our latest pots and pans

{This post is sponsored by Nuffnang}

I was fortunate enough recently to receive, for Zoe, the Mattel Stack and Nest Pots and Pans. It was nice to receive something that was more specifically for her for once! Poor old Zoe mostly plays with whatever was, or is, Josh's. She does have things that are hers, but inevitably her big brother gets his hot little hands all over them first.....survival of the oldest and biggest I think. Other things I have to hide away for when she is bigger and able to shove her big brother away!

I loved watching the delight on her little face as she played with them. She loved picking up the different pots,  discovering what each of them did and stacking them together, all the while developing her fine motor skills and building up great hand eye coordination. Her daddy would be proud! 

She particularly liked the green pot as it has a little mirror inside where she could catch glimpses of her cheeky little face! Each of the pots makes a noise too, and they quickly became little maracas. Zoe loves a bit of a dance. 

The bright colours, mirror and fun sounds these make are great for stimulating a little one's visual and auditory skills. And also a bigger kids too it seems. Josh ended up getting just as much enjoyment out of these as his little sister. He kept asking me what was in each pan and he wanted to 'cook' me something with them. Josh is only just outside the age group these are aimed at (6-36 months) and they certainly did have a wide appeal in this house.

yay, me!

I've been a great little dieter this week and am pleased to say that after my first week on Lite N Easy I've lost 1.4kgs!! I wasn't expecting such a great loss as I'm only doing it 5 days a week, the other days I try to be good on my own. And this week I still allowed myself some little treats. I'm pretty ecstatic about this loss and the result has really given me that boost I needed to keep going and make it to my goals.

Although I'd love if I didn't need to rely on resources like Lite N Easy to do this, I knew that this would be the only way to kick me out of the terrible habits I'd formed and transition me over to better food choices. I think once I'm used to my different ways of eating and it becomes more like second nature, then it will be easy to then do it on my own following the patterns of eating from LNE.

Here's to another great weight loss this week! I'm going to report in each Monday with my weight loss, so keep me accountable, ok?

Also, just wanted to say a big THANKYOU to all your lovely comments on my last rambled post. I'm a bit confused at the moment about where life will take me career wise - I have a mountain of ideas and no idea where to start first. Your kind words all encouraged me and helped me to know I'm not alone. Will keep you up to date on where things are at when they happen. xo

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dream a little dream

I'm dreaming. Well, I'm hoping my dreams also become some sort of reality too. My mind is full and I'm finding it hard to make decisions, especially within my limitations. I dream of creating something that enables me to stay home and work and that will fulfil passions I'm yet to fully discover and acknowledge. 

Motherhood has clouded my vision somewhat. I need to figure out again who I am and discover the things that make my heart sing. I want to go after those things and hopefully be able to contribute financially to my household along the way.....

How do you know what your passion/s are? How do you just 'know' what you want to do with your life? How do you 're-find' yourself after losing yourself a little?

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i'm lusting after

suzani from Table Tonic

Do you think it's too late to change the decor in the bedroom now? 

Mmm might have to save up for this one when I want a change of scenery. Go to Table Tonic and check out the lovely Moroccan wedding blankets too.

my new art collection

With my little three year old a preschooler now, I've become one of those mums who collects delightful little artworks each week. I've been pondering what to do with them. Each week when Josh gets home from preschool I've been taking these little artistic impressions and pegging them on our fridge. I'm sure the 'good' stuff is staying at school and being collated in his journal that we have heard about. However, not sure I have the heart to part with the pieces that make it home yet. I bought one of these delightful little Fiona Kate artwork folders today where I will put them away for now and decide later their fate. 

I heard a fabulous idea the other day that you can use them as wrapping paper. I think this is a great idea! Especially since it fits right in with my little goal for this year to try may hand at more creatively wrapping my gifts for others.

What do you do with your little one's masterpieces?

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bedroom makeover part 1

It's here, it's here! Our new king size bed arrived today! Stage 1 of the bedroom makeover done. The day I ordered it I also bought all the linen to match. I'm a white kind of girl usually, but I decided to venture out a little and went for a neutral coloured set from Freedom this time. Not as sterile as white but still understated and will allow me to dress things up with other decor so I can change it from time to time without too much expense.

I wasn't going to do this post yet, as my bed didn't look too good after a certain three year old napped in it today, but my gorgeous mum dropped in this afternoon and styled it up for me!! The set is a linen finish so unfortunately it doesn't take much for them to take on the crushed look, hence my pillow cases looking a little sad. Did I forget to mention ironing is my all time hated chore? Oops....

Anyway, I'm really happy with the enormous size of our bed (bliss!) and it doesn't even overwhelm our room which is great. I'm pleased with how it has all come together so far. Next step is to decide what to do on the wall above our bed now. I've been browsing for prints on Etsy and have a few ideas, but have to see what hubby thinks too. Might share my ideas with your too in another post, another day!

What do you think so far?

the ultimate family fun pack

Have you ever ventured into Toys R Us? Before children, I only ever popped in there to buy presents for nieces or nephews. Since having children, I have discovered they have a whole lot more than I ever thought. I found it a great place to pick up nappies and other baby consumables at great bargain prices.

This Easter, Toys R Us have The Ultimate Family Fun Pack up for grabs! To have a chance to win, you just need to sign up to their VIP newsletter (I already have!). If you are signed up already you are automatically in the draw to win! There are lots of great prizes to win - just have a look at the banner above, which you can also click on to go the to the Toys R Us page and sign up to the newsletter today.