Ponchik Babies + Kids

Interviews

@ponchikbabieskids - Archie - Moss Green Overalls, Pebble Rib, Mulberry Beanie + Eva (owner) 2

If you’re looking for those soft, timeless colours in children’s pieces to wear over and over, then look no further than Melbourne based business, Ponchik Babies + Kids. Our children have been wearing clothing from Ponchik Babies + Kids since they were little tiny babies! I loved everything about this business – the staple pieces, the neutral tones, the size range available, that I could do my whole season shop at one business, the designs, service and the amazing quality of their pieces which have been handed down between my children and still last all the dirt play, crawling, food messes and have seen my children through all their milestones. We have an exclusive code WUWU15 which will give you 15% off their entire website.

How did you come up with the name of your business?

Great question! In Russian heritage, beautiful, chubby bubs are affectionately called Ponchik, and so was my son Archie. My Mum was born in the former Soviet Union and we try to incorporate Russian in our household as much as we can.

What do you sell?

Timeless cotton pieces that look gorgeous for dress and play.

How did you get the idea to start Ponchik?

When Archie was four months old I was really struggling with letting go of my prior corporate life and straight into motherhood. I felt like I still needed a bit of business to help me through. Honestly, in the beginning I thought it would be a hobby. Now I can’t quite believe where the business has gone and we’re now stocked in over 80 stores around Australia and NZ.

What is your business background?

I studied a Bachelor of Business at uni, then went to the Melbourne School of Fashion to study Fashion Business. My first job out of uni was with a major footwear retailer in the planning department. I was there for around 8 years. I am also a yoga teacher and before becoming a mumma taught yoga full time for a year.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs and new collections?

Really it comes to me in dreams, fabrics, colours, designs. So I have to make sure I wake myself up properly to write it all down! Also, I design what I want Archie to wear, and if I had a girl what I would want her to wear 🙂

What is important to you for your business?

A good quality product, a happy production team and happy customers is of massive importance.

What motivates you?

Alana, I am loving these questions! If you ask my husband, I wake up happy and positive most mornings (just need a good night’s sleep!), I am a little bit of a perfectionist and very dedicated to things I am a part of and care about. So I think that is motivation enough for me. Also, running this business gives me endorphins I am pretty sure – so I keep coming back to my desk daily excited!

A question for a bit of fun now… would you rather smell like rotten eggs for a day or dead fish?

Ew! Can I change this question? Haha! Neither, really!

Moving house during a pandemic

Reviews

So many people have been affected by the current Coronavirus pandemic and many have
had to relocate for various reasons. Reasons such as moving to safely care for an elderly or
at risk relative, sudden loss of work or unemployment, needing to upgrade or downgrade. Personally, we had purchased our home prior to Covid-19 but our settlement and move was in the midst of the Covid-19 NSW restrictions.

It is already stressful enough moving homes, let alone moving with children too! Here are a list of tips for moving homes throughout Covid-19 whilst sticking to restrictions and laws. So, before you stress whether it is even possible, it definitely is possible. Just make sure you are familiar with your states most current Covid-19 laws and restrictions that might affect the process which can differ from state to state. For example, the number of visitors allowed to assist in helping pack and move. Moving to a new house during Covid, you will want to avoid large numbers of visitors assisting in one location or house to abide by your states social distancing requirements.

You also might not have to do all the packing and moving yourself! Although social distancing rules still apply when moving, in some states, workers do not count as visitors. So, using removalists might be able to help without adding to the visitor limit. At the moment, transport and logistics is still an essential service, so removalist companies are still readily available. Just make sure to maintain social distancing and personal hygiene practices such as everyone washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitiser, wearing masks and ensuring that heavily touched surfaces (such as door handles and light switches) are being wiped down regularly to prevent the spread of germs.

If the move is expected to be temporary with a job circumstance being on hold or moving to care for family members, it could be a really good idea to leave things behind in storage to minimize the risk of coronavirus spreading and minimizing the cost of transporting unnecessary amounts of belongings. Companies such as Hire Storage are perfect for all your storage needs.

Moving interstate is technically possible at the moment too, although, it is a little tricky. Moving into most states you will be required to have a couple of things. To cross into most states, at the bare minimum, you will be required to have a border pass. To accompany this, you will most likely need to have proof of residence for your new abode with approved exemptions. Some states will even require you to quarantine for up to 14 days as well, whether that is in your new home or a government allocated location.

