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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Internet is not what's Stressing New Mothers

Sponsored Post

So apparently this whole idea that modern mothers are more anxious because they have access to too much information, is not exactly true. 

I bought into that same myth myself and even rant about it in my mission statement. I have no idea why I adopted such a belief other than maybe it was easier to have something to blame for how I felt.

A survey of 4,000 Australian women, by Medela AU, showed that after seeking advice from a family Doctor or midwife, the next place mothers looked was the internet.
click to view infographic
Most women saw having access to expert information 24/7 as a huge benefit.  They also found value in connecting with like-minded people. Of the women surveyed only ten percent felt overwhelmed by the amount of information available online. So there you have it. The interwebs are as convenient a place for parenting advice as they are for grocery shopping. #whatagift

Seriously. What did breastfeeding mothers do before smartphones? I remember Googling every. single. thing. It's a solitary job, being a milk maid.

So if the web isn't stressing us out...it must be something else.

One sobering statistic the Medela AU survey revealed is 48% of women experience some form of depression/ baby blues/ low mood after childbirth. That is basically HALF of all mothers!!!

Let that sink in for a moment.

48% Half.

I mean, even as a fellow PND sufferer I had no idea the numbers were that high.

Why is this disturbing?
  1. It tells me not nearly enough people are comfortable talking about their experience with PND 
  2. Therefore I highly doubt those women are getting the help and support they need
Maybe there is a stigma with the word ‘depression’ but my guess would be that there is more of a stigma surrounding the "M" word. Perhaps we feel that if we admit we are struggling with motherhood then we are failing at it. 

Which is simply not true.

Opening up about my own experience with PND was terrifying. I literally felt sick when I published my first blog post about the subject. When I was flooded with emails, messages, and kind words from women who had all been through (or who were currently going through) the same experience, I no longer felt alone.

The main lesson I learned is that those metaphorical villages, you know, the ones it takes to raise a child? Well, they look different today.

More and more families are relocating for work, study or even an International romance (guilty). I live half the world away from the people I grew up with.

By opening up about my struggles, I didn’t know it then, but I was inviting people into my own, albeit virtual, village. 

So what can help? According to the Medela survey three main things can help mothers who are suffering.
  1. Speaking to a friend/ partner or family member
  2. Reading about people’s similar experiences online
  3. Consulting a Doctor or Midwife
So just like my advice in the video- we need to create our own villages. These could be online communities, forums, blogs, new friends. Medela AU have created a personalised app with all of these elements and more at your fingertips...Available even in the dim glow of a 3am feed.

To learn more about the Medela app clik here. I will plan to have it for the next bub because it’s a combination of several different apps I used when I had my daughter.  

Note: Can I just say, participating in this campaign has been a privilege. I’m proud to work with a company like Medela AU who are clearly sensitive to a mothers needs. I hope this study encourages women to speak out, because they will find that they are definitely not alone.

If you or someone you love is suffering from depression please contact your local crisis hotline or beyond blue in Australia.

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posted by Unknown @ 8:43 PM   4 Comments

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Makers Monthly: The Makers Monday Edition

As most of you may know- Black Friday is wrapping up right now in the USA. You know the day when the shops open at like 5am and people get trampled at Wal-Mart? Yeah that's the one.

Well something positive has come about to counteract this day of massive, corporate consumerism and it's called Makers Monday.

Share something you've made and a link to your store or blog and show the world the importance of preserving all things handmade. Let's support local businesses by supporting one another!

Add your Etsy listing, a link to your blog and show something you've made! It can be a craft, artwork, recipe, DIY project or even a story. I can't wait to see the creativity!

Click on the Blue Link to Add your Etsy Listing or Blog Post



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posted by Unknown @ 8:16 AM   7 Comments

Monday, October 19, 2015

How One Melbourne Company is Revolutionizing Gift Giving

Personal, high-quality gift giving just got a whole lot easier here in Australia. This is not a sponsored post.

