Ramadan Traditions

Ramadan Traditions

Posted on by Rebecca

I often get asked by my non-muslim friends about our traditions and practices in Islam, in particular around our holy month of Ramadan. When I first reverted to Islam I had a close circle of friends who were all so incredibly welcoming and open in their practise of Islam, sending around food to neighbours (muslim or not) just before Iftaar (the break of fast each evening). They would always set extra places at the table, and the food, somehow, was always enough. One of my closest friends at the time Fatima, is a shining example of what a good Muslimah should be. She could whip up a feast in literally half an hour, without any warning, and make absolutely anyone feel at home. If you reading this Fats, I love you, and I’ll always look up to you!

I digress, I’ve gotten a few questions recently about how we “celebrate” Ramadan, specifically with the kids, and when I asked on instagram recently if anyone was interested to see what we have in our little Ramadan boxes, 100% of you said yes. So here I am sharing 🙂

Last year (with a lot more time on my hands), I made up a gorgeous little Ramadan corner in our playroom. The bookshelf was cleared of everything else and items related to Islam and Ramadan were placed on the shelves. We made up little “Dua Books” (Prayer books) for the boys to write in – On each page we wrote what we were grateful for and learnt a short prayer. We did a number of activities related to the crescent moon (Ramadan follows the cycle of the moon, so the sighting of the crescent moon signifies the start and end of Ramadan). These included making our own moon sighting binoculars, making moons out of plates and sticking on buttons. We also made our own Ramadan calendar (a little like an advent) and in each pocket, for each day, we had a different activity to do. Things like : bake cookies, learn a new Kalima, give money to charity etc.

I reused a lot of these things this year, as you can imagine with a newborn around, time is a little more limited. While I would have loved to have redone or purchased everything new, both time and money were limited!

Ramadan “boxes” are all the trend, so this year I made up a box for the boys. In it, I put a selection of our favourite Islamic children’s books, all from Suhayla Kids. I put together a blog last year on some of my favourite books around Ramadan, and Suhayla Kids has even more titles available this year; you can read up on some of them here.

New cloaks were also put into their boxes, alongside their prayer mats (the boys have always been obsessed with having their own special prayer mats), and a tasbeeh (prayer beads). When I have a little more time I would like to do that as a separate craft, have the boys make up their own prayer beads. I chucked in a couple of colouring books and the Sadaqah Jar (money for charity) we made up last year. We also received the cutest little personalized Wudu towels from their cousin that I added in (Wudu is the act of ablution one makes before praying).

I haven’t got any fancy activities planned for this year, though every week we will be focused on teaching the boys the 99 names of Allah.
The names can often seem complicated and abstract to children. They don’t really know what they “mean”, but by associating the names with an activity or craft, we show the children a more concrete representation, creating a connection and a memory. Apart from that I really would like to take them to an orphanage or charity to get hands on involved in helping others.

So that’s how I prepared the boys Ramadan boxes, I’ve been dying to get Ramadan PJ’s made for them but the closest I got this year was new Pyjamas with the moon on them (close enough right?).

How do you get your kids excited for Ramadan and do you have any special family traditions?

Love Local – Mama Noo Nursing Wear

Love Local – Mama Noo Nursing Wear

Posted on by Rebecca

Its been a while since a proper blog post, in between feeds and winding and trying to make various kiddos sleep a moment to type is quite rare these days. This is one post however that I cant put off any longer, because their products have made such a difference to me post-partum. In today’s Love Local Blog I feature the dynamic duo behind Mama Noo Maternity and Nursing Wear, and not a moment too soon with their winter range launching in 3 days.

I have the lifestyle maternity bra and it honestly is super comfortable. The cotton is soft and is not too tight at all. It has just enough stretch in it. There is nothing worse then a maternity bra that is too tight or “scratchy”, but the lifestyle bra has been fantastic. I love the fact that it is a sports bra style (there are various styles available), ideal for mums getting back into an exercise regime. I also received a pair of the delicate knickers. These are brilliant for your post-partum needs and are high waisted, which allows extra comfort especially if you have had a c-section. I actually wouldn’t take these to the hospital because I wouldn’t want to ruin them with those first few days after birth, I kept mine for when I was home and things were a little less messy 🙂 Either way a set of these and a bra would be the perfect gift for any mama to be!

Tell me more about yourselves and what you currently do?

