A gorgeous genius
The week that was
Dear diary,
Seren’s 2nd birthday party was a big success. I had a lot of fun in the week before compiling all the bee items possible and enjoyed working with my Mum to create a bee tablescape. A beescape if you will. It honestly was a great theme for a kid’s birthday party - the contrasting colours and cute critters throughout. And, gender neutral to boot. To be honest it was only Seren and one other child there, though, but all the inner children of the adults had fun too, I’m sure.
This is only the second birthday party I’ve thrown a child, given I only have one child who just turned two - so, my experience is a little limited. But compared to his first birthday party I was marginally more relaxed. I still find the whole thing quite stressful, but things that helped were being at my parent’s house with more space than our own and not having a stressful lead up in trying to get our house up to scratch, telling myself that the whole day is supposed to be relaxing and programming my nervous system to behave as such, and just letting the day unfold without trying to control every aspect. What also helped was having family take on tasks like my little sister baking the cake, which was phenomenal, Mum and Dad hosting (already mentioned!), Simon’s Mum making sandwiches that elevated the otherwise rather unhealthy spread of cupcakes, chips, sausage rolls and party pies… AND, having our dog Larry minded.
Present time is the most overwhelming, and I find myself getting overwhelmed on behalf of Seren, which is kind of a weird thing. It’s like, he’s so little and this is SO MUCH and I can’t explain to him why it’s happening. Turns out I think I’m projecting a bit because he was totally fine, although just lost focus a bit on the stream of gifts which is fair enough. I also predicted he’s be overwhelmed at the happy birthday singing, but he sat there beaming and absolutely loved it. I need to remind myself a lot that he is his own little person and will react not exactly as I did as a child, or as I predict him to. He’ll let me know if things are too much and all told he enjoyed every minute of the day.
A positive start to the week. I have a solo night out planned for Thursday night which is just an *influencer event* (I guess that’s what you’d call it? It’s just a store opening thing). I think I’m going to just go alone. It might be good for me to take a solo venture? Maybe? I don’t want to bother anyone into hanging out with me honestly. That’s how I feel socially with pretty much anyone except my family. But that does mean going to this thing with little to do to busy myself. I could do art openings alone back in the day because I’d just focus on the art and pretend I was super busy looking at things until someone I knew might appear and save me. To something like this I’m going in very cold. I don’t know half as many people as I used to and I’m half as good at small talk as I used to be. Anyway. When you read this I’ll be there and guaranteed it won’t be nearly as dramatic as I’m imagining. I figure if I’m super awkward I can have one drink and then duck out to get a solo meal somewhere which would be lovely!
I got a haircut last Friday night too! I think I’m happy with it. Hurrah. It’s amazing how much of a difference a haircut can make. I’m not longer flirting with the chopping it all off temptation. I’m good. Also, we finalised a name for my exhibition later in the year and I’m happy with it. If my first title that we could no longer use was a 10, this one is a 8.5 which is solid and I have no qualms about committing to it : )
Incoming stream of bee party things!
The display at home was extremely low fi compared to last year! I reused some of the mini party hats I had made for his first birthday but a lot of them were squashed or chewed up by Larry. I figured the bee party decor made up for a lacklustre display at home! I can’t tell you the joy I get from wrapping Seren’s presents while he’s in bed and knowing he’s going to be surprised in the morning.. It’s the best feeling as a Mum.
The beescape!
My outfit, as described last week. Seren didn’t want to take pictures with me so solo it was.
The jacket was actually my FULL subtle bee party look but it was too hot to wear it (hello unseasonable warmth?)
Bee cake by my sister Eden. So amazing.
My aim for the day was to take a nice family photo and this was literally the best we got.
Oh in case anyone else is going to throw a bee party I got the bee biscuits from Sugar Rush by Steph - a Melbourne company, they were individually wrapped, so the perfect little party favour for people to take home : )
Above - the bear my sister Eilish crocheted for Seren! Can you believe it! He was enamoured by it and loves the little removable hat and shoes.
This vintage celluloid doll that I found at Savers was magnificent and I still regret leaving her. She was in perfect condition but $40 to Savers seemed criminal. I really do regret leaving her. I hope she went to a good home.
Foggiest morning.
Incy wincy’s abode.
Baby chino outing and pastry bribery. A curse on any baby chino that is more milk than froth!
Connetix appreciation - Seren’s finally been able to open up his gift from Connetix and can I just say they have completely captured both him and me (and Simon!) They are SO fun to play with, there is no limit to what you can create and we’ve been incorporating other toys in as well like Fisher Price Little People and his Jellycats for even more imaginative games. Packing them up into colour order calms me down and they’ve just been a huge hit so far. I may have even already purchased some more base plates in the Olivia and Grace 25% off sale (I thiiiink the sale will still be live once this goes out? They also have Sonny Angels just saying)
Ins/Outs:
In: CMAT. You all know I love CMAT but like sorry she is so smart and articulate. This recent post is bang on. “It is literally so boring for me, a gorgeous genius, to keep having to yap on about how horribly I am treated because of my body”
Out: Vodafone. It’s literally out. I can’t text or call anyone. Not to mention can’t listen to my special music and podcasts in the car. My Mum nearly sent out a search party because I didn’t text her saying I was on the way to drop Seren off.
Inside a book/magazine from my collection:
Have I shared this before? I hope not. Vogue Australia, December 1969 - January 1970. Could you think of two more iconic years? Second half of the mag next week.
I saw the above ad for sunglasses (bottom right) and realised I recently saw an extremely similar pair, from the same brand - at Savers! Another regretful non purchase. I just physically can’t pay more than $20 for something at Savers, the concept repulses me haha.
Anyway…
Best wishes,
Minna