Monday, October 28, 2013

Meet The Sisterhood: Vanessa



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)




Introducing Vanessa!


Vanessa emailed me last year wanting to specifically respond to one of the families we were planning on sending a love bomb to, and she has been with us ever since. She's also a blogger and baker, and has the most delicious looking blog you'll lay your eyes on. Don't read it hungry, you might find yourself in the kitchen whipping up some of her fab recipes (or do, you wont regret it)! 

I met Vanessa earlier this year and she's just as lovely as I imagined! She's also announced recently that she is expecting another baby! Yahooo!!


How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

I think it was through Facebook somehow – 2 degrees and all that!


What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?



I am a firm believer that the world is bigger than our own problems, there are very real needs out in our community that we never hear about: the non-newsworthy stuff is real. I LOVED the fact that this wonderful organisation could let me make a small difference in someone else’s life.  I think my first involvement in The Sisterhood was when I sent a box of goodies to a little girl who needed some extra attention.


How did that make you feel?

It made me feel so overwhelmed to know I could be a part of making that wee girl feel cared about.  Usually when I read stories of people needing assistance from The Sisterhood, I get a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes and wish that I had more resources to give to all these people who need it.


What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?
That through this group, there is an avenue to give, anonymously, wholeheartedly and as and when you’re able. Everyone has something to offer, it doesn’t have to expensive or large, it’s often something as simple as a block of chocolate or a tin of cookies.  That, for most of us, is achievable.


What would you like to see us do in the future?
Keep on doing what you’re doing... I think it’s a wonderful initiative and I’m honoured to be involved.



Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sunday Thoughts with a Wine


I am currently in my happy place [Harry Potter, crochet, glass of wine and cookies in the oven] so thought I would take a moment to pop in here and leave my mark.

Here are my random thoughts from a Sunday evening on a long weekend:

  • I'm very grateful for all the emails, advice and experience I have received on this new hitting phenomenon. I don't even like to type that word, it feels so dirty. We are giving Milla lots and lots of positive attention, firm and direct leading when situations turn to custard, chanelling her mothering and gentleness into her Dolly and trying to live a great day at a time. I think it might be working / helping. She is certainly responding to it well! 
  • I've been busy lately, my family, home and personal self have suffered because of it. Thankfully, its all self imposed busyness, which means I have the power to control it. Say no to the Rushing Woman! 
  • I have had a 14 year relationship with Harry Potter. I still enjoy it as much as I did back in Form One (year 2000) when all the cool girls were reading it. Mrs Drower, if you ever read this, I still have your Chamber of Secrets book I never returned!!! 
  • I've started a new crochet piece of art. It's fabulous, and I'm learning SO much about crochet in the process. It's filling my hands and my mind with colourful happiness and its good for the soul.
  • Milla and I are attempting to grow strawberries. I don't know if they do already, but society should promote growing things as a help for depression. Watching these little plants grow has brought me immeasurable joy and wonderings into the fullness and meaning of life. Another good for the soul activity.
  • I can't believe its nearly the end of year! My birthday is approaching, along with Christmas. I'm already pondering advents, activities and things to be done with Milla regarding the whole Jesus being born thing. Any fun ideas?!
  • Christmas gifts this year are being bought from local or small NZ businesses, I've already started online purchases. It feels good knowing i'm also being able to help someone else local buy their Chrissy presents! 
  • I miss you all. What have you been up to lately?!


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Sister Files: Sharing Bedrooms



The girls have been sharing a bedroom for the last few weeks now, if you had asked me a few days ago how it was going I would have said perfectly. Everyone told me they would share fine, that they wouldn't wake up to each other, and everyone was right. They do share and they don't wake. 

Even though we have a room for Katie to potentially use we decided to keep it as a spare room / sewing area / office / Sisterhood storage area. Also there's a big possibility we'll need to down size to two bedrooms next year so we wanted to get the sharing a bedroom thing in from the start.

Milla loves to have her sister in her bedroom, she whispers whenever she goes in there, and I'll often find a blanket on Katie that wasn't there in the first place.


Katie has transitioned from the basinet in our bedroom into her cot just fine. Infact, I don't think she even noticed a change. I'm still figuring out how to tuck her in, I'm unsure if I should be wrapping her, sleeping bagging her or just letting it all flow. Whatever I do, she gets off to sleep just fine, usually with a thumb in her mouth (adorable). 

