Jackie O - The Good Mother Debate

What a disgrace the Journalist is that wrote an open letter to Jackie O.   You can read about it here:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/entertainment/8231522/jackie-o-breaks-down-during-live-radio-broadcast

For a very brief overview, the Journalist has a go a Jackie O for going back to work after having her daughter.  There was also an accompanying story about Jackie O bottle feeding her daughter whilst crossing the street.

Do these people have nothing else to write about?  I spent most of the day walking around the house helping my older children with games and homework whilst breastfeeding my son.  Yes it would be far more comfortable for both me and my son to sit quietly and feed, but this is the real world and it just isn't going to happen at times.  I'm sure it is the same for most mums.

As for Jackie O going back to work, nobody should be debating this decision except Jackie O and her partner.  I am very lucky that I have the choice to by a stay at home mum or a working mum and for me the right decision was to be a stay at home mum, however it does not mean it is the right decision for every woman.  I have many friends that have chosen to go back to work for different reasons then just financial issues.  One friend in particular is very honest with her reasons for going back to work, with the  top reason being that she LOVES her job.  Why shouldn't she go back to work?

I am very passionate about mothers feeling empowered to do what is right for them.  I have always found that when a mother makes a decision that works for her, it then filters through to the children, and the family has a more happy dynamic.  I have seen so many friends and associates become unhappy and depressed in the first few years after their child is born and I strongly believe that many of them felt this way because of the unneeded pressure other mothers put on them.  Yes it would be great if all woman could and choose to breastfeed, but some woman can't... and that is OK.  Some woman work, some don't .... and that is OK.

It is true that women are a women's worst enemy.  Let's hope Jackie O got a lot of support from her family and friends and no longer feels like a "second-rate mother".

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

10% off Betty Button Baby Shoes!

For one week only (ends 8 April), Betty Button Baby Shoes are on SALE at Shimi 
This baby shoe is striking in the hot pink fabric with green flower featuring on the top of the foot. Finished off with a cute white button in the centre of the flower. Lined on the inside for extra comfort.

The full shoe style is perfect now that the weather is cooling down.
Or, do you know anyone having a baby? These make a great gift as something a little different!


Happy Shopping
Jen and Row
x

Bricks for Bears

Last christmas - 2010, I wanted to do something which gives back. In all the hussle, bustle and stress of the gift shopping, we can sometimes lose sight of what its all about. So, when my sister in law asked me what I wanted for xmas (from her), I suggested that she buy me a 'Brick'.

The site is actually called 'BRICKS FOR BEARS' (WSPA - World Society for the Protection of Animals). By purchasing a brick/s, you are contributing to the building and running of a sanctuary for Bears when they are rescued from the cruelty of Bear Baiting. WSPA also provide emergency help to protect many kinds of wildlife across the world.
I have since received newsletters and interesting information from the WSPA, which is a great reminder of the difference that my purchase made. Click on the above link to see more....

Looking after your skin.

As I was so thoughtfully informed by a lovely follower of Beautiful Creations, having well moisturized skin helps maintain your perfumes scent.  If you are like me I only have found one of two perfumes that the scent will actually stay on my skin.  So although I was a regular user of Jewell's Body Butter, regular meant about once a week.  Now I am making the time to pamper myself a little and use the Body Butter every day.  It is fantastic.

BODY BUTTER 
suitable for all skin types especially very Dry.

With Pure Essential Oils of Lavender, Bergamot, Rosewood and Patchouli. Deeply moisturising and nourishing with soothing Aloe Vera, 100% cold pressed vegetable oils and butters and added vitamins. Leaves the most neglected skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.  Use daily if needed. 200gm

Happy Shopping

Jen and Row

www.shimi.com.au

Anxiety, how it feels.

I suffered from severe anxiety when I was 22.  I'm not sure what triggered it, but it was possibly due to a traumatic event that had happened to me a few years prior.

It crept up on me very slowly.  I was very happy initially.  I had moved to Brisbane, meet a wonderful man (now my husband) and had a great job.  I started having the occasional anxiety attack.  Within a few weeks I was having continual anxiety attacks to the point that I could not do or  even wear certain things because it brought on even more anxiety attacks.  These were a few of the irrational behaviours I exhibited.

