tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88926403810274971802024-03-09T07:24:20.766+11:00THE INDIGO CREW | Creative living with kidsNatalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-61728197910974176612017-02-14T09:45:00.001+11:002017-02-14T10:34:12.369+11:00NEW BEGINNINGS<div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We crave new beginnings. Don't we? Articles and books are dedicated to them. And the word 'new' is one of five magazine coverlines that appeals to a reader, apparently. The research department at Australia's largest magazine publishing company told me this when I worked there as the deputy editor for an interiors magazine. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The start of a new year is ripe with possibilities. After all, it's not just the beginning of a new year but also a month and a day - if we are organised enough. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But many people like to fob off all of fervour over renewals that goes on at the start of a year. "I don't make resolutions," they say. Sometimes there's an insinuation that they don't need to. Their life is doing just fine, thank you very much. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But January always comes around for me after an exhausting December. Unlike our northern hemisphere counterparts, we reach the end of the year ending all sorts of chapters. Many companies have a mad rush of activity before everyone departs for summer holidays. Projects need to be completed before company close-downs. Then there is the end of the school year with all of its associated commitments. And in amongst all of this is the planning and present-buying for Christmas, plus any summer plans you may have. Yes, the last month of the year is always a busy one. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then... Quiet. January is often a month of an empty calendar. While most people leave the major cities, the rest of us enjoy the deserted streets and beaches.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545;">What better time to reflect and assess the agenda for the coming year. And then have breathing time to ease into them. Hello, February.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #454545;">Over the years goals with numerical targets (often to do with the bathroom scales) have made way for more holistic or wholehearted ones. They have oscillated and undulated but generally followed a path of eating better, moving more (physically - not houses! - trying to cure that habit) and living with fewer but better-quality items within our home. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just as I have been broader with my goals, so too have I been more forgiving with the results. In fact, this year that is my focus. So if I want to practice yoga more and the three-year-old wants to talk through all of it, or stop five minutes in to have breakfast then that's okay. Five minutes worth of stretching is better than none at all. If I only get to write my journal or blog once a month, then that's okay too. Something is better than nothing. You just do what you can, when you can. And show the kindness to yourself that you would to others. One day at a time. </span></span></div>
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Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-81584706087094839572016-11-10T08:14:00.000+11:002016-11-10T18:37:22.075+11:00MINDFUL LIVING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we don't always have the answers when we need them. Recently I was <a href="http://www.liveimmediately.com/article/podcast-015-natalie-walton-a-tree-change-co-parenting-and-imagination-with-fewer-toys" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">interviewed</span></a> by Mike Campbell for a podcast on his website <a href="http://www.liveimmediately.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Live Immediately</span></a>. He asked, "Do you think that writing about [your children] makes you more mindful about what you're doing, that you're paying more attention because you want to write about them?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I didn't </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">really answer Mike's question - partly as the conversation was interrupted by a little person - and I kept thinking about it afterwards as it is something I have contemplated many times. However, the question has been more - are we too self-conscious with our living? Are we living it with the spectre of photos for Instagram on our shoulders?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Certainly we don't live our lives for content. But I do think we are mindful of how we live our lives - considering how we want to live and making thoughtful decisions along the way. And, yes, viewing our world sometimes through a lens has made me more aware of how we live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And in a slightly strange but good way, it has given me pause to consider what sort of life do we want to live? Not</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> because I want it to look idyllic just for the camera</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - it's more that I want it to be like that for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's worth noting, though that our choices are consistent with life before Instagram and will continue on this track if we ever choose to leave. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. . . . . . . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The photos above were taken on a recent visit to an orange farm in Kulnura. The farmer had been overseas at the time he usually sprays the crop and so he wasn't able to sell his fruit to the supermarket chain Woolworths as it had blemishes. That is the world that we live in now - people will only eat food that's engineered to look "perfect". It seemed such a waste, especially as there are people in need of food. And also because the oranges tasted delicious. They were the sweetest and juiciest I've ever tasted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-63349772726179763632016-09-19T06:00:00.000+10:002016-09-19T11:22:06.893+10:00LEARNING ABOUT CHICKENS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has always been our intention to get some livestock on this property. And chickens were at the top of our list, mainly because they could ease us into our journey of keeping animals, and also provide us with regular eggs, which we consume at a great rate, especially on the weekends. But we had some clearing and cleaning to do beforehand. And there were some questions we had to ask.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While the benefits of having chickens are apparent. There were other factors to consider too, especially in the country. We had heard that they bring snakes, which come for the rodents that eat the scraps, and foxes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although we didn't want to encourage any more snakes - or the deadly kind, we decided to forge ahead. </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While this place has at least three chicken houses, we actually decided to convert some planting sheds into a chicken coup. The other areas required a lot more work to restore - timber was rotting and more land needed clearing around the sites. Basically they were more ripe for encouraging snakes and foxes. And some of them weren't easily accessible. To get to one of the chicken houses you have to make your way through a bamboo forest. Not an ideal pathway for little hands to collect breakable eggs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the temporary house was ready, we had to find out where to get some chickens. We were told to attend a nearby poultry auction. It's held on the third Sunday of every month. Serious buyers arrive early in the morning to get the exotic birds but that you can turn up from about 11am to see the more common varieties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was quite an experience. While we took some cardboard boxes along with us, there was no need as all the birds (and ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs...) were already housed. Each one was also numbered and they moved along tables as the auction proceeded. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We wrote down the numbers of the hens we were interested in but some of them went for more than $70 each. Apparently, some of the club birds are highly sought after by breeders. While we're not at that stage yet we did end up with a couple of them - Old English Game Wheaten Hens. They are not large birds and only lay small eggs - but they are quite beautiful, and a welcome addition to our home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Afterwards we went to visit a permaculture farmer in a nearby valley. She breeds various chickens and we went to see what she had on offer. It turns out she had several varieties, although not all of them were ready to sell (as she has to wait until they're a certain age before determining their sex). While we found her through the school, she also advertises on Gumtree, which is a good way to buy chickens too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We bought a laying Australorp (so slightly older than the rest), two pullet Barnavelder (dark feathers with a lace-like pattern on the tips) and a pullet Isa Brown crossed with a Barnavelder. The pullet chickens aren't baby chickens, and don't require that extra care, but they're not yet laying eggs. However, buying them at this stage means you will have them for a longer life, and are good for children as they can become a little more like pets as they watch them grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before we started this process we also consulted what has become something of a bible for us, the book <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/practical-self-sufficiency-dick-strawbridge/prod9781740337700.html?source=pla&gclid=CJ7D0vmKms8CFYSWvAodw0QPTg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Practical Self Sufficiency</span></a> by Dick and James Strawbridge. It has lots of advice and handy tips on all sorts of gardening - from inner-city courtyards to landholdings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-75837767883270051092016-09-12T06:00:00.000+10:002016-09-12T08:26:12.305+10:00THE TIPPING POINT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All too often life can feel like a little bit of a blur. Especially when children are involved. The days roll one into another and with the regularity of schooling and other commitments, there's not always a great sense of time passing, until the week before school holidays when all of a sudden you are reminded that things are going to change up again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there are bigger yardsticks. And these can catch you quite by surprise. We had one of those this past weekend. It was the school's Spring Fair, an event that played a big role in setting us on our journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After our European holiday in July 2015 we decided to investigate the idea of leaving the city, and living in a coastal or country area. The main idea was to be on a parcel of land, where we could change our lifestyle. But crucial to this whole scenario was the children's schooling. It was important that we could find a school that met many of our needs and ideals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not long after we started to investigate different areas, we learnt that one of the schools we were considering was about to have a Spring Fair. We thought this was be a good opportunity to attend and learn more about the school, see what the other children and parents were like, and get a general sense of the school community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were blown away. It more than surpassed every expectation. While the school was reasonably new, the grounds were beautiful - and thoughtfully designed. There were veggie gardens and landscaped paths and buildings made from straw bales. The children's work that we saw on display was impressive. And all of the fair activities were incredibly well thought out and executed with an eye to practicality and beauty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The children were able to make floral wreaths and build boats. We ate delicious homemade food and drank memorable chai tea. And after visiting the fair we decided that we would move to the area so the children could attend the school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A year has now passed and yesterday we attended the Spring Fair again. This time as parents of children who are enrolled. Our eldest son and daughter played with friends from their classes. We chatted to the familiar faces of other parents. And ate all that good food again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But more than that we realised how much has changed in our lives since the fair last year. How it was a catalyst for our decision to make a tree change. And how many wonderful things that have happened since then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The photos above are from when the children attended the fair last year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-72076961129133938022016-09-06T06:00:00.000+10:002016-09-06T09:10:29.037+10:00FAIRY FIRES + WANDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5IUYjoBPrcfGP2q3VT6fjXUqZTMqGhyphenhyphen1CPCiAg4maMWBN4RjqzAef-9lxekaa8r04vW9MVb0WaroEmOQhnyXvfMGKaH25ZCCnq2JtFIBcq3yePH4-zvxVHzhPAOMM3eATzExQKH71VA/s1600/1+the+indigo+crew+-+create+-+fairy+fires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5IUYjoBPrcfGP2q3VT6fjXUqZTMqGhyphenhyphen1CPCiAg4maMWBN4RjqzAef-9lxekaa8r04vW9MVb0WaroEmOQhnyXvfMGKaH25ZCCnq2JtFIBcq3yePH4-zvxVHzhPAOMM3eATzExQKH71VA/s1600/1+the+indigo+crew+-+create+-+fairy+fires.jpg" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is almost time for the school's big event of the year - the Spring Fair. Each child has been asked to contribute in some way and we were asked to make Fairy Fires and Fairy Wands. They were quite simple to make, and if you don't have the same resources you could easily adapt them - using cardboard or felt instead of the circular pieces of wood. And you could you make one of these <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/09/ribbon-shaker.