Archive of ‘Lifestyle’ category

Mum’s Night Out

I get excited when a girls night out is organized and I get to go out for dinner.

On Saturday night, I got to meet up with some of the Prep mums from Esther’s school… who ironically, don’t have any kids in my daughter’s classroom.

I have been friendly with one of the mums who walks from school and literally lives around the corner from our house. Her son is in a different Prep class, but it’s been lovely to chat and smile to mums, recognising faces and names when doing drop offs and pick-ups. I was added to a Facebook post where the mums were organizing a mum’s night out and suddenly the date was picked and the table was booked at our local Vietnamese restaurant.

Even though there was only going to be a small group of us and it was going to be a casual night out for dinner, I was eager to get a little dressed up.

I put a treatment in my hair, washed it out and dried and straightened it close to salon perfection.

makeup and hair tools

I put on makeup and realized I am in DESPERATE need for new makeup. Why is it Ionly notice these things when I actually need them?

I downgraded my bag from the weekender Mary Poppins bag to a smaller handbag, discarding all the kids’ stuff. Kept the baby wipes because I just never know when I’ll need those.

downgrading handbags

I decided against wearing jeans because that is pretty much my mummy day uniform. I put on a black dress and dressed it up with a vest and boots with heels.

mums night out

As I was organizing my handbag, I had the usual sad face from Esther, who doesn’t like me going out at night. It means I can’t sing to her when she’s in bed.

esther in tears

Once the crocodile tears were on I knew it was my time to walk out that door.

out the door to mums night out

It was a great night.

I was overdressed.

But I didn’t care because I was out for dinner and talking to mums who know exactly what it’s like to raise young kids.

No topic was untouched. From gastro to sensitivity issues with kids to sharing birth stories and miraculous conceptions (my Phoebe). We laughed and laughed and pretty much talked the whole time.

It was good. So good.

And I can’t wait to do it again.

When was the last time you went out for dinner with new friends? Or even old girlfriends? Do you ever overdress… just because?

I’m linking with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Why my Resin Jewellery Makes the Best Presents for Mother’s Day

When I decided to start my plumbing blog, The Plumbette, I had grand ideas of upcycling old tapware and turning them into jewellery. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but I looked at different ways of setting flat washers into bangles through the use of resin.

I did a google search on resin jewellery making classes and booked myself in. I loved the class and enjoyed a new creative outlet. I started making my own bangles and rings as the course included products and materials to make my own jewellery at home.

I got to work and enjoyed the process of mixing colours to create a different variety of bangles in many shades. Once a bangle or ring was made, I’d get Jacob to trim off the edges and sand them down for me. I still find making jewellery fun, but these days rarely have time to enjoy my hobby.

square resin bangles

Just some of the square bangles I have made and sold

What was a hobby turned in a mini side business as family and friends requested I make some jewellery for them and so I started to make items to sell on Made It. It was a lot of fun and I loved when I got a sale.

These days, I have my excess stock sitting in my market box ready to take to a market should I ever feel the need to sell my jewellery.

square resin jewellery

What it looks like wearing 3 bangles stacked together

With Mother’s Day coming up, I thought now would be the perfect time to sell the stock that I didn’t get round to selling.

With the increase of cheap jewellery outlets like Colette Hayman and fashion stores offering their own collection, sometimes it can be hard to charge a lot for my handmade jewellery. It’s sadly an issue all artists face when creating a product. I’ve always sold my resin jewellery well under what I should charge to meet the market. It can take a couple of hours to make each piece and some bangles require a curing time of 24 hours before they are ready to be taken out of the mould and sanded back.

Any excess resin I usually pour into fondant moulds which I then turn into earrings.

The way to determine if a resin product has been handmade is to find a white dot on the piece and bubbles. This is proof that the resin has been poured into a mould and hasn’t been mass manufactured.

I love all the pieces I make and enjoy when I get told that the item is going to someone as a gift.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to purchase a handmade item for mum. You may even make a sneaky purchase for yourself as a way to celebrate the good job you’ve done over the past year.

