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Ever Diary: Cannes and London Travel Essentials

It’s been awhile since I’ve shared an Ever Diary post with you guys. Lets say travelling for three weeks with a four month old baby, traipsing around Europe, and leaving behind our nanny was a challenging task. Although it is probably the hardest I have worked at being a mummy, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences as a parent. Both the boy and I bonded immensely with Ever, learned all her little quirks and signals, and basked in the fact that she would only smile and snuggle with us. Ever showed her fear of strangers, increasing interest in stroller rides, curiosity and cravings for solids, ability to giggle, laugh, and coo, and her charmingly fun personality. She is now a few days away from five months old and can turn from back to front, front to back, grasps her toys, and places everything into her mouth, so we have to watch her far more closely than before. She seems like a completely different baby from the one that embarked on our journey. Not only has she vastly grown in size, but her cute personality has really started to reveal itself. We’ve loved to hear her funny laughs and endearing baby talk and are so happy she is genuinely such a happy baby. Ever loves the camera and poses on demand, which made documenting the trip that much easier.

I have combined both four and five months essentials together and wanted to share with you guys what she currently loves and also what was useful to us during our travels. I’ll also add a few of our favourite shopping spots while in France and England 🙂

Maclaren 4 Seasons Stroller: Ever loves this stroller. She’s so curious when riding around town, it folds up so easily for airports and taxi journeys, the basket underneath holds plenty of shopping, and I love the nude colour palate. It is also insanely durable which is very important if you are checking it in and throwing it constantly into the back of a cab.

Water Wipes: These are so cheap in Boots and are really pure. Basically just water and a little fruit extract. I always had a pack on me to wipe Ever if she threw up, for on the go diaper changes, and just general cleaning of her teething toys in case she dropped them. It never irritated her skin and doesn’t have any fragrance so perfect for sensitive skin babies.

Mischa Bucket Tote: This was the ideal baby carry on, beach bag, and baby bag. I could fit everything I needed for Ever and even a few of my own items. Comes in plenty of colours and you can monogram it with your baby’s name. Makes a great gift too!

Mustela Physiobebe: I absolutely love this product. It’s a no rinse cleanser which was perfect for cleaning on the go, or when there wasn’t a suitable bath for bathing. Left her skin silky smooth everytime and is very gentle. It’s safe to use on babies from birth and very natural. Mustela is one of my favourite baby skincare brands. We also love Hydrabebe for her face and the cold cream. The sunscreen didn’t irritate Ever either and worked great throughout our Cannes trip. If you are in France stock up at the local pharmacies, much cheaper than HK prices.

Hot Water Bottle: Ever was great at falling asleep every night and sleeping through the night during our trip which made dinners for the boy and I very enjoyable. We would eat on the balcony with the door open, and placed Ever next to a hot water bottle so she felt like someone was there. The key to keeping her asleep was keeping her warm. Make sure the water isn’t too hot for the baby. We loved the fuzzy cute ones available at Primark, and the prices are pretty enticing too so you can’t really lose.

Fanta Bottle: This sounds crazy, but Ever’s favourite toy is a Fanta bottle. We discovered this by mistake but this never fails to get her to stop crying or make her smile. Get a Fanta bottle, drink most of it until there is two inches of liquid left at the bottom, then shake it or move the liquid from side to side. Try this! Ever loves watching the liquid move around, plays with it herself, and since she’s teething she chews on the cap. We don’t leave it with her unattended but it’s an amazing find and got us through a few rocky patches on the flights.

Shopping spots:

England:

Little White Comany– for the cutest soothers, clothes, and blankets. I loved the layout and great quality of products.

Primark– I usually hate Primark. It’s busy, just plain annoying, and low quality but the packs of 100% cotton onesies and bibs are so affordable and easy. Ever throws up all the time so we stocked up on a few sizes.

Mothercare– We got tons of weaning supplies as it’s cheaper in the UK than in HK and we’ll be moving Ever onto solids next month. Also great for toys, strollers, and general baby stuff.

