R U OK? I want to know...

A bit about my experience with depression...I struggled with prenatal anxiety and depression whilst I was pregnant. It felt like it came out of no where...I was crying for no reason, all I wanted to do was be in bed and any situation I didn't feel comfortable in (which became any situation that invoked people) I had anxiety attacks. I didn't understand what was wrong with me, I didn't feel like me, but I couldn't do anything to change it. I kept telling myself I'll come good. Just have a few "feel sorry for myself days" and I'll be alright. My partner at the time couldn't cope. He was the only one I wanted to let in and he couldn't cope which made me feel like I was a burden and I was making life too hard. I started to think "if only I had more time (before the baby) to get better". I didn't tell anyone what I was going through. I felt guilty for having such negative thoughts. I would often cry in the bathroom, or in my car, but made sure I was fresh faced for people at work and often cancelled plans with friends so they didn't see this sad depressing person. I would tell them some story about being tired from pregnancy, which was not true, but it was a plausible excuse. I finally asked for help as I couldn't deal with it on my own any longer and I didn't want my husband at the time to suffer. Now I didn't talk my friends straight away, but I went to my doctor who I trusted and just said "fix me" with her advice I got there...I followed her instructions, and even though I went through another life changing ordeal (something I'll leave for another time), I got better...felt stronger and began to realise it's ok to fall down sometimes, but don't ever be afraid to ask for help or understanding. And if you see someone you care about not acting themselves don't be afraid to ask if they are ok?! I didn't want to talk about it atthe  time but being around my close friends, and those who did care, definitely made a huge difference. 

R U OK? Is a great intiative that we all should get involved in. Especially when we have seen so many media personalities we have seen as strong and successful become victim to such a negative state of mind. We often think "they have the dream life...what could they be depressed about?" It's something you can't explain, or completely understand, whether you have suffered through it or not. It's not not a whole lot anyone can do to "fix it" but support is definitely a treatment towards a cure.

There is a quote that always resonates with me, and I think we should all consider it from time to time in any situation...

Don't be afraid to show someone you care by simply asking R U OK?...xo

Leopard Print...late to the party but I'm here!

Ok I know animal prints have been in for the past few years and have adapted well to fashion trends. Whether it be handbags, scarves, dresses, hair ties, you name it will be available in animal print. I was so scared to take this trend on board. I felt I was too plain jane for such a (well what I considered) stand out print for people with style, character and who are "trendy". These are things I do not consider myself to be. I see myself as what I would deem "Plain Jane" I play safe. I usually wait for others to test the waters for me before I dip my heels in...

Recently I started by buying a $5 leopard print scarf from Kmart. Im not a gambler, so whats $5 between friends, and if I cant pull it off well its only $5. Safe to say I love it. Yes I hear you all saying "how ridiculous is this woman", "its so 3 years ago" but for me it was kind of a big deal. Sad, but true.

This led me to my next "leopard print purchase". Now I love shoes...anyone who knows me will know that about me, and I am very well known in my office for always wearing high heels. I love them. I always think of Elle Woods quote from Legally Blonde where she says 'They are a male invention designed to make the woman's butt look smaller' that is one of the reasons I wear them. Tony Bianco is one of my favourite brands of shoe. They fit me well. They are classy and somewhat affordable. Yes I would prefer Louboutin's however I have yet to acquire that much cash (one day!) so I suck to my guns and TB released my favourite stilettos in leopard print. I finally clicked "add to cart" and they were mine. They are simply gorgeous, I love them. Now all I need is somewhere to go wearing these beautiful creatures with skinny leg jeans, black shirt and my $5 leopard print scarf and I'm away...

My next leopard print purchase came across my eyes this afternoon. Senso leopard print sandals. Again the thought rushes through my head "I'm too plain Jane" but I don't think I'm far from that "click to add to cart" stage. I'll keep you posted (I also might need to save a little first)

Also to note these are definitely great for mums. Perfect sandal for going out for coffee with their friends and wanting to be stylish...yet practical (a word I hate to use when it comes to fashion, as its simply a bonus, but not a must in my books!). I believe its a step in the right direction in feeling like an adult again and not type cast as a "mother" lol...xo

Chapped Lips...over it!

I guess the seasons are changing, and typical melbourne; warm and sunny one minute...hail, rain and storms the next (let's use yesterday as a prime example shall we?!) and I don't know about you but my lips are ALWAYS dry!

