Track work

In a former life I would be spending the days leading up to the Melbourne Cup, having something plucked or tanned, straightened and made up. Outfits were meticulously chosen and pressed. Accessories lined up ready to go.

In a former life this girl was high maintenance. I admitted this twice yesterday. Once to my bestie. I think she already knew this. The other to a stranger at a cocktail party last night. I'm pretty sure he didn't really care for the details.

In a former life I was pretty much exhausted from all the pre party grooming that by the time I got to wherever I was going I felt like having a big old nap.

So for last nights party I made a few short cuts. I self tanned only the body parts that would be seen, and that I can still reach. The bowling ball that is my stomach gets in the way now. That's actually the only short cut I made. I still schlepped to get my hair blow dried and at the 11th hour I was applying false eyelashes.....

So my tips on a short cut Melbourne Cup Day this year are:

KIT Cosmetics Luminous Body Bronzer - give a nice subtle glow over a fake tan or on its own. Washes off with soap and water. Be careful if wearing white. Best to apply after dressing.

Mecca Cosmetica Eyes Wide Open false Eyelashes - I have mentioned these before but they are the best false eyelashes I have used. Saves the time and money and maintenance of eyelash extentions. I would be keen to know the brand Oprah prefers though. I like the individual ones as they are more subtle.

Chanel no.5 bath gel and moisture mist - Layering a scent can really make a difference in a long lasting fragrance. And what is more decadent and guaranteed to make you feel good then a Chanel shower gel? Who knew Terry White sold this stuff?

NEVER underestimate the value of a professional blow dry. If you are crap at make up, at least make sure your amazing hair is a distraction. That's all I'm saying. I would marry my hairdresser if I could.

And my tips on the track this year in no particular order are:
Americain
At first Sight
Older than time

You can thank me later.

PS - c'est bon bon does not normally promote gambling, except for the first Tuesday in November when it is mandatory. Please have a glass of champagne for me, and never take your shoes of in public. x

And now the fun begins....

When it come to babies I'm old fashioned. I just love a baby in a smocked romper or wrapped in a beautiful vintage shawl. I'm the same with names. And so it seems with decorating. I know there is a huge trend with modern nursery's right now, but that's just not going to cut it round here.

So "Barney" will be sleeping in a vintage style rattan cane cot and sleeping on pure Irish linen until he's old enough to protest and demand Thomas the Tank or shudder Barney sheets.

These two nursery's are getting the cogs turning - both are pottery barn kids and they now ship to Australia.

Happy weekend - I am going shopping for a pregnancy support pillow so hopefully this ever growing bump can have a more comfortable sleep.

All in the family.

rlauren@ralphlauren.com
Dear Mr Lauren,

As a loyal customer I would like to personally apologise for the meltdown of your US on line store today. Since you are the head the worldwide fashion powerhouse that is Ralph Lauren I thought it best to go to the "top" to explain.

You see yesterday I found out that my first born due in February 2012, will be a son. The first grandchild on either side of my family this has lead to a range of emotions from family members and overnight, a lot of thinking and planning. Today my mother seems to have tried to purchase everything available for sizes 0 - 1 year boys, and this has led to a breakdown if you will of your online store.

And Economists are saying retail is slumping!!

So I would like to apologise for our part in your current IT woes. It was purely about a love of classic American sportswear. WE all know you are the master.

I know you must have a team of experts on the case now and we look forward to shopping with you again soon.

Kind regards,
Rachael

*********************************

Its out there and it is a BOY and we are surprised and thrilled!
My mother may have to send the Lauren's a Christmas card this year.
That's all.

B is for Bugaboo

Well I have news!

I am very humbled and pleased and thrilled to announce that out first Embryo transfer was successful and I am sitting here at 14 weeks my good friend nausea by my side.

When I found out I wanted to tell the world and post a special post on my blog but I thought about it and tweeted it and decided not too. So I have sat on it so to speak and then I have felt so sick and tired that I couldn't be bothered too. So I haven't until now but I plan on catching up.

The bump has been nicknamed "Barney" (not by me) but it seems to have stuck so Barney it is for the meantime. I will be opting for a more traditional name once this child is born - let me assure you of that!

I am telling my body at the end of 14 weeks that its time to start feeling great again. Because apparently that's whats supposed to happen. You hit 14 weeks and you feel alive. Have boundless amounts of energy and get that "glow."

