Things I’ve Loved Lately Vol. 2

August has been a much kinder month to us health wise than July was.. As I wrote that I’ve realised that I was struck down by food poisoning (from a favourite Melbourne cafe, mind you!) last weekend.. so I don’t know how true of a statement that really is..

What I mean to say is, we’ve managed to keep Greta home and out of hospital this month (touch wood), which has honestly just been such a relief. Other than expected outpatient clinic appointments (of which there still have been plenty!) we’ve had no rushed trips to ED, no will-we-wont-we be up and leaving in the middle of the night panic, and most importantly — so much more time spent with Mila.

I’ve been mapping out a personal essay on how excruciating it has been having to mother her through this year — often from a far. I know that’s the reality for so many when you transition from one-to-two, but I think it’s fair to say that we’ve experienced that transition in an off-the-charts fashion..

After so much time feeling stretched so painfully thin between both girls, being able to be fully present with them both (and Lu!), during such a hard-earned season, is everything..

Anyway, From My Drafts to your inbox — here are bits and pieces I’ve been loving lately..

This pair of jeans. It’s been a month of really good denim!! If you follow me on IG you would have already seen me profess my love for these mid try on. They are PER-FECT. Selvedge denim, loose in all the right areas; so good I got them in a light and a dark wash. I like the light pair styled with a cuffed hem and will wear the darker wash (post trip to the tailor) with a slightly puddled hem to pair perfectly with a Tabi/ballet flat. I could write all day about hem length and the specifics of styling with the right shoe.. I digress!

This pair, too while I’m at it. If you love the Phoebe Philo Drop Jeans, but not the price tag (understandable..) let me influence you. I tried them on in store at Chadstone and fell in love instantly. Got them in the black and cream and have worn them so much in the past two weeks that Mila remarked ‘new favourite pants, huh Mumma?’. Nothing like a four year old (version of yourself) to keep you humble..

These ballet flats. If you’re frustrated that they’re perpetually sold out, same. A friend and fashion-industry-insider privately disclosed that she purchased this mirror quality replica pair whilst waiting to buy the real deal when back in stock. I have complicated feelings about dupes but my brain space is needed elsewhere these days. I won’t tell anyone if you don’t?

These pyjamas. The best pyjamas there ever was. Seriously. I have them in both the grey marle and black and have five pairs and counting. I have pairs that I sleep in, and pairs that are exclusively for lounging around the house in. I’m the kind of person that takes off ‘outside clothes’ the minute I walk through the front door. Plus, grey is the comfiest colour, it’s a fact — I don’t make the rules. Been living in these cashmere socks, plus loafers lately, too.

This tennis necklace. It really is the perfect piece to wear with a t-shirt or a light weight merino knit. I know we’re all sick of hearing about ‘elevated essentials’ but it really is the kind of accessory that instantly elevates (sorry!!) even the most basic of outfits.

This exhibition. Self explanatory. I love jewellery so much I’ve honestly considered taking a gemmology course just for fun. Spatially designed by Sabine Marcellis, the exhibition’s colour palette changes in each room, creating atmospheres that reference iconic Cartier pieces, as well as the stories they tell.

This baby carrier. Greta is almost eight months old (WHAT!?) so has figured out that she needs to be on-or-with-me-at-all-times. Luckily for me (well..!?) she’s a second percentile baby.. weighing barely six kilos at seven months. So at least she’s compact as well as ridiculously cute..? The carrier has been out best friend lately. From morning walks to folding washing, MVP.

This pram. Speaking of morning walks, Greta just graduated to the big girl seat! The usual criteria for a bub to be out of the basinet is if they’re rolling.. well, she’s been rolling for months, but she was still just too little for the seat. The upper straps started above her ears where they should be hugging her shoulders.. I feel like I shout it from the rooftops but many of you still ask about which pram we have so declaring it here for all interested parties, we have the Bugaboo Kangaroo. We had the Fox 5 when Mila was a baby (that pram has since retired at my in-laws place for walks-when-we-visit around Fairview park). We absolutely love Bugaboo. Mila sits on the scooter board attachment which makes outings to Chadstone where her legs give in before I’ve had my last lap that little bit easier.

This ring. I am head over heels for everything Sophie Whitelaw makes. She came up on my TikTok fyp years ago and I have long been obsessed with a) her Scottish accent and how she says ‘jeweller’ b) her bridal looks (the bride wore an INSANE SW tennis necklace) and c) this ‘Tobermory’ ring. I’ve seen her wear the five stone predominately as a pinky ring. I’ve also seen others sport the tri-stone ‘Lochranza’, designed as a sister-style, as a bolder, engagement-style ring. It’s seriously so beautiful, all of it. A replica made it’s way to my Etsy wish list this week, because after almost a year of unpaid mat leave, that’s about all I can afford these days..

This serum. My god. When gifts from CHANEL are delivered to my doorstep, it’s a very good day. This came last week and it is luxurious with a capital L. Is it great, absolutely? Is it worth the money? I mean sure, if you have it to spend.. Do I think there are other serums out there that could treat your skin’s needs without a designer price tag, definitely. Look, I really do love it. And I’m so fortunate in my work to try so many beautiful things. But I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you need it.

This probiotic. I’ve had mastitis more times than I can count this year (yep, still expressing, still exclusively ‘breastfeeding’ still a nasogastric tube..!!) and with that has come an ungodly amount of antibiotics. Six courses in the past eight months, I’ve just mentally calculated. Absolutely nuts and no guess as to why my gut health has been abysmal. These have been prescribed by my naturopath of a few years (who was originally a Zara Wong [Screenshot This on Substack] recommendation!). I’ve already seen an improvement in my skin health and overall inflammation since introducing this daily probiotic. So would definitely recommend!

This soothing dermal mist. It’s been a life saver for my skin flares (see above: abysmal gut health). My Em Algar [The Rich Creme on Substack] reminded me recently how much I love this product so I pulled it out and have been applying it to all problem areas: Currently back of hands! So dry and sore! Winter!! Also makes for a great face mist post treatment or if experiencing redness/angrier-than-usual skin. Special mention to this SOS spray, too.

This topical treatment. I was cleaning out my skincare wardrobe (yes, wardrobe!) a head of next month’s move and found a tube of this. I forgot how much I LOVE azelaic acid. It really is that girl. Use it if you want brighter skin, a more even complexion and if you tend to struggle with rosacea and redness. Start using once to twice a week. If your skin tolerates you can use every other day or daily, depending! Let me know what you think if you do give it a go..

This hair growth serum. I am saving the best till very last because wow-zers!! I am so excited to report back that this is legit. I know we’ve all been sold sooo many hair growth supplements and quick fixes but the stem-cell science behind this had me hoping for more than an empty promise. I see so many spiky little baby hairs on my hairline already, just a few weeks in. I’m really excited and will continue to document the progress for you.

With love,
Lauren

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