Italy Through Photographs - Highlights of our three week Babymoon through Milan, Lake Como, Bologna, Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Pisa, Amalfi, Naples & Bergamo

In June this year, Farmboy and I headed to Italy for 21 days of {backpacking} adventure to celebrate our baby-moon (or rather, the celebrate our last few moments of life as we know we it before our little girl joins us in September). 

I will be writing travel guides for all of the places we visited, but it's going to take me a while. Along with our trip to India last year (eeeek I still have yet to finish the travel guides for that!) this was one of the most extensively planned trips we have ever done. This was all due to the fact that we had to have ALL our bookings (trains, planes, accommodation, buses etc) booked ahead of time in order to secure Farmboys Schengen Visa. I am lucky enough to hold dual citizenship and so have a British Passport, which makes traveling a breeze for me, but which unfortunately gives poor Farmboy no special treatment.

We stayed in AirBnb's for 90% of the trip, only staying in Hotels on the Amalfi coast when we couldn't find an AirBnb within our budget. We were backpacking (or rather, Farmboy was...I carried the camera bag and of course our little baby) and managed to survive 3 weeks living out of a 13kg bag.

I will be sharing more on what we packed (including what toiletries I packed) in another post. I also will write more on what traveling while being 6 months pregnant is like soon.

All in all, it was FAR easier than I had thought. Bonus...being able to skip all the queues at the airports!

Here is a breakdown of our 20 day trip:

Johannesburg > Istanbul, Turkey > Milan

Milan (1 night)

Milan > Bellagio, Lake Como (2 nights)

Bellagio > Milan > Venice (2 nights)

Venice > Bologna (1 night)

Bologna > Florence (1 night)

Florence > Todi, Tuscany/Umbira (3 nights)

Todi > Rome (3 nights)

Rome > Amalfi Coast (1 night in Ravello & 3 nights in Conca dei Marini)

Amalfi Coast > Naples (1 night)

Naples > Bergamo (1 night)

Bergamo > Milan > Istanbul, Turkey > Johannesburg

It's going to take some time before the travel guides are up, so in the mean time, here are a few of the photographic highlights of our trip.

We bought a second hand Fujifilm x100T especially for the trip, and had planned to only take that camera along but I ended up taking my Nikon D750 at the last minute. I'm so glad I did as it took me a while to figure out how the Fujifilm worked and to get used to it. So here are my photographs from both cameras.

Farmboy is working on a travel video too, which I'll link up here in this post when it's done.

Enjoy!

x

Here are some of my other Travel Guides for you to browse through in the mean time while I create the guides for Italy.

Enjoy!

For moms, by moms - a list of newborn, baby & nursery essentials

A few months ago I reached out to my friends on Facebook and asked them the following question:

"Mommy friends, I'm wanting to write a blog post on newborn/baby/nursery items you couldn't live without. Please pop me a comment below with those things you loved/found so useful/couldn't live without <3

Please include the brand names you liked!"

Here is a list of items/tips/recommendations & advice that my wonderful (and experienced!) mommy friends shared with me. I hope you find their thoughts as helpful as I did, and if there is anything else you'd like to add please feel free to leave a comment below: 

I am so thankful to all my friends who took the time to leave their thoughts. If there is anything you feel is missing, or you have some more items you think are MUST HAVE's to add to the above, then please feel free to leave me a comment! As a first time mommy-to-be, I'd love to hear from you.

My Winter Skincare Routine - Combating Winter Dryness & Pregnancy Eczema

Since the start of my second trimester, I developed really dry skin (also aggravated by the change in season) and my eczema flared up on my hands, wrists and arms. I don't have chronic eczema, but when it flares up it's incredibly itchy and I tend to scratch and scratch until my skin is red and raw. You need to try treat is as soon as you notice it flaring up, and to keep your skin well moisturised.

I also found patches of dry skin started popping up on my face, and to top it all off, those dry patches also started to break out. So all in all, I felt very for myself. Here are the products I've been using to keep my skin calm, as well as the products I've tried and recommend for keeping your ever expanding belly moisturised and stretch mark free.

A little note on eczema...there are numerous steroid based creams you can use (some that are prescription based and you need to get from your doctor, and others that are sold over the counter) but these are not recommended for prolonged use, and can weaken your skin barrier. The main culprit behind eczema is dryness...so make sure to drink plenty of water and keep your skin well moisturised to help prevent the pain and discomfort (and itchyness!) that usually shows up. 

For me, it's also aggravated by eating lots of citrus, so I have to avoid oranges and most fruit juices which also contain loads of preservatives and other nasty things that your body really doesn't need.

---

My Winter Skincare Routine

For the body

I wash my body with either Epimax (the Original formula or the Baby & Junior cream) or Epizone (not pictured).

After drying, I immediately cream up with Epimax (focusing on the areas of my body where the eczema is the worst...for me this is my hands and wrists)  and then I follow the below face routine before continuing with my body routine. This is to make sure my face doesn't get too dry. 

After my face is done, I then apply Bio Oil all over my tummy and boobs, making sure to massage it in as much as possible. I hate putting clothes over an oily body. I've been using Bio Oil everyday since I found out I was pregnant and have, touch wood, yet to get any stretch marks. I still have about 3 months to go so there is plenty of time for them to show up. Although I would like to prevent them, stretch marks are a very normal part of pregnancy, and almost everyone gets them.

Here is a really lovely extract from my favorite pregnancy website & app, What to Expect:

More than half of all expecting women get these pink or red (sometimes purplish) streaks; you'll most likely notice them across your belly, butt, thighs, hips, and breasts.

WHAT CAUSES THEM?