Boots– We stocked up on organic baby rice and food. There are always two for one offers and they have a great variety of teething toys. We also liked their selection of wipes and diapers and it was a great spot to pick up anything we forgot for Ever.

Topshop– Less for babies but they have my favourite maternity range. Stylish leggings, loose blouses, and flattering dresses. Their nursing bras are even pretty.

France:

Pharmacies– Stock up on Mustela and all other French brand baby stuff. I was there for hours browsing. The no rinse cleansers and lotions are ideal.

Monoprix– Really affordable baby clothes that kind of resemble some more expensive brand’s styles. I love French baby clothing, the style is so sweet with petite florals and peter pan collars. I stocked up on neutral toned floral dresses, tartan dresses, and cute knit cardigans. Their toddler stuff was amazing too. Think boho dresses and fringed moccasins. Can’t wait to go back when Ever is one for more 😉

Petit Bateau– So much cheaper in France and lots of choice. We stocked up on tons of sizes as we probably won’t be back for a year.

September 21, 2014 19 comments

Style Uncategorized

makes me feel like i can’t live without you

written by ChristingC

Hope all of you are enjoying a sunny weekend. I’m trying, but more likely will be rampantly prepping for our trip and finishing up last minute projects. Somehow it feels like all the work rolls in minutes before departure time. I’m already dreaming of my feet in the sand and gigantic french salads. Can’t believe it’s been three years since the boy and I went to play in Cannes. Truth is I am pretty aware of how content I am with life in general at the moment by the fact that I’m not seriously over excited for the trip, and while I’m anticipating some European fun, the boy and I are already looking forward to the return. Life in HK just keeps getting better by month and I’m acutely aware of how we have become religiously accustomed to all the luxuries it entails. Despite my obsession with travel, I’m pretty happy with short trips and coming back to home base.

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August 23, 2014 0 comment

Style Uncategorized

thought process

written by ChristingC

Getting prepped for an accelerated end to the summer. Perfecting our procrastination skills and willing ourselves to get just a little healthier before hitting that beach. I’m not sure how we will actually survive without HK’s luxuries for three weeks (yes that includes nanny, champagne brunches, weekly parties, and yacht ready weather), but a good dose of European culture should make up for the inconvenient shock. You know that feeling when you are at the brink of everything becoming perfect? I’m dangling right there.

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August 16, 2014 0 comment

Style Uncategorized

Vive Paris, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel and Dinner with Lola Rykiel

written by ChristingC

Parisian style is something that really resonates with my personal tastes. Ever since my summer in Paris at the naive age of 18, I have been addicted to their effortless, chic but alluring way of putting together each look. It’s so easy to fall in love in Paris. To become seduced by the beauty, indulgent sweets, stunning parks and monuments, secret cafes, alluring boutiques, and romantic mood that rings in every corner of the city. Sonia Rykiel’s collections represent all of these aspects and also add a playful nature I can’t resist. Their younger, more affordable line, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel is everything I look for in what I want to wear. Perfect, chic pieces that are easily mixed and matched, integrating girlish prints, ice cream ready colour palettes, and tactile textures.

I had the honour of attending a private dinner in HK recently to meet Lola Rykiel, the ultra cool French girl behind the brand. She’s the embodiment of Sonia by Sonia Rykiel’s image. We had fun chatting about Instagram captions, taking goofy selfies, and even stories of dating in the digital age. It ended up being one of those great girls’ nights out when you want to spill all your secrets.

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel’s Vive Paris video presenting their AW14 Collection shows this carefree, fun attitude, and even includes all our favourite tourist monuments. I’m obsessed with the playful nature in the way each look is styled and the tone throughout the video. A perfect brand to share with your friends, mix with your own wardrobe, and something that’s stylish but fun at the same time.