So glow come and get me!

Game on ;)

W is for.....

If you are a bride who is channelling your inner Duchess Catherine but unluckily doesn't have access to a vault of family jewels, then perhaps this might be a suitable pick?

Its from Bando. Here. Happy shopping Brides.

Loving....

Ever since I saw a similar clutch is the perfectly manicured fingers of Miss Palermo ( lets assume she has gel nail polish now) I have got on board.

If I wore a very classic outfit with this statement clutch I think it work work! I could so rock it!

But this one is kind of on the exy side..... Its by Sara Berman and it can be delivered in three days anywhere. Worldwide. So if you needed it for a hot date on Friday night you could still do it. Although I think such a cute clutch deserves some attention from the ladies so a girls night out might be more appropriate. Straight men don't really squeal over accessories....

So gelishious

I love me a good mani - pedi. My favourite treat.

I calculated roughly how much I spend per year on my nails.. and then I decided to keep this my little secret. So when a friend of mine told a few months ago about gel nail polish and a chip free manicure for 3 weeks I've been wanting to try it out.

I did about a week ago and so far I have cleaned my house from top to bottom, washed a dog, opened a package from net - a -porter - with my bare hands, done some flower arranging, and generally not held back in normal activities that would be frowned upon for ruining nails. IE opening tinned tomatoes gets me every time.

And not a single chip or buff or anything. I am a believer.

The low down is that the gel polish comes off with a special remover at your nail salon.

The brand which I used was gelish. And they had it at my local nail place. I can't recommend it enough!

A thank you card disguising another post about IVF...

What is better than a hand written note?
These could perhaps be too lovely to use.
Thank you cards from: Rifle Paper Company. Here.

What did you all think of last nights Master chef elimination?? I felt bad for Jay but I guess desserts are a big part of a cooking competition. And you need to be a confident chef in all area's. Which is why I would never enter. I'm not sure how far I could get based on my small (but tasty) range of old favourites.

In other news that is not at all related, I have a made a deal with myself (the devil)that I am allowed a small amount of chocolate a day as a treat for going for a walk. "Small amount" is open for interpretation.

There are just 4 more sleeps till my Frozen Embryo Transfer so it's getting super exciting around here. Things are falling into place nicely now. I need to of course start to think seriously about comfort and my good luck transfer outfit for Saturday. And then the lounging at home no, heaving lifting outfits. Could be a new pyjamas purchase coming soon.

I've got my acupuncture lady on speed dial and I am seeing a relaxing long weekend coming my way. Perfect timing.

What have you got planned? Anyone tracking your hormones??
That's' all

Loving...

Some things floating c'est bon bon's boat this week.

• Reality tv overload. I'm almost getting my housewives and my masterchef's mixed up. Almost. Honourable mention goes to The Amazing Race Australia... Loved it when the father and son team teared up over the hanging lantern task. Good times.



• The White Company's new candle scents. The calming white rose is just divine. I am trying not to use it too much.



• A perfectly starched and ironed white shirt.



• Acupuncture.



• Starting to think seriously about planning Project Fiji October 2011. Destination weddings - I love you.



• My husband trying to teach an old dog how to high five... Cute but I can't see it happening.



• Twitter for iPhone. I can't tell you how fascinating I find it. I can track my IVF Dr.'s every move. ( In a non stalker/ legal kind of way.)



• Clinique's Instant Facial Masque. So good. Perfect before a night out.
  
  Hope you are having a great week. I am spending a special W tomorrow going Bridal shopping with my bestie. Bring it! xxxxxx

Don't you just love a good card?

Sometimes Hallmark ain't going to cut it.

These are funny and different. By Navy blue Notes via Poppytalk handmade.

Love it.

snap

If you've been following along with me over the past few months (and the poor form of 20 blog posts this year) you'll know that I'm trying to get pregnant.
Through IVF now. And its hard.

And just let me say that this is my blog and I'll write what I want to write and it may seem like I'm complaining alot lately and maybe I am but that's how I'm dealing ok?

So now after a few setbacks I'm ready to go again. But its not that easy is it? No no no as my hormones have decided to have a big old party and won't settle down so I can GET THIS BLOODY NEW CYCLE HAPPENING! And sure I love a party but I just don't want one happening in my ovaries.