Hire A Mover Team

The main things to remember whilst moving during the pandemic is to:-

1. Not to stress yourself out too much;

2. Ensure to maintain social distancing and hygiene practices; and

3. Just take an extra second to express that little bit of extra caution with the current restrictions, rules and laws.

Do these three things and you’ll be just fine! I have always found moving homes to be such an exciting time. For those moving, I wish you all the best with your move and hope that you enjoy your new residence!


This post is in collaboration with Professional Removalist Company Hire A Mover Sydney & Influencer Management Service – #AsSeenOn.

My hospital bag

Motherhood

I was writing up my handover notes for work and realised that I have five weeks left before baby arrives! This second pregnancy has flown by and I was much more organised when I had my first (the luxury of time without a toddler). It dawned on me that I better start packing my baby bag. My hospital bag is based on four nights stay.

I like to have my hospital bag packed by 36 weeks latest. This means everything is packed, washed and literally all you need to do is pick up the bag and walk out the door. I say 36 weeks because baby can come early, it is done and means you can now relax. Plus I find when you hit full term (37-42 weeks) you get tired and uncomfortable. Trust me, you do not want to be packing between contractions!

I admit that I am highly organised and an over packer. Last time, I brought a whole large suitcase after all but there were a lot of things that I didn’t need. Here is a list of my essentials and personal favourite brands to take with you. I have kept my list very simple this time around.

Birthing:

Each birth plan is so personal but these were some of the birthing items which I took and loved:

  • Birth Plan
  • Own Pillow – This was my number one hospital item. I was able to sleep well and I felt comfortable having something from home with me.
  • Flameless candle – I loved focusing on the candle, the atmosphere it created and also used it for night feeds where there was no harsh lighting
  • Entertainment – Favourite music play list, favourite photos and some movies on an iPad.
  • An insulated straw water bottle – no risk of spilling the water and not having to keep filling up regularly
  • Bralette and Bloomers – I wear the ones from Bimboy and Roy. You can also wear them for nursing too.
  • Thongs – for walking around the hospital in and to wear in the shower
  • A kimono or large tee with buttons – This is for easy nursing, comfort and being able to cover up as well. I love the styles from Saffron Lane and Maive and Bo. 
  • Snacks – for hubby or yourself
Clothing:
Maternity and Nursing Dress from Mamaway
Nursing Pyjamas from Mamaway
Reusable Breastpads from Stevie Jane
Maternity and Nursing Dress from Mamaway

Most of the hospital clothes which I took with me to the hospital last time were from one store – Mamaway. I absolutely loved how I could pick up most of my essentials from the one place. You won’t need to many clothes as most the time you will be having skin to skin contact with your new bub.

  • Day feeding bra – I used the Mamaway Ultra Light Antibacterial Seamless Maternity & Nursing bra because I loved how it could stretch up to three bra sizes which is important when your milk is coming in.
  • Night bra – I like to have a different bra for night feeds so that I am not fiddling around with clips. I love the Mamaway Crossover one which is soft, lightweight, stretchy with antibacterial and anti-odour properties and is perfect for frequent feeds.
  • Nursing Pyjamas – Again my favourites were from Mamaway as their two pieces have an adjustable waist for pregnancy and can also be adjusted for postpartum. It is has easy feeding panels which you can just slide across.
  • Day time visitor outfit – I would normally pack two changes. I am taking the below two dresses with me this time which i can dress up or down, add layers to and pop on to get out of loungewear. These are also from Mamaway. I suggest dresses incase you have a c-section or an emergency c-section so that pants do not irritate the wound.
  • Underwear – I would normally pack seven days worth incase any got dirty. I also packed really large high waisted underwear incase I had an emergency c-section. I just purchased some cheap ones from Target so that if they were stained, I could discard of them.
  • Socks or slippers – I brought some ‘Happy Socks’ but others recommend socks with grip at the bottom. I purchased some cheap slippers from Kmart to take with me.
  • Breast-pads – Personally, I love reusable ones as I was super itchy from the disposables. The reusable option i recommend are from Stevie Jane who hand makes both daytime and night time bamboo pads. Otherwise a good dispoable option is by Pigeon.
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Maternity and Nursing Dress from Mamaway.