These last few days Milla has suddenly struggled to keep her hands to herself. It caused problems last night where every 10 minutes we heard a shriek from Katie, only to rush in and find Milla with her fingers in her eyes, nose, mouth, hitting her, pulling etc each time. Oh my heart, it broke for little Katie. I felt so bad for her, and sad for Milla. Katie ended up in her basinet last night to give Milla some space.

Unfortunately this trend has continued today, so i'll be spending today cuddling my biggest, letting her pour the washing powder in the machine (such a treat!) and giving her lots of attention. I'll also be praying for lots and lots of patience. 

The trouble with sharing rooms is there's only one place to send them, and if they can't be together then... whats the back up plan?! 


I do love this arrangement though, and for the most part I'm glad they have each other. It'll be nice when they're a little older and can have a chat before they go to bed! Cute!

Whats the sleeping arrangements like in your house? Any tried and true recipes for success? I'd love to hear them! Leave a comment and let me know :) 

READ MORE:
Sister Files


Monday, October 21, 2013

2013 Ninja Bake Weekend Complete



This weekend hundreds of women pulled out their cooling racks, put on their ninja head gear and prepped the hubbys on the best places for a drop off and getaway.

Some waited in cars for the kids to come running down the driveway, others had a getaway vehicle running ready to go.

But at the heart of all the excitement, it was hundreds of women baking in secret for hundreds of others. Some were known to them, others were nominated and they were trusted to bless other peoples loved ones. But whatever and whoever, we all know one thing - it was a heartwarming, belly filling weekend of blessings, kindness and love.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this weekends Ninja Baking drop. Over 400 batches of baking were delivered in stealth (or not so stealth). Some were baked in the dark of the night, others with a group of cousins or work mates, or with little kiddo fingers pinching dough.

As a recipient of baking, I know that what you did was a good thing. You made someones day, or week. You released tears and brought about smiles and heart flutters. Thank you!

Here are a few photos and quotes from the weekend - photos sent in by bakers, and quotes pulled from comments left on our Facebook page over the weekend. Thank you for joining in on the Facebook page over the weekend too, there were lots of visitors and you welcomed them so well!

Check out our Facebook page here because this is just a very very small selection of what is on there!

"We've just received some lovely baking in our mailbox! Thank you to whomever nominated us, and thank you to whomever baked for us! It's been a big year, with the arrival of baby number three, a business to keep pushing and volunteer work to keep going. Knowing that we've been thought of in this way by someone is really appreciated." -Erin


"Oh my gosh! I just got ninja cookie bombed! Except the lovely ninja stayed and I got to give her a hug. Thank you!!!!" - Holly


"What a lovely surprise I got yesterday! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much " - Louise


"Ninja Baking received after I had just received a phone call about my mum being rushed to hospital.....so the importance and meaning is always, ALWAYS more than baking....the note meant everything too, and knowing the effort and love that went into the baking.....and the effort to drop it off!....made it all the more special. Can't thank everybody enough." - Andrea


What might have been the trickiest Ninja drop of the weekend (hehe! would you believe they got in and out without being seen?):




Honorable mentions go to Treena-Marie for helping me so much with emailing and behind the scenes admin, to Katie for asking to ninja-bake for all the other bakers in her city and to everyone who registered as a baker or signed up a nomination! Thank you for caring beyond yourself and reaching out to bless someone else. You make this world go 'round, no doubt. 

Love to you all.

READ MORE:
Here's what some bloggers have said about the Ninja Bake weekend:

Meet The Sisterhood: Cyndi (*LJ)



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)




Introducing Cyndi (also known as *LJ on our FB page)!


I first met Cyndi through blogging a few years ago. I sent her some coffee through the post and hooked her into The Sisterhood foreverrr. I knew the way to that ladies heart! Hehe!

Cyndi helps me admin the Sisterhood facebook page, and chimes in every now and again to give me advice on my hairbrained schemes. She has a beautiful boy, Monkey, who is probably the smartest kid I've ever heard of, and Cyndi has to be the strongest woman I have had the pleasure of knowing as I have watched her blog her way through divorce and hard change this last year. 


She is a blessing to The Sisterhood, and its a joy to finally introduce her as she has been know as *LJ for so long!!



How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

I received a care package from you before The Sisterhood started officially. It was a simple gift of love and I treasure the memory of it. The simplicity of the idea made it appealing.


What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?

I got involved by sending some things down to Sisterhood HQ and then nominated two deserving mums I know and had a ball getting them some local treats. After that I got in touch with bigger companies to get larger donations... Especially some cool things from The WotWots for our Christmas parcels.

How did that make you feel?