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">fairy wands</span></a> or a <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/09/star-wand.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">star wand</span></a> too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOirVT1YqPJyzf96YZOYHv1MVCl4ydVbR9kZMfQeo7_EjHtSq2ArCLeazLu7Pih8O6zq4ALzw8UTNwxNPanJln3iGt1QjhIMRGSlGla0LpcQcwN7rYLcqkrSIpIaRJ9BsPcxIwP0fRKrI/s1600/2+the+indigo+crew+-+create+-+fairy+fires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOirVT1YqPJyzf96YZOYHv1MVCl4ydVbR9kZMfQeo7_EjHtSq2ArCLeazLu7Pih8O6zq4ALzw8UTNwxNPanJln3iGt1QjhIMRGSlGla0LpcQcwN7rYLcqkrSIpIaRJ9BsPcxIwP0fRKrI/s1600/2+the+indigo+crew+-+create+-+fairy+fires.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FAIRY WANDS</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sticks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hooks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Drill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ribbon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Cut sticks to the required length, using a saw. Drill a hole into the end and screw in a hook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Tie a ribbon from the end.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FAIRY FIRES</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wood (or you could use cardboard - painted, coloured or plain - or felt) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Small river stones</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Felting wool (or you could use pieces of coloured cellophane)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hot glue gun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Cut wood into discs - about 8mm thick - using a saw.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Using a hot-glue gun, attach river stones into a circle formation on the wooden disc, leaving enough room for the fire in the middle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Pull three fine strands of felting wool (using red, yellow and orange) and fold in half. Glue into the centre of the disk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br /></div>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-68963589960971398462016-09-02T06:00:00.000+10:002016-09-06T09:39:02.957+10:00ROLE MODELS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the reasons we moved to the country was because we wanted to slow down our lives a little. And we both wanted to be more present in the children's lives. We had always made it a priority to not work long hours in our jobs but as we came to appreciate how fast time flies when they are little (and I'm sure at every other stage too!), we decided to rethink our living arrangements. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a common experience amongst our friends in the city that one parent is either the breadwinner and works long hours - leaving the house at 7am and not returning until after dinner - or both parents have to work and the children are in daycare and/or school and before and after school care. And that is not a judgement but an everyday reality for many people. It's often what is necessary to live in the city - mortgages and rents are high, and so is the cost of living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few years before we moved to the country my husband sold his manufacturing business and after working out his contract, he technically became the primary carer for the children. But, in reality, it is a responsibility that we both share. Some days I go to the city to do a photo shoot, or even travel interstate, and other days I have deadlines and need to write. But my work is mostly flexible. This means I can write in the evenings, or when the children are at school and preschool. And so once everyone is home, I close the laptop and focus on family activities - even if that's attending to the laundry or making dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But my husband plays a big role in our day-to-day lives. He always has. Often he plans our weekly meals, does the grocery shopping, cooks dinner and vacuums the house. And even when he was working and running his own business with many employees, he still did a lot of these tasks. We both did. Because then I was working too - first at a publishing company in the city, and then as a freelance writer and stylist. As much as possible we share our familial responsibilities. And I wouldn't have it any other way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have always felt strongly that there are no "male" and "female" tasks. There are just tasks. Some people do some better than others due to experience and some natural ability. But we can all learn. And I have to admit that my husband is more adept at a range of tasks than I am. For example, he's better at cooking than I am at welding. He's an incredibly well-rounded person, and I have his parents to thank for that. And he's a wonderful role model for our children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has always been important to me to have a partner who is just that. Someone who works alongside me and we complement and help each other. And I am conscious that the type of relationship that my husband and I have will play a big role in the types of partners that our children may look for later in life. In particular, I want the girls to have a modern-day role model. I don't want them to think that they <i>have</i> to be the one who cooks, cleans, and is the primary carer for the children, if they don't want to. In fact, it's interesting that on our previous street in the city there were three stay-at-home dads (for want of a better word) within about 100m of our home. And as a side note, one was a writer and award-winning novelist who did the school runs, one had been a banker and the other was my husband, who had run his own business for 10 years. Times are a-changing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have always felt that a big component of our job as parents is two-fold. To open our children's eyes to the possibilities of the world. And to also teach them the necessary life skills so that when they become an adult they are able to go forth with confidence and ability. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And so we have been teaching our son how to cook, knit and sew, and the girls both know how to use a drill and make a fire. We want them to be well-rounded individuals, and what they learn is what they see in the home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">image <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank">the indigo crew</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for supporting our online homewares store <a href="http://imprinthouse.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Imprint House</span></a>, which helps to keep this space alive.</span><br />
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Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-64885102444895689942016-08-29T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-29T13:35:15.504+10:00SMALL STEPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the reasons I started the blog <a href="http://www.dailyimprint.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Daily Imprint</span></a> almost 10 years ago was that I wanted to live a different life. I had been on a safe path up until then. I did well at school, graduated from university, completed a Masters degree, travelled a chunk of the world, got married and had a steady job. But it wasn't entirely the life I wanted to live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, I wanted to be a writer. Not on a medical newspaper, as I was. And not as a copy editor, which was how I spent most of my days, hunting out adjectives with a red pen. But I had romantic ideas - of living as a writer in a foreign environment, ideally Paris or New York, Italy or France. I looked to the Modernist American writers in Paris at the turn of last century and of the Beat Generation in New York City fifty years later as my ideals. And Graham Greene and Gore Vidal living on the Amalfi Coast, and even the painter Picasso in the South of France. And while the image of these groups have become cliches, today I realised again that the most obvious truths on how to live these dream lives are often the easiest ones to forget. Perhaps because they are the hardest ones to live out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2012 <a href="http://www.leoniebarton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Leonie Barton</span></a> had the opportunity to drive herself around the deserts of Namibia in Western Africa. "I had one of those cliche moments," she told me for today's <a href="http://www.dailyimprint.net/2016/08/artist-leonie-barton_29.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">interview</span></a> on Daily Imprint. "I came back pretty determined to commit to a creative life because I could and because I lived in a country where the only thing holding myself back was me."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were two ideas that struck me with this comment. The first was that we have to take responsibility for our lives - we can't lay the blame on others. Except in some dire situations, we are the ones who make the daily decisions that constitute our paths. I have known this before, but it's always a good reminder. But something that I hadn't considered in this context was our position of privilege.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many people in many parts of the world who live an impoverished life. They would do anything for the opportunities many of us are afforded every day. Not just the basic human needs - of water, food, clothing and shelter. And not even to speak of their rights - freedom, liberty and equality. But even if they were able to rise above all of that, Leonie's words make me think that to not live to our full potential was an insult to them. When we have everything that they don't, then is it not abhorrent to squander our opportunities? Whatever they may be - eating healthy foods, spending quality time with our children, caring for the planet, making a home. And then, perhaps the hardest one of all to do, commit to the life we really want to live - in another country, travelling the world, in a beautiful home, in creative pursuits, in the countryside, in a different job, in a different body...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leonie's strategy was to take on a daily art practice. It was a simple idea - to create something every day from what she found, take a photo of it, and leave it for others to enjoy. After more than 18 months she has created a body of work, been interviewed by ABC Radio National, given a TED talk on "The Art of Saying Yes" and is now looking to exhibit her work and participate in artist residencies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That decision on her part, and those small daily steps led to a creative life. And while many of us have wish lists that are big and long, it is worthwhile remembering that it is the small steps that make them happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">portrait photography <a href="http://www.chriswarnes.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">chris warnes</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-84819088275245544102016-08-26T06:00:00.001+10:002016-09-06T09:41:37.598+10:00SLEEPING BABIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Talking about babies and their sleeping habits is a loaded topic. There are a lot of judgements that seem to fly around about the type of person - and mother - you are depending on the path that you take. Because, after all, motherhood <i>is</i> a journey, and is different for every person.