• I couldn't wear black
• I could ONLY listen to classical music.  If I drove anywhere with my husband who listened to popular music it was excruciating.
• I could not watch the News and most of the time I could really only tolerate watching Friends, or other very flippant sitcoms.
• When I was having an attack I got to a point where I could only get through it by singing "Don't Worry Be Happy".
• I couldn't see certain friends as their way of life (which was as simple of having fun, going out, drinking, etc - like most young people do) confronted me and caused attacks.
• I could not go to bars or nightclubs.  Again when I did I spent much of the time in extreme fear.

I kept this from everyone, even though I had a very close relationship with my parents and my husband.  I thought I was going mad.  I actually contemplated suicide in the bath one night.  I though if I just put my head underwater and stayed there this pain and fear will all be over.  It was very lucky that my husband was in the bath with me or else I am pretty sure I would have followed through.

Although it was emotional the pain was extreme and at times unbearable.  I hid it so well from my parents and husband that they had no idea until years later when I told them what I went through.  There was one person that saw through me though.  

I was quite new to my job and although I was good at my job and so far the illness hadn't effected my ability to work, most of the people that I worked with thought I was very weird and I didn't initially make many friends.  This one person though saw that I was struggling and gave me a newspaper article on anxiety.  It was life changing.  Instead of thinking I was going mad I could put a name to the problem.  I immediately started researching how to cope and now I look back and think I should have gone to the doctors straight away, however I choose to try St Johns' Wort.  For me it worked like a charm.  Within two months I was free of anxiety attacks and was back to my normal self.

There are many other treatments for anxiety and if you do suffer from it the best thing to do is go to your GP straight away.  Hopefully this story helps someone who may be going through something like this.  Don't feel embarrassed to talk to someone about it.  It helps.

Jen

www.shimi.com.au

Affairs of the Heart

It was only about 7 years ago that my husband and I had a great group of friends.  This was pre-kids and we spent most Saturday nights together at restaurants or clubs.  It was a great time in our life, but then it all ended when a couple of friends suddenly split up, one couple moved and another couple married.

Of course people move and we are still very good friends with that couple and holiday together regularly.  However we now don't see the other friends, although still friendly with most of them.

One couple split due to infidelity.  It was a very stressful time for us as this was my husbands best friend and he regularly used my husband as his alibi, unbeknown to us many times.  At times it was known to my husband though.  It made him incredibly uncomfortable and as we were all very fond of his friends wife and although he was very angry with his friend for cheating he also did not want to be the one to "break up the marriage" if he said something.  I was in the same position.  Finally the truth came out for the most part - certain truths were never told.  The couple split however no one remained friends.

Now we have a whole new group of amazing friends, but there are certain couples like ourselves that make a big effort and are always initiating catch-ups, etc and certain couple that attend these catch-ups but don't initiate them.  The sad truth is that no matter if you move or have problems in your life to maintain a close friendship you have to make an effort.  Of course there are the friends that you can go six months without talking to and pick up the phone and feel like it was just yesterday, but those are few and far between.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Peach Indie Dress

Do you buy clothing on line?


I recently watched a news report on buying clothing on line and whilst the perfect size 6 woman found it easy and convenient on line, a lot of people not blessed with those petite genes found buying clothing on line frustrating.  It seems that many people find it hard to buy for their body shape and if they do venture to buy something online, many times it doesn't fit properly.


Buying on line can be a really exciting.  There is the rush of buying something on line because it is a risk.  It may look fantastic.  It may not.  So what is the solution?  


There are a few rules of thumb you can follow:


- Don't buy anything that is overly fitted, unless you are specifically buying t-shirts or Lycra based items.


- Always look at the websites size chart and take the time to take your measurements and compare them to the websites size chart.


- If length is an issue again always measure on yourself to see where the item will sit on your body.  If the website does not display the length, ask.  The majority of web store owners are more then happy to answer any questions you may have.




At Shimi we have taken these issue into consideration and now are focusing on only selling apparel that is a One Size fits all.  One Size is not really "one size" but will cover size ranges from about size 8 - size 14.  The clothing is made specially to fall well on all size types within this range.  Obviously the clothing is not fitted, but loose fitting and comfortable.  


We only have very few items in stock at the moment, but if our lovely Shimi customers show a great interest in this type of range we will source more and more items for your interest.


Let us know your thoughts, we would love to know your opinion on what you like to buy on line and your experiences with buying online.


