Month: April 2019

Get in on the action with the Oreo Cup Challenge

Get in on the action with the Oreo Cup Challenge

One thing you are guaranteed to find in our house, at any given point, is a good old pack of Oreo’s. We like the original ones, with vanilla cream. We also love a good competition, in fact, I’m a little nervous at how competitive the boys are becoming! The timing of the Oreo Cup Challenge which launched recently, has been perfect, with a little extra time to spend with the boys on maternity leave, I have been introducing Aadam to the world of gaming (he already considers himself an F1 guru on the PlayStation 🙂 )

Oreo’s have always been about bringing people together, whether you are twisting, licking or dunking, the brand stands for uniting people, creating conversation and connecting people with lighthearted fun. The range currently spans across the newer Golden range, Original, Oreo Chocolate Crème and a fan favourite, the Oreo Enrobed. If you currently have any of these packs around your house, you can enter the game.  These wonderfilled games will continue to encourage people to come together as they are and connect with the people and world around them.

The Oreo Cup launched globally early on in March and will run till 31 May 2019. It is really simple to enter: simply take the last 4 digits from your barcode number on your favourite Oreo product. The size doesn’t matter, whether it’s an individual 4 pack, or giant-sized Oreo Golden you are set. Each time you enter a barcode number, you receive credits which you can use to play and compete with people from across the world.

If you are lucky enough to get on the leader board (trust me, it’s harder than it looks), there’s a Huawei P20 mobile phone up for grabs, cash prizes and even a PlayStation 4. There are also weekly prizes including Takealot vouchers, airtime and HiSense Smart TVs available to win.

To play any of the games, buy any participating OREO and dial *120*8826# or visit www.oreocup.com Once you’ve logged into the cup website you’ll be able to choose from a variety of different games: There’s Oreo Ladder Dunk, Oreo Crazy Twist, Oreo Flash Lick, Oreo Seesaw Twist and Oreo Spiral Dunk. Follow @Oreo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you are in the following areas, you can join in the fun with the Oreo Cup Activations:

Limpopo

  • Mall of the North – Pick n’ Pay Court: 27 and 28 April

Kwa-Zulu Natal

  • Gateway – Game Court: 4 and 5 May

Port Elizabeth

  • Pier 14- Shoprite Court: 11 and 12 April

Cape Town

  • Canal Walk – Checkers Court: 17 and 18 May
  • Tygervalley – Woolworths Court: 24 and 25 May 

I’m still trying to practice enough to get score over 1000, and beat my husband but so far, I’m failing dismally at both. Word of advice the Oreo Seesaw Twist is way harder than it looks. I think it may be easier to do on a phone rather than a computer.

Keep an eye on my Facebook page for a little snippet of us trying to make our mark globally, but right now I’m off to buy another packet of Oreos, not like I needed an excuse in the first place 🙂

Dino Dig Sensory Play

Dino Dig Sensory Play

A “Dino Dig” is something I have been dying to try with my boys. Making our own dino fossils has been top of my “wish list” but I just havent had the time or energy to do it. Recently though I paid a visit to our favourite “Plastic Land” (I feel like that’s a bit of a swear word these days), and when I saw a pack of plaster of paris I quickly grabbed it for my fossils.

I had to write an actual blog for this activity because initially, It was an epic fail. It was my first attempt at using Plaster of Paris, and clearly I hadn’t put much thought into it. I just mixed and poured, and well, it did require some pre planning.

There are a few things you should know if you use this method:

  1. You CANNOT pour Plaster of Paris down the drain, it will break your pipes (thankfully I didn’t), and it sets almost immediately. Which means you have to work very quickly, it also means, use something disposable when mixing it so you can do an easy clean up. That was mistake number 1 for me, I mixed it up in a baking bowl with a wooden spoon; and I then had to try dissolve all of it with Bicarbonate of Soda (which actually worked very well).
  2. Use moulds that you can break or peel away. I had found some playdough moulds at Toyzone that I thought would make the perfect dino fossils, except they didn’t 🙂 I couldn’t get the plaster of paris out of the mould and had to almost break my brand new playdough cutters.

