Moms Motivation Monday (1)

Good morning all

Monday - the start of a new week! For some, Monday's are simply doom and gloom - another week to get through work, daily household chores, school routines, sleepless nights, cries from our kiddies, demands...and so the list goes on.

With the latter in mind..."Mom's Monday Motivation" has been born! Hopefully to give YOU some weekly inspiration and to start your week on a POSITIVE NOTE.

As mom's we tend to take on more than we can sometimes handle, often feeling like we are at the bottom of the pecking order. Simply going through the motions, day in and day out. I would like to help in changing this - giving you back some of your "mama mojo".

So I start "Mom's Monday Motivation" this week with "Trust Your Intuition". Listen to your "gut", go with your instinct and make those decisions. One of my favourite things to do is to stand in front of the mirror and simply SMILE. Crazy as it may seem, it always seems to put me in a good mood (I normally end up laughing at myself), but it works. Maybe it will work for you too.

Happy week!
Lynne

Holiday Rules

Battling top get your little one off the iPad or away from the TV during holidays?

Here are some great ideas you may want to try...

You may have as much time on your iPad as you like...as long as ALL OF THE JOBS HAVE BEEN DONE before you turn on the screen:

Have you?

• Made your bed
• Had breakfast
• Got dressed
• Brushed your teeth
• Brushed your hair

Done:

• 20 minutes of reading
• 20 minutes of writing or colouring
• Cleaned up 1 room (bedroom / playroom / lounge)
• Played outside for 30 minutes
• Made or built something creative (Lego / craft / puzzle)
• Helped someone - mom / dad / your brother or sister

...If all of the above is done - Then you can watch TV or play on your iPad

Simply loved this and wanted to share with all of you.

Lynne

lynne@babeeze.co.za

Monday Meals - Adding Herbs

Adding Herbs to your little ones food

Hi everyone

The start of a new week - and for me that means planning. When it comes to mealtime, I like to look for new ideas for the family - maybe try and add something new or simply get creative with a new recipe.

Looking at toddlers 6-9 months old:

Something to consider at mealtime is adding some delicious and nutritious herbs to their food. This includes herbs such as basil, chives, coriander (basically the green herbs). They can be added to chicken, fish or even vegetables.
It's good to remember that the more flavours you introduce them to at an early age, the wider the variety of "their" likes will be as they get older.

Also keep in mind, that although you may not like a particular herb, this does not mean that you must not introduce them to the taste. Let them develop their own likes and dislikes.

Fun things to do:

While on the subject of herbs, why not encourage your little ones to grow their own herb or veggie garden? A wonderful way to encourage kiddies to eat veggies later - especially if they have grown their own and better still, have picked them and helped mommy or daddy make the meal...

Happy cooking....

PS - feel free to send in your favourite toddler / kids recipe's to editorial@babeeze.co.za

"Creating Memories"

Coming from a family of four - some of our most treasured moments were always spent in the kitchen...

Invariably this would be when mom was busy preparing a meal - whether it was cereal or porridge in the morning before we went off to school, or preparing the evening meal, we would all congregate in the kitchen and share the happenings of the day to come or of the exciting things that happened. 

The kitchen table would be the centerpiece for all. Often piled with homework books, half empty plates, household post (when the local mailman would deliver to our doorstep), project paraphernalia etc. One thing is for sure - the kitchen table was always surrounded by bubbling kids, laughter, shouts and sharing.

As technology takes over and our lives seem to be more hectic with each new day, you need to remind yourself that everything you are doing "at this very moment in time" is creating memories. Do you want these to be fun and interactive with your children? OR do you want them to pass by as a blur and have no meaning?

Some fun Tips to help "create memories":

• Put some music on when you are busy preparing a meal. Music is something we all resonate with and it somehow just makes any moment special.
• Whether you have a newborn, a toddler or a teenager - include them in your activities.
•  Let them help you prepare the meal e.g. unpack the plastic (if a toddler) stir the bowl (if a kiddie) / set the table (if teenager) etc.
• Wash or dry the dishes. Unpack the dishwasher
• Let this be the meeting place - where you discuss your day's activities (a great time to encourage family chats and interaction)
• Let the kitchen table be the craft table for making things / baking / school projects etc.
• It's also a great "teaching place" - besides the obvious of how to cook and bake, it can also be a great place to teach little ones things like how to set a table (formal or informal); table manners; how to pack and unpack dishes or how and when to clear dishes after a meal.

