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My favourite baby gear

Friday ~ Posted by Karen Schravemade

I've rounded up my favourite baby gear. Click here to see my must-haves!

My youngest just turned two. TWO!! I officially have no babies left in my house. He’s a toddler now, and I am NOT happy about the way he insists on continuing to grow up. I think it’s very inconsiderate of him, really.

This is why we carried through with our… let’s say… long-term-no-more-babies solution (which is a euphemism for “hubby on the couch with a bag of frozen peas”)… when Charlie was only a couple of weeks old.

We both knew for SURE that our family is finished with four kids… NOOOOO doubts there. But I was also like, “we need to do this NOW, before we have no babies left and I start getting clucky all over again.”

I know myself too well. For the past nine years that’s been my knee-jerk reaction. Oh no, he/she is not a baby anymore!! Quick, let’s have another one. 

I’m like a drug addict except I’m addicted to babies rather than crack. That seems like an odd comparison, but it’s not really. Both addictions are extremely expensive, ruin your body, kill brain cells, make you look rather haggard, and severely curtail your social life and career prospects. And yet we keep doing it anyway… ?

All jokes aside, I have honestly adored the baby stage with all my kids. Apart from the sleep deprivation, it’s been a golden season of life. They have brought me so much joy.

Interestingly enough, even though I started blogging while I was in the thick of baby-making, I’ve never really blogged much about baby stuff. So today’s post is a bit of a nostalgic trip down memory lane. After four babies, I’ve realised I do have some things to pass on. Because while I can’t solve all your sleep and teething woes, I can certainly share some shopping advice! Ha!

There is so much STUFF you need to buy when you have a baby. Interestingly, instead of buying more for each subsequent child, we whittled our collection right down. There were things that we realised we just didn’t need after all. With a bit of trial-and-error (thanks, baby #1 for being our guinea pig) we also found some favourites that worked really well for us. So I want to pass on what I learned.

Here are my tried-and-true baby gear essentials.

I've rounded up my favourite baby gear. Click here to see my must-haves!

1. White noise machine

Once you have a baby, nothing – NOTHING – is more important than your sleep. It becomes the holy grail of motherhood. At playgroup, mothers clutch takeaway coffees as they talk in terms of hours. “Ugh, I only got 3 last night.” “I got 5, not so bad. Bit patchy though.”

Once you have more than one baby, your house will become home to random loud noises – screams, wails, raucous laughter, sibling fights-to-the-death, bouts of manic crying. I know you don’t believe me yet, but it’s true. That’s why, if you have a fussy sleeper, and definitely as SOON as you have more than one child, you need to grab yourself a white noise machine.

All of my babies have slept to the sound of white noise. I don’t know why it’s so calming – perhaps because it mimics the muffled sounds from within the womb? We’ve used various devices, from a radio tuned to a frequency in-between stations, to an app on our phones. This little portable speaker is perfect, because you can pick it up and stash it in your nappy bag for trips away from home.

With the gentle steady hush of static, baby will sleep deeper and more calmly, and you will not have to stress so much about keeping the other kids quiet during nap time. (I even use this when I am having a day nap on a weekend! I’m a very light sleeper since having kids, and this works really well at blocking out environmental sounds.)

2. Baby bjorn carrier

Who knew you needed to use your hands quite so much for everyday activities?

Well, obviously we all know that, but it doesn’t really hit home until you are carrying a baby and CAN’T DO ANYTHING ANYMORE.

Go hands-free with a carrier – it’s perfect for that restless time of day where baby just wants to be held, but you have a thousand things to do. Baby will be content, you’ll love having your little bug close, and you’ll feel like such an independent free woman to have the use of both your right and left hands, simultaneously. It’s the simple things.

This carrier is a classic. I love it because it’s comfortable and supportive, and it’s extremely easy to clip on and off. When my babies were little, I ALWAYS had a spare Baby Bjorn carrier stashed in the car, for those little errands where it is just not worth setting up the pram.

3. Swaddle

I was a late-comer to the magical world of the zip-up swaddle. I started out the old-fashioned way, with muslin wraps that we folded into intricate baby-origami, from which they would eventually escape (and then cry to be wrapped back up). It was not until my fourth child came along that a friend passed down some of these. My world was officially changed. So simple!