So after I failed one night of trying with the plaster of paris, and getting utterly frustrated, I ended up making good old salt dough fossils the next day. They were super quick, easy, and the boys always love to play with salt dough so it certainly wasnt a waste of time. I just wasnt happy with how they looked in comparison to the “Pintrest” pretty fossils I had seen. I turned to good old You Tube and caught a video where they used plastic around the playdough which was then just cut off and thrown away.

Make your own dinosaur fossils (Plaster of Paris):

Ingredients:

Plaster of Paris

Water for Mixing

Playdough

Small Dinosaur Figurines

Paper Muffin Cups

Method:

Roll out your playdough and cut into shape with your muffin cup, placing your playdough at the bottom of each cup.

Insert and press down with the dino figurine to leave an imprint into your playdough (remove your figurine).

Mix up your Plaster of Paris (In a disposable cup), and pour into your cupcake/muffin cups on top of the playdough. You want it a bit thicker as if it’s too thin it will crack and break easily.

Once set, peel away your paper muffin cups/plastic, whatever you used. Peel away the playdough from underneath and Voila! Instant Dino Fossils! You will notice the playdough does get a little sticky when you peel it away, so I just took a slightly damp tooth-brush to brush away and clean up the playdough.

If you are really OCD and want a smoother fossil, you can sand down your fossils, but this mama does not have time for that!

Sensory Play

Once I had my fossils ready I pulled out some of my old moon sand/ cloud dough, which is just a combination of flour and oil, you can view my recipe here. If you have a sandpit even better! I “hid” the fossils under the sand and got some old paint brushes, a magnifying glass and some dino books for us to read. Once the boys had found the fossils, I whipped out the original figurines and we made a bit of a puzzle out of it, matching the figurine to the fossil, and then learning about that dinosaur! It was a great activity and really did keep them occupied for quite some time.

The best part is everything is saved and packed away for another day of play!

I would absolutely love to hear your feedback. Have you tried making your own fossils before? Let me know what you think of the two different methods and what you prefer. Happy playing!

Giveaway + Review : Natralogic, South Africa’s Leading, All Natural Maternity Skincare Range

Giveaway + Review : Natralogic, South Africa’s Leading, All Natural Maternity Skincare Range

Something about becoming a mother changed my whole outlook on life. My overall awareness of dangers around us and what we put into and onto our bodies. I became more aware of all the harsh chemicals in the products we use (particularly on my children), so why should the products I use be any different? Lauren, founder and creator of Natralogic, felt the same way when she became a mother. Most products for pregnant mothers contained harmful ingredients that are actually not recommended for use during pregnancy and are associated with a number of health issues. She saw a gap in the market and jumped on it, and I’m so very glad she did!

A few weeks ago I featured Natralogic on my “Love Local” series, and I have been using the products close to 2 months now. I wanted to do my review as always, after a using the products consistently over a few months. I have to be honest, at the time Lauren contacted me I had never even heard of “Natralogic”, but now that I’ve started using it, its something I want to continue to purchase, even after baby is here. You can read more about Lauren and her story here.

Let’s dive into my review of these proudly South African, all natural, maternity skin care range.

First up and most important, in case you weren’t aware: Natralogic products are cruelty free (certified by Beauty Without Cruelty), COSMOS NATURAL certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to COSMOS standard, Certified Vegan by the Vegan Society, Clinically and Dermatologically certified and are formulated with Certified Organic Ingredients – Did you get all of that??

The full product range currently consists of (available online):

Cooling Leg Gel – To be honest, I would not even call this a gel, as that conjures up images of a thick sticky solution. It’s almost like a liquid lotion, does that make sense? All active ingredients are focused on healing and anti-inflammatory and it has a fabulous peppermint smell that is an instant pick me up. In fact, across all of the products, the natural scents are deeply relaxing. This cooling leg gel improves circulation and reduces water retention and is a welcome relief after a long day at work or running after the boys.