Either way, I’m sharing all my pieces below hoping that they can find new owners and I hope to eventually experiment with my craft and make more fun pieces. I find the process very therapeutic.

If you would like to purchase anything in the collages below, leave a comment with which letter or number you would like. Postage is $8.65 and each piece can be gift wrapped if you’d like. I also combine postage if traveling to the one destination. These can only be shipped within Australia.

Once you’ve chosen your pieces I will send an invoice through paypal where you can have the option to pay with your credit card.

Pineapple Stud Earrings with stainless steel backs – $10 each

pineapple earrings

Rose Stud Earrings with stainless steel backs – $10 each

rose resin earrings

Chrysanthemum Stud Earrings with stainless steel backs – $10 each

chrysanthemum earrings

Rings – One Size Fits All – $10 each

resin rings

Square Bangles – inner diameter 6.7cm – $18 each or 3 for $45

square bangles

Hexagonal Round Bangles – inner diameter of 7cm – $20 each or 3 for $50.

hexagonal round bangles

Oval Bangles – widest inner diameter is 7.5cm  $20 each

oval resin bangles

Do you have a hobby that you’ve turned into a side business? Ever wanted to learn how to make your own resin jewellery?

Celebrating 2 Years of #everydaystyle in Style

On Saturday, I went to one of the best blogging events to date. That sounds like a big call, but I reckon it was up there with some of the best events I’ve been invited to since being a blogger. And before you think I’ve been invited to many events… I can count on two hands the amount of events I have been invited to.

Every day since I had Phoebe, I have taken a photo of my outfit. I have missed some days if I haven’t had time to get a photo, but generally taking an #everydaystyle photo and uploading it to Facebook and Instagram has become part of my everyday morning routine.

I don’t do it for likes or compliments. I do it to show a normal version of a mum at home with her kids. There are days where I look tired and frumpy and other days I could give Megan Gale a run for her money.

Nikki from Styling You created the #everydaystyle hashtag two years ago and a community of fashion savvy women have embraced the hashtag and friendships have developed from it.

To celebrate the 2 year anniversary, Nikki organized a lunch for the ladies who take part regularly using the hashtag.

It was an event I did not want to miss because if you follow Nikki’s Instagram feed, she’s a woman who knows good food and how to have a good time.

Prior to the event, I was worried about where the heck I was going to park. I had opted to park at the Myer Centre which I hate parking in but do it because I know I’m guaranteed a park and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg compared to some other parks in the city.

As luck would have it, I missed the turn off into the city and had to go over the Storey Bridge and that little mistake turned into a good call because I decided I’d park under Queens Plaza and for an extra $10 I got valet parking which meant I didn’t need to park the car, the valet did it for me. It was the perfect place to park because I pretty much walked through Queens Plaza, across the Queen Street Mall, through the Wintergarden and straight into the Hilton. Don’t you love when mistakes work out in the end?

Anyway, the lunch was held on the pool terrace and I got to catch up with bloggers I regularly read online, as well as meet new faces. Most of whom I follow on Instagram and know via their Instagram name, not their real one.

Trying to pose with the Style Balloons

Trying to pose with the Style Balloons

 

Take 2

Take 2

 

Take 3

Take 3

 

Take 4

Take 4

 

Take 5, Stuff it I'll just hold onto S.

Take 5, Stuff it I’ll just hold onto S.

 

Everydaystyle Lunch at the Hilton

 

Bev from Iris May Style and me

Bev from Iris May Style and me

 

I got to sit next to Lauren from Sand castles and Paper Crowns and we worked out we crossed paths at the same church over a decade prior. I couldn’t believe it!

I had Sue from Madam Cassowary on the other side who I regularly see sharing her #everydaystyle pics.

Lunch was served and it looked stylish.