Stretch marks are actually tiny tears in the supporting layers of tissue under your skin as it's pulled tight to the limit during pregnancy. Susceptibility has lots to do with genetics: Chances are, if your mother got them, you probably will too - while if she sailed through her pregnancies with smooth skin intact, you'll probably stay as smooth as your baby's bum. Rapid pregnancy weight gain can also make you more likely to get stretch marks. And darker-skinned women are less likely to get stretch marks as fair-skinned gals (plus they're not as visible on dark skin).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Try as you might to avoid stretch marks, there's no proven way to treat them or to stop them from zigzagging their way across your body. Fortunately, they won't stay so vividly hued forever. After delivery, they usually fade to a less noticeable (and more easily concealable) silvery gray color. Meanwhile, try to wear them with pride.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Whether or not you get pregnancy stretch marks is usually a matter of genetics - but there are a few ways to try avoiding them (or at least to slow down the stretch):

• Moisturize: Cocoa butter certainly won't hurt (though no stretch mark cream is the miracle cure it's touted as). If nothing else, moisturizing daily will help with the dryness and itchy skin associated with pregnancy (plus it's fun to have your partner rub some onto your belly!).
• Nourish your skin from the inside: Plenty of vitamin C foods in your pregnancy diet may also help keep your skin toned and less subject to stretch marks.
• Watch your weight: Keep an eye on that scale during pregnancy and put your pounds on slow and steady instead of in big spurts. Keep in mind that eating for two doesn't mean literally eating twice as much - so as much as possible, try to follow the general recommendations for caloric intake during pregnancy.
• Wait it out: Of course you wanted a solution yesterday. But keep in mind that your dermatologist can offer treatments such as Retin-A or laser therapy after you give birth. (Neither is safe for pregnancy - plus, the stretching ain't over till it's over.)

For the face

I wash my face with Epimax (the Original formula or the Baby & Junior cream) or Epizone (not pictured). I use a soft facecloth to remove as much dead skin as possible, without stripping my skin.

Then I tone with my all time favourite toner...Natur Vital Rose Water Toner (I've only ever found this at Dischem and it is often out of stock. When I do find it I make sure to stock up! It's super gentle on skin, smells heavenly, doesn't have a whole lot of yuccky chemicals and retails for about R55. I usually apply this with a cotton pad, but while on holiday I used a squirt bottle which sprays the toner in a fine mist (it was just one of those cheap travel bottles) but I've found I prefer spraying the toner on as opposed to wiping it on with cotton wool. This toner also works well as a gentle makeup remover.

After toning I use my new favourite serum, Malachite Jojoba Oil which works amazingly as an intensive skin treatment/essence/serum. I've been using it for the past 3 months and I just love it! I stock up on mine at the Bryanston Organic Market in Joburg, but you can but it online by clicking here. I use it everyday, morning and night, and it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and supple. And it smells incredible!

Next I apply cream (Epimax or Epizone) and then if needed use my little jar of Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream on areas that are really sensitive (like the sides of my nose and around the corners of my mouth). Click here for a full review on this lovely Korean beauty product. 

For day time, I finish off with my favourite suncream, the Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk (unfortunately another Korean beauty product that I stocked up on while living in Korea...I wish we could get our hands on products like these here in South Africa!). 

So there you have it, a comprehensive list of what I've been using to combat winter dryness and eczema (which I am pretty sure has a lot to do with the pregnancy hormones surging through my body right now).

Are there any other great products you would recommend for dry skin or eczema? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below! 

Pregnancy Update - Week 25

Following on from my last pregnancy update (click here to read more) I am back and sharing more about my second trimester. 

Farmboy and I just got back from a magical 3 week holiday in Italy (cleverly disguised as our babymoon!) and I have to say, traveling while being 6 months pregnant was far more manageable than I expected. Plus, everyone loves a preggy lady, and there are loads of travel perks to being pregnant (skipping the que at the airport, being offered seats on buses and trains...and being allowed to use the bathroom for free!!!). That last one may sound a bit odd, but considering the public bathrooms in Italy cost a small fortune (especially in the bigger cities) and considering HOW OFTEN a pregnant women needs to go to the bathroom, a free bathroom became a luxury. And one I didn't take for granted!

Here are a few phone snaps of our trip to the land of pizza, pasta and gelato:

I'm going to be doing more posts on traveling while pregnant, as well as sharing travel guides on our trip (click here to see past travel guides I've written on Vietnam, Bali, India, Philippines, Cambodia & Borneo) so stay tuned for those!

HOW FAR ALONG:

25 weeks (or just over 6 months for my friends who have yet to live by the whole 'weeks and days' counting method that pregnant women rule their lives by). 

SIZE/FOOD COMPARISON:

Rutabaga (Swede or Yellow Turnip for my South African friends) and she (yup! We are having a little girl) weighs about 1.5kg's.

WEIGHT GAIN:

12kg's (eeeeeek!)

Considering my little one only weighs 1.5kg's...the other 10.5 kg's is supposedly made up of my ever expanding uterus & placenta (and possibly a few of those gelatos and pizzas we ate while in Italy).

BABY BUMP:

My little bump is no longer little! I've gone through a rather large 'popping' phase and now look decidedly pregnant. I have been told that my tummy is very 'neat' and that I'm carrying very well. If you look at my from the back you wouldn't say I was pregnant. I don't know though, I feel HUGE...but I guess I'm in for a shock then as I can't imagine being any bigger than I am now.

MOVEMENT:

This little one has been kicking up a storm! It took till about 23 weeks for me to be absolutely sure that I was feeling kicks (and that it wasn't just normal gaseous exchange going on haha). Her kicks are very gently, and happen throughout the day. I was told that lying on my left hand side after drinking a glass of orange juice/eating a chocolate would intensify the kicks, as I was starting to get worried that I hadn't felt anything by 22 weeks. Turns out she was just taking her time to start prodding me.

EXERCISE:

While in Italy we walked between 10 & 14km a day (totalling 150km!) over a period of 3 weeks...how insane is that!

