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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.  
xx
August 23, 2014 0 comment
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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.  
xx
August 16, 2014 0 comment
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Vive Paris, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel and Dinner with Lola Rykiel

written by ChristingC
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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 🙂

xx

August 7, 2014 0 comment
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Global Breastfeeding Week and Mayarya

written by ChristingC
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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
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Ever Diary: Third Month Essentials

written by ChristingC
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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
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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.
xx
July 20, 2014 0 comment
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are you sleeping?

written by ChristingC
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“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!
xx

July 14, 2014 0 comment
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Livly Hong Kong

written by ChristingC
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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
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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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Ever Diary: 2nd Month Essentials

written by ChristingC
Another four weeks have passed and Ever is growing at warp speed.  She has taken a liking to florals and may have started to look a little more like me and less identical to the boy.  She went through a single extremely fussy week and ended it with a huge smile and complete attitude change. Now she can’t smile enough and seems extremely pleased with the most mundane things! Addiction to sleep must be heriditary because Ever sleeps like a champion two month old.  I must be the only Mommy that gets to sleep in until 10:30am and is actually the one to wake her baby up when it’s time to rise and shine.   I know there are a million different stages and things can change in a snap so for now I’m enjoying the peace.  
Products we couldn’t live without this month.
Graco Countour Electra Travel Cot: This pack and play is probably too heavy to actually use for travel but it’s Ever’s new napping spot.   I am not partial to the nanny co-sleeping with Ever so she spends a lot of time here while we are out.   It has a few dangly toys to keep her smiley face occupied and plays music to lull her to sleep.   It also has a slight swinging motion which she loves and a little night light.  Perfect for daytime playing and napping.
Pigeon baby lotion and Mustela Hydra Bebe Facial Cream:  We have started using products on Ever and she loves both of these.  They make her smell delicious and keeps the dry skin at bay.  She has experienced a few very mild rashes since birth but nothing that a little bit of breastmilk wont fix.  It’s my favourite trick of the trade.  Rubbing breastmilk on rashes consistently makes them dissapear instantly. 
Breast Milk Storage Bags: There are tons of brands out there and they all do the job.   We have started going out at night so I pump in the day to make sure she has enough to drink while I’m out.   I have also started storing bags of milk in the freezer in case I have to leave her on any overnight trips.   Always better to be prepared.
Playgym:  We had this from the first month but her interest in it did not appear until now.   She can spend a lot of time staring up at those toys and is mesmerized by the mirror. It’s a sure way to bring out her smile and a perfect way to spend the time between feeding and sleeping.  Also works for tummy time or a soft mat to place her on and dress her after a bath.  I love Mamas and Papas’ selection as the colours aren’t too much of an eyesore. It won’t be long and she’ll be due her first dental appointment (I think it’s in 1 month!) which will be an experience, I hope she keeps her amazing smile to show the practitioners at Dentist Santa Monica.
June 21, 2014 0 comment
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