ADVENTURE // oceans beach

We have been living in Hawkes Bay for well over a month now. I don’t know where that month has gone, it is a blur of wallpaper and doctors appointments. But we are so glad we made the move. I really have fallen in love with this place. Although there will always be a place for Auckland in our hearts, it is hard to go past the lifestyle, the pace of life, the amazing produce and the large skies.Although I come from the great north, with all its beauty, its beaches and bohemian lifestyle. Hawkes Bay does really feel a little like home. The crisp morning and dry summers.  The steep ranges and long plains.  The underlying hue of gold that encompasses everything.
Yep, I am a fan.

Until next time.

BlackbirdBLOG signature

Coco Darling // 33weeks

coco28x6Coco Darling is 33weeks and seriously, this girl is a fighter.

It has been a hard few months. She has been gaining less and less weight, had trouble with her umbilical cord and generally not doing the greatest. The prognosis being she would most likely pass away in utero and we wouldn’t get to meet her. And now she surprised us all by gaining a bunch of weight, and growing really well. She is a tough cooke. And while this doesn’t mean we are out of any sort of proverbial woods, it is a glance at hope. Hope that at least we will be able to meet our girl.

We have wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your incredible response of love and support. From people far and near, from those who know us personally, and those who don’t. It really has blown us away. But we still need you.

Although we may seem strong and brave as many of you have written, we have our days. Days where we don’t want to face the world, days were I feel ripped off, that I have to go through all this, the stretch marks and bad sleeps and I don’t get a healthy daughter at the end. Ripped off that I don’t get to plan a nursery, have a baby shower or have any sort of the normality of a traditional pregnancy. Days where I feel sorry for myself, where I am so angry that we have to walk this, and days where all I can do is cry.

Then I tell myself, it will be okay. We still have Coco Darling right now. I get to feel her kick and move, she is with us, she hears us and I can face the day. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t break our heart and that we still don’t feel ripped off, but we can enjoy her.

Through the various messages and emails the resounding theme is that it is so hard to know what to do and what not to. So I thought I would share with you.

We love getting your emails, we love getting your texts. We are not much for phone calls and visits, but we want to hear from you none the less. Yes, buy gifts for Coco, talk about her, write her notes that we can read to her. We want to celebrate her as much as we can while she is with us. I am still pregnant, We are still parents and she is still our daughter.

Thank you to all those who already have, it means the world that you love our Coco too.

I never thought you could be so proud of someone you have never met. But we are so proud of our Coco Darling, Hang in there kid.

Until next timeBlackbirdBLOG signature

MAKE IT // Sunday Muesli

I’ve always been partial to a good muesli, and often tend to make my own over the store bought variety. You see, I like what I like. So this way it’s win win for my morning repast.

YOU WILL NEED:

3 cups of whole oats
1/2 chopped raw almonds
A handful of dried peaches
1/2  cup of shredded coconut

1/2 cup chica seeds
2-3 Tablespoons of honey
Whatever else you like

Preheat your oven to 180 C.  Spread out your oats on a large baking tray. Heat your honey in a saucepan until runny. Pour over the oats and quickily mix through evenly. Put into the oven and roast for around 20 minutes,  tossing every ten minutes or so until lightly browned. Add your almonds, peaches, coconut and chica seeds. Give it a good old mix. Pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Done.

Serve with some yoghurt, a few blueberries and a little honey.

Enjoy!

Until next time.

BlackbirdBLOG signature

LEAN CLOSET // Elizabeth Suzann

IMG_9467 (1)

Meet Elizabeth Suzann.

This girl has it all. Simple yet beautiful design.  Mindful execution and method.  Use of natural fabrics made to last longer and wear better.  A self taught designer who designs, patterns and makes almost every garment she sells.  Seriously, she is pure brilliance.

I want it all.  I mean C’mon!  Black and neutrals in silks and linens!  Sheesh.  And as I am embarking on a new journey of Lean Closet, Lean Home, Elizabeth Suzann is a brilliant place to start.  Pluuuus, I am pretty sure I could fit me & my ever growing belly in as well.  It looks like I better start saving my pennies.

Go have a gander, she ships internationally too.  Sigh.

Until next time

BlackbirdBLOG signature