I’m guilty of bitching about the shopping in Australia when compared to the USA; "More expensive! "Less variety!" I don't bring anything with me anymore when I visit my family in The States, surely they are sick of kangaroo keychains and mini jars of Vegemite. 

Bindle is probably my perfect solution (for home and abroad) and if you are a busy person you will love this company too.
Bindle is a boutique gift service and is currently the only exclusively Australian-made hamper business. All the products are sourced locally, including the boxes and wrapping. It's awesome to shop local but these carefully selected products feel incredibly personal and thoughtful too. Let's face it- sometimes we all get too busy to be thoughtful.

 I'm fascinated by people who risk stable careers to follow their passion and I was curious to learn more about owner Catherine Blackford aka Tat aka Blackers (you can tell she's fun just by her nicknames) and how she came up with this game-changing gift business.
Catherine and her sidekick, Walter.
I learned Bindle was born from Tat's passion for giving. In her friendship group Tat would always put her hand up to organise gifts (it would never be a voucher.) She would gather bits and pieces from various nooks and crannies around Melbourne because it meant every item had a story behind it. Creating a sense of place, story and timeline is ingrained in Blackford's thought process because she has a degree in landscape architecture- it's something she considers while selecting products for her packages.

“Giving something thoughtful and something special, it’s all about the reaction from the person that you give it too,” said Blackford.

Four years ago faced with a (boring) career in IT Tat started making gift packages on the side as a hobby. It’s called Bindle- and though it sounds like ‘bundle’ a bindle is the name of the stick and handkerchief combo that we’ve seen on cartoon hobos and the occasional Looney Tunes character.

“It’s the concept of having everything you need in a box for running away from home,” said Tat.

This folks, is a bindle on a stick.
As interest in her products grew she has happily found herself working on Bindle full-time for the last year and a half. The team has expanded from just herself to a total of five. The product range initially offered packages for a few different occasions and now they have a range of 40, everything from welcoming baby to “Man’s Best Friend” -for dogs of course.
Walter, CFO.
Tat has noticed a trend of people who are given Bindle gifts often turn around and order one for someone else. You can’t ask for a larger vote of confidence in the products than that.
Reasons Bindle is awesome.
The packages speak for themselves but the icing on the cake, or rather the bow on the bindle, is Catherine. I find it so incredibly inspiring to find a business woman who is so passionate and upbeat all while chasing the dream.

"Life is too short. Think about what you are passionate about and make your passion your paycheck," said Blackford.

I asked Tat, the gift-giving guru, for advice when it comes to choosing the perfect present for someone. Her reply speaks to her success; “Think about what is going to bring a smile to the recipients face.”

 Get online and put a smile on someone's face!

You can shop Bindle by occasion, recipient, or event:
Different Occasions
Bindle Home
More about Bindle

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posted by Unknown @ 9:30 AM   0 Comments

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Get Your Nail Jam On: Jamberry Product Review

Take your nails from drab to fab!

My childhood friend Danielle and I recently reconnected on Facebook (I love finding ways FB can be used for the greater good!) and I noticed she started selling this rad-looking nail product called Jamberry.

When I asked her about it she offered to send me samples to try during my visit to the USA. Naturally I was stoked because I love nail stuff (but have little time for it these days.)

A little purple package arrived with the nail wraps and polish colors I selected (there are like a bazillion patterns and colors- good luck chosing!) I couldn't wait to try them but I kept waiting for the perfect opportunity- I think I expected the whole process to take a lot longer than it did. I was able to do my nails and toes during my daughter's afternoon nap. Lesson learned ladies and gents- don't wait to treat yourself!

Even got the chance to do my tootsies!

I painted my toenails with the lovely paint, nice and thick so you can actually get away with doing one coat. Score- timesaver! While they were drying I managed to read the simple nail wrap instructions and slap those onto my fingernails as well- bam.

