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4 ways to create a stylish table setting

April 30, 2018 By Michaela Fox Leave a Comment

Love the way the colour pops against the black platter!

4 ways to create a stylish table setting

Presentation is everything when it comes to food. As a child I watched my mum put on countless occasions at home – from casual Sunday afternoon canapés to formal home dinner parties. She entertained with ease, generosity and warmth. Mum would plan her menu for the eagerly anticipated dinner party weeks in advance. She would spend hours poring over cookbooks (Margaret Fulton was her bible) crafting the perfectly themed menu. French cuisine was her speciality and she cooked with exciting ingredients. No tuna Mornay in sight!

I have inherited her love of entertaining, though I can’t say I do it nearly as well or as often. My mum partied hard during her “roaring 40’s” but she was well beyond the baby stage by then. Sometimes Mum and Dad’s guests were still there in the morning, much to the surprise and delight of us when we woke up! And then it would be croissants and coffee.

The classic dinner party of that era may be gone, and so too is the formal dining room. But coming together over food is still one of life’s greatest pleasures. Today’s more open and casual spaces allow for more of a focus on what a dinner party is really about—people and food coming together.

It is often said that we eat with our eyes first. In this post I’d like to share with you my top four tips for styling a table. Even a casual lunch with friends can become more special with a few fancy touches.

It all begins with setting the scene!

A cheese platter and champagne sets the scene!

Flowers

Flowers are, in my view, an essential feature of table. I absolutely adore fresh flowers, which can be arranged in multiple vases/glass jars (they don’t have to match) or one single bouquet in the middle of the table. My feeling is that smaller arrangements work best – you don’t want a tall vase dominating the table. The flowers shouldn’t be the star of the show (hopefully the real hero is the food) so choose an arrangement that complements your setting. When I hosted Christmas lunch for 45 guests a few years ago I chose natives, which I placed in small jars. In this post I have used a small bunch, placed in the centre of the table. When entertaining I always ensure I have a bunch of flowers in the powder room also.

Tableware

It is a full sensory experience for the eyes, hands, as well as taste buds, and tableware has become an extension of this. Tableware helps to set the overall tone and ambience of your dining experience. I literally swooned over Caviar collection. A throw back to Art Deco and oh-so-sexy! Plus, the metallic tone adds a touch of drama and luxury to the table. Similarly, stemless wine glasses bring an elegant and contemporary edge to the table. And

Simple and sophisticated tableware

Cypriot Grain Salad is always a crowd pleaser!

Colour

White is the obvious choice for tableware, but who wants to be obvious? I love muted tones such as stone greys and dusty pastels, which can help to bring out the colours in the food. Robust and rustic dishes tend to be able to handle bolder colours too. The Caviar collection is striking addition to the Maxwell & Williams range and is a modern alternative to traditional white settings. How good does the Turkish Delight and pomegranate in the salad look on the black plates?!

The colour contrast works really well with the black plates

Turkish Delight and pretty rose petals!

Mood

Overall, a well-designed table really comes down to how you choose to pair the items you have available. Make sure you combine pieces that make a bold statement with items that don’t overwhelm the design.

This is your table, let it reflect your sense of style. And don’t forget to have fun with it. If you love a particular print or colour, then find a way to introduce it into your table setting – use what inspires you!

Cheese and champagne helps to set the mood!

Dessert time…

Rich Chocolate Brownies

The loveliest Lemon Tart

Coffee and Biscotti time…

A table setting can be casual and elegant in equal measure.

Do you entertain often? If you would like me to share any of the dishes featured in this post, or you want to know more about the tableware, just leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to respond.

Disclosure: Maxwell & Williams gifted me with some of the items that are featured in this post.

Our family photo shoot

March 5, 2018 By Michaela Fox

Me and my little mini

One of the hardest things about being a family of six is getting a (decent) family photo. One where everyone looks nice and everyone has their eyes open! Much like an empty laundry basket, it’s pretty much impossible. Which is why we had some professional family photos taken a couple of months ago. The lovely and talented Beck from Beck Holder Photography took the most gorgeous photos at Warrandyte Pound Bend. The setting was idyllic. Surrounded by Kookaburras, the lightly wooded landscape is spectacular and ideal for natural light photography. If you live in Melbourne you must visit and take a picnic, as we did. Natural beauty at her best!