Because of this, I am happy to report that my weight gain has seemed to only be baby related, and a number of family members have commented that I looked like I had actually lost weight...score!

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for pregnant women. Now I just need to keep it up and not get lazy again.

I am REALLY looking forward to getting back into Pilates! It's been so long I don't even know if my body will let me do any of the poses any more. Will keep you updated.

SLEEP:

I slept REALLY well in Italy. Although the beds were pretty hard and I would wake up with a few aches and pains from the mattresses, I don't recall ever waking up in the middle of the night. Not to go to the loo, and not even to roll over. This really goes to show just how much good exercise does the body.

I'm hoping this pattern of sleep is going to stay now that we are home because it's SO cold here on the farm and I just can't bare the thought of going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

CLOTHING:

I spent the past 3 weeks in dresses (luckily my pre-preggy dresses still fit!), two pairs of flowy & linen pants, as well as my favourite pair of CherryMelon shorts and tops.

Now that I'm back into Winter, I have been given a number of long sleeve shirts and tops from the H&M Mamma range and will pair them with my H&M leggings as well as my favourite CherryMelon leggings. Luckily most days on the farm I can get away with wearing big baggy tracksuit pants and Farmboy's hoodies. The cows and chickens don't mind my lack of dress sense.

HOW I’M FEELING:

I'm still feeling pretty great! I've been very lucky and had a very easy pregnancy so far. No morning sickness...teeny tiny moments of nausea, and only a bit of fatigue in the first trimester.

I'm also really happy that my eczema has cleared up. I have no idea if it was a symptom of pregnancy or the dry, winter weather, but being overseas in the sun and warm weather seemed to clear it up. Will have to see what happens now that we are back in the full force of Winter.

I've been rather emotional the past few days (poor Farmboy) and have found my patience levels nearing zero. I am increasingly irritable, which leads me to feeling even more emotional as I feel bad for getting so annoyed with people so easily. 

I am happy to report that (at least it's been my experience so far) that the second trimester has been as wonderful as everyone said it would be. Loads of energy, enthusiasm and general happiness. Let's hope this lasts!

CRAVINGS/AVERSIONS:

There hasn't been too much that I've been craving/feeling averse to lately. We ate A LOT of carbs this holiday, and so we did come back craving anything and everything green but I think that had more to do with the Italian diet being pretty starchy in nature, and not to do with pregnancy.

WHAT I MISS:

• Lying on my tummy. I like to sleep on my side with my one leg pulled up, but my poor tummy just gets squashed and it's sooo uncomfortable.
• Sitting up in the bath/sitting up in bed/getting out of bath without assistance.
• Sitting in a chair...comfortably. My belly just seems to get in the way leaving my feeling restricted and uncomfortable.

NURSERY:

We were very spoilt while in Joburg (we spent a few days before and after our trip to Italy with my family in the City of Gold) and returned home with all sorts of lovely things for the nursery.

My mom also threw me a lovely baby shower for my Joburg friends and family (blog post to come soon!) and my little girl was really spoilt.

A few other baby related additions, courtesy of my Dad and Step-Mom...a Thule pram/stroller & bassinet as well as an awesome burgundy coloured Maxi Cosi carseat which were from the MamaMagic Baby Expo. There were a lot of great deals on all sorts of baby related things at the expo, if you are brave enough to face the crowds.

PURCHASES:

We bought two things for our little girl while in Italy. Once of them is the sweetest little mouse doll from Zara Home, and the other is a compactum storage set from IKEA. Yup, I was THAT person that managed to convince Farmboy to take me to an Ikea while in Italy. We don't have IKEA here in South Africa, and that store literally BLEW MY MIND! 

HUBBY:

Farmboy has been getting more and more excited about the prospect of being a Dad. Yesterday he even modelled the baby carrier and walked around the house looking decidedly chuffed with himself.

He's going to make the most wonderful dad.

BEST PART OF THE WEEK:

Meeting our new Gynae (I mentioned in my last post that we had decided to switch to a more affordable Gynaecologist) and I have found the sweetest gentleman doctor. He is very pro-natural, and is even very pro having a Doula as part of the birthing team.

Farmboy and I have been talking a lot lately about the idea of having a Doula for the birth, and are planning on meeting with a few ladies in the next few weeks. I was sceptical at first (it all sounded a bit airy fairy to me) but have since heard wonderful things about them from friends who have had them. Someone also pointed out to me that they are there as much for your husband/partners support as for yours, and I really like the idea of having a calming presence on hand to support us both (especially with this being our first baby). I'll keep you updated on how the search goes. If you're in South Africa and would like to know more about Doulas and what their roles are during childbirth, then click here. 

CAN’T WAIT FOR:

I'm actually really trying to savour the next few days/weeks/months. I realised yesterday evening, while taking a really long, hot bath, that I'm not going to have that luxury in a few months time. I'm trying to really enjoy the quiet days of being in the house, sorting/cleaning/organising things on my own schedule, and I just know thats ALL going to change soon.

Until the next update!

Lots of love

x

Introducing the Stock With Heart Shop for all your feminine styled stock photo needs

I am so excited to officially announce the opening of the new Stock With Heart online store.

Stock With Heart has been created to cater for all your feminine styled stock photo needs whether you're a blogger, web designer, illustrator or online coach, there really is something for everyone. 

I set up shop on Creative Market sometime last year, and have spent the past few months getting aquatinted with the platform, and I am now ready to share it will you all.

If you haven't heard of Creative Market, let me share a little more about the platform:

Creative Market is a platform for handcrafted, mousemade design content from independent creatives around the world. We're passionate about making beautiful design simple and accessible to everyone!

On Creative Market, you can buy digital design goods to use in your personal or commercial projects. We offer the following product types:

• Photos
• Graphics
• Templates
• Website Themes
• Fonts
• Add-ons
• 3D Models

Products offered included in these category range from installable fonts, icons, website themes, to clipart, UI kits, Photoshop brushes, stock photographs, 3D models, and much more. If you need a digital design asset, you’re in the right place!