Sisters by law, friends in awe. We are two sisters-in-law who became best friends through the journey of getting married and becoming stay-at-home mothers. I (Imne) live in Paarl with my husband and two little buttons (4y old boy and 20mnth old girl). Emsie lives in Stellenbosch with her husband and they have a boy (4y) and little girl(2y).

We love motherhood and try our best to embrace the joys, challenges and daily curve balls that life can throw. However, it is such a privilege to raise our children and be able to have our own business and work from home.

How did “Mama Noo” come about?

We love everything about breastfeeding and truly believe in all the rich benefits it holds. We breastfeed our children for at least 18-24 months. So, whilst on this adventure, we realized the complete lack of beautiful (but still functional and comfortable!) maternity underwear. We certainly did not want to flaunt the ones we then wore for months on end. We started out in October 2016 when our first imported bras arrived. It sold like hot cakes, and we realized the opportunity in our hands. Soon after we decided to start manufacturing locally. This allows us to tailor our products to mothers’ exact needs, and provide outstanding quality, whilst supporting ethical businesses in our own economy. 

What did you study – was it in this field or something different?

Hahaha, not at all. In our previous lives (before children) Emsie is a qualified dietician and I’m a social worker and play therapist.

What was your first job and how did you progress to this?

We both worked for a couple of years in traditional 8-5 environments. Emsie had the natural business skills (developed by having her own dietetics practice), and I always had a knack for art and design and was eager to learn more. We both thrive on creativity applying it in a dynamic environment. The interest in textiles, patterns and fashion grew as we started to develop our own collection of maternity panties and nursing bras. Mama Noo is a great channel for us to utilise our creativity and business skills.

What have been the highlights of starting your own business?

There is something so special about developing your own brand when you believe in its value and difference it can make in mothers (and of course dads 😉 ). Developing our own maternity wear and seeing the result of all the late nights of work (working hours are usually from 21:00-01:00) culminate in one-to-one moments with our clients on a personal level is the heart of what we truly do and enjoy. It is rewarding to see a need in the market addressed through our products while improving our products and in the end generating income.

What’s the best part of your job?

We love seeing a mommy’s face light up when she has fit and felt our lingerie nursing bras or maternity panties and loves the fabric, comfort and support that they offer. We believe in our products and it’s a joy when our customers experience the value of it.

Flexible working hours and being able to work from home with the privilege to be with our children is a blessing. 

What is the most challenging part?

We love being mothers and raising our kids from home, but with this privilege comes a few sacrifices as well. We work during the day when we find a gap and after hours which means work is often delayed and take a little longer to finish to accommodate our family life. We have had ups and downs and needed to climb a few mountains to be where we are today. Everyone in the clothing design business would know how technical a nursing bra is. It has taken us two years to design, test and develop our first Lifestyle Nursing bra that is supportive, sports friendly and gorgeous to wear. We are super proud and cannot wait for our next style to launch soon!

South Africa is still quite conservative when it comes to online shopping. Therefore, mom & baby expos and markets are still the way to go until. Expos can be very time consuming, extra hard work over weekends and time away from our family.

Describe a typical day in your life.

Haha, this can really be subject to change as we have our children with us the whole day without nannies. So our children are part of our business and we plan to accommodate them first…then our business 😉 But a typical day might look something like this: 

06:00-08:00 Read and reply to emails regarding orders for stock, arrangements for fittings and discussions around our patterns and adjustments.

08:00- 12:00 Courier comes to collect parcels for clients. At least once a week we will have a fitting as well. 

12:00 when our youngsters sleep we do some more admin. Sometimes we would get an au pair to help us out during the afternoon.

21:30-00:00 After tidying the home and spending some time with our husbands we would attend to customer queries, reply to emails, budget, prep for new orders to go out the following day.

What are the “secrets” to your success?

We believe in our product’s value and that we really address a need amongst pregnant and nursing moms of all types and sizes that look for comfortable, supportive and functional yet beautiful maternity lingerie.

How do you balance being a mummy and starting your own business.

We are on the journey of figuring it out. As a new online business there is so much that still needs to be developed and mastered. We are only two in the business and working from home (apart from our husbands and grandparents that have their own share as well in supporting us 😉 ).

So, it can be challenging when we are in work mode and when we switch off and just relax and give our full attention to our kids without distractions.

