdk9cU93eqn1Kuc-jksBOkHqTJ9PMok-974qXP-lbscJNCQ3DBqy6P_PeEog7sIP6Tu-0BQT0dmtD/s640/IMG_2966.jpg" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ice with a thinner coat first to coat to seal in the crumbs. Then go over again with thicker icing. This looks flesh toned in the evening lighting, but it's a bubblegum pink.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkjP9I8Fg2iAuEYWQQYVrms7LMVNyIvGDOHyBPpJHshM4OJIxpUMZEuHz9haLrk5g37C4jusI9kNkzEfV9lOjY_VxWw8LgZH8835Y6uosUutgpMrsEZw_HAsfU7Ov_ddd_GJj8yTPMYI2/s1600/IMG_2967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkjP9I8Fg2iAuEYWQQYVrms7LMVNyIvGDOHyBPpJHshM4OJIxpUMZEuHz9haLrk5g37C4jusI9kNkzEfV9lOjY_VxWw8LgZH8835Y6uosUutgpMrsEZw_HAsfU7Ov_ddd_GJj8yTPMYI2/s640/IMG_2967.jpg" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put Maltesers all along it's back to make "spikes" and use mini M&M's for the eyes, and a broken malteser for the mouth. The spots are Jellytots, and the grass uses the leftover icing from the cupcakes, with some green coloured sugar crystals on top for good measure. I also put a few mini M&M's on as toenails. The name Ella was easy to do straight onto the foil with an icing pen from the supermarket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4P58LMWdxE55q1fU_1bMALfMoyZ-ZOYwQraezKaCkPZGNDJdqmNRsGUcUwLrFkAa3mawZf6esvPaWxsrYs2TfJTCDyLDFKICGfOtXnG2ZZAWigq00SAfOjp1i-OKcJ-YaQROVqc7WXCh/s1600/IMG_2971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4P58LMWdxE55q1fU_1bMALfMoyZ-ZOYwQraezKaCkPZGNDJdqmNRsGUcUwLrFkAa3mawZf6esvPaWxsrYs2TfJTCDyLDFKICGfOtXnG2ZZAWigq00SAfOjp1i-OKcJ-YaQROVqc7WXCh/s640/IMG_2971.jpg" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wanted the head/face to be large and cartoonish, but you could go for a more realistic look with a much smaller head and thinner neck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJK5DFNfv8ciE24cHAz4GrccucZPmnMGmG44vVFKwoGfzClU7ZE0HQLE143Wj0gU7n8lPKZe9RvQCfKij_jr6ARAu1w_qZPbDX_0WYeStmDq-G01AER0vTcCKfZeuRneeoDGSQOv5Njr5G/s1600/DSC_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJK5DFNfv8ciE24cHAz4GrccucZPmnMGmG44vVFKwoGfzClU7ZE0HQLE143Wj0gU7n8lPKZe9RvQCfKij_jr6ARAu1w_qZPbDX_0WYeStmDq-G01AER0vTcCKfZeuRneeoDGSQOv5Njr5G/s640/DSC_0781.JPG" title="Easy pink dinosaur party and cake DIY" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope this inspires someone to make a simple DIY dino party for a special kid! My daughter loved it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-14904996187022400372018-05-13T20:04:00.002+12:002018-05-14T11:59:52.666+12:00Mother's Day + a word of encouragement<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKnA5sc4CYDYiASmD0oQxxtblVoyeUMNpxEMkHYZCoreKGgGnS1wGvcmBM6KXsnHX4o8XtYpQTBgKh0O9Oh8mq_4pFDduOJhEybKA5JMHSTOEocHNQzta6lck1VR8SfxRUelZeFCicXAj/s1600/He+gently+leads+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1160" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKnA5sc4CYDYiASmD0oQxxtblVoyeUMNpxEMkHYZCoreKGgGnS1wGvcmBM6KXsnHX4o8XtYpQTBgKh0O9Oh8mq_4pFDduOJhEybKA5JMHSTOEocHNQzta6lck1VR8SfxRUelZeFCicXAj/s640/He+gently+leads+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey fellow mums. </div>
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How's your Mother's Day going? Ours has been eventful with a morning in the accident & emergency clinic with a very sick little boy, and an afternoon of sitting in the rocking chair in his nursery with him dozing on me. Josh has been totally out of it and concerningly dopey today, but tonight he *thank God* bounced back and is *hopefully* asleep in bed right now. I'll be honest, I loved having him sleep on me. Even if it came at the price of 4 loads of spew-laundry that got all over me and many other things.</div>
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I just wanted to quickly share this precious verse I came across this week on a insta-friends feed. I never paid much attention to this one before, but it's a reminder of this promise to us mums of little ones, and a reminder that we can be gentle on ourselves too. I tried to make this a PDF that could be downloaded and printed but blogger is throwing me off so... here's a jpeg. #itried.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5Hz8SHsOYL3Q-1SXbNkygmQe-42Iqgc-EL9K-XUAk3Qk0JT2yd68ZScqRpycUrBsM7uJw3n86ouMzw9s9NTuq1ftMHkyP5PrDuQIRhSNI-dtmlym92COigW1OVmoogDLMR4AG8u7U10t/s1600/He+gently+leads+those.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1131" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5Hz8SHsOYL3Q-1SXbNkygmQe-42Iqgc-EL9K-XUAk3Qk0JT2yd68ZScqRpycUrBsM7uJw3n86ouMzw9s9NTuq1ftMHkyP5PrDuQIRhSNI-dtmlym92COigW1OVmoogDLMR4AG8u7U10t/s640/He+gently+leads+those.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I hope this encourages someone out there!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Happy Mother's Day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-16820528835609855772018-05-08T09:00:00.000+12:002018-05-08T09:00:04.597+12:00Baby essentials<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttjlr-2n1eGXKcyG_TXFLfuQwkUzPDsGFxPbvI8nTCm_TX1rLM9ov5Vi-VxBHI2WrIGKh-eY2nTEKhUv8t2Cc4t63sGC4sEs7zjr3OH9yWrjySDOeu7JtZ-Ek8ysCQGcuSrr8A0J206jh/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="NZ Baby Essentials 2018: feat. Babu, Woolbabe, Nature Baby" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttjlr-2n1eGXKcyG_TXFLfuQwkUzPDsGFxPbvI8nTCm_TX1rLM9ov5Vi-VxBHI2WrIGKh-eY2nTEKhUv8t2Cc4t63sGC4sEs7zjr3OH9yWrjySDOeu7JtZ-Ek8ysCQGcuSrr8A0J206jh/s640/image1.jpeg" title="NZ Baby Essentials 2018: feat. Babu, Woolbabe, Nature Baby" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love baby things and I get a kick out of keeping our baby stuff organised and in check.</div>
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It's taken me a while to figure out what we really use and what the best systems are for us. Everyone has their own idea of the real essentials, but I wanted to show you what I consider my essentials and things that I have used and loved through 2 babies. I still consider Josh a baby and we still use most of these things :)</div>
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There are also a couple of things I didn't get but wish I had, so I've included them here. So without further ado.... here are my personal faves:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">1. <a href="http://www.babu.co.nz/shop/bunny/">Babu Bunny</a></span></div>
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We got 2 of these for Josh when they were on sale and they're great. They hold up well after washing and come in 2 colours (grey and white). We've given both our kids a 'cuddly' to create a sleep association and it seems to have worked well for us. The minute I give Josh his bunny he snuggles into my neck and relaxes. </div>
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2. <a href="https://www.naturebaby.co.nz/handknit-merino-socks">Merino socks</a></div>
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Socks are so practical for little feet as they stay on, and merino is the perfect warm layer that doesn't make the feet clammy. These ones look from Nature Baby look cute.</div>
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3. <a href="https://www.naturebaby.co.nz/lambskin-booties?color=1460">Lamb skin booties</a></div>
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We didn't have these because they were too expensive, but I always saw others babies wearing them and thought they would make the perfect warm footwear for a winter baby, especially when you're out and about. They look SO snuggly and well made.</div>
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4. <a href="https://www.thesleepstore.co.nz/shop/wraps/wraps-other/unisex/aden-anais-4pk-muslin-wraps-night-sky-reverie">Aden & Anais swaddle wraps</a></div>
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We were given some of these as a gift (and my MIL also sewed some wraps for us) and they were so useful. Particularly with my summer baby. I still use Josh's all the time for covering his buggy while he sleeps or as a nice lightweight blanket/sun protector on long car trips. They are so soft and cosy.</div>
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5. <a href="https://www.farmers.co.nz/children/baby-size-0000-2/thermals/superfit-merino-wool-long-sleeve-bodysuit-6166858">Merino bodysuit</a></div>
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Merino bodysuits and pants were pretty much all Josh wore as a newborn and they are still handy now. We got ours at Farmers whenever they had a sale, but you can get them at so many places depending how much you are willing to spend.</div>
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6.<a href="https://www.thesleepstore.co.nz/shop/sleepingbags/winter-sleeping-bags/turquoise/woolbabe-sleep-bags-3-24-months-duvet-front-zip-woolbabe-tide">Woolbabe Sleeping bag</a></div>
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We love our Woolbabe sleeping bags. After hearing awful stories in the media about babies getting blankets caught around their necks, I find it's just peace of mind to have a sleeping bag. And of course the more obvious reason that they can't kick them off and get cold! We go for the front-zip ones - I had a side-zip one with Ella but it was less practical. A friend gifted me this Tide coloured duvet sleepbag (so generous) and it's perfect for winter.</div>
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7. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kidsanddandelions/">Kids & Dandelions Dribble bib</a></div>
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I love supporting NZ mum businesses and this one makes really cute dribble bibs. My kids seem to start excessively dribbling from 2 months old so these are so handy to prevent the every-2-hours outfit change when they have drenched their top and got cold!</div>
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8. <a href="https://www.thesleepstore.co.nz/shop/toolbox/electronics/cold-remedies/crane-ultrasonic-personal-humidifier-and-diffuser-white">Crane Ultrasonic Personal Diffuser/Humidifier</a></div>