The goods in our marketplace are unique designs that are created and sold by independent creative professionals around the world. They bring the awesome, and we provide the platform.

Pretty cool, right?

I have really enjoyed using them as a platform for selling my photos, mainly because of how easy it is for customers to buy. You can use your PayPal account to purchase items, as well as credit to use later. The whole platform is also very easy to navigate and browse, making it much easier for you to find what you're looking form. 

Without further ado, here is a sample of some of the prettiness you'll find over in my store:

If you'd like to be the first to know when new images are added to my store, click here to follow me over on Creative Market. 

My Pregnancy Update ~ Week 20

Ohhhhhhhhhh....we're half way there....now that I've got Bon Jovi stuck in your head to, I'm going to get right down to things.

I have been following my Instagram friend Kendra (VeganStrong) 's pregnancy updates on her blog, and it's made me realise how her posts are such a lovely way to document her pregnancy. I'm going to be borrowing from her prompts and sharing more of my pregnancy journey with you here.

I have made a couple of videos (click here to see them) but videos take a whole lot longer to create (not to mention the hours and hours and hours they take to upload on the farm) and so I thought I'd start a series of pregnancy posts.

I think I'll do a round up of the first 20 weeks at another time but today I'm going to jump right into my first official post in this series, and start where I am today (May 13th) and that's in Week 20.

How Far Along:

20 weeks (or 5 months for my friends who have yet to understand the whole 'weeks and days counting method that pregnant women rule their lives by). I'm technically half way there if our little one decides to join us on the exact due date (which is Sept 22nd).

Size/Food Comparison:

Cantaloupe (Spanspek or sweet melon for my South African friends) and weighs about 300g.

Weight gain:

7kg's

Considering my little one only weighs 300g...I can't blame it all on her. Im going to go with the fact that my blood volume has increased dramatically, and not blame it all on the hot cross buns.

Gender:

I planned on doing a whole gender reveal with the whole balloon/part/cake surprise shebang and then life kind of ran away with me. So I'll let you all in on the surprise...we are having a little girl <3

Everyone who knows me would have assumed I always want to have girls (maybe it's my love of all things pink and girly?) but before I was pregnant, I ONLY wanted boys.

Five of them.

The idea of a little girl going through all my makeup and cosmetics gave me shivers...I am fiercely protective over my things... but since I found out I was pregnant, I have been secretly hoping it would be a little girl.

I definitely want a boy (or two, or three!) but I am delighted to know our first will be a little girl. Now here's to hoping she gets my dark hair and her Dad's gorgeous blue eyes!

Baby bump:

It's most definitely there, and no longer mistakable for an over indulgence in Wimpy hamburgers or hotcross buns!

All jokes aside, I have been eating very cleanly 85% of the time as I do understand how important your diet is. Also, baby really has no choice in the matter and it's not fair to give them junk food when what they really need is healthy and nutritious things to help them grow big and strong. But I will tell you this, your willpower will diminish in pregnancy...those cravings are every bit as out of control as people say!

Movement:

I haven't felt anything yet, or at least I haven't been able to distinguish kicks from gas and other normal tummy movements and changes. I THINK I may have felt a few little butterfly kicks a few days ago...but it may also have been the Kale chips I had for re-dinner snack.

Sleep:

I haven't been sleeping too badly. My first trimester I was up A LOT during the night to go to the bathroom (which is harder and harder to do now that it's getting so cold!) and then had a very good first few weeks of my second trimester. Now that I'm a month into my second trimester, I'm up at least once a night to go to the bathroom. I do toss and turn a bit at night, but in general I've been sleeping well. Speaking of sleeping and tossing & turning, I'll be doing a full review on a preggy cushion soon. I'll also go into more detail about how I have/haven't been liking it so far. Stay tuned for that.

Exercise:

I've been trying to keep up with my walking, but having an extra 7kg's of body weight (I'm quite petite and only weigh 62kg's now) really takes it's toll on you. I find just walking around the garden makes me quite of of breath.

I have been LOVING Pilates though, and have been going at least once a week since the start of the year. I don't go to any fancy preggy Pilates classes...I'm luckily enough that we even actually have a qualified Pilates instructor here in my small farm town...but I did tell my instructor that I was pregnant from the beginning so she's aware and was able to discreetly help me with certain positions in the beginning. Now that it's my tummy is very obviously in the way, certain positions are harder, but it leaves my body feeling amazing, and ALLLLL that stretching is only good for the time labour and birth come around.

Clothing:

I can no longer wear any of my pre-preggy pants, and am loving my recent CherryMelon purchases I made on the Spree app. They even delivered to my tiny town within 10 days! Now that's impressive. I'm a HUGE fan of their linen shorts, and the side guage T-shirts are so flattering and comfy. I've never felt 100% comfy wearing tight tops, even though I've always been in pretty good shape. My body shape is on the curvy side, and I've always felt a bit self conscious wearing tight tops around my tummy. But now, I'm all for showing off my belly and love that I no longer have to hold my tummy in all the time...it's wonderful!

Being here on the farm is also much easier when it comes to clothes, as I'm mostly in a pair of tracksuit pants or shorts, and Farmboy's baggy shirts. I think I would be having a much harder time if I was living in town and wanted to look nice everyday. Luckily the cows here don't really mind me looking like a scruff ball.

How I’m feeling:

Great! I've been very lucky and had a very easy pregnancy so far. No morning sickness...teeny tiny moments of nausea, and only a bit of fatigue in the first trimester. I have had a few very bad moments of heartburn lately (I've pin pointed to a combination of carbs and fizzy drinks which only happen when we go away for the weekend) and so have stopped buying my favourite Sparkling water from Woolies. Living out on the farm means we don't have a lot of access to treats and other snacks so I'm thankful, and we mainly eat a low carb diet during the week.

