Nihon e ikimashita!

It's been quite some time since I have posted. Don't think I don't have excuses ready though. Excuse no.1 - family holiday to Japan! Our first overseas trip as a happy little family of 3. 

I can 100% recommend our hotel in Osaka - Swissotel Nankai. It was literally right at a major train station, in an area with fantastic shopping, eating, etc. It is also worth going for a drink or meal in the restaurant on the top floor, just for the sparkling 180 degree view.

The aquarium was also worth a visit. They were very much into the Christmas spirit - Santa even went diving with the sharks and sting rays. 

These crabs fascinated me - they were so huge and creepy. 

My husband, meanwhile, got really into taking artistic shots of the jellyfish. 

Bub was a bit tired and loved being fussed over by the owner of a local restaurant.

 I wish Australian public toilets had these baby seats - so convenient. 

 Nara was a favourite spot, particularly Todaiji. 

We travelled between cities via Shinkansen, and couldn't resist the cute snacks.

These artworks at the Hiroshima Peace Park were made from tiny origami cranes! 

 All of the sightseeing really wore her out. 

Tokyo is a crazy place: a truck advertisement for a robot restaurant, we couldn't get the song out of our head for the rest of the trip; a karaoke bar; the largest and most expensive apples I have ever seen; plastic food lined the windows of most restaurants... I'm hoping this was an all-you-can-eat buffet?!

The Ghibli Museum was another highlight, so adorable and such attention to detail.

My husband's idea of heaven.

There is always music amongst the trees and in the garden. But our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.

Happy Birthday to me

My first birthday with a daughter, as is that's not enough of a gift... I was also spoilt with some cute presents

Our upcoming family trip to Japan was a common theme

Including a lovely passport wallet

And seeing as my daughter has so many cute stuffed owls, she gave me this owl ring 

(I think my husband may have helped pick it out)

We had a family lunch at Moo Moo with my parents, and my husband and I had the brownie sundae for dessert - thank goodness we were sharing! (that's home-made honeycomb on top)

 The waitress must have overheard my parents wishing me happy birthday, and prepared this surprise dessert plate as well. It was a fantastic day/ weekend.

Sydney Getaway

We recently had a little family getaway to Sydney. Highlights included a milkshake at Lindt Cafe; window shopping in the city and making a mental wish-list; a picnic at the botanical gardens; and a day wandering around The Rocks. 

This area has such a historical feel - it's so easy to imagine it back in the days of early settlement. I once did a ghost tour of this area at night, and as well as being spooky, it was fascinating to hear the true stories from the area. (Note my new Karen Walker boat pants, which will be worn at every opportunity!)

My husband found this building amusing... I think it's the all-boys high-school education...

Oh to go back in time and enjoy one of these ice-creams...

The contents of my suitcase looked a little something like this (... plus a whole lotta baby stuff):

Tea Party for One

At first being a mother was a very time-consuming full-time job... But now that we have settled into a little routine, it is quite relaxing. I like to change things up a bit each day to avoid going crazy - today I treated myself to a little tea party for one whilst my little girl napped. 

 

 

My recent purchases: 3 Country Road knits for $19.95 each; Django and Juliette tan leather boots on sale for $95; bloomers and tunic dress for my baby girl

 

One danger about having this time to myself is the temptation of online shopping. An email in my inbox a few days ago announced that the Country Road online outlet were having a further 50% off knits. Now with an upcoming trip to Japan looming and my winter wardrobe looking very sad due to me being heavily pregnant the whole season, $20 knits were too good to pass up. Of course, I couldn't place the order without throwing a couple of cute baby things into my cart. I had also been on the look out for new tan boots after wearing my old ones to death. I found these on sale at Zomp whilst on our fun family outing over the weekend, and the last pair were my size - perfect. 

 

But don't think my days are all lonely tea parties and credit card work outs. Oh no, the best part is the baby smiles and cuddles, play time, singing and nonsense conversations. Before long, we may even be having tea parties for two. Yes, I love being a mum!

Same same but different

I have sold quite a few things on ebay lately and would like to splurge on something nice. So now it's decision time. Here are my ideas:

1. A good quality coat (pros - I can wear it in Japan, I don't own a warm coat that I really love; cons - I lie in QLD, I can probably get by with my Country Road hip-length coat)

Options: Karen Walker - $560/ $320

2. A handbag (pros - my everyday mid-size bag is worn to death so I can see a definite gap in this department, colour goes with everything; cons - I already have a Marion and my baby bag that I am getting by with, have to be careful doesn't get baby-damaged)

Options: Alexander Wang Rockie/ Emile - $620/ $920

3. A ring (pros - could get my daughter's name engraved inside as a sort of birth memento; cons - gold expensive, but silver could get tarnished)

Options: Karen Walker single or multi-flower in gold or silver - $635 gold/ $95 silver; $865 gold/ $120 silver

What would you do?

October outfits: Part 1

October mini-wardrobe

For the month of October, I'm going to mix and match from the following items from my wardrobe: 10 tops, 10 bottoms, 2 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 bag. Too easy.