And so I have found myself stretching like a rubber band over the last few weeks. Waiting and waiting and getting angrier and angrier as each day passes and I'm not any closer to the finish. The finish being me and hubby holding our baby. Me (preferably with clean blow dried hair) smiling for that all important facebook shot.

And I know I'll look back on this moment when hubbs in taking forever to load up said facebook pics and I yell at him for doing it wrong and take over and I'll stop and think how insignificant this all seems now. But for now - this is my life. And its all consuming and I'm trying to snap out of it and get on with things but I can't. I'm stuck. And I feel helpless and I'm so angry. Mainly at myself. Cause all I've ever wanted to be was a mum. I've not wanted to be anything else. Just a stay at home mum. And my body is letting me down.

And I'm bloody terrified that we won't get to the happy facebook place.

So with all the hormones and all the angst I have snapped. I'm not proud of these Naomi Campbell moments. I have thrown a phone. I have screamed and cried and laughed and cried at the same time. I have looked at my husbands face and seen a man who is so frustrated that he can't fix this. No amount of spare room reorganising is going to fix this. And so I cry and I throw phones and for now its OK. Because it has to be. And it has to get better. Surely?

Lake Como in pictures

the good the bad and the ugly.

So I've had a little break from blogging in the last two months. I've been focusing on the bumpy road of IVF.

I knew IVF was going to be hard. Everyone kept telling me "You knew it would be hard," but I guess its one of those things you have to do to appreciate. Here are my thoughts on the subject - they only reflect my personal experience. I have no medical training......clearly.

Warning this post contains information that may be TMI for some people, and to steal a joke from a very funny lady, I believe there's a very good horse called Blissful Ignorance running in the fifth at Randwick today so go get your form guide and we'll see you back here back tomorrow when there is going to be a cup cake post ;)

THE GOOD:
Hormones make your hair grow thick and shiny and super healthy. Mine has never looked better.
I had to buy new bra's - hormones make you go up a cup size. See good things happened.
The overall experience has strengthened my relationship with my husband. He is amazing.. And my personal nurse.
I didn't realise how brave I could be.
I took time off work and watched movies. Sometimes in my pyjamas at 3pm.
My bestie was always there to hear me crying, complaining, laughing over the details. Thank you.
Acupuncture. I literally floated out of my weekly appointments. In a coma. It was great.

I planned some nice and relaxing activities for my two week wait 2WW. More on that later. One included glamming up my pathetic looking excuse for a recipe file and archiving all my Nana's recipes she has recently given me. I'm still looking forward to that project.

I found the wonderful online community that is bub hub IVF forum. It was nice to be able to share with women going through the same things at the same time and the highs and lows. I am happy to report that from out April IVF group 3 women are now happily pregnant! There is hope!

THE BAD:
I haven't drunk alcohol since New Years Eve. And sometimes I crave a glass of champers or a pimms. Or a glass of pinot gris. Or a VLS. OK? I know that it was beneficial but you know sometimes its nice to have a little tipple over dinner. Or lunch. Whatevs.

I've had to undress and well "get up on the table". Like everyday for two weeks. Having ultra sounds. Those inside jobs. It can be a tad intrusive. Especially with a uterus so full of follicles you might burst. Or accidentally wet yourself. Not that that happened. Just sayin'.

Same with blood tests. Over it.

Bloating and swollen tummy. Like you would not believe. Waist circumference peaked at 91 cm. And its usually a whole lot less than that, in case you were wondering. I had to buy new trousers. CR size 12. The shame. The shame. I have been living in leggings. I read a blog about a women who wrote about the challenges of dressing an IVF body. Its not like a pregnant body - you don't want someone asking when you are due when you can't get knocked up. I was told by the nurses at my IVF clinic that the bloating will go away after two or three week. hhhmmm. Still waiting.

Trying to remain positive was hard. It just was.

THE UGLY:

Injections. I actually ran from my husband shrieking one morning when he was getting ready to inject me. Sure in was week 3 into the drama and I was over it but it was ugly. I used to cry most mornings. 9am - I dreaded it. We had to schedule everything around the bloody needles. I was so relieved when they were done. I know alot of people take the needles in their stride. I was not one of them. It was so yucky awful gross. The worst was the last week when I had to have two a day followed by a trigger injection to stimulate ovulation. That needle was waiting in our fridge for a month and I made the mistake of looking at it. It was so big and nasty that I chickened out and had my Mother in Law - a nurse, inject that bad boy. And PS. I didn't even feel it. She distracted me, the clever clogs.