I've only had Rennies on hand for the heartburn and it has seemed to help. But I'm making sure to stock up on Gaviscon for our upcoming trip to Italy next week. Any other heartburn remedies you may know? Please let me know in the comments below :)

My eczema has also flared up in the last few weeks, and seems to have made it's way onto my face. The areas around my chin, nose and sides of my lips are SO dry. I've had to completely adjust my skincare routine (let me know if you'd like a post on that too!) and have it sort of under control. The change of seasons has also been a huge culprit so here's hoping my skin settles in the next few weeks.

Cravings/Aversions:

I'm still not really into tea. Our farm milk is full cream and I find I've gone off having it in my tea & coffee. I have the odd cup of coffee (which I always enjoy when made by my Father-In-Law...I have no idea why?!) but I haven't been very strict with caffeine allowances (or any other diet do's and don'ts when it comes to being pregnant).

I've even been drinking our farm milk (which is unpasteurised...and many mommy-to-be's would be horrified that I've been drinking it) but it's not practical for me to be married to a dairy farmer and living on a dairy farm and not drink the milk. I have found I've naturally gone off the taste so don't drink very much of it anyway.

My cravings throughout my entire pregnancy have been pretty savoury in nature:

• Salt & Vinegar chips with tuna (literally, using the chips to eat the tuna out of the can...don't judge me till you try it!)
• Cheese Doritos
• Hotcross buns 
• Pretty much ALL carbs (I have now found pretty a good balance and use cous couse for meals instead of pasta etc when I'm really cravin something filling)

If you're interested in what meals I've been eating, let me know in the comments below and I'll do a post on light/low carb pregnancy meal ideas

What I miss:

• Lying on my tummy. I like to sleep on my side with my one leg pulled up, but my poor tummy just gets squashed and it's sooo uncomfortable.
• My 5 cups of tea a day.
• Easily putting my socks on! Can't believe what a mission this simple task has become! 

Nursery:

So far we have our compactum (which I picked up second hand in Durban and after a good scrubbing and a fresh coat of paint it looks as good as new) and I've ordered our cot (from CoziCot which has their showroom in Joburg).

Purchases:

I've bought a few cheapie receiving blankets and bits of fabric to attempt to sew my own pre-folds and flats to use with cloth nappies/diapers. I'll keep you updated with how that goes. 

Hubby:

Farmboy gets a shock every time he sees my tummy. It's a very happy shock and he can't resist hugging it and having long chats to his little girl. It's been such a wonderful seeing how excited he gets when he is reminded (by my bulging belly) that he is going to be a Dad soon. He is also very excited to carry her around the farm and take her to the dairy in the early mornings and show her the cows and chickens.

Best part of the week:

Our 20 week ultrasound. We had an in-depth visit with the Sonographer who did a very detailed scan of all of baby's organs and body parts. We were even able to see how full her little bladder was. It was pretty incredible!

But, we are probably going to be moving Gynae's when we get back from our overseas trip mid June. I am really happy with my Gynae, but she charges so far above medical aid rates that it's just ridiculous. Every time we see her it's an extra R800 on top of what medical aid covers. We are on a hospital plan with Momentum, but also have their Maternity plan which is really great. We also have Gap cover for when baby comes and I'm in hospital, but having to pay so much ontop of those fees (especially considering how often the Gynae insists on seeing you!) I think we are going to make a move to a Momentum associated specialist. Luckily I have found another lady not too far away who charges only medical aid rates. I am in two minds about switching, as I have been really happy with my current Gynae. But as my pregnancy has been so easy so far, I don't think I will have any problems moving. And if I find I'm not happy with the new lady, there is still enough time for me to move back. So will keep you updated on that front too.

Can’t wait for:

Our trip to Italy & the Mamamagic Baby Expo next week! I'm in Joburg at the moment seeing family (plus I needed my moms expert sewing hands to get a good start on sewing cloth nappies) and Farmboy will join me next Thursday. We fly to Italy next Friday for a wonderful holiday (or babymoon as it's affectionately called) to adventure, eat all the gelato & pasta and simply enjoy some special alone time before baby gets here in September.

Until the next update!

Lots of love

x

Shadow The Korean Jindo at home in South Africa

It's nearly been a whole year since our rescue pup, Shadow The Jindo, arrived on South African soil.

Farmboy and I found Shadow as a teeny tiny little ball of fluff wondering along a dark country road late at night. We were living & teaching English in South Korea at the time, and had absolutely no plans, whatsoever, to adopt a dog. We were far too independent,  loved traveling, and if we were to get a pet, we would absolutely have to bring them back home to South Africa with us. Taking animals to South Africa is FAR more expensive than taking them to any other country (bar the UK which is also crazy) and so it never once crosses our minds. That is, until Shadow came along an stole our hearts.

Here he is as a teeny tiny pup:

If you're wondering what a Jindo is, it's a dog breed native to South Korea. Not much is known about them, and they aren't seen much outside of Korea unless bred by authorised breeders. A lot of the 'street' dogs in Korea are Jindo mixes, just like our precious pup Shadow.

Pure breed Jindo's come in 5 main coat colourings (white, brown/yellow, brindle, black & tan and grey). Shadow is of the 'black & tan' variety, but is most definitely a mix due his long hair and very long ears. We think he is crossed with Husky/German Shepard, but there is no real knowing unless a DNA test is done. He has 100% all of the characteristics of a Jindo (click here to read more about the breed) and we just adore him.

Shadow grew up in our teeny tiny Korean apartment, and is now loving his life roaming the wide open spaces of dairy farm life now that we are home in South Africa. We've had a few issues with him and getting his bathroom routine sorted out (well these issues are more to do with the fact that he is an incredibly private dog when it comes to his toilet time, and now regards out entire garden as his 'home' and will not, under any circumstances, soil his home!). This means he quite literally  'holds it in' until I take him for a walk where we can run free and find a suitably private place to do his business. Funny dog this one haha.