Our lovely Peach Indie Dress is our latest item, however it is been very popular so we only have a few left.  If you need something cool and comfortable this is the dress for you.  This loose fitting, cotton summer dress is gorgeous with the added benefit of long sleeves for sun protection.  Beautiful embroidered neckline, sleeve edge and hem make this dress very feminine.  Lovely with sandals, a loose belt or even over jeans for the cooler months.
Happy Shopping


Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Diet Time

My baby is four weeks old now and while I am not preoccupied with my weight and what I am eating, I am not enjoying carrying the extra kilos and not fitting into my old clothes.  So I did a bit of research and found that Lite and Easy would work the best for me.

I choose the higher calorie plan because I am breastfeeding and don't want to risk losing my milk, and so far in the past two weeks I think I have lost about .4 of a kilo.  Not amazing weight lose, but a lose is a lose.

So I am not going to be down to my former svelte self anytime soon, but it is convenient - I don't have to think about what I am eating from breakfast, lunch and snacks.  And it is healthy.  I choose the breakfast, lunch and snacks plan, mainly because I want to make sure dinner is a family affair and I am eating what my children and husband are eating.  I grew up in a household where my mum was continually on a diet and hence I have always had diet and body issues.  Not mums fault at all but it definitely played a part in how I now view my eating habits, some really good, some not so good.  Therefore I want my daughter in particular to see that a balanced diet is the healthiest option.

Anyway, exercise is the next step.  The walking starts TODAY.

Jen

www.shimi.com.au

With winter on the way it is time to break out the body lotion.


Our Jewell range has a new product.  Body Lotion is an 'all natural' lotion which easily soaks into the skin. 

LIME, SPRUCE & ROSEWOOD - a refreshing, uplifting yet grounding blend!

BERGAMOT, LAVENDER & PATCHOULI - for a cheering, comforting, settling blend!

The bottle comes with a pump for easy application. 

Refill available $15.95 - so, please don't forget to keep the pump!


Jen and Row


www.shimi.com.au

Our first encounter with "The Tooth Fairy"

I just read a blog from the lovely Diminishing Lucy and it reminded me of our first encounter with "The Tooth Fairy" in our house.

It was about 2 months ago, so I was heavily pregnant and not quite as coherent as I normally am.  My 6 year old lost her first tooth and was very excited to put her tooth under her pillow for said Tooth Fairy.  We even had to discussed how she should display her tooth, just wrapped in a tissue, in a bag, on its own?  We decided to eventually put the tooth safely in her beloved Rabbit and The Duck wallet.

Of course she went off to sleep and I had full intentions of slipping in before I went to bed and swapping the tooth for money.  Of course I didn't, bad mum!!  I only remembered at 6 in the morning when my daughter came in to ask me if she should look under her pillow to see how much the Tooth Fairy had left. I managed to convince her to jump into our bed and give her dad a cuddle while I "went to the bathroom."

So next issue was to find some change at short notice, because I NEVER have any money in my wallet, and if I do my kids raid my wallet and pop the change in their piggy banks.  So, at this stage I had forgotten to BE the Tooth Fairy, and now I had no money to put in the tooth pouch.  But my daughter did....  Again, BAD Mum.

So I found three 50c pieces, ahem, in her piggy bank, into the tooth pouch, back under the pillow, into bed for a quick cuddle with her and then "Let's see what the tooth fairy left you."  Miss G was very excited to find $1.50 in her tooth pouch.  One 50c piece was almost black and quite distinctive.  Of course Miss G noticed and then accused the Tooth Fairy of stealing her money.

Some quick thinking from a lying mum and I had convinced her that the Tooth Fairy only has very old ancient money because.... oh I can't remember, what do you want from me?

How exhausting.  But she still believes in The Teeth Fairy.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

How many "little black dresses" do you own?  I am renowned for going the safe option with my outfits, especially with dresses, and going for a block colour.  So with this in mind I love to add a bit of flair to my outfit with interesting shoes or a great bag or clutch.  I want to have the "wow" factor when it comes to my outfits but I still want to play it safe so it is the perfect compromise for me.

Which brings me to Myoriginalsin newest design. 

A stunning black clutch, pleated with the most unusual printed fabric. Black means it will go with everything and the little pops of colour make is that bit more unique. Lined with tiny polka dots too! This little number was hard to photograph and looks much more fabulous in the flesh.