Check out the video below 🙂

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August 7, 2014 0 comment

Family Uncategorized

Global Breastfeeding Week and Mayarya

written by ChristingC

I never truly understood the simple things that would bond me to my daughter and I’m still dicovering the amazing ins and outs of our relationship each and every day. . Many say it’s giving birth, the first time they gaze in wonderment into your eyes, but one of the main elements for me has been breastfeeding. Nursing Ever has been the most fulfilling and magical experience I have been lucky enough to be granted. From the first time in the hospital to her latched to me as I currently click away on my phone, I know it’s when we are closest and it’s a bond that nobody else can share.

I can still remember her expectant face staring at me with longing eyes each time the nurses placed her into my arms those daunting first days. I savoured her sweet smell and revelled in the fact that I’m supplying her with just what she craves and needs. Our first two weeks, while both of us unsteadily learnt the natural art of breastfeeding, were equally heart wrenching and emotional. I naively thought this process would be so natural and simple but little did I know it was also a learning process for us both. The funny thing is after two weeks we found our stride and haven’t looked back. During the newborn stages feeding is such a necessity and the only factor in her life aside from sleep, so she fed vigorously and often. Now at twelve weeks she engages with me each time she is hungry. Ever constantly greets me with a smile, seldom breaks eye contact while feeding and even pauses to beam her happiest grin. She jostles with excitement when she spots me and snuggles against my breast for comfort and safety. She still reluctantly drinks from her bottle, and patiently waits as I rush home to her. It’s our special moment each and every day and I’m fully aware that until I stop nursing, it’s impossible for her to seek comfort or bond with other adults, including her Daddy, the way she does with me. We sleep beside each other, breathing synchronised, and at times it feels she may have never left the womb. With each month our dynamic changes and I feel myself pulling closer to her, noticing her quirks, comforting her moods, encouraging her determined personality,and creating a unbreakable relationship through this amazing experience.

I strongly encourage mothers to breastfeed for as long as you are comfortable. Many circumstances can make this difficult and we all know our bodies and what’s right for us, but if it is out of convenience or discomfort, I hope that we can start breaking those boundaries and help breastfeeding become more socially acceptable in public. Women should feel comfortable and at ease feeding their children for as long as it is right for them and their baby.

It is currently Global Breastfeeding Week, and in celebration Mayarya are presenting a great breastfeeding campaign to raise awareness for breastfeeding mothers. Hong Kong’s breastfeeding rate remains low and research has shown that this is partly due to mothers not feeling confident about nursing in public. To help break these boundaries, Mayarya are sponsoring an exhibition that artistically depicts mothers nursing in public spaces in Hong Kong. Go check it out along with their comfortable and stylish range of nursing friendly clothing.

Photo exhibition details:

Dates: 9 to 14 August 2014

Location: Outside the Mayarya boutique, at Level 1 Stanley Plaza

Opening hours: 11am-8pm

August 3, 2014 0 comment

Family Uncategorized

Ever Diary: Third Month Essentials

written by ChristingC

It’s hard to believe Ever has already been in our lives for three months. Seems like only yesterday, our tiny fragile little girl was riding home with us from the hospital. Her delicate limbs have transformed into chubby, kicking legs and she’s discovering her hands and smiles more and more each day. This month was the month where we’ve started to notice a strong personality form between all the feeding and sleeping. Ever is determined, sweet, funny, and happy. She enjoys music, funny faces, and loves having conversations. She’s incredibly vocal and observes our lips closely when we speak, responding with her own sounds and tones. We are absorbing every laugh and sparkling smile with awe and amazement.

Her essentials this month.

Sophie La Girafe. This simple iconic toy is one of Ever’s favourites. She instantly smiles when she spots Sophie’s face and finds herself having conversations and laughing with her on a daily basis. It was actually the first thing Ever has grasped except for our fingers. She is almost to the point where she can grasp Sophie and raise it to her mouth for a good chew. We know she’ll be playing with her well into her teething stages and it’s an ideal toy to take out with us if we want to keep her occupied for awhile.