Our family photo shoot

Beck was tasked with a number of challenges, which she rose to with ease and confidence. First, she had to make this tired mama look good. I had little time in the morning for grooming (another impossibly pusuit with four little people). Second, she had to make it FUN for the kids. Well, she made it so fun they didn’t want to leave. Beck, who is also a school teacher is a natural with kids. They warmed to her in a nano second. Third, she had to get us all smiling at the same time, with eyes open. Nailed it. Fourth, she had to take photos that partially disguised my big girls’ faces (so I can splash across social media). Fifth, she had to keep bubba sufficiently entertained and happy when she was ready for her morning nap. All the ticks!

The last time we had professional photos taken was when Miss I was just two days’ old. And this recently photo session was almost an exact year later! Like our newborn photo shoot, we didn’t want anything posed or staged in a studio. We wanted photos to be natural and capture the essence of our connection. I particularly love the way Beck captured the close sibling bond and the girls’ sense of fun. Here is a mere snapshot of the photos that we received. Our task now is deciding which ones to enlarge, frame and send straight to the Pool Room, Dale Kerrigan!

She loves the touchy feely baby board books.

Dada’s little girl!

Little Miss had just mastered the art of clapping hands!

I love her beautiful blue eyes!

Strike a pose! These three girls have the a bond that is super tight!

I love this photo so much!

Love the joy on her sister’s face!

Sisters and a teddy bear picnic.

The girls had THE BEST time exploring the surrounds!

Look at me standing tall, aren’t I clever?!

Beck Holder is a natural light photographer based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She specialises in family photography. You can find her at Beck Holder Photography.

Do you find it hard to get decent photos of your family? Have you had any professional photos taken?

Miss 5 starts school

January 28, 2018 By Michaela Fox

The first day of school is big. Really big. HUGE!

There are so many “firsts” in a little person’s life; the first smile, first steps, first tooth, first poonami! These firsts are highly anticipated and met with great enthusiasm from parents – with the exception of the poonami, perhaps. The early years of parenthood are crammed full of exciting and emotional milestones. Arguably one of the most emotional milestones is the first day of school. And in a few days my 5-year-old takes this big step.

First day of school

The first day of primary school is such a huge event in a little one’s life (and possibly even huger for parents)! For many parents, it’s met with conflicted emotions. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter, but the end of another. I’ve been through this a couple of times now and each time it feels like a nuanced experience: happy and sad, exciting and uncertain, bitter and sweet. There’s no doubt about it – taking your child to school for the first time is significant, memorable and emotional.

When my first-born, Miss A, started school, it was so new – for both of us. Plus, being my first baby, it felt huge, like really HUGE. But she was ready as we had given her a bonus year of kinder. When I said my goodbye I did not shed any tears, but I felt the full force of what the day signified.

I was prepared when Miss J started school, but I was also nervous for her, being a child who experiences anxiety. My anxiety, though, receded quickly knowing that her big sister would look after her. And that she did. I feel so happy that Miss H will have not one, but two big sisters looking out for her.

Miss H is the perfect measure of excited and ready for school. Her mood is buoyant. She has skipped through those school gates hundreds of times (seeing her big sisters’ off and running to them happily at pick up). Only this time she will enter the school as a student. Along with thousands of gorgeous Preppies (in NSW I think it’s called Kinder) she will enter the school system. I don’t think anything could eclipse her excitement, not even saying goodbye to me and her baby sister (OK, maybe her sister!). My excitement, however, is tempered by what I am losing. Let me explain.

Of all my children I have spent the most time with Miss H. This is purely because there has been the longest period (4.5 years) between her birth and another baby arriving into the family. I had my first three babies in less than three years. Yes, crazy! Whilst it was lovely (read: intense) and I am convinced it has contributed to their close bond, it meant that my time was divided and one-on-one time was hard to achieve. Miss H is my big “baby” and our bond is super tight. I absolutely adore our conversations, which are interesting, insightful and often very funny. I will miss her incessant chatter when I at home with a one-year-old and “conversation” is mono syllabic!

I cannot believe that my baby is starting school.

Dearest Miss H,

Well, here it is – your first day of school. You’ve been jumping out of your skin with excitement about this for weeks, actually months! And tomorrow you join thousands of other kids around Australia to embark on your very first day at primary school. I am SO excited for you.

