Photo Friday: Roast Dinner

Last Sunday, hubby thought we'd cook a chook (organic of course) in the chiminea and MAN was it DELICIOUS!!! Hats off to him!

A chimenea also spelled chiminea, is a freestanding front-loading fireplace or oven with a bulbous body and usually a vertical smoke vent or chimney.

The bonus of having a cook up on a Sunday is the leftovers! Roast chook for lunch anyone?

Survival Guide: Travelling with an infant

My daughter Tilly, now 7 months old has been on 4 domestic flights so far. Not long flights, just 2 trips to Adelaide (from Brisbane) of just over 2 hours to visit family.

During our first trip Tilly was 4 months old and I have to say the younger they are the easier it is to travel with them as they require less entertaining. Feeding and snoozing was really all she did so it was a piece of cake...that was until we had a 'poo-explosion' during descent! To make it worse the seat belt sign was on so we couldn't do anything about it until we disembarked! (Gross!)

Poo explosions aside...the actual flight is not too tricky and the cabin crew will do anything to help you.

The tricky bit is the lead up to the flight, being super organised is key. My top tips are...

1. Enquire with the airline as to what they will let you check in when flying with an infant. Most will let you check in a porta-cot, a car seat and a pram for no extra cost. However they won't let you check in an extra suitcase, therefore you'll have to make space in yours.
2. If you're not taking the child's car seat with you, arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off at the airport in your car so that your bubba can be in their own car seat. Booking a cab with a baby car seat can be tricky, especially if your baby is still rear-facing. Likewise for leaving the airport at the other end. 
3. Take your usual nappy bag on board, including enough nappies and wipes for a day or two. Then buy a packet of nappies when you arrive; don't waste valuable suitcase space with a weeks supply!
4. Pack medicine even if your child isn't sick. Paracetamol, teething gel, etc as you never know what you might need. I learnt this the hard way! Lucky for me, my folks ducked to the chemist for us.
5. Wear an easy to use baby carrier or sling throughout the airport. Once checked in, your pram-less and if your bubba is anything like mine they'll get heavy real quick! The reason I say to wear an easy to use baby carrier is because your bub can't be in it when you go through security (annoying!!!) so it's best if you can get them in and out quickly and easily. Practice at home a day or two before, especially if flying alone.
6. Packing a spare outfit for your bubba seems obvious (we always have one in our nappy bag) but I think its a good idea to pack a spare top for you too. Plus a little towel or rug to have on your knees as protection during the flight...because yes, poo (and vomit!) happens!
7. When packing your suitcase don't forget sheets for the porta-cot, little towels (spew rags), bibs, hat, sunscreen, bathers and bath supplies. Pack plenty of clothes too but don't over pack as you still need to fit some of your own things in the suitcase too!
8. Protect baby's ears when the flights descending. As adults we can move our jaw or block our nose to pop our ears but babies don't know how to do that. For this reason it's recommended that you feed your baby when the plane starts it's descent. Its perfectly acceptable to breastfeed as I did or the cabin crew can help you to prepare a bottle.
9. If possible borrow baby gear when you get to your destination. Cots, car seats, walkers, toys, etc. (This is of course if you're travelling somewhere to visit friends and rellies.) The more you can borrow, the less you have to pack!
10. Book morning flights as bubbas are much happier earlier on in the day. You don't want an overtired little darling kicking the back of someone's seat!

There you have it! They're my top tips! I'm sure I've forgotten something, nevertheless I hope you find it handy.

Megan x

Ps - Some happy snaps of us with loved ones from our last trip. A few favourites missing though x

Megan's Tuesday Message

Monday message #2

Our First Anniversary!

Roughly a year ago, during a long over-due catch up in sunny Brisbane, we decided to start a blog. Both toying with the idea to do it individually but never taking the plunge, we both realised the power in numbers. Having someone to share the load, many hands make light work, two heads are better than one - and all those other wonderful cliches - were great reasons to join forces and share our favourite things with the world.

So began Chaotic Favourites.

Monday Message - first video chat!

As we live on opposite sides of the country, we decided a good way to keep in touch is via video message. And we're sharing them with you!

Style Crush: Kate Winslet

Classic. Sophisticated. Elegant. Contemporary. Timeless. Stunning. Edgy.

Kate Winslet.

Need I say more?

Images sourced from tumblr

Good Reads - Spring Edition

If I had to pinpoint one aspect of winter that I love, it's that maximum warmth is gained by staying in bed as long as possible. This means I had plenty of time to catch up on reading. I'll admit that I had a few books on the go over winter and didn't finish them all! Nevertheless, there were a few good 'uns for me to share with you now - add them to your list for reading in the springtime sunshine.

Motherhood - 6 months in

Recently my baby girl had her half birthday, yep 6 months old already! I can hardly believe it!

My friend Cass from my mother's group summed it up perfectly saying, "The days can be long but time flies"...it went something like that anyway!

It's so true though as sometimes it seems like forever when I'm trying to get her to have a sleep or when she's crying in the back seat of the car...but when I look back 6 months has gone by so fast and she's grown so much!

In the evenings once she's fallen asleep on me I snuggle her for a few minutes and breathe in her yummy baby scent before carefully placing her in her cot for the night.

As a mumma you've got to get in as many baby cuddles as you can before they're all grown up!

Now like I said, the days can be long so pass me a glass of shiraz please!

And SSSSHHhhhh she's sleeping....

Morning Ritual: Morning Walkies

Fresh air
Green grass
Running stream
Happy ducks
Sleeping baby
Sunshine
Water
Hat
Sunscreen
Me.

10 Summer wardrobe staples

Easy to wear items that can be mixed and matched and easily accessorised. Most importantly they'll keep you cool too.

Witchery basic tees (usually buy 2, get the 3rd free) so I've got black, white and marle grey.

Shop here

Mox rubber ballet flats - super comfy and your feet don't get sweaty and stinky in them! #winning

Shop here

Esprit woven skirt goes with everything...like the Witchery tees!

Shop here

Seed harem pants are NEXT LEVEL COMFY! Black is the safe option here but there's other colours available too.

Shop here

Drape front vest from Target adds an extra layer with a flattering hemline. Khaki is the colour of the season!

Shop here

Print Pants! There's still lots around but i like this versatile pair from Sussans. Wear with a tee and statement necklace or a tank and drape front vest.

Shop here

A waist enhancing a-line skirt, this one is from Country Road. A lady-like silhouette with a masculine military edge.

Shop here

Versatile 'Erin' block heel sandal in multi-colour. These easy-to-walk-in, go-with-everything pair will have your dollars working hard for you.

Shop here

If you're lucky enough to be able to pull off a jumpsuit, this one should be your go to! Khaki is pictured here but it's also available in black. Dress it up or dress it down, you decide!

Shop here

Cuffed cargo shorts from Sportsgirl. The cuff enables you to customise the length to perfectly suit you.

Shop here

Is your wardrobe summer ready?

Your stylist,

Megan 

meganpotter.com.au