Also has a small internal pocket for your lippy or cards.

Approximate Size - 25 cm x 13 cm.

Myoriginalsin clutch designs sell out quickly so if you love it, order asap so you don't miss out.

Jen and Row

www.shimi.com.au

Movies at School?

My gorgeous 6 year old recently came home from school talking about scenes from the movie Tangled.  Now we have seen Tangled twice at the movies so I assumed she was thinking back to then.  Not so.  She then informed me that they watch movies at school.  I asked her why movies were being put on during school time and she said they were allowed to watch movies when they had nothing else to do.

Hmmmm.  I was not happy.  The children are allowed to watch movies during the lunch hour WHEN it is raining, however why during school time?  When I was at school if we had nothing else to do (when does that even happen) we were allowed to go to the reading corner and read books.

So far Miss G's class has watched Despicable Me, Tangled and Cats and Dogs 2 - and we are only 5 weeks into the year.  I wouldn't mind so much if the kids were watching educational movies, but these movies?

Do I talk to the Principal about this?

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

RIP Liz Taylor

Well, it is a sad day for Hollywood with the passing of Liz Taylor.  She was a great woman in many ways.  Sassy, sexy and smart, but mostly her dedication to great causes and charities defined her as one of the great Hollywood stars that used her status for good.

Seeing the dedications flow in this morning of the morning news programs reminded me of a school assignment I had to do when I was in year 9.  The subject - Religion (I went to a Catholic school), the topic -  a woman I admire.  And guess who I picked.  You can imagine how handing in an assignment dedicated to a woman that was married 8 times to a Catholic Nun went down.  I didn't receive a great mark on that one.

Truth of the matter is I left the assignment to the night before it was due.  I had no research material and of course when I was at school there was no Internet available.  I was at a loss so I sat down and went through all my mums old Women's Weekly and found an article on Liz Taylor.  Some creative writing and two hours later I had my assignment finished.

Should have really thought it through a bit better I guess.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Aroma Spritz - Space Clearer

Don't you love walking into a house that smells good.  Whether it be the smell of good coffee, a cake baking or flowers, it definately will enhance the experience.  


I love my house smelling beautiful and my choice of scent is anything with Rose in it.  Jewell Skincare has just added Aroma Spritz - Space Clearer to their range.




Aroma Spritz is an all natural carefully blended room spray.  We have two different blends:
REFRESH - is very effective to clear odours and freshen wherever needed. Helps create a clearer vibration and purer atmosphere, which helps to create more positive energy.  

RELAX - freshens and helps to create a soothing, tranquil but fortifying atmosphere. This can help reduce obsessive thinking therefore bringing more balance, harmony and contentment.




Smell is a powerful sense and with something a small as an Aroma Spritz you can create a beautiful atmosphere.


Happy Shopping


Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Wear What Your Comfortable In

I recently watched a great English comedy called Miranda.  It is a really sweet English comedy centred around Miranda, who is 6"1 and whilst I wouldn't call her overweight, she is on the larger side.  She is marvellous and gorgeous.

The episode I watched today was about Miranda being mistaken for a "Sir", and therefore deciding to giver herself a makeover.  Move over jeans and t-shirt, it is time for something more feminine.  As she said she needed to "Trinny and Suzanna herself".  Not possible to do this with the actual Trinny and Suzanna as she would have punched them in the mouth - her words.  It then went to a caption about how she would do a "Trinny and Suzanna" style show.  It showed her interviewing an extremely badly dressed woman and the conversation when something like this:

Miranda: "Excuse me ma'am, can we interview you?  Well, I wouldn't necessarily wear that top, but you do look comfortable, are you?"

Woman: "Yes".

Miranda: "Do you like this top?"

Woman: "Yes"

Miranda: "Do you care that other people don't like your top?"

Woman: "No"

Miranda: "Good, then wear that then.  Bye."


I love this on so many levels.  Firstly it is just plain funny, however I found it so appealing that she cut through the pretencious rubbish that embodies make-overs, and just asked the woman what she liked.  I LOVE giving make-overs and dressing a person in something different to what they would normally wear.  It can just take a different cut or style of clothing to enhance the figure for the better.  However if the person in question in not comfortable, they will never look good because they don't feel good.