In my experience, my babies have all slept like 100x better with a swaddle than without – especially in that newborn phase where the startle reflex is still strong, and they jerk themselves awake so easily. And these swaddles make it so easy to do. One zipper, and baby is snugly swaddled and can’t escape.  The fabric is soft and stretchy, so baby doesn’t feel trapped, but they are snug enough to give the cosy womb-like support that baby craves to sleep well.

And I LOVE the angel-wing design, where baby sleeps with their hands up and elbows bent – a much more natural position that having their limbs bound to their sids. This allows baby to suck on their swaddled fist to self-soothe. Tip: you can replicate this position using a muslin wrap – just fold the top edge down first and tuck their little fists beneath it, before bundling them up. Or, just use the zip-up swaddle. Even easier.

4. Armchair

I bought this exact IKEA armchair with my first child (except with a white slipcover) and it has been used for every child since. You can get fancy gliders and expensive rocking chairs, but all I really wanted was a budget-friendly chair that looked good and would be comfortable to feed in. I’ve found this particular armchair to have the perfect dimensions, where the padded arms are a great height for breastfeeding (I often used a soft cushion as well for extra propping) and the back is nice and supportive, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking in and can’t get out. This armchair has a good firm foam seat, so it’s comfortable but doesn’t feel like quicksand.

I also like that this armchair is compact and narrow enough to fit into a small nursery, while still looking cosy and iniviting. Oh, and slipcovers for the win!! I kind of wish they’d had this grey cover back when I bought mine, as the white does get grubby fast. But I like being able to whip the cover off easily and soak it in the wash. And it’s been very versatile for both boys’ and girls’ rooms.

 

5. Rope basket

Every nursery needs storage. Rope baskets have become my go-to: they’re cheap, on-trend, and can be put to a multitude of storage uses. I currently use one for cot sheets, and another as a dirty clothes hamper. They’d also be great for toys, nappies… you name it. Best of all, they’re stylish enough to complement most nursery décor.

6. Stroller with car seat

This falls into the category of “how on earth did I ever survive without it?!”

For my first two babies, I had a separate car capsule that did not lock into my pram. When I was pregnant with my third, a friend leant me her pram, which had a car capsule component. It was a total game changer. Imagine being able to keep baby asleep while lifting her in and out of the car…! With one click, the capsule locks into either the stroller or the car base, and baby sleeps through all of it.

This is the actual pram I had with my first two, which I heavily researched and read hundreds of reviews for. It really was a great pram – but the moment I tried my friend’s pram, there was no going back. I wish I’d had one from the start.

7. Travel cot

A portacot is an item you feel like you “need” when you have a baby, so we bought one. It weighed as much as an elephant calf and was harder to erect than a pole tent from the 60’s.

When we were going camping, we looked for something lighter weight and found the KinderKot – which unfortunately doesn’t seem to be in circulation anymore. We were instantly sold: it weighed less than my handbag, popped up by itself in seconds, and folded away into nothing. We eventually sold the portacot because from that moment forward, it sat under our spare bed gathering dust.

This travel cot looks like a fabulous KinderKot alternative. The moral of the story is: go lightweight, peeps. Lightweight and small. The last thing you want to be lugging through an airport is four children, three carseats, a stroller, and a baby elephant disguised as an item of baby gear.

8. Nappy bag

Fact: when you become a mummy, you feel frumpy. Your body has gone all out of shape, you are so sleep deprived you feel like the walking dead, your boobs are leaking at random intervals and none of the cute clothes you used to wear fit you any more. The least you can do to make yourself feel better is to get a stylish nappy bag. I got a new nappy (diaper) bag for each of my babies – it was like a little present to myself. Also, I kept needing bigger ones, because I kept acquiring more children. Then as they went off to school, I needed a smaller one again.

I definitely paid over the odds for some of my nappy bags. My first was a one-off Boho creation with a hand-embroidered tapestry strap, shipped from like LA or somewhere. It was quirky and artsy and I loved it to bits, until it fell to bits. My second was a designer leather style statement I bought secondhand on eBay (because buying it new would have cost me my left kidney). My third was as sexy as I could get when I had three small kids and needed something the size of a bowling bag to carry all their stuff.