Exfoliating Crème – This instantly transports me to a spa. It’s an absolute treat to rub this into my tummy and thighs before jumping into the shower. The only two improvements I could think of are that  I would like to buy it in a slightly bigger bottle, and I feel the product could be a little bit thicker. That’s me really trying to think of a reason it could improve. The idea behind the Exfoliating Crème is to remove dead skin cells, to speed up cell renewal, and to boost the skin’s natural repair process. It prepares the skin for better product absorption of the toning massage oil. It’s recommended to use the two together to maximise benefits and minimize stretch marks! It leaves my skin fantastically smooth and it has literally become a pre shower “treat” to use.

 

Toning Massage Oil – An absolute winner! It has a subtle citrus undertone that instantly uplifts your mood. The unique blend of natural oils and ingredients are meant to help shape your contours and reduce the appearance of cellulite. To be perfectly honest, the appearance of cellulite is not high up on my priority list whilst pregnant so I haven’t actively looked or noticed a difference in that regard, but I do know that its kept my skin wonderfully hydrated it, and I literally feel like I’ve had a full body treatment at the spa. Its fast absorbing and doesn’t leave an oily residue at all.

 Tummy Crème – I want to call this “Yummy”, I know that’s a weird word to associate with a beauty product, but that’s exactly what this cream is. Its luxurious and well, “creamy”. It was specifically designed to prevent and improve the appearance of stretch marks and I’ll be using it well after pregnancy too. The ingredients focus on promoting collagen and elastin which improves overall skin tone and elasticity. Again, my only complaint about this product is it’s not big enough!!! I also wouldn’t mind seeing in available in a tub as an option, but that’s just so I can scrape out every last inch of it 🙂

Nipple Crème – I’ll be honest in saying I haven’t really “tested” this yet, because I’m still patiently waiting madam’s arrival. I can speak however from the perspective of a mum who has breastfeed two kids so far in saying a good nipple crème is a huge in your breastfeeding journey, and I have tried and used a lot of brands. Natralogic use 100% ultrapure medical grade lanolin and it’s consistency did not come across as sticky at all. I’ll report back on this one after a few weeks, but so far I like what I have seen.

So there is my honest review on the range and I mentioned it in my previous post, but I want to emphasis it again, I am completely and utterly impressed by the luxury and feel of these products. To have something of such a high standard, created by an incredible woman, just blows me away. If you have any questions on the products feel free to comment below, I would would love to hear from you!

Natralogic is available to purchase through their online store – shop here.

Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

This review is sponsored by Natralogic, but all views and opinions are my own. 

GIVEAWAY – Here comes the exciting part!

Together with Natralogic I’ll be giving one lucky mama to be a hamper worth over R1000. This range is truly luxurious and is the ultimate treat! I honestly want to spread the word far and wide over the quality of this range.

You can enter either via Facebook or Instagram, by clicking on the relevant links.

Competition closes at Midnight on April 17th and winner will be announced the following morning.

Hospital Bag Checklist – What To Pack For Mom And Baby

Hospital Bag Checklist – What To Pack For Mom And Baby

I finally did it! At 38 weeks I finally packed my hospital bags 🙂 I always love to leave things till the last-minute, but better late than never right? I asked a poll on my Instastories a few weeks back how many of you were still unsure of what to pack in your hospital bags, and 80% commented that they needed help. It’s one of those things where there are so many lists around you never know quite how much to pack or what is actually needed.