The best thing you can do in relation to dressing is enhance what you feel is your best features.   Alternatively do you have a feature that you are particularly self-conscience about?  Then dress to hide or play down this feature.  For example I really don't like my legs and know that I don't look great in shorts of short dresses or skirts, so I wear trousers, long shorts, capri's or maxi skirts and dresses.  My lovely husband constantly tells me how much he loves my legs, but as like most woman I dress for myself, not my husband and my comfort takes preference over what I think other people want to see me in.

It is fantastic to experiment and try new styles but the best look - to be comfortable in your own skin.  Love yourself!!!

Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Stress

Stress.  It is good and bad.

I thrive on a bit of stress, but then to much and my anxiety attacks kick in.  About 10 years ago I was absolutely debilitated with anxiety attacks and I never want to experience that sort of fear again, so I am very protective of my mental health.  Any tinge of an anxiety attack and I do whatever I have to do to relieve my stress.  Sometimes that is as little as putting on some great music and singing at the top of my voice.  Other times I have to go a bit more extreme and break out the anxiety vitamins and go for a good long walk.

I feel very fortunate that I have enough clarity to realise when things are not going so well for me and do what I have to do.

My better half on the other hand is the complete opposite.  He does not handle stress well, like a lot of people.  The difference between him and me though is that when he is stressed you cannot possibly bring it to his attention because he "is not stressed".  He instead wallows in his stress and does nothing to help himself, and makes life for the rest of us that bit more stressful.  On the other hand, when he is stress free (which I must say is most of the time) he has this amazing clarity about life and sees how detrimental stress is on his life and how to combat it.

What is your stress buster?

Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Ballet Flats

Do you have a "look" that you don't deviate from year after year?  I do and for winter it is a great pair of jeans and ballet flats.

Jeans are not an easy buy for me, so I have two pairs.  One pair is about 10 years old, but still good - Levi's , you can't go wrong. The second changes yearly.  I usually allow myself to be totally bummed out for a day whilst searching for the perfect jeans of the season and when i find the pair, I wear them to death.

Last year I actually didn't endure that full day shopping to find the jeans of choice.  I was working weekends last year, and of course there is no way I would drag two young children around the shops for a day to find jeans.  So I raced into a cheap boutique with 5 minutes before closing time, grabbed one pair of jeans in my size - yes they fit, bought them and left.  Not the best jeans I have ever owned, but not to shabby either, and only $35.  Bargain.

Shoes are a different story for me.  I spend good money on shoes because cheap shoes are so uncomfortable.  However, when I find a good pair of flats, I wear them to death.

Love these Stuart Weitzman flats....

What do you think?

Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Seasonal Colours

Two of the popular colour trends this season are turquoise and orange - together.

This gorgeous clutch from JK Creation is the perfect accessory this season to stay IN Style:

This funky clutch is made from gorgeous aqua print fabric.

It is has two layers of interfacing for structure yet softness. It features a plain cotton lining in coordinating fabric and a magnetic snap closure. 

Perfect for a night out, race days, weddings or any event. Great for all a ladies essentials! 

It is even large enough that it could be used as a funky make-up bag. 

Dimensions are approximately 26cm wide and 14 cm high. 

Please note: placement of fabric may vary slightly as each bag is individual Keyka-lou pattern

Happy Shopping

Jen and Row

www.shimi.com.au

Signature Scent

I LOVE perfume.  Unfortunately it doesn't love me and I only have a couple of perfumes that I can wear  as the scent is normally lost on me within about half an hour.  

The two scents I can wear that I know will stay on my skin for hours are Hypnotic Poison (my absolute favourite) and Jadore.

My Gran always wore the same scent, and consequently that scent brings back wonderful memories for me.  I want to create that for my kids, a scent that is "mum" and will evoke wonderful memories for them...

What is your signature?

Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Badgley Mischka Shoes

Badgley Mischka...... Yes, expensive but so delicious.

These white ballet flats are the high of sophistication and and the moment are my dream shoe.  I love a heel, but comfort is my priority so I am currently lusting after any beautiful flats.

However if heels ARE your thing take a look at these gorgeous Badgley Mischka designs.

 

Gorgeous in Grey

For something a little special

Sophistication

The perfect wedding shoes

For more great Badgley Mischka designs visit our amazon store at www.shimi.com.au .  These are also a fraction of the price, so grab a great deal today.

