Sweet little high-flyer.

Stella is a high intensity toddler. She always has been. In fact, she was even a high intensity baby. I'm sure if I researched and spoke to professionals, mums and other equally judgmental sources, they would assure me it is caused by a number of factors. Maybe her birth process? Maybe my pregnancy emotions? Perhaps I ate too much sugar antenatally? I didn't play Mozart to the fetus in my womb?

The conclusion I have come to as her Mother is that Stella is Stella. She is a high intensity, fast paced, sometimes overly demanding, intelligent and energetic toddler. Which all sounds perfectly reasonable and manageable until the days you are not so high-flying yourself. These are the days I question my parenting and it's abilities. Stella had a playdate with a friend recently, and rather than it be all about rainbows and butterflies it was all about tears and tantrums. She was a frenzied ball of stress.

Evie would build a tower, Stella would purposefully trample it down. Evie would have a dummy, Stella would take it from her mouth and claim it her own. Evie would read a book, Stella would throw the books from the bookshelf. Evie would eat a sandwich, Stella would use hers to wipe the bench with.

I know the golden rule of guilt free parenting is to not ever compare children. They are the definition of individual and no two children will be the same. But, in times like these... I couldn't help but think, "Dear god, why can't you be more like Evie!"



Stella soon snuggled into bed after the playdate had come to an end, and I stroked her soft head and apologised. Not only am I sorry for comparing her, but I am also sorry for perhaps not accepting her as I should. She is none-the-wiser and has forgiven me like any loving baby does, but I know in myself there are things I need to work on. I need to listen to her needs and find the point of frustration, I need to figure out what it is that creates the frenzied monster attitude she can sometimes take on, and take the steps to eliminate these. Children are always trying to tell us something, through their play, their behaviour and their tantrums. I just wish I could hear her a little better at times.

Have you also got a high intensity toddler? Do you sometimes feel out of control and lacking skills to manage your sweet little high-flyer? How do you cope? What lessons have you learnt? I would love to hear from other mamas who share the same distress at times, as always... share your stories with me.

Here's to hoping the storm has calmed after a nice, long, much-needed afternoon nap!
Plenty of love,

Baked with Love; Beef and Red Wine casserole

With the weather cooling considerably and the sky blackened by dinner time, there is nothing more comforting that a hot and hearty casserole. Add the aroma of red wine? Delish! I particularly like this recipe for the smell it gives my house...nothing like the smell of red wine on a Friday night! As you know, I only attempt recipes with minimal work and skill required...so this one is a slowcooker version.

Beef and Red Wine Casserole

Ingredients:
1kg Gravy beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons crushed garlic
5 rashes of bacon
3 carrots
3 brown onions
1 cup of red wine
1 cup of beef stock
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons cornflour

(This recipe makes a large amount; enough to serve 4 adults, or enough to serve 2 with the remaining being ideal for freezing)



Method:
Chop the beef into bite sized pieces and brown in a pan. Add the beef and remaining ingredients to the slowcooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Thicken with cornflour 30 minutes before serving.

If you are in need of warming up and comforting; whip out that slow-cooker and give it a whirl!
Plenty of love, 

Inspiration to Nurture Naturally- Part 1

Breastfeeding is not something I thought I'd ever write about on the blog. It's a topic that screams controversy, opinions and judgment. Damned if you do, damned if you don't, damned how you do! I promised myself it was something I'd steer clear of in written form.

But... here I am. Pregnant and typing about breastfeeding, because honestly... It has been on my mind A LOT.

From around 8 weeks along in our journey I have been dreaming regularly of our baby. I dream of holding her and feeding her. Sometimes I dream that there is some kind of physical boundary stopping me from feeding her, other times its just me and her; nursing and feeding. Every week since we found out our exciting news, I have had these dreams. I don't doubt that these dreams are reflective of my inner turmoil over failure to feed in the past and a deep longing desire to feed my baby. Even the image of a mother and baby nursing on television can bring me to a sobbing mess of emotions.

I didn't breastfeed Stella. A fact which although I rarely dare to admit or express; saddens me deeply. And something I'll talk about in more depth soon.