That is not to say I am not feeling sad, too. We have enjoyed so much one-on-one time together, and I have treasured every minute of it. You have been my lovely shadow, asking hundreds of (impressive) questions every day. Your brain astounds me sometimes. It’s time for the teachers to answer the questions that I cannot. I will miss your questions, curiosity and company.

Miss H, I have watched you grow into a curious, gentle and creative young girl with a quiet confidence and focus. You are going to THRIVE at school. Go get ’em, my girl. Make new friends, soak up the learning, play hard, and come home with lots of stories. I want to hear every detail!

I love you, Miss H. I am immensely proud of you.

Mama xx

Did you have a little one starting school of preschool this year? How did you feel?

Follow our adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

A word of thanks

December 18, 2017 By Michaela Fox

A word of thanks from us to you…

Christmas is always such a busy time of year, isn’t it? I love it, but unfortunately I do find the joy is somewhat eclipsed by the pressures, obligations and “busyness” of the silly season. The past few weeks have been manic, as I am sure they have for you. But finally the end of year celebrations, ballet concerts, school transitions, social obligations and gastro outbreak (yep, it hit all 6 of us!) have come to an end, and now Christmas is here for us to enjoy.

This year has been an interesting one. Like many, I imagine, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Having a fourth child has certainly added to the turbulence, but there have been other challenges, too. Many I’ve documented here and shared on my socials. Some I have kept private, because they aren’t my stories to tell, or they are simply too personal. Contrary to what Mr NASD may believe, I don’t share EVERYTHING!

It’s hard to believe that this time last year I had a baby who was only a few weeks old. She was so tiny and still. It didn’t last long. She has been in a great big hurry to catch up to her sisters since she opened her eyes. And she’s doing a pretty good job of keeping pace. I absolutely adore this age and stage. She’s so curious, interactive, entertaining, energetic and full of personality. She has brought so much love and joy to our lives…as well as sleepless nights and shopping trolleys under my eyes!!

I just wanted to say thank you, and wish you all a magical Christmas. I hope 2018 is kind to you, and brings an abundance of love and laughter. On behalf of Miss A, Miss J, Miss H, Miss I, and Mr NASD, thank you for following. We wish you and your families a happy, safe and memorable Christmas.

I’ll be taking a break from blogging for most of January so that I can enjoy spending time with my family. Plus, we have to pack up our entire house to move to temporary locations until our new home is ready. We will have moved four times in three years and quite frankly I am OVER it. I don’t ever want to move again!!

Thank you for reading this blog. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being part of this beautiful community. If you’re not already part of my private FB group, I’d like to invite you to join here. The NASD Mum Squad is an intimate group of wonderfully supportive mums. It’s a safe place to ask questions, seek advice, share experiences and join a vibrant and supportive community.

I’ll still be posting on Instagram, and Facebook so I hope you’ll join me there. Otherwise, I’ll see you in 2018 for a new year, new stories and new possibilities…

Michaela xx

My baby is now one!

Pictures of Port Douglas

December 11, 2017 By Michaela Fox

Miss I wasn’t too keen on the pool at first, but she warmed up to it!

Very few words are needed for this post. Instead, I am going to let the pictures do the talking. If you’d like to know anything about our trip – where we stayed, what we did, where we ate – just drop me a line in the comments, and I’ll be sure to respond. Suffice to say our time in Port Douglas was SUBLIME. And I highly recommend it as a family holiday destination.

Pictures of Port Douglas

Miss I loved the change of scene

The Surf Club was our favourite spot for dinner.

Corn on the cob with a glass of bubbles!

Sushi and Champagne – a winning combination!

Dada and daughter time!

Mossman Gorge in Port Douglas is a must-see!

Mossman Gorge

The beautiful pool at Cayman Villas.

Nothing beats an egg and bacon muffin poolside for brekkie!

Pool shenanigans!

She became a water baby by the end of the trip!

Miss almost-one-year-old started standing unassisted on our holiday!

I even had a little time to read!

Relaxed mama!

I should also point out that I really liked myself on this holiday. I have decided that I am a much more relaxed, patient, fun and happy mama when I am on holidays!! With the absence of time pressures, schedules and domestic obligations, I was sooooooooooooo relaxed. Pity it’s not reality. But it reminded me that holidays are important and it doesn’t really matter where you go, family bonding is wonderful and the change of scene is the perfect antidote to mothering fatigue.