The application process was straightforward but my execution needs work. I know this is one of those things where practice makes perfect- at least in this case the practicing results in some really fun looking fingertips!

A little bit of quick Mommy pampering
I thought it would be helpful to ask Danielle what her top application tips were for next time. And this is what she told me:

  1. Make sure the wraps are sized correctly. I noticed this myself during the application. You don't want to stick the wrap anywhere onto your skin or it will lift off and annoy you (so make sure it's not too big.) Trim a little off around your cuticles.
  2. Use purple cuticle pusher to smooth wrinkles while the nail wraps are still warm. Or try this step after the wrap application is complete- simply warm up each individual nail beforehand.
  3. Nail prep is key! Push those cuticles back, including this little hidden cuticle we all have. It's a chalky film that you can scrape off the nail near the cuticle bed. Make sure you get rid of that and wipe nails with alcohol to remove any oils.
  4. General Nail Health. Drink plenty of water and use cuticle oil often after you apply your wraps. Jamberry supplies cuticle oil in your application kit.
  5. Remove with Care. Don't rip or pull wraps off your nails or you could damage them. Allow nailpolish remover to soak underneath the wrap so it can dissolve the glue which hold the wrap to your nail.

For my Aussie readers there is exciting news- Jamberry is coming to the Australian market this October! If you are interested in buying or selling you can check out Danielle's website, facebook page or email her: daniellejams@wintertons.us

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posted by Unknown @ 4:06 AM   2 Comments

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Be Sweet To Your Feet: Scholl's Product Review

{My mates at Scholl's Australia sent me some products to review- opinions are my own}


My best friend made up the game ‘whose feet hurt the most?’ when we were sitting curbside at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. From our vantage point all we could see were girls hobbling and tottering around on heels, stilettos and all kinds of uncomfortable footwear.

We laughed and laughed while we sipped champagne and called out; “Hers do! No definitely hers! No way- her feet hurt the most!"

We weren’t making fun of their outfits or criticizing their body shapes but it did have a tinge of wrongness attached to it. It felt as if like we were witnessing everything that is wrong with equality. There were no men limping around in their shoes.

And look, I get it. It’s expensive to dress for the races from head to toe and something’s gotta give, we can’t all afford Jimmy Choos. But what if there was an inexpensive measure you could take to ease the pain and prevent blisters at the same time? 

I’m not speaking for the girls who walk around and look like they are going to break an ankle (that's a lifestyle choice) but for those of us who try and look fashionable and sensible but still have to bear breaking-in our pumps (and may have to deal with icky cracked heels, and dry skin on feet.)


Scholls Australia have a few products that can ease our suffering because it’s not as if we are about to toss away our investments in uncomfortable footwear.

They have a line of products appropriately called ‘Party Feet.’ My feet don’t party often these days now that I have a daughter but when I do- I want to be as comfortable as possible. Maybe that sounds old and cranky but it’s better than walking around like Frankenstein. Hashtag- old enough to know better!

Here are a few they sent me to test out:


Gel Inserts- I asked for these specifically.  I’m an active person (most of the time) and when I’m out, I am the opposite of a wall flower. I can’t wait to try these bad boys out because they look and feel like velvet on the top side (so would be lovely to wear with or without tights) and have sturdy gel goodness on the bottom- extra cushioning on the pads of the feet and heels where fellow champagne-infused dancers need it.


Heel Shields- I’m hoping these heel shields will allow me to wear shoes that rub me the wrong way (tee hee I love puns.)  These are going to be a staple in my purse because you never know when you might need them- blisters be gone!


Fresh Step- I’m assuming you can spray this deodorizer/ sanitizer in your party shoes before you go out but I have a feeling this product will be the perfect thing to spray into my UGG’s which I will don immediately upon returning home from any event. I already tried this product out on my furry little buddies and though it smells a bit like a lemony cleaning product (What can you expect? It’s for sweaty feet) it got the job done.