After all...it's all about creating memories - and treasured memories at that!

Change Change Change

Hi mom's and dad's,

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE...

So many new and exciting things to share with you. 

Firstly be sure to visit our NEW "Look and Feel" website www.babeeze.co.za / Facebook Page www.facebook.com/BabeezeOnline / Twitter @babeezeonline - tell us what you think...

Be sure to REGISTER as a member so that you can be a part of our weekly mailers, monthly newsletters, special offers, hints & tips plus loads more. PLUS your name will go into a MONTHLY COMPETITION where you can WIN R5 000 worth of prizes.

Babeeze now covers MATERNITY THROUGH TO PARENTS WITH KIDS AGED 10 YEARS OLD - Now more than ever, you want to be a part of this ever growing Parenting Forum where we keep you up to date with all new and exciting topics.

So - don't delay - UPDATE your current details on the website or REGISTER - it's so "eezy"

http://babeeze.co.za/Web/Home/Register

Talk your child clever

"Talk Your Child CLEVER"

Having been exposed to the amazing Early Childhood Development program called BrainBoosters, I want to share with you some of the many interesting facts that I have been exposed to...

The following information has been written by Kerren Reis, courtesy of BrainBoosters.

Poor language is often the reason why children under-perform at school.

FACTS:

• Language cannot be acquired on it's own - there MUST be relationships and conversations with other people.
• Research shows: babies learn more language from their parents than if they are left in front of the television.
• Seattle Children's Research Institute = TV on, affects the number of words we speak to our children per hour....it drops from 941 to 171.
• A child must hear a word 500 times before it becomes part of their vocabulary.

So how do we correct this?

• Simple! Talk all the time to your child. Start from birth. Did you know that there are approximately 2000 nappy changes that will take place with your child from the ages of 0-2 years. Therefore 2000 opportunities to talk to your child.
• Sing songs, tell stories, recite rhymes, read.
• Use meal times to teach conversation skills - talking and LISTENING!

What to do?

• Limit TV time - when your child does watch TV, watch with them and TALK about what is happening.
• Make eye contact with your child - this helps to create good listening skills and teaches respect for one another.
• Don't use baby talk - use proper language and vocabulary no matter how young the child is.

What NOT to do:

• Don't test your child by asking "what is that? / what is this?" - rather ask them to "Show me..." / "find the..." / "touch the..."

LANGUAGE is the code for LIFE - so talk your child clever!

Moving onto solids - Puree

Moving onto solids - ages 6 months up

For me this was always a rather daunting time as I was not that sure on how to introduce solids, what quantity, what combinations etc.

Fortunately from our research and my own personal experience what I found to work is simply buying vegetables such as sweet potato, butternut, (basically the sweet vegetables). These mainly contain good levels of vitamins and minerals so you know your little one is receiving all the goodness needed.

If you find that your little one has become accustomed to "jar" food (instant baby food), they may not want to eat your delicious home-cooked food! Not surprisingly as homemade food can be boring (as it is more nutritious and does not have all the added sweetners and preservatives). What you can try and do is slowly introduce your homemade food with the "jar" food and slowing increase your food until there is no more bought food. Basically letting your little one become more accustomed to the taste of your food.

Combinations that you can try are:

• ·         Sweet potato and squash
•  Carrot and potato or butternut with a very ripe pear.
• Sweet vegetables such as carrot, pureed with fish or chicken is also sometimes a favourite with babies.

 To puree – I used to simply steam the veggies (either the microwave with a tiny bit of water / or even better if you have a steamer) – once soft enough you can often simply mash them with a fork. Alternatively place in a blender to create the right consistency.

If you are a working mom and don’t always have the time to make at each meal – you can make a batch and then freeze it. You can get food cubes to place the food in before you freeze. Make for a week at a time - that way you don't have to worry about the days you only get in a bit later. Remember to label the containers with the combination and date. That way you can also see what your little one likes and doesn't. Plus the date so that you do not keep food in the freezer for too long.