Tell me about your experience holidaying with kids. Have you got a destination where everything just “works”? What’s your favourite part about being on holiday?

365 days old

November 29, 2017 By Michaela Fox

My rainbow baby is born.

365 days

365 days ago, you were born.

365 ago, I became the mum of four daughters.

365 days ago, you made our family complete.

365 days ago, my world became a happier place.

365 days ago, you lay on my chest, in a mighty meconium mess, and made me the happiest mama alive.

But your journey began long before these 365 days…

I couldn’t wait to meet you. I am many things, but patient I am not. And I wanted you long before I conceived you. But, for reasons beyond my control, I had to wait a long time to create you. We tried many times for the stars to align and the cells to divide, but it wasn’t your time. Each time I miscarried I felt the crushing blow of disappointment. Each time I mourned for you, and I mourned for your sisters. Each time was devastating. Each time made me long for you more. Each time made me love you more.

So, my darling Miss I, you have been loved a very long time. When my pregnancy was confirmed, my elation was tempered. The truth is, I was terrified. Terrified of losing you. Terrified of feeling that gut wrenching pain again. Terrified that I wouldn’t ever get to see your first smile, witness your fist steps and feel your warm skin on my body. Pregnancy, after loss, is a conflicted and fraught experience.

The card I gave your sisters to announce my pregnancy.

I stroked my belly every one of the 275 days you were inside me. And once I shared the news with you sisters, my fear subsided. In its place was only love and joy. Their excitement when they heard you were growing inside me was a joy unmatched by any other experience in my life. One day, when you are fighting with them over who gets to use the hairdryer, I will show you the video footage of this exquisite moment!

Me at 35-weeks pregnant

You arrived a few days earlier than expected, but you teased me with contractions for weeks prior. Thankfully you allowed us to move house and attend your sisters’ ballet concert before you arrived. The morning you signalled to me you were on your way, I delayed going into the hospital. I wanted just a few more hours with you on my own. A few more precious hours when I didn’t have to share you with anyone. I was equal parts nervous and elated. I sent your dad off to work and drove myself the hospital. It was our special time.

Much like the journey to conceive you, your birth involved struggle, effort and pain. And some stress. When you were born those seconds of ensuing silence seemed to stretch on and on. And then came your cry. The sweet sound of a cry, signalling you were OK. The pain was over. The wait was over. And my joy was indescribable. The hours after your birth were beautiful. A surge of relief, love and healing washed over me.

Later we continue skin to skin contact with the Kangaroo care pose.

Miss I, you didn’t stop moving in utero and you haven’t stopped moving since. Busy, alert, active and energetic – these are the words most frequently used to describe you. There’s so much activity around you, and you want to be a part of it. Backstage is not for you. You want to be smack, bang centre stage.

Now I am not going to sugar coat this; you have not been an easy baby. But it hasn’t been your fault. Reflux and tongue-ties hindered breastfeeding, and you were bron with a chronic allergy to sleep. I’ve already shared those experiences, so let’s not go there again. Instead I want to tell you a bit about YOU.

At age one you are choc – full of personality. So much personality. You’ve shown you are fiercely determined, immensely curious and highly alert. You’re a little too busy for cuddles and relaxing. Why rest when you can explore? Why cuddle when you can climb? Why sleep when you can PLAY?!

Climbing is so much fun!

My darling Miss I, thank you for choosing me as your mama. Thank you for joining our family. Thank you for filling our lives with colour. You are the centre of your sisters’ worlds. They could not love you any more, it’s simply not possible. Your eldest sister told me she loves you so much it sometimes hurts. I know what she means.

I look at you and I see your sisters. I look into your eyes and see my angel babies. You are the sum of those experiences. When you were born the ache in my heart receded. Everything feels a little lighter now, but I’ll always remember where your journey started. I look at you and I won’t ever forget.

You are 365 days old.

Happy first birthday, my beautiful girl. I love you more than I can express in words.

Mama xxx

Happy Birthday my beautiful baby!

Happy 7th Birthday, Miss J

September 13, 2017 By Michaela Fox

My beautiful Miss J, you light up my world!

Happy birthday, Miss J. Today is your day!

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since I met you, Curly tops. The labour was dramatic; a forewarning of your personality, perhaps. At age seven you do have a penchant for drama.