What is your dream for Mama Noo?

To be able to manufacture all our products locally and only sell our own garments.

To be in retail so that moms have a store to go and fit and feel our products.

To export to such an extent that anyone anywhere can be able to buy our products online.

Any tips for people wanting to take the leap and start their own business? 

If you have a dream and the determination to fulfil it and know your “Why?”, the “How?” will come in the process and nothing will stop you.

Get in on the action with the Oreo Cup Challenge

Get in on the action with the Oreo Cup Challenge

Posted on by Rebecca

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

Posted on by Rebecca

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

Posted on by Rebecca

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

Posted on by Rebecca

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!

Love Local – Meet Lauren From Natralogic

Love Local – Meet Lauren From Natralogic

Posted on by Rebecca

A while ago I featured on my instagram stories the most amazing, vegan friendly, organic, pregnancy safe cosmetic products from Natralogic. All proudly made in South Africa. I can honestly say I have been using Natralogic for a little over a month now and I’m slightly obsessed. In fact, as bad as it sounds, I can’t get over the fact that something of such high quality and “prestige” is literally manufactured in our own back yard! That’s a whole different story however, and in a few weeks when I post my review of the range I’ll be launching a giveaway to go with it. Whether you are pregnant or not, trust me, this is not a giveaway you’ll want to miss out on, so keep your eyes locked on my page 🙂

For now I want to tell you more about Lauren’s journey in creating Natralogic. I’ve said it before but motherhood opened my eyes to a hugely creative, influential community of strong powerhouse mama’s. They continue to inspire me and push me further everyday and Lauren’s story is no different. So read on to see how she went about starting this incredible range, and what her plans are for the future. I hope her story inspires you to go out there and achieve your dreams, it is possible!

Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?

I was born in Cape Town but was raised and schooled in Durban. I attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal and after qualifying, I began a career in the cosmetic industry as a formulation chemist. I currently work as a Consulting Cosmetic Research and Development Chemist with a cosmetic manufacturer in Durban. I have been with my husband Donald for 15 years and we have been married for 8 years. We have a 4-year old son, Connor, and live in Hillcrest, Durban.

 How did “Natralogic” come about?

When I became pregnant with Connor, I became very discouraged in trying to find safe and effective skincare products to use during my pregnancy. The majority of products available in South Africa for pregnant mothers contained harmful ingredients that are not recommended for use during pregnancy as they have been associated with miscarriage, bleeding complications, congenital disabilities, disruption in foetal growth and some are known carcinogens. The limited natural products that I could find were mostly just thick oils and balms that made me feel so sticky and hot, which as you know isn’t ideal during pregnancy, and did not have sufficient concentration levels of active ingredients to be effective. Being involved in the skincare industry, I was fortunate to be able to develop products to use during my pregnancy, which I made sure contained only the safest, most effective natural ingredients. This then inspired me to launch Natralogic, South Africa’s first all-natural skincare range developed specifically for the needs of pregnant women, with the intention of helping other moms feel empowered and at ease over their pregnancy skincare choices.

What did you study – was it in this field or something different?

I hold a Master’s Degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal where I graduated with several Certificates of Merit and Deans Commendations. I also hold a 2-year Diploma in Cosmetic Chemistry from the Society of Cosmetic Science South Africa where I graduated top in the country and received the Norman Sanan Award for most innovative product design. During my studies, I also published several articles in peer review Journals including the Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics and the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Review. My Master’s thesis at the time of publication was also considered to be a viable cure for cancer.

Whilst my Diploma in Cosmetic Chemistry is very specific to my field, my Master’s Degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry is probably more suited to pharmaceutical research and development. This Master’s Degree has however given me a greater understanding of how various cosmetic ingredients interact with each other, resulting in high quality formulations, and at what levels these ingredients become effective or harmful to the human body.

What was your first job and how did you progress to this?

 When I finished University, my first job was as a laboratory technician which wasn’t very challenging and at times extremely tedious. It was always my dream to work in the cosmetics industry and in 2011 I was lucky to find a job with a cosmetic manufacturer in Durban. I have since left that company and currently work as a Consulting Cosmetic Research and Development Chemist with another cosmetic manufacturer in Durban. Over the years I have been involved with the formulation and manufacturing of some of South Africa’s leading brands including, Woolworths, Lil-Lets, Clicks, Sorbet, Oh So Heavenly, Island Tribe and The Tan Lab to name a few.

