I don't even know where to begin for this months favourites, it's gone so fast I feel like I just finished writing about December! Charlie began Daycare this month so I began educating myself on how to pack a nude lunch box, no packets, rubbish or glad wrap ect. This has been fun, packing it full of colour with fruits ect. 

I've also been enjoying a bath of a night time to relax, lush bath bombs which were a Christmas gift have been a staple. The aroma is pleasant and the silkyness of my skin after a bath is devine! 

Something special and I guess I can add it into my favourites for this month would be these VBAC affirmations and beads. I have been receiving these from gorgeous ladies from all over Australia. I joined in on a bead swap, where you purchase some beads and send one and an affirmation to each lady involved. I'll be taking both of these into the hospital with me during labour. 

January has been a month full of new friendships, collaborations and love on the IG front. We have hit 1.8k and I'm over the moon! I can't thankyou all enough for the generous support and kindness you have all provided me with (:

Tiarne Straatman

#MMGIFTGUIDE

Welcome to my Christmas gift guide supporting small and local businesses from Instagram. Below is a list of their Instagram names as well as a link to their online store or facebook, email ect! 

@zobelledesigns
visit their FACEBOOK here

@bebiandbeba
http://www.bebiandbeba.com/

@pinkpopco
pinkpopco@hotmail.com

@_shartruese
http://shartruese.bigcartel.com/

@millywy
http://millywy.bigcartel.com/

@bridielouise_aus
https://www.etsy.com/shop/bridielouiseaus

@candleliciousaustralia
visit their FACEBOOK here

@tailadanae
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tailadanaedesigns

@valanchiadorecandleco
visit their FACEBOOK here

@lanadesignboutique
visit their FACEBOOK here

@lilcreatures
http://lilcreatures.com.au/

@littlerascalsco
http://www.littlerascalsco.bigcartel.com/

@scensoy
visit their FACEBOOK here

@the_art_of_everyday
http://www.keep-collective.com/with/meredithtaylor

@zoelovesava
https://www.etsy.com/au/people/Patita78

@buff_and_polish
http://buffandpolishshop.com.au/

@ez_threads
only on Instagram

@_the_girl_who_waited_
http://thegirlwhowaited.bigcartel.com/

@shirlyjcollection
http://www.shirlyjcollection.bigcartel.com/

@zindi_pots
https://www.etsy.com/people/ZindiPots

Top left down, top right down!
Down the right hand side are another few staple items anyone can use in their child's room! Buntings can sproose up any space especially this rainbow bunting from the girl who waited. Fabric sacks come in millions of styles and colours but this is my pick from Lana Designs. Last of all and to finish off with a bang with have an amazing centre piece to any room in your home! Zoe loves Ava can create a special piece just for you with her stunning weaves.

It touched my heart a little because even though I try to take Charlie to see them as much as I can. Some of the family only do visit once a year for Christmas and it's the only time we are all together at once. 

We woke up at 6am! I was so excited for Charlie to open his presents I didn't even try to coax him back for snuggles to et some extra sleep! He opened all the presents from us and santa, then the mad rush began to prepare food and set up tables for lunch which I was hosting (: 

With the help of my fiancé and sister in law we got everything set up and looking lovely! (: 

The day was fabulous, great company, delicious food, alcohol and lots of laughs. Charlie got absolutely spoilt rotten! He has so many toys which I don't even know where to put. 

The extended families all left at their own pace and for the immediate family the lunch tuned into dinner where all the left overs once again made a really good feast. 

Boxing Day we went and visited my grandparents on my dads side who we did not see on Christmas Day. They absolutely adore Charlie and I wish I could take him to see them so much more often! 

Afterwards we went to Shane's mums side of the family which was a dinner. That was a fabulous afternoon with food, backyard cricket, fun, laughter and some more sneaky beverages! (: 

Charlie is now 8 and a half month old and will be 9 months soon after Christmas! By golly is he keeping me on my toes. 

I always thought people were crazy when they said tye found it more difficult with a older child rather than a newborn but now I can understand what they all meant! It gets easier in ways of communicating, playing and understanding your child. But being able to do things for yourself even like going to the toilet is SO difficult! I use to be able to lay Charlie down in one spot and know he would still be there when I came back.  But now he follows me everywhere and wants to play with anything OTHER than his toys! Hahaha silly child. I should have brought him a few rolls of paper or christmas instead of all these toys (: 

I have actually been pretty lucky with the Christmas tree and presents, Charlie has only gone over to it twice and I moved him away without much struggle on his behalf (: which is always a bonus! 

This lovely lady who goes by the name of Katie, has a smallbussiness in transforming your photos into glamorous silhuettes! (: 

Here is Charlie's:

These are perfect for children's bedrooms or play areas, and can also be a space filler for large blank wall spaces (:

I'm currently in the process of transitioning Charlie's nursery into a little boys room, and this is the perfect center piece!

Love your own mummyblogger xox!