Emotional and physical wreck. That's what I was. I still am. Katy Perry says it so well. I was hot when I was cold. I black and I was white. I was right though -ALL THE TIME. I kept saying to Hubs "Why are you even trying to argue with me" Maybe not my finest hour but I have a legitimate reason. You just don't argue with a hormonal woman. Surely that is the golden rule to marriage??

My first cycle had to be cancelled. We were devastated.

----------------------------------------------------------------

My cycle was cancelled as I became overstimulated. That means in non IVF speak, that my ovaries produced too many follicles from the medicine used to grow them to produce eggs to be collected and then fertilized. I am so exhausted by the process. I am exhausted writing that sentence.

Normally women produce around 12 follicles during IVF and around 10 will be mature and have eggs inside. I had 46 on my right ovary and 24 on my left. And follicles have to be grown to 20mm before they can be harvested. Yup it was bad. So bad. I couldn't walk for three days. It hurt to pee. It hurt to blink. I felt like I had water balloons inside by bladder. Filled with glass. Sorry this is the bit that is TMI.

But the good news was I got 22 eggs! That all fertilized and now I have 6 frozen embryo's waiting for me in a dish. Hopefully snuggled up and staying perfect. I like to imagine them with a nice cashmere blanket on. I know, I know. So now its just a waiting game till I get the all clear and my hormone levels finally drop to normal. My progesterone went from 300 to 1000 over night. That wasn't good. This is what I blame for the physcho dragon lady I became/ still am. And that was the reason my cycle was cancelled. My Dr thinks this is because of my age, the fact that I've had poly cystic ovarian syndrome and my weight! Ha. Ive put on 5 kilos in the last two months!

So after all of this I'm trying to see the positives.
I have six gorgeous and healthy embryo's waiting patiently. Lots of women never get to this stage sadly so I am so grateful. I am also so blessed to be able to have IVF. I know its out of reach for so many people - and that is truly sad. And don't get me started on how amazing the technology is that can actually produce children from IVF.

And I get to have a glass of champers at my best friends engagement party. Just one now.

NB the 2WW is the time after an Embryo is implanted that you have to wait for a pregnancy blood test to see if it worked. I have heard that distracting yourself with loads of stuff can be a good way to cope. Like charades and basket weaving courses. Flower arranging and wallpapering the inside of wardrobes...We will see.com. x

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy 30th Birthday to my bestie for today! Hope you have a great day today and I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

What a great year you have installed for you! Enjoy my friend. You deserve it.





PS.. Totally wish I could afford to fly us to Paris to celebrate or something. Whatevs. Maybe for your 4oth!

Milan: What I like about you...

I just might have to move to Milan. For a few reasons.

One reason is the 4 level Prada store in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I literally died. I was in heaven. Bright blue leather hobo's.. be still my heart.

Attitude toward dogs. I love a city that treats dogs like humans. I saw dogs on tubes. Dogs in pizza shops sitting at tables. Dogs out for aperitif. Dogs in Prada. We just don't get that here. It disturbs me. Its European. I get it.

Men's fashion. Holy mother of pink pants. Never have I seen such detail to outfit planning. Exquisite tailoring. Risk taking. Impeccable accessorising and a sense of fay ce que voudras. Or anything goes. But with a cheeky I know I look good, I take this seriously but I'm still having fun twinkle in my eye. Yes yes I know. Bit obsessed. But there's nothing better than a well dressed man with a charming personality to boot. And perhaps with a golden cocker spaniel as a companion. I thought British men could dress but this is another ball game.

Bow ties for day wear. Sorry. But just gorgeous.

I am now projecting this new found obsession on my husband. When quizzed/ pushed he did say he would sport a bow tie! This has led to some googling and I have discovered a very dapper bow tie company in Sydney. Le Noeud Papillon. And they have a fun blog. http://www.lenoeudpapillon.com/blog.php. Lets just say I will be purchasing. We have my besties engagement party this weekend. Could call for some bow tie action.

Back to Milan, and sure there was the food, architecture, shopping in general and all that good stuff but really the thing I enjoyed the most was the well dressed men.