What’s the best part of your job?
I know this may sound really cheesy, but the best part of my job really is being able to do what I love. I love cosmetic products and more importantly, I love developing and creating new and innovative products. Also, having been fortunate enough to work with so many leading brands, it is uncommon for me to meet a woman who hasn’t used at least one of the products I developed and I find it very rewarding to have been able to develop products that can improve and add value to people’s lives.

What have been the highlights of starting your own business?

Seeing my passion actually materialising into something real. When I started this journey 4 years ago it was my dream to develop a product which was truly the best at what it was formulated to do. At times I was ready to throw in the towel and give up, but somehow everything seemed to come together in the end, and for me, that sense of achievement has made everything worthwhile.

What is the most challenging part?

They say that the three most stressful things in life are getting married, building a house, and getting a divorce. I’ve already done the first two and hopefully never do the third, but I would have to say starting a business is probably the next item on that list. Getting things up and running required a lot of time which is something I had very little of while working full-time and being a mother to a newborn baby. But like everything else on that list (except divorce) it has been all worth it in the end.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I get up in the morning, get Connor ready for school, head off to work, pick Connor up 5:00 pm from his Nana’s house, make him dinner, feed him, bath him and get him ready for bed. After he is asleep my husband and I try to watch a little TV together and I try to get into bed by 9:30 pm (I need my 8 plus hours). Somewhere, somehow, I managed to fit Natralogic in between all of that. Luckily, I have some repose on the weekends which is then dedicated to family.

What are the “secrets” to your success?

 I am not really sure if I would call Natralogic a “success” at this point. We’ve done well so far but there is still a long way to go. However, in every other aspect of my life, I have always strived to never accept anything but the best. I’ve applied this same principle to formulating Natralogic and this principle hasn’t let me down yet, but check back in a year or two and hopefully by then, I will have all the tips you need.

How do you balance being a mummy and starting your own business?

I know it may sound like I have everything worked out, but to be brutally honest, I don’t. My life is a chaotic whirlwind of commitments. However, I have found that it all really comes down to priorities. If you make something in your life a priority then you will always find the time. Fortunately for me I work on a contract basis so my days are somewhat flexible and I am always able to attend all the important events in Connor’s life. But when I am not with my family, I am formulating products for other leading brands, and when I am not doing that, I am squeezing in as much Natralogic time as possible. Donald has also been a huge help with the “business” side of Natralogic, a couple of times working until the early hours in the morning. I really could not have gotten this far without his support. My mom and dad are also a huge help with Connor and I am greatly indebted to them for all they do for me.

What is your dream for Natralogic?

 To one day become a household name in SA for pregnant women.  Right now, I honestly believe Natralogic to be the best quality, safest and most effective product available on the market for pregnant mothers. This range has more quality and safety certifications than the vast majority of any other brands available, both locally and internationally. We use only the safest natural and organic ingredients which have been chosen by a unique 7-step pharmaceutical grade ingredient selection process. I hope that one day all women realise the importance of using safe products on their skin, especially during pregnancy.

Any tips for people wanting to take the leap and start their own business?

Starting a new business is actually a bit like having a baby. Just like a baby it will keep you up at night, you’ll spend all your extra cash on it and just when you think you have solved one problem, another problem will start. But it is important to persevere and just like having a baby I can guarantee you it is all worth it in the end.

Maternity Style – Dressing Up The Bump

Maternity Style – Dressing Up The Bump

Posted on by Rebecca

Let’s talk maternity fashion. There’s something about being pregnant that gives me an extra boost of confidence (well up until the last 2 weeks were I just feel like a bloated Gorilla). I love “dressing up” my bump in dresses and keep my heels until the very last month. I think it’s the fact that I don’t need to give a damn about my “shape” or “body” as its busy creating a perfect little human and that in itself is beautiful.

I remember how shocked I was when I fell pregnant with Aadam, in 2013, at the lack of maternity wear commercially available. Major retailers like Woolworths and Edgars who previously held maternity lines were dropping them, and if they did still stock any it was available in maybe one shop, all the way across town. Luckily it was my first pregnancy, and I was small (well in comparison to now in any case), so I just upsized tunic style dresses and paired them with coats and heels ala The Duchess of Cambridge.

