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Rainbow Celebration!

October 31 2011 By melbournemamma 5 Comments

Last weekend we celebrated my daughter’s 4th birthday with a rainbow party. I am by no means a party planner but I do love organising and I especially love doing things for my kids, and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.

 

It all started a couple of months ago when my daughter spied (caught) me on pinterest* looking at cakes. I had pinned a picture of a layered rainbow cake & when she saw it she declared “I want one of those mummy”. “No worries honey, I can make that for you” I replied (temporary moment of insanity number 1).

 

So began my journey to discover all things rainbow related and I’ve got to admit, it was heaps on fun. I eventually (kind of) let go of my obsession with finding only items that contained all 7 colours (in the right order, mind you – thanks ROY G BIV) and found some gorgeous items for the day.

 

I’m one of those people who likes to do everything (control freak??) – so I was up for the challenge of making a rainbow cake, rainbow layered jellies, fairy bread, rainbow fruit platters, choc bars, pots of gold, rainbow lollipop decorations, along with cakes for playgroup, daycare, a family party and the list goes on (temporary moment of insanity number 2). Thankfully, I did have some help along the way.

 

My daughter helped make the rainbow coloured jelly & she also sorted all the coloured chocolate balls into their separate colours (I was amazed that she sat still for so long AND she didn’t eat them all). My lovely husband made the heart shaped fairy bread (sorry, didn’t get a photo of that).

 

I’m thrilled at how well the cake turned out (phew!). I can’t believe how nervous I was when I cut into it for the first time – it was more nerve wracking than having a room full of people watching me cut my wedding cake and OH-MY-GOD it was soooo yummy!

 

Anyway, here are some pics of the party along with details of where some of the items came from. Enjoy!

Rainbow Celebration

# Ruby blocks from Milladdi Kids
# Rainbow printables (chocolate bars & thank you tags) from Lola & Co Party Styling
# Coloured paper straws from Little Big Company
#
Rainbow Coloured Windmills from Whirly Windmills
#
Glass Pots (rainbow jelly) & Grass Mats from Sharnel Dollar Designs
# Balloons from Complete Balloon Decorating

#
Lollipops from Leprechaun’s Treasure
#
White flower pots from Ikea

*pinterest is an online pinboard that helps you organise and share pictures of things you love – it is also most amazingly fabulous time wasting obsession you will ever discover – find me on pinterest here – happy pinning !

Filed Under: Me Tagged With: birthdays, diy, yummy

Pretty Party Dresses

October 27 2011 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

Is it just me or does it suddenly seem like party season? If your little miss is in need of a party dress then look no further than Chocolate Freckles. Here’s a peek at what’s available – there’s lots more in store.

 

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1. Shirred Dress by Gypsy Kids $39.00

2. Emily Time Dress by Small Society $69.00

3. Pearl Party Dress by Auntie Ollie $49.00

4. Italian Flower Dress by Coco & Ginger $76.00

5. Gia Dress by Peggy $54.95

6. Lilac Ruffle Dress by Pippa Little $54.95

7. Abigail Dress by Chalk n’ Cheese $89.95

8. Violet Rose Dress by Chino $89.95

 

Pop in to Chocolate Freckles at 194 Buckley St, Essendon or call the store on 9004 5241 & they can arrange postage for you.

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: mini style

I’m a mamma!

October 22 2011 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

Four years ago today, I became a mamma for the very first time.

 

I still remember the first time I saw my baby girl (all covered in goop*) and instantly fell in love. I thought she was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.

 

It felt like such a miracle that she was here.

 

A couple of years earlier, I was in a car accident & my doctors where unsure as to whether or not I would be able to conceive a baby, let alone carry one around in my tummy for 9 months. I still remember sitting in a specialist’s office, waiting for him to tell me whether or not I was going to be able to have children of my own one day (it was the most anxious day of my life). Thankfully, everything was ok but he warned of the pain I was going to endure while pregnant. He also told me it would take some time for me to fall pregnant due to the enormous trauma my body had gone through, so not to get worried if it took awhile for it to happen.