 I know we sell these cubes on our Kidz Boutique (in sizes 40ml; 70ml and 140ml) these are great as they are already in sizes that you can then work with for each meal. http://www.kidezeboutique.co.za/shop/baby-cubes-70ml/ Alternatively you can simply place in freezer containers of your own. 

How much to feed at each meal?

I know my concern was always how much do you need to make give at each meal? If you buy the veggies in cubes you can probably look to steaming about 2-4 cubes at each meal – once mashed they make enough for a meal.

If you want to introduce fruit into your little one’s diet – here are some combinations that you can try and that don’t need to be cooked:

•  Avocado and banana or pear (I would suggest you use ¼ - ½ of a small ripe avocado / ¼ - ½ small ripe banana (or pear) – mash together until smooth.
• Banana and mango (I suggest you peel ¼ - ½ small ripe mango and mash this in with ¼ - ½ small ripe banana) mash again till smooth.

 Please  remember not to add sugar or salt to your little one’s diet. All the vitamins and minerals are in the fruit and vegetables already.

Hope these tips help?

Regards

Lynne

Christmas Crafts

Christmas Crafts for the Kids

If you are anything like me - Christmas time is my absolute most favourite time of the year - I love putting up the Christmas tree and hanging all the decorations. For me it's "family time" and whether you are going away or not, I think it's the perfect time to "get creative" with your children.

So instead of letting them sit in front of the TV or Ipad, Playstation or XBox.....get creative and stimulate their fine motor co-ordination while at the same time spending quality time together.

Here is a wonderful craft idea - where you can make presents or decorations for the tree or table. It's quick and easy.

Salt Dough Recipe:
1 Cup Salt
1 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Water

Mix all the ingredients together into a bowl (you may need to add a bit more water to get the right consistency) - then once you are able to get it into a ball (you can use a fork to help mix together) - roll it out into the shape/shapes you want to create (you can use cookie cutters). You can also add different food colouring to give it a colour (or paint yourself at the end). Remember if you are making Christmas decorations that need to hang on the tree, you need to make holes at the top before your bake them.

Once you have your moulds / shapes - you can do finger, hand foot prints. It is then time to bake. Bake in the oven at 100 C (200F) for about 3 hours.

Once the decorations are done - let them cool. You can then paint them if you have not done the food colouring. Thread with pretty ribbon and "VOILA" - your creations are ready!

Bath Time Fun

BATH TIME FUN

Learning through play is definitely one of the best ways in which to teach your little toddler. This week we are going to focus on BATH TIME and the fun things you can do with your little one to help stimulate and develop.

When I think back to when my little ones were small, I always find myself thinking back to bath-time! It was definitely one of my most favourite times of the day....

Water can be such fun and pretty much begins from birth. So simply things such as pouring water from one cup to another can turn a nightmare situation into an absolute tranquil and soothing experience for you and baby. Plus it is constructive as you are in effect helping to stimulate their hand-eye coordination.

I have put together some fun Hints & Tips for you to try with your little one...To view these hints and tips click here

The Safety of Our Children

The Safety of Our Children

Being a parent is one thing - living in South Africa is another. It simply tears at my heart strings when I read each day about children being abused, neglected, abducted. Families being hijacked etc. Sure it happens all over the world, but my concern is right here, right now, where I live, where I raise my children.

Unfortunately our kids are being exposed to this on a daily basis too and as such I worry that subconsciously they are being affected. So how do we overcome this? Do we keep them sheltered - turning off the radio when driving them to and from school each day? Or do we explain to them the right and wrong of each story being aired?

I tend to go for the latter - whether this is correct or not, I only hope that my parenting skills will prevail. That by explaining and proving them with as accurate yet tactful explanations, they will grow up to be wiser and aware of their surroundings - whether good or evil.

I also believe that it is imperative that we as parents ensure that our children are well aware of the basic things such as their parents cell phone numbers, home address, emergency numbers. But more importantly that they know what to do in case of an emergency. Who to call etc.

It is the least we can do to ensure the basic safety of our children.www.babeeze.co.za

Healthy Snacks

Healthy Snacks for Toddlers

A new year! New goals! New habits! Well, we try...

I write this article today as I am sure there are a lot of moms and dads out there that are confronted with the same daily "chores" as I am - making kids lunches for school, snacks for after sport or extra murals etc. (The same would apply to parents with toddlers that are on the move, out and about, going to Day-care etc.).