With my fourth, I was so happy to find that my local Colette was selling nappy bags – and very stylish ones at that! – for like a quarter of the cost I’d paid for some of my previous buys. They are fantastic bags, with heaps of compartments and room for everything – there’s a change mat pocket, internal insulated bottle holder, room for drink bottles, slip-in pockets for phone, keys and sunnies; even little zip up pockets just the right size for a dummy (pacifier). They come in a lovely range of colours. Can’t beat them for style, practicality and value for money!

9. Wooden play gym

As a mum who cares about décor, I never wanted my living area to turn into brightly-coloured plastic baby gear central. So I struggled when it came to finding a play gym I actually liked. (I acknowledge that this is totally a first world problem.)

But for real, it seems like the one design requirement for a play gym is that they be as garish and tacky as humanly possible. Also, we’ve always had wooden floors, and I find that the built-in mat on a play gym is always far too thin to give enough padding for a new baby.

I spent far too long trawling online stores, trying to find something that was both attractive and comfortably padded. In the end, I bought a wooden play gym, and never looked back. The play mat doesn’t come attached, so you can pop a sheepskin rug or a puffy quilt underneath, making it as plush as you like. It folds up when not in use and you can easily slide it away behind the couch. You can also dangle whatever pretty toys you like from it, making it suitable for either a girl or a boy. Best of all, a simple wooden frame looks stylish and Scandi, and will go with any decor. I bought mine from a little Israeli shop on Etsy, but you can buy them on Amazon as linked.

10 Swing

I didn’t have a swing for my first baby, but was loaned one when I had my second, and this was another case of never looking back. Once you’ve had one, you can’t live without it. There is nothing like a swing for settling a restless infant when you need half an hour free to make dinner, or for when you’re trying to potty-train your toddler and just NEED to put the baby down for a few moments without them crying.

The one I borrowed was enormous, but a good swing does not have to be huge. I ended up buying this compact little swing for my fourth child, and it was perfect. It is able to recline right back for a newborn and sit up a little for an older baby. There are a few swing speeds and some melodies. It’s no designer piece, but it’s not garish either, and it does fold away. Tick. Job done.

11. Baby wrap

I was a late-comer to the baby-wearing club, but let me just say, there is nothing like wearing your baby in a wrap. It is a little more tricky to get into than a Baby Bjorn, which you just clip into place – but once you’ve done it a few times you’ll be able to do it in your sleep.

Once baby is all snuggled up in there, it feels so delightfully snug and cosy. Absolutely perfect for a newborn, and surprisingly supportive. (If you tie it properly, there is literally no way bubby can fall out, and there is really good head support, too.) Many people continue using these right up to toddler age (with different ways of tying them) but once my little guy was about 6 months old, he was getting too heavy for me to comfortably carry him in the wrap, and I was happy to move on. But I wouldn’t trade those first months of snuggle-bug wearing for anything. It truly is beautifully bonding. My favourite thing in those early months was to wear bubba in a wrap and go for a walk on the beach.

I continued to keep the Baby Bjorn in the car for those quick errands where you have to get in and out of the car several times and just want to grab and go – I found the wrap best for situations where you put it on once and can leave it on for a while.

12. Booster seat

Of course, we bought a highchair when we had our first baby. Don’t you “need” a highchair, after all?!

Nope. We purchased this exact little fold-away booster seat for a holiday away with our first child, and when we got home, we just kept using it.

I love that you can strap it onto a regular dining chair or bar chair (as long as it has a back) and the booster will tuck completely out of sight beneath the table or bench. Ahhh – another décor friendly baby solution! We ended up selling our highchair, which was bulky, awkward and impossible to hide…  and really is completely unnecessary when you have one of these.

This beauty does us for both home and travel, cost only $40, and the tray clips completely off so you can easily wash it in the sink after each meal – rather than trying to wipe down every surface of a space sucking, unhygienic highchair. We still have the original booster seat we bought for our first child – it has lasted us nearly ten years so far!

 


So that’s my roundup of baby gear essentials. Nothing glamorous, but these are the things that have stood us in good stead over nearly a decade of baby-wrangling.

Incidentally, can you believe my little Charlie bear looked like this only two short years ago?? This is why it should be illegal for babies to grow up. Even writing this post is making me feel clucky!!

See. Thank goodness we took precautions EARLY. #nomorekids #4isenough

Now excuse me while I go and cry a little bit over having no more babies to snuggle.