Anyway, here are some recent photographs I've taken of him in the months since we have been home. He is such a happy pooch, and the most incredible dog either of us have ever had. We both can't wait for the many happy years ahead of him as a big brother to our little baby coming along in September this year. My camera is going to be FULL of baby and pup pictures...I can't wait!

In the mean time, I hope you enjoy these photographs.

x

You can follow Shadow on his adventures with his cat siblings over on Instagram:

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Free Stock Photos for Bloggers, Creatives & Business Owners

We are nearing the end of the first quarter of 2017 and to make your life a little easier when it comes to your blog & social media graphics, I've just released a new set of feminine styled stock photographs just for you.

If you're new around these parts, you might not know about the CGScreative Resource library; a treasure trove of resources for Bloggers, Creatives & Business Owners. 

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The CGScreative resource library is a FREE online space filled with blogging worksheets, business resources & helpful printables.

It's also filled with what has made my library famous; my unique selection of styled & natural stock imagery.

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Here's a little sneak peek into what's inside:

The CGScreative resource library is a pretty space for bloggers, creatives & business owners & is  designed to be a place that helps you grow your blog or business and a place to visit to feel inspired.

And now I'm sure you're probably wondering how you can gain access. To keep the library exclusive (and to make sure that only serious creatives have access) you only need  pop your email in the little space below.

Join the CGScreative Resource & Stock Photo Library!

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

By popping your email address above you'll be joining the  CGScreative mailing list. From there I'll be sending you the password for the resource library will allow you to log in.

You'll be able to download any and all of the resources and you can rest easy with regards to image copyright as my photographs are licensed under a creative commons license.  This means you can use the photos for all non-commercial purposes i.e you can use them for anything related to your blog or business that you are not intending to sell.

Feel free to crop the photos, add text to them or layer them with other images and graphics to create the perfect visuals for your site.

---

Here's a pretty Pin to add to Pinterest so you can ave this post & come back later. Simply hover your mouse over the image and then click the little red Pinterest button in the top left corner.

I add new items to the library every month, so the content always stays fresh. I hope you find these resources useful to you in your blogging or business journey and I look forward to seeing how you use them.

If you do enjoy them, post a photo on Instagram of your experience with these resources and use the hashtag #CGScreative. I would love to share your images on my social media accounts (with your permission of course!) for extra exposure to your blog or business.

Join the CGScreative Resource & Stock Photo Library!

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

Happy blogging friends!

Prenatal Vitamins - the low down on what to take as well as some South African brand names I recommend

One of the first things you will start reading about once you are pregnant (or perhaps you were very prepared before hand and had already started taking these) is the advice to take a good prenatal vitamin.

If you have been trying to have a baby, you will probably have already been taking one for a while, but if you are pregnant already and haven't been taking one yet, don't worry too much but start taking one as soon as you can. Not only is your body going to need lots more nutrients in the coming months, but your little bundle is going to need all the help he/she can get to start growing.

There is  lot of great info out there on the quantities you need of each vitamin, but as I am not really a label reader and was very relaxed in my first few weeks of pregnancy, here are the basics:

1. Folic Acid (good for BEFORE, DURING & AFTER pregnancy)

Neural tube defects occur at a very early stage of development, before many women even know they're pregnant – which is why it's recommended to start taking folic acid before you start trying to conceive.

Recommended Dosage: 500 micrograms or (5 milligrams) per day

You don't need to buy a fancy folic acid, you can get a bottle of them (little yellow pills) over the counter at Clicks or Dischem. Just make sure you do check the labels properly...I nearly walked out with what I though was a really great deal on Folic Acid at Clicks, only to look closer and see that the R22 bottle was for 0.5 micrograms per tablet.

Folic Acid is a teeny tiny yellow pill that is taken once a day. If you take nothing else for the duration of your pregnancy, at least ensure you take Folic Acid.

Price: +-R80 for 100 tablets (which is just over 3 months supply)

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2. Prenatal Multivitamin

Pregnavit M ~ (BEFORE, DURING & AFTER pregnancy)

For the first 3 months I took Pregnavit M (pictured above) which I bought from Clicks and Dischem for about R70 for 30 capsules. I had NO idea what was considered a 'good' prenatal multivitamin, and so picked something that was middle of the range in terms of price. After going to my Gynae for our first check up, she mentioned that most of them are much of a muchness, and so I finished all of the capsules I had before going on to a fancier brand.

Pregnavit M contains folic acid (but not as much as is recommended) so I took both this as well as a Folic Acid tablet once a day for the first 3 months.

I wasn't great about taking either of these vitamins  and as much as the internet and some mommies out there will frighten you into thinking, baby and I seem to be doing okay ;)

Bear in mind that no multivitamin can take the place of (or should ever take the place of) a good balanced diet.

I'm not talking about the occasional hot cross bun or packet of chips you may have guzzled in bed last night.

I'm referring to a diet that consists of mostly fruit and vegetables, low GI or complex carbs (for those of us not able to stick completely to the Banting/Low Carb High Fat eating plan) like rice cakes, oats and whole grains as well as a good amount of dairy. I have been a bit all over the place with my eating habits over the last 4 months of pregnancy, but I do make sure to eat clean/healthily about 75% of the time. I'm planning on doing a blog post on my pregnancy eating habits soon, so bear with me on that one!

Recommended Dosage: 1 capsule per day

Price: +-R70 for 30 capsules (1 months supply)

Preg Omega Plus~ (BEFORE, DURING & AFTER pregnancy)

PregOmega Plus is seen as the Gucci of the prenatal vitamin world, and as such carries with it a hefty price tag (+-R250 per box). Luckily my sister-in-law gave me the heads up that you can often buy it on special at Clicks for about R190 - R220 and so I waited until I saw it was on special before stocking up. I've been taking it for the past 2 weeks.