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, there are times when I try to listen without judgement because I am open to hearing someone else's story. There are times when I am willing to try anything that has worked for someone else. And this is true for all of the stages of childhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I am sharing my experience - not as a way to say it's the best way, but to say it's what has helped our family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When our first child was born, I felt out of my element. I hadn't grown up around lots of siblings, and even when my friends started to have children, I still didn't know or understand what they were going through. But I was also interested to know what was working (or not) for them, and willing to listen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After learning that we were to become parents for the first time, my husband and I took classes through the local hospital. These were mainly about what happens during the birthing process, but also provided tips, advice and current medical recommendations on different elements of caring for a newborn baby. For example, the hospital wanted to encourage parents to place babies sleeping on their backs as research had shown that this had helped to reduce the rate of <a href="http://www.sidsandkids.org/wp-content/uploads/SIDS578_Fast_Facts_Document_Update_2016HR-SidsR.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sudden Infant Death Syndrome</span></a> significantly. They also discouraged parents from sleeping with babies in their beds, for the same reason. Even at the delivery of my most recent baby, the hospital's policy was that newborns had to sleep in the bassinets, and not with the mother. SIDS was sited as the risk factor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because I was a new mother and wide-eyed, I didn't want to take this risk with my first child. However, there were times when I was so tired that sometimes he fell asleep with me in bed as a newborn, always during a nighttime feed. However, the few times that this happened, either he or I wouldn't sleep so well. Even when I was desperate for one of us to sleep, it never worked for us. I was always worried that myself or my husband might roll over onto the baby. It has always been my experience - with all four children - that we both sleep better when in our own beds. (And this is true for the children as they have aged too - they are too wriggly!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Co-sleeping is something that seems to becoming more and more popular - at least from my admittedly small sample of mothers who I follow on Instagram. And that is fine - I understand the need to find something that works for each person's circumstances. But it is not something that has worked for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was pregnant with our first child a friend gave me a book as a gift. She was an intelligent woman and a high achiever - a classic type-A personality. The book was called <i>Save Our Sleep</i>. At first I put it to the side, but when I felt overwhelmed with my newborn I started to read it. Then another friend, whose baby was sleeping at six weeks old, gave me another book: <i>The Baby Whisperer</i>. I also read this, and started to follow through on some of the advice. While I have never been overly strict on following routines, we have found them to work for our family. All four of my children - who have each had their own distinct personalities - have now been sleeping through the night by about three months old. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me, what the books above have helped me to teach me is ways to understand my baby, and their needs. For example, if a baby has just been fed and they start to cry, I always check their nappy first or try to determine if they have wind. My first reaction is not to breastfeed straight away. I also try to ensure that they have a "full" feed each time, offering both sides - and this usually happens when they are about three hours apart - versus "snacking".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, swaddling has worked for us. If they come out of their wrap, then they are more likely to wake and not have a full sleep. I've always found wrapping with the arms up - as above - allows the baby to suck on their hands and comforts them. The giant wraps from <a href="https://www.lilfrasercollection.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Li'l Fraser</span></a> have been really good for this, as I have mentioned <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2016/08/baby-essentials.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">before</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And by following some form of a routine, I can read their cues better for when they are tired and need to have a nap. If they are starting to grizzle and they have already had a feed and a nappy change, then I know it's time to put them down for a nap. If I get the timing right then there is little to no crying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the word "crying" is often quite loaded too. But when babies make a noise, they are trying to communicate. With each of our children I have learnt to read the different sounds they make - because different cries really do mean different things. Sometimes our baby shrieks and often this proceeds a burp or wind. This doesn't mean that he's hungry - because when I first tried this, he actually refused. Similarly, when I put him to sleep he makes different sounds and I listen to what he's trying to tell me. Sometimes it's, "I'm tired and not happy here but I'm not hollering. I just want you to know that I'm here." And so I wait. If his sounds escalate then I will go and pick him up. But I don't rush in at just any sound. Sometimes it almost sounds like he is forming words. They are almost a string of sighs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If the baby has woken up and their nap was only a short one then I might take them for a walk before feeding them. If they are "rooting", I will breastfeed. But if they are content then I will hold off until closer to their feeding time. Generally, I feed every three hours - starting at about 6.30/7am - put the baby down at about 6.30pm and give a "dream feed" at about 11.30pm. Now our baby is sleeping through until 6.30am. When he is about four months old, we will transition to a four-hourly feeding time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a flexible arrangement and by no means dogmatic. But knowing roughly when he should be feeding helps me understand his needs better. This has been true for all of my babies. And it may help you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">image <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Thank you for supporting <a href="http://www.imprinthouse.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Imprint House</span></a>, our online homewares store, which helps to keep this space alive.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-39002726682626368752016-08-26T06:00:00.000+10:002016-09-06T09:39:34.355+10:00SLEEPING BABIES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TaW62tNJwhAcHwFmFkJyDoLdAYtsRvgbDcgRbd2V2HMyP_nG3HzIrRPK_qD0eihce82VQT5GnbKzvdkbyZEnpFjwNZAdWbIjTNZHPcOSv2fInnSyrSBZXJkISGWirpJcDVW-rNW2Ktc/s1600/the+indigo+crew+-+sleeping+babies.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TaW62tNJwhAcHwFmFkJyDoLdAYtsRvgbDcgRbd2V2HMyP_nG3HzIrRPK_qD0eihce82VQT5GnbKzvdkbyZEnpFjwNZAdWbIjTNZHPcOSv2fInnSyrSBZXJkISGWirpJcDVW-rNW2Ktc/s1600/the+indigo+crew+-+sleeping+babies.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Talking about babies and their sleeping habits is a loaded topic. There are a lot of judgements that seem to fly around about the type of person - and mother - you are depending on the path that you take. Because, after all, motherhood <i>is</i> a journey, and is different for every person.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, there are times when I try to listen without judgement because I am open to hearing someone else's story. There are times when I am willing to try anything that has worked for someone else. And this is true for all of the stages of childhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I am sharing my experience - not as a way to say it's the best way, but to say it's what has helped our family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When our first child was born, I felt out of my element. I hadn't grown up around lots of siblings, and even when my friends started to have children, I still didn't know or understand what they were going through. But I was also interested to know what was working (or not) for them, and willing to listen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After learning that we were to become parents for the first time, my husband and I took classes through the local hospital. These were mainly about what happens during the birthing process, but also provided tips, advice and current medical recommendations on different elements of caring for a newborn baby. For example, the hospital wanted to encourage parents to place babies sleeping on their backs as research had shown that this had helped to reduce the rate of <a href="http://www.sidsandkids.org/wp-content/uploads/SIDS578_Fast_Facts_Document_Update_2016HR-SidsR.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sudden Infant Death Syndrome</span></a> significantly. They also discouraged parents from sleeping with babies in their beds, for the same reason. Even at the delivery of my most recent baby, the hospital's policy was that newborns had to sleep in the bassinets, and not with the mother. SIDS was sited as the risk factor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because I was a new mother and wide-eyed, I didn't want to take this risk with my first child. However, there were times when I was so tired that sometimes he fell asleep with me in bed as a newborn, always during a nighttime feed. However, the few times that this happened, either he or I wouldn't sleep so well. Even when I was desperate for one of us to sleep, it never worked for us. I was always worried that myself or my husband might roll over onto the baby. It has always been my experience - with all four children - that we both sleep better when in our own beds. (And this is true for the children as they have aged too - they are too wriggly!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Co-sleeping is something that seems to becoming more and more popular - at least from my admittedly small sample of mothers who I follow on Instagram. And that is fine - I understand the need to find something that works for each person's circumstances. But it is not something that has worked for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was pregnant with our first child a friend gave me a book as a gift. She was an intelligent woman and a high achiever - a classic type-A personality. The book was called <i>Save Our Sleep</i>. At first I put it to the side, but when I felt overwhelmed with my newborn I started to read it. Then another friend, whose baby was sleeping at six weeks old, gave me another book: <i>The Baby Whisperer</i>. I also read this, and started to follow through on some of the advice. While I have never been overly strict on following routines, we have found them to work for our family. All four of my children - who have each had their own distinct personalities - have now been sleeping through the night by about three months old. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me, what the books above have helped me to teach me is ways to understand my baby, and their needs. For example, if a baby has just been fed and they start to cry, I always check their nappy first or try to determine if they have wind. My first reaction is not to breastfeed straight away. I also try to ensure that they have a "full" feed each time, offering both sides - and this usually happens when they are about three hours apart - versus "snacking".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, swaddling has worked for us. If they come out of their wrap, then they are more likely to wake and not have a full sleep. I've always found wrapping with the arms up - as above - allows the baby to suck on their hands and comforts them. The giant wraps from <a href="https://www.lilfrasercollection.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Li'l Fraser</span></a> have been really good for this, as I have mentioned <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2016/08/baby-essentials.