I felt like I was able to help other women and families in the smallest way, which would make continuing to contribute easier. Knowing that they would feel special and loved and, above all, SURPRISED is a great feeling too!


What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?
That it's accessible to so many people. It's not just "rich" people giving and "poor" people receiving. It encourages a richness of spirit that allows us to give what we have to complete strangers who are in need of something. It also allows for paying it forward which is amazing!

What would you like to see us do in the future?
I'd like to see us do more "Love Bombs" and maybe set up some local chapters once the Sisterhood becomes a charity ;)


If you want to make friends with Cyndi, you can find her here:




Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Bathroom Declutter


More dirty laundry to be aired, more dusty, toothpaste covered bits and pieces to share. Lucky you. 

This is my bathroom, containing a stack of towels that just never fits in the cuppboard (even though you can clearly see a space that would fit them perfectly), an upside down baby bath that hasn't been used in over 10 months (we shower 'round here. The bath is just obviously there so visitors will think we're real parents who bath our children). Toilet paper in a basket on the floor and a tonne of products on the counter. 

Ack.

Out goes the bath (now stored under the cot - it'll come in handy.. one day. It will.) and in comes another shelving unit. Toilet paper in the bottom, flannels hand towels and Camillas moisturiser in the top. Inside the green draw is stuff we use, but not every day. Likkkeee razor blades, different moisturisers, samples of things.. other stuff.

Under the counter more space has been made by throwing out products we never use, getting rid of the flannels and handtowels (into the shelving unit, you follow?), and exporting the medicines and first aid kit to the laundry. 

That made room for all the stuff on the top counter to go back into the orange baskets, one for me and one for MrMoo.


Thats the last of my Organising Declutter series, lets all keep our fingers and toes crossed that I win the awesome Tupperware set from Simone at Greatfun4kids


Spring Declutter


READ MORE:
Decluttering my Laundry



Monday, October 14, 2013

Meet The Sisterhood: Amanda



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)

Introducing Amanda!


I first met Amanda at our Plunket's Pepe mornings. We live in the same area and were lucky enough to be in the same group with other lovely mums. Over the last two years of knowing her she has been an incredibly honest, kind and generous part of my life. She's been to my place for play dates, Sisterhood meetings, and even the home birth of my most recent daughter! 

I have huge respect for Amanda, and that's why its my pleasure to introduce her to you today!




How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

I am lucky enough to have a daughter the same age as Sophie's eldest so we met through our local Plunket group. Sophie and I quickly became friends (as did our wee girls) and so when the Sisterhood was 'born' I was excited to jump on board straight away!


What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?

I'm sitting here trying to think what the first 'moment' was. Maybe it was a family in need of clothing after a house fire??? I honestly can't remember and I think that is what the Sisterhood means to me. It's hearing the 'call' from Sophie and finding a way to help...whether it is donation of items, money, thoughts, messages.... It's actually really nice to find a practical way to help others in need.


How did that make you feel?

I am lucky enough to have nominated two beautiful women ... both mothers who despite what they face on a daily basis are so awe inspiring! Being a mother is the hardest job even when things are going ok... I feel so privileged to be part of a community of sisters who are able to show women just how special they are. It sends me warm fuzzies to bless and support complete strangers.


What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?
I  love knowing that what I gift is getting to the women, mothers, families who need it. I love the secrecy of it all. I love the excitement of being blessed and the love that comes pouring out of each and every love bomb. I love knowing that there is a little 'wow' moment for the person receiving it, to know that they are being thought of. I love that I know Sophie... the kindest most warm hearted person I know!!!! Basically I just loveThe Sisterhood!!!!


What would you like to see us do in the future?
I love the blessings that I can involve my daughter in.... we enjoyed the Kindness Day where together we wrote letters to our special friends in our lives and did baking for our doctors and plunket nurses. I'd love to see more ways in which we can empower our tamariki to think outside of themselves.

But in saying that... everything that The Sisterhood is amazing. I can not believe that from a small idea grew something this outstanding!! Big ups to you Sophie and all the Sisters out there xx



If you want to make friends with Amanda, you can leave a comment for her here:

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Little Friends Coat


I made another little Pea Coat for one of Camillas bestest friends after her Mama admired the first kelly green coat. 

Camilla helped me sew this one throughout a week of working around Katie's naps, we used the time to talk a lot about her friends, giving and making things. She really did learn so much in that time and learnt so many new words. It was a great time to spend together even though it frustrated the heck out of me having tiny fingers trying to get where they ought not be!