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I am only just realising the benefits of these. When your baby has a cough it's so helpful to turn this on and let some of the mist (not steam because it's not hot) into the room to ease congestion. I bought this one because you have the option to put essential oils in it and diffuse them. Obviously you <b>must</b> research about safety of essential oils with babies, but a drop of lavender oil in a ventilated room can help aid sleep.</div>
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9. <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/kiwiherb-baby-balm-khbb.html">Kiwiherb baby balm</a></div>
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I'm a fan of this NZ company because we use their 'De-Stuff' remedies for colds for both us and the kids. This baby balm is all natural and would make a good gift. (For everyday nappy changing, I just use "Castor Oil plus Zinc" barrier cream from the supermarket.)</div>
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10. <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/thursday-plantation-lavender-oil-100percent-tplav.html">Lavender essential oil</a> </div>
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The oil of sleep! I actually use this for myself and have been sleeping amazingly. </div>
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11. <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/biohoney-fragrance-free-baby-soap-bhbs.html">Fragrance free natural soap</a> </div>
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It has to be gentle, natural and fragrance free for me to use it on my babies. I don't think new babies necessarily need soap - but Josh has a head of hair that he rubs food in so it's very handy now ;)</div>
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12. <a href="https://www.babycity.co.nz/feeding/bottles-teats-sterilisers/bottles/dr-browns-options-wide-neck-glass-bottle-270ml-805649">Dr Brown's glass bottle</a></div>
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We had a really hard run of feeding issues with both kids and I ended up having to bottle feed both my babies. We landed on Dr Brown's both times as the best, and now I see they also have a glass version. The more I read about plastic and what it does, the more the glass version appeals to me. We currently have plastic, but if I could go back in time I think I would have got this to start with.</div>
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13. <a href="https://www.naturebaby.co.nz/baby-hairbrush">Nature Baby Hairbrush</a></div>
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It looks good in the nursery, it's soft, and we'll probably have it for years. This is my fave baby + toddler brush.</div>
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Ok so, what are YOUR essentials? </div>
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Which of these would you NOT use?</div>
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I love hearing what works for different people! </div>
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I would have to add in the SillyBillyz elasticated bibs with long sleeves from Moore Wilson's - the only bib that actually keeps their top clean when eating.</div>
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AND, Fess "Little Noses" spray. This is often the only relief you can a small baby when they are sick and it works a treat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-9785969161534426592018-05-03T14:09:00.005+12:002018-05-03T14:09:53.543+12:00Handmade goodies from Happyful <div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ54_oEHVcj7iPm9uepOTCit3lLpm2ISyj9s4ZCMFWTkBxnRy2X_Ynow9p0kxMb50xKWT3aUgBVpdVbCyTRM2kknNLNeBgGP3PKjLVK6qrt5lkT6tNtS_nfZq_hGfMi55qVZC6AxmBdAd/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happyful NZ peg dolls" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ54_oEHVcj7iPm9uepOTCit3lLpm2ISyj9s4ZCMFWTkBxnRy2X_Ynow9p0kxMb50xKWT3aUgBVpdVbCyTRM2kknNLNeBgGP3PKjLVK6qrt5lkT6tNtS_nfZq_hGfMi55qVZC6AxmBdAd/s640/DSC_0449.JPG" title="Happyful NZ peg dolls" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We recently received the oh-so-cute goodies you see above from New Zealand (Wellington!) mum business <a href="https://happyful.co.nz/">Happyful NZ</a>. I love finding mum-trepeneurs to support!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you want some Happyful goodness too, you can use the special discount code <b>BEHAPPY20</b> for 20% off... especially for readers of this blog. Thanks Viv!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIMGZf5cWeubcgS5Pbkc_0YjWW-kxEDfB9vvBGQAVijNA0XHidVSwUWHQDScGhkOO3Xz0Qe2_l7wPgwBRYyParbEc2vIlmw69-3cqoDa-Tal-4Nzz-HKk3UTr_mNJGz1Hs34rCkDbdCX-/s1600/DSC_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happyful NZ peg dolls" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIMGZf5cWeubcgS5Pbkc_0YjWW-kxEDfB9vvBGQAVijNA0XHidVSwUWHQDScGhkOO3Xz0Qe2_l7wPgwBRYyParbEc2vIlmw69-3cqoDa-Tal-4Nzz-HKk3UTr_mNJGz1Hs34rCkDbdCX-/s640/DSC_0447.JPG" title="Happyful NZ peg dolls" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We got the sweet little butterfly peg dolls, some hairties that I'm going to steal, butterfly hairclips and a panda necklace that is so dainty and perfect for an almost-4-yr old! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKtekHRqSEQkUztxf6yGSYYO0lYVI7kqmOsfsyDb06W_vS0QYkz607Vp0z5g0FjNj3p0OXxs31B2IgxWqk3g4plk7zyzGIW5lbiUspn55_J8MD2xBToHK71TAlVhEquGPCn2K-K21HQf6/s1600/DSC_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happyful NZ peg dolls" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKtekHRqSEQkUztxf6yGSYYO0lYVI7kqmOsfsyDb06W_vS0QYkz607Vp0z5g0FjNj3p0OXxs31B2IgxWqk3g4plk7zyzGIW5lbiUspn55_J8MD2xBToHK71TAlVhEquGPCn2K-K21HQf6/s640/DSC_0452.JPG" title="Happyful NZ peg dolls" width="424" /></a></div>
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To wear over her grubby sweatshirt, of course ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bw77lHdGA3xWPsnUCrmA3NnxLuXMHIWJRY7vgXmOMNN11_gP26377Kl8wabtiHzYzsoaljYByuuCc6y_ZCyWS2ysHjTiAA0uoG359QCtnLH001jIdtT4P2qISTkuMLf3TAcjPodRLZmr/s1600/DSC_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Happyful NZ necklace" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bw77lHdGA3xWPsnUCrmA3NnxLuXMHIWJRY7vgXmOMNN11_gP26377Kl8wabtiHzYzsoaljYByuuCc6y_ZCyWS2ysHjTiAA0uoG359QCtnLH001jIdtT4P2qISTkuMLf3TAcjPodRLZmr/s640/DSC_0421.JPG" title="Happyful NZ necklace" width="424" /></a></div>
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Aren't they sweet?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJPhhk0-H0d9qzas6J5C-_Fxf5WswSmVwuNg67yilxAIYudno-ESK_wiwPXdHm0mNtQRfYi3WgbNnYGqBzR0EoHpVNDRkvgDynmTWFCpJt9i3ngpFinIP33r0n5uiJz7VU8oE89E29ARJ/s1600/DSC_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happyful NZ peg dolls" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJPhhk0-H0d9qzas6J5C-_Fxf5WswSmVwuNg67yilxAIYudno-ESK_wiwPXdHm0mNtQRfYi3WgbNnYGqBzR0EoHpVNDRkvgDynmTWFCpJt9i3ngpFinIP33r0n5uiJz7VU8oE89E29ARJ/s640/DSC_0448.JPG" title="Happyful NZ peg dolls" width="424" /></a></div>
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And the packaging is pretty too, if you want it for a gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmpSR4Gwt1GHPCI-sNtb4drSSpFNMXMi0IauuLXU04IZ4YqyQiSUYwn3OuA5nP9W8HGyTBBjxoKAas2oLMqkHuz3zoir6wtP3f1GqMRVlnA-y4_dK5aCeSk2tuMJf-5aauIKsGQXLTtyO/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmpSR4Gwt1GHPCI-sNtb4drSSpFNMXMi0IauuLXU04IZ4YqyQiSUYwn3OuA5nP9W8HGyTBBjxoKAas2oLMqkHuz3zoir6wtP3f1GqMRVlnA-y4_dK5aCeSk2tuMJf-5aauIKsGQXLTtyO/s640/DSC_0403.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Thanks Viv! Check out other <a href="https://happyful.co.nz/">Happyful products here</a> - they also have charming art prints from Michelle Stanich, keyrings, and more peg dolls sets & jewellery. Don't forget the discount! (Code BEHAPPY20<b>)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzWZgDmD5hV3Loba8uveJQBZ4TpdM3Jx0dboLPFR5s2UUQj6PtwAFjXdx2Qoy60yQE2Uldm7Dtt0tf3oUWOlMRpbXibIsa2HVXNlp2kQzrmgJ-Dsx0lkKTyC74b2vrUy3yTtG34uV1WRN/s1600/Amy+signoff+JPEG.jpg" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-56702005801555609092018-05-01T13:25:00.000+12:002018-05-04T13:21:30.012+12:00Autumn home tour 2018<div id="fb-root">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdX3CCgqiV1Lwz3pDJh-bl5JVrZa3dDrHMfJMztTi2kuYG_hEfZYDgvGFosa_NqSb7G_2F29QH6xxXJCbcGi5BAc60sXMNdl26bQjO-Ae1WpJ4oCDLYImOA285LenO_-vd3ttF1qfA6zJ/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdX3CCgqiV1Lwz3pDJh-bl5JVrZa3dDrHMfJMztTi2kuYG_hEfZYDgvGFosa_NqSb7G_2F29QH6xxXJCbcGi5BAc60sXMNdl26bQjO-Ae1WpJ4oCDLYImOA285LenO_-vd3ttF1qfA6zJ/s640/DSC_0381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Well, that makes it sound fancy...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Alternate title: it was sunny today, school holidays are finally over, the house was partially clean and my baby was sleeping so I quickly took some photos.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Something about Autumn always gets me into nesting mode and thanks to 2018 being such a happier year this far I've had the energy and snippets of time to actually do some creative things. My budget is $0 so I've basically just gone through the house rearranging everything. Pretty sure the hubs thinks I am a bit strange for doing this, but when your place of work is also your home there is REALLY something to be said for creating a change of scene with what you have.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Let's start with Ella's room. Last year it was like this (below) but I was never able to shake the feeling that the bed looks wrong and this room just never had any sort of cosy vibe. This Autumn my life's goal is to create a cosy vibe everywhere I go.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">...So we ended up just moving the bed around, and it immediately felt cosier. Something about feng shui? It feels better now! The funny thing to me was that she was SO into the whole process and followed me around adjusting things like the mini-Amy that she is.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">She even went so far as to pick some flowers out of an existing bouquet in the dining room and put them in her drink bottle next to the bed. She's 3.</span></div>