 

In the new year, my (now) husband & I decided to start trying, with the hope that we would be pregnant before the end of that year. I remember taking the test the following month & thinking I must have done it wrong as it was showing a positive result! When my husband came home from work, I showed him the test & he agreed that I must have stuffed it up. A couple of days later I took another test & then another, four tests in total – all positive. We couldn’t believe that after just one month we were pregnant!

 

The next 7 months were a blur of vomiting, nausea & vomiting. Seriously, what’s up with that? Don’t us women go through enough. And why call it morning sickness, when it lasts all friggin day! Everytime my gyno told me that being sick for so long was the sign of a healthy baby, I felt like punching him in the face.

 

Thankfully, the pain didn’t really kick in till around the 6 month mark & by that stage the morning sickness was starting to ease, so I didn’t care, I was counting down the days till my due date. 

 

My gyno decided that it would be best to deliver my baby 2 weeks early to avoid me going in to labour, as I was physically unable to give birth naturally. One week before my scheduled c-section – I developed pre-eclampsia. A couple of days later I was in hospital preparing for the most life changing (& scary) moment of my life.

 

The surgery went well and I recovered quite quickly. I’ve heard some horror stories from women who’ve had c-sections (& also natural births) and I think I was one of the lucky ones. I also believe that the pain of the c-section was nothing compared to the pain I was in after my accident, so I think that helped me cope better.

 

So, as I sit here today writing this, I can see out of the corner of my eye, the most amazing little girl – my daughter Ruby and I feel like the luckiest mamma in the whole wide world!

 

* what’s up with the goop – i thought all babies came wrapped, clean and smelling of roses the first time you see them – well, that’s what happens on tv & in the movies, so I’d assumed it must happen in real life too :O

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Me

Getting to know……Julia from Chocolate Freckles

October 20 2011 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

Each week I will be introducing you to a local retailer or designer, so you can get to know the talented people behind some of the stores & labels you already know & love and hopefully help you discover a few new favourites along the way.

 

This week we’re getting to know Julia from Chocolate Freckles in Essendon….
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1. Describe your store in one sentence?

A colourful and unique local store where customers can source beautiful and original labels for their children.

 

2. What do you sell?

A large range of unique Australian (and some international) children’s clothing labels for children from baby to 8 years, children’s shoes, gifts and accessories.

 

3. What do you love most about what you do?

The freedom to choose what goes into the store and then the enjoyment I get from showing those choices to my customers and seeing it come to life on their children. Plus all the talking I get to do each day!

 

4. What are 3 of your favourite labels for kids?

Chalk n Cheese, Minti and Littlehorn are my 3 absolute current favourites.

 

5. What’s one item your kids can’t live without?

At the moment it is the Nintendo DS.

 

6. What’s one item you can’t live without?

My laptop and my iphone…they run my life!

 

7. Favourite place to shop for yourself?

I try to support local business whenever I can but I am loving Witchery this season too.

 

8. If you weren’t running the store what other job would you like to do?

I am a part time law student, so hopefully one day I will work in that field.

 

9. Favourite place to take the kids in Melbourne or Victoria?

Massive fan of Scienceworks and we also love going to the zoo!

Filed Under: Meet the Retailer

Rainbow Love

October 18 2011 By melbournemamma 1 Comment

We’re celebrating my daughter’s 4th birthday this week with a rainbow party – here are some gorgeous rainbow goodies I’ve found recently

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1. Wooden Rainbow from Better Learning Australia
2. Sue Sensi ‘Colour Me’ Bracelet from Hummingbird 60
3. Colours Wall Chart by Blink Designs
4. Vintage Hot Air Balloon from The Little Big Company
5. Rainbow Hot Water Bottle Cover from three four knock on the door
6. Minti ‘Rainbow Scoop’ Tee from Milt and Joe
7. Karlsson ‘Splash Rainbow’ Wall Clock Light from Interiorz
8. Tooth Fairy Bags from The Shy Sheep
9. GIOBAS Windmill from Whirly Windmills

Filed Under: Shopping

You are my sunshine……

October 11 2011 By melbournemamma 1 Comment

My daughter is obsessed with yellow at the moment, so here are some gorgeous items to bring sunshine to your day.