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Nursing Bra’s from Mamaway.

Other items:
  • Packing cubes from Kmart really helpful. Otherwise I use canvas bags with a drawstring to organise my hospital items.
  • Hairband – to get the hair out of your face and away from your chest when nursing. Plus, it doubles as a reminder for which side breast you last fed on if you put it on your wrist! Cooper and Hudson have gorgeous scrunchies.
  • Hairbrush
  • Hairdryer 
  • Travel set Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash – I recommend Vatea as it contains no nasties and because there is so much skin to skin those first few days, this is was of importance for me. I choose the travel set from Vatea
  • Lip balm – I personally love the Vatea lip balm as it contains no nasties.
  • Skincare
  • Makeup
  • Contact lenses and Solution
  • Glasses
  • Cold and heat therapy – this is a must. It is a huge relief to have cold packs on you when your milk comes in. Later on, it can be warmed to help with blocked ducts. I love the ones from Body Ice Woman.
  • Camera and charger
  • Phone and Charger
  • Wallet – pack your medicare cards, licence, credit card and a small amount of cash. Don’t bring too many valuables.
  • Maternity Pads – my hospital supplied these but pack these if your hospital doesn’t. A reusable option is Modibodi.
  • Incontinence Pants – laugh now but thank me later. These are super convenient! I wore these with a maternity pads inside and I didn’t have to worry about blood leaks. Change them if blood overflows onto them from the pad or change daily. If you have a natural birth, they also hold in the cold pop stick for your down their region nicely. These are the ones I used and will be taking with me again from Tena.
  • Postnatal belt – I personally use the Mamaway Postnatal Belt which can be use after c-section and natural birth. It also helps with back pain relief, stabilise c-section wounds, uterus and muscle recovery. If you have private health as well, it is usually claimable with a referral.
  • Lactation cookies – we be brining Franjo’s cookies to snack on. If you don’t like biscuits, they also have crackers and muesli.
  • Nipple balm – do not forget this! I used the Lansinoh Ointment before and after each feed to prevent dry cracked nipples. Another option we loved was from Moogoo.
  • Breast Pump – optional whether this is something you would like to pack. I will be brining my Haakaa pump with me. I will be using this more so to catch the excess liquid gold from the other breast when nursing.
  • Dirty clothes bag – I use wet bags from Hippybottomus for these. They are lightweight, compact to pop in your bag and the double zipper allows you to separate items e.g. wet/dry, clean/dirty.
Haakaa Breast Pump
Postnatal Recovery and Support Belly Band by Mamaway
Vatea Organic Lip Balm
Franjos Lactation Products
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Cold and Heat Therapy by Body Ice Woman and Lactation Cookies by Franjos.

Baby items:

I suggest packing these items into the baby bag which you will continue to use. The baby I recommend is from Arch Bags which doubles as over the shoulder bag and backpack which is easily convertible or Arrived.

Archbag converted to a backpack style
Arch bag converted to an over the shoulder style
  • Baby announcement plaque – I love the wooden plaques from Darling Hart and Emm & Co. If you prefer something with baby’s details, My Lovely Gifts Au have beautiful birth plaques (don’t forget the marker!).
  • Baby going home outfit –  I recommend the Monkey Tree Children’s Store as they have amazing array of quality brands, Our Joey for organic clothing or Pappe for something luxe.
  • Swaddle or blanket I will be taking my Heritage Blanket for our announcement photo.
  • Baby journal – I love the Bebe book from Truly Amor.
  • Nursing pillow – I use the one from Mamaway as you can use it during pregnancy and also for nursing.
  • Car seat – I like to ensure this is installed by 36 weeks.
  • Baby moisturiser – we use the baby balm from Vatea which is fantastic for those babies who have eczema. It can be used as a nappy balm as well. The balm is award winning too, contains no nasties and contains 99.9% organic ingredients.
  • 2-3 few nappies and a pack of wipes – we love the Simple to Us nappies as they they are Australian Owned and do not contain any nasties like alcohol or fragrances.
  • Change mat
  • Poo bags
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Baby Journal by Truly Amor, Mink Blanket by Heritage Blankets, Baby Shoes by Bobux, Rattan Rattle by Tila Interiors and Rainbow Mobile by Lew and Mae.

