Ruthie

37 WEEK BELLY

RUTHIE'S STYLE..PENCIL SKIRT..

1. sophisticated and sexy


2. leopard skin ♥


3. great top and pencil combo


4. coral pencil skirt with mustard belt


5. gorgeous soft pink pencil skirt with petite blouse


6. flannel pencil skirt


7. a very stylised little vintage number


8. timeless


all images sourced from pinterest

THE ELEGANT WOMAN

Last week I published a post on RULES OF ETIQUETTE. In my search for websites on 'women's etiquette' and 'how to be a lady' (of which were few and far between) I stumbled upon a beautiful blog called The Elegant Woman.

"Welcome to The Elegant Woman, a gentle guide for women to timeless chic, grace and poise. A personal insight into the art of refinement and living graciously." Eunice J. Leong Author of The Elegant Woman.

Here are a few words about being 'absolutely lovely' from Eunice that I personally find invaluable in my quest to be the best woman that I can be:

She is never too busy for her family, her loved ones.

She prioritizes and keeps things simple.

She is passionate about her work, but it will not take over her values. She is passionate about family, but she does not neglect herself and she continues to take interests outside of family.

She knows when she is over-stretching herself and says 'no' to the unnecessary. Due to her disciplined manner of living, she enjoys what she has chosen, designed. She is never hurried and in a rush.

She does not think she is better or more important than anyone and vice versa. She speaks in the same manner to the janitor as she would to the vice president of her husband's company.

She is unafraid to say that she doesn't know and does not pretend to know.

She does not fake her youth, her wealth, or accomplishments or her age. She tries to be as respectful as possible and is humble.

She gets the best quality that she can afford and will use it until it needs to be replaced.

A giving person is not merely generous with her finances. She is also generous with her time, words, her things, affection, her compliments, encouragement and praises.

She stirs her tea quietly in order not to all attention to her cup. She speaks softly in public places, so that it will not be a disturbance to others.

In her actions, she considers others.

Although you may consider  many of these little suggestions to be common sense, when you look around it is easy to see that many modern women do not appear to share the same elegance and poise found in women earlier in the century. I think that it is possible to hold the empowerment we have gained through feminism and greater gender equality while still  retaining our beautiful, graceful feminine essence, a quality that is unique to us as women. I think that it is refreshing to meet a true lady because it does not come without self discipline in todays world. Today it seems to be normal to turn on the television and see advertisements using acronyms like OMFG, alluding to profanities and selling just about everything via sex appeal. It appears that our morals are getting looser, clothing smaller, more quantity less quality and common judgement is based on how one looks over who they are as a person and their contribution to community. Part of being absolutely lovely and an elegant woman is of course learning to present oneself in a classy manner, or at least in a style that represents who you are. While this aspect of being an elegant woman is based on looks, the special thing about Eunice's blog is that she places equal if not more importance on cultivating goodness on the inside as well as the outside. Being a kind-hearted person is key to the elegance you seek.

I have shared so little of what this blog has to offer, it is full of practical tips on how to have a small yet exquisite wardrobe, the art of being graceful, elegant motherhood and more.

Happy Reading,

Love R x

 

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via pinterest.com

37 WEEKS

First things first- Baby is growing well and we don't need an ultrasound! That was a relief. Our midwife confirmed everything looks nice and healthy and bub will be perfect size for me, a nice petite compact bundle.

In other Exciting news, my belly button has almost popped out and we can feel dear little baby get a bout of the hiccups pretty much everyday.

This week we also the packed the labour bag. This is something I have looked forward to doing as I've gotten closer to the birth. I am a natural organiser and packing is a task I truly savor! Wow. what a sentence. I think this is a sign that my life has quite possibly shrunk to the size of nappy bag and I haven't even had the baby yet...... I've had a peak around the internet to see what other expectant mums recommended packing for their birth bag and in comparison I think I've managed to keep it to a minimum (keep in mind it's Winter here):

1 long soft jumper

3 soft loose tops-2 designed for breast feeding

2 pairs soft loose tights

1 nursing bra

4 pairs black knickers

2 pairs warm woolly socks and slippers

change of clothes for Nathanael plus board shorts so he can get in the bath/shower with me

toiletries...tooth brushes, soap, face washer, soft toilet paper, maternity pads, breast pads, moisturiser etc

nappy, beanie, singlet, jumpsuit and soft muslin wrap for baby

arnica for bruising and strains

massage oil in spray bottle 

2 tennis balls (to use for massage to localise pressure)

(our hospital provides bean bag, birthing ball, heat packs)

music on mp3 + headphones

energy snacks, rehydration ice sticks, powerade plus food for Nathanael

a book for Nathanael

camera

2 handy booklets :
'Acupressure; promoting a natural labour and partner involvement'
which can be accessed via the Debra Betts Website
'Preparation for birth; A guide for mothers'
which can be accessed via Birth International

Birth affirmations that I sourced from various books and websites and made into a nice printout that I'm going to laminate and take on the big day...

I'm sure things will get snuck into the bag over the next few days/weeks that may be entirely unnecesary like nail kit, face mask, pack of cards, soccer ball...but as it stands I've done a fine job.