I can’t wait to get invited to something fancy again so I can rock out with comfy tootsies. Babysitting anyone? Anyone?

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posted by Unknown @ 11:51 PM   2 Comments

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Lalia & Spot: Dress Review

A public service announcement to all first time preggies out there...don't be scared just be prepared.

{Laila & Spot graciously allowed me to chose an item from their current line to review. Like a kid in a candy store I picked out this dress that I can't wear until after I have another baby (which sounds like an odd statement)....but at least next time around I'll have something functional and adorable.}

Recently I got to know L&S and hung around one of their photo-shoots, it was an awesome afternoon meeting some really nice people not to mention I had the chance to write about a niche clothing line that I could have used myself 19 months ago!!!  

Laila & Spot design clothing for new mothers- read: not maternity wear.

When you give birth, your body completely changes. It’s different from your old body which you knew well, and different from your pregnant body which you had nine months with which to familiarize yourself. Now you’re dealing with out of control hormones, temperature fluctuations, milk production, and sagging to name a few.

New mothers have much different and more specific needs than pregnant women. They need accessibility- to the milk-givers. They need stretch in some places and camouflage in others. They need breath-ability, wipe-ability and dewrinkle-ability.

The kicker is, no one tells you to prepare your wardrobe for these things when you are pregnant with your first baby. Nope, let's just sell you a thousand bump-hugging things that will be useless post partum! Let me tell you, the bump gets a lot less cute without a baby in it.

So here’s this dress. I loved it the first time I saw it on the L&S website. It’s a bit fun, sporty and can be worn in summer alone, or in winter with leggings and a cardigan or long sleeves.
Did I mention it's as comfy as it looks?
And check out the placement of this zip. It’s above boobies so it won’t hug or draw attention to them (trust me they will draw enough attention on their own when they are squirting all over the place.) When you unzip, there is a small privacy shield so that you can easily control how much nip to expose...especially in those early days of breastfeeding when you may be uncomfortable (I remember trying to ‘cover up’ the first few days but eventually I resigned all dignity and fed everywhere.)
The orangy-red neckline draws attention to your face because trust me you don’t want people checking out your bod or judging you on how much babyweight you’ve lost (which they will do anyway.) And the matching trim on the skirt is just enough of a cute detail without being too blocky which could mess with the clean line of the dress.
  
There are two nice big pockets, big enough to hold tissues, bottles, dummies or whatever else you need. I doubt you’ll use them for your hands because they will always be full with stuff.

The fabric is nice and natural-feeling and comfy enough that I would consider passing out in it and going out in public the same day.
Even at 30 pounds heavier this would still look cute, don'tcha think?
Laila, a Mother of two, came up with the idea for this company when her oldest was only a few months old. Like me, she struggled to find clothes to fit her post-baby body and ended up with buying button-downs that were too big and frumpy.

I asked Laila if she had any advice for pregnant first time Mothers and I could not agree more with what she said:
"Most mums are focussed on the birth and find it difficult to think beyond that. While you are still pregnant, work out what will happen after the arrival of your little one. A lot of people make birth plans – I think making a post birth plan is a great idea. Things like who will do the cooking, what your new routine might be like.

Buy yourself something nice to wear once the baby is born. It will lift you up on tired days having something comfortable, bright and easy to wear."
You can find L&S clothing for new Mummies on their website.

If you are interested in trying things on in person and you live in Australia or New Zealand, shoot them an email hello@lailaandspot.com.au with your postcode and they will point you in the direction of a retailer near you.

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posted by Unknown @ 8:30 AM   2 Comments

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Like Tinder but for Mama Dates: Hello Mama's!

Source: website
{This is not a sponsored post, I found out about Hello Mama's socially. We are chatting about partnering-up but I wrote this because I think the concept is awesome and compliments my mission statement, plus I have readers who might love it too!}

Have you ever seen a cool-looking Mother with a well behaved kid at the supermarket and wish you had the guts to ask for her secret? Or have you noticed a Mum pushing her kid through the neighborhood in sweats (just like you) at afternoon nap time and want to shout out to her, “I feel you sister! Hang in there!” Well I-do-but-I-don't because I don't want to look as crazy as I feel.