Lunch Hilton Brisbane

We got tips on how to pose in our photos and where to place our hands. We had to practice and I did give it a go on Sunday but I felt too serious and didn’t end up sharing it. I’ll share it here though as proof that I practiced what I was taught.

My serious pose.

My serious pose.

After the tutorial, dessert was served.

Dessert Hilton Brisbane

Nikki pre-warned us that we would be getting a lucky door prize. I thought it would be some sort of sample beauty product because how can you give 30 decent raffle prizes away? Nikki from Styling You did. She turned into Oprah and gave everyone a super stylish gift. The prizes were AMAZING. Gift vouchers and accessories and clothes and shoes… it was like Christmas had come early.

I received these fabulous Turkish Towels from Knotty Towels. I had to laugh because as you know I write a plumbing blog and love all things homewares and I got TURKISH TOWELS! I have had Turkish Towels on my wish list since they became a trend. I absolutely love them and can’t wait to use them. I’m also thinking they’re a great towel alternative for the beach.

After lunch we congregated down at the bar to chat. I left a bit abruptly because the valet closed at 5pm. Unfortunately; I left with a headache which turned into a migraine. I was in bed as soon as I got home before wishing bloggers well in Sydney while they partied it up at the Kidspot Gala at Luna Park.

As wonderful as the event was, what made it fabulous were the women who came. All sporting individual looks and carrying themselves with confidence. The shoes everyone was wearing were insane! On Friday, I headed to Jo Mercer and bought these because I needed a heel that I could walk in. It is a skill to walk in a stiletto heel. I still can’t do it. The big trends in shoes at the lunch were tassels and gladiator style heels.

Special thanks has to go to Nikki and her assistant who put on a fabulous event. We received a Louenhide purse and notebook with our name tags which were such a generous touch to an already amazing event. Thank you to the Hilton for the delicious lunch and to Olympus who sponsored my bubbles (and everyone elses’s).

 

How awesome were the place settings?

How awesome were the place settings?

Styling You and Styled by Bec

Nikki and I

Anyone can take part in #everydaystyle. It’s just a matter of taking a picture of what you’re wearing and uploading it to Instagram, using the hashtag. The group is an inclusive one, not exclusive.

Thank you also to Vizcosa, who dressed me for the event. I’m also giving away a Kaftan from the Vizcosa range up to the value of $249.99. Head to this post to enter.

Have you ever been to an event that blew you away? Ever made a mistake that turned out better in the end?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT

How to Shop For Yourself With Little Kids in Tow

In the last couple of weeks, I have had to go shopping to get some new shoes with my girls in tow. Usually I purchase a lot of my clothes online, but when it comes to shoes, I really need to try them on before I buy them. My feet are wide near the toes and narrow at the ankle which makes it hard to find the right fit. My feet have also grown to a size 10 due to pregnancy.

A lot of my sandals from last season were a size 9 or the sole was so thin, they offered little support or cushioning to my feet.

The situation was looking dire in my shoe wardrobe and I was avoiding wearing certain dresses and skirts because I didn’t have the right footwear to go with them.

The only option was to go shopping and take my 1 year old and 2 year old with me.

Fun times.

I was able to get what I needed and get my shoes but it did take a few trips and a bit of research. I’ve put together some tips on how to shop for yourself with little kids in tow.