Here is a little list of sites and blogs with their own labour bag checklists for all the expectant mamas or resourceful women planning ahead:

The bub hub; Hospital labour bag checklist a hubbers guide

Mommy's little sunshine; What to pack in your baby's hospital bag

Birth; from bellies to babies and beyond; Delivery bag

Kidspot; What to pack for hospital

Love R x

 

RUTHIES STYLE..VELVET

1. beautiful velvet


2. exquisite velvet skirt


3. green velvet tights


4. royal blue velvet jacket


5. ruby velvet skirt


6. luscious velvet heels


7. crushed velvet shorts


all images sourced from Pinterest

SUNSHINE ON THE NEST

The last week has brought sensational weather to the Byron Shire and everyone is loving it. The nights are fresh and the days are hot, it really has been glorious. I went shopping with mum a few days ago and found a (wonderful, magical, perfect) preloved pram and a nice new sprung cot mattress, so that was just a little bit exciting!! We are now fully stocked and ready for bubs arrival. I even emptied the cot and put some sheets on it. It's a nice timber cot, which I bought for $50 from St Vincent De Pauls way back in the early months of pregnancy and it has an optional change tray that sits on top. It became a storage container for a while and now it has been emptied and restored to serve it's true purpose! Here are a few images of the last few days..I washed bubs clothes and wraps, enjoyed the park, spent some quality time with my new pram and made a hearty meat and veg stew.

RUTHIES STYLE..THE VEST

1. fitted button vest over pretty blue blouse


2. long black vest looks so classy and chic


3. sweet little button vest coupled with pencil skirt


4. pretty floral vest


5. gorgous fitted vest with matching skirt


6. cute denim vest


7. 1950's gold vest over white blouse


8. fancy vest over plain T

RULES OF ETIQUETTE

THE MEASURE OF A LADY 10 RULES OF ETIQUETTE FOR THE VICTORIAN (OR MODERN) WOMAN. Reblogged from geocities: Rules on Etiquette 1.  Cultivate a happy temper; banish the blues; a cheerful saguine spirit begets cheer and hope. 2.  Be trustworthy and be trustful. 3.  Do not place a light estimate on the art of good reading and good expression; they will yield perpetual interest. 4.  Study to keep versed in world events as well as in local occurrences, but abhor gossip, and above all scandal. 5.  Banish a self-conscience spirit - the source of much awkwardness - with a constant aim to make others happy - remember that it is incumbent upon gentlemen and ladies alike to be neat in habits. 6.  The following is said to be a correct posture for walking:  Head erect - not too rigid - chin in, shoulders back.  Permit no unnecessary motion about the thighs.  Do not lean over to one side in walking, standing or sitting; the practice is not only ungraceful, but it is deforming and therefore unhealthy. 7.  If the hands are allowed to swing in walking, the arc should be limited, and the lady will manage them much more gracefully, if they almost touch the clothing. 8.  A lady should not stand with her hands behind her.  We could almost say, forget the hands except to keep them clean, including the nails; cordial and helpful.  One hand may rest easily in the other.  Study repose of attitude here as well as in the rest of the body. 9.  Gestures are for emphasis in public speaking; do not point elsewhere, as a rule. 10. Look the person to whom you speak in the eye.  Never under any circumstances wink at another or communicate with furtive looks. Love R x

RUTHIES STYLE..TRIBAL INSPIRATION

 

1. beautiful dyes, beautiful jewels


2. stylish patterned turtle neck


3. warm earthy poncho
 

4. lots of geometric patterns and colours


5. natural mayan style patterned  jacket with chunky necklace


6. soft feminine combo


7. love the jacket, love the jewels


35 WEEKS

 The last appointment I had with my lovely midwife a week or so ago revealed that bub is measuring a little bit small for our dates but also that the head was down quite low too which might explain the smaller measurement. She said if it hasn't grown enough next visit which is in a week and a half then she will get me to have an ultrasound where they will  measure bub but also the amount of amniotic fluid etc to get a more accurate idea. She wasn't worried or concerned though so I am trusting that everything will be fine. I'm pretty certain bub will have grown enough for her to be content to leave us be without an ultrasound because it feels like bub has grown in the last 4 days. She said sometimes for whatever reason the placenta can stop doing it's job properly. But like I said I am confident that bub is healthy and we won't need an ultrasound. 

I also added another section to the blog called 'MY MATERNITY STYLE' which I had alot of fun creating. You can find it in the horizontal bar of links at the top of the page. It's just a little collage of my maternity fashion so far and I'll be adding to it over the coming weeks as I grow even bigger. It's coming into Winter here in Australia which is a nice time to be big and pregnant and get some use out of those scarves, gloves, jackets and boots that sit in cupboards and draws for so  much of the year. Enjoy scrolling through those and check back regularly for more photographs.

much love, R x

A FEW GOOD THINGS

This week I've achieved a few good things..