And let me know in the comments – what are your must-have items of baby gear?

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Lovely comments

  1. Michelle says

    Monday at 10:52 pm

    Hi Karen, I stumbled across you a few days ago and am so pleased I did! I love your energy, enthusiasm and positivity, thank you.
    I just wanted to let you know I’ve tried a couple of times to get your free e-book with the link but haven’t received it yet, though I am receiving your other daily emails (thanks again).
    Keep up the great work Karen, best wishes, Michelle ?

    • Karen Schravemade says

      Friday at 3:19 pm

      Hi Michelle, I’m so sorry about the hassle with the book! I just emailed it through to you now. Let me know if you get it! Great to have you reading along with the blog, I really appreciate your kind words! xo

A blog by

Karen Schravemade

welcome!

Hi friends! So glad you're here! I'm Karen, Aussie stay-home Mum to four littlies, former teacher of Creative Arts, agented writer and interior decorator. I'm on a journey to bring beauty to my home and enjoy a more creative life with my kids - I'd love for you to join us. (Curious? Read more here!)

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5 years ago, I was struggling with social media ad 5 years ago, I was struggling with social media addiction.⁠⠀
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My compulsion to scroll on my phone was making me deeply unhappy, but I couldn't seem to stop. ⁠⠀
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It feels incredibly vulnerable, but for the first time, I'm sharing my raw and honest story about how I became addicted to social media, and the exact steps I took to break free. ⁠⠀
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I've gone from wasting hours on a mindless distraction that only ever made me feel worse about myself, to falling in love with God's Word and finding true rest + peace in his presence.⁠⠀
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I'm a speaker at the 2020 Christian Women's Self Care Conference, and the topic of my session is "Stop the Scroll and Feed your Soul - how to break social media addiction and find rest in God's presence."⁠⠀
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There are 55+ speakers in total, speaking on a wide range of topics relating to self care. Registration is FREE, but only for a couple more days until conference starts on November 9th! ⁠⠀
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If you want to hold your seat, just tap the link in my bio and select "Self Care Conference", which will take you to the registration page.⁠⠀
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I hope you'll be blessed!⁠⠀
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Meanwhile, please tell me I'm not alone - has anyone else ever struggled with this?? Do share. ⁠⠀
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PS... You can read more of my story in my latest blog post! (Link in bio -> Visit the blog). ⁠⠀
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I also shared this super cute DIY phone box to help you interrupt the pattern of mindlessly picking up your phone!⁠⠀
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xo Karen⁠⠀
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#selfcare #christianwomen #christianlife #socialmediaaddiction #phoneaddiction #selfcaresistersociety
If there's one word to describe how many women hav If there's one word to describe how many women have been feeling this year... it would be "depleted."⁠⠀
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I mean, for real. Who would've guessed back at the start of this year that we'd be dealing with a global pandemic, homeschooling our kids, financial uncertainty, and a total lockdown on many of our most comforting routines?⁠⠀
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Ladies, it's time to refill those emptied-out tanks before this year is out. I'm so excited to share that I'll be speaking at the 2020 Christian Women's Self-Care Conference, alongside 55 other bloggers, authors and speakers. ⁠⠀
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It's totally online, and our aim is to bless you with help and encouragement for your 2020-wearied soul! ⁠⠀
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Even better, registration is FREE until the conference begins on November 7th, so make sure you hold your seat today! Just click the link in my bio and choose "SELF CARE CONFERENCE".⁠⠀
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Hope to see you there!⁠⠀
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xo Karen⁠⠀
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P.S. Swipe - do you recognise one of those Day One speakers...? More on what I'll be speaking about, very soon! It's a goody!! 😉 😍⁠⠀
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#selfcare #selfcaresistersociety #2020⁠⠀
It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right It’s Reconciliation Week in Australia and right now my heart is so heavy with the injustice in the world that I’m struggling to even find the words.

Knowing that I’m inherently complicit in that injustice because of my privilege is sobering. At times I’ve been silent when I should have spoken and at other times I've spoken when I should’ve shut up and listened to the only voices in this narrative that really matter - the voices of those who’ve experienced this sort of prejudice from inside their own skin.