You would think that on baby 3 I would pretty much have this down pat by now but there are still things I stress about forgetting. My packing is pretty streamlined and I know exactly what I will need and when so in terms of bag organisation I think I have that down. The only time you should actually stress about not having something you specifically need is whilst you are in labour, so make sure you have a “mini bag” ready for labour. The rest of the time you aren’t actually away in another city, most of the time hubby or support can pop home to fetch something you need if its urgent. I always pack for a 3 day stay as you never know what might happen, even with all the best intentions you may end up having a c-section so rather be over prepared and ready.

Here are the key items I have packed, separated into moms and baby’s bags 🙂

For Mama:

I pack a smaller bag inside my hospital bag, to take with me into the labour room with essentials such as:

Snacks: I cannot emphasize these enough. By the time Yusuf made an appearance I was so hungry I could have attacked anything in sight. The midwife had kindly organized tea and some breakfast for me (it was about 11am by the time I was in my room), but it did not touch sides at all. Hubby was about to go home to get some sleep himself but before I let him go I made him drive to the nearest Woolworth’s and buy 3 ready-made meals. I literally devoured 3 meals before 2pm came around. There is nothing worse than being in your room and a snack attack hits and you don’t having anything to munch on. For my suitcase I pack the Woolworth’s trail mixes, dried fruit, chips and Energades. I also always pack a packet of gum or some mints.

Identity documents – These are pretty important and can be easily missed. I have to lug my passport everywhere but if you are a South African Citizen your ID would suffice).

Socks and Slippers: Your feet get cold! I pack 3 pairs of socks and I always save up those slippers from hotel or spa stays so I pack a pair of disposable slippers ( I don’t want to take them home after walking around a hospital). You can also pack flops for the shower.

Entertainment: This is your own personal preference. I pack my iPod (yes I’m still old school and I own a separate iPod), my Qu’ran (electric and travel size), I listen to the electronic one normally in early stages of labour. This time around I’ll be packing my iPad with a few pre-downloaded Netflix series on as well. I try to sleep as much as I can when I’m in hospital because I know once I’m home and have the other kids around, rest is not something I’ll be getting a lot of. DO NOT FORGET YOUR CHARGERS!

In my Larger bag I pack:

Nursing bras: I pack 3, these are crucial. You will need the support, but you will also need to be able to whip out your boob on a moment’s notice 🙂 We have a wide selection available in South Africa now from the traditional Carriwell to the modern and functional Bravado, Sophie and Jane and Mama Noo Bras

Disposable underwear: Really, they will be your best friend. Apart from my “going home” outfit I don’t even bother with normal underwear when in hospital. I want to throw everything away. So, I pack 4 to 6 pairs to make sure I have enough. At this point I use the good sexy Carriwell high-waisted ones. The ones that look like you are wearing a hair net, on your bum 🙂

Button up Pyjamas: I only realised the power of a button up pyjama top after having Aadam. It was something as a first-time mum I have never even considered before but after my first night in hospital I promptly sent my mum out to buy me a pair from Woolies. There are some utterly gorgeous lounge style pyjamas out there at the moment, with some equally gorgeous price tags 🙂 So for now, my favourites are typically all from Woolworth’s. I pack 3 pairs.

Maternity Pads: You know its real when you have to go out and do the grudge buys like linen savers and maternity pads 🙂 I’m rejoicing at the fact that lil-lets have come to the party with their own range of maternity pads now. Making child-birth a teeeeeny bit more glamorous 🙂 With the boys I used the age-old Carriwell “boats” that you constantly had to check and made sure they didn’t crunch up or shift. I have now stocked up on the lil-lets brand as they are certainly A LOT thinner and look a lot more “user friendly”.

Breast Pads: You may not may not use these while you are still in hospital. Your milk normally “kicks in” on day 3 but boy oh boy when it does you need to be ready for leakage 🙂 As soon as I am home I use cotton washable ones, but in the hospital, I normally pack 2 or 3 disposable ones.