1. Cleaned the inside of the car, it was filthy, but now that we don't live on a dirt road anymore it should stay relatively mud free. Washing the outside is on my to-do list

2. Rescued all my pretty retro aprons from the storage area downstairs and folded them neatly for their spot in the kitchen

3. Emptied the cot. Then it magically refilled with junk again. Somehow it makes sense to put all the random stuff that doesn't have an official home in the cot, a habit I will obviously have to break shortly..Even though bub will be sleeping in our bed for the majority of the early weeks

4. Put all the stuff we've got for the op-shop in the boot of the car, haven't quite made it to drop off yet but one step at a time is fine right? It will get their eventually at least it's out of the house

5. Made a hearty and delicious vegetable soup, twice! In one week! That is creativity! 

6. Realised that I watch 'The Biggest Loser' way too often because I know all the names of the contestants...

7. Made a few necessary phone calls to switch over old internet/phone accounts from our old house

8. Discovered Instagram...Ruthieboothie is the name...come find me

9. Recieved a letter from an old friend which reignited my love for letter writing

10. Had a day time nap almost every day (an achievement?), I'm definately slowing down now, hence the small list of accomplishments, but it's important to go with it and rest when I need to

 

A LITTLE TRIBUTE TO BODY PAINTING

To link to some amazing skin illustrating artists see below:

Craig Tracy

Emma Hack

Cecilia Paredes

Liu Bolin

 

34 Weeks

Getting nice and prepared now..antenatal classes have begun and I seem to be meeting more and more gorgeous expectant mothers all the time. The antenatal classes have been great, it's fun sitting back and watching all of the couples interact as we try and put into practice some of the practical things we're being taught. This week we learnt about the stages of labour and had a lights off, floor mats session on breathing into pain with our partners. You've got to love the blokes for coming along for the ride. Some are there to learn, to support their partners, to get some idea of their role in labour and others are to make their missus happy, perhaps it's these men who learn the most though they may not admit it! At some point the midwife who led the class mentioned that some women eat their placentas...Well this illicited all sorts of responses from everyone in the room and one particular fellow went on to say how "I'd want'em to wash the kid before I hold it let alone take that thing home and eat it".

BLESSING WAY TEA PARTY

Yesterday the beautiful people I study with at Uni threw a Baby tea party for me. As I sat back and looked around at all of the kind faces sharing and laughing as we ate cake and drank tea, I realised that nurturing my friendships is something that I have neglected over the last 12 months or so without realising it. Women create such luscious and supportive energy when we get together.

It seems life takes over and other things like work, study, money and just keeping life ticking over becomes important-more important than people..(?!?!) How sad! 

I really recieved everyones kindness yesterday and though it may seem small to them, such a nice gesture had a big impact on me and swung my perspective back into the right direction. People first. Kindness first. It doesn't take much to put a smile on someones face or make them feel special.

Love R xx

32 WEEKS

  

  Love R x

A DAY IN THE NEST.

 
            

I can't say I've had any particular cravings since being pregnant besides a large increase in appetite. For a while now it seems I devour food at a rate that suggests there will never be anymore food on the planet, ever, so best to eat as much as I can now. Occasionally I will be making a cup of tea and suddenly desire a cold glass of cordial or some other cold drink so I'll have both... and about once a week I get an unexpected urge to whip up dinner, desert, a special beverage and a clean kitchen so I take it all on at once. This happened last night.

   

Last night I made a stirfry with spinach, beans, corn, tomato, rice and sweet soy, I baked a banana cake (which turned out amazing) and sqeezed oranges...I brewed rasberry leaf tea and I also cleaned out the fridge. I was in domestic bliss and I relished in the satisfaction of a clean kitchen and a full belly.

GO CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS

What kind of mother do you/did you want to be?
How do you see yourself as a mother?
How much of who you are as a woman will you/have you retained as a mother?
Did you lose yourself and then get yourself back?

From what I have heard, it can be hard to keep the balance between being an individual and being a parent. However, I am determined not to lose sight for too long and with this in mind I go confidently in the direction of my dreams-as we all should-and aspire to work hard to keep the balance.

I aspire to be a mum and do the following....even if it takes a couple of months

1. Continue to be creative (however sporadically)
2. Continue to spend 15 minutes making myself look and feel nice each morning
3. Go back to University part time when bub is 6 months old
4. Make sure i make quality time to spend with Nathanael
5. Take time to nurture my relationships with my stepdaughters
6. Do regular exercise, push pram!

If I can manage to do all those things in the first few months as well as being a good mama, I will be a happy woman.

TIME TO BREATHE AND ENJOY

In the beginning I thought that 9 months was a long time to be pregnant, growing a baby seemed to take so long (how hard can it be?) and the birth seemed like forever away. But now I feel like 9 months is not very long at all. Aside from the incredible physical journey of a teeny tiny embryo growing into a complete little human being inside your tummy, there is an equally transformational experience occuring within the mother from the moment she learns of her pregnancy and I now see how essential it is to have 9 months to process the idea of creating a whole new person of whom you are completely responsible for. I didn't really understand this concept before conceiving and I still can't fully comprehend it because bubs not here yet, But..it's huge and exciting and scary.