It's more of a pain to take because each 1 month supply box comes with 3 separate tablets (30 vitamin and mineral tablets, 30 Omega-3 Fish Oil vegicaps and 30 Calcium, Vitamin D and Magnesium combination tablets). It also contains folic acid (a whole lot more than the recommended dosage) and extra calcium to promote good bone and teeth health. This means you don't need to take Folic Acid alongside this multi-vitamin so at least there's that.

**I was told by a friend that her Medical Aid covers one box of pre-natal vitamins a month, and she is able to claim back for the full cost of the Pregomega Plus. So make sure to read the fine print on your medical aid policy to check whether you can claim back for prenatal vitamins**

Recommended Dosage: 1 capsule from each foil pack per day (3 in total) after meals

Price: +-R250 for 90 capsules (1 months supply)

There is a Pregomega version (without the Plus) which is a bit cheaper than the Plus version, but it doesn't contain the calcuim, magnesium or Vitamin D tablets.

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Are there any great prenatal vitamin brands that I'm missing in this post? I'd love to hear from you!

Please leave me a comment below letting me know what you took while pregnant, and if there's anything else that us mommy-to-be's need to know about prenatal vitamins!

Previous Client Work: Bespoke Brand Photography for Travel Blog - Live Learn Venture

Just before finishing up our final year in South Korea, I had the pleasure of working with Natasha, the lady behind the popular travel blog Live Learn Venture.

Natasha had gotten in touch with me to work on her brand photography for her travel blog, and was in the middle of a rebrand. She needed beautiful, high resolution images for her to use on her blog posts, as part of graphics for the main layout of her website and also wanted some updated headshots. All of what she needed forms part of Creative Headshot package (click here for more info) and we got started straight away on the planning stage of her shoot.

I also worked alongside my stylist friend Samantha (find her over at There She Goes Again) who is incredible at what she does. I've worked on lots of styled shoots with Sam and always love the energy and creativity she brings to shoots. 

The Live Learn Venture brand is feminine and fun, but Natasha wasn't sure what her brand colours would end up being, and so we used the shoot to determine that for her. Using the backgrounds and textures of the various locations we shot at, it was very clear that shades of peach, grey and brown would form a big part of her new brand.  A big part of my work is ensuring my clients feel 100% comfortable in front of my camera, and this is how I am able to ensure I capture the personality and essence of each client and their brand. I loved working with Natasha, and I have loved seeing her brand develop and evolve since this shoot. She has put all of her new brand images to use on her new website, and it's incredible how the images have helped  her develop a wonderful cohesive style.

Below are a selection of the images I created exclusively for Live Learn Venture. If you're interested in finding out more about my headshot packages, then please feel free to get in touch. Each package includes a good mixture of styled stock type images as well as pretty portraits.

Enjoy!

x

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Find out more about working with me on your own brand images by clicking the button below. I'm so looking forward to hearing from you!

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Want to see more of my previous client work? I've worked with florists, skincare product designers, copyrighters, yoga enthusiasts, life coaches, bloggers and just about everyone in between. Click here to see more of my previous work.

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Wondering whether you need brand photography and how you would even use it?

Click below to find out more:

We're having a baby!

We have such happy news to share with you today! We will be welcoming a little bundle into the world in September this year, and we couldn't be more excited.

I have to be very honest and say I wasn't sure I was ever going to feel 'ready' for kids, but that feeling of readiness really does come to you when the time is right. Of course, it doesn't alway happen as quickly as it did for us (the moment we both decided the time was right, I was basically instantly pregnant) and I know a lot of people for whom the process can take a while.

Everyone's body is completely unique, and you really just have no idea how long things will take or what your pregnancy will be like. It's great hearing other ladies share their stories as it helps to open your mind as to what might happen for you. But definitely be prepared for the chance that it might take a whole lot longer (or a whole lot shorter) than your friends.

On that note, I read the most amazing book that covers everything and anything you've ever wanted to know about getting pregnant, but were too nervous to ask. I learned SO much from this book and can't help but tell everyone I know about it. Even if you're not thinking about having kids now, this book will help you prepare mentally & physically for what's to come. It helped me understand why I kept getting negative results on my pregnancy tests, even though I just knew that I was pregnant (turns out there is a waiting period after actual conception and you won't be able to test for pregnancy until your next period is due...around 2 weeks later).

The book I keep mentioning is The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant and I just loved every page. It's written by Jean M. Twenge who is as informative as she is funny, and each chapter is filled with everything you need to know about getting pregnant, including when you can test for pregnancy, how to prepare your body both physically and mentally and it also has a whole chapter dedicated to natural ways of enhancing your fertility.

I actually only bought the book for the chapter on how soon you can test whether you're pregnant, but found every single page to be full of useful information.

It's not just for first time mom either, Jean also talks about trying to conceive baby number 2 and 3 and also goes into great depths dispelling myths around older women not being as likely to fall pregnant as younger women. It's a must read for anyone even thinking about possibly having a baby at some point in their lives.

I am now in the last week of my first trimester (I'm 12 weeks pregnant) and that means I'm a third of the way there...eeeek! Nine months has always felt like a long time, but it's just flying by. 

And now for something a little different.

I've decided to create short weekly/monthly (I haven't decided how often I'm going to make them) videos to document my pregnancy, and I've just wrapped up the first one.

I hope you enjoy this little look into my pregnancy so far, and if you have any questions/comments/queries please feel free to leave me a comment below! 

Unique & Feminine Stock Photos for Bloggers, Creatives & Business Owners

It's the start of a new year (even though we are already heading towards the end of January...how is this possibe?) and make your life a little easier when it comes to your blog & social media, I've created a set of feminine styled stock photographs just for you.