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">before</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And by following some form of a routine, I can read their cues better for when they are tired and need to have a nap. If they are starting to grizzle and they have already had a feed and a nappy change, then I know it's time to put them down for a nap. If I get the timing right then there is little to no crying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the word "crying" is often quite loaded too. But when babies make a noise, they are trying to communicate. With each of our children I have learnt to read the different sounds they make - because different cries really do mean different things. Sometimes our baby shrieks and often this proceeds a burp or wind. This doesn't mean that he's hungry - because when I first tried this, he actually refused. Similarly, when I put him to sleep he makes different sounds and I listen to what he's trying to tell me. Sometimes it's, "I'm tired and not happy here but I'm not hollering. I just want you to know that I'm here." And so I wait. If his sounds escalate then I will go and pick him up. But I don't rush in at just any sound. Sometimes it almost sounds like he is forming words. They are almost a string of sighs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If the baby has woken up and their nap was only a short one then I might take them for a walk before feeding them. If they are "rooting", I will breastfeed. But if they are content then I will hold off until closer to their feeding time. Generally, I feed every three hours - starting at about 6.30/7am - put the baby down at about 6.30pm and give a "dream feed" at about 11.30pm. Now our baby is sleeping through until 6.30am. When he is about four months old, we will transition to a four-hourly feeding time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a flexible arrangement and by no means dogmatic. But knowing roughly when he should be feeding helps me understand his needs better. This has been true for all of my babies. And it may help you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">image <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Thank you for supporting <a href="http://www.imprinthouse.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Imprint House</span></a>, our online homewares store, which helps to keep this space alive.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The five-year-old received some lovely books this year for her birthday, a combination of ones that we had found and others that she was given as presents. Five is something of a transitional age for reading. She's interested in chapter books and happily listens along to stories by Roald Dahl but she will also look on when her younger sister is read picture books.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/little-fairy-sister-the-hbk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Little Fairy Sister by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite and Grenbry Outhwaite</span></a> <span style="color: #999999;">(National Library of Australia)</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This book was a gift, and I'm so glad that it is now part of our collection. It is a popular Australian children's book from the 1920s that has been reproduced by the National Library of Australia from an early edition. The illustrations are representative of illustrations of the Art Nouveau era and the text is not dissimilar to books such Alice In Wonderland.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.unclebearskinproductions.com.au/our-books/copy-of-poem-for-sippy-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Hidden Kingdom: Sippy & Sunny - A Great Barrier Reef Adventure</span></a> <span style="color: #999999;">by Vicki Wood and Kelly Elsom (<a href="http://www.unclebearskinproductions.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Unclebearskin Productions</span></a>)</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we have all of the Sippy & Sunny books it was too irresistible to add one more to our collection after mother and daughter authors Vicki Wood and Kelly Elsom released their latest book. It follows Sunny on an underwater adventure and is accompanied by the most beautiful illustrations by Brigitte May. Vicki has a real talent for selecting illustrators to really bring her stories to life in a completely unforgettable way. As with all the other books in this series, it flips and has a French translation on the other side.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Young-Winnie-Pooh/dp/0525444459/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">When We Were Very Young</span></a> by AA Milne and illustrations by EH Shepard (Egmont)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's interesting that even though poetry is less read by the general population as a whole, it still has a way of captivating children. Our son has enjoyed many books of poetry, and we thought that this one might appeal to our daughter. Many of the poems are familiar to me from my own childhood, and I look forward to reading them all over again.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Home-Carson-Ellis/dp/0763665290/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472125382&sr=1-1&keywords=Home+carson+ellis" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Home</span></a> by <a href="http://www.carsonellis.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Carson Ellis</span></a> (<a href="http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Walker Books</span></a>)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This book is perhaps a little young for her now but the illustrations were hard to pass by. But even though the text is quite simplistic, the illustrations are rich and, hopefully, will provide a talking point. Sometimes books like these can actually provide the opportunity to talk about different topics because the images are the strongest thread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Years ago I read about a man who wrote a letter to his son every year and sealed the note in an envelope for it to be opened when he was a grown man. I thought this was a lovely tradition. And I started it with my son. But then life got in the way and I wasn't able to keep it up. But it has always stuck with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, without even realising it I have started our own tradition, which is much easier to manage. It's a simple idea but one that I hope will be appreciated in years to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every year I write a long note on each of the children's birthday cards. I've never been the sort of person to write just a brief message but with them it takes up an entire card and is perhaps about 300-500 words long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I reflect on the changes in their personality since their last birthday, their milestones and interests and comment on how they relate to their siblings, and the changes in our family's circumstances - moves and holidays, etc. They always enjoy when I read it to them on the morning of their birthday and I hold onto them for them to re-read when they are older.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And for these cards I enjoy using special ones that can decorate their walls. One year I got each of them a card/mask from <a href="http://www.tmod.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">TMOD</span></a>. This year I was taken with the illustrations by <a href="http://www.theartofcatlee.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Cat Lee</span></a> on cards from <a href="http://www.unclebearskinproductions.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">UncleBearskin Productions</span></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-13205654805406444932016-08-23T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-23T06:00:19.992+10:00FAIRY GARDEN BIRTHDAY PARTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is easy to get excited about birthday parties. They are a joyful time, and can be a lot of fun - even in just the envisaging and organising. But after all of the planning and preparation when the clock ticks down and the guests arrive, we try to keep the occasion as low key as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there are parameters. Over the years we tend to find that children can get a little restless if there's no structure. So we usually have in the back our minds a run down of how things should go. An activity or two followed by food and cake. Two hours seems to be a good time limit too, and generally we prefer morning get-togethers - from about 10-12 noon. That way the sugar and excitement can abate as the day wears on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last year a craft-based <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/08/flower-fairy-wings.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">fairy-themed birthday party</span></a> was quite a hit and so this year we continued with this theme but with a twist. After seeing an idea for a potted fairy garden party on <a href="http://cloisteredaway.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Cloistered Away</span></a>, I thought it would be a great activity for our soon-to-be five-year-old. It also suited our current location as we could set up a table outside and have plenty of space for the children to forage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the days leading up to the party, I bought a few craft supplies and also rounded up some of our own, including shells we had found at a local beach and feathers that we've accumulated this past year. We also made some toadstools the day before from air-dried clay, moulding the shape, inserting a skewer and painting with poster paint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the party, we carried the supplies in old jam jars (easy to transport with the screw-on lids) and egg carton containers. Everything was placed in the centre of the table. We also bought small strawberry plants for the girls to plant in their fairy garden pot. Each of them was given a terracotta pot filled with soil and were free to decorate the gardens as they chose. There are some amazing creations on <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/theindigocrew/fairy-garden/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Pinterest</span></a>, but I wanted each child to have the freedom of opportunity to create their own design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When everyone arrived we gave them all a paper bag to forage in our garden where nothing is precious. The girls picked black-eyed Susan flowers, bamboo leaves, sticks and pebbles. And I had some paper butterfly notes from <a href="https://poppiesforgrace.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Poppies For Grace</span></a> from years ago, which I taped onto skewers, and they inserted into their gardens. Each child also got a little Schleich rabbit to use as a decoration. And along with the potted gardens, this was their party gift.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Food was cobs of corn and organic sausages cooked on our make-shift outdoor fire, and one of our <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/08/birthday-cake.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">homemade cakes</span></a> that we make and decorate every year. This year chocolate sprinkles were made to look like a toadstool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Decorations were kept to a minimum as we are the midst of renovating The Stone Lodge, where we hosted the party. A painter's drop sheet created a neutral backdrop and was adorned with simple white bunting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Creating the fairy gardens was enjoyed by all and, of course, something you can do at any time of year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-18632767721763970482016-08-22T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-22T09:05:05.819+10:00MAKING PROGRESS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you are busy living life, it's sometimes hard to see how far you have come. Especially when you are a forward-looking person who rarely looks in the rear mirror. But there is value in it, as I was reminded a couple of times this past week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Late in the week a friend came to visit and while walking through the grounds she asked if we had been taking progress shots. I had to think because it's not something that we've done consciously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are plenty of before photos, and many pics of the children using the spaces but not a lot of the property itself as we bring it back to life. The one exception would be the treehouse as this was one of our first projects. