DECKING OUR HALLS

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Not since I was a little girl, have I felt such an air of excitement about the coming festive season. And now with Sage inching closer to the age of three, her delight in all things Christmasey has become completely infectious, leading us to adorn our home in those traditional hues of red, green and gold - albeit a tad early! Embellishing the mantles, hanging our stockings and drafting letters to the big man in red, has only added to the enchanting anticipation that is already so abundant at this time of year.

For once, I think I'm  almost  organised {an infrequent, but satisfying notion!} Many gifts for the children have been purchased and squirreled away, waiting to be wrapped with love {and endless twine}, then torn open with utter glee and abandon come the 25th - a childhood rite of passage indeed! Delicious morsels are being bookmarked for a multitude of family gatherings {inevitable as the typically cool Tassie weather warms} and our customary croissant breakfast on Christmas morning already has my mouth watering.

However, the one thing I am most looking forward to, is revelling in our little Christmas Eve ritual - the first time as a family of four! Sage and Alby will unwrap a fresh set of summer pyjamas, place a new decoration on the tree and then we'll share a festive tale beneath the fairy lights before bed... is there anything more magical than the aura of Christmas Eve-ning?


Are there any merry traditions that you and your family hold dear?

To create our enchanting Christmas space, we used:

Christmas tree {similar}  //  fairy lights  //  plain gold baubles  //  plain red baubles  //  wreath  //  Sage's outfit  

{specialty baubles,  red lantern,  felt reindeer garland,  moss rabbit,  knit stockings,  gift wrap  and  Alby's outfit  available to purchase in store}

Baby, It's Cold Outside! | Little Luxuries

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With the peak of winter upon us, as Daddy reluctantly heads off to work each day, we've been spending more and more time in front of the blazing fire with the doors of our home shut tight. Collecting the wood and stoking the coals is a ritual we happily share. While the temperature outside barely reaches double figures, we've been filling our days with puzzles and cubbies and make-believe and satisfying our bellies with hearty, comfort food upon nightfall. The snugness of wool-lined moccasins is too much for icy toes to resist, as is the lure of a hot water bottle and an early bed-time.

Rarely do we venture outdoors through the day - only if necessity strikes - and even then, we scurry along, reluctantly avoiding our usual explorations and natterings along the way. As we walk, I've come to notice the deepest scents of the earth emerging after rainfall and the grass at each of the homes we pass, transforming to a luminous green. Upon homecoming, Sage's flushed cheeks are endlessly kissed and Alby's rosy nose nuzzles in close.

Through the depths of this season, the need for layer upon layer of toasty clothing is inescapable - especially for little ones, who are more vulnerable to winter's chilly grasp. Soft cotton singlets, wool-infused thermals and the thickest of socks do wonders, warming from the outside in. But for those sweet outer layers, the ones that meld cuteness with snugness and practicality with comfort, here are some cosy winter time finds for your littlest ones, from Target...

Winter time layers for little girls...

one:  mockingbird knit cardigan  //  mockingbird knit dress  //  mockingbird knit pants  //  gabrielle bow shoes

two:  folkloric resort chambray dress  //  mockingbird floral knit top  //  diamond print pants  //  treasure shoes

three:  knit cardigan  //  catriona rowntree lamb knit jumper  //  floral leggings  //  my first volley shoes

Charlotte wears white quilted jacket  {available in-store}  //  metallic striped leggings

Charlotte wears knit cardigan  //  'merci' long sleeved tee  //  glitter leggings {available in-store}

Charlotte wears everyday knit cardigan  //  blue floral leggings  {available in-store}

 Winter time layers for little boys...

one:  catriona rowntree sherpa jacket  //  catriona rowntree tractor knit  //  catriona rowntree cord pants  //  trevor shoes

two:  quilted zip up jacket  //  mockingbird knit top  //  print leggings  //  truman shoes

three:  mockingbird knit hat  //  traveller bon voyage jumper  //  stretch chino pants  //  my first volley shoes

Alby wears Geo Indian two piece set {available in-store}

Alby wears north sea star striped sweater  //  raglan sleeve tee //  stretch chino pants

Alby wears vintage garage cars print top  //  vintage garage relaxed pants

{A special thanks to my dear friend Mel for allowing me to photograph her darling Charlotte}

Nineteen | FiftyTwo

 

 

A portrait of my little ones; once a week, every week, in 2014

 

 

Sage -  you've had attitude-PLUS of late. Each sentence usually consists of "NO!" or "NAUGHTY MUMMY!" - don't let this sweet face fool you! 

 

Alby - swoon!      {Alby is wrapped snug in the new ErgoBaby Swaddler, care of Babes in Arms}

 

 

 

{The 52 Project, inspired by the lovely Jodi}



The Bath-Time Ritual

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Although our experiences of motherhood are vastly different today than a time only recently passed, it's comforting to know that the rituals surrounding the nurturing of a newborn ultimately remain the same...

myself {aged three and a half} and my Mum, bathing my brother, Jason - 1988

To bathe and change Alby in comfort, we choose: baby bath, kneeling pad, towels, face washer, rubber ducky, change table pad and outfit

Big sister Sage is a wonderful little helper, wearing this gorgeous blouse and these comfy pants

Five | FiftyTwo

A portrait of my little ones; once a week, every week, in 2014

Sage - you were none too impressed with Mummy styling this week's photoshoot in your  teepee  {take a peek here}

Panda - we've been getting through these warm days remarkably unscathed, sweet boy. Nights on the other hand...
{38 weeks}

{The 52 Project, inspired by the lovely Jodi}

Preparing for Panda

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With the arrival of our baby Panda only a few short weeks away, the busyness of life up until now has left me feeling slightly unprepared for his homecoming...

