Jikana Damaru

still life sunday...

A still life taken on a day that's not. It's day twelve and we're gradually settling into life as a family of four. Our fridge now sports a poo chart (Normal Nappies: What to Expect!) with the disclaimer: Pictures are a guide only. There is a wide variation in newborn patterns of elimination. I'd forgotten just how entertaining it is watching the facial expressions of a newborn as they brave yet another nappy explosion.

When it comes to (the early days of) parenting two, I've lots to learn especially when their needs collide. Sometimes multitasking is easy: breastfeeding the baby on one side, reading to the three-year-old on the other. But when Josie needs me exclusively and at short notice, Lily often switches from super helper to panda eyes and gets upset. I need YOU mummy! A massive change for her. Try not to worry. She'll adapt. She'll be okay.

Dan starts a new job tomorrow so I'm losing my wingman and it's just us girls. Inbetween finishing up a contractor role and the new start date, we've seen eachother for just a few days around the birth. Still, this is the break we've been waiting for and I know at some point we'll get more time together. Blue skies, baby.

Thanks so much for your well wishes and gorgeous comments on my last post. I will try to visit you soon x

Sulking over servitude

I want to be the kind of mother who finds sweetness in servitude... but, alas, I am not. No matter how much I try to sweeten it up, the drudgery of housework, chores and routine just gets to me every single time.

Recently I've realised that this might actually be more of a problem than I think it is.

I've always known that an easygoing friendship with mess is critical when you're a mum of three. I'm an organised, mostly tidy sort of person but I've always had a reasonably high tolerance for disarray (you should see my car!) because I really don't like cleaning up very much.

All fine, you say. We're all a bit like that.

Well, lately I've found myself aborting family moments because I am already loathing the thought of cleaning up afterwards before life even happens.

No, you can't get the paints out.

No, I'm not getting you a kit with 1000 beads for your birthday.

No, you can't add water to the dirt.

No, you're not getting rice for dinner.

It's terrible! Where is my sweetness in servitude when I need it? Why can't I relish the paints and the beads and the mud and the rice and then feel great about cleaning up afterwards because I allowed my family good times and good meals? Can't I put their needs first and worry about my own, er, cleaning issues later? Do I need to just grow up or something?

Why aren't I feeling joy in serving my beloved family?

What the hell is wrong with me?

Questions!

[Image via weheartit]

Original gift - Vintage Playing Cards

Looking for an original, design conscious gift? Look no further!

I had been looking for a gift for my sister, who is the proud mum to my adorable nephew Samuel. When the sweet folks at Vintage Playing Cards offered me the opportunity to review one of their creations, I jumped at the chance and asked for the word "SAMUEL". I love it and my sister was delighted with her stylish gift, hanging it in Samuel's new room.

The name is spelled out in individual cards sourced from a 1930s spelling game. The cards are double mounted with cream and black, and presented in a stylish black wooden box frame. I love how it is very sleek and timeless and I am sure Samuel will love it when he is older. A real conversation piece that had 'Gramps' telling us all how the 1930s game was played! So, today I am sharing it with you as a great gift.

As well as bespoke names, they also do vintage playing cards framed clocks that spell out ‘time’ and ‘tick tock’ and a VPC teatime range of stylish clocks made from vintage china. They also have a vast collection of stylish greeting cards that feature vintage playing cards. My favourite for Christmas is the Deers under the Tree greeting card made from an original art deco playing card depicting deers under a tree.

Have a sweet day!

this

is one of my favourite images from last weekends photos session

lots more to come

Gift Guide - She ❤'s Fashion...

Holiday help is here once again! Today is a collection of gift ideas for the gal who loves fashion.

Bang on trend this Fall...

1. I am loving the rosy sepia tones of the on-trend python curse scarf in 100% wool, featuring two frayed trims and a hand painted print snake-like pattern. 2. For subtle, preppy glamour, wear this metal bow fabric hair clip over your ponytail. 3. On my wish list is this vintage looking corsage and stone beaded bando to add some daytime glamour to my hair!

4. 'P-Helio' taupe ballet flats. Flats? Tick! Patent? Tick! Cosmetic colour? Tick! These shoes tick all the boxes and would look great with skinny grey jeans. 5. For chilly days, the skin-tone flattering cream scarf adds bags of snuggle factor to a wintry day. Wear to add warmth and a textural edge to a sleek winter look. 6. Work some cute chic into your off-duty look with the addition of a chunky knitted beanie hat. With a cable design and broad, ribbed turn-up, topped with a fluffy pom pom it comes in a flattering shade of cream with pinkish undertones to highlight a rosy winter glow.

7. Essie nail polishes in glamour purse, lady like, and power clutch are all from the Fall 2011 collection and update the nude tones of last year. 8. The diamante feather clip in tonal colours with delicate feathers and eye catching faceted beads will add some vintage glamour! 9. Top of my wish list is the 'And Mary' cutout swallow leather purse, made from super soft, Italian leather with a cut out swallow design in gold. Beautiful almond colour and birds: a match made in heaven!! 10. A practical, chic and glamourous metallic shopper is perfect for shopping trips.

11. So you don't miss important dates with the girls for cocktails and cupcakes, get the Swatch soft carnation watch . 12. This tough but pretty real leather honeycomb metal cuff is overlaid with a chunky gold honeycomb bracelet. Wear with girly dresses to toughen up your outfit! 13. The plated chain Maya necklace with glass drop details from All Saints would look great with a white tee and jeans for some girly rock chic! 14. Keep your travelcard in style with these metallic oyster card holder. You could use them for credit cards or business cards, too...

Happy shopping!

Image sources: Style.com, Lado Alexi, The Berry, Sarah Silver

This week I'm grateful for... details

Often in this life that old adage 'you can't see the forest for the trees' springs to mind. But, it's not only seeing the big picture that I sometimes struggle with. Just as often, it's really the trees I can't see because there is too much forest in the way. The details of life are so important.

So, this week I'm grateful for...

196. Details - the little things. A colour. A scent. The whisper of a breeze on my cheek. A note folded like a crane. Ah details, the cherry on the top of life.

197. Moments - details make moments. Barely-there, sparkly moments.

198. Pause - how often we forget the importance of a pause. The space between. A pause lets life rush in.

So, what's making you smile today? Add your post to the list below (and please, we love you, but it really does matter that your post is a Grateful one and not just a random) and pretty-please add a link back to this linky. Then pop over to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine.

[Image found here]

snapped - iphoneology

{this week on my iphone}

it was a gorgeous week weather wise
so lots of trips to the beach
in between swimming lessons
& housework, editing photos & grocery shopping!

i am still walking in the mornings & sometimes think i really should leave my phone at home to stop me getting distracted from the task at hand....but the early morning light is oh so good.