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">She remarked that it might be a good idea because to her eyes we had achieved a lot in eight months. However, from our perspective our work is only a chip in the mountain of what needs to be done, and the vision we have for this place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But her words stayed with me because she is right. And it is something I've also been told in relation to my work. It's important to stop and acknowledge the small victories and steps along the way. When there's a long to-do list it's easy to get wrapped up in what lies ahead and not pat yourself on the back on for what you've already achieved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps because my friend's words were fresh or because it was a good day in general, but over the weekend I experienced moments of gratitude - a word that I tend to associate with America and talk shows and self-help books. It's not a word that we use comfortably in Australia, which is more of a buttoned-up country when it comes to emotions and feelings. There's a reason why "She'll be right" is almost a national motto. And "no worries" is one of our most common expressions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But just as there is value in acknowledging small victories, it's equally important to be thankful for them too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the weekend, after we opened our gates to a group of interesting and diverse families for a child's birthday party, I had a moment of feeling, "life is good". This year we have created a home, cleared land around some of the other buildings and made connections with a new world of people. We might not have climbed the tallest mountain but it was time to wave the flag from where we were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">image <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-47930361655462616882016-08-19T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-19T15:01:34.981+10:00LOST ART OF PLAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The art of play has to be one of the most underrated desires and drives in human beings. It is something that we are all born with, yet is slowly but surely discouraged as we age. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it surfaces, sometimes when we least expect it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the past few years I've noticed that many people who pursued sensible, corporate-style careers in their twenties and thirties start to yearn for something more creative and hands-on as they approach the age of forty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through work and my own circle of friends I have encountered many women who have left their jobs to have children and then undergone a re-evaulation process when deciding to resume some sort of work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many don't want to return to what they did before. Perhaps partly inspired by their own home-making journeys or renovations, many of them want to become interior designers or stylists. I've spoken to doctors, fashion designers, journalists and lawyers who have enrolled in courses to help this desire become a reality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it's not just women. And, again, this is from my experience. But I have spoken to men who have wanted to get more hands-on in other ways - giving up careers as journalists to become joiners and managing directors to become builders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This desire to be hands-on and more creative with what we do with our everyday lives is lived out on a minute-by-minute basis on Instagram. I think it's perhaps part of the reason the application has become so popular. It has allowed people to indulge their creativity like never before. All of a sudden people from all walks of life have become stylists, photographers, crafters and chefs. They have been given an opportunity to express themselves, visually. And receive instant gratification for their work. Of course, the neurology of the effects of likes is another discussion. But there's a lot of good that can come from a creative life. Elizabeth Gilbert has written about it brilliantly in Big Magic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Do whatever brings you to life. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart." - <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Elizabeth Gilbert</span></a>, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The images above were created in a burst of creativity after a walk along one of the roads near our property. The desire to create was overwhelming and thoroughly enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-49430494521691326922016-08-16T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-16T09:42:05.596+10:00ALMOST FIVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago at a photo shoot I was talking to a father who had teenaged children. He said that the years seven to 11 were golden ones - that a child was able to do things on their own but hadn't reached the hormone surge of adolescence. It is one of those comments that has stuck with me, although at the moment I'm not sure I agree entirely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So far I have really enjoyed the ages four and five. But perhaps aged four the most. Three has always been a challenge in our family. Most of our children didn't go through the terrible twos, but did have some trying moments at the age of three. With my son, who has always been quite mild tempered, this coincided with another sibling coming on the scene. And with our eldest daughter it was still only a year into her having a younger sister, which was an adjustment. So it is hard for me to separate the age of three from other factors that the children were going through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I enjoy living with a four year old. They are capable but still enjoy cuddles. They show signs of maturity but can be silly. They develop a real interest in learning (wanting to write and read) but are also happy to play for hours with a cardboard box (see <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2016/08/life-without-toys.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">yesterday's post</span></a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, when they turn five this slowly starts to change again. They need us less and want to become more independent. And this is a pattern that continues on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are days when I miss my eight-year-old son. He has always been independent, and in the early years of childhood this was something that I craved at times, but now it's almost as if he doesn't need us. He wakes, eats breakfast, gets dressed without fuss. He will put his bowl in the dishwasher and sometimes is even happy to help prepare his lunchbox. Now he is even catching a bus to and from school a few days a week. He can play independently and other than when he's using power tools, doesn't need our help as such. While he has been moving towards spending more time with his father, which I have read is a classic developmental stage, I have mourned him a little. He is no longer a little boy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So as our eldest daughter is fast approaching the age of five, I feel a little sad. I'm proud of all that she has achieved and of the kind and thoughtful person she is becoming. But a part of me will also miss the little girl that she was. Such sweet sorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">image <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-71473045728238863622016-08-15T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-15T14:16:08.556+10:00LIFE WITHOUT TOYS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you are living your life, you often just view that as "normal". In many cases, you expect - give or take - that most people live a similar type of existence. Or at least your peers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But sometimes a stray comment or two can make you see your life in a new light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This happened over the weekend when friends from Sydney came to visit. One of them remarked how tidy our home was, and noted that it wasn't overrun with "stuff". She said that their house was filled with kids' toys and they were everywhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I haven't been to their current home, but I've been to many like it. The homes of other friends and people's places that I've visited during the course of my work as an interior stylist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been to homes that have entire rooms dedicated to toys. I've sat on sofas surrounded by piles of plastic - figurines, cars, lawn mowers, bicycles and push-button games. All of a sudden last night I had a vision of all the plastic toys from all the people I know piled high. It would be a mountain, and it would just be a speck of dust in comparison to the rest of plastic toys the world over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And while I don't have a big problem with plastic toys per se - some of them are made out recycled plastic and others, such as Lego or Schleich, are good quality and can be passed down from one child to another and even one generation to another - it is the quantity that people have in their homes that sits uncomfortably.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even our removalist commented on how few things we had for a family of (then) five when we moved home last year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While we have never been excessive consumerists, our desire to live with less has been something we have had to cultivate over the years. Even if <i>we</i> don't buy superfluous goods for our home, it doesn't seem to stop the rest of the world from bestowing them upon us. Whenever we go to the hardware store there are towers of balloons with plastic sticks that are almost impossible to walk past with a three or five-year-old. But just think of how many balloons and plastic sticks each individual store must go through, and then consider how many hardware stores there are across the country. And that's just this country. It's worth considering the <a href="http://balloonsblow.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">damage</span></a> balloons can do on the environment though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even a trip to someone else's birthday party sees us come home with a party bag of plastic toys. Often they are cheap, break easily and end up in the rubbish bin. As I have considered these issues over the years, I've always tried to provide party bags with something a little longer lasting. For example, at my son's recent birthday party I gave each child a ply letter of their name painted in chalkboard paint and some pieces of chalk to decorate themselves for their rooms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to receiving gifts </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have found that gentle requests on birthday invitations can help. Often I include a small comment "please no plastic toys" or "books or educational toys welcome".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, funnily enough, I have found that with each successive child it has been easier to say no to plastic (or toys in general) and also cull them from our lives. So now we have a house that has one cupboard with two shelves of toys - for three children (the baby has a couple of soft toys, and that's pretty much it). And most of these are puzzles or boxes of Lego. Other than that, we have one basket with some musical instruments, and two baskets for each of the girls with stuffed toys. There are a few other items too - quality wooden pieces - such as blocks and bikes that can be passed down from one child to the next, and hopefully one generation to another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, as I was saying to my friend, the children don't really play with a lot of their toys that much anyway. The girls are in a "cutting" stage and have spent most of the past week chopping up pieces of cardboard from delivery boxes. And they have been creating "jail" from chairs and cushions. In the most recent school holidays they played with a couple of large cardboard boxes almost every day - they were cars, cubby houses, a rocket ship and a music play station. And our eldest daughter enjoys creating and curating collections - from feathers to seashells. Our son requested a Rubik's cube for his birthday and it was one of the toys he received, which he has been playing with. But other than that the main toy he plays with is a skipping rope. He's much more interested in using tools in the workshop now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In general, the children much prefer to run outside and play in the great outdoors - "fishing" in the pond with bamboo sticks, creating fairy gardens or pretend fires from rocks and sticks. And there's a lot of playing with mud!