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New bed orientation:<br />
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The little wooden school desk was an op-shop find for $5 accidentally one day. It literally says "Ella's desk!" on it in graffiti. It was a sign ;) I have/had plans to sand it back etc but for now it works.<br />
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Well, I kind of hate the weird green glow that shows up in photos of this room (below) from the reflection of our backyard (grass, trees, hills etc) - it's actually a warm off-white almost-beige colour.<br />
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The quilt is just an extra winter layer I added to her duvet for warmth - I have PLANS to make her a quilt this year but oh my goodness... I need to write a post about all my unfinished projects.<br />
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It's hard to see but that ball-type thing on her drawers is the beginnings of a hot air balloon! After she saw the one I made for Josh, she decided she wanted one too. Unfortunately I didn't use a pattern and thought I could just wing it on the sewing machine.... so it's pretty wonky.<br />
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If I had another blog, it would probably have the word impatient in the title because everything I make gets rushed!<br />
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In our lounge, I did a bold move and covered up our huge ranch sliders with an equally huge couch. Our couches are custom made to be ginormous enough for a 7ft man to lie down on and have back support in. I don't think the pictures really do it justice, but for example my feet can't touch the floor if I sit back in them properly! (And I'm about 5'10"). I love that we have them so my ex-pro-baller husband can lounge around to his heart's content.... but I kind of don't love how much floor space they dominate.<br />
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So, because of their size, the only way to get a different configuration in this room was to cover the ranch sliders. We decided this can be how we have them in Winter. The room actually gets too hot from all the sun so I'm not bothered about losing some of that! I didn't want it to seem like all the furniture was gathered around the TV but you know what, it feels so cosy in here and when we DO watch tv it's nice to have a straight-on view.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiIwvzMB44B/?taken-by=fivekindsofhappy">I just moved this bookcase</a> down from the corner where the door is and laid it horizontal. (See the before in the second pic <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiIwvzMB44B/?taken-by=fivekindsofhappy">here</a>) I like horizontal lines - they make a room look bigger and mimic the natural landscape. Of course, this bookcase is a flimsy veneer piece which, if you look to the left of it, has a base that shows it's only meant to be placed upright. So sad, too bad. I have to work with what we've got!<br />
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Looking toward the dining room is the TV area I don't love but at least it looks better without the tall shelves next to it. That freed up that corner for our rocking chair which I'm sitting in now while I type!<br />
The yellow cushions were sewn by my mum WAY back before I was pregnant with Ella and we had them at our last house. At the time I was selling cushions as a little business.<br />
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The dining room is much the same as before. We got cheap chairs from Kmart before hosting on Airbnb last Summer. I kind of strongly dislike the dark grey especially when paired with the brown floors that I love to hate....BUT they are an improvement on our last ones that the upholstery was literally falling off of. (I still have those chairs, and still plan to get them reupholstered! But until then.)<br />
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I fantastize at least once per day about getting the colours in this room sorted. I know the wall colour (Dulux Benmore Half) and the chair colour (a light stoney beige) and floor type (honey hardwood) that I want. I also know those things are not in my very near future. So I try not to look too hard.<br />
On the positives, it's a sunny room and I love our table that my husband salvaged when we first moved here. It was previously a dark coffee colour all over, all old and dented up, and he and a friend sanded it right back before varnishing and painting the bottom white.<br />
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Ella's play kitchen lives in here and gets played with so often. It's nice being able to see the kids while I'm cooking in the kitchen.<br />
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Josh's room:<br />
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I think the is the final room that I've done some little changes in. I've wanted a shelf for this wall for ages. You know when you come home from being away and see your home with new eyes? I walked in after being away all Summer and knew I wanted some white horizontal shelves to go on this wall and create some order. About 4 months later I finally spotted these on Trademe for $30. Ella lost no time in arranging them!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">I spend a lot of time sitting on the floor in this room playing with his toys with him or just being nearby while he plays, and these shelves are just right for his toys and books. Finally having a HOME for things always makes me happy. There are so many things that still seem to be floating in our home without a system, but getting things in order just feels great. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This is the room before shelves (phone lighting, sorry). It was looking pretty sad with the rocking chair moved to the lounge and nothing else on that wall.</span></div>
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Josh loves his shelves and I love HIM. So scrumptious.<br />
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So there you go. Some little changes around here formally documented on the internet for all to see and care about. Or not. But I'm stoked so that's the main thing. 😄</div>
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Hope you are enjoying this crazy sunny golden Autumn as much as I am! (Or whatever season it is where you live).</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Who knew that making your own household cleaner was so simple you could do it with your eyes closed?! I recently decided to have a crack at making my own Spray-n-Wipe type cleaner. There really is no 'con' with this - only pros. It's probably easier to make this than it is to go out and buy another spray-n-wipe. It's also cheaper, smells way better, and is chemical free. Chances are you may even have the ingredients on hand right now. And you get to feel really smug that you're now environmentally conscious, a little more self-sufficient, chemical-free and all those good things. </span><span style="text-align: center;">I'm sure I don't need to mention it being free from all the extra rubbish they put in chemical cleaners e.g. blue colouring and ingredients you can't pronounce. Not to mention the wasteful plastic packaging. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>1. All purpose household cleaner</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I use this for:</span></div>
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<li>Kitchen</li>
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<li>Bathroom</li>
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<li>All hard surfaces that need wiping</li>
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<li>Mirrors (use a fine micro fibre cloth)</li>
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<li>Windows (use a fine micro fibre cloth)</li>
</ul>
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<li>Floors</li>
</ul>
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<b>What you need:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>4 parts water (distilled if your water is not pure)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 part white vinegar</li>
</ul>
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<li>4-5 drops Tea Tree essential oil (antibacterial)</li>
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<li>A few drops other essential oils of your choice, for scent (optional). I use lemon and lavender</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFubZYeY9VLykljHoO-VG8rnbchaB_QNXXKmMtzhNwqZBGfvNlYn475Rk5HaFZHCckTWyVo2iGv3Sch1lvc92dEbsyuihC7ngZJm4QuM3sj4aBqkBhW-yyuJjupQJ0JXAfwzw3UaEjvy7A/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY natural multi-purpose home cleaner" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFubZYeY9VLykljHoO-VG8rnbchaB_QNXXKmMtzhNwqZBGfvNlYn475Rk5HaFZHCckTWyVo2iGv3Sch1lvc92dEbsyuihC7ngZJm4QuM3sj4aBqkBhW-yyuJjupQJ0JXAfwzw3UaEjvy7A/s640/DSC_0298.JPG" title="DIY natural multi-purpose home cleaner" width="424" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-tQnJBvEJsJJZiOLRuH0djo0yCfHy4hxb0XpbHG37_9r5DNqZ35KUrjZ9nrQadwDV22-jdwN5A9IMy781IAwTOG1m8M6DrcjFZIArntrOiLqu38CSfPcldkLx1rcj-X9m710abyamKU5/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY natural multi-purpose home cleaner" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-tQnJBvEJsJJZiOLRuH0djo0yCfHy4hxb0XpbHG37_9r5DNqZ35KUrjZ9nrQadwDV22-jdwN5A9IMy781IAwTOG1m8M6DrcjFZIArntrOiLqu38CSfPcldkLx1rcj-X9m710abyamKU5/s640/DSC_0305.JPG" title="DIY natural multi-purpose home cleaner" width="424" /></a></div>