Details: Navy corduroy with a red strawberry and flower lining using the Big Little classic pea coat pattern (only 7 bucks!)

Cute brooch made using the lining for the front and corduroy for the backing and hand quilted with embroidery floss.

Made with Love metal tags sent from London by my big Sis! My first real opportunity to use them! (I wonder if the owner even realises its there??)



READ MORE:
The Big Little Blog
Millas green pea coat
More sewing on Sophie Slim
Linking in with Show n Tell

I've finally sent my ol' girl in for a machine service, I can't wait to get her back, hopefully running smoothly! Next on my to make list are some quilt style cushions for Millas bedroom - lovely fabric c/- Deb (a lady who really needs no more description than her first name)

If you have heard of Deb and want to donate to her new quilting machine you still can! A woman worthy of blessing.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Organising My Space - Laundry


Er. Hi. I can't believe I'm posting this, but you know, I'm always learning new things about myself. So here I am, showing you my dirty laundry in the hopes of winning some Tupperware from Simone at Great Fun 4 Kids.

She's hired a professional organiser recently and blogged about it, and well, I got the guilts.

We live in an apartment, and we've never really invested in storage solutions. We're still starting out, ya know. Also, storage seems like a weird thing to spend our limited money on.

But. It's been driving me insane recently. With all the stuff that toddlers and babies collect, i'm just about doing my head in. I kind of pride myself on limiting the clutter, its just the storing of stuff we do need that I'm not so good at.

So the day after reading Simone's post I found myself at the Warehouse, buying shelving units and draws for a bargain price. I can't believe it's taken this many years to get my cr*p off the floor.


Let me start by saying, even though we don't have a tub or a dryer, I consider myself very blessed to have this laundry. It's behind a door which is most uncommon for apartment living. Everyone else in our block has their washing machine in their bathroom. We are lucky to be able to hide away our piles of dirty clothes!

Most of the stuff in my laundry I don't actually use. It's just there. 

So out with the nappy bucket we don't need for a while (Millas in big girl knickers now!), it's been sanitised and is now in my office area. Out with the cleaning products I don't use and out with the woollens waiting to be handwashed. The buckets were removed, but have since come back to fit between the basket and shelves.

In comes a shelving unit for first aid and medicines (imported from the bathroom to make more space there)(below), a fabric draw to store the woollens for washing (yes mum, I'm getting to them!)(middle) and up top, laundry powder, vaccum bags and polishers (imported from the kitchen to make more space there).




Thanks so much Simone for that kick in the back side! Coming up later in the week, my bathroom! (no pressure to read these, seriously. Oh the shame!)

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Showering with Babywise & A Giveaway!




Earthwise have a new product range out for Baby, its gentle, natural and lovely, and with my hair twirlin' ezcema gettin' toddler we were the perfect family to try these out!

knots knots, always knots!

So here's honestly what I thought (because I don't muck around with skin care for my sensitive daughter, and I'm sure you wont want to either)

My favourites:

Babywise Shampoo:
"Lather up and sculpt hair into silly shapes. Let your baby see the result in the mirror before rinsing well" says the back of the bottle.

We aren't shampoo users, I find its a bit difficult in the shower to do (and we only shower over here) and for a while Camilla's scalp was so dry so I steered clear.

This Babywise shampoo is super bubbly and when its on the hair, almost stiff-like. You can shape the hair in anyway you want which makes for a few giggles!

Camilla's hair has never been so squeaky clean! Bubbles got all over her face when I was washing it out (I obviously need a lot of practice) and aside from the water upsetting her, they didn't sting her eyes. Bonus.


Babywise Detangler:
"Take the ouchies out of combing baby's hair after washing. Yummy jungle fruit scent makes hugs even more delicious." it reads.

This is possibly my favourite of all the Babywise products! We need detangling help around here!! It smells fruity and Camilla can see little bubbles inside. She loves it so much more than her previous detangler.

I love sniffing her head after a good spray, sooo fruity!!! Camilla's hair is so fine so its important not to have any chemicals loading it up and weighing it down!

Earthwise Wipes:
I'm loving the wipes. They don't seem to be for actual deep cleaning, more like wiping and cleaning surfaces before or after you use them. I've kept ours next to the toilet to wipe out the potty when it's been used (and it has been lately, lots!!! Hoorah!)

I've also used them to wipe out the basin after I've cleaned Katies poo-ey singlet tops (since we don't have a laundry tub, I have to do it all in the bathroom sink). Then I know its nice and clean afterward for whatever else happens in the sink.