There is a brand new online matching service in Australia, exclusively for mothers. And you don’t swipe right or left depending on their looks but rather fill out an online profile which matches Mamas based on much more important criteria.

Supplied
Hello Mama’s, a website for Mum-matching, has launched the Aussie version a few days ago. They have been a great success in The US and Canada with over 60,000 users. Big numbers are expected in Australia, New Zealand and the UK as well.

It’s really less like Tinder and more like a combination of Meetup.com (for it's niche interest groups) and Match.com (for it's matches based on a questionnaire.) Feel too shy to meet in person? There is no obligation to do so. HM's have an online forum and chat groups for local advice. And who knows, you could develop an online friendship that could eventually turn into a real life one once you feel comfortable!

Supplied
I’m an outgoing person by nature but striking up conversations at the playground can feel a tad awkward even for me...I've done it a few times but have never been brave enough to score another Mum’s digits, I don’t want to seem like a stalker.

Being a Mother is ironically lonely because you have zero privacy- but someone in the same situation understands those messy feelings. It can really help your state of mind to chat with someone who gets it. Every time I leave my Mum’s Group I feel like I've been given the encouragement to soldier on. Not everyone is so lucky, sometimes Mother’s Group’s don’t work out. Mine only meets once a week- there are four other days to fill!
Easy to use on a mobile too (source: mobile site)
Hello Mama’s could be the answer. Who has time to make Mum friends out in the world when people are scurrying around glued to their phones? Three intelligent, isolated Mothers in the USA thought to use the popular online-dating-service model to link other stay-at-home Mums (why didn't someone think of this sooner?) When you fill out a profile HM's will match you with other like-minded Mums.
The founders. Source: website.
Just moved to a new area? Have a child with severe allergies? Want to hang with people who use the same parenting strategies? Or what if you're like me and want to meet other expats? HM's gives Mothers the opportunity to create specialized, local meet ups or play dates with parents who experience similar challenges.

Motherhood can be extremely isolating for a million reasons. “At the end of the day we want users to be able to create their own support network,” said Shalini, Hello Mama’s Managing Director, Australia. HM's have given Mums the power to do so in a wonderfully simple way.

The site is free to join, it's user-friendly and monitored for safety and respect. I signed up myself and look forward to exploring all it has to offer. Maybe I'll see you on there!

xoxo



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posted by Unknown @ 8:45 AM   3 Comments

Thursday, April 23, 2015

16 Inexpensive Ways for Mums to Relax: Product Review


{Airwick Australia offered to send me some candles in exchange for a post and I gladly accepted because I looooove candles. All opinions are honest, and my own.}

I’ve been thinking about this list for a while now. It’s easy for anyone with unlimited funds to unwind during child-free time; massages and pedicures and shopping oh my! Money is easy to spend when your time is free.

But for those of us on a fixed income (and a big home renovation looming) I thought it would be helpful to come up with a list of things that are inexpensive or free, that you can easily do at home, during nap-time or after bed-time to chill the funk out.

Over the last few days I’ve realized just how precious nap-time is to me. It’s when I do my writing and creating. But for some reason Lavinia is going through this phase (gawd I hope it’s a phase) where she plays around in her cot for an hour without sleeping a wink. I really miss those two-and-a-half hours I used to have in the afternoons. 

Anything I do in my golden, spare moments feels more indulgent with scented candles or scented oils burning in the background (aromatherapy is free!) Almost everything on this list can be complimented by a romantic flame. Obvs not the napping one (#7) but you knew that. So go ahead, treat your nostrils and light something!


