Tag Archives: LIFE

On dealing with loss of two babies, and how you can be a better friend to those who’ve lost theirs.

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PHOTO : Me in the first trimester with Coco.

May. Initially its significance to Nathan and I was it is the month of our wedding anniversary, but now, it’s also the month of the death and birth of our first child, and was the due date of our second.

I wasn’t going to publicly share this part of our lives, after sharing so much about Coco Darling, I didn’t know if I could pour my heart out all over again. But my friend, the woman who interviewed me for my first ever feature in Homestyle Magazine back in 2013, and one very talented writer, Debbie Harrison persuaded me to. Contacting me in September of 2015, asking if I would share my story on Coco Darling with the readers of NEXT magazine as a feature they were doing on resilient woman. I obliged, happy to once again share that story with the world. Partly because I had always felt to share Coco’s story, to try to make the loss of our children a little less lonely. But also because I was in-fact pregnant once again, in my first trimester and due around the same date as our Coco had been, the end of May. I thought I perhaps share more of a happy ending to my story. So we set a date for Debbie to interview me over the phone and went about life until then.

But that’s when a few things changed. First off, I began spotting, which any woman who has been in that position knows is un-nerving to say the least. But being assured by people around me ( and google, seriously, why do we google. ) that it was perfectly normal to spot and that I should not worry. Which I tried to, and tried to ignore the gnawing feeling that I could possibly lose another baby. But week passed, all seemed to be okay, and just like that I had hit the magical 12 week date. Sweet relief. And then, I miscarried. Ending up in hospital with a lot of blood loss and a broken heart. We were devastated to say the least, and really, we still are. But soon after, Debbie contacted me about the piece, and I had to tell her that shitty shitty news, but that I was even though I felt destroyed, I still wanted to share, about Coco, and about our other babe.

The last six months have been a hard slog of down days and a few up. Watching friends and strangers get pregnant and give birth, watching babies turn two like our Coco would have, and others counting down the weeks like I would have for our second child. But I am thankful everyday for an amazing, caring and supportive husband. Incredible family and some really great friends.

But after loosing our second child, I thought, if I am going to share something about it, it needs to be more than a sob story, it need to practically help people. So, if I can leave you with one thing, it is this.

If you have lost a child, whether in miscarriage, still-born or later in their life, whether you have struggled to get pregnant, or simple cannot. Lets talk about this. With each other, and with those around us, know that you are not alone, that it is okay to be sad, angry or anything else you may feel and although we will not understand your story completely, as it is yours alone, but we can relate, and grieve with you. Surround yourself with good people, people who love you and care for you. Be kind to yourself, let yourself  take some time out, feel what you need to, write it down, keep writing. Also, maybe take a break from social media for a while.  It’s constant reminder that people ( most of whom you don’t  actually know, or would never hear about without social media ) are getting pregnant and having babies. And treat.yo.self. Sometimes it’s nice to go get your hair done, buy a new dress, or hand cream, take a bath. You deserve a little pampering girlfriend. And lastly, I can tell you, it does get better, it does not fade completely, it will never be the same as it was before, you will not forget your children ( and why would you want to ) but you will be okay. I promise.

And for those around us. Please don’t be afraid to talk to us. Acknowledge our loss, and pain. But not just the feeling, but our child, if they have a name, say their name. They are so real to us. It hurts us more when you ignore it. We know you don’t know what to say, neither do we. But you don’t have try to understand or even act like you do. Don’t try to fix it, it’s unfixable. Yes, we won’t always feel this shit, but we will always feel pain. Also, don’t forget about the men in the scenario, they have lost children too and most likely are doing a stand up job looking after the mother of said child, they could probably do with a beer and someone to talk to too. Next, please don’t ask if we are going to try again, or if we are trying, we probably are, and if we aren’t, it’s none of your business unless we make it yours ( that goes for asking people in general, if someones not talking about having babies, don’t ask them, you don’t know their journey ). Also, please don’t say there will be more children, that it will happen in the right time or that you are young and have our whole lives ahead of us. We know all of this, but it hurts and makes us want to punch you in the face when you do, even if you mean well. Remember we are dealing with the hormones and changes of somebody post baby, it’s not a fun place. Please don’t invite us to your kids party’s or ask us to hold your babies ( unless we ask to ). We really do love them, but it’s just kinda hard, at least for a while. And of course all of these is may vary from person, so when in doubt, just ask.

But what you can do is listen, bring some food, bring some wine, bring a shitty movie, do some gardening, stack the dishwasher, anything. And don’t wait for us to ask ( Well at least ask if it’s okay to come around ) as most of us a true proud to say yes, so just do it. We need it. But mostly just continue to be our friend, love us, we will come right eventually.

