Antipodean Mom

2012-01-01T18:52:00.002+13:00

Last night the only sign that the new year had arrived was a few distant fireworks & some faint jubilation. Instead, I listened to the sounds of my husband & son sleeping & it was perfect. Happy New Year & here’s to 2012. I’m all kinds of excited about it.

2011-12-30T22:53:00.000+13:00

Love everything about this photo.

2011-12-11T16:17:00.000+13:00

He's getting so big. Less like my baby & much more like a little man.

2011-08-19T16:49:00.000+12:00

This photo makes me long for summer, lazy days & good food. Yes, please.

Photograph by Anne Parker

snow day

2011-08-18T18:30:00.000+12:00

On Monday morning we woke up to snow. Real, proper, white, fluffy, falling snow. I have never seen snow actually falling. Fantastic! So Doug stayed home from work, we dressed up warm & went outside. It was magical.

the perfect bach

2011-08-15T20:40:00.000+12:00

I really really really want a bach by the sea. And this bach built by architect Gerald Parsonson & his wife Kate, is exactly what I have in mind. Love everything about it. In fact, when can I move in?

Seen on Dwell

the glow

2011-08-06T18:25:00.000+12:00

Came across this gorgeous site of fashionable mamas & their babas. Love the personal peek into their lives & of course the stunning photography. These photos of Jeanann Williams & daughter Ruby are by far my favourites.

Photographs by Kelly Stuart, seen on Unruly Things.

how to celebrate

2011-08-01T13:57:00.000+12:00

Seen on Pinterest, available from Rockett St George

winter

2011-07-31T19:07:00.000+12:00

We're freshly back from our most fantastic trip up the mountain for some skiing, mulled wine & just general wonderfulness. We arrived on Wednesday night & ended up staying up way too late talking in front of the fire, only to be woken up super early by the littlies. But there was skiing to do & fun to be had, so we were not complaining. This all happily coincided with Doug's birthday, a Guinness chocolate cake & a surprise trip to Taupo. Needless to say I will do it all again in a heartbeat.

bittersweet

2011-07-16T12:14:00.000+12:00

Doug & I are away in Australia for a few days on business. Hunter stayed home with his Ouma for this trip which was possibly the hardest thing I've ever done. Leaving my baby for a few days. We figured that the trip, which involved a lot of driving & a lot of work, would be super unfair on a 20 month old. Of course minutes after leaving him, I started doubting our decision. At least we have morning & evening skype sessions & he has an Ouma who dotes on him.

Naturally this time is bittersweet & although I don't see myself leaving my son ever again, I am enjoying some alone time with Doug. Is that totally wrong?

holga love

2011-07-07T10:28:00.000+12:00

I recently re-discovered these incredible holga photographs by Julie Champton. Seriously considering taking the plunge & getting a Holga myself.

splitscreen: a love story

2011-07-01T15:11:00.000+12:00

This beautifully edited short film took first prize in the Nokia Shorts Competition 2011. It tells a sweet love story of a couple's parallel lives in Paris & New York, shot entirely with a mobile phone. Totally great to watch.

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

Seen on Refinery29

batman

2011-06-24T17:36:00.000+12:00

It was dress-up day at daycare today. Hunter was batman. Impossible to get a good picture of a 18 month old - they never stop moving. I'll have to have another go when he gets home.

you can never have too many baby blankets

2011-06-24T09:47:00.000+12:00

I have a thing for baby blankets. Like these crocheted ones. Perfect.

Available from Wood & Wool Stool

marmite toast winner

2011-06-19T20:30:00.000+12:00

We've been having a bit of a battle in the Banks household the past few weeks. Whenever Hunter is not feeling a 100%, whether it be teething or just a cold, he goes off his food COMPLETELY. No amount of coaxing, cheering or begging will get this little man to eat. Which makes this mama super restless & nervous. I mean kids need to eat. Surely. Hence, you can imagine my utter joy when I put some marmite toast fingers in front of him this morning & this happened:

maybe...

yes, indeed mommy!

Wishlist : Water

2011-06-18T10:09:00.000+12:00

During a mega Etsy browsing session, I came across these lovelies by Alicia Bock. I would love her prints all over my house. These 3 are my favourites:

Siesta # 1

2900 Miles # 5

Deep

All her work have this gorgeous ethereal quality about it. Simply stunning.

superhero or pirate?

2011-06-12T19:41:00.000+12:00

I'm thinking these plate & cup sets will be perfect for a certain little man. Especially with him playing a much more active role during meal times. I mean, who wouldn't want a superhero on their plate?

Aren't they fantastic? Available from Stilleben Shop

we have a tradition in our house

2011-06-08T13:08:00.000+12:00

Every morning after breakfast, we put on our wellies, rug up against the cold & go play outside with Delta. Definitely one of my favourite parts of our day. Of course, neither the wind nor the rain seems to slow this little man down.

the universe was right

2011-06-07T15:56:00.000+12:00

To my sweet husband
Thank you for marrying me 3 years ago. Our adventure has been all kinds of wonderful & I can't wait to see what else our future might hold. I truly wake up every morning & smile because of you. Happy anniversary!

dear doug

2011-05-29T10:06:00.000+12:00

Seen on Oscar & Ruby available from reconstructing ideas

doodle cake joy

2011-05-27T19:26:00.000+12:00

I know it is way too early to start planning Hunter's next birthday cake & truthfully I'm not really planning. I did however do a serious double take when I saw this awesome doodle cake. The rainbow layers are obviously fabulous, but I simply love the idea of letting the birthday boy / girl decorate the white fondant. Way better than any decorating I would do.

Seen on the always inspiring Sweetapolita

maps, globes & alphabet rugs

2011-05-23T21:11:00.000+12:00

I'm completely in love with this playroom. Just look at those globe lampshades!

Seen on ohdeedoh

i've been busy

2011-05-21T16:09:00.000+12:00

Party in the air. Yes, indeed.

My poor neglected blog. At least it's with good reason. My mom arrived, finally! Needless to say there is much merriment in our house at the moment. Hunter is running up & down the house bring every treasure out of every cupboard to show his Ouma. He is being seriously cute & of course my mom is loving every second. It's so good for the soul to have family here. Now I just have to convince that wanderer brother of mine to move closer.

south african township barbershops & salons

2011-05-05T11:27:00.000+12:00

I was super excited to come across this new photographic publication spotlighting the typical South African township barbershop. The photographs manage to portray the true heart & spirit of these wonderfully colourful & cultural establishments.

The hand painted signs are my favourite.

Photographs by Simon Weller. Available from Mark Batty. Seen on Cool Hunting.

no more naptime

2011-05-03T16:26:00.000+12:00

On Sunday Hunter managed to somehow climb out of his cot. To prevent any future clambering & possible injuries, we decided to remove the one side of the cot.

As a consequence, this is what nap time looks like now:

Fun & games.