When you were placed in my arms on the 13^th of September, 2009, you took my breath away. Admittedly, I had just fainted, but your beauty was arresting. You were exquisite. Rosebud lips, snow-white skin and soft, fine features. The midwives said you looked like a doll. And as I held you to my trembling chest, I couldn’t believe my fortune. Another healthy baby; and a sister for Miss A.

After I had fainted and I took a good look at my daughter!

It is true that I saw stars during your birth. Low blood pressure and crowning pressure will do that to you. It was, so I am told, the first time the birthing staff had ever seen a woman faint during the pushing stage of labour. I still see stars wherever you go.

Miss J, your eyes sparkle from dawn to dusk. They are big, wide, alive blue eyes and they dart and dance all day long. The stars in your eyes brighten up my world and everyone around you. And they match your sparkly personality. I love your eyes.

Thank you for the light you bring to our lives. Your golden locks, untamed and wild match your free spirit and lively personality. But it is what inside that really shines. You are a curious, kind, sensitive and thoughtful girl. And your curls are as untamed as your love. Each night you cloak me in a tight swaddle as we say goodnight. It is a highlight of my day. And your love notes make my heart swell.

Miss J offers a turn down service most nights.

As a sister, you are tender and fiercely loyal. And as a friend you are fun and empathetic. When you stood up to bullying at school I felt so proud. It was a hard thing for you to do, but you have a strong sense of right and wrong.

Miss J, you are going to love being seven. Being six has been a wonderful year with many changes and transitions. We moved house (again!), welcomed a baby sister into the family, and you moved into Grade One. You approached all these changes with excitement, quiet confidence and commitment.

Happy 7^th birthday, my angel. Keep shining bright. Maintain your sense of drama. Embrace all that life has to offer this year. It’s going to be bucket loads of fun being seven!

7 Fast Facts

You leave me love notes daily and often do a ‘turn down service’ at night by placing my book on my pillow, turning my bedside lamp on and leaving my earplugs in position!
We call you a tech head. You LOVE technology and say you want to be a games developer one day. You’re pretty good at using technology, so it wouldn’t surprise me.
You have worked really hard at building your confidence (you once asked me which vegetable you should eat to grow confidence) and you are a lot less anxious now. I am incredibly proud.
You have had two Grade One teachers this year and you adore them both. It’s obvious the feeling is mutual. Your school report said you were a “delight” to teach and an “exemplary” student. Way to go, Miss J!
You learned to ride without training wheels this year. A shaky start, but you nailed it!
Tap, tap, tap! You LOVE tap-dancing. Your feet never stop tapping and, as a fellow tap lover, I am rather pleased.
You love your sisters more than anything and would do anything for them. You’re as close as crossed fingers and your bond in unshakable.

Bonus Fact………You are an emoji enthusiast!

I love you just a teeny bit more than you love me. Which is A LOT!

Love Mama xx

You are the most loving big sister!

Like this post? Be sure you’re following NASD on Facebook and Instagram for more snippets of our family life.

4 gorgeous gifts for mum

May 1, 2017 By Michaela Fox

4 gorgeous gifts for mum

How did mother’s day creep up on us so fast? It seems to get earlier every year. Aren’t we still recovering from Christmas? I love mother’s day. Not only is it entirely acceptable to be grammatically incorrect (although there’s some debate over the correct placement of the apostrophe), but it is also a time to thank your own mum, and be thanked for being a mum. At no other stage in your life do you feel a greater respect and appreciation for your mum than when you become a mum yourself. Becoming a mum brings into focus the dedication, love and sacrifices that you’re own mum made. I wrote this post to my mum – a woman who tirelessly put her children’s needs ahead of her own, and whose mothering abilities I aspire to match. It’s a post about thanks.

Right, now let’s get down to business! It’s all about presents. Wrong. We all know it’s about cold toast, handmade craft and lingering cuddles with our offspring. And I absolutely love it. I love how excited my girls are to bring in their carefully chosen gifts from the mother’s day stall and the handmade cards and craft. It’s gorgeous. I don’t want for anything else, but if Mr NASD insists, I’ve got some gorgeous gift suggestions below. It’s the seconds ticking away until Mother’s Day! With the annual occasion to spoil your Mum just around the corner, here are some gorgeous rosey hued gift options that are sure to impress her….

Miss J’s Pink and Gold Party

September 12, 2016 By Michaela Fox

Miss J’s party cake.