Last week, I very nervously waddled off to a private appointment with a Lactation Consultant. Getting the appointment itself was a challenge, although we are lucky enough to be offered these free and incredibly supportive services in our health system sometimes getting the necessary referrals and actual appointment dates written on paper is like pulling teeth. I had to practice my assertion and determination, which isn't something I feel confident and comfortable doing, but it got me the results I was looking for.

By the time I walked the hospital corridors and found reception I was puffed out and flushed. Not knowing what to expect and feeling intensely vulnerable only added to my breathless nerves. Would I have to strip off? Would the consultant be young? Old fashioned? Judgmental? Would I leave feeling relieved? Or stressed? Earlier that day I had assured Nick that I would be fine to go to the appointment on my own and wouldn't need him to leave work, but I found myself wishing I'd admitted how nervous I really was and asked him to come with me.

The woman who met with me was warm and encouraging. She spoke with kindness and could very obviously tell how nervous I was, she did her best to help me relax and feel at ease. We started by talking about why I was there. Why, when pregnant with my second child would I need the help of a lactation consultant? I should be a seasoned nurser by now, yes? That's the way I feel many midwives view my situation, they assume that because I am a second time mother, I am also a second time feeder and wont need much or any assistance with breastfeeding. In reality, I am a much like a first time feeder. Although, I would fight to say that this time around I am even more nervous and unexpecting. Perhaps something to do with that 'self-fulfilling prophecy' we tend to become victim to.

The most valuable thing I learnt from my 60 minute chat, is a message I will never forget. Feeding with Stella wasn't a failure. My inability to feed was caused by a domino tower of variables, all of which took it's toll on both me and my newborn emotionally, physically and mentally. This down-to-earth and sweet woman who is a mother herself injected me with more inspiration and determination that I ever felt possible in such a short and simple amount of time. She made me believe in myself, my abilities and made me feel proud regardless of my breastfeeding history.

I thought that within time I would share with you some of the obstacles we uncovered with my breastfeeding past, and how we are working to avoid these from happening the second time around. Many of these were not things I was even aware of at the time, and it is only with reflection and the follow up of numerous notes by midwives that I am able to distinguish what went wrong and why.

I cannot begin to describe how empowering that is, to have the knowledge of what caused certain feeding problems and what can be done about them in the future.

Seeing a lactation consultant antenatally has been the very best thing I have done. To any mama experiencing nerves, concerns or doubts...don't hesitate to push for that appointment. If you are discouraged by some midwives telling you to wait, trust your instinct and get a booking anyway. It could be the chat that inspires you for a positive feeding relationship with your new baby, and washes that guilt and regret away completely.

Stay reading over the next week for part II of my Inspiration to Nurture Naturally series, sharing with you my obstacles of the past.

Plenty of love, 

A 15 minute DIY

I really don't like having blank walls, if there is something I can put on a wall to make it tell a story then I will try. Recently, I re-arranged Stellas room and became very aware of a blank wall staring back at me. Something needed to go there, something simple and pretty. But what?

I decided on a very plain, but very sweet bunting. It took me only 15 minutes, and I love it! Something you could also use to pretty up a dessert table or hang above a birthday cake. The process was as simple as 1, 2, 3...




1. Cut your preferred size of triangles out of felt. (Use one as a template so they are all the same size)
2. Use a hole punch to put a teeny hole in the top two corners of each triangle.
3. Thread each one together with your choice of twine or ribbon and hang!




Beautiful effect with minimal effort! Now that's the kind of DIY I love! What have you been crafting lately? Like me, do you have a short attention span when it comes to your creative abilities?

Plenty of love, 

Lovely Links of Late

{ These photos capture a divine mama looking so naturally maternal. It makes me long for the experience of a new baby even more!

{A deer cameo ticks all the boxes for sweet. I am swooning over this design by Sconnie and Jam. The talent hails from a married couple who "Create, Re-create and embrace the already created." Ahhh, too cute!

{ Ever considered eating your placenta? Gretchen is planning to do just that, see her reasons why here.  

{ This family is 'screen free'. Yep, meaning they no longer have a TV. You heard me right! Is it something you think your family could achieve or even attempt? The post also includes a super cute crafting activity for children, worth a little look-see!

{ I used to follow Katie and her beautiful life on her last blog, and I have only just had the chance to visit her new residence on the internet. Have a look at her stunning and inspiring photography and fine art.