For me this has to be one of my frustrating tasks that I have to contend with on a daily basis. Not because I don't enjoy doing things for my kids but more that fact that I want to ensure I am preparing HEALTH meals / snacks for my little ones. And healthy snacks that I know they will in fact eat and want to eat.

I came across these tips on our website over the holidays and thought they would be great to try. They have helped me and so hopefully I can share them with you.

Planning healthy meals need not be a difficult task. It can in fact be fun, quick and easy… Here we give you some interesting ideas that you can use and adapt to your little one’s daily meals / lunches.

TIP:

• Always try and include one of each of the following…
• Portion of carbohydrate e.g. wholewheat bread, pasta, rice salad, Snacker bread.
• Fruit and or veggies.
• One portion dairy e.g. yogurt, cheese etc.
• Portion of protein e.g. egg, tuna, chicken, beef, lentil or beans.
• A drink – water, juice etc.

That way you know your little one is receiving a healthy well balanced meal.

Some meal ideas:

• Chicken pasta salad with mushrooms, sweetcorn and even some peas and baby tomatoes may be added.
• Mini pita pockets with a slice of cheese, some cucumber and even some hummus.
• Egg, lettuce and tomato roll.
• Salmon or tuna pasta salad – again you can add sweetcorn, tomato and peas.
• Wholewheat bread with a slice of ham or beef with tomato and cucumber.

Remember that if you are packing school lunches, some of these may be a bit "smelly" - like eggs or tuna - so maybe keep these ideas for at home.

Snacks for on the side:

Carrot or cucumber sticks Fruit – cubed. This can include apple, strawberries, pears, banana etc. (my kids simply LOVE this) Raisins Rice cakes / provitas Snacker bread

Hope this helps. Try keep it interesting for you and your little one.

Till next time. Happy snacking...

Are you prepared?

As much as we try not to think of all the things that could go wrong in and around the home, the fact remains, they can. The question is...How prepared are you?

Have you done a CPR course? What is CPR? CPR stands for - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure which is attempted in an effort to return life to a person in cardiac arrest.
There are a number of places in and around the country that offer these courses both for you as the parent as well as your caregiver, domestic helper etc.
If I can give you some advise - book yourself on a course. You will not be sorry. Besides - it gives you peace of mind in knowing what to do in any given situation. Most CPR courses usually include general care i.e. cuts, sprains, nosebleeds etc.

My next question to you is...do you have a well kept and up to date First Aid Kit? Do you know where it is? Does it include burn shields, cream for cuts, bites, bleeds? Moms and dads I strongly suggest you make a plan to either get a First Aid Kit or make sure that your kit is well stocked and up to date. i.e. you don't want items in there that have dates that have already expired.

There is nothing worse than having a situation and you have nothing for it. This includes gastro, vomiting, hydration etc.

Where can you get a kit? Most pharmacies stock rather comprehensive kits.

Then for some additional info - why not visit the website where we give you hints and tips on insect bites and stings, cuts, grazes, nose bleeds, foreigh bodies in the eyes and soo much more.

Let's be well organised and prepared mom's and dad's!

Till next time!

Smoking...

Hi all

Here's hoping that the start of your day has been a good one?! Monday's are often dreaded I know, by most. For me, I always like to think of it as a fresh new week - a fresh new start.
"Fresh" being the key word here! So on this note, I would like to bring to your attention something that really got me worked up this past week and most definitely had nothing to do with the word "FRESH"...

What would normally take me half an hour from point A to point B, instead took me over 2 hours last week. So you can imagine how the "red mist" was rising within me. I think the real irtritation that actually sent me over the edge was not so much the bumper to bumper traffic caused by traffic lights not working, burt rather the sight of a young mom, all smartly dressed in her formal work attire, with what looked like 3 children no older than about 7 sitting in the back seat (so one good point for her - they were in the back seast and looked to have their seat belts on). To my shock, horror, she was puffing away on a cigarette.

Now, understanding one's frustration of sitting in traffic and the craving for nicotine to try and calm yourself(I myself was a smoker - so I can relate), BUT the fact that you have 3 little "healthy" bodies in the car, most certainly does NOT SIT RIGHT with me. Second hand smoke has been proven to be unbelievably harmful to one, especially when these little one's are kids. Secondly it simply LOOKS DISGUSTING!