Racial injustice has always grieved my heart, but there’s a difference between empathy and kindness. Having empathy is important, but it’s not enough. Kindness speaks and acts. And right now I don’t really know what to say but somehow I feel it’s important to say something anyway, however imperfectly. Because there is nothing as deafening as silence in the face of systemic suffering.

I don’t know a lot. But I do know that Jesus was always on the side of the oppressed and marginalised. And the Bible tells us that one day, the last will be first and the first will be last. To me that means that in God’s new restored kingdom, these corrupt systems of the world will be turned on their head. In that day, those who’ve benefited from a system of white supremacy (myself included) will be the least. Those who’ve been oppressed and mistreated in this life will be honoured and elevated with the nobility they deserve. What a day that will be!! 🙌

But it’s not enough to know that someday it will all be made right. I hope to see heaven come to earth. I hope to see more black leaders, politicians, policy makers, authors, artists, influencers, CEO’s, entrepreneurs, bank managers, lawyers, judges, scientists and professors. The system is unfairly stacked and our privilege is self-perpetuating. I pray for it all to be turned upside down within our lifetime.

In the (paraphrased) words of MLK, let’s not prefer a negative peace which is an absence of tension (aka passivity, complacency, complicity, silence), over a positive peace, which is the presence of justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
‭‭Amos‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬
We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. Sc We’re in week one of homeschooling over here. School closures will last at least five weeks. I will not lie, I was anxious about how I would cope. But we are slowly finding our rhythm and perhaps one day in the distant future I’ll even have time to start scheduling posts to Instagram again. For now, this is a random mid week check-in to say, how are you surviving, friends? I’m thinking of you! Wishing you an oasis of calm in the midst of everything, whether it means getting up half an hour earlier than the kids for a morning walk alone, or locking yourself in the bedroom at night with a good book while hubby puts the kids to bed. #doneboth #wewillsurvive 💗
Easter iso style - camping on our land! When so ma Easter iso style - camping on our land!
When so many are feeling hopeless right now, we are thankful for the hope Jesus brings. 💚🧡 Happy Easter, friends!
There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠ There is no right or wrong way to be right now.⁠
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I've felt led to share some hope and peace with you this week. That doesn't mean you need to put any extra pressure on yourself if you are struggling to tap into peacefulness right now.⁠
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I'm an Enneagram 4, so I am well accustomed to getting trapped inside my own feelings. For the feelers, the weight of the world's problems can sometimes feel intense and overwhelming.⁠
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I was on the beach the other day, praying for a "4" friend who is struggling with this exact thing. And all of a sudden, all of these butterflies started flying from the sand dunes toward the sea, and out over the waves.⁠
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It was a windy day and they were being buffeted around. But I was so intrigued that despite their fragility, they stayed on course, flying directly into that strong wind to get to where they were headed. It started with one, then two, then dozens upon dozens of them. None of them were blown into the water or whipped out of sight. They just flew straight on, above the waves.⁠
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And it made me think of the sensitive souls of this world. Our "butterflies", who bring so much beauty with their creativity, perception, and deep compassion for others. ⁠
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Our butterflies are being extra buffeted right now by the winds of change and pain. That doesn't make them weak. In fact they have within them a surprising strength, to stay the course and to fly above the waves.⁠
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The thing is, you don't have to change who you are to be strong. You don't have to be something you're not. Your sensitivity is not a weakness - it's designed into your DNA by God. With so many people hurting and afraid at the moment, we need your compassion more than ever.⁠
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If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to not be okay. Just trust that even if you feel buffeted by the winds, you are lifted by his grace above the waves, and you will not be drowned.⁠
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And even if you feel like you're flailing around out there, you never know, someone else might just be watching you, admiring your beauty and your grace. 🦋
I was reading a random little story the other day I was reading a random little story the other day from the book of Numbers, in the Bible. ⁠
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A king was scared of the Israelites and so he paid a prophet to curse them. Except every time they tried it, the guy spoke blessings instead. This is what he said:⁠