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, not everyone lives on 26 acres and is able to just let their children run free outside. But even when we were in the city, the children's preference was to do art and craft in the kitchen - mainly using a box of pencils, some scissors and a pile of paper. If they played outdoors in our courtyard, they enjoyed water play with a large tub and milk cartons. Or drawing with chalk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes the hardest word to say can be "no". But the rewards can greatly outweigh the discomfort of saying it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter how busy the day, and noisy the dinner, story time is always our quiet time. Quality time. Generally it is a one-on-one experience between one parent and one child. Although sometimes another child might listen on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, because they are at different levels of interest and understanding, they tend to play while someone else's book is being read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are some of the books that we're reading at the moment.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">8-YEAR-OLD</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had tried to read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Neverending-Story-Michael-Ende/dp/0140386335" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Neverending Story</span></a> a couple of times before and it didn't hold his interest. However, we explained that sometimes you need to stick with a book for number of pages before it gets interesting. This time around, once he got into the main story, he was hooked. The first part is the story of a boy going into a bookshop and finding the book of the same title. Once we got to the part of the land of Fantasica the eight-year-old really engaged with the story.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4-YEAR-OLD</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year she has started to enjoy chapter books. At first we did <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Faraway-Tree-02-ebook/dp/1405272201/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470884411&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Magic+Faraway+Tree" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Magic Faraway Tree</span></a> and then <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/heidi-spyri/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Heidi</span></a>, which were both well enjoyed. Now we have moved onto our Roald Dahl collection. First up was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BFG-Roald-Dahl/dp/0142410381/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470884585&sr=1-1&keywords=The+BFG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The BFG</span></a>, as she recently saw the movie, and now we are reading one of my favourite books, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Mr-Fox-Roald-Dahl/dp/0142410349/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470884604&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Fantastic+Mr+Fox" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Fantastic Mr Fox</span></a>. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3-YEAR-OLD</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Her attention span is getting better with picture books. She enjoys ones that have an element of repetition. Or the illustrations engage her. We go through stages of reading different books every night and then other times we might read the same two books every night for a week or so. At the moment we're reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Were-Going-Bear-Michael-Rosen/dp/0689853491/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470884624&sr=1-1&keywords=We%27re+Going+on+a+Bear+Hunt" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">We're Going on a Bear Hunt</span></a>, which both my other children loved too (although her older sister went through a stage of being scared of the bear) and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Hide-Lion-Helen-Stephens/dp/0805098348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470884649&sr=1-1&keywords=How+to+Hide+a+Lion" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">How to Hide a Lion</span></a>. She likes this because it references <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Who-Came-Tea/dp/076364563X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470884668&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Tiger+Who+Came+To+Tea" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Tiger Who Came To Tea</span></a>, which we have been reading a lot recently too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's always good to get other book ideas, so if you're reading something that your little ones love, please share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Note:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cushion available <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/cushion-cover" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-46632814401794426022016-08-10T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-10T14:40:49.993+10:00FOOD COMMUNITIES + MEAL PLANS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ8P5CCQFRpJZHY52dW1gCPDeTmVTt5oZ0H-ALebUG3YJ8W06CTV0qKDGBi2TBNQ3wBHZLTbprTmTgWAtXbXzBmJg1NfWv2d20w8o-0g4Hg8KmTMtWY-kQG3X52rYeN1zqj2clxJp6eQ/s1600/the+indigo+crew+-+recipes+-+meal+plan.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ8P5CCQFRpJZHY52dW1gCPDeTmVTt5oZ0H-ALebUG3YJ8W06CTV0qKDGBi2TBNQ3wBHZLTbprTmTgWAtXbXzBmJg1NfWv2d20w8o-0g4Hg8KmTMtWY-kQG3X52rYeN1zqj2clxJp6eQ/s1600/the+indigo+crew+-+recipes+-+meal+plan.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's interesting how much our sense of belonging to a place evolves around food. When we were living in the city, we would often see our neighbours at the weekend farmers' markets, which were only a short walk from our house. Or at the local cafes, or on the way there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our weekends were often punctuated with visits to local eateries - from the bakery to a Japanese restaurant that we enjoyed dining at as a family. Even buying milk from the grocer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, since moving to the country we have yet to forge these same connections. There is a general store in the middle of the valley but it takes an hour each way to walk there. The nearest town is a 10-minute drive - at 80km/h without traffic lights - and while it has a supermarket and other facilities and services, it is less of a destination and more of a convenience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In short, we hardly see our immediate neighbours. Everyone lives down long driveways and beyond farm gates and cow paddocks. And even though fresh seasonal produce is available to buy on roadside stalls, these set-ups usually operate on a honesty system. We saw more farmers at the markets in the city than here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, we have had a couple of Sunday lunches with people in the valley. And these have been long and leisurely affairs - rather than talking over the fence or on the street on the way to the car. And because it is such a long distance to visit, or buy supplies, most of the food we have eaten has been homemade, including the bread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This has been our experience of preparing meals too. No longer can we walk down the road to get pizza. Or buy ice-creams from the corner store. And no Sunday strolls for croissants either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since moving here we have fallen into a rhythm with making meal plans and cooking for every meal, including impromptu sweet treats. However, because we are juggling a new baby and business, we are currently reverting to some of our old favourites. But they are popular with everyone, and easy to prepare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is our current weekly meal plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday - <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2016/02/fish-chips.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Fish and chips</span></a> (sustainably caught snapper and homemade chips)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday - <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/09/quesadillas.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Quesadillas</span></a> (beef and spinach)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday - Pizza (using the dough from this <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2016/08/rhubarb-galette.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">recipe</span></a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday - <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/05/corn-fritters.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Corn fritters</span></a> and salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday - Tikka Masala roast chicken from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Easy-Delicious-Super-Busy/dp/1455584215" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">It's All Easy</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday - Soup (making the stock from the previous night's chicken)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday - Beef stir-fry</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">image <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-50071719249415418242016-08-09T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-09T09:49:32.454+10:00BABY ESSENTIALS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a look and a pause when you tell people you have four children. And then the question. "How do you manage?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The answer is always the same, because it's true. Or at least for us. The older children often entertain each other and because of their age in many ways this time around has been the easiest transition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there's something interesting that I've noticed. It feels as if the lessons of motherhood have been distilled this time around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time is flying, a little too quickly. But because I don't have time to deliberate on decisions or fuss over details, I have noticed that I am the closest I've been to understanding what really is important (for me) when it comes to motherhood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, the early months with a baby is a special bonding time. And this time with so much else going on in our lives, I have wanted to keep it as simple as possible. I am not attending any mothers groups. And I haven't really bought much, other than clothing. Instead, this time is about enjoying the closeness of breastfeeding and the smiles that are more and more regular. But there are more practical considerations too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It really has made me aware of how little you need for a baby. I've always felt this way, and wrote a magazine article about it more than eight years ago even before the birth of our first child. When it felt like the world around me was going crazy over a million different gadgets for stages that only lasted a few weeks or months, I wanted to keep motherhood a little simpler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps a little too simple, at times. We didn't buy a new car before our first baby arrived. In fact, we had two two-seater vehicles - a 1965 Austin Healey Sprite and a single cabin utility truck. I had to go home from the hospital in a taxi and for the first six months of our son's life we just rented a car from <a href="https://www.goget.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">GoGet</span></a>, a community car sharing service. But it suited us fine as we were living in Bondi and everything we needed was within walking distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Partly because of our car situation, we didn't get a car capsule. (That time or for any other baby.) We didn't get a baby bath or a jolly jumper. Or those toys you put on a pram. Instead we kept it simple. And the things we used then are still the things we are using now: a baby carrier, a bouncer, bassinet and wraps. Other than clothing, this is pretty much all that we needed. The one exception is the stroller. At the time we were in the city and it was more useful than it is today. But even then, I got an umbrella stroller that was suitable from newborn and upwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today we are using the same baby carrier (<a href="http://www.babybjorn.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Baby Bjorn</span></a>) and bouncer (<a href="https://www.oeufnyc.