Happy shopping

Jen and Row

www.shimi.com.au

Jen and Row - grade 1

I was sorting through cupboards, paperwork, photos etc during the school holidays and came across this photo of Jen and I in our Grade 1 class photo - taken in 1982! Even back then we were sitting side by side in the front row (as we were always the shorties and still are!).... Jen on the left, Row on the right.

With all of the tragic natural disasters that have been happening this year, it kind of makes us really sit back and enjoy the simple things in life and the people who really matter...

Hope you are having a great week! 
Row & Jen
xx

Child Birth

After two children I thought I had childbirth down pat.

With my first child I had a 40 hour labour.  It was painful and long and I was so sleep deprived that I was confused and disorientated and couldn't make a decision to save my life.  I had pethidine mainly to give me a break and let me get some sleep, even though I had previously decided I wouldn't use pethidine.  After 36 hours I had an epidural which was sweet, sweet relief.  The following four hours were pleasant enough in comparison to what I had previously been through.  My daughter was finally born via a vacuum birth, and I had at least 16 stitches.  The aftermath was particularly bad.  The normal problems were there but the biggest shock to me was the fact that I felt like my insides could just fall out of me at any stage.  I was not expected that - and I was shocked to say the least.

With my second child, I had the best birth imaginable.  I was induced as he was not interested in leaving his cosy home and it was all over and done with within 4 hours.  I was given an epidural prior to inducement and the next fours hours passed pain free.  My little born was born pain free without me needing any stitches and I felt fine within a week.

I expected the birth of my third child to be similar.  I was induced and had requested an epidural.  My body had other ideas.  After I was induced it all happened so quickly that I gave birth before an epidural could be administered.  It was THE MOST PAINFUL EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE, and I screamed the hospital down, which was a surprise as I am normally a very quite type of person, especially when pain is involved.  I am a hold my breath and wait till the pain subsides type of person - not this time.  It was a whole new side of myself I have never seen.  However once the birth was over, I felt fine, and within 24 hours I felt back to normal.  No stitches and no issues at all.

I am not sure whether my fast recovering from my third birth had anything to do with me doing it drug free and I was never a person that wanted to have a natural birth without any pain relief, however I am glad I did it (or had no other choice but to do it this way).  It was an amazing experience.  No less or more amazing then the birth of my first two children, but enduring that pain and really "feeling" the birth was incredible.

We would love to hear your birth stories.....  the good, the bad and the ugly.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Green Eyes

Green is it this season, for the eyes.

I love Green Eye Shadow, and it compliments most skin colours and hair colours.

It is glamorous in every respect.  For a summer day look, go for a mint green and emerald green for night wear.  if you are a bit more daring, include some bottle green Eye Pencil and sweep on some dark green Mascara to really complete the look.

It is always fun to experiment with makeup and as long as you are subtle you can normally create a new look for yourself with just a few different colours and techniques.

Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Calling all Handbag/Purse/Wallet Designers

Are you a Handbag/Purse and or Wallet Designer or maker?

We want to hear from you.....

At Shimi we LOVE to promote new designers, especially Australian Designers, and we love hand crafted accessories.  So if you fit this profile, please contact us at www.shimi.com.au to discuss stocking your products in our store.

Thanks
Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

Joining a Gym

It is time....  The diet and exercise regime is starting tomorrow.  Actually it was meant to start today but after being up with my baby from 1.30 this morning as he is having stomach issues as many new babies do, a walk at 5.30 this morning was not very appealing.

I have just organised "Lite and Easy" so that should take care of breakfast and lunch plus snacks.  I have really done this out of convenience, and I am being very sensible given that I am breastfeeding.  I have taken a higher calorie program, and I think that the food that I consume on this program is probably far better then what I would consume normally at home.  I am good with breakfast and morning tea, but by the time lunch comes I can't be bothered making a salad so I end up eating a very healthy peanut paste sandwich - high carb and high fat, and high calorie with little satisfaction.

So that is my first step to losing the baby weight.

Next is finding a gym.  I am enthusiastic - hopefully it will last.  That is a good 4 weeks away though, must let my body recover from childbirth, even though I came through it extremely well and after a week, didn't even feel like I had given birth.