Toiletries: What you pack is completely up to you, but you want to make sure you have the basics covered. I pack my Johnson’s Face Wipes – if you get in visitors but don’t feel up to walking to the bathroom they are ideal for a quick refresh, I keep a pack next to my bed and apply a little make up on to look fresh! I also pack a bar of dove soap, my Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream , Toothbrush ( I throw this away as well when I leave), Toothpaste, Dove deodorant, small bottles of shampoo conditioner and body lotion and my tangle teezer hairbrush. I certainly do not apply full make up when in hospital but I do take my “basics” which include my L’Oreal infallible foundation, Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Mascara, Matsimela lip balm (always always pack lip balm), a brighter shade lippy for a pick me up. I also pack my Dettol instant hand sanitizer. You guaranteed not to run short on a hand sanitizer in the hospital, but its nice to always have your own.

Eye Mask: My cousin gifted me one at my first baby shower with a little note to say that sometimes they don’t switch off the lights or if you want to have a snooze in the day, to “use this”. I thought it was the sweetest thing ever and something I never forget to include now.

Going home outfit: You can pack this but its something ill often get hubby to bring with on day 2 or 3. So that it’s not all creased and “hospitally”. Remember to pack something looser as you will still be swollen.

Bath towel and face cloth: In case you haven’t noticed I have a slight phobia around hospitals and germs. Yes, even though you are in a labour ward, there are still germs!. I always pack my own towel and facecloth. Pack a plastic packet as well to put it in, just in case it’s still damp when its home time.

Babys’ Bag:

Blankets: I pack 3 muslin wraps, 1 fresh for each day. They are so lightweight and breathable, and baba is snug as can be. I also pack one softer fleece one to put over baba for a chillier night. You are guaranteed to have at least one leakage episode while in the hospital so pack an extra think blanket for just in case. I love how soft the Maccie Bamboo Muslin Blankets are.

Facecloths: 2 facecloths and one longer burping cloth. My one from Baby Little One is the perfect size!

Dummy: I always pack a dummy, with Aadam we got him on his before we even left the hospital, Yusuf never ever took to one though. The brand we have had the most success with has always been NUK.

Clothing: I pack 4 outfits (you always need a spare for any accidents and if you are having a boy I’d probably pack 5 🙂 Boys like to wee, especially when you take off their nappies 🙂 This time around I have packed outfits together in packs to make it easier to grab for changes. In each pack I’ve put a nappy with a vest, 1 x long sleeve babygro (woolies button up ones are perfect for hospital), socks and a hat. I then have a separate one for baba’s going home outfit. There’s a baby grow my mum in law brought over from the UK before I had Aadam. He went home in it, Yusuf went home in it and I’ve packed it now for this baba too. It’s quite sentimental and super cute 🙂 So that’s at least 3 x vests (I pack 4), 3 x Babygro’s, 3 pairs socks and 3 hats.

Hooded Towels: Baby typically only has one bath while in hospital, so one towel should suffice. Though I do remember with Yusuf they put one down and covered him in one too.

Nappies: That’s a given. The newborn ones normally come in handy smaller packs, perfect for chucking into your hospital bag. My personal preference for newborn nappies is Huggies. They have the best fit and they even go down a bit in the front to accommodate the umbilical cord.

Toiletries: Cotton Wool (for toping and tailing), I also don’t use wet wipes on my newborns, I only use cotton wool and water. Those first few nappies with their black “poop” are always sticky so I prefer a wet piece of cotton wool. A gentle baby wash (I use pure beginnings for my babies), surgical spirits for their umbilical cord and some bum cream. For the first few days I also don’t put body lotion onto baba. I just think their little skin is so soft and pure, If I do need anything I put a little coconut oil onto their skin. Remember newborns typically have skin that peels a bit.

You can download this printable list by clicking on the link below:

In these stilettos Hospital Bag Check List True

The rest is your own personal preference, but I prefer not to overpack and to keep things simple. Don’t forget your chargers. Happy packing and if you are reading this and getting ready to give birth, wishing you a beautiful birth experience, whatever it may be!