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That's it! Mix them in a spray bottle for easy cleaning. </div>
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The vinegar and tea tree oil give this antibacterial properties, and although the other oils are completely optional I have to say the fresh clean scent they make is addictive, without that cloying synthetic fragrance of other cleaners. </div>
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I use a micro-fibre cloth for cleaning surfaces. A fine micro fibre cloth gives a perfect finish on glass. I have a bunch of different colours for different areas (everyday surfaces, bathroom surfaces, glass, etc) and throw them in the wash after use. I don't spend loads of money on fancy ones - these are from the supermarket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY0s_nCI6SBkJAvoOHmlAWXOCqNqpzkXG71hCiJGPmLrUMrj2kUR0a-Ha-s5Q2-A0XwUcyKRYsZUmvy4V300zSorO220pq_O4n8eLaaq9-mxpJRf6LgZ3edh2oC_5wFxN5Vtnv3i_BIrt/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY natural multi-purpose home cleaner" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY0s_nCI6SBkJAvoOHmlAWXOCqNqpzkXG71hCiJGPmLrUMrj2kUR0a-Ha-s5Q2-A0XwUcyKRYsZUmvy4V300zSorO220pq_O4n8eLaaq9-mxpJRf6LgZ3edh2oC_5wFxN5Vtnv3i_BIrt/s640/DSC_0304.JPG" title="DIY natural multi-purpose home cleaner" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>2. DIY Laundry powder</b></div>
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Once I got brave enough to give our own laundry powder a try, I was so glad I did. It was simple, it works, and it will last us a long time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJwM-HffNNxTg_rmYkpjvM3yzjG9kglIU8B_nGjxhvsQu6xxJqmRrvO6-4TJnhcnbkpo8fXH8smMCjCzNFOCWb1CGgiWBfVfd7nrvMbRKZnFPgjzsxZdnUzKCp39lReua83SHijCzhtxu/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJwM-HffNNxTg_rmYkpjvM3yzjG9kglIU8B_nGjxhvsQu6xxJqmRrvO6-4TJnhcnbkpo8fXH8smMCjCzNFOCWb1CGgiWBfVfd7nrvMbRKZnFPgjzsxZdnUzKCp39lReua83SHijCzhtxu/s400/DSC_0295.JPG" title="Easy DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" width="400" /></a></div>
My husband has sensitive skin and I had been trying to use Soap Nut Liquid (a natural soap alternative) but then I read people saying it was amazing even tho it made their clothes dingey over time. It made their clothes dingey? And they kept using it? Clearly some people are not as super fussy about perfect laundering as I am?!</div>
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So I decided to go the whole hog and make an actual laundry powder myself.</div>
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I actually went to Bin Inn for these ingredients and it was like a whole new world of natural alternatives. I was surprised to feel so excited about all the things they stock for make-your-own type products. (They are not paying me to share all this, but they should, because I'm so into them right now!)</div>
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<b>What you need:</b></div>
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[If you want to make less (or more) than the 2.5 kg I made, the ratio is 2 parts borax: 2 parts washing soda; 1 part soap. Adjust the volume accordingly].</div>
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To make a whopping 2.5kg (approx) of washing powder, free from fragrances or fillers or any other rubbish, I used:</div>
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<ul>
<li>4 cups borax (I got mine from Bin Inn, but you can get it from the supermarket or hardware places)</li>
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<li>4 cups washing soda</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1-2 bars of a natural soap. I used organic goat's milk soap from Bin Inn for $1.20.</li>
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<li>A grater or food processor you don't mind getting soap in</li>
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<li>(Optional: few drops essential oil for scent)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqwEuLwYVR4P6FG1koPphi2oep2QO-VW9PSDMXl00I0UiTe63PqFIy4yhju3ONBPdTiypyqRsQk-TBcRxCgD_ONAlFj_1Cr0Jtq0m5HonaAwl57rA72BonGoAYHwnBxj_hsgdzWG-yfap/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqwEuLwYVR4P6FG1koPphi2oep2QO-VW9PSDMXl00I0UiTe63PqFIy4yhju3ONBPdTiypyqRsQk-TBcRxCgD_ONAlFj_1Cr0Jtq0m5HonaAwl57rA72BonGoAYHwnBxj_hsgdzWG-yfap/s640/DSC_0277.JPG" title="DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Method:</b></div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Grate or food-processor the soap, and mix it in a large bowl with the washing soda and borax.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Store as you usually would</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Use 2 Tbsp per load</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTgGNe6e3fh7x8GigE48Ci7efb6seYu7AEU6mvF409RWPxdpDLDqOxFKcvo_Vo06wb5MzHyDyi4DLiSi2WX-Zndufuai2DW9Ens8U4lU2kLHjjYPqMpuAz-ul11dK3__SUw3M7C-7vzRy/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTgGNe6e3fh7x8GigE48Ci7efb6seYu7AEU6mvF409RWPxdpDLDqOxFKcvo_Vo06wb5MzHyDyi4DLiSi2WX-Zndufuai2DW9Ens8U4lU2kLHjjYPqMpuAz-ul11dK3__SUw3M7C-7vzRy/s640/DSC_0278.JPG" title="DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wfGH9GOXmavvNaKAQ1Vxr7oVPzxfAPfBQdMyVY8H8IuP2n_6u9hRX-kTbTSAi4-WDAER9Lv96eqG5enOWtBQZ0t65dXXPEs3lpv-4U2jvEOZOyg0mZe-ugCeJi4wu31wwWluhRYN7Tz6/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wfGH9GOXmavvNaKAQ1Vxr7oVPzxfAPfBQdMyVY8H8IuP2n_6u9hRX-kTbTSAi4-WDAER9Lv96eqG5enOWtBQZ0t65dXXPEs3lpv-4U2jvEOZOyg0mZe-ugCeJi4wu31wwWluhRYN7Tz6/s640/DSC_0288.JPG" title="Easy DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj04wYRzHiaJTDbOvHFZhoalBW0gtj_wkosCjaKf5d2e7rwOwzdZAto_lOtIVhtYZHgYBQQz0tTijBnZag7VEEq2Plhx4vbBmPAQoktT4zn3nF8gQJsiQGJaxzEr4IGniaHDx7BIFtk-HP/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Easy DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj04wYRzHiaJTDbOvHFZhoalBW0gtj_wkosCjaKf5d2e7rwOwzdZAto_lOtIVhtYZHgYBQQz0tTijBnZag7VEEq2Plhx4vbBmPAQoktT4zn3nF8gQJsiQGJaxzEr4IGniaHDx7BIFtk-HP/s640/DSC_0296.JPG" title="Easy DIY natural laundry powder detergent nz" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's it!<br />
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It's fun and educational for kids to help with this, although obviously you don't want them inhaling or eating the powder so be careful about that. Borax (<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">sodium tetraborate decahydrate)</span> is a naturally occuring mineral but that doesn't make it safe for using beyond what it's meant for. I let my daughter stir this but not get it all over her hands. Just like I wouldn't let her play, breathe-in or ingest any other detergent or cleaner ingredient.<br />
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I enjoy knowing I made this and that it's virtually a waste-free product for our household. Also, it works just like any other laundry powder that you buy! Without fragrance, fillers, or wasteful packaging. Did you know that Bin Inn give you a 5% discount if you bring your own jars or containers?! (The packaging you see in the pictures above are my own fault for forgetting to bring containers with me.... but now I know for next time.)<br />
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<br />Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-30498023397783068392018-03-24T19:58:00.001+13:002018-05-03T12:16:57.665+12:00Winter bucket list 2018<div id="fb-root">
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It's getting slowly chillier down in these parts as we head into Winter, and with daylight savings ending next weekend I've been starting to piece together my survival plan for the gloomy cold days ahead.</div>
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<b>1. Make our living areas cosier with better lighting</b></div>
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We have overhead lighting and it's so bright and glarey. I'm halfway there as I found this unused lampstand at my parent's house and added a shade to it. </div>
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<b>2. More cushions/throw blankets</b></div>
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I made this 'Home' cushion the other week on a total whim (it started out as a way to practice very basic quilting) and it made me realise how cosy cushions and throws can make things look. We have ginormous blank couches and sometimes they make the whole room feels quite stark. (We also don't have a rug or coffee table, so that doesn't help, but they're not priorities in our budget and with little kids sometimes it's easier this way.). One day I'd like to get all our cushions etc sorted out and coordinated instead of the random mix we currently have.</div>
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<b>3. Plan a trip away</b></div>
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Fiji would be great... but realistically we'll be staying closer to home this year. Something for when we're at least halfway through winter should make that second half not drag quite so much.</div>
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<b>4. Make these peppermint marshmallows and hot chocolates again.</b></div>
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Husband requested it!</div>
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<b>5. Family Night</b></div>
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A couple of times now we've had a Friday night family night where we do something together, beyond what we normally do. The first time, I managed to convince everyone to make donuts with me (based off a recipe from the Farmer Boy book in the Little House series I read as a kid) and it was so different for us to cook all together (minus Josh who was in bed asleep). Ella was really excited by it which made me chuffed. We often do outdoorsy things together ('family adventures') but doing an actual activity together is pretty new for us. Another time we took a soccer ball to a field we've never been to before and kicked in around in the howling gale, getting absolutely freezing with all our noses running. It was memorable tho.</div>