Throughout my pregnancy with Sage, I was blessed with the luxury of time - time in which I absorbed line after line of my favourite birthing books, time in which I was captivated, hour after hour, by birthing documentaries, time which I devoted to weekly yoga practice, to meditation and reflection ... time in which I prepared both my body and my mind for the monumental journey that is pregnancy, labour and childbirth.

Although so many unknowns shroud the coming weeks - namely when, where and how he'll arrive - one thing I can be assured of is our physical readiness for this new little person to enter our lives. Socks have been bundled, cotton nappies line drawers and an empty car seat awaits. Tiny onesies fill shelves, soft swaddles lay freshly washed and baby shoes beckon to be filled.

But for some of those last minute essentials, I popped by our local Target store and filled my basket to the brim with newborn goodness. This week, beginning Thursday, January 30th, Target are having an 'Everything For Baby' sale where oh so many of their delightful products for babies and children will be massively reduced. If you have a young one in your world, it is the most perfect time to stock up on an abundance of goodies, for both now, and later. Here are my mummy must-have's and a few other covetable finds along the way...

When I spotted these divine cable knit blankets, I knew they'd be the perfect addition to our wee man's vintage bassinet - so much so, I bought them in both blue and white. As well as being seriously huge and seriously soft, they are simple and classic. I can already tell they'll be one of our most used and loved baby items. I also stocked up on some of these fabulous cotton blankets in a variety of colours {for only $8 each!} to warm us through our chilly Tasmanian winters. If there's a little girl who graces your world, I think these swaddles and these wraps are just the sweetest!

Panda's nursery would simply not be complete without a supply of ever-reliable Huggies Newborn Nappies. Although not available to purchase online, your local store is sure to have them. During sale week, you can buy a box of 108 nappies for only $27 - that's $10 off! Also, everywhere we go, at least three of these white cloth wonders will follow along. Stored in the nappy bag {and the nursery and the pram and the car} they make the most perfect burp cloths/wee catchers/feeding covers/spill cleaners/ and of course, emergency nappies. The most essential newborn all-rounder!

  

When it comes to babywear, you really cannot beat the quality and understated effortlessness of Bonds apparel. Featuring both timeless and modern designs, it's where I always turn for the basics - suits, singlets, tops, socks and tights. Right now, I'm loving the combo of this knitted cardi and these funky leggings. Until the 12th of February, Target have a 3 for the price of 2 deal on all babies' clothing {in-store only}. The perfect opportunity to buy this, this and this for your little man or this, this and this for your tiny princess.

For those out and about times, this Brica Handy Hook {available in-store} is the perfect little device for hands-free convenience. I'll use mine to manage the ever-cumbersome nappy bag and to hold those often unexpected purchases during trips into town. And if you are anything like me, rifling through your bag in search of your mobile phone, is an all too common occurrence - this genius product would make the ultimate travel companion.{You can also purchase the stylish jacquard knitted blanket shown above for the grand total of $10! and during sale week, all nappy bags are 20% off}.

Again from the Brica range, this brilliant little caddy makes bath-time clean up an absolute breeze. The nifty, mesh scoop easily collects all of your child's water born goodies and then simply suctions to the wall, ensuring drying time is quick and leaving mould at bay. Pop in-store to purchase. All Brica car and travel accessories are 20% off during sale week - here is another little gem we couldn't live without.

The 'joys' of feeding a little one can be made all the more bearable with the right products in hand. The Tommee Tippee snack pods {shown above and purchased as a set of four, in-store} are perfect for those bite-sized feeds on-the-run. Although Sage never adjusted to a bottle, I'm prepared with a set of these this time around, for those just-in-case moments {and they're available for half price during sale week!}. And who could resist these woodland animal bibs {a two pack for $4!}? The most stylish feeding accessory!

Perusing the manchester section at our local store, I simply couldn't walk past this dreamy, reversible playmat for Panda - even more so when I spotted the price! Previously retailing for $79, they are currently on sale for $20... yes $20! And not only that, you have multiple colour options - the blue fox design {shown above}, the pink owl design or the grey elephant design, all featuring this stunningly whimsical cloud pattern on the reverse side. For those who love something a little more elaborate, this darling motion gym is half price during sale week {only $49, down from $99}.


Now, here's the exciting part...

To celebrate the opening of the 'Everything For Baby' sale, Target are giving Fields of Sage readers the opportunity to win a $50 gift voucher, to spend on whatever your little heart desires! To enter, all you have to do is pop over to their online store, take a look around and leave a comment below or on the Fields of Sage facebook page, telling us what you'd love to buy {doing both will give you two entries}.

The winner will be selected via random number generator {according to comment order} and will be drawn on Monday, February 3rd at 8.30pm.

Best of luck and happy shopping! x

..................................................

UPDATE     we have a winner!

Congratulations to the lovely Lauren Walker - I hope you enjoy your mini-spending spree at Target! I'm sure you'll pick up some utter delights for your gorgeous girl and that beautiful bump of yours x