It opens your heart and you realise that every person began in someones womb. Everyone was once a tiny little baby. And it makes you appreciate your own mum-wow she got me from that small to this big-what a feat! Such commitment, love and dedication over so many years.

This week I decided to defer Uni. I was studying full time and I was  actually smashing it up until about 3 weeks ago. But then with the move and some other family events to juggle I got behind, overwhelmed and stressed to the max so instead of pushing through I decided to have a break and enjoy my last few weeks of being footloose and fancy free before bub comes. What a relief! Now I have time to do very important things like read about birth and babies, fluff pillows, vaccuum, ride my bike, make jewellery and squeeze fresh orange juice.

Love R x

9 WEEKS TO GO!

It's been a while, because

WE MOVED HOUSE! 

And it has been such a great sea change. We moved from the lush green valley to the bright sunny coast. The sun floods our new house an hour or so earlier in the mornings and lingers well into the evening instead of being in the constant shade of trees like at our old place. Our old place has it's irreplaceable richness and beauty but we've traded it for a change in lifestyle...ocean breezes and evening walks on the beach.

aaaaand I'M 31 WEEKS PREGNANT! 9 WEEKS TO GO!!

...Generally I'm feeling confident but of course mixed emotions creep in every now and then..Things that wouldn't phase me during the daytime seem very important and terrifying at 3am in the morning after my 6th trip to the bathroom laying awake in the dark.

   

Also, I'm pretty sure I've gained at least 10 kilos and yes that's normal but the other day I put on a pretty little silver chain necklace and noticed that it didn't hang quite as low on my decollatage as it used to, horrified, I exclaimed to Nathanael that I suspect that even my neck has gotten fat and he said Yes babe didn't you notice when your neck started to get chunky? oh how pregnancy brings two people closer. It really is precious.

 

27 WEEKS

I skipped week 26 so here are my week 27 belly photos...just about in the third trimester!

  

 

GOODBYE CAR

I said goodbye to my much loved car this week. I only had it for about 18 months but i grew very fond of it! This is a photo of her at her final resting place-before being towed to the wreckers...

So now we have one car, it's nice, its's cheaper and homely and soon it will be full once bub comes and has the capsule in it all the time plus the girls. Nathanael's car is a hyundai station wagon so it's bigger and will do the job beautifully, we gave it some lovin last week and got it serviced...

I was tired this week and couldn't shake it, so I skipped a couple of days at Uni. I studied at home but it seemed like after a couple of pages my eyes would start closing, it was really frustrating. I hope it's a passing tiredness, bub might be having a growth spurt because I've felt a bit nauseas this week too..

anywho, I'm off to have dinner and crawl into bed. G'night.

Love R

BYRON BAY FASHION

 

  

I discovered this gorgeous local clothing label Rowie Designs at Bangalow market recently and have since read online that they are having a Summer Sale! The Byron Shire produces so many gifted designers and these days the markets are a fantastic showcase of the rich diversity of our local talent. Rowie Designs unique, quality garments are hand printed and are "designed to transcend seasonal fashion trends, to be worn for many seasons, loved and adored" (Rowie Designs). I just love the details in their designs like the little buttons and the feminine tailoring. Check out their Summer Sale via their website.

via www.rowiedesigns.com

COLLECTING FOR BABY IS FUN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noone can deny how adorable baby clothes are. One of my favorite things to do is sort through the piles of baby clothes at thrift stores because you always find quality pieces in great condition-they outgrow them so fast they hardly have time to wear them! It's especially fun not knowing if we are having a boy or a girl because I just go for bright and colourful pieces, I really don't think that colours matter, if we have a little boy he will inevitably end up wearing something pink or orange every now and then, that's just the way it's going to be!

Every now and then I can't resist buying brand new baby clothes and of course I will buy more intimate items like singlets and cloth nappies brand new. Last week I bought these gorgeous little pants from Cotton On. Cotton On are an Australian clothing label for women, men, kids and babies, they make quality casual and sophisticated fashion and have established the Cotton On Foundation which "actively supports local, national and international charitable organisations and encourages all Cotton On entities and stakeholders to recognize and embrace their ability to make a positive impact on the world" (The Cotton On Foundation.)

DRESSING FOR MESS

Hello Dear Readers, I hope you've all had a great week. Week 2 of Uni is already over and I'm happy to say I'm still  pretty much on top of it all. I know it's early in the semester but things stack up pretty quick if you don't attend to each and every little task for each subject. In an effort to avoid spending money on take away food at Uni I've been taking my own   pre-made lunches. On Thursday I wasn't quite so organised so I took the ingredients for lunch and assembled it on my lap in the car and got tomato all over my skirt! Luckily the skirt is patterened in oranges and reds so you couldn't tell....perhaps richly patterned clothing is the key to appearing clean as a new mum too?....noone would ever spot the leaky milk, baby vomit, spilt breakfast...I think I may be onto something noteworthy. 