{ With a toddler who has super fussy and frustrating eating habits, I have begun to question where I went wrong in the whole 'baby eats good food and likes it' concept. I have heard a little about Baby Led Weaning and I think it's something I am very willing to try with Little Miss #2. Are you a BLW advocate? 

{ You know how much I love, love, love a good DIY blog? Well, welcome to the scene a new creative space for Daneve! Sit down with a cup of tea and browse 'Get your DIY on' for a burst of crafty motivation.

{ This blog is a dream for the average housewife who attempts to be the almighty domestic goddess. I particularly like this post about a clean, natural and green laundry routine. I am currently after ways to save money yet still actually clean when it comes to laundry. 

{ Drea gives insight on why setting a good example for your children far surpasses any resentment and bitterness you may hold within. Single mamas can find many an inspiring word from this lady! Read about her good example here. 

{ Lastly, a big thankyou to Dress Me Retro for being the first feature sponsor ever on Winter Love! You can catch Alisons introduction here and 'Top 10 tips for thrifting with children' here. If anyone is  interested in Sponsorship for July or August, I'd be thrilled to have you!

Plenty of love,

Thrifting with Children

Thrifting is thrilling right? Finding something you've been hunting down for quite some time or stumbling across an unexpected beauty. But add children to the mix? Is it still thrilling, or terrifying? I know that when I have attempted an op-shopping session with my little bundle of energy in tow, stress levels have been high and purchases have been low.

Alison from Dress Me Retro (Winter Loves June sponsor) is here to give you 10 simple tips to thrifting with children... how to keep the experience enjoyable and survive the trip!

1.Find children's treasures too. I haven't found an op shop yet that doesn’t have kids toys and books. Katie is quite happy to play while I search for treasures.

2. I normally give Katie $2.00 to spend. She can find a book for .50 cents and a soft toy or doll for $1.00. Sometimes she picks out clothes for her dolls or ornaments for her bedroom. She picked out a skipping rope for $1.50 on our last visit. I don’t buy Katie something from every shop either. I explain to her that she can buy something now or look for something better at the next shop. If she doesn’t buy anything her money goes into her piggy bank for the next thrifting day.

3. Search out thrift stores other than Vinnies and Salvos. They have increased their prices so much that they are more like a retail store now. And unfortunately I have noticed some of the staff aren’t as friendly as they used to be. I find great quality kids gear at my local 'Save the Children' op shop and the 'City Mission Shop' is normally great for bargains.

4. Most of the time I set aside a whole day for thrifting. So I always pack some fruit and snacks and a water bottle. Obviously Katie isn’t allowed to eat and drink in the store but stopping at a park for a break is always a great option.

5. I give Katie a five minute warning before I'm preparing to leave a store. That way she doesn’t throw a tantrum when I tell her its time to go.



6. Include your child in the check out process. I allow Katie to hand over the cash or press the buttons on the eftpos machine.

7. Try to make it fun. Katie pesters me to go to the op shops now. Whether its because she knows she will be rewarded with something? I don’t know. I like to think its because she loves trying on silly clothes and hats with her mama!

8. Take your own shopping bags. Not only is it greener but there aren’t too many places that offer you a plastic bag these days so it pays to have a couple handy.

9. Search through auctions, markets and garage sales as well. I tend to pick up lots more goodies at flea markets than I do at op shops. At our local market there is a jumping castle which is great for convincing young children to behave! At an auction, I constantly see kids cubby houses or bikes go for less than $10.00.

10. When thrifting, use an open mind. Look at things from a different perspective. What you would normally overlook as a daggy pink or blue dress, can be cut up and made into some adorable bunting. Or an old jar can look amazing with a little twine and some pretty flowers.

* And remember * we all have those days where children just don’t want to co-operate. This has happened to me a couple of times, and sometimes you just have to abandon ship, head home and try again another day.



Happy Hunting!
Alison
Dress Me Retro 

Thrilled by a Thrift

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you...the biggest thrifting thrill of the year. The kind of find that elevates the heart rate and has you checking your wallet for cash before even thinking of the practicalities.

Last Saturday, we made an impromptu visit to the market on a very cold, wet and windy morning. Not expecting to find anything and almost regretting the attempt at trawling the muddy market grounds we were ready and eager (well, mama certainly was) to get home for afternoon naps. Then, I spotted this pram. A 1960's full sized pram, in incredible condition and the most perfect colour. I kept walking and tried to concentrate on other things but couldn't stop lusting over it like a little girl. "Oh Nick, that pram!".

