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.