 

THE JOY OF CREATIVE INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION

I've turned into quite the busy woman (in comparison to the last 2 months I've had off) and along with the busyness I have felt inspired and motivated and I'm loving it. It's nice having a change in routine and get back into the swing of learning. Studying definately gives me a sense of direction. And being busy makes me value my time more so I am alot more productive, a little less lazy :) 

I'm up at 6am throw on the dressing gown, boil the jug put the porridge on the stove, get dressed,pack my bag, get dressed again (indecisions!), brush teeth out the door. While I drive to school I try and differentiate in my mind between all my new assignments and what the tasks are, I think about baby, the future, find a park, then listen and learn. If it's a special day I might even treat myself to a hot choccy with marshmellows in between classes. At night time I even do some homework!! and jump into bed at about 10. Thats the routine 3 days a week anyway.

In other news this week I..

1. Bought Nathanael and I a pair of goggles for swimming at the pool when the surfs dull

2. Paid off and closed my credit card account (Yippee!)

3. Bought a new pair of very luscious dangly earrings

4. Started drinking rasberry leaf tea everyday (good for uterine toning)

5. Discovered that instead of buying a newborn baby car capsule (usually around $300) I can hire one for $80 for 6 months!

 

IN THE BOUDOIR: THE DYING ART OF BEING A LADY

Of course there is more to being a lady than the art of making ones face and dedicating time to beauty. When I think of being a lady I think about how a woman holds herself, how she presents herself, how she talks and walks. I think about what it is that makes her special and unique, what gives her substance. It's liberating being a woman in todays world but it doesn't hurt to have a little charm, etiquette and class.

Beauty is a thing of the past is a quirky blog and a great resource for all  things girlie. Here you will find beauty hints from the 17oos right through to 1970s. So if you are looking for How to set pin curls, How to coif your hair or How to achieve a new bright complexion then peruse the long list of beauty hints this dedicated blogger has scanned in from old magazines and enjoy. Bring back the art of class, of being a true lady. You'll even find sections on How to find your man, Pretty hands and Lemons for loveliness!

The pregnant mama in all her elemental glory

 

A PRODUCTIVE DAY AT SCHOOL...

Today at Uni was very practical, in one class we built towers out of Styrofoam cups and paddle-pop sticks and in another class we played a game of charades. Good to know my uni debt will be well worth it! In my last class which was sensory-motor function we watched an amazing clip on a Neuroanatomist named Jill Bolte Taylor. She had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. She felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding, she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another. If your interested and you've got the time (20 mins) it is well worth watching. She not only provides insight into the experience of stroke and her inspiring 8 year recovery, she also shares how she percieved the world around her in terms of energy due to her altered brain function. Amazing stuff.

Jill Bolte Taylor on Youtube

 

24 WEEKS!

6 MONTHS PREGNANT

We have been so busy lately I'm 2 weeks behind in my belly photos! I'll definately post the latest ones up this week. I'm 6 months now and still feeling good. Feet are getting a little tired though, backs getting a little sore and sleeps not as deep and restful as it once was but it's not that bad and it's absolutely worth it. Whatever it takes to grow this little bundle. Heres a couple of photos of the family enjoying the creek at home. After all the rain in January it got cleared out and for a couple of weeks our swimming holes were nice and deep and luscious.

 

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BEING A STEPMAMA

Being a stepmum is one of the hardest yet by far the one of the most rewarding opportunities I've ever had. I've been part of this beautiful loving family for almost 4 years now and each year we get closer and the love shared between us grows stronger. Truthfully, it took me a good 2 years to really start to settle in, for a while I kept my foot out the door. It was a way of holding onto my selfish needs, I thought that committing to a family meant I had to sacrifice more than I was comfortable with at the time. Yet I wanted so much to be part of this family fully and wholeheartedly.
    I have had a great relationship with both of my stepdaughters from the beginning. We live harmoniously under the same roof and our relationship has always been caring and respectful. But I have always aspired for it to be so much more, I've had an ideal image of myself as a perfect stepmum and when I haven't measured up (in my own eyes) I've felt endlessley frustrated and dissapointed with myself. I realise now I have very high self-expectations, but I am glad. Because what could possibly be more important than family? Slowly I've strengthened my relationships with the girls to be closer and more loving, I've focused on cultivating patience, kindness and generosity. And our happy little family gets stronger by the week.

It's important to realise that we don't have to be perfect. We can both accept ourselves as we are and yet still strive to find the maturity and strength to be the best we can be.

 "Accepting oneself does not preclude an attempt to become better" (Flannery O'connor).

 

BACK TO SCHOOL

So next week I launch back into full time study...Eeekk. I am nervous of the workload yet inspired to stay ON TOP of it and not let it overwhelm me. Sound familiar? Yes, I say this at the start of each semester. But this time it will be different. I am already super organised. Yesterday I bought a folder complete with loose leaf paper, plastic slips, dividers and even a clip in pencil case so I never have to borrow a pen from a classmate ever again! I feel good. I loooove being organised, I feel prepared and ready to tackle it all. I've even written out a schedule for my week that includes all my Uni classes, study time, work, exercise (to keep these pregnant thighs strong), blogging and house cleaning. I use my time way more efficiently when I have a schedule or a list and this way I can meet all my productive, creative and exercise needs.