Under construction

Just to let you know I am aware and on top of some cosmetic changes around these parts. A blog make over is cheaper than a nose job.

If I was....

A fashionable man, I would alternate between these three looks.

Not everyone can pull off white jeans, but girls dig a nice forearm in a scruffy trainer...

via the sartorialist.com

One of the best

My favourite Film is My Brilliant Career. Set in the 1890's in rural NSW it is a story of Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) a young woman who is sent to live with her Grandmother during a devastating drought when her family can no longer afford to keep her without an income. Sybylla has wild crazy red hair. This would be me if I lived in the 1890's - so I can relate.

Away from her family's poverty, Sybylla reunites with family friend Harry Beecham, and a strong friendship forms instantly. Tragically they fall in love but crazy Sybylla "has to go find herself" and ends up finding she doesn't want to be with the alarmingly handsome Harry. I'm sure ten years later she regrets this.. Just sayin'.

I love this movie so much and yet every time I watch I hope hope hope right up to the end that the plot will magically change and they will get married and live at shiny Five Bob Downs*.

Can I hear an Amen for Sam Neil in a white bow tie.......

If you've never seen this movie, go rent it. I've basically told you the plot but its so romantic and there is the great Jerusalem singing moment when I allways cry. Ok now I've told you all the good bits.

*Five Bob Downs is Harry Beecham's amazing rural property. Just like Pemberley.

You can watch the trailer here.

In other news my husband has developed a whistling snore which is quite irritating and yet soothing at the same time. Weird right?

W is for

How about this for a romantic first kiss?
I've been on hiatus this last 8 days (yes I've been counting). I can report that I am now wisdom teeth - less and my face is black and blue. I haven't left my house for a week. There has been apartment fever. I'm sick of watching tv. That's saying alot. Just sayin.
There has been pain. And then some. But I have made use of my spare time between sleep/ being unconscious from drugs and crying/ moaning. And I have been researching. Wedding details. Just for my friend.

I came across this beautiful wedding from a lovely photographer in the US.

Don't you just love a good card?

Its been a while since someone said Whoo hoo......

From here.

W is for..

Such an exciting time around here at the moment. Two of my best friends are getting married next year and its weddings a go go! And I love it!

Its making me all teary eyed watching strangers wedding video's and all that fun stuff. Seriously. Crazy stuff. Hey if you put your wedding on U tube - people will watch.

Anywho. When it came to my own wedding planning I found it hard to find direction. There were so many options. What was better? What would suit the venue? Would people like a chocolate fondant - well who doesn't? Should I buy silver shoes. Should I keep looking for shoes?... the list went on and I was second guessing every decision and quietly freaking out. Sometimes not so quietly. I didn't know if I was coming or going.

I have been chatting this week to the above mentioned brides and I am so impressed that they know what the want and are confident in their decisions. Well done friends. Sensible friends I clearly have. Says alot about a blogger really.

So happy wedding planning.

May you be strong, consume champagne and know your own mind. As I seemed to loose mine somewhere in a shoe shop...

x

And if someone decides to wear this dress I will cry. Beautiful gown by Manuel Mota from pronovias.

On the road again

Just a little update on my road to well being. Insert enya gag here. I am loving the acupuncture. I had my second visit today and was not sure how I would go seeing as I haven't been feeling so crash hot lately and now my wisdom teeth are ready to be set free. (Next Tuesday yikes!)

And yes I am totally channelling Charlotte from Sex and the City. And I'm ok with how shallow that is.

But it turns out that acupuncture can sometimes bring to a head any underlying problems that may be bubbling under the surface. For example my wisdom teeth are due to be taken out but me being a chicken I have put it off. Had acupuncture last week and bam they started hurting. All that energy floating around my body trying to expel toxins. Maybe. So last week my whole body felt like it was shutting down. Bit by bit and yesterday it felt like it was being held together by a thread.

I had acupuncture this morning and had another light bulb moment with my dr and it all makes perfect sense. All this from looking at peoples tongues and some needles.

And today I totally rocked the correct outfit for acupuncture. Not that it matters too much, but last week I wasn't really prepared for stripping in front of a stranger.

I'm married now and there were no cocktails ;)

Here is an interesting make up tutorial on how to create a look like Charlotte, if you are at all interested.