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Oeuf</span></a>), and we have used them for all four children. I have to say I'm impressed with the quality of both. While they've faded a little, they're still incredibly useful. Initially I borrowed a bassinet for our first child, but bought a moses basket and a stand for our second, which we have used for both girls and now our baby boy. The brand is Seed Organic and we bought it from <a href="http://www.kidostore.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Kido Store</span></a>, although it doesn't seem to be available any more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Swadling a baby is something that comes with practice, but has helped all of our children to sleep well. For our eldest daughter we were given a <a href="https://www.lilfrasercollection.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">L'il Fraser Collection</span></a> wrap and I have to say the giant size of it is brilliant. It really prevents babies from wriggling out. We have used them now for all three children. We also use a <a href="https://lovetodream.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Love To Dream</span></a> zip-up wrap, which is another good way to prevent them from un-swadling. And we use the wraps to line the bassinet rather than buying dedicated sheets. The one other item that we've used for all four children is our <a href="http://www.melobaby.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Melobaby</span></a> - it's a baby changing mat that wipes down, has magnets so is easy to pull apart (no zips), fits everything inside (nappies and wipes) and fits into a bag. I've never used a "baby" or "nappy" bag - a large-sized tote, such as the <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/market-basket" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">market basket</span></a> and <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/string-bag" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">string bag</span></a> that I'm currently rotating, has always been sufficient.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For clothing, I had to buy a new selection this time around as I had handed down many of our other pieces. Although I had held onto a little all-in-one from <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Petit Bateau</span></a> that is still in good condition. The rest I have bought mainly from <a href="https://www.naturebaby.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Nature Baby</span></a>, and the quality is good and the pieces wash well. As I mention <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2016/08/winter-warming-clothing.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">here</span></a>, I have also bought some woollen items that I wish I had known about years ago, as these definitely would have worked well across gender and over the years. This is perhaps another lesson that I've learnt - when you buy gender neutral clothing they really will last you for years, if you plan on having more than one child. Natural colours and greys work well in this regard. The grey and white striped wrap, pictured above, is one that I bought for my youngest daughter and it is just as suitable for my son.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The hardest part will be letting go of these items once they are no longer needed, as they have been such a big part of our lives over the past eight years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-11590799918628803992016-08-08T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-08T09:15:50.578+10:00COUNTRY LIFE GETS REAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we first started talking about moving to the country we had a long list of ideals. Wouldn't it be great if we could grow our own fruit and vegetables, get fresh eggs from free-range chickens, maybe even have bees to capture our own honey. We also spoke about other more practical ideas. We could put solar panels on the roof to go off the grid, and live off rainwater. It turns out that we had no choice with that last idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most places in the country live off rainwater. The property that we bought has four tanks capturing water and when one empties, a pump moves water up the hill to a header tank which supplies the to the taps in our house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we first moved in we knew that we had to be careful with our water supply. We only flush the toilet when absolutely necessary. We try not to hand wash dishes and only use the dishwasher because it's far more efficient. The children always share a bath or bath water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We've been on a steep learning curve with our water supply since moving to this valley, even though it's a water catchment area. The first month we had torrential rain almost every day for a month. We were flooded in within weeks of our move.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But then we had about six months of virtually no rain. We've had to buy water three times now, the most recent last Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, the day after the water truck arrived we had a week of almost non-stop rain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since we first ran out of water we are extra vigilant about how we use our water. When rinsing out dishcloths in the sink, I often have a vessel underneath the tap so that I can pour this on our parched plants outside. When water is left in a drinking glass, I tip it into one of the indoor plants rather than down the drain. Even when using soap on my hands I turn the tap off while lathering it up. Every little bit helps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have a lot to learn and are investigating more options - tanks, pumps, filters - but it is our hope to not have to buy in water again. At least not so many times. Because there is something wonderful about knowing that we are using only what we need, and finding a way towards some sort of subsistence living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">image <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-43261680707234247832016-08-05T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-05T21:59:57.544+10:00RHUBARB GALETTE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Food is often memory. That describes a little of my relationship with rhubarb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the garden where I grew up as a young girl in England, my mum grew several fruits, such as strawberries and gooseberries as well as red currants. We also had a crab apple tree. But it is the rhubarb that I associate so strongly with my childhood. Perhaps because during the summer months we enjoyed it often but then when my family emigrated to Australia, it wasn't so easy to find and it was years before I got to enjoy it again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, when I can, I enjoy making a rhubarb compote. Sometimes I just eat it with yoghurt as a snack or for dessert. Other times it goes under a crumble top - something like this <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/2015/09/apple-rhubarb-sugar-free-crunchy-crumble.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">apple and rhubarb crumble</span></a>. And, most recently, it became a galette. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were making pizza and had some leftover dough. To make a quick dessert for everyone I smothered the top of one pizza with the compote, turned the pastry edges and cooked for about 15 minutes in the already warm oven. We served it with cream, and it was delicious. Not a crumb left. Recipe below.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">PIZZA DOUGH RECIPE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup of self-raising flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 cup of natural or Greek yoghurt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Mix the ingredients and knead until the dough is elastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Cut into half or quarters, depending on the size of pizza you want, and knead into balls. Roll each ball out until you get a circle shape.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">RHUBARB COMPOTE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bunch of rhubarb</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 orange, juiced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp ground cardamom</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Clean and chop fruit. Add to a saucepan with orange juice and cardamom and simmer for about 20-30 minutes on a low heat.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">RHUBARB GALETTE</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Place compote on top of pizza base, leaving a space of about 2cm from the edge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Fold the edge of the pastry over to enclose the compote.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Brush milk onto the folded crust and sprinkle with coconut sugar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Bake for about 15 minutes and serve with cream or ice-cream.</span><br />
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Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-80886055777492222772016-08-04T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-05T21:09:10.422+10:00EXPLORE | NORAH HEAD <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is easy to fall into the trap of never leaving your home. Especially when there's always so much work to be done. There are chores indoors, and then when you have a garden it takes the level of responsibility up another notch. We have 26 acres of "garden" and while most of it is bushland, the rest keeps us so busy that some days we don't even know where to start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is not to say it's not enjoyable to spend time at home - indoors and outside. We enjoy our life here. We enjoy spending our time together pottering outdoors. We enjoy keeping our hands busy, and learning more about this untamed jungle that we call home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But we are still explorers at heart. There is a whole <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/search/label/explore" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">chapter</span></a> to this site dedicated to the places we have visited and the coastline we have chartered. And there are days when it is good to give ourselves a break, allow our hands to rest and turn the page on the to-do list in our mind to one that is empty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a busy week of activity launching <a href="http://www.imprinthouse.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">our homewares collection</span></a>, we were in need of rest and focussed family time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On Sunday the sun was shining and the temperatures felt more like spring than winter. We packed some morning tea and decided to explore the area around <a href="http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/central-coast/wyong-area/norah-head" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Norah Head</span></a> on the Central Coast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have visited the lighthouse previously. Once we made a last-minute stop there on the way from Byron Bay to Sydney. The traffic had been gridlocked on the highway and so we decided to take a detour, stretch our legs, let the children run around, and return to the main road once the dinner rush had subsided.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This time we found a section of beach near the boat ramp where there are facilities (always handy with young children) and found a manmade lagoon bordered with rocks. While we ate our picnic lunch the tide level was low and the children enjoyed running in and out of the water. Later in the day it was much deeper and we made a mental note that it would be a good sheltered place for them to swim on another day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After morning tea, we walked along the coastline towards the lighthouse. The surrounding escarpment appeared to have had bush regeneration as it was quite lush. There were rock pools to explore, many shell varieties to see and enough of a stretch of beach to allow for lots of running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are tours of the <a href="http://www.norahheadlighthouse.