Treats for kids don’t have to be full of sugar. It’s super simple to make your own sugar free lollies that your kids will certainly love! Phoenix couldn’t resist these super easy-to-make cactus, green juice gummies.
[Ingredients]
4 tbsp gelatin powder
2 tbsp Lakanto Monkfruit natural sweetener
1 cup pure green juice
[To make]
In a small saucepan, combine juice and sweetener until almost boiling.
Lower the heat to the lowest setting and whisk in gelatin.
Once gelatin has fully dissolved, remove from the heat and pour into gummy molds
Refrigerate until firm for about 30 minutes. Pop out of molds and store gummies in the fridge in an airtight container.
I know it’s cliche – but wow did a year ever go fast! I remember when Phoenix turned one and he seemed like such a big boy. I can definitely say that this time around, having a 3 and a half year old at home to compare to and Cruz still feels like a baby.
He started walking just a few days before his birthday. A couple months later than his older brother, but we would not have been ready any sooner. We’ve had the sweetest year as a family of four. Cruz has fit right in and looking back on a year ago, it’s crazy to think we were ever worried about adding to our family. Phoenix adores his little brother and Cruz is equally entertained by him.
Cruz loved his birthday cake (almost as much as Phoenix did). All day long, Phoenix was raving about how “This is the BEST birthday EVER!”. Which was really quite adorable considering we didn’t plan much for it. Kids birthday parties can be as extensive as wedding planning these days and we are glad we decided to have an intimate little celebration instead. Neither of them cared either way. We had cake, balloons and presents – and they were certainly pleased. Luckily, Cruz didn’t seem to mind that Phoenix opened up all of his presents.
Hey there, welcome to a tour of my master bedroom + Cruz’s nursery!
Our bedroom was previously pretty basic and certainly needed a little bit of love. After having babies, there is so much focus on the kids room, clothes and things that it is so easy to forget about yourself. Nothing like a fresh new set of sheets to crawl into at the end of the day. Having a bedroom that feels like ‘me’ has been important all of my life. It’s my little slice of heaven that helps me start and end my day feeling good.
I am always drawn to white, bright, scandinavian-style interiors. Basically I’m an Ikea addict over here. But recently, I’ve been loving all the moroccan rugs popping up on my pinterest page. Rattan decor, woven baskets, neutral tones with pops of rust and peachy pinks is what inspired me to create this space. I think it’s important to layer a room in textures – not necessarily colours – if you want to achieve that minimalism look. If you focus on collecting the majority of decor in basic colours like whites, greys, beige and tans, you can’t really get it wrong. When it comes to adding in colours, do it lastly and it’s ideal to stay within a similar palette too. Don’t get me wrong though – maximalism – is a pretty cool style of it’s own, but these are just a few tips I’ve gathered from my own eyes admiring all things minimal living.
We are currently living in a pretty teenie tiny, 2-bedroom, beachside apartment. Honestly, Instagram makes my place look much larger than it really is. When Cruz recently outgrew his bassinet, I knew we had to set up a cot – somewhere. But where? I love having my babies sleep close to me at night, so I knew that we had to make some space in our bedroom for him. Then, a random scroll through the local used facebook forum, I spotted these coastal chest of draws and it sparked a desire to completely transform the space.
The first thing I did was sell our office desk that was collecting clutter and re-distributed all of my office supplies into our closet and drawers. Next, I set up the cot to start Cruz’s nursery. I knew we needed a feature wall behind the cot, but I didn’t want anything too busy and wanted it to suit a baby room and an adult space. I love all of the spotted dot patterns that are trending right now and chose to go with the “Huddy’s Dots” grey spotted wallpaper by Milton & King. I found their peel and stick wallpaper to be of great quality and easy to work with. I love this removable wallpaper for its’ beautiful pattern, and also because it is easy to apply and adjust. If you want to change things up or move home, it is just as simple to remove and can be peeled and re-applied on a new wall. How great is that? It is the perfect solution for transforming a wall when you are renting or need something that isn’t permanent.
Next, I felt the nursery needed a canopy. They are delicate, light and add extra dimension to a cot and corner of babies room. I added a beautiful white that can be neatly-tied or loose. It comes ready with ribbons inside and in front to secure mobiles or garlands. I try and choose items that are versatile and last for many uses. A canopy, can be used over a cot, a toddler or children’s bed too. I chose white because it will always be timeless. Kids grow so fast, and rooms transform before you know it.
I then picked out a beautiful rattan moon for a magical, dreamy vibe behind the cot. A wooden peg rack is the perfect, practical solution to hang bits and pieces. For the cot bedding, I chose a whimsical mushroom design. Add style to even small beds with a cute throw blanket. I finished Cruz’s bedding with a delightful handmade cushion from Little Peach and Pip.
Moving on to the other half of the room. My pine bed and bedside table really needed a freshen up. I painted the bed with quick-drying, water-based, white chalk paint. I swapped the plain drawer handle on the bedside table with one of the stunning brass palm tree handle from Pineapple Traders. It’s a really affordable solution to changing up any set of drawers. Sticking with the palm tree vibe, I could not look past a beautiful palm tree Kantha quilt from Garzie + May. They are made from quality cotton fabrics that have been traditionally hand block printed in India, using carved wooden printing blocks. I stuck with my white sheet and doona cover underneath to suit the quilt. I stuck with neutral colours, such as latte and almond, when finishing the bed with a pom pom cushion and neutral throw blanket. And at last, I was so excited to complete the room with the most beautiful moroccan rug from Oh happy home.
The space contains a combination of a few items we previously owned, some beautiful finds from my favourite Australian, businesses and a quick lick of white paint to my IKEA bed and beside table. I couldn’t help myself from accessorizing with timeless scandinavian birth posters, palm trees, a monstera deliciosa and I even stitched a little handmade rainbow to finish the space.
Phoenix has been icy pole & popsicle obsessed this summer. It must be the heat and also a toddler thing. The best part of his addiction is that he doesn’t even care what flavour they are OR what’s inside them. He thinks he’s getting a cold treat regardless… SO i’m definitely going to take advantage of this and sneak in all the things I want him to be eating that he is too picky to try. Find below the steps to make these creamy cold treats.
[Ingredients]
1 cup canned coconut milk
1/2 cup almond milk
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 cup blueberries
1 chopped kiwi
1 tsp vanilla extract
[To Make]
Blend coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup and vanilla.
Add blueberries and kiwi and blend until roughly chopped.