I can’t believe my little girl turns six today. In the blink of an eye she has gone from a toddler to a big girl. How did that happen? The expression, “the days are long but the years are short” comes to mind. It seems like she was only a baby five minutes ago! This year for her birthday we went with an “easy” theme. I have put on my fair share of birthday parties and covered fairy, pink, rainbow and garden themes. Though they were a lot of fun, when you theme a party it inevitably becomes a lot more work. Given my pregnancy is busting my chops at the moment, and we have a lot going on in our lives, I opted for a simple theme of Pink and Gold. Here’s a rundown of all the party elements:

Let’s get this party started!

Miss J’s Pink and Gold Party

Theme:

I am willing to bet that most 6-year-old girls are pretty fond of Pink and Gold, and these two colours just happen to pair beautifully together. Plus, I had lots of pink decorations leftover from my 40^th, which was a pink and mint theme. I love coloured themes as they are easy and fun.

Styling:

Easy peasy. Pink and gold balloons, honeycombs, confetti, pom poms and streamers.

Pink and gold confetti from Poppies for Grace.

Venue:

NASD HQ.

Party guests:

12 of her closest friends from school. Girls only, this time. They all came in pink, gold and “sparkles.”

Pink and Gold party theme

Entertainment:

The lovely Stephanie from Colourful Smiles came to our house and entertained the kids with disco dancing, face painting and balloon art. She came dressed in the Pink and Gold theme and she was absolutely FANTASTIC. From the moment she arrived she captivated the kids’ attention and she made the birthday girl feel very special. Stephanie was a huge hit and I cannot recommend her more highly.

Stephanie creating balloon magic!

Love this rainbow

The birthday girl with rainbow art

Butterfly arm art

Catering:

I kept the catering pretty simple this year. Aside from the cake and cupcakes, I went to very little effort J

The Cake:

A three-layer chocolate cake with pink buttercream icing covered in white fondant and pink fondant flowers (after all, Miss J is named after a flower!). I couldn’t work out how to dye fondant gold, so I included some sparkle on top with this cute gold bunting (made with sparkly washi tape). The pink ribbon tied around the bottom makes the cake look pretty as well as hiding my fondant imperfections! If you’re new to icing with fondant, you can read my full post on fondant for beginners.

The party cake!

Fondant icing with flower decorations.

Miss J’s party cake.

Now let ’em eat cake!

Cupcakes: Simple vanilla cupcakes with piped pink buttercream icing and topped with edible pink and gold sprinkles. The gorgeous cupcake wrappers in gold and rose gold added to the theme and came from Illume partyware.

Pink and gold cupcakes.

Cupcakes are always a hit!

Fairy bread, Fruit cups, Sushi, Sausage rolls, popcorn and chips. For drinks I set up a drink dispenser of tropical juice and allowed the kids to pout their own juice in these cute milk bottles with pink stripey straws. When I emptied the drink dispenser later that day, Miss A said: “I bet you’re looking forward to filling that with champagne once the baby is here.” Ummm…. yes I am!

Fruit juice for this party, champagne for the next!

Pink and gold Fairy bread

Fruit cups always a winner

Party Bags:

Illume partyware provided these stunning pink and gold party bags, along with the thank you cards. I just adore these bags. Inside I filled with the usual bits and bobs, but the hero of the party bag was most certainly the gorgeous tubs of all-natural scented play dough by Happy Hands Happy Hearts. Seriously how sweet are these jars? The clever mum behind Happy Hands Happy Hearts is passionate about encouraging creative and sensory play, something I am very passionate about too. They use plant-based dyes to mimic flavours found in nature and scents that encourage well-being and calm. Check out their stunning range. My favourite fragrance is the lavender. Divine!

Pink and Gold party bags

All-natural scented play dough jars.

The play dough jars can be personalised with special tags.

A gorgeous addition to the party bags!

Candy Buffet:

Instead of loading up their party bags with sweets, I set up a small candy buffet in the room so the guests could choose and fill their own lolly bags. This was a hit at my 40^th and so I filled a couple of big jars with pink jellybeans and an assortment of candy. Note the vase of Jasmine, which filled the room with the most beautiful perfume.

Candy buffet for the party guests.