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Other ideas we had for this were: a scavenger hunt; a board games night; doing a fun science experiment; making something together; etc.</div>
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<b>6. I was going to write embrace the slow-cooker </b>but in all honestly I'm still tired of slow-cooking from last winter! Or am I just tired of all cooking? Hmmmmm...........</div>
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<b>7. Make a quilt + other projects</b></div>
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I'm trying to get started on making:</div>
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- a quilt for Ella's room (the planning is hard!)</div>
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- a rag doll for Ella (I'm up to embroidering the eyes and it's looking so creepy with my novice embroidery skills)</div>
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- a wooden bear name sign for Josh's room (it's cut out, I just need to stain it and paint the name on) </div>
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- maybe a top for me? Something long sleeved in a pretty fabric, but a basic cut.</div>
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<b> </b> </div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/p/contact.html"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPm_IlOVPONEI6dSniz_c-OPrSnVJpdsBypQCBQfOFCig4otDR77v55vE1ZFayKE9kM0j7peAmYrFJ1UfLJx6vRwneG0c-cbhmxiwIV-B_JfubKsX6fCI93CBU1ZWThERJtmqdM7nnSgN/s400/SOcial+media+icon+3+BLACK.jpg" width="39" /></a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/amyshka/"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYINHo0B5RN75EZOLx1gubQkRDlkqWmkRiE4aq008dbYqeGqWFm1rBxnT5lSHcVtHMQKIBOl7QT58cqz6CVYtmXr_JW7mZ_et7xvSRP3-vUxujxG2g1EpnEyWQ8mgpq0eEwbVx_kHnTMQ0/s400/SOcial+media+icon+4+BLACK+copy.jpg" width="41" /></a> <a href="http://instagram.com/amy_5kindsofhappy"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu06_faSXjPte6HMdN_mQDK-UNglhMKfKEIaniPzzGT_-naH3vEfIbbsQEv5vKJareoBxku5FN4SDZ98SXbIwFXNbH_ER2AJhoLO2HCI-QfMLROxqsXTfDKLXMQA6GyRyMZGBWpbzQ426/s400/SOcial+media+icon+4+BLACK+INSTA+copy.jpg" width="41" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/FiveKindsHappy"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCuuD_P4bljby3kumI4yK6JvnrVb9AjCYgHcPgwbkXXGM0POwXgj-vmbSLA9FJp4QlnyFi3hZQIh_7CLFugxFBuz9oeVOwyQDqR8v2DF43QJWEQOwndLrC6PpzV7gIyBZgi3ugL-cFF7k/s400/Social+Media+Icon+2+BLACK+copy.jpg" width="40" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Five-Kinds-of-Happy/146714708707163"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6bnf0Qj7t89TxaNBpowEBHd58_4AsMMohU1RNXtNpIBv5KauVDCCFukNyk6EknindK7-cI-5C0XNRtdCdbXfxdc-y5MF_BPfY83ZxPMMa1Q-NsqRUeJtB73QjWqM4LVJDKkimuo5pDU1/s400/Social+Media+Icon+1+BLACK+copy.jpg" width="41" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-76285925095717001032018-03-19T12:40:00.002+13:002018-05-07T11:35:30.764+12:00Ella-isms Vol 3<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Life is crazy these days but I thought I'd take a minute to record some of the things my 3-yr old says!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">She is so much fun and getting more chatty by the minute. She's recently started making her own bed (un-asked) rinsing her dishes and loading the dishwasher (un-asked!) and asking "can I be your helper?" whenever I am doing some kind of chores. I'm making the most of the novelty before she gets over it. She is also super into her stuffed toys and doll, and is constantly lining them all up to play 'kindy teacher' (she sits on a chair in front of them and calls them up one by one to be sung happy birthday to) or else making birthday parties with her pretend food.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Without further ado. Some pearlers from the little miss:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"I need to go poopoo because I ate too much muffin. Yeah. It went fast down to my butt."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>In a decor shop: </i>"EUCH. Mum.... this shop is too yucky."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>On her way back from the toilet: </i>"Do you know the cupcakes and the crackers came out of my butt right now?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>Playing doctors with me: </i>"I'm just gonna take your blood pressure and get all the blood out of your heart. Don't move ok? You need to stay there until I'm finished with you."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>When Calum was late getting back to the car after our walk up a hill: </i>"Is daddy pooing on the grass?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"I am a princess. Where are my angel wings and my crown?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"Oh no, I think the teddies are getting a little bit margerated. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">They have a little bit of fire up on their head, and a sick coming out their mouf. I know just what to do with margeraters. You can't give them biscuits - that just makes them more margerated. They can eat ONLY medicine ALL day. That will make them just right better. They need a long story because they will be a-margerated. They can't eat sugar or flour or...or....pavalova! And veggies makes the margerated only more sick."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>(Mystery revealed when she later said "Don't take Pooh Bear daddy! He's got a margerain!" And we realised "margerated" = someone with a migraine)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"I heard Joshy waking up and it was HORRIBLE."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">"Mummy, can you please hold Joshy forever?" <i>when he was crawling around grabbing her toys.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>When I gave her a tiny speckled chocolate egg:</i> "Mum, this is the specialist day dat I ever seen!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><i>Singing </i>"You are my precious dolly and I don't want anyone to breeeeak ya... coz you are my precious dolly of the woooorld"</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.fivekindsofhappy.com/p/contact.html"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPm_IlOVPONEI6dSniz_c-OPrSnVJpdsBypQCBQfOFCig4otDR77v55vE1ZFayKE9kM0j7peAmYrFJ1UfLJx6vRwneG0c-cbhmxiwIV-B_JfubKsX6fCI93CBU1ZWThERJtmqdM7nnSgN/s400/SOcial+media+icon+3+BLACK.jpg" width="39" /></a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/amyshka/"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYINHo0B5RN75EZOLx1gubQkRDlkqWmkRiE4aq008dbYqeGqWFm1rBxnT5lSHcVtHMQKIBOl7QT58cqz6CVYtmXr_JW7mZ_et7xvSRP3-vUxujxG2g1EpnEyWQ8mgpq0eEwbVx_kHnTMQ0/s400/SOcial+media+icon+4+BLACK+copy.jpg" width="41" /></a> <a href="http://instagram.com/amy_5kindsofhappy"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu06_faSXjPte6HMdN_mQDK-UNglhMKfKEIaniPzzGT_-naH3vEfIbbsQEv5vKJareoBxku5FN4SDZ98SXbIwFXNbH_ER2AJhoLO2HCI-QfMLROxqsXTfDKLXMQA6GyRyMZGBWpbzQ426/s400/SOcial+media+icon+4+BLACK+INSTA+copy.jpg" width="41" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/FiveKindsHappy"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCuuD_P4bljby3kumI4yK6JvnrVb9AjCYgHcPgwbkXXGM0POwXgj-vmbSLA9FJp4QlnyFi3hZQIh_7CLFugxFBuz9oeVOwyQDqR8v2DF43QJWEQOwndLrC6PpzV7gIyBZgi3ugL-cFF7k/s400/Social+Media+Icon+2+BLACK+copy.jpg" width="40" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Five-Kinds-of-Happy/146714708707163"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6bnf0Qj7t89TxaNBpowEBHd58_4AsMMohU1RNXtNpIBv5KauVDCCFukNyk6EknindK7-cI-5C0XNRtdCdbXfxdc-y5MF_BPfY83ZxPMMa1Q-NsqRUeJtB73QjWqM4LVJDKkimuo5pDU1/s400/Social+Media+Icon+1+BLACK+copy.jpg" width="41" /></a>Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-47184767059789793542018-02-07T15:20:00.002+13:002018-05-03T12:14:42.560+12:00The fastest way to a mental health + happiness refresh (imho)<div id="fb-root">
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I'll precede this blog post by saying I'm not talking about clinical depression or severe mental illness, but there are times when we start to feel really discontented with our lives and just annoyed/jealous/resentful/depressed in general. Particularly as mothers/parents. So I wanted to share this post of the things that have helped me immensely get to a more healthy mental state and just reboot some areas of my life (hello creativity).</div>