Packaging:
Babywise are marketed direct to the kiddos. My toddler LOVES the packaging and bottles and knew straight away they were for her. She cried and cried (below) when she found out she had to leave the bottles in the shower, she was heart broken. We called her new bottle friends "Gumbie" and promised we'll see Gumbie tomorrow.



Camilla just woke up from her nap while I was typing this and saw the bottles on the table. Camillas review of these products:
"Bubbles! Shower. Face. Bubbles. Bubbles. Spray. Milwa"

I did try the other products from the photo up top, but found the hair products to be our favourites. Although this range is for sensitive skin, Milla is just too touchy when it comes to products on her skin so some of the others didn't work out for us, even though we so hoped they would!

Thanks Babywise for the products! We're looking forward to buying more of your citrus wipes in our next supermarket shop!

(enter below!)

**16/10/13 Giveaway closed - congratulations Ange!**

GIVEAWAY:

If you would like to win a baby care pack and laundry powders just leave a comment letting me know some shampooing showering advice OR tell me something fun that you and your kiddos do in the bath / shower!

Extra entries if you follow Sophie Slim blog through a feed or email subscription, or are a facebook / twitter follower. Leave an extra entry for each along with your email address!

Open to NZ residents. Closes Wednesday 16th October 2013.


Monday, October 7, 2013

Meet The Sisterhood: Karen



The Sisterhood is made up of so many beautiful women, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. I wanted to introduce them to you as they mostly stay under the radar and behind the scenes but they are so very important to me!

I've asked them all a few questions, and they replied! I hope you enjoy getting to know a few more Sisters! (I'll be posting these interviews each week. Make sure you leave a comment and some love for them!)

Introducing Karen!


Karen, you're strikingly beautiful!! What a lovely photo of you! Karen has been keeping The Sisterhood in soap supply since... ages ago. I can't remember a time when we didn't have Karen sending us her homemade soaps. They are deliciously smelly and she always sends a huge box full of them. EVERYONE GETS SOAPS!!! Thank you Karen for using what you have to bless others. It's so simple, and completely brilliant. You are the The Sisterhood. 




How did you first hear about The Sisterhood

It was via a Facebook page, I can't remember which one. I do remember thinking what a fantastic idea!

What initially made you get involved? How did you get involved?

I love making people feel happy and knowing someone cares can do that. So I donated some of my soap to The Sisterhood, to be given to people who maybe need to feel cared for.

How did that make you feel?

Great, knowing that maybe somewhere, I made someone briefly happy during hard times.

What is your favourite part of The Sisterhood?

Having been on the other side of The Sisterhood and being helped by some lovely local women when I really needed it, I love the friendship and sense of caring community that it promotes. 

What would you like to see us do in the future?
I'd like to see The Sisterhood grow and expand at a rate that can be managed without stress, so it can help people everywhere. So many need just that feeling of being cared about, and The Sisterhood gives that out in huge amounts.

If you want to make friends with Karen, you can find her here:

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Ninja Bake NOMINATIONs are Open!


The Second Annual Sisterhood Ninja Bake is about to happen from the 18th-20th of October 2013!

We have collected registrations from bakers all over New Zealand, along with some from Australia!

141 Bakers in total, baking for 462 people! Four-hundred-and-sixty-two people!!! 

This is the form you use to nominate some one that you know (or don't really know, but know they could use a surprise baking drop!). All you do need is their physical address! 

To find out more about the Ninja Baking Weekend watch this video:



To nominate someone use this form, and email sophieslim AT moo2.co.nz if you have any questions:
(you can nominate more than one person, so go for your life!)

Nominations are open from 1st-7th October.


READ MORE:

Septembers Month


September, you taught me I'm not very good as saying no, especially to myself.

You also taught me that I value coffee that costs a little extra than the rest, people who are real and honest, how much of my life I spend watching awesome shows like Dexter and Breaking Bad (which are both now finished... forever *sniff*) and how if you practice something, you can actually get better at it (surprise surprise!!)

Here's my 5 favourite posts from this month that I think you should revisit if you missed them:



Yellow Spring Favourites from my partners:


Thank you so much for shopping locally and supporting great businesses, who in turn support me!

If you'd like to be a partner of Sophie Slim you can find our more on my advertising page, or email me on sophieslim AT moo2.co.nz

And thank YOU for coming by each day with a cup of tea to read about our Moo2 adventures! I really appreciate that you show up here and leave a comment to let me know you've been! You're the best xxx

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