Stuffed animals. Ever loves any toy with a smiling face, especially teddy bears. She has a few we have hung from her play gym and she loves laughing at them. We find it’s an easy way to keep her busy while we work or do stuff around the house. She’s content lying in the playgym on her own staring up at the variety of stuffed animals.

The Wonder Weeks. There’s a book many mother’s swear by, but I’ve only downloaded the app which has been very helpful in predicting Ever’s changes and moods. The Wonder Weeks charts a baby’s changes in “leaps” and lets you know when to expect the next “leap” and whether your baby will be difficult during this time. They inform you if it’s a “cloudy” developmental period, or a “sunny” happy stage, making it easy to understand what your baby is going through, what changes or new skills to expect, and helps with planning vacations. Anything to help us understand her even more is a plus in my book.

Tummy time cushion. There are plenty you can get at any baby shop which is a semi circle nursing pillow which doubles as a tummy time cushion. I use mine to help Ever sit up and for her to practise tummy time. It’s soft and easy to move around the apartment so she always has something to sit against. She isn’t loving lying down constantly anymore so this is a great alternative.

Manual Breastpump. I purchased a switch kit for my Unimom Forte pump which transforms the parts into a light manual breast pump. After I figured out how to effectively use it, I actually find it easier than the electric one sometimes. It’s fast, light and easy. I take it in my handbag so I can pump and dump if I have been out for too long. It’s essential for a night out or busy days without Ever.

Nuk nipples and pacifiers. We switched to the Nuk, brown 0-3 months nipples and pacifiers and Ever is finally taking the bottle without crying. They are softer so she’s finding them easier to handle and won’t fight the bottle as much as before. She still prefers to breastfeed, so won’t take the bottle from me or if I’m around but that isn’t too much of a problem. The pacifier is useful for bedtime when I’m not home. Our nanny gives it to her after her bottle and she finds it helps her drift into slumber. Ever prefers to nurse when I’m with her so I haven’t used the pacifiers before, but I’m happy she has a comfort tool for when I’m not around.

July 25, 2014 0 comment

Style Uncategorized

Home Kong

written by ChristingC

One Teaspoon top, Maurie & Eve shorts, Superga flatform sneakers.

One of those days when the air is breezy and crisp, the bursting sun tickles your skin with a comforting warmth, and that glittering buzz ignites your optimistic mood. I’m always surprised when I suddenly realise how at home I now feel in this tumultuous and gratifyingly crazy city. It’s always been easy for me to feel out of place, letting discomfort sweep over my mood. I can skip into feeling not quite right in an instant and maybe a little uneasy in my own skin. These past few months have seen these insecurities subside and I’m stepping evenly into a steady stride, finding an enjoyable confidence with my life and myself. I’ve city skipped most of my life and prided myself on that nomadic, hedonistic behaviour, but now I know where I fit most. Like this city cut out a perfect little slot for my family and I to reside. We’ll always travel, we’ll always wander, but now I know where we’ll always call home.

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July 20, 2014 0 comment

Family Uncategorized

are you sleeping?

written by ChristingC

“Is she sleeping at night?” or “How many times does she wake up at night?” is one of the main questions we are always asked since having Ever. Lucky for us, Ever is an amazing sleeper. I’m not entirely sure if it’s genetics or just all the great advice I received before her arrival but apart from a few bad weeks in the beginning she is more or less snoozing through the night at less than 12 weeks. Yay!

Here are a few things that have worked:

1. Co-sleeping. I read a lot about this during my pregnancy and most articles are very against it due to the risk of suffocation or rolling on top of your baby. The thought was very daunting when I stared at my fragile newborn. I was far more comfortable with her resting in her moses basket than between the boy and I, but after several expensive bedding options she still preferred to sleep close to me. Most likely it’s my greedy little baby wanting to be near her food source, but I think it gives them an added sense of security which helps them snooze through the night. I am also more aware of her needs while she is beside me, so I feed her before she wakes and cries from hunger. Every little sound is a signal for me to either nurse or comfort her which means even if she does wake it will only be to feed and then straight back to sleep. No need for me to get up and rock her or for the boy and I to fully wake to deal with the situation. I feel incredibly in tune with her needs since we’ve been co-sleeping, and as I write now she’s happily napping beside me. Our bond seems stronger and I actually feel she is safer sleeping beside me than somewhere where I can’t see her.