I have my laptop sitting on my stomach and everytime the baby kicks the screen wobbles. Only 3 and a bit months till we get to meet the little bundle! We are all getting very excited.

In other news- I blew up the head gasket in my car....Remember my previous post about taking 1 step forward 2 steps back? Now it feels like about 10 steps back but I am actually feeling pretty good at the moment regardless. We haven't found out how much it will cost to fix the car, it will probably be more than it's worth-we'll wait and see. We can function with one car at the moment, that's the main thing. Each hiccup we are having at the moment is solvable or just requires some patience so I have reached a point where I feel content for the time being because we've come up with solutions that will sooner or later be in action.

Bye for now, Ruthie

BABY WARES SO FAR.....

So far everything we've bought for bub has been second hand. Of course we only choose good quality things in good condition. We have a list of things we want to buy brand new but for the most part we have managed to score some fantastic preloved wares (which will be disinfected/cleaned appropriately):

Beautiful timber cot with removable change table
Baby bath
Ergo baby carrier
Avent breast pump with lots of bottles
Clothes
Beautiful chest of drawers
Blankets

See having a bub doesn't need to cost the earth...

1 STEP FORWARDS 2 STEPS BACK

This weeks has brought some sad and frustrating news and at the moment we feel a bit like we are taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. We've had some sad news in the family this week and my partner didn't get into the course he had applied for and we also found out that we didn't get the house we applied for. It turns out our application for the house was successful and we were accepted by the realestate but the owners have decided to continue renting the house for holiday rentals only. GRRRRRR. It was soo perfect for us!!

A DAY AT THE MARKETS

On the weekend mum and I decided to pack up all our pretty wares and go to one of the local markets. It was a bit of an experiment because neither of us have ever had a stall at the markets before. We pooled together our beautiful second hand clothing and mum brought a table full of retro/antique items from her preloved shoppe. It turned out to be a very quiet day, given it was the first sunny day in a couple of weeks maybe everyone was at the beach...We are going to try again next week at a different market and with a bit of luck it will be much busier! We are planning on doing two markets per month. It's a very pleasant way to spend the day sitting back in the shade people watching and eating yummy market food. We will not be disheartened! We will become hardcore marketeers!

22 WEEKS

REFLECTION: ALONE TIME

Today I caught up with my dear friend and we talked about time. We discovered that we both share the attitude of never having enough time. We also realised how much energy we put into making sure we get lots of time on our own, to ourselves, to have the ultimate freedom that comes with relaxing in ones own company. We are both creatures who love solitude. However even when we have plenty of time alone we still want more. I think it is healthy to enjoy your own company but I would like to get to a point where I don't feel the need to protect my personal space with the fierceness of a tiger. I would like to be more flexible with time and more spontaneous. The angst of not having enough personal space seems to permeate our daily lives and limits how much time and energy we put into nurturing our social needs. We both seem to prioritise alone time above spreading our wings as social butterflys, yet it is the latter which brings us more fulfillment. Yes it is obviously essential for us to have periods of alone time in order to recharge and rejuvinate ourselves but we both find that too much of it is unproductive and sometimes destructive. Our problem is that we think we need more than we actually do.
I like identifying unfulfilling and outdated habits that we don't realise we have because then we have the opportunity to change them.

Love R

 

21 WEEKS

The punches and kicks are getting much stronger now! I bought a great prenatal yoga DVD that was recommended to me by a beautiful family friend who is a midwife. I've been trying to stretch out in the small space of open floor that we have in our loungeroom but every second posture I seem to knock my ankle on the futon or my arm on the bookshelf.  I need more space! I am looking forward to hearing back from the realestate agents about the house we applied for last week.

RAIN AND ALL IT'S BLESSINGS

We have had alot of rain for the past 2 weeks, and with the damp and overcast sky has come a great opportunity to declutter our house! We are preparing to move house which will hopefully happen within the next six weeks. We haven't started packing boxes yet but we are culling out the unnecessary junk from each room and it feels Goood! The next task is to tackle the verandah and then the house will feel relatively minimal and sorted!

We put in an application for a house this week. It's in an ideal location and it's light, open and the perfect size. We will find out next week..

Fingers Crossed!

Love R x

 

20 WEEKS

20 Weeks and loving it. Work at the cafe is dwindling and I have had more time to put my feet up. It is becoming more uncomfortable to sleep on my back so I've started spooning a nice thick pillow on my side which helps. We have had torrential rain for the past 2 days so I've been getting to all those little inside jobs that never get done. I have sorted files, booked appointments, folded clothes- I feel a great sense of achievement and order! The next big job is to sort through and cull my embarressingly large wardrobe, a job I have been putting off for months...Hopefully tomorrow will be rainy too and I will finally have to face the wardrobe demon that I have created.

Love R x

 

HOTmilk blog » Create New Empowering Daily Habits

Create New Empowering Daily Habits

It’s not what we do some of the time that creates real change; it’s the small things we do daily that have the real power to transform our lives.