Fast forward a year to my pregnancy with Yusuf and we were living by the coast, during a different season, and I was now working from home. I didn’t have to worry about the “corporate” look and comfort was key, running around after a 14-month-old toddler while trying to maintain a sense of dignity. Leggings, track pants and long dresses were my staple uniform, but again nothing that I had to specifically go out and buy in terms of maternity.

This pregnancy has been different. 4 years later and baby number 3, I felt that I was showing from as early on as 7 weeks and I knew I would have to stock up on some corporate maternity essentials. Thank goodness I did, I’ve been living in them! Thankfully maternity fashion has developed quite a bit over the past 5 years. We have some incredible local South African brands available that are easy to order online or find in store. My go to this time has been Cherry Melon Maternity. Whilst I had one or two tops of theirs in previous years, I found that investing in the essentials this time around has saved me lots of hassle. Cherry Melon specialises in making women feel as beautiful and comfortable as possible during their pregnancy. They create feminine and trendy maternity-wear that complements your individual style throughout pregnancy, feeding and beyond.

Their sizing is easy, and you just follow your normal sizing style. Their designs are on trend and super comfortable, allowing you to go from wearing them in the first trimester, right the way through to delivery and I’m obsessed with some of their floral oriental style prints at the moment. Sadly, with this pregnancy I didn’t exercise at all, I was so incredibly nauseous for the first 4 months that I could bear to do my yoga or Pilates, and I struggled to pick it up again, however they have also just released a range of active wear for preggy mamas and I would have certainly got these as well. Next up i’ll be investing in some of their breastfeeding range, I need tops that are suitable for the office but easy to access for pumping 🙂

The one must have item I feel every preggy mama should invest in (apart from a maxi dress) is a good pair of maternity jeans. I have found Cherry Melons styles to be the most flattering, on trend and they grow comfortably with you. The back-bum section doesn’t hang all they way by your knees, like some of the other preggy brands.

Personally, I stocked up on the basics: 2 pairs of jeans (1 light, 1 dark), 1 pair of black work trousers, 1 pair of white trousers, 1 pair of leggings and then basic white and black cami’s and vests which I pair with blazers or Kimonos. I also got 3 or 4 Maxi dresses.

If you are feeling confused as to where to start, here are a couple of my pregnancy style tips:

  • Invest in the basics – Cami and Tank Vests, neutral coloured jeans, a good pair of leggings and a pair of black trousers will get you far. Get one great black dress, whether its long or short this will quickly become one of your most versatile style items. Dress it up for a night out or down with a denim jacket for a day look.
  • Accessories – Add cute little belts to show off your bump with maxi dresses or dress up a plain tee with a great throw or kimono.
  • Pair coats with dresses – If you are lucky enough for your pregnancy to fall into the cooler months, this trick keeps you looking slim, showing off the cutest part of your bump and hiding all lumps and bumps
  • Blazers are your best friend – especially if you are working in corporate! Again, by wearing an open blazer, you are slimming down and drawing attention the to cutest part of your bump. Its one of the oldest tricks in TV as well and how they hide pregnant bellies when filming.
  • A great pair of maternity jeans will do wonders, try to stick to a skinny or cropped pair to balance out your big bump.

You can purchase Cherry Melon directly through their online store or visit their standalone stores in Canal Walk, Cape Town; Menlyn Shopping Center in Pretoria or Cresta and the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg. They also stock through Zando.

*I received a few Cherry Melon pieces at the start of my pregnancy as a gift from the brand, but I had also purchased my own. All views expressed are my own personal opinion.*

Things To Do With The Kids In Gauteng – For Free!

Things To Do With The Kids In Gauteng – For Free!

Posted on by Rebecca

Il’l be honest, when we moved back to Joburg one of my biggest fears was that doing stuff with the kids was going to cost a fortune. In the Western Cape there are so many things to explore in nature that you didn’t have to spend any money to have a great day out. In a “big city lifestyle” however, chances are you’ll have to pay an entrance fee wherever you go.

Well maybe not….. Here are a few places I like to take the boys for free in Joburg (Ok ok, so maybe under R50)

Museums/ Educational

Ditshong – National Museum of Natural History

Since going the first time we have literally been back twice! There is so much to see and because the boys were little still attention spans weren’t too long. The National Museum of Natural History also has a section made for littlies, where they can explore with their senses. At R20 for kids and R35 for adults, it comes in under our R50 mark! Such a fun, educational day out and the dinosaur skeletons in the garden will have you coming back time and again!