2. Music and White Noise. You can get mobiles, cribs, and toys that play music to your baby. Ever finds light music incredibly soothing and it helps her feel drowsy. We usually play it for her after her bath while she’s hanging out to make her a bit sleepy and ready for bed. After she’s asleep we try to keep it on for another hour or so to keep her comforted. After that nothing could wake her. White noise is another one that worked when she was a newborn. She was always calm when she heard the sound of our fan so I downloaded a white noise app on my phone. “Rain” and “fan” were clear favourites.

3. Cluster feeding. Ever tends to cluster feed right before bedtime. She will nurse or drink from the bottle about every half hour for three hours before she goes to bed for the night. This keeps her full and usually gives me at least four hours until she needs to be fed. That means four solid hours of good sleep. If I’m home and she’s nursing that night she will lightly drink for an hour straight and usually nurse to sleep. This was a habit she picked up from the first few weeks so now our nanny gives her a pacifier after her bottle to mimic the same sensation.

4. Nighttime routine. We bathe, play, feed, rock, sleep. Always in that order. It’s predictable and she knows exactly what to expect. We are hoping to wean her off the rocking part eventually, but for now it works and we are happy to help her on her way to Z land.

All of these methods have been invaluable to us. I am late sleeper so Ever usually goes to bed with me at 1am. Although it hasn’t been that hard for us, it can become tiring. So I have a feeling that this might catch up to me soon enough. With this being said, just so I’m prepared, I’ve even taken it upon myself to research Online Dispensary Canada and see what it’s all about, as a friend of mine recommended the idea of trying out medical marijuana to help with sleep issues. She said it worked for her, so if it comes down to it, at least I’ll have a potential solution. But for now, everything is going fine.

She then will wake up to feed at around 4am and 8am and can sleep in with me until about 11am. This schedule works for my routine as I come home late and love to sleep in, but can definitely be moved earlier for different habits. The most useful part has been to make sure she doesn’t open her eyes when she wakes up to feed. I get the milk to her before she cries so she’s dream feeding. Then she is happy to stay cozily in bed until my wake-up call.

Happy snoozing!

July 14, 2014 0 comment

Family Uncategorized

Livly Hong Kong

written by ChristingC

I am so obsessed with Livly‘s cute selection of girls clothes and can definitely see Ever growing with this brand. The Scandinavian brand has set up in Harbour City and is one of my favourite baby/kids shops. The sweet newborn clothes were made with 100% Pima Cotton and super soft for Ever’s sensitive skin. She has worn her bow onesie non stop since we got it a month ago and now that she’s a bit bigger, I can’t wait to get her into a few of the super cute frill sleeve dresses. My little sister is only six and I was even eager to shop for her and get her a swallow print dress and bright canary yellow pea coat. I’m eagerly awaiting the day Ever is big enough to wear those gold glitter mary janes and pink bow headband. They have plenty of boys stuff too for those of you who aren’t shopping for a baby girl 😉

LIVLY Harbour City
Shop OT G09, Ground Floor,
Ocean Terminal
Harbour City, Kowloon

香港九龍尖沙咀海港城海運大廈OT G09号铺
營業時間：10AM to 10PM

T +852 2157 1198

Opening Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10:00-10:00

June 30, 2014 1 comment

Family Uncategorized

Nanny Thoughts

written by ChristingC

Childcare is complicated. It’s leaving your precious little baby in the hands of a stranger and hoping everything will be okay. I know many don’t believe in this type of parenting, especially if you aren’t living in Asia where nannies are available in abundance. Movies such as The Nanny Diaries and Uptown Girls (yes I love both) paint a picture of horrible, absent parenting when it comes to hiring full time help, but I’ve found here in HK the opposite is true. Most of the families who have helpers actually have more time to play with their children, spend the majority of their day taking their little ones out or spending time with them at home. Nannies, or helpers as they are called here, just make it that much easier to have a spotless home and semi active social life while being a full time parent.