Come on moms - think about what you are doing to your little ones. Besides poluting their lungs, you then drop them off at school, creche, daycare etc. with them smelling of smoke, you definitely do not look to be the responsible parent here...

If you are going to smoke - by all means do, just take into account what you are doing to your little ones!

So please - I urge you all....think FRESH! think HEALTHY! You can make a difference to your OWN CHILDS HEALTH!

Getting organised

If you're anything like me, I always like to start a new year by being organised.

Whether this be a tidy desk, an organised and up to date year planner / calendar and or diary (with all birthday's / holidays and special occassions marked), or simply making sure cupboards are neat and tidy.

Once these items are diaried, sorted and up to date, I feel like I can begin the new year - a great sense of achievement (even if small).

One area that I never quite seem to get on top of is all the "glorious artwork" created by my little ones (from daycare / aftercare/ school etc). I simply never have the heart to want to get rid of them. Besides, could you image the heartache I would cause if they saw me throwing anything of theirs away.

So on this note, you can simply imagine my shock and horror when doing my annual tidy up and planning for the new year. Not only was there glitter, beans, sand etc. all over the place, but I was greeted with a whole stack of fishmoths that had taken very lovingly to my kiddies beautiful artwork.

I then get to thinking of the huge mound of artwork I will be housing in a couple more years if based on the current status....plus the delightful (I think not) nest of fishmoths I would be breeding.

There is light at the end of the tunnel... Thank goodness for teachers and their great ideas - as mine simply gave me the wonderful idea of taking pictures of each and every piece of artwork. How simple and yet soo effective! Plus I can make this fun by including the kids - they can help take the picture, plus they then get to throw the "originals" away.

Let me tell you - I now have happy kiddies (we still have all their artwork, but the difference is that it is safely stored away - available to them at any time). At the end of the year we shall take all their artwork and create our own Photobook. For more info on how to do this visit www.picassophotobooks.co.za

We then end up with their own book of art. Plus I no longer have piles and piles of art with shelves covered in seeds / glitter / grass / wool and other exciting items they get to use to decorate their creations. And the cherry on top...NO FISHMOTHS!

So thanks "Teacher Natalie" - another brilliant idea!

New Beginnings

Wishing all our Babeeze Members a very happy New Year!

Whether you are expecting a new baby, have just been blessed with your new bundle or are enjoying the daily treats of having a toddler - may the year ahead be filled with special memories that you cherish in years to come.

My "tip" for the year....
Be sure to take lots of photo's - whether of your little cherubs, family holidays, or simply the beauty that surrounds you with each new day. Then at the end of the year - make yourself a photobook! That way you can capture all those special memories and not keep them stashed on a hard drive / disc or on your computer - where nobody sees them or they get lost or stollen.

It's lot's of fun making a photobook plus you have a point of reference to show friends and family.

Till next time...

Lynne

The new "Yummy Mummy"

Hi all

What a wonderful day! I simply have to share with all my readers...

One of the many wonderful pressies that I received for my "40th" (yes 40 and actually loving it) was a day with my own "wardrobe stylist" - Janine Carley-James. It sounds all so glam and decadent, and it was!

The first meeting Janine goes through your wardrobe and advises you on your existing clothing. She advises you on the type of clothing you "should" wear - the kind that compliments your shape, lifestyle and age. How to mix and match, accessorise and simply make YOU look amazing.

The second part (and definitely the fun part) of the styling is actually taking you shopping. Now I know you are all thinking "I can't afford this as it is going to be all boutique shopping..." Well, quite the opposite. Janine takes you to places that most of us frequent on a daily basis. She also insists that you work within your own budget so as NOT to spend more than you can afford.

So all in all - you spend two hours simply trying on beautiful clothes that she has selected for you (prior to you joining her) and if you "love" them, then you buy them, if not, then you move on to the next item or shop.

For me, it was an absolute treat and definitely something that I really needed. If nothing else - time spent focusing on myself. What bliss. As a mom - I am sure you can all relate.

I would definitely reckomend Janine. We had a stunning morning and I definitely feel like a new "Yummy Mummy".

I am very proud to say that Janine will soon be joining the site and will be posting some truly wonderful hints and tips for all to see and use. So - watch the space.