James Hall Museum of Transport

Another hidden gem in the heart of Jozi that more people should really visit. Especially if you have transport obsessed kiddos like me! You’ll spot everything from animal drawn cars, to bicycles from the 17th century! They even have a collection of steam vehicles. Entrance to the Museum is absolutely FREE!! Donations are welcome.

If you do have budget to spend, why not make a day of it and get there by jumping on the Johannesburg “Hop on Hop Off” red bus trips. One of the stops is the museum and it will add to your transport theme!

Immerse yourself in culture at the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple

For a truly educational, architectural feast, visit the Nan Hua Buddhist Temple in Bronkhorstspruit. The red glazed roof, vibrant murals and beautifully kept gardens make for a wonderful day out. The temple is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 09h00 to 16h00, free of charge. On the weekends they host vegetarian lunches that cost a little as R30.

South African National Museum of Military History

If you follow me on Instagram, you will clearly see just how much we love this place. The boys have honestly asked to go there no less than 10 times. We make a day of it and get dressed up in our “finest” military gear. They love learning about the aeroplanes, tanks and weapons and afterwards our treat is to go and get an ice cream from the guys who stand by the zoo wall and sit on the steps of the beautiful commemoration arch. It’s also a fabulous party venue, for kids and adults alike. At R30 for kids and R40 for adults it also meets our R50 budget 🙂

The Johannesburg Planetarium

The Planetarium is an age old favourite in Joburg, for both kids and adults alike! Its fun, educational and what kid doesn’t like to learn about planets and space? There is a show catered for younger kids called “space travel” which follows Thomas the astronomer in his “giant rocket”. Entry is from R40. Call 011 717 1390 for more info.

The Johannesburg Art Gallery

Ever considered taking the kids to an art gallery? The Johannesburg Art Gallery often referred to as JAG, is located in the centre of Joubert Park in downtown Johannesburg. The building is architecturally beautiful, and it houses one of the biggest art collections in the country. It offers heaps of art and history and entrance is completely free. It’s a little neglected, but as with all places in Gauteng, the more we support these historical gems, the more we can contribute to their longevity. They are child friendly and offer art classes on a Saturday. We have ubered there in the past, which I would recommend as its downtown city centre.

Sci-Bono

Pushing this one into it, JUST. Children are R40 over 3 years of age, so that just makes the mark, but adults are R60. If you haven’t heard of the Sci-Bono centre you may have been living under a rock 🙂 It’s the perfect outing for rainy days or an educational morning. It’s a state-of-the-art interactive science and technology centre where kids — big and small — will learn to love science. They run various programs, with a specific focus on holidays too so phone in beforehand to see what they have on offer! Call 011 639 8400 for more info.

Wits Art Museum

The Wits Art Museum has won a number of awards and is situated in Braamfontein. It houses the biggest collection of African Art from all across the continent. I have found them to be hugely child friendly and the exhibitions kept the boys interest. Admission is free and they are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

Visit to the fire station

With a little bit of pre-planning this is one activity your kids will remember for a long long time. Our favourites include Sandton and Lonehill fire stations, Lonehill even has a fab play area and the firemen and women are always very accommodating. Sadly, Lonehill hasn’t had an operational truck for quite sometime though, but hopefully that should be restored soon and if you go in a large enough group they can somtimes “borrow” one from a neighbouring station.

Parks and Outdoors

Relax at Zoo Lake

Zoo Lake will always be a firm favourite for lazing under the shady trees, with kids kicking a ball around you and the smell of braai’s filling the air. Feed the ducks (careful, they bombard you), or ride your bikes on the paved paths. For a small fee you can even rent a canoe and have fun splashing about on the water.

Take advantage of the awesome play area at Delta Park

The first Joburg park we fell in love with after coming back from Cape Town. Delta Park has the best (in my opinion), kiddies play area and several walking trails to explore. Its HUGE and it even has an awesome environmental center which is open from Monday to Friday where kids from Grade R through to Grade 11 can learn about the environment.

Feed the ducks at Emmarentia Dam

One of our favourite places for a Sunday stroll. Visit the botanical gardens, take along a canoe for a paddle or bring along some bread to feed the ducks. There is always something happening at the park and you would probably catch a music show for free as well.