Jasmine and candy

My darling Miss J,

You were born with big, beautiful, “sparkly” eyes. As you were placed on my chest, I was filled with an indescribable joy. I had just been given the most incredible gift; another healthy baby, another daughter, a sister for Miss A. You were exquisite. When I was too sick to finalise your name, your dada looked at me and said, “I think she looks like a J.” And he was right – you were as pretty and perfect as the flower that blooms in Spring. And it was in full seasonal bloom on the 13th day of September in 2010.

Those big, blue eyes continue to sparkle today, lighting up the spaces and people around you. You light up life, my gorgeous girl. I have watched you grow into the most loving, curious, kind and gentle young girl. Enjoy being six – it’s going to a fabulous year. You have almost completed your first year of school and you have done so with great gusto and curiosity. Your teacher’s eyes lit up when she told me you are a “delight to teach.” Miss J, you are a delight to parent. Continue to shine bright, my angel. You’ve lot to look forward to this year, not least of which is welcoming a sibling into our family very soon. How lucky he or she will be to have you as an older sister.

Happy 6th birthday, Miss J, my “curly tops”.

I love you more than I can express in words.

Mama xoxoxox

My beautiful Miss J, you light up my world!

NASD TURNS FOUR – elk giveaway up for grabs

August 29, 2016 By Michaela Fox

Hip, Hip, Horay. NASD turns 4 today!

Hip, Hip, Horay, NASD turns four today!!!

So, not so long ago I turned the big 4-OH!! But today I turn 4, a far more fun age. And I hope you will all celebrate with me!

It’s hard to believe that FOUR whole years have passed since I wrote my first post on Not another slippery dip. My blog has been like my 4th baby in many ways. I remember the combined excitement and nervousness I felt when I pressed PUBLISH and sent my post out to the blogosphere. I say blogosphere because it’s sounds a lot more impressive than the two readers (my husband, and my sister) who were the only ones following my blog at the time! My first post was called “Kids. Who’d have ’em?”, which gives you an insight into my state of mind at the time!! Well, it appears I didn’t turn anyone off with that post, least of all myself as I prepare for baby no. 4 to enter our lives!!

Blogging is a lot like parenting. It can be a steep learning curve and it takes some time to find your feet. It is a journey that is as exciting as it is perplexing. It requires more than I can give at times. I love it. I am emotional about it. I am confused by it. I lose patience with it at times. Personal blogging can be revealing, leaving you feeling vulnerable. It can also be liberating – the freedom to write what you like without constraint. Just like parenting it’s a personal journey.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I am so happy that you are reading. Each and every comment from my readers means a great deal to me. In the blogging world it’s easy to get fixated on site stats, traffic and new followers. I don’t have huge numbers, but like most things in life, quality over quantity wins out every time. I love writing and I blog to express; to connect; to capture, and to create.

What will be in store for my fifth year? Well, it’s fair to say it will involve more challenges, more twists and turns, and yep, more slippery dips! Oh, and a 4th baby, just to add to my busy schedule. He or she is sure to provide lots of content inspiration, and lots of newborn baby spam. I’ll try not to bore the pants off you with overdoing the newborn spam 🙂

Thanks for navigating the slippery dips with me. In a virtual sense, the champagne is on me! I hope you will celebrate with me. Hip, Hip, HORAY!!!!

ELK GIVEAWAY UP FOR GRABS FOR NASD READER

The lovely team at elk accessories are helping me celebrate by offering one lucky reader the chance to win a $100 elk gift voucher. I specifically asked elk to support my birthday celebrations as, aside from their continually evolving and stunning range, the winner will get to choose a gift that’s not in any way baby-kid related. Shop their beautiful Monument collection and choose something special, just for you!

All you have to do is sign up to my monthly newsletter (if you’re viewing from a desktop you will see subscription box on the right hand side) and you are automatically entered into the drawer to win. It’ll take you less than 10 seconds! Competition closes at midnight AEST on Wednesday 7th September. GOOD LUCK!!!

Win this elk gift voucher

Thanks again for being part of my online community.

Here’s to a fabulous 5th year ahead!

Michaela xx

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Flowers

Tableware

Colour

Mood

Our family photo shoot

First day of school

Pictures of Port Douglas

365 days

Miss J’s Pink and Gold Party

Theme:

Styling:

Party guests:

Entertainment:

Catering:

The Cake:

Party Bags:

Candy Buffet:

ELK GIVEAWAY UP FOR GRABS FOR NASD READER

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