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"God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king." (Numbers 23:20-21)⁠
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Even the curses of the enemy will be turned into blessings for the people of God. ⁠
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He has given us an inheritance that cannot be shaken. ⁠
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💜 What blessing are you thankful for today? ⁠
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I'm thankful for the leadership of my local church, who continue to minister to peoples' needs both spiritual and physical. Our pastors have their own families and needs, yet they consistently look outward to care for their flock. ⁠
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Let me know yours below! Let's name as many BLESSINGS as we can!⁠
⁠
xo Karen
Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠ ⁠ For famil Thank you God, for your goodness.⁠
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For family and a home and a table to gather around with our loved ones.⁠
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Thank you that when so much else is changing, you remain the same.⁠
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Thank you that you are for us and not against us. That your heart is toward us. That in you is all we need, now and always.⁠
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We pray for those who are lonely and isolated and anxious and unwell. For those whose jobs and livelihoods are lost or threatened. Give us creative ways to reach out with kindness, that we can be salt and light in a dark world. ⁠
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Let kindness for others not feel like a drain on our limited resources, but a natural outflowing of your continuous, abundant supply. ⁠
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Shelves may be bare, but you always have more than enough.⁠
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Every blessing comes from your hand and we are grateful.⁠
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Amen
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind an “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27⁠
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There is truly nothing like God's peace.⁠
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The world can offer mindfulness and yoga and candles and calming diffused oils and self-help. Nothing wrong with any of those things, in fact they can be beautiful tools - I use all of them. ⁠
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But I can say from genuine experience that the peace God gives is not like the peace the world gives. It's on a whole new level. ⁠
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It's the peace that he gives when you're in the middle of a storm and the world is turning to crap all around you and you're at the very end of yourself and self-help has begun feeling like trying to drag yourself from a pit via a rope around your waist that you're tugging on with your own two hands. ⁠
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We can't always lift ourselves out of anxiety or fear. So drop the rope. Stop striving. And ask God for HIS peace. He has an abundant well of supply for you to draw from. ⁠
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Fear is trying to hold tight to control in a situation we can't control. ⁠
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Faith asks us to let go, to repent of our fearfulness and surrender it all to God.⁠
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How do you find this miracle of peace? In the letting go.⁠
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We were never meant to carry this burden anyway. ⁠
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How are you doing today? Let me know how I can pray for you. ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me th I was praying yesterday and felt God telling me that it's time to make a transition. Instead of being a person who looks for support from others in times of stress or uncertainty, he wants me to offer support TO others. ⁠
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I've often felt like I don't quite have it together. I'm sensitive, I feel things deeply, I tend to get trapped in my own head and in negative thought spirals.⁠
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But I felt like he was saying that I have something to offer, anyway. Just because I've always been a person who views myself as needy or weak does not mean God views me that way. He can see the strength that is in all of us and he delights in calling it forth. I love how when Gideon was hiding in fear in a winepress, God's angel greeted him by saying "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."⁠
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He was the furthest thing from a mighty warrior at that point. But God knew the battles he WOULD win in his future. He saw what did not yet exist and spoke about it as if it was already a reality. He saw Gideon's true identity and spoke directly to that buried and hidden place within him.⁠
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So. Maybe all I need is a shift in perspective. From looking inward at my own lack, to looking up at him. HE is the source of any hope and help I can offer. And if he wants me to share that, it would be my privilege to obey.⁠