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<b>1. Delete Instagram off your phone</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Go on, I dare you, and I promise you'll be shocked at how little you miss. Your thumb will absently try to scroll through that addictive little app about 50 times per day but eventually it will remember that there's nothing there and your clear, independent brain will feel so good.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">If you need IG for your business, I'd suggest scheduling a time each day (or 2 times, of 5 mins each) to jump on and upload your own photos without idly browsing through everyone else's. If you need to comment on other people's photos to build your brand/following, challenge yourself to do it within 5 mins and be very intentional about it. E.G you could say I need to upload 1 quality photo per day and comment/like 10 others. Then I turn the app off, or even UNINSTALL it (not as crazy as it sounds - it's like 2 taps of your thumb to get it back) until my next posting window. And uninstall on weekends so you don't automatically open instagram every time you sit on the toilet and I KNOW that's not just me.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Stop thinking about looking perfect.</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is an extension of #1. We live in a world that has a real side and a heavy virtual side, and the virtual side is 100% represented by either photos or videos. Which we know in our brains is not real life, but we have visual memories so when we see people looking perfect showing their "day in the life" professionally photographed perfection and it looks nnnnoooooothing like our own day in the life, it still grates, and we don't realise that we are feeling annoyed with our own ugly imperfect messy surroundings because we are subconsciously comparing everything we see and do with a fake 'perfect' version of it.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">People have to create attractive content to earn their place on the internet. I do it, everyone who wants to use their blog or social media as a platform to build a brand on (whether now or in the future) does it. It's ok to do it. But when you feel stink about yourself, it's time to stop looking at everyone else's content and give your brain a few weeks to adjust to not thinking "will this make a good instagram picture?" every time you are recording a memory.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhrZa0Fu1o6BSEhBncgDK15NEuVsRE-N5UP-9JOxExtSeNXyAjrSaL02uFsRlGlRUnSLa80uGTZrspqioxnhmbB30MpILdYDicvMTbiXQWXtFLbCO_eTHhK71u3wKLldwvQ8xJEl3u8H5/s1600/20180206_002107277_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhrZa0Fu1o6BSEhBncgDK15NEuVsRE-N5UP-9JOxExtSeNXyAjrSaL02uFsRlGlRUnSLa80uGTZrspqioxnhmbB30MpILdYDicvMTbiXQWXtFLbCO_eTHhK71u3wKLldwvQ8xJEl3u8H5/s640/20180206_002107277_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so stoked with this photo above, it's from a fun day this week and gives me all the happy vibes. But it wouldn't be deemed professional enough to make lifestyle-blogger or instagrammer content.</div>
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<b>3. On that note, stop reading those blogs you've read for years.</b></div>
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Including this one if it comes to that!</div>
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I started reading blogs years ago before I started my own. I've been so inspired by other people on the internet: recipes, craft ideas, home decor, health tips... yada yada. But when I really sat back and assessed the situation, I read blogs daily because I feel like a slave to it. I develop a weird sense of caring for these people I've never met. I feel like we are friends because they write so well and share their life on the internet.... but the truth is they don't know me or care about me, and you know what, I'm not obligated to read their blog every day if it's taking up precious time or making me feel dissatisfied with my life.</div>
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I've 'met' a lot of bloggers online who I would definitely look up if I was in their part of the world, and hope to connect in person. That would be fun. But if you are missing out on your own real life because you are reading someone else's only-the-good-bits life, something's not right.</div>
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<b>4. You don't have to be inspired all the time.</b></div>
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Truth: Pinterest saps my creativity dry. </div>
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Looking at other people's fitness story photos makes me jealous after a momentary "I could do that!" excitement that fades quickly in the reality of exercise and strict diets.</div>
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Seeing a beautiful house I want so badly but can't have makes me feel discontented with my home.</div>
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I could go on.</div>
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Point is, "inspiration" is an over-used word in our generation and you actually don't need to be inspired most of the time. If you give your brain a one-week break from all "inspiration" I promise you will start to feel refreshed and begin feeling inspired all on your own. </div>
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<b>5. Journal sometimes.</b></div>
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But only when you feel like it, or the guilt defeats the purpose.</div>
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When you need to get your feelings out, you can do it into your journal instead of onto the internet or into another person's ears. These could be negative or positive feelings. I don't mean it's bad to talk to people - at <i>all! - </i>but it's ok to share things with yourself instead of with the world. In fact, it's better sometimes. I find writing prayers and thoughts out is awesome.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBuaXStOV2GXnJ3jARGWJ6b99X4mAxfpb5ipjw_0Q_rSrG-nU_iuK4fVuX_URu5q70bGIxp_FHH6k1K8O5y_mb_VgTZLvbAeae4UdK_uV8rha1N99jtPslT6lK7oVOEnaz4gIhnU-SDrH/s1600/DSC_0839+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBuaXStOV2GXnJ3jARGWJ6b99X4mAxfpb5ipjw_0Q_rSrG-nU_iuK4fVuX_URu5q70bGIxp_FHH6k1K8O5y_mb_VgTZLvbAeae4UdK_uV8rha1N99jtPslT6lK7oVOEnaz4gIhnU-SDrH/s640/DSC_0839+copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b>6. Well duh, but, nature.</b></div>
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When I'm in a funk my husband tells me to go outside (ok it happened once) and I feel so much better. Even when it's cold or windy there's something great that happens when you enter a different environment and your brain resets. </div>
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Nature is hardly ever stressful, even in bad weather (I can only think of natural-disaster situations where nature would cause genuine stress) and we're humans. You know, animals. Sometimes I think we need to remember that we don't belong at desks in front of screens, and maybe 95% of our problems would be solved if society could get back being a little more primitive and working with our hands on things that would aid our physical survival (a little foraging, anyone?). </div>
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<b>7. There is beauty in work</b></div>
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Working with my husband this year on things like marketing for our business was <i>never</i> on my radar as something I would enjoy doing. But these days I spend good chunks of time hanging out in our office designing and typing away and you know what, it's oh-so-satisfying. I thought being a housewife and stay-at-home mum/blogger would satisfy all my desires but I'm learning that using my brain for other tasks is SO healthy for me. I feel at least 50 times better about life in general. It's not that I didn't have enough to do before (au contraire!) but that I didn't have something <i>completely different</i> to use my brain on. I remember thinking "I could housewife <i>more. </i>I could meal plan and make soap from scratch. I could do <i>more mum's groups,</i> <i>more </i>coffee catchups, <i>more</i> playdates... but it would be more of the same. A bit of both worlds is feeling really healthy for me at the moment.</div>
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<b>8. It's OK to need order.</b></div>
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As long as you can let it go sometimes.</div>
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Everything I read says that the key to happiness in your home environment as a mother, is to lower your standards and embrace the mess. Which sounds great except when mess and chaos makes you legitimately depressed or anxious. It's ok to recognise that you need to keep things in order and then structure your routine so that you can make it happen.</div>
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And it's ok to flop waaaaaaay off that band wagon and laugh at the slob you have apparently become. (Though we all know it's your kids, not you.)</div>
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<b>9. Invite your friends round and then don't clean anything</b></div>
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It's liberating, and they will thank you.</div>
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<b>10. Sometimes, have a bath and then go to bed early and read your book with a cup of tea.</b></div>
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You will feel so, so guilty. You will feel like your husband is thinking you are lazy, like your friends are all doing dishes until midnight, like you should at least be pressing buttons on your phone or watching TV or acting busy. This is the time to ask yourself: what do I normally do at this time? And I can almost guarantee the answer is NOTHING important. Nothing you can't miss. If you're not looking at Instagram (see #1) and you've hopefully given up facebook, your brain is free to do something that is actually more productive than all of that. Read something! My fave is historical fiction because I learn so much through people-interest stories but that's my choice. Go to bed as soon as the kids are in bed and the dishes are done and you will feel like you're living the dream.</div>
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What have I missed?</div>
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I've been having the nicest break from blogging, social media, and basically being in the vicinity of a computer lately and it's been good for the soul / creativity / energy / mental state / my kid's behaviour (!).</div>
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But today we stepped away from our home to host our first Airbnb tenants this week. I didn't expect it to get booked out so quickly (it's just suburban Wellington!) and for the past 2 weeks I've done nothing but clean inside drawers, haul piles of clothing downstairs, move couches, vacuum underneath things that would never normally be vacuumed under, and more. Getting a family home into a guest-ready location with 2 small children at the end of a year that will go down in history as one of the most challenging in our lives, has been intense. And so good!</div>