If you would like to read more of mine and two other incredible woman talk about  resilience through hardship, you can do so in the July issue NEXT magazine, out now.

Special thanks to the lovely Debbie Harrison
for helping me share this.

 

RITUALS | Skin Care Routine

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I often get emails asking me what I do for my skin care routine, and until now I havent really thought it was worth sharing, but on the approach to the big 30 this year, there has been even more of a focus on my own regime, and therefore something that may be worth sharing.

I have always tried to look after my skin, always wash my make up off – even if it meant using gallon bottle water, behind the tour van, somewhere between Salt Lake and Sacramento. I now try to wear sunscreen on my face any time I step outside the door ( Dear skin, Please forgive me for the summer I thought it was a great idea to lie in the sun covered in baby oil.  ) But sometimes you just have to do a little extra to give yourself a fighting chance at growing old gracefully.

So here is what I do,

Every morning I steam my face and wipe with a knitted cloth,  got mine from Father Rabbit . It’s such a great way to wake up your face and clean off that sleepy feeling. I then spritz with a Rose Water Toner, I have mixed up my own, but am busting to try Petal Head’s Face Mist. Then comes the magic. Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum. Oh man does this stuff work. Serious anti ageing miracle worker. If I am headed out the sunscreen I use is Coola Organic Suncare, with it’s amazing matte finish.

My night regime varies. But mostly I use Burt’s Bee’s Cream Cleanser, Although they have recently changed something in their recipe and I am not loving it as much, so on the hunt for a new one. Recommendations welcome. Then I lather on Health Yeah’s oil recipe and maybe another bit of that magic serum. In winter I have also been using Coconut Oil to combat that dry winter skin or Millstream Gardens Galens Cold Cream ( these guys also do all the most amazing salves and natural remedies )  Finishing off with Petal Head Spice Rose Lip Balm.

Once a week I like to do a mask ( Welcome to my exciting Friday night ritual, face mask, nail painting and netflix. ) For this I love May Lindstrom Honey Mud,  I also use this or my cleanser twice a week, mixed with a little sugar as an exfoliant. And once every few months I treat myself to a Holistic facial at Tonic Room.

I am of the belief that skin care is one of the things worth saving your pennies for and investing in. You have to live with and see that face everyday! …Also, sometimes it is just nice to treat yo self.

Care to share your favourite products or routines?

Until next time.

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Lounge | Before & After, and finding the perfect standing lamp

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That beautiful capture of the pooch Frankie Blossom and I was snapped by the ever incredible photographer and gal pal Heather Liddell. All other photos by Blackbird.

Artwork by Blackbird | Couch from Big Save | Tassel Cushion by Blackbird, | Tweed Cushion from Jamie Kay | Cream cushion old Country Road | Sheepskin from Lapco | Hide on floor from Lapco | Coffee Table by Blackbird & Co | Marble Vase old Country Road | Candle by Curio Noir | Shibori Cushion by Blackbird | Day bed refurbished by Blackbird & Co, covered in fabric from The Fabric Store | Cane chair vintage, Thrift store find | Grey Rug, vintage off Trade Me | Leather Moroccan pouf from Let Liv | Rubi lamp from Let Liv | Linen Look curtains are DIY with Drop cloths from here  | Sideboard, vintage off Trade Me | Driftwood Candle holder by Blackbird

Nearly one year on, and it is incredible to stand back and see how much we have done, and how far we have come. With most of the major projects done, we have the hallway and spare room to go. Can you imagine, a finished house!?! Amazing.

So here it is, in all her white on white glory ( Sorry to all the unpainted wood fanatics,  she was a mess under there ) . We adore living in this space, even with a dirty pawed dog. The floors are in Resene white in Enamacryll gloss, which wipes up in no time. And the walls in my favourite Resene Black White. White on white really gives the most amazing canvas to display all your treasures on. 

Now for that lamp. After searching high and low and finding others too modern, too vintage, too small or big, I found her. Rubi, the standing lamp by leitmotiv from Let Liv. The perfect clean lines with a nod to mid century. Perfection. Tying in nicely with our absolute find of the year, the 5th Avenue couch in leather from Big Save

Yep, we are pretty chuffed with how she turned out, and we must’ve done something right cause we made the cover

You can read more about our lounge by grabbing a copy of the latest Homestyle Magazine

Until Next time

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NATIONAL PARK part II

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The beauty of this place is so overwhelming, so grand, and so vast. From the almost inhabitable land, to the lush bush to the towering mountains. I want to go back.

There truly is nothing like being in the depths of this great country to get perspective.

And, yes, that second photo of me at the edge of the waterfall is when I got a little vertigo.

Until next time

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