⁠
So let me know... is there anything you're particularly struggling with right now? If you're feeling anxious or burdened, I would love to support you in prayer. 🙏⁠
⁠
xo Karen
We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but We haven't been quarantined yet in Australia, but I know many of my American friends are stuck at home right now. Either way - sounds like a good chance to do "one thing for the home."⠀
⠀
If you're feeling anxious, it can really help to get out of your head for a little while and do something practical. We can't control anything in the outside world right now, but we CAN complete one concrete task to make our immediate environment feel calmer and function better. And sometimes just having that one little win is all we need to break us out of a negative thought-spiral and restore some equilibrium. ⠀
⠀
If you're feeling a bit helpless and panicky, I hope this helps. It's one thing you CAN control. And doing something with your hands will give your mind a much-needed break. ⠀
⠀
🌟THIS MONTH'S PRIZE: A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD! 🌟⠀
⠀
Here's a reminder of how to play:⠀
⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun!
I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux I’ve been quiet this week. In situations of flux or stress my tendency is to withdraw and process. (I’ve learned this is very Enneagram 4 of me.) I also feel major reticence about adding to the current noise. I feel there are enough voices talking loudly all at once about the same thing and you don’t need one more.
So I give you instead a prayer for peace. If you are feeling anxious, let this be your exhale today. 💙
Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... Weekend feels courtesy of the "Hamptons House"... 😉⁠
⁠
What are you up to this weekend, friends?⁠
⁠
xo Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Click through to my Facebook page via my link in bio)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⁠⠀
⁠⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
xo Karen⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythingandeverythinginitsplace
We are getting closer on the home build front... a We are getting closer on the home build front... after two years of sketching dozens upon dozens of floor layout ideas and ultimately trashing all of them, I finally have a plan I LOVE!! ⁠
⁠
It ended up being a highly collaborative effort between our architect and myself - he came up with a general concept and gave me external parameters to suit the contours of the block, and I then designed the internal layouts to fit. ⁠
⁠
Turns out that is exactly what I needed - some guidelines! Amazing how much better our creativity flourishes within constraints. It was way too open-ended before our architect came on board, and I was flailing around in all that freedom like a tadpole in the ocean. Within a day or two of having a blank footprint to work within, I actually had a decent plan. We've tweaked it a little since then, but it's virtually the same.⁠
⁠
I love it when something you've struggled with for the longest time suddenly just clicks. Has this ever happened for you?⁠
⁠
Now we just need to draft it up properly and then see if we can actually afford to build it. Lol. ⁠
⁠
One step at a time... 😆Celebrating progress today!⁠
⁠
xo Karen⁠
⁠
P.S. Let me know if you'd like to see a sneak peek of our plan in stories!!
So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on f So here's a little Enneagram primer to follow on from yesterday's chat! This is just off the top of my head, so please take it with a grain of salt - there is SO MUCH more to each type than what I can sum up in a sentence.⁠
⁠
Here are the 9 types:⁠
⁠
1 - The Moral Perfectionist: self-critical, organised, driven by the desire to make things right and good⁠
2 - The Helper: relationally driven, people focussed, places others' needs ahead of their own⁠
3 - The Achiever: success driven and ambitious, gets things done, image conscious⁠
4 - The Romantic Individualist: creative, driven by the desire for uniqueness, feels things deeply⁠
5 - The Investigative Thinker: introverted and analytical,  detached from emotion⁠
6 - The Loyalist: community minded, a team player, driven by the need for security and anxiety about the future⁠
7 - The Entertaining Optimist: positive, energetic and playful, driven to squeeze as much fun out of life as possible⁠
8 - The Protective Challenger: a natural leader, confrontational, confident and determined⁠
9 - The Peaceful Mediator: conflict-avoidant, gentle and steady, driven to seek inner peace⁠
⁠
I'm a 4 wing 5, married to an 8 wing 7. They do say opposites attract 😆⁠
⁠
Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? ⁠
⁠
xo Karen
ENNEAGRAM⁠ ⁠ Where are my fellow Enneagram fan ENNEAGRAM⁠
⁠
Where are my fellow Enneagram fanatics??!⁠
⁠
I've only recently "discovered" the Enneagram, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. What a game changer. ⁠
⁠
If you're not familiar with it, it's a personality typing system.  I've always been interested in personality differences and human behaviour - that's probably the novelist in me. But none of the other systems I've come across have resonated with me as deeply as the Enneagram.⁠
⁠
It is so accurate, it's almost uncanny.⁠
⁠
Basically, there are 9 types, representing 9 different ways of looking at the world, each with different motivations, behaviour traits, strengths and flaws.⁠