Being the ultimate pregnant-partner-pleaser he is, Nick haggled his way to a $35 price tag and surprised me with the goods!

I am in love!






I had to re-arrange our bedroom in order to fit it in perfectly, but it was well worth the effort. It now sits next to our bed, acting as a display storage for the baby's blankets and wraps. I have visions of it becoming a beautiful prop for newborn and baby photos, and one day it can be a decor focal point in her nursery.

The biggest thrifting thrill to date!

What's the most exciting vintage piece you have ever picked up unexpectedly? What would you use this pram for if you were to stumble upon it before I was lucky enough to?
Plenty of love,

A sneak peek.

Remember me talking about our maternity photo shoot? Well, I have some sneaky images to share with you! We are yet to chose our final images, and are having so much trouble doing so because we totally love them all!

Tanya from TK's photography did a wonderful job of capturing two people who feel very awkward in front of a camera. She calmed my nerves and made the morning lighthearted and enjoyable. I am so glad we had these done to look back on and reminisce.







I hope you enjoy the sneak peak! I can't wait to share more images with you. Head over to TK's Photography on facebook to browse more of Tanyas beautiful work.
Plenty of love,

Another month, another handmade gift.

'Tis the season for children's birthday parties! Or so it feels. Stellas social life has been a whirlwind of busyness lately...she receives more Facebook invites and party summons in the mail than I do myself!

Our latest fairy bread experience was an hour out of town, for a sweet little girls second birthday.  I spent the night before crafting a card and colour co-ordinating my wrapping paper...after all, handmade gift giving is my favourite part about birthdays.




Have you received any sweet hand wrapped gifts lately? Or created a one-of-a-kind card? It doesn't mater how messy or imperfect a handmade card is, I love it so much more all the same!
Plenty of love, 

Stella Winter; 23 Months Old.

23 months old. Little Stella, you have every one in giggles! A sense of humour has always been a sweet trait of yours, and lately it has grown and developed into something much more. Your need for laughter, little tricks and funny games defines you, and what a wonderful characteristic it is!

You sometimes mix every ones names up, referring to yourself as Dad and to me as Stella, it produces a fit of giggly goodness every single time. Your favourite game by far.

You love to include your mama in each day to day task, and really are the most generous girl. "Mama have some too?" comes with every snack, meal and drink. "Mama too?" is a phrase you use a lot, never wanting me to miss out on the fun. "Mama read books too? Mama make a tower too? Mama have a bath too?". I adore that although your growing independence means you don't need me as much as you used to, you still want me. I know this wont last forever, so I am truly enjoying these moments of being invited to play, cuddle and adventure alongside you.

Wednesdays have become a day you look forward to with such excitement. If I dare mention the word "Childcare" before Wednesday morning you are up and grabbing your bag, headed for the door. The lovely ladies at the centre seem to adore you, and on a few occasions I have caught sight of you showering them with cuddles and kisses. Perhaps your excitement for the childcare day is heightened by the whispers little birds have been airing, about a boy named Fergus. Could it be toddler love? You take fergus' hand everywhere you go, apparently you two are inseparable!



The innocent and pure friendships you hold with others your age is a beautiful thing to watch. You ask for Evie, Lachie and Emerson and talk about them with bright eyes. So trusting, forgiving and accepting...I hope these qualities remain with you and your friendships as you age.

I find myself glowing in pride for you and the little being you are, more and more each day. You surprise me with you knowledge and wisdom. Your untainted happiness and optimism is inspiring.

You don't know it, but my favourite way to connect with you is to lift you out of your bed, sleeping deeply and carry you to my own. Laying with you in my arms and listening to your calm breaths and sighs. Sometimes in your sleepy daze you'll flutter your eyes open and lift your arm to rub mine as if to say "Just go to sleep mama."

Only three weeks until you become a big sister my sweet girl. I know a new set of challenges awaits us, but I am confident we can work through it together. You'll always hold a very special place in my heart, no matter how many more siblings there are to come, I promise your space will still be there. There will always be room.