And can I just say, that I was shocked at the price of scented candles when I moved to Australia? There were no nice-smelling cheapies, not even at the supermarket. I used to make my Mom send over candles in the post because I missed them so much (told ya, I love candles.) I’m so pleased that Airwick Australia has actually made an affordable candle that smells awesome. No, they don’t look high-end like those candles you buy just to display (you know the ones you don’t light so they don’t go to waste.)


Candles like these ‘Good to Be Home’ ones are meant to be enjoyed: Buy em,’ burn em,’ and enjoy em’ because you can replace em.’ These Lemonade Stand candles smell more like lemon pie than lemonade. Yumm-o.


  1. Give yourself an at home spa pedicure.
  2. Try Guided Meditation- if you’re a beginner use an app or YouTube.
  3. Sit in the sun and read a magazine.
  4. Make a cup of tea.
  5. Take a bubble bath.
  6. Read a book- books on an e-reader are far less expensive than paperback books- bonus: you don’t have to leave the house to purchase new ones!
  7. Take a power Nap- sometimes it’s just nice to sleep.
  8. Write in a journal- unclutter that mind! Penzu post is a free, private, online journaling website that I use.
  9. Make something crafty, take a look at Pinterest if you need inspiration.
  10. Do something you've been putting off, even if it’s a chore, it will feel good to cross something off the list.
  11. Stretch or do some yoga- there are plenty of yoga classes on YouTube!
  12. Sit outside in the sun with a magazine.
  13. Bake something healthy.
  14. Frame some photos.
  15. Talk to a friend on the phone- Points if you don't send a preemptive text.
  16. Have a cup of tea and listen to some relaxing music.


 Which ones will you try first?





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posted by Unknown @ 2:44 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Laila & Spot: Helping New Mothers Look Sane Since 2013

{This is not a sponsored post and opinions are all my own. As I was finishing up this piece, Laila & Spot kindly offered to send me an item of my choice to review in a future post. Can't wait!}

Why is it so difficult to find nursing-wear that is not hideous or expensive? (And I’m speaking from an Australian-shopping perspective.)

I spent a small fortune on maternity wear, most of it bump-hugging and glorious. I never had the courage to show off my midsection until it held a fetus (even in the 1990’s when I was pre-pubescent and crop-tops were a thing.) What fun it was, proudly bouncing around...until near the end when I was living in plus-size hoodies and hibernating on my couch like a Canadian Grizzly.

French Connection tube dress in one size larger than I (used to) wear.
Apologies in advance because there she goes again: I often rant about Australian prices to anyone who will listen.Things are bloody expensive here!!! Look, I get it... People make a living wage which is great, blah blah, but in my opinion, ya’ll have been a captive audience for way too long and retailers have been taking advantage.The sticker shock has worn off now that I'm five years entrenched but my other gripe is lack of variety. If I’m going to shell out big dollars I want to have more than two things to choose from.

Much to my naivety- once I gave birth to my bouncing baby girl, those stretchy tube dresses were no longer practical. I went from belly-pride to belly-hide in a matter of moments. Not to mention I lacked the foresight necessary to realize that my boobs needed to be freed from my clothing about a thousand times daily.

This is what you look like after giving birth- notice, the belly does not magically disappear along with the effects of the epidural.

Don't think the drugs had worn off yet
Desperate and exhausted, I scoured the internet for nursing-friendly attire, and found some amazing, and comfy looking clothes....in Scandinavia...with price-tags even higher than Australian ones. So I surrendered to my sweats, and big button-downs. I completely lost any sense of pride in the way I looked- call me superficial but at the time I needed all the help I could get. I felt fat, unattractive and unsure about the battered body which had just let forth a miracle.

I remember wishing I knew how to sew because I saw a big, fat, gaping hole in the Australian market. Someone needed to design cute, comfy, affordable, nursing-wear for new mothers. While I moaned frumpily, someone was all over it and her name is Laila. She founded a revolutionary company called Laila & Spot.