63kg at the moment - and being 5"2, my goal weight is 52kg, so 11 to go.....  Any tips you can give me for that extra incentive to loss the weight will be gladly accepted.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Shampoo and Conditioner

Of course I am a fan of Jewell's Shampoo and Conditioner.

I have quite thin hair with a bit of a curl that really is just a pain in the behind, but with the right hair products it softens my hair and it falls a lot nicer and straighter then normal.  Jewell's hair products are great for my hair in this respect.  Gentle and cleansing without stripping my hair's natural oil.  And I found I could leave the washing of my hair to every 3-4 nights instead of every second night (it is much more beneficial to your hair to wash less rather then every night or every second night).

The other thing to consider with Jewell products is the price.  At $11.95 for Shampoo this is far less then "salon" shampoo and on a par with some good quality shampoos sold at grocery stores.  Whilst you may have to think ahead a little and order before you run out of Shampoo and/or conditioner, it will be worthwhile, both cost wise and quality wise in the long run.

SHAMPOO  
Geranium, Lavender & Ylang ylang Pure Essential Oils.
Gentle to hair, scalp and the environment. Made from Coconut Oil and Maize Extract. 200ml

CONDITIONER Geranium, Lavender & Ylang ylang Pure Essential Oils.
Leaves your hair feeling soft and manageable. Made from natually derived plant materials. 200ml

Suitable for all scalp and hair types (including sensitive skin).

Want more info on Jewell products?  Just email us at info@shimi.com.au and we can provide you with any information you are after.

Happy Shopping

Jen and Row
www.shimi.com.au

The Rabbit and The Duck Wallet

This is a great little wallet, and I can vouch for this as both my daughter and myself own one.  I was just going to purchase for myself, but my little fashionista 6 year old decided she HAD to have one and that was her birthday wish.  We both use our wallets all the time.  My little girl for her various bits and pieces that she carries around, and I did use my wallet for the normal - card, cash and keys, but we have since lost our camera case, and it has been upgraded to a new funky case for our digital camera.

However it is the perfect wallet for those quick trips out to the park when you don't want to lug a big handbag around, but you still need the essentials.  So grab your keys, cards and coins and go with this handy wallet. Or a great size to securely hold your jewellery and accessories in your everyday bag or next time you travel!

Vital Statistics: 
Cover: cotton/linen 
Lining: brown pin spot lining (cotton)
Measures: 13.5cm x 10.5cm 
Lightly interfaced for extra durability. Features a snap fastener to secure your wallet closed. 
Spot clean recommended, however if your wallet really needs a wash please hand wash in cold water and drip dry. Do not tumble dry! Warm iron. 

Please note that pattern placement may vary from the wallet pictured – each wallet is unique but will be just as gorgeous!

Happy Shopping

Jen and Row

www.shimi.com.au

A Tiny Bit Marvellous

I just finished reading A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French.  I have always been a fan of Dawn French and was not disappointed with this novel.

It follows the lives of a family of four - mum, dad, teenage daughter and son.  All the characters are endearing and even though the teenage daughter is quite unlikable at times, I was still sad to finish the book and end my friendship with these characters.

Like most good comedic novels, it was very funny, but had an element of sadness to it that made it more then a mindless novel of bad puns.

I found myself trawling the Internet after I finished reading it, hoping that Dawn French had written a novel that I had not yet heard about.  No such luck.

Jen
www.shimi.com.au

Paris Hilton

"I'm freaking out!  I can't believe I'm going to be 30.  But at least I still look like I'm 20"

Oh to have that sort of confidence................

Baby Shoes - get ready for the cold weather

I just received these gorgeous baby shoes in the mail from the lovely Rowena.  It is still a little hot for them in Queensland, but these will be perfect for the coming cold months.

This striking baby shoe is made with Double layer Grey polar fleece for winter warmth, elastic around the ankle and white star on foot.

Available in two styles:

Mary Jane: High cut at back of ankle with elastic across the top of the foot.

Full shoe: Full fit shoe with elastic around the ankle to hold baby's foot in securely. (This style is featured in the photo)

These baby shoes wont fall off without a fight! 

Sizes Small (newborn-3months)
Medium (3+ months)
Large (9+ months) 
X-large ( up to 14 months)

Available at www.shimi.com.au

Happy Shopping

Jen and Row

www.shimi.com.au