If you're new around these parts, you might not know about the CGScreative Resource library; a treasure trove of resources for bloggers, creatives & business owners. 

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The CGScreative resource library is a FREE online space filled with blogging worksheets, business resources & helpful printables.

It's also filled with what has made my library famous; my unique selection of styled & natural stock imagery.

---

Here's a little sneak peek into what's inside:

The CGScreative resource library is a pretty space for bloggers, creatives & business owners & is  designed to be a place that helps you grow your blog or business and a place to visit to feel inspired.

And now I'm sure you're probably wondering how you can gain access. To keep the library exclusive (and to make sure that only serious creatives have access) you only need  pop your email in the little space below.

Join the CGScreative Resource & Stock Photo Library!

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

By popping your email address above you'll be joining the  CGScreative mailing list. From there I'll be sending you the password for the resource library will allow you to log in.

You'll be able to download any and all of the resources and you can rest easy with regards to image copyright as my photographs are licensed under a creative commons license.  This means you can use the photos for all non-commercial purposes i.e you can use them for anything related to your blog or business that you are not intending to sell.

Feel free to crop the photos, add text to them or layer them with other images and graphics to create the perfect visuals for your site.

---

Here's a pretty Pin to add to Pinterest so you can ave this post & come back later. Simply hover your mouse over the image and then click the little red Pinterest button in the top left corner.

---

I add new items to the library every month, so the content always stays fresh. I hope you find these resources useful to you in your blogging or business journey and I look forward to seeing how you use them.

If you do enjoy them, post a photo on Instagram of your experience with these resources and use the hashtag #CGScreative. I would love to share your images on my social media accounts (with your permission of course!) for extra exposure to your blog or business.

Join the CGScreative Resource & Stock Photo Library!

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

Happy blogging friends!

Beautiful & Free Feminine Styled Stock Photos for Bloggers, Creatives & Business Owners

It's the start of a new year (even though we are already heading towards the end of January...how is this possibe?) and make your life a little easier when it comes to your blog & social media, I've created a set of feminine styled stock photographs just for you.

If you're new around these parts, you might not know about the CGScreative Resource library; a treasure trove of resources for bloggers, creatives & business owners. 

---

The CGScreative resource library is a FREE online space filled with blogging worksheets, business resources & helpful printables.

It's also filled with what has made my library famous; my unique selection of styled & natural stock imagery.

---

Here's a little sneak peek into what's inside:

The CGScreative resource library is a pretty space for bloggers, creatives & business owners & is  designed to be a place that helps you grow your blog or business and a place to visit to feel inspired.

And now I'm sure you're probably wondering how you can gain access. To keep the library exclusive (and to make sure that only serious creatives have access) you only need  pop your email in the little space below.

Join the CGScreative Resource & Stock Photo Library!

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

By popping your email address above you'll be joining the  CGScreative mailing list. From there I'll be sending you the password for the resource library will allow you to log in.

You'll be able to download any and all of the resources and you can rest easy with regards to image copyright as my photographs are licensed under a creative commons license.  This means you can use the photos for all non-commercial purposes i.e you can use them for anything related to your blog or business that you are not intending to sell.

Feel free to crop the photos, add text to them or layer them with other images and graphics to create the perfect visuals for your site.

---

Here's a pretty Pin to add to Pinterest so you can ave this post & come back later. Simply hover your mouse over the image and then click the little red Pinterest button in the top left corner.

---

I add new items to the library every month, so the content always stays fresh. I hope you find these resources useful to you in your blogging or business journey and I look forward to seeing how you use them.

If you do enjoy them, post a photo on Instagram of your experience with these resources and use the hashtag #CGScreative. I would love to share your images on my social media accounts (with your permission of course!) for extra exposure to your blog or business.

Happy blogging friends!

Join the CGScreative Resource & Stock Photo Library!

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

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DIY Magnetic Pen Holder for the Fridge

After spending countless hours searching for pens around the house when I need to jot down notes in the kitchen, I finally sat down and made my own magnetic pen holder for the fridge!

And you know what...it was SO EASY!

The only thing you might not have on hand is the magnets, but apart from those (they are sort of the main element for this DIY though) you probably have everything else lying around at home.

I found these strong little round magnets at a hobby shop a few years ago, and used them for making my own button magnets for Christmas presents a while ago. I always keep some of them around because they are incredibly useful for all sorts of fun DIY crafts.

If you do end up making one of these yourself, I'd love to see it! Share a photo over on Facebook or Instagram and tag me in it (@CGScreative) so I can see.

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DIY Magnetic Pen Holder for the Fridge

What you need:

• small box (I used an old medicine box that was long enough to hold a pen)
• super glue
• strong magnets (I used 3 little ones)
• various bits of fabric tape/washi tape
• scissors
• lace/ribbon to decorate

Directions:

1. Cut the end off of your box. Make sure to keen the other end intact, otherwise you're going to loose your pens!

2. Wrap your box in washi tape (or fabric tape or whatever fabric you have on hand). I used a sticky backed fabric tape to cover most of the box as my washi tape wasn't thick enough to cover the writing. Once the first layer of fabric tape was done, I used a pretty floral washi tape to complete my box.

Don't worry about going all the way around the box with your tape. I didn't want to waste washi tape on the back as it's never going to be seen and will face the fridge anyway.

4. Using super glue, place glue on the centre of your magnets, and then place the magnets on the back of your box.

Be careful not to stick your fingers together (I've done this plenty of times...not fun!).

5. The fun part...decorating! I used a piece of white lace to make a pretty bow and tied it around my box.

You can really go crazy with this, using string, pegs, washi tape and all sorts of other fun elements.

And voila!

No more searching your home for pens when you need to write your shopping list!

These pen holders also make great gifts too!

If you do try this easy & fun DIY, share a photo on Instagram or Facebook...I'd love to see what you create. 

Happy crafting!

x