Finally! Clothing for new mothers and I'm not talking about maternity wear. I had a great laugh reading the section on their website No Pregnant Chicks.
“So you WERE a glowing, expecting mum. But now you ARE a mum – a first time mum or a mum all over again. Either way, among other challenges to be overcome – get ready for war with your wardrobe.”
Thank you Laila. You get it.

She came up with the idea for the company after the birth of her son, where much like me, Laila felt like she no longer knew her body and nothing fit properly. She remembers visitors dropping in during those first hazy weeks and she was sick of receiving them in her pajamas.

Laila explained it perfectly when she told me that in those sleepless early days- a nice outfit would have made such a difference in the way she felt. And like me- Laila moaned until her husband finally said to her "then why don't you do something about it." And she did.

I had the opportunity to scope out some of the Laila & Spot's latest designs at a photoshoot for their new line. Not only are the clothes adorable but the models were real Mums and fans of L&S.  A few had their little babies right there at the shoot, one little guy only 4 weeks old!  If you ask me- that's proof these clothes work for new and nursing mothers.


L&S clothing is trans-seasonal and is designed to be layered. This is strategic, taking into consideration the rapidly changing body temperatures for new mothers. The fabrics are breathable, stretchy and easily wipe-able (bonus.) Plus they have zips in all the right places, privacy shields and great, metal clasps. Gone are the days of fiddling with the crappy plastic ones.

L&S have engineered a user-friendly clasp. Yus!

And in even more good news, the colors and lines are simple so the pieces mix and match easily. They are clean, practical designs and in my opinion will appeal to all different tastes.

Play


Night Out

Work
Their current range of everyday items range from about 30.00-65.00. They are made in India, not far from where Laila herself grew up. Fair work practices and environmental sustainability are priorities to this company so it's refreshingly not about finding the cheapest place to manufacture.

Five fantastic real-life Mums at the L&S photoshoot
It’s understandably difficult to picture what post-baby-life looks like when you’re pregnant with your first. My old friend hindsight has given me yet another gift which I will take as advice: "Next time you are preggers, invest in post-baby threads." I share this wisdom because believe me, clothes are the last thing you’ll have the energy to worry about with a newborn hanging around.

Trust me. You don't want to end up in public looking like this.
Check out my review of a Laila & Spot Two Tone Dress here.

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posted by Unknown @ 1:35 PM   4 Comments

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Why We Love, Love Soap


I think it’s awesome when people take chances in business and in life.  Recently friends of mine started an online company that stocks unique, natural and organic beauty products that are good for your body and the environment. These two ladies, Celeste & Catherine are super passionate about what they do and it’s quite inspiring.  Yay women-owned, small business!

When I was pregnant with Lavinia I started paying closer attention to the ingredients in my food and beauty products. 

When she was born I was a total freak about not letting chemicals near her perfect pink skin.  That awareness has carried over to the products that I use on myself. Despite feeling quite a bit older- I can honestly say my hair and skin have never been healthier since switching to mainly organic products.  Why didn't I learn about this stuff in my early 20’s??? Could have prevented so much skin drama.

Celeste gave me a bath product to try out on Lavinia and I really liked it so I’m sharing it with you here.

Love Soap is a shampoo (which doubles as a body wash) for little nuggets.  It’s certified organic by the Soil Association. Lavinia has skin prone to eczema so it's great this product is made for sensitive skin.
This Cute Little Gift Box Comes With Bubble Bath Too

The Love Soap smells like citrus and lavender (which always reminds me of a spa)- a perfect calming scent since bath-time is the beginning of our bedtime routine. It’s soft on the skin and rinses off really easily which isn't always the case with products containing essential oils. The bubble bath isn't super bubbly but I don't tend to use very much.
Vinnie Appreciates Natural Luxury
Check out the rest of their exciting range of natural products for home and body: Natural Supply Co.  Thanks Celeste and Catherine!

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posted by Unknown @ 3:28 PM   0 Comments