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When we moved in here I was morbidly sick (pregnant with Ella) and nothing got purged or organised the way I normally would. This was actually our home's first true spring clean where everything got clean ALL AT THE SAME TIME. Previously something I only fantasised about.</div>
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Anyway, seeing as my life is usually cluttered with piles of mess and screaming children, I finally have some photos now that allow you to actually see the rooms. 😁</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKRlm6TUVAwtIlbSsgyQ3elnKbMghF7g1nB3Kjgvxd8gD0Y6MsCoekue-bx6oGMJIIAEYjIkD5mGh2JZcCtL9i6k9uU1q-w-LdwVDCcj76UUoYAWN1WRvd8UdVXMDPSc_3elZTXx4aelj/s1600/DSC_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKRlm6TUVAwtIlbSsgyQ3elnKbMghF7g1nB3Kjgvxd8gD0Y6MsCoekue-bx6oGMJIIAEYjIkD5mGh2JZcCtL9i6k9uU1q-w-LdwVDCcj76UUoYAWN1WRvd8UdVXMDPSc_3elZTXx4aelj/s640/DSC_0687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeMTxH4sY80eJd5ciIlTKpXKadq9CFSOvhQRRh_tmxP4ZfBXAx-P35ZKOREBHuaOPoTXvH6H-wVN8_VrD5OiNWXtXLmgYgGbNkArI2Qj8ozWXjiP3u3Ds_6sM71y-wOqrQkz8VZ_2gxUL/s1600/DSC_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeMTxH4sY80eJd5ciIlTKpXKadq9CFSOvhQRRh_tmxP4ZfBXAx-P35ZKOREBHuaOPoTXvH6H-wVN8_VrD5OiNWXtXLmgYgGbNkArI2Qj8ozWXjiP3u3Ds_6sM71y-wOqrQkz8VZ_2gxUL/s640/DSC_0691.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not our normal bedding, but we set the trundler bed up for guests.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydBeNKdm1WshEPI05YE17fDIL_9QuHHzEkMrFdUpsJ1x6vvRbRaMh-8QlbELqHW8pAWMsFmXkcAs-90V_i5V5upZaPS3HXYc1_8JglJJgb1YnJZVv-VvkwpXPdYHZBQGm4-1_Y_0zAiiN/s1600/DSC_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydBeNKdm1WshEPI05YE17fDIL_9QuHHzEkMrFdUpsJ1x6vvRbRaMh-8QlbELqHW8pAWMsFmXkcAs-90V_i5V5upZaPS3HXYc1_8JglJJgb1YnJZVv-VvkwpXPdYHZBQGm4-1_Y_0zAiiN/s640/DSC_0698.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our brown on brown on brown 70's kitchen is at least organised now...</span></td></tr>
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The archways that my husband salivates about destroying (tall man problems):<br />
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Our couches are custom made to be ginormous which makes the lounge look quite small in photos... it's actually really spacious. Some things just don't translate onto screens.<br />
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Archways and brown/cream everything.<br />
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After 4 years we bought some basic dining chairs from kmart. We just needed <b>something</b> until we can one day upholster our other ones.<br />
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That one time there weren't clothes strung all along the bannister:<br />
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Can't wait to one day renovate...<br />
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Those Hemnes IKEA drawers have changed my life - we had nothing there for 3 years.<br />
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That was our house - the good bad and 70s!<br />
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Meanwhile it's been so abnormally hot and summery in Wellington that we've been spending pretty much all our time here:<br />
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... and here..<br />
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...here...<br />
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And here because casually hanging with llamas is our idea of a good time.</div>
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It's the 1st of December today. We've almost survived 2017. PHEW.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I'm going to type this whole post in 45 seconds flat, I swear it, because my baby is crying his little cheeks off and refusing to nap because he's decided to deprive me of my ONE 45-minute slot of alone-time in the entire week. Well, this is my first time sitting down since 6am so I'm taking it. Zombie-like and irritated as I may be.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">You know you have 2 young kids when you are fiiinnnnaaallllyy walking out the door to leave the house and your 6-month old spews onto your 3 year old's head (not loads, just like, a seagull-poop size splat of goopey milk?) and you half-heartedly dab at it with a tissue and say "Oh, it's ok honey, it's nothing!" and she's like "ok mama" and then when you get home that night your husband's all "Why does she smell like vomit?" . She was going to have a shower later that night anyway, guys! No big deal, no big deal...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And you know you have a boy baby when literally all the boy clothes you own are striped. So you dress him in stripey pants, with a stripey bodysuit, stripey hat, stripey bib, and top it all off with a zigzag blanket just to be fresh.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Or when you have a constant smear on your left shoulder that smells of bad breath because it's literally the remnants of your baby's first foods which he miraculously stores in his mouth long after you have wiped his face and cleared the dishes (kidding, who does that?) and then dribbles onto your shoulder just as soon as you have put a clean top on.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Or when you spend so much time cooking (I'd rather do pretty much ANYTHING else) that your freshly washed hair and clean clothes smell like fried eggs and potatoes before you have even walked out the door in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Or when you spend 10 minutes writing a blog post that you weren't planning to.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And another thing that I forgot because my brain is elsewhere, anywhere, everywhere? Maybe I'll be back later if I remember?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">WHAT HAVE I MISSED?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Unrelated, <a href="http://whiningpuker.blogspot.co.nz/2017/09/preventing-hyperemesis-gravidarum-four.html">this blog</a> just shared my pregnancy post along with a bunch of other success stories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">Now I need to run down the hallway and rescue my persistent baby from the confines of his cot. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I LOVE my sister!" - looking at 6 month old Josh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">On the topic of mountain climbing: </span><span style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">"Mummy can't come because she will slip. She slips all the time."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">When her 6 year old cousin says "Hmm... how do we stick these bits together..." whilst playing lego. Ella: We just need to get a gluestick, <i>my darling.</i>" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ella: But we just need another baby. An older one. Because its<i> impossible </i>we don't have another baby!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me: An older one? What would we call it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ella: Roast beef.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst eating: "Oh! That went down the wrong way - into my leg I think." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the topic of Josh being in my tummy 6 months ago: "And Jesus made him... and he was in your tummy. Did you ate him?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking through my hair randomly: "I'm just looking for blood in here.... oh! I hear some blood talking inside your head."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Thoughtfully, whilst watching us debate moves during a game of Rummikub "</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I've got an idea.... we put them all on the floor and do somefing else."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">"Oh I love you SO MUCH!" to an 8 yr old boy she just played with for the first time, whilst bear hugging him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Would you <i>look </i>at this <i>mess</i>?!" observing a thin layer of dust on a water storage canister.</span><br />