⁠
I'm an Enneagram 4. That's the "Romantic Individualist". It's an artistic temperament driven by creativity, love of beauty, a desire for uniqueness, introspection, and authenticity.⁠
⁠
I guess it's no surprise that when I had to ask my friends and readers to sum up my strengths for an assignment I was given, the two words that came up most frequently were "creativity" and "honesty".⁠
⁠
Enneagram 4's feel deeply and are very connected to our emotions. We'd  much rather have a meaningful conversation about deep feelings than make small talk about trivial things. ⁠
⁠
Each type can pull a little more to one or other of the numbers beside them, giving a different flavour. I'm a wing 5 (the "Investigative Thinker") which means I tend to be less temperamental/ moody, and more steady, reserved and analytical. ⁠
⁠
I'm also daydreamy, a big-picture thinker, and despise administrative details. My "fatal flaw" (each type has one) is comparison and envy. Ohhhhh yep, that certainly rings true. Because while we want to stand out and be special, which can be prideful, we also struggle hard with insecurity and feeling like we never quite measure up.⁠
⁠
Yes, yes and YES.⁠
⁠
If you haven't done the Enneagram test, do a search online - it's honestly so interesting and self-revealing.⁠
⁠
If you know your type, what number are you? xo
So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I f So I found out I have bronchitis. 🙄At least I feel less like a whiner - if I get sick I usually shake it within a couple of days, so I was starting to feel irritated with myself for still being crook after three weeks!⁠
⁠
Anyhow, could be worse, and I do feel like I'm starting to pick up again now. ⁠
⁠
This buffet in our living room holds a changing arrangement of mostly-white vases, with a bit of blue glass and green foliage thrown in for good measure. ⁠
⁠
Are you a chronic re-arranger, or do you prefer to leave things as-is? ⁠
⁠
To be honest, I've always been a "get it exactly how I want it then leave it like that forever" type of girl, but I've been loosening up and playing around more with my décor this past year, and it struck me that my buffet has gone through several style shifts now. I actually like it a little bit better every time I make a change! ⁠
⁠
Hope this new week will be an awesome one for you, friends!⁠
⁠
xo Karen⁠
BLACK vs WHITE⁠ ⁠ Let's talk kitchens! Our hou BLACK vs WHITE⁠
⁠
Let's talk kitchens! Our house build is on my mind, and even though we're only at the plan stage, I'm trying to nail down my ideas in a general creative direction. ⁠
⁠
The last three kitchens I've designed have been all white, with accents of grey. I really want to use black in my next kitchen. I love the drama of it (as we already established, I like a bit of drama. Ha.) I keep veering back and forth between all black, or some combination of black and white. ⁠
⁠
I'm interested to know... what would you choose? My guess is that white-on-white is still gonna be the most popular choice, and black will probably be controversial, but I could be wrong! ⁠
⁠
So let me know - I'm keen to hear your opinion!⁠
⁠
1. All white⁠
2. All black⁠
3. Black + white⁠
⁠
🖤♡🖤♡🖤⁠
Karen
It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for th It's Friday! Time for our weekly "One Thing for the Home" challenge! ⁠This month I'm gonna raise the stakes and give away a $50 Amazon Gift Card. 🎉🎉WOOHOO!!⠀
⠀
You can win just by getting something done that you've been meaning to get to around your home! ⠀
⁠⠀
Here's how to play.⠀
⁠⠀
1. Decorate, declutter or organise one thing in your home, this weekend. No task is too small! One shelf or one drawer is all you need to tackle to be eligible!⠀
⁠⠀
2. Post your "after" photo on the Facebook thread (click through via my link in bio). Pics DON'T have to be spectacular - they're simply proof that you did it.⁠⠀
⠀
3. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.⠀
⁠⠀
4. Tag some friends either on THIS post or on the Facebook thread to play along! If you complete the challenge, you will get a bonus entry for EVERY person you tag.⠀
⠀
5. Entries will be given for every challenge completed this month. We play four times in March - once every weekend! You can participate once or all four times, it's up to you!⠀
⁠⠀
Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. The winner will be randomly drawn at 8pm AEST Monday, following the last Sunday of the month. Giveaway is open internationally.⠀
⠀
I'll be going live on Facebook today at 2.30pm AEST to kick off this week's challenge and show you the space I'll be tackling today. International timezones are on the third slide - swipe right to see! Or click through my link in bio at any time to see the video saved on my feed.⠀
⠀
I hope you join us! This will be fun! 🤩⠀
⠀
May the odds be ever in your favour! 😉⠀
⠀
Let's get this accountability ball rolling - let me know below what you're thinking of tackling this month!⠀
⠀
xo Karen⠀
⠀
P.S. You can decorate, declutter or organise anything you like. No task is too small! Tackle a drawer, a shelf, or a storage tub. Do that niggly little job you've been meaning to get to. Hang that picture. Paint that stool. Sort through the kids clothes. We’ve all got that “one thing” - let us know yours! xo⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
#onethingforthehome #organized #organising #organisedhome #organisedlife #organisedmum #homeorganising #tidyhome #organization #organizedhome #aplaceforeverythinga
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