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">lighthouse</span></a> and you can even book to <a href="http://www.norahheadlighthouse.com.au/accommodation/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">stay</span></a> in some of the historic buildings but we kept walking and stopped for lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thearkcoffeeandtakeaway/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">The Ark</span></a>, a local cafe with a decent selection of food and drinks, as well as (large) children's meals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While the area was popular, it wasn't crowded and it's a place we've bookmarked to return to, and one that we would recommend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-15892251498115834182016-08-03T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-03T11:42:26.366+10:00THE JOY OF SELF-EXPRESSION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tribes have always been around. Not just in the collective sense of groups of people who are connected in relation to their social, economic or religious ties. Or the more familiar blood relations. But cultural tribes. Those groupings that are instantly obvious usually because of the clothing that people are wearing. Again, social factors play a role. Even going back hundreds of years. After all clothing is often an economic marker - can you afford crinoline or velvet or hand-loomed fair trade organic cotton? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And just as with so many other aspects of society and culture, this is often played out in the world of children. Mainly because parents make the purchases, and determine which tribe they want their little ones to belong to. This is not always a conscious decision, but it is there. And in the online world of Instagram it is played out large.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is your child a modern minimalist, a character out of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_House_on_the_Prairie_(TV_series)" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Little House on the Prairie</span></a>, or do they look like they have stepped out of a lecture at Harvard? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Often children play along with this game because they enjoy mimicking parents, and the sense of belonging that comes with looking like those around you. Part of the reason that #minime and #twinning are such popular hashtags (although not always just related to parents and their children).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that my daughters get excited when they have an item of clothing that's similar to mine. And my son was thrilled when his dad bought the same brand of trainers as him recently. There's something wonderful about being connected to your tribe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But self-expression is important too. Some of the style icons from last century went against the grain of what was popular or acceptable at the time. Look at Coco Chanel and her penchant for wearing trousers, and men's clothing. While it was considered de-classe, her legacy is real.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allowing children to express themselves can foster a healthy dose of self confidence. That their choices and decisions are valued. My son has dressed himself since the age of two, and has always enjoyed doing things his way. Initially it was pulling his socks up to his knees and then crossing his velcro straps over to create patterns - from crosses to chevrons. There is no harm in this, and by not "correcting" him it has helped foster his sense of creativity which has continued to grow. He's not afraid to experiment or explore ideas. He has freedom to think for himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, children can also go through stages were their sartorial choices can look more like a fancy dress party. And while we've allowed dress-ups we've also explained that there's a time and a place for everything. School and certain social occasions deserve respect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, when all of the clothes in your wardrobe are of a similar colour palette then it doesn't always matter how they are mixed. I find this true of my own clothing. Years ago I sold and donated heavily patterned clothing, and items that only worked with one other item as they were too much work. It's an easier life when you grab almost any top and bottom and they are complementary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each one of our children has a different personality and they express this through their clothing choices. We see this most acutely with the girls. While the eldest has always gravitated towards "pretty" dresses, especially ones that spin, the younger is more interested in striped t-shirts, a simple skirt (usually with pockets) and leggings. It's been a valuable lesson in realising that not all clothing can be passed down. But everything within their wardrobes works cohesively and this gives us as parents the freedom of time to allow them to dress themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, yes, they are of our tribe. We value handmade clothing made with natural fibres, and organic materials when possible. That gives us joy. And we want them to learn that your sartorial choices can bring happiness. In more ways than one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-45886160363584594602016-08-02T21:50:00.001+10:002016-08-02T21:53:11.544+10:00WINTER WARMING CLOTHING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clothing can be seductive. Especially when buying for other people. Little people. And especially when there are so many brands now that produce clothing responsibly, by hand, or using natural or sustainable materials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The world of childrenswear has come a long way since when our eldest son was born more than eight years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But despite all of this beautiful temptation we try to minimise the amount of purchases we make. Generally, we only buy new clothing for birthdays or Christmas and when the children are in need of specific items at the turn of a new season. At the moment the girls have almost outgrown all of their tights, but I’m trying to hold off buying more until next year otherwise they will most likely be too small again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This winter there were a few necessary purchases we had to make. And I wanted to share them as I’ve been really happy with the quality and the companies that have produced them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year everyone was wearing <a href="http://en.collegien-shop.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Collegien</span></a> slipper socks, which are great, but they are now too small and so I replaced them with wool felt slippers for the girls from <a href="http://www.sewheartfelt.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Sew Heart Felt</span></a>. They are so cute that they’re just as much decorative pieces as something to keep their feet warm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The girls were also in need of winter jackets. As they wear them to school, I wanted something that was easy for them to fasten and unbutton. The quilted jackets from <a href="http://www.printebebe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Printebebe</span></a> have been great as they’re not only easy for them to wear, and go with pretty much everything in their wardrobe, but the pattern hides dirt and when the youngest has come home from preschool with paint on her jacket, it has washed right out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They have also been wearing their desert boots from <a href="http://www.poppeto.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Poppeto</span></a> almost every day. And they have survived life on the property and daily wear at school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The main other winter purchases have been for the baby. He is almost three months old and fast growing out his newborn clothes. To keep him warm I have bought a <a href="https://www.naturebaby.com.au/merino-handknit-cardigan?color=1511" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">merino knit cardigan</span></a> from <a href="https://www.naturebaby.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Nature Baby</span></a>, organic <a href="http://www.woollykins.com.au/collections/warm-heads-hands-feet/products/newborn-baby-socks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">woollen socks</span></a> from <a href="http://www.woollykins.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Wollykins</span></a> and booties and a hat from <a href="http://shop.misha-and-puff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Misha and Puff</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As none of these items are overly bulky we should get wear out of them for the final month of winter, and also going into spring. But then my almost five-year-old daughter has grown out of her most of her summer dresses and we’ll start the whole process over again!</span></div>
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images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></div>
Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892640381027497180.post-47708440292777152582016-08-01T06:00:00.000+10:002016-08-01T14:52:48.568+10:00NATURAL WAYS TO KEEP WARM AT HOME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It feels like winter has been playing tricks on us this year. One day it's cold and there's frost on the farms lower in the valley and then we're walking around in short sleeves. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're also living in a completely different style of home to this time last year. Australian inner-city terrace homes are not known for being warm, although ours wasn't too bad. It was double brick which meant that once we got it warm, the heat stayed in for much longer than many other similar-style homes. But it wasn't an open-plan house so while we could get individual rooms warm, it took a lot more energy to heat the whole place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And although we had a working fire, it wasn't a slow combustion fireplace so the timber burned off quite quickly and the heat didn't linger. As many other Australians who live in unrenovated homes, we had to rely on portable gas and electric heaters to warm our place. Then became the issue at the end of winter of storing them somewhere too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were some strategies we used though to help make life a little easier though. One of them was devised by our son when he decided to sleep on one of our <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/sheepskin" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">sheepskins</span></a>. We thought he was being cute about it, but then we tried it ourselves and it's hard to go back. It really is a great way to sleep. And it's much more preferable to using electric blankets for us, as it's more economical and better for the environment. All of the children now sleep on sheepskins, including the baby, who has one underneath his cot sheet in his bassinet. The others lie directly on the sheepskin - our daughter says it's like sleeping with a giant (natural-fibre) teddy bear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not only does our current home have a large slow combustion fire at its centre, but the chimney stack runs up to the second level. This means that the bricks warm up throughout the house. Plus there are vents on the ground and first levels which disperse heat into open-plan areas on both levels. It's such a great way to warm the house. In fact, many times this winter we have had to change into lighter clothing when sitting in our office area as it gets so warm because it's right next to one of the vents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the baby we took one of the ideas that we used to use in our previous home - sheepskins on our chairs in the study - and placed them on his bouncer for when he's awake. This also gets placed on the floor for him to lie on during the hour or so he's alert in between feeds and naps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, we are big fans of layering our beds with <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/blanket-throw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">wool blankets</span></a> and swapping over our cotton cushion covers for <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/cushion-cover" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">woollen</span></a> ones in the cooler months. And <a href="https://www.imprinthouse.net/products/reindeer-hide" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">reindeer hides</span></a> get placed on chairs, the sofa and on the floor in our bedroom. Every little bit helps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interestingly, after having such a hot summer in this house, winter has been a welcome season for all of us. It's hard to beat spending evenings in front of a warming fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">images <a href="http://www.theindigocrew.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">the indigo crew</span></a></span></div>
Natalie Waltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257958041076712946noreply@blogger.com0