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Eucalyptus Gum Wrap by Emm & Co.

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Knitted Booties and Bonnet by Woolly Mutton, Bebe Book by Truly Amor and Earth Side Plaque by Emm & Co.

 

DISCOUNT CODES

Mamaway |www.mamaway.com.au|TRIBEOFWUWU10 (for 10% off) valid until 10 August 2020 on top of their current offers

Stevie Jane Australia|www.steviejaneau.com| TRIBEOFWUWU (for 10% off)

Vatea |www.vatea.com.au| TRIBEOFWUWU (for 25% off)

Hippybottomus |www.hippybottomus.com.au| TRIBEOFWUWU5% (for 5% off)

Arch Bags |www.archbags.com| TRIBEOFWUWU10 (for 10% off)

Cooper and Hudson |www.cooperandhudson.com| TRIBEOFWUWU (for 15% off)

Monkey Tree Store |www.monkeytreestore.com| TRIBEOFWUWU (for 20% off)

Our Joey |www.ourjoey.com.au| TRIBEOFWUWU (for 20% off)

Simple to Us |www.simpletous.com.au| WUWU20 (20% off first order)

On a last note, we wish all those expecting, a beautiful and safe birth of their baby. Please feel to reach out to me if you have any questions, need any help or would like further discount codes. I look forward to hearing about your beautiful purchases for your own baby or for your friends or family.

This hospital bag list was created with the intention of supporting small businesses and is based on my own personal experience. Participating stores have not paid a fee and no links are affiliate links. The discounts have been negotiated purely for the interests of our followers. On behalf of the small businesses – Thank you for choosing to support small.

 

 

 

Cricut

Reviews

I have always been a lover for Arts & Crafts and a sense of me still always craves a creative outlet which usually takes form in photography on my Instagram page @tribeofwuwu. I remember as a child, I would try to get my hands onto anything creative – pressing flowers, making paper from paper scraps, cross stitching, sewing library bags, watercolour painting, experimenting with film photography, scrapbooking and making stickers. Every Saturday when my family went for their weekly grocery shop, I would happily spend my time in the aisles of Lincraft and Spotlight drumming up projects which I could create. I even sold my handmade cards at a local newsagent!

Since becoming a mum, I haven’t had as much time to work on creative projects however this year I vowed to revisit my passion for Arts Crafts. I decided to try the new Cricut Joy which is a small cutting machine for projects on the go. It connects to your computer, mobile or tablet via bluetooth and is perfect for those who have limited space and want to create quick personal projects.

With birthdays, the upcoming birth of our son and Father’s Day coming up, I have needed to start making some cards. I have been making cards on the Cricut today and wanted to show you how fun, easy and great they look!

I have chosen to show you how to make handmade cards in the quickest and most convenient form by using Cricut’s card templates and card packs. It literally takes me two minutes to make these cards and it is done in less than 6 steps! Please note though, it is so easy to customise your own card designs quickly and you do not need to use their card packs (can cut to size and purchase your own cardboard).

Materials

To make

1. Simply open the Cricut Design App, drop down to Cricut Joy Insert Cards on the left hand side and select a design you like from the many available. You can also use the search field to narrow down the occasion of the card you are looking for.

2. Select the design you would like to create. This will open up the instructions and detail the materials that you will need to create your card.

3. Select ‘Make It’, the material load type as ‘On Card Mat’ and material size as 10.8cmx13.97cm (since we are using the insert cards). Click continue.

4. You will then be prompted to insert the Card Mat. Note: remember to take off the thin liner on the top before inserting. Choose the card of your choice and slip the card into the card mat. Push the top of the card down onto the sticky part of the card mat so that it is held in position. Ensure all lines on the card line up with those on the card mat. Once ready, load the card mat into the Cricut Joy with the arrow facing up and the roller will suck the mat in.

5. Select ‘Go’ in the Cricut Design App and the design will start to be cut! Then select ‘Unload’ for the card mat to be ejected.

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6. How exciting! The card has been created! Gently pull back the card top from the mat (Tip: use the spatula to help you if you have delicate areas), slide the insert into those four cutout corners and ta-da the card is created! The pieces left on the Card Mat can be simply removed using the scraper tool. Tip: If your Card Mat is no longer sticky, simply use a baby wipe to refresh it.