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Amy @ Five Kinds of Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05451917183489642799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6917236911805758390.post-61455302910347610262017-09-01T10:00:00.000+12:002018-05-03T12:16:57.690+12:006 months of Josh (+ a hospital stay) - The Breastfeeding Saga<div id="fb-root">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I can't tell you how long I have counted down for this day! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>Six months </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Somehow, I have the happiest baby I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Aside from his long stint at refusing to feed (see below), he is a smiler, a charmer, and an almost-constant giggler. He is HAPPY. He was born happy - he never cried at birth and has been chilled out from the start. To date, he has never cried on a stranger and loves to give and get cuddles. He snuffles his gleeful giggly laugh into my neck and presses in and it's precious. In hospital recently, he LOVED all the attention from the nurses and had them all head over heels within a few minutes. His eyes light up when he smiles that wide gummy grin. At 6 months + 3 days, he has cut his first tooth.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">His sweet auburn mop has ash blonde growing up under it and the effect makes him looks partially bald. To be fair, his hairline <i>is</i> on it's second sweep of receding slightly. I never know what that hair is doing!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">He lunges at my face with an open mouth sometimes, wanting to give a kiss.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">He has cut his first tooth after literally 4-5 months of drooling. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">He thinks his sister, and having his nappy changed are both hilarious.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">He's been giving me butterflies since I first laid eyes on his wrinkled up little post-birth face. Which is lucky, after what we've been through. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY3ObZascPwdi89ogrxrJnh42gfnSuUIt5Hx5bAhI4yQodAJ1g-Gw0x3lfn4ZZj5Jrinaa13VFmOfhzHfchi1OQDeI-ZrE4P3Sc5Ud1K9XPU_NOxdNtGv3yvQ_X9AoxGnI5vo9ClRAEFo/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="883" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY3ObZascPwdi89ogrxrJnh42gfnSuUIt5Hx5bAhI4yQodAJ1g-Gw0x3lfn4ZZj5Jrinaa13VFmOfhzHfchi1OQDeI-ZrE4P3Sc5Ud1K9XPU_NOxdNtGv3yvQ_X9AoxGnI5vo9ClRAEFo/s640/Capture.JPG" width="518" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>The jargony breastfeeding part</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This time last week, Josh was drinking as little as 50mls over a whole day. He was making up for it by breastfeeding slowly at night, whilst asleep, which has been the only way I can get him to feed. And it was taking all night. So I was exhausted on every level.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The buildup to this has been gradual.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">At 2 months, he had obvious silent reflux. I could hear it bubble up his throat when he was lying down on his back, and it would often wake him up, crying and distressed. I had anticipated this after my awful experience of breastfeeding Ella, and was already dairy free as a preventative measure. I'm so glad I was, as that one time I ate cheese he had such severe silent acid reflux that I thought he was having a seizure. It was so upsetting to witness! Since then I cleared off dairy more strictly and it never happened again. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">He would still scream through evening feeds for sometimes hours on end while I rocked him. At this point (just before he turned 3 months old) I started giving him <a href="https://t.cfjump.com/t/47846/23442/schuessler-tissue-salts-nat-phos-acid-neutraliser-mp10l-g.html">Nat Phos 6X</a> - a natural cell salt that is an acid reducer, and tightened the diet even more. The evening crying bouts stopped with 36 hours. He was still fussy and uncomfortable - but oh my ears were grateful for the lack of crying into my eardrum whilst I rocked him!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">When he was very young, I had mastitis and an intense oversupply that I used block feeding<i> </i>(jargon alert) to re-set. But Josh would still gasp and gulp and act like he was drowning, even when I did not appear to have a fast flow or oversupply anymore. No spraying or anything. I still haven't figured that out. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">At 3 months, while we were on holiday in Fiji, he would fuss and fret when I was trying to breastfeed him sitting up. Which was all the time because we were often out and about or sitting at restaurants. I knew he was visibly hungry, but he would refuse until we got back to our hotel room and I lay down with him on the bed. He didn't scream in pain like Ella used to - but he grizzled and squirmed and was just miserable unless distracted. Nobody else would notice him turning his hungry little face away from the breast and grizzling in discomfort while I tried to discreetly feed him under a wrap or piece of clothing. But he would feed happily lying down, and usually fall asleep that way. So it began that he would only feed whilst lying down. A sign that could point to both oversupply or reflux - so I tried to remedy both.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">At 4 months, he would only feed whilst lying down, <i>in the dark. </i>He would just straight up refuse any other way - whether I tried to 'starve him out' (lol) or not!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">At 5 months, he would only feed whilst lying down, in the dark, <i>and</i> sleepy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I was spending what felt like my whole day lying down on the bed with the curtains closed trying to coax him into getting sleepy and finally having the feed that he was grizzling in hunger for. Ella was getting neglected because I had to have <i>total</i> silence and no disruptions to get him to latch on and suck. If she walked in, he would jerk away and it could be hours before I got some more milk into him. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I would be infuriated that my attempt at feeding him had been interrupted, but also feeling miserable because she is </span><i style="font-size: 14px;">only three</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> and I'm expecting her to play in a different room in the house, silently, and not come and see me?! It was so stressful.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This was the lowest point in my breastfeeding journey. For one, I had expected everything to improve by then. I was holding out for the magic 6 month mark that everyone told be would bring rainbows and unicorns and perfect breastfeeding, but we were mere weeks away and things were only getting steadily worse. So much worse.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">For seconds, my daughters behaviour was spiralling out of control in an attempt to get much needed attention. She brought this out while I was feeding Josh, which would then stop him feeding. Double stress.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Thirdly, I was worried. I just had so much anxiety around his feeding. Why is he refusing? Why are the techniques for oversupply and reflux not working? Why does he hate feeding from me? How did this happen? It was never-ending and I was tired, OH SO very tired of trouble-shooting it and playing detective. A lactation consultant said he might have tongue tie when I knew he didn't (since confirmed in hospital - no tongue tie) and a doctor gave us infant gaviscon which simply made him constipated and miserable. I had to learn and research every detail of everything so that I could discern some of it for myself and sift through the conflicting, useless advice I was receiving. I sensed he was losing weight but wasn't certain.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">And fourthly..... I was straight up exhausted. Twenty-four-seven overwhelmed breakdown-ready exhausted. I don't know how I appeared like a normal person doing normal things when I dropped my kid off at Kindy or went and brought groceries. I don't know why I didn't complain and cry to every person who asked how things were. I would say "it's been hard with feeding", but I knew no-one really understood and I didn't have energy to deal with explaining it to everyone! I could barely explain it to myself in my head. All I knew was he hates feeding, it's happening again, I'm exhausted, I've failed at motherhood on several counts, and IF I CAN JUST HOLD ON TIL 6 MONTHS!! all this will vanish. Right?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Fifth, the feeling of isolation was intense. Knowing that even people who I try to explain it to just have no idea. Or say "yeah breastfeeding is hard! I got mastitis once!" and I would think, whats wrong with me? Why do I have ALL THE THINGS when it comes to breastfeeding? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I guess I will never know that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">So I'll just say this:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- I MADE IT TO 6 MONTHS. That's more than double last time. I know the diet and Nat Phos 6X helped massively - but there was something else going on too that we still haven't quite figured out.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- I am no longer breastfeeding except tiny bits here and there if I feel like it, and he is asleep. He is taking formula now, happily (since his hospital stay).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">- We got sent to hospital. After it was confirmed his weight was dropping percentiles, the Plunket nurse sent us to the GP who sent us to hospital. They monitored his every move, weighed his wet nappies, put him on bottle feeding only/mostly, and gave me 2 nights baby-free sleep! My first in 6 months.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">So, we marked Josh's 6-monthsiversary differently than I expected, by being in hospital together and resting and having quality time. Visiting the cafe there, chatting in our room, getting to actually spend time with my husband!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br />Since coming back 5 days ago, he has hit all his milestones at once. Taking his first regular day naps, feeding appropriately, rolling, getting his first tooth! In less than a week. My relief of having a more normal life now is huge. He is feeding from a bottle during the day, whilst conscious. Not huge feeds, but he's doing it. And he's napping. And I'm spending quality time with my daughter. My life is <i>changed</i> since this past weekend in hospital, and that's not an overstatement!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">The past 6 months we have relied on my mum so much, and Calum's family, and church family, kind words from friends, and prayer. It's been so hard, and I know it's not going to suddenly be all roses forever, but right now, having a baby who feeds and sleeps, and getting some sleep myself, feels pretty good.</span></div>
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