Go for a Hike in a Nature Reserve

Put on your walking shoes and head to Kloofendal or Klipriviersberg nature reserves in Johannesburg. You may want to go in a slightly larger crowd, but we have done Klipriviersberg a few times and always felt perfectly safe. You will be amazed at the amount of wildlife you can spot along the way! Hennops

Wonderboom Nature Reserve
Have you ever seen a 1000-year old tree? This gem is between Pretoria and Magaliesburg and is open from 7am up until 4pm daily. The Wonderboom fig tree spans over 50 meters wide and is truly a sight not to be missed! R37 gets adults in and between R13 and R21 for kids age dependent. Take a hike to try and find the waterfall or see how many Zebra and Impala you can spot along the way.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Get back to nature by visiting this glorious garden in the west of Johannesburg. Home to a “insta-famour” waterfall, a pair of breeding Verreaux’s eagles, hiking trails and picnic spots there’s no shortage of stuff to keep the kids busy. Kids get in for R15 (if you’re under 6 it’s free) and adults are charged R40. They often have family events on so hop onto the facebook page to keen an eye on up coming events.

Junior Traffic Center – Fontainebleau

The amount of fun we have had here is priceless and I have held two birthday parties there personally, and have attended many more. The centre can be visited by anyone, we tend to get a group of people together and go and take picnic blankets while the kids ride their bikes around. It has small roads, stop signs, circles and sharp corners where children can ride bicycles and tricycles to learn the laws of the road. Its best to pop by beforehand to get a visit booked. The best part is its absolutely free, even birthday parties!

Rand Society of Model Engineers

Open the first and third Sundays of each month, this requires a little pre planning but absolutely worth it. Entrance is free and train rides are from R10 each. Take a picnic blanket and enjoy a day out with the family with the kids marvelling at how trains work. If you’re in Pretoria, Centurion has one as well, and is open every Sunday from 10am. The scenery is beautiful!

Animal Interactions

Bunny Hop Bunny Haven

Recently re-opened, its a sanctuary for small farm animals and houses over 200 animals, mainly bunnies, rescued from across Johannesburg. R40 per adult and R30 per child.

Irene Dairy Farm

Entrance and strolling around the farm are free. If may decide to have a delicious scone at the restaurant or purchase fresh produce from the Deli, but for a beautiful scenic walk and a chance to see cows being milked or feed the swans, its free! You aren’t allowed to take in a picnic blanket or any food/drink but it’s a beautiful family morning out and great to get back into nature.

Public swimming pools

Believe it or not, Joburg still has a few public swimming pools that are relatively well maintained and good to swim at. The entrance fee is minimal, literally like R12 per person. Our favourites are Linden (which is heated and indoor, can you say winter swimming?), and Zoo Lake (You can pack a picnic and sit on the grass), but I believe Parkhurst and Roosevelt Park are also well maintained. They are perfect for larger playdates!

Public Libraries

Yup, we have done these to and you will be surprised by some of the activities planned for kids, especially during the holidays. Our favourites includes Olivedale and Randburg. Across these March/April holidays you can expect activities like an Easter egg hunt and craft at Parkview, Blackheath is hosting an Easter Story Time and across Johannesburg the Libraries will deliver 30-minute puppet shows. Our local Rivonia library hosts a story hour on a Thursday at 3pm. So, select your closest one and phone ahead to see if they have anything planned!

Shopping Malls

What? How on earth are shopping malls free? Well in terms of entertainment you’d be surprised. Across the holidays most of Gauteng’s major malls have some sort of entertainment available for kids. Mall of Africa, Sandton City and Cradlestone Mall often have holiday specific entertainment just do a quick google search. In Sandton we have seen Paw Patrol Live, Shimmer and Shine on stage and even the Nutcracker live. Cradlestone currently has a “Space Wonder” exhibition on where your little ones can see a “Space Chamber”, check out a couple of robots, or play on an inflatable UFO Space Ship. Last year we checked out their jungle wonderland as well as the Dinosaur Exhibition.

So there you have it. There is quite a lot to do in terms of activities that fall under R50 around Gauteng. Some just require a little more forward planning and thought but are well well worth the effort. Id love to hear your thoughts if you have gone to any of the places or if you know of anymore? Please leave a comment below xxx