Now I have just joined the world of lipstick...lip shades, colours, styles (ok there is no such thing as lip styles but I felt like I needed a third option to sound like I have done my research and know all there is to know about lipstick) I love pink. I'm a pink girl, and all my friends will vouch for that. I love reds, oranges and nude colours but I always stick to pink...I would say there are about 300 different shades of pink (slight over exaggeration but you get my point) and I am slowly growing this collection.

Now this post isn't on lip colours (that is to come) its on keeping you lip colour on long enough. Yes I know lipsticks now are marketed that you will have 'longer lasting lips' but I have bought those and well...they don't last! I will keep searching, however, for now I have been looking at lip balms and yesterday I came across Carmex. I am not familiar with this brand (you may be) it comes in a retro looking tube, stick or tub and looks very 70s. It made me think it will be one of those products you will eventually label "my trusty old faithful.." which I am quickly starting to say (even though I have had it just over 24hours). The best part to this is that it not only hydrates my forever chapped lips, but because I applied it prior to the lipstick application I found my lip colour lasted longer, even after my morning coffee and mid morning cup of tea...I am in love. I don't usually fall this hard this fast but there is always a first for everything...

Oh and I forgot to mention one of my favourite things about it (well one of my favourites clearly...) its not tested on animals. So it ticks all the boxes for me...xo

Everyone needs a night light sometimes...

Never thought a night light could mean so much to a child...

The woodland animal nightlights are all the rage and can be very expensive.

Sophie Vine featured it in their kids bedroom in The Block back in 2012 and it retails around $120.

It became such a fad and I loved it but could not justify such a high price. I have found a few other options over the time that are cheaper however this little chestnut was only $5 from Kmart. If you like them save yourself $100 or so and buy one for your little ones. Also a great gift idea for baby shower gift or stocking stuffer at Christmas...xo

Eat Less - what a ridiculous notion!

Sophia Bush has spoken out against the American chain Urban Outfitters who have on range a T-shirt which reads "Eat Less" 

The actress release the following statement "To promote starvation? To promote anorexia, which leads to heart disease, bone density loss, and a slew of other health problems, not least of all psychological issues that NEVER go away? Shame on you. I will no longer be shopping at your stores. And I will encourage the tens of thousands of female supporters I have to do the same."

Read more at Mamamia

Now some could say that its simply a sarcastic comment and should be interpreted as a joke, however with our society these days I wouldn't want to take that chance. Not sure what message its trying to convey either way its not "cool" I prefer Sophia's top if you ask me...xo

Sonia Kruger Pregnant and Just as Stylish

18 weeks pregnant and she is embracing her curves and continuing with her style. Sonia Kruger herself said in a recent article "I’m not going to start turning up in kaftan's — (a) because they look really bad on me, and (b) fashion is a big part of the show.” (Source: Herald Sun ) and I could not agree more and had the exact same mentality when I was pregnant. 

Now we cant all be designer like Ms. Kruger as we don't all have stylists following us around prepping us for cameras. However we can still look and feel good. When I was pregnant I found lots of great lose fitting tops, dresses where the seam sat above the belly, and shift dresses. Even fitted dresses look great and are comfy. I agree Sonia I wouldn't start trying to rock a kaftan either. You already feel fat so why dress frumpy when you don't have to...xo

**Sonia is wearing Paolo Sebastian  and jewellery by one of our favourites Elizabeth Jean

Kid Friendly Cafe - Coco Latte Review

As my little one gets older (nearly 2) he does not want to sit in the pram/high chair sipping his baby chino whilst mum has an in depth conversation with her friends. Having a coffee catch up lasting longer then 20mins is becoming more and more difficult as he get older, and has larger stores of energy! (I would love some of that by the way, it not something you acquire as soon as you become a mum to keep up...if only!)
Instead of being forced to have coffee at McCafe or at your local Bunnings Warehouse, because they have a playgound, I needed something that felt civilised, had good coffee (top of priority checklist of course), and was child friendly. Now when I say child friendly it could be interpreted as accommodating to a pram, has high chairs, or even better has a playground. This cafe I discovered has it ALL!!

COCO LATTE

Coco Latte is on Union Surrey Hills. Its quaint, spacious, friendly and near a train stations (for those who dont drive or for kids who love watching trains go by...my son does!)

It has everything you need, good coffee, good food allowing for good company.

Its open Monday through to Sunday for Breakfast and Lunch and is quite affordable.

All relevant details and feedback can be found here at Coco Latte

xo