Using the Vision Board that you created in Step 1, decide what kind of changes you need to make – perhaps start by selecting 2 or 3 areas that you would like to focus on. These might include things like:

• Reconnecting with your husband/partner
• Feeling good about your body and self once again
• Spending more quality time with your children
• Get more organised at home… etc.

Now you need to write down what action you could take daily (or at least a couple of times each week) to move you closer towards your goals. Keep it simple and achievable in order to have the best chance of sticking to your plan.  What’s really exciting about the idea of daily habits is that results happen fast. You will see and feel changes happening within weeks – not months or years.

via www.hotmilklingerie.com

I found this post on HOTmilk's (HOTmilk Lingerie) blog this morning and I really liked the idea of creating a vision board to help remind us of what we want to achieve. If you want to do more gardening then why not pin up a picture of the most amazing garden you've ever seen, aim high and go for it.

We are the only people responsible for our own happiness and achievements in life. Have you ever had a fantastic idea or fantasized about making radical change in your life and then straight after the inspiration comes self-doubt..."I couldn't do that"...."that will never happen"...."what would everyone think"....

Imagine what we could do with our lives if we had a little Self Faith and Optimism!! Great changes would occur regularly. Life would be moving and we would be steering.

Here is a list of 10 things I will be putting on my Vision Board:

1. A beautiful open light breezy cottage. With timber floors and lots of windows. On acreage.

2. A luscious veggie patch.

3. A colourful cottage flower garden.

4. A small motorbike.

5. Yoga + also a swimming photo.

6. A photograph of someone studying on a nice big desk under natural sunlight- As of yet I haven't been able to create a conducive study space.

7. A market stall. I have a big collection of beautiful second hand clothes to sell at local markets.

8. A photograph of Tasmania. This year I would like to go on a holiday to Tassie.

9. Live music. Get out and enjoy the sounds, the vibes and the people on a more regular basis.

10. A big beautiful image of the lunar cycle, set in the middle of the Vision Board. As a reminder of self awareness and fruition, a symbol of the natural ebb and flow of life.

SECRET BURLESQUE GODDESS...MIWANA aka RUTHIE

Lini ... so Ruthie, i heard you've been a bit of a burlesque fanatic in the past. What was it that attracted you to this form of expression.

Ruthie ... I suppose you could say I am a bit of an exhibitionist. I've always enjoyed the idea of being a performer. I secretly fantasise about being up on stage in really exotic beautiful outfits, alluring the audience into the rich and evocative world of  burlesque . I like it because its empowering and feminine.

L ... So would you say that this form of creative expression makes you feel beautiful? Or is it more about it challenging you or confronting you?

R ... All of those things, I would say. I think its like a bit of an alter ego because I dont really have as much confidence as someone who gets up and does that on stage. I think it would make me feel more empowered...Uninhibited.

L ... Yeah inhibition is an interesting force in creative expression isnt it. I often wonder how differently we would all express ourselves if we had no inhibition. How do you think it would change your relationship with burlesque if there was little or no inhibition?

R ... I think I would be a lot more involved with the burlesque world. I would be at Dr Sketchy's in Byron at the Brewery every week. Probably up on the stage, scantily clad in some provocative position where people can draw me, or I'd be out performing. I dont know... maybe I'd go and study it, or become a teacher at a burlesque school..

L ... Cool ! Sounds good to me. Have you recieved any formal training or are you a self trained woman of lace and feathers? 

R ... Both actually. I completed a six week burlesque course in brisbane which was challenging but heaps of fun. I also did a pin up photography workshop with Bombshell Burlesque Academy. Apart from that on the odd occasion, I like to whack on some old burlesque club tunes, drape on some lacey threads, straddle a chair and entertain myself/ my man at home.

L ... It seems a burlesque name is all part of your allure as a performer... Miwana has a smoky, mysterious, classy vibe to me. How did you find Miwana and how would you best describe her?

R ... Actually my partner suggested it...Miwana Dixon. It's cheeky..he has a crude sense of humour, Miwana is bold, sultry, playful, daring... she's a temptress, she's enchanting and she can move.

L ...  I love it ! I hope to meet her soon at Dr Sketchy's. wink.

 

via childoftheuniverse.typepad.com

Kaleidoscope is a blog that celebrates creative diversity. For more insightful and interesting interviews or to share your own creativity with Kaleidoscope visit the Kaleidoscope website

 

Lini ... so Ruthie, i heard you've been a bit of a burlesque fanatic in the past. What was it that attracted you to this form of expression.

Ruthie ... I suppose you could say I am a bit of an exhibitionist. I've always enjoyed the idea of being a performer. I secretly fantasise about being up on stage in really exotic beautiful outfits, alluring the audience into the rich and evocative world of  burlesque . I like it because its empowering and feminine.

L ... So would you say that this form of creative expression makes you feel beautiful? Or is it more about it challenging you or confronting you?

R ... All of those things, I would say. I think its like a bit of an alter ego because I dont really have as much confidence as someone who gets up and does that on stage. I think it would make me feel more empowered...Uninhibited.