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Here are some of the cards which I have made:

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Pros:

  • Full proof templates
  • Lightweight
  • Portable for on the go projects
  • Perfect for small projects
  • Bluetooth connection to mobile, tablet and computer
  • Offers mat less cutting for vinyls
  • Great value for money
  • Large range of templates ready to go

 

Cons:

  • Pay for Cricut Access for more designs
  • Not for commercial projects

 

It has been so nice to have done something crafty again and to be able to spend part of the day creating these quick and easy cards! I hope you loved seeing these creations come to life, as much as I have enjoyed making them!

Casual Maternity Fashion

Motherhood

For the first seven months of my last pregnancy, I never wore maternity clothes. Honestly, I should have.

I had seen so many pregnant celebrities wear heels, tight dresses and dressed to perfection and for some crazy reason, I thought I would be able to look like this. Hands up who also thought the same!!

My stubbornness in not wanting to spend my money on maternity clothes and thinking that they were not all that nice meant that I often found myself squashing my growing belly into anything in my wardrobe which would fit. This frequented of baggy clothes and flowy dresses. Yes, I did save some money but more importantly – I was often left feeling not beautiful. I also discovered that there are heaps of maternity clothes which can be worn for pregnancy and beyond – value for money and keeping you looking stunning. Trust me when I say this – you will get a lot of wear out of your nursing clothes! Especially if you will be having more than one pregnancy as well.

There are two ways to approach maternity fashion – to wear what you already have or to start building up a maternity wardrobe. After seven months, I took some pants off and had an elastic rim around my belly and my husband said “why are you doing this? Just buy some maternity clothes and try them”. At that stage, I was fairly big and caved. I jumped online, ordered some maternity pieces from Soon Maternity and loved them! I felt beautiful and enjoyed showing off the bump. I realise now that pregnancy is such a special time in a woman’s life and this is the time where you should be feeling good about yourself.

Second pregnancy around, I am not mucking about! If anything, I am bigger this time around, so the maternity clothes are out! Below I will be showcasing my top five essential maternity fashion pieces worth investing in. These are pieces which you will wear over and over again. There will be hero pieces that you will reach for every time and ones which you can layer or style up to create so many looks.

1. Leggings

This is my hero piece. I reach for my maternity leggings at least three times a week. This one pair of bottoms will mean you won’t need several pairs of pants as they are so comfortable and provide freedom of movement. Perfect for being on the go and exercising. It can be styled with sneakers, a tee, a long sleeve, with a cardigan, with a sweater, a singlet and best of all it stretches with your belly (whilst holding it securely) and can still be worn after birth too.

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2. Crop Knits

This piece was an a mind-blowing game changer for me! It is so versatile! It is worn as a layering piece to keep you warm whilst still allowing easy feeding access! I often wear these over my nursing dresses which zip down the front for some extra coverage. The crop knit can also dress up casual dresses and skirts.

3. Slip Skirts

Slip skirts can be worn casually with a tee and sneakers or dressed more formally for dinner or work with a blazer thrown over. These slip skirts usually have an elastic waist to grow with your belly and works perfectly for fluctuating weight. These slip skirts also look great with flat or heeled sandals.

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4. Overalls

I live in overalls at home but of course they can be worn out too. They are a fuss free item of clothing. I never have to worry about pulling my pants up, checking that i am not flashing anyone and they can be worn for all seasons. Perfectly paired with sneakers or sandals, a tee, a jumper or cardigan. These overalls from Soon Maternity have a little bit of stretch, have an adjustable side button, adjustable shoulder strap, five pockets, look super trendy and provides easy access when nursing too.

5. The Feeding Top

I cannot get enough of these, these tops act as my essential piece. I had so many issues at the beginning of my breastfeeding journey and I was not a confident public feeder at all. These feeding tops provided me coverage when feeding in public and honestly when you are nursing baby, you can’t see any boob. I eventually stopped finding feeding rooms and removed the feeding covers as they brought more attention than wearing these tops to nurse. These feeding tops provided me with a sense of security and also easy access.

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So there you have it. These are my top five pieces to get you through those 40 weeks and beyond.