shoe shopping

  1. Take a list of what you need and make sure you take this with you when you go shopping. If you go grocery shopping or need to run errands, take the kids with you to browse as part of your research.
  2. Realise that if you do take your kids shopping, the time will be limited as your kid will get restless and want to get out of their confines. Usually an hour to 2 hours maximum is what my girls will cope with before they complain and ask for a milkshake, toy or play on the indoor playground. Make peace that you might have to make a couple of trips to get what you need.
  3. Whether they understand it or not, explain to your kids that you’re going shopping to get mummy shoes or clothes when you drive into the carpark. Explain it won’t take too long, but they will need to be patient as mummy tries on some clothes. Maggie understood me when I told her, but Phoebe had no clue and just grinned at me. Explaining what you’re doing prepares them for what is about to happen.
  4. Choose your vehicle of choice in the shopping centre. For me, I chose to take my double seater pram so I could strap Phoebe and Maggie in. This means they are contained when going in and out of shops and when you try on clothes/shoes. If you’re buying a few pairs of shoes, you might opt to use a trolley because of the shoe boxes.
  5. When you head to the change room, use the wheelchair access cubicle when offered. Most assistants automatically offer this so you can wheel your pram/trolley in with you.
  6. When shoe shopping, let out your toddler if you can trust they will remain in the shop. Beware that your toddler may rearrange a shoe display. Apologise to the sales assistant and arrange the display back to how it was. Most sales people will happily oblige to doing the rearranging themselves so it gives them something to do during a slow weekday.
  7. Have snacks and mini toys on hand to distract your kids while trying on clothes and shoes.
  8. Don’t push your kids past their limit. If they are crying and carrying on, put a stop to the shopping and take them to the parents room for some time out/change of scenery or to an indoor playground if there is one in the shopping centre. If your kids start tantruming while you’re browsing you are most likely going to make you rush to get your purchase.
  9. Reward your kids for their patience by allowing them to play on the indoor play equipment or buying morning tea/lunch after you’ve finished.
Maggie trying on the display shoes while I get fitted for mine

Maggie trying on the display shoes while I get fitted for mine

 

Thinks she's pretty cool

Thinks she’s pretty cool

 

Shopping with kids

 

How do you like to shop for clothes and shoes? Do you take your kids with you? Have any tips to share with other mums how you cope taking your kids shopping when you’re shopping for yourself?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

Styling Session with Nicole from The Builder’s Wife

Styling clients is one of my favourite parts of the styling business. I used to do a lot more of it before I had my girls, and these days, I offer my services sporadically when the opportunity arises.

I saw on my blogging friend Nicole’s Facebook page (The Builder’s Wife)  that she needed ideas for an outfit to wear to two functions. I messaged her immediately and asked if I could help. We made a date to meet at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre with my two youngest girls in tow to get Nicole an outfit to suit both occasions.

We headed to Myer and I knew Cue and Review would have the styles of dresses that would suit Nicole’s figure and style. Usually when I take a client shopping, without kids, I would be in and out of the change room taking dresses back and finding new dresses to try. But on that day we collected a huge range of dresses to take into the change room. I busied myself giving advice and keeping my girls entertained with food. I then made the fatal mistake of taking Phoebe out of the pram because she was getting whingy and wanted to be free. She was happy to sit and play with the pram. She crawled into the free fitting rooms and played with the door. While I was attending to Nicole, Phoebe made a mad dash and crawled out of the change rooms into Myer. I panicked because I couldn’t see her and Myer is a pretty big store. Nicole quickly chucked some clothes on so she could help me find Phoebe. Thankfully, it was only a minute or so that Phoebe came crawling back after an expedition around the rack of clothes in the Basque section, right next to the change rooms. Phoebe was promptly placed in the pram after that!

My girls playing in the Myer change room.

My girls playing in the Myer change room.

In the meantime we found this winning dress by Cue. This dress ticked all the right boxes in terms of colour, cut and style for Nicole.

The winning dress

The winning dress

We tried a few other shops in the centre, but nothing compared to this dress. It worked with what Nicole already owned in her wardrobe – a black blazer and pumps.

Nicole in her Jacket and Pumps

Nicole in her Jacket and Pumps

 

Worn without the jacket

Worn without the jacket

I love how Nicole got her hair styled to match with her look. She looked beautiful and I’m so glad I got to help her in a practical way.

If you are after a styling session to find an outfit for a special occasion I am happy to assist. I offer a reduced styling rate if I bring my girls along for the styling session and can feature your outfit on the blog. Feel free to contact me for further info.

What do you think of Nicole’s look? Have you ever shopped with a Stylist?

I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.

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