Getting ready for winter...

Hi all - yes long time no chat. Have to say that I have totally abused all the public holidays with my children, it has been simply glorious - so apologies for not paying enough time and attention to blog followers.

Hope the rain and cold has not got to you too much thus far. My gripe is that no washing gets dry and now our house is simply looking like a "washing tree" (as opposed to a Christmas tree).
Anyhow - moving on and something that I really want to share with you... I am sure that as a parent one of your big concerns is always "how do we keep our little ones from getting sick this winter?"
Please note that I am NO Dr or medical expert however I do consider myself to be a fairly good mom and as such seem to have managed to keep the winter cold bugs at bay last winter and hopefully this coming winter too...

Some of my household favourites that I have stocked up on and give to my little ones on almost a daily basis are the following:
Creche Guard Syrup - this can be taken from as little as 4 months old (Mon - Fri).
Viral Choice Syrup - this can only be given from the ages of 1 years old.
Then my old faithful - Colloidal Silver. This is excellent for sore throats (you can get it with a spray) or simply as a daily nutritional suppliment for the entire family.
Lastly - the minute one of my little ones start with a runny nose or cough I haul out the nebuliser and get them to nebulise for a couple of minutes as often as 3 - 4 times per day. And simply use saline solution which you can purchase at your local pharmacy.

Again I stress that I am NO CLINICAL Doctor or specialist - so if you find this does not work then best you opt for your own Dr or Clinic.

Gotta dash - see some sun peeping from the clouds - time to hang out washing, and dash off to fetch kiddies....

Getting ready for Easter Hunts...

Hi all. Not sure if you get as excited as I do (yes, still at my age) when it comes to Easter time? But I really have to confess that I do love planning fun things for my family to do over this period. Time unfortunately does not always allow me to get as "creative" as I would like - but that is probably just an excuse. And a bad one at that.

I do have to confess - It is the 29th and I still have not ventured into the shops to stock up on "Easter treasts" - think I am simply avoiding the shops as I know I will be whisked into "Easter Frenzie Mode" and want to buy them all. Especially all the delightful Easter treats that Woolies are displaying on their shelves.

I was chatting to one of my friends today and she gave me a wopnderful idea....creating an "Easter Treasure Map". Now before you start thinking that this is simply far too much energy....think again. How fun would it be for your little one to have to follow the clues...e.g. take 5 steps down the garden path. Open the gate and look for the toy bunny under the tree. What clue is the bunny holding? Take 3 steps towards the red rose bush. Now look for 2 easter eggs....and so it goes....what a wonderful way to get them to learn about a. counting b. taking steps c. looking and finding etc. etc. plus the rewards are amazing.....chocolate!!! What more could one ask for!!
Definitely one that I will be working on for Sunday.

Time out with my family

So much for slowing down, taking time out and having "me time". Yes these were all my plans and goals that were listed the beginning of the year...have I fulfilled them? Hmmm - no! But what I have done, which I am sure that a lot of you can relate to ans that is simply to "accept". Yes, accept the fact that time does NOT slow down as we get older. That tomorrow comes just as quickly as the next and that I am constantly going to be playing catch up as long as I have kids and a wonderful husband.

I have to say though - This past long weekend we took a drive to one of my most favourite places - Golden Gate. It is approx 16km from Clarens and about 3 1/2 hours from Jhb (so not a bad distance to travel with a car full of cherubs. Did I say cherubs?) Perhaps when they were all sleeping...

Well let me just say that if you are ever looking for an affordable getaway for the family - definitely consider Golden Gate. The view is simply breathtaking and if those mountains do not rejuvenate your soul...well then there simply is no hope for you.
It is the perfect place to simply sit, relax, go for hikes (my 4 year old has been coming with us since he was a baby and has even managed the hikes), read a book - believe it, let the kids run free and just take it all in.

The accomodation: There are camping sites for those that like to really "bond with nature" (not quite my scene I have to say - but hey, I'm a city girl after all). Some very quaint and clean chalets and for those that really want to splurge - there is the magnificent Highlands Mountain Retreat.
Remember it does get rather cold - so be sure to always pack a jacket or two - especially for the little ones.

So put it down on the "Bucket List" of places to visit. The view in itself is worth it.