L ... Yeah inhibition is an interesting force in creative expression isnt it. I often wonder how differently we would all express ourselves if we had no inhibition. How do you think it would change your relationship with burlesque if there was little or no inhibition?

R ... I think I would be a lot more involved with the burlesque world. I would be at Dr Sketchy's in Byron at the Brewery every week. Probably up on the stage, scantily clad in some provocative position where people can draw me, or I'd be out performing. I dont know... maybe I'd go and study it, or become a teacher at a burlesque school..

L ... Cool ! Sounds good to me. Have you recieved any formal training or are you a self trained woman of lace and feathers? 

R ... Both actually. I completed a six week burlesque course in brisbane which was challenging but heaps of fun. I also did a pin up photography workshop with Bombshell Burlesque Academy. Apart from that on the odd occasion, I like to whack on some old burlesque club tunes, drape on some lacey threads, straddle a chair and entertain myself/ my man at home.

L ... It seems a burlesque name is all part of your allure as a performer... Miwana has a smoky, mysterious, classy vibe to me. How did you find Miwana and how would you best describe her?

R ... Actually my partner suggested it...Miwana Dixon. It's cheeky..he has a crude sense of humour, Miwana is bold, sultry, playful, daring... she's a temptress, she's enchanting and she can move.

L ...  I love it ! I hope to meet her soon at Dr Sketchy's. wink.

 

DAVID VERNON'S SCRIBBLES

 

By David Vernon, Editor of  Men at Birth

Should your bloke attend the birth of your baby?

“What a stupid question,” I hear you say, “Of course he will be at the birth of our child.”

When I set out to compile the book Men at Birth I spoke with many men and received many letters and birth stories from men.  For the large majority of men, birth was seen as an empowering and significant event in their lives.  But not for all men.   Consider the following quotes from men who attended the birth of their child.

“I was nervous, anxious and at times shaking with worry.  I couldn’t bear the noises Susan was making.  I knew that I had to reassure her but who was reassuring me?  The midwives popped in and out and the obstetrician wasn’t available.  All I could think about were my feelings.”

—Jason at the birth of Kyle

“Oh it was easy.  I mostly sat in the corner and watched the TV, which the hospital had provided, with the headphones on.  Janet seemed not to care much whether I was present or not.  The midwives cared for her and when early on in the labour I had offered drinks and energy foods to her in the ad breaks she just said ‘No’ and told me to go back to the TV.  She seemed a bit petulant — it was probably the pain.”

— Andrew at the birth of Josh

“We had done heaps of planning — well Cheryl had done the reading and planning and she told me about how she wanted it to go.  She gave me a birth plan to read, but I didn’t have time as I work long hours.  But that was okay because we had employed a private obstetrician and so I knew that it was going to be fine.  I made it to the birth in time as it ended up being a caesarean, so there was some delay in getting the operating theatre ready.  I had been interstate at a sales conference, but made it.  Cheryl was unhappy about the caesarean, but at least she didn’t have all that pain with the drug relief.  The blood made me feel a bit woozy...  The baby was healthy and that’s all that matters.”

— Duncan at the birth of Lesa

via www.davidvernon.net

David Vernon is author of Men at Birth, an insightful collection of men's experiences of birth and a practical guide for fathers to be. This is a snippet of a much larger and very exciting article written by David which you can access via the ARTICLES link at the top of my blog.

 

HALF WAY

I'm half way through my pregnancy and I've already got ideas about how I want to create the best birth possible. This week I am going to start putting together a scrapbook full of the inspiring bits of advice I find in the books I have been reading. The authors share a common message of empowering the mother during childbirth and amazingly they make me feel like I have some tools to draw upon when the big day comes.....The following list is of my 3 favourite pregnancy/birth books and they are each linked to the authors websites.

Birthing From Within

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Having a Great Birth in Australia

I have also been searching for affirmative and powerful images to take to the birth in case I feel like focusing on something encouraging...

I like this image because it makes me feel fearless. I like the idea of trusting in the process of birth and in this sculpture it looks like the woman is being led by the wolf, surrendering to it's way and its path.

This is a beautiful image and I will take it with me to remind me of the beauty that is on the other side of birth.

18 WEEKS AND KICKING..

 

I think I've felt some kicks in the last week. It's a funny little poking flutter in the front of my lower belly usually in the morning...We had our 18 week ultrasound this week too. Bub is growing nicely and looks healthy. I know this beautiful experience of pregnancy is going to fly past so I'm really enjoying it, especially now that I have no morning sickness and a bit more energy.

 

Like I said, we kept it simple..

 

Christmas and New Years done and dusted

Dear Readers,

I hope you all had a beautiful festive season as my family and I did. Ours was pretty low key. A BBQ, cole slaw, cups of tea, pavlova, trifle, rocket and pear salad, pineapple upside down cake...presents and good company-which is always the biggest treat. We got spoiled as usual and the kids all had a great time.

I had my 18 weeks ultrasound yesterday! It was lovely, bub is growing nicely and looks healthy.

I'll be back to post photos when my little old computer decides to let me upload them!

Sayonara, R

 

What I found today

old Budgie eggs on the floor of the aviary