 

 
1. You Are My Sunshine Print  by Little Red Owl

2. Spunkerella Pettiskirt  by Spunkerella

3. Yellow Slap Watch from Kawaii Kids

4. Minti Girls Skinny Short from Cradle Rock

5. Coco & Ginger Tulip Jumpsuit from Chocolate Freckles

6. Willow and Finn Stella Dress from Oranges and Lemons Boutique

7. Giimmo ‘Rice’ Lucky Dog Night Light from Cheeky Little Monsters

8. Bajo Plane from Tiny Flyer

9. You Are My Sunshine Book from Book Depository

Filed Under: Shopping

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Tracey | Melbourne Mamma

melbournemamma

✨ Sunday bliss ✨ Pink blossoms, blue skies and ✨ Sunday bliss ✨ Pink blossoms, blue skies and a little sneak peek of spring 🌸☀️💙

#Sunshine #BlueSky #WinterDays #SpringIsComing #MelbourneWeather #WeekendVibes
I went into this book knowing very little about th I went into this book knowing very little about the Vietnam War, and it was a real eye-opener. 

Kristin Hannah has an incredible gift for bringing history to life, and The Women is no exception. This emotional and powerful story follows the experiences of women who served during the war - stories that are often overlooked - and it left a lasting impact on me. I love historical fiction, and Kristin is truly a master storyteller. 
 
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Women can be heroes, too’. When twenty-year-old nursing student, Frances “Frankie” McGrath, hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Raised on California’s idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing, being a good girl. But in 1965 the world is changing, and she suddenly imagines a different path for her life. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the young men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed America. Frankie will also discover the true value of female friendship and the heartbreak that love can cause.”

Have you read this or any of Kristin’s other books? 

📚 Join my 2025 Reading Challenge via the link in my bio 📚
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After 10 weeks out with a pelvic fracture, it was After 10 weeks out with a pelvic fracture, it was great to see my boy back on the court last night doing what he loves. Your dedication to rehab and the patience you’ve shown have truly paid off. I’m so proud of you - 16 pts and 13 reb (+ a blood nose 🤧🩸) is an incredible return! Can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings 💪🏻🖤❤️🏀

#BasketballLife #BasketballMum #Basketball
When the gift with purchase feels like a whole oth When the gift with purchase feels like a whole other purchase 😍 Thank you @esteelauderanz for the glow-up goodies ✨

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Seriously people! Enough! 😆 #MumLife Seriously people! Enough! 😆

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The holy trinity: dumplings, chili oil and rice 🥟🌶️🍚

Our hearts and bellies are full 😍

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Put this on your reading list NOW!!! The Five Wis Put this on your reading list NOW!!!

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride follows 100-year-old Murray and 10-year-old Jason, a terminally ill boy, as they form an unlikely friendship and work through Jason’s five wishes. Their bond is so heartwarming and shows how connection can shape and change lives.

I smiled. I laughed. I cried my eyes out 🥹

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Join my 2025 Reading Challenge via the link in my bio 📚
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Pretty sure I just spotted Yogi Bear in the clouds Pretty sure I just spotted Yogi Bear in the clouds… where’s Boo Boo at? ☁️🐻 

#YogiBear #CloudWatching #SkyArt #NatureIsAwesome #FoundInTheSky #SmarterThanTheAverageBear #CloudGazing #UnexpectedFind #CartoonClouds #NatureMagic #SkyWatch #CloudLover #BearInTheSky #FunnyClouds #WhatDoYouSee
Hey there, book lovers! I’ve created a brand new Hey there, book lovers! I’ve created a brand new reading challenge for 2025, and I’d love for you to join me. To keep things fun and manageable, I’ve designed the challenge around 12 books — just one a month. Perfect, right? 📚📚📚📚

To join the challenge, click on the link in my profile or the link in my stories.

Tag your book loving besties in the comments below 🗣
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