Plenty of love, 

June's Feature Sponsor: { Dress Me Retro }

Since taking the big leap and offering Sponsorship for the very first time, I have been very lucky to meet some incredible business minded mamas and learn more about their passion for both parenting and productivity. The very first featured sponsor on Winter Love, is Dress Me Retro; A sweet little business local to me buying and selling vintage clothing and collectibles.  

Meet Alison, the wonder woman behind the business!


I live with my partner Mark and our beautiful 3 year old daughter, Katie. Katie is my pride and joy and I'm so happy I made the decision to be a full time WAHM. We have a lot of fun op-shopping and hunting markets together. I get all warm and fuzzy inside when she says “We’re best friends aren’t we mum?”

I love thrifting and will quite happily spend my weekend exploring markets and antique shops. I am a masterchef! I adore food and cooking and on the few times a year I get to have a date with Mark I always insist on going to the best restaurants Hobart has to offer. Smolt in Salamanca Square is my absolute favourite.

I also have a dark side! I am part of a paranormal group called ‘Australian Paranormal Investigation Unit’(APIU). We do paranormal investigations or ‘ghost hunting’ of old buildings around Australia. We have a documentary on willow court, Australia's oldest mental asylum located in new Norfolk, coming out in the next few months. It is always a lot of fun and sometimes absolutely terrifying!


I have the most amazing parents in the world. My mum, Vikki, and my step dad, Scott, have been plotting my adventure into vintage and antiques since I was a kid I'm sure! We live together, work together and still maintain a healthy, solid relationship. I grew up with them in an old 1830’s farm house, filled with antiques and kitsch homewares. They dragged me with them around markets, op shops, auctions and garage sales teaching me what to look for and how to spend $5 and turn it into $10. I am a fashion fanatic. I may not have always been dressed stylishly myself but I could easily rattle off the latest styles, designers and on-trend colours. My mum has a collection of Edwardian and Victorian clothes, which I have always found so beautiful.

I worked in a fashion retail shop for a couple of years after my daughter was born but with child care costs and my mounting frustration of not being home enough for my family (I had to work weekends quite often) I started looking for a new job. My step dad sat me down one night and asked me what I loved. Vintage fashion was the answer! So he offered me a shop space in his antique shop and we’ve been working together since, building a vintage empire!

Finances are obviously the biggest challenge when it comes to starting your own business. Add on top of that a young family and rising living costs and it is super scary worrying about where you’ll find the extra money for this or that. Also organization has been tough. I have always struggled in this area but really notice it now. I have to be able to allocate time to my business as well as time with my daughter, partner, housework, friends, exercise, time to myself… the list goes on! I really wish there were more hours in the day!

My biggest motivation is proving to myself that I can build this business, stick at it and make a living from it. I am inspired by others around me and have recently embraced my inner crafty side! There will be some interesting handmade bits and pieces hitting store in the next few months. I am also motivated by Katie because I would like for her to be proud of her Mum, and to teach her good values and work ethics. Secretly, I would love for her to grow up and want to join forces with me as well!

Happiness is what's most important and I genuinely love what I do. I see some amazing things, meet amazing people and hear some amazing stories so I wouldn’t change a thing. And besides, I have a MASSIVE wardrobe to pick from when a special occasion arises!

Quality is always the first thing that comes to mind when buying vintage. Stuff was made to last back in 'those days' and I think people took better care of their things because they weren’t as easily accessible as they are now. You can pick up some amazing vintage clothes for next to nothing at op shops and some vintage retailers. And besides, why spend $100 on a 1950’s styled dress when you can buy the real thing for the same price?



My ultimate tip? Create a unique style. You can find plenty of one off vintage pieces that no one has seen before. I can guarantee 9 times out of 10 that if you are wearing a beautiful vintage piece someone will notice and comment on it.

It was only the other day I picked up an amazing 1950’s ball gown. It is in shades of pastel pink, blue and seafoam. It was also used in a production of the Wizard of Oz for the character Glenda the Good Witch.

Ideally, I want to have a pretty shop front of my own and be able to afford to hire someone to help out (so I don’t have to work 7 days a week) I would love to generate enough profit so that I can live off my wage. I would love to be able to travel around Australia, having a stall at all the vintage fashion fairs. (You will see me at the next fair in Hobart in September). I also dream of travelling to Europe and the U.S. in search of unique vintage items.


You can find Dress Me Retro here on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.