The boy and I are lucky enough to work from home so we spend our entire day with Ever, and she sleeps in our bed each night. Saying that, I do have a moment to write this blog post, and there is never a dirty dish in my house. I haven’t washed up any bottles, cooked a single meal, and probably have only changed a handful of diapers since our amazing nanny DD arrived two weeks ago. I have however done almost every single feed and kept up breastfeeding despite any busy schedules, play with Ever most her waking hours, and carefully choose every cute outfit she wears.

We have had two different nannies since Ever’s arrival and here are my tips for how to deal with full time help living in your home. I know it’s probably more personal and everyone will want something different but for us this has been the way to go.

1. Be clear about how personal you want her to be. I don’t want a nanny to be part of our family or really be too friendly with Dan and I. I want Ever to understand the difference between family and her nanny so after our first temporary nanny who was a little too loving for my taste I have made a strict no kissing rule. I don’t want them to kiss Ever on the face or tell her they love her. No co-sleeping with her even though she co-sleeps with us in our bed. In the day she sleeps in a crib in the nursery not in the nanny’s arms. For us there needs to be a distinct separation between Mommy and Daddy and her nanny.

2. Priorities and being clear about what is most important on her list of things to do. Cleaning is not the top of her list. Ever is her top priority, so washing Ever’s bottles, clothes, and making sure her play area is clean and tidy is the top priority. Cleaning the house and doing chores for Dan and I come second to Ever’s need. That way I know the baby has everything she needs at all times.

3. Schedules have worked extremely well for us and the baby. Because Ever is a great sleeper and stays with me in bed until almost noon most days, I make sure DD cleans the house and does the laundry/dishes before we wake. That way she has less to do for the rest of the day and can concentrate on Ever. The boy and I are usually out each evening so I tell DD to get more rest in the afternoon as she takes care of Ever until we get home at night. After we leave, DD keeps to Ever’s bath, snooze, eat, snooze schedule until we get home. This way both DD and Ever know what to expect each day and our daily chores always get done.

4. Personal space. Because DD lives in our home, we like to have a place that just for our little family. Where we spend alone time. The boy and my room is where we spend time with Ever. We always close the door and have alone time with her. We made the mistake of letting the first nanny into our room and telling her to take care of Ever in there while we were out. This blurred the lines of where she should be, and made her more comfortable to come in when we were spending time with Ever. Now it’s clear that when we are in our room, its just us.

5. Know what you are looking for before you hire someone. We wanted someone quiet and kind. DD is very gentle with Ever and is so quiet we generally don’t even realize she is at home. She keeps to herself but is animated when playing with the baby. Our first nanny voiced her opinions about how Ever should be taken care of each day, and wanted too much involvement for my taste. I am now happy to have someone that follows instructions seamlessly, interacts with the baby, but is shy and quiet in our home.

These are all personal choices and it is always hard to choose a person who will fit into your family, so make sure to cover all the bases when you interview and find someone that suits your home and baby.

June 30, 2014 0 comment

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LIVLY Harbour CityShop OT G09, Ground Floor,Ocean TerminalHarbour City, Kowloon

香港九龍尖沙咀 海港城海運大廈OT G09号铺營業時間：10AM to 10PM

T +852 2157 1198

Opening Hours:Monday-Sunday 10:00-10:00

LIVLY Harbour City
Shop OT G09, Ground Floor,
Ocean Terminal
Harbour City, Kowloon

香港九龍尖沙咀海港城海運大廈OT G09号铺
營業時間：10AM to 10PM

Opening Hours:
Monday-Sunday 10:00-10:00