While looking for some things on Etsy, I came across ‘Seventh Tree Soaps‘. An Aussie soap seller, who has gorgeous packaging!! I love the way she presents her products, so pretty. And wonderful to see someone making pretty soaps that I can buy! As I don’t know how customs would be about importing soap. These would make such gorgeous gifts.

THIS WEEK

We are half way now! And I had my anatomy scan. They checked everything, and so far the baby looks to be developing well and healthy. Which is so good. And we found out we are expecting a BOY! I was having warm relaxing bath the other night, and i started to feel him move about, so I put my hand on my stomach, and boom I felt a kick!! He’s rather cheeky though as often when I try to feel it he stops moving, making it very hard to see if Dan can feel him, but I’m sure once those kicks get harder and more frequent, he will get a chance to feel it. It was our wedding anniversary yesterday, and we went out for a lovely dinner. My cheeky boy kept moving about while I ate steak but then settled down once we got to dessert. He must like steak!

BABY THINGS I’M LOVING

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Today is our one year anniversary! In some ways the time has gone fast, in other ways, I look back and can’t believe how much we have done together in that time. And soon we will be moving into a house we own!! And I am 20 weeks pregnant, with a little boy on the way.  To think this time last year, I was nervously getting getting ready to walk down the aisle.

We had our 20 week scan this morning.

And it’s a…BOY!

And all looking very healthy. So we are very happy and excited.

I do love the transitional seasons. There is something beautiful about them, flowers blooming, leaves falling. The magic of change. While I am enjoying Autmun, and all the pretty leaves, and the beginning of colder weather. Those on the other side of the world are enjoying the pretty blooms, bright colours and the weather warming up.

SPRING  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5     vs.    AUTUMN 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

THIS WEEK

Just saw the Dr. this morning. Baby was wriggling about, trying to make it hard for him to check measurements. All is looking well. And the anatomy scan is booked for this Thursday, so we should find out the gender then, which is very exciting!!

BABY THINGS I LOVE

The cutest little baby play things..

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During winter, I like to make soup at least once a week, its healthy and warms you up on a cold night. I often will make some sort of bread or damper to dip in the soup (and on lazy weeks buy some really nice bread). This week I thought rather than making the usual, I’d have a go at some nice plump pretzels, as I have always wanted to try make some, but felt a little intimidated by the world of yeast. Well it actually went really well, I felt proud and can’t wait to make more.

I based it on Martha Stewarts recipe here. I only used half the amounts she asked for, as I wasn’t sure how it would go, and only wanted enough for the two of us for dinner. Instead of glazing them with egg, I used flaxseed oil, and I sprinkled on Lake salt and fresh rosemary.  I only made 3 from the amount, so I made them a bit chunkier than called for, but I wanted them more big and fluffy, rather than thin an crisp for the purpose of dipping in soup. It worked out really well and tasted sooo good. So I will have to make more, maybe some sweet ones too next time.

I also came across this recipe which has great ideas for dips to go with them. And this image (from the food dept.) is what made me think ‘I have to make pretzels!!’

THIS WEEK

I am feeling a little bit of movement each day now, mostly in the late afternoon/evening. But sometimes during the day too. I think baby is getting closer to my belly button now, as I noticed my belly button is getting shallower. Its strange and amazing seeing my body change as the baby gets bigger. Especially when I havn’t changed shape much in a long time, I was so familiar with what fits me, I could just look at a piece of clothing and now if it looked my size, without having to try it on. And now I have to make sure I can get things round the ever growing tummy and bust. Leggings are my new best friend. So comfy, and always fit.

I’m LOVING

I came across a few patterns online for baby clothes and other textiles. So I am thinking of having a go at making somethings, it will probably save money and put my sewing skills to good use.
-50 great clothing (and other baby textiles) patterns: see kate sew
-Baby leggins (this tutorial is the best as it has printable patterns in 3 sizes): toddah
-Play mat: toddah
-Baby hats: zaa berry

If you know any other great tutorials, do share!

The town is looking so pretty at the moment. I do love this time of year and all the colourful trees. I took some instax shots while out today.

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If you didn’t hear on twitter, we recently bought our first house!!! Yay for no more renting, and the freedom to do what we want with the place. We can’t move in until next month, but I already dreaming up how I want to decorate the place. The house has light grey walls, grey carpet, and white tiles. So we are working with a different base this time (our current place is all cream).  So I have been think about colours that will work well with the current furniture we own and the new house. A lot of what we have is wood, cream, white or black. (I know very neutral). So I am thinking of injecting a bit of gold, mustard, teal/pale blue and grey. That way I only have to add the odd small items of colour, and it works as a living space for both of us (not too girly, hehe)