Packing a Diaper Bag

As a new mom your diaper bag will become your biggest accessory and you will travel everywhere with it. In a previous blog “Trendy Diaper Bags” I discussed some sophisticated diaper bag options available for moms and dads (so check that out).

But what exactly do you need to pack into this bag, and what are the essential items you will need to survive the ‘outside’ world? I have compiled a list of things you need to have in your bag, from changing, to eating, to playtime. In the beginning I used to carrying a bag full of items, but over time I have come to realise these are the need-to-have items.  

The Essential Items

 

1. Change of Clothes for baby

2. Wet Wipes

3. Burping Towel 

4. Bum Cream

5. Diapers (4-5)

6. Changing Mat 

 

7. Feeding Bib

8. Food

9. Feeding Spoon

10. Bottle 

11. Teething Toys / Favorite Toy

12. Tissues

13. Panado 

14. Blanket

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Rain & Rain Boots

The rainy season has started in Johannesburg, and the gray clouds had me thinking of the wonderfully colorful attire available for kiddies on a rainy day. I love the Hatley's Rain Boot and Rain Coat collection for kids. Their designs are fresh, original and have a practical design. 

Rain Boots for kids are adorable and fun, they are also a must-have fashion item even on dry days. You can choose a design and pattern to emphasize your kids budding personality.

PS: The Hatley's collection are available online, and can also be bought on amazon.com. 

 Rain Boots for Kids

 Rain Boots on the Streets

Hartley Rain Boots for Girls

Hartley Rain Boots for Boys 

 

Summer Trend: Polka Dots

I love the Polka Dot designs for kids and babies this summer... It can be used in  clothing, in the bedroom or in accessories. It's also versatile and can be used for boys or girls. Some of my favorite ways to bring in this design is in the bedroom (see the painted tree below), or with name art. A nothing is cuter than a pair of Polka Dot shoes for girls!
 

Even the Obama daughter's have taken to the Polka Dot trend, pairing it with other patterns too.  

Baby Bling

The much anticipated arrival of the Beyonce and Jay-Z baby has inspired this Baby Bling blog. With parents such as these, we know this little girl (yes, apparently Kelly Rowland spilled the beans on the gender), will have nothing than the best. Beyonce and Jay-Z have not been shy to accumulate and design their own bling over the years, and why not when you can afford it.

One thing is for sure, that when you are born into music royalty you will be a princess to bling. My guess is she will have her own Swarovsky diamond dummies, to personalized baby sneakers. Let's just hope they don't rush her into getting a weave anytime soon... lol. 

Here are some super cute bling ideas for little girls: 

Now all I need is a Black American Express card to go with it ;)

Christmas Gifts for Grandparents

It's almost that time of the year again! Yes, Christmas is 4 weeks away - and with this comes the nightmare of Christmas shopping. YIKES. I really hate going to malls during the shopping season, the ques are long the stores are busy and I can never find what I am looking for. This year I think I will look into online shopping to skip the Christmas chaos. 

At the top of this years list, are the Grandparents, it would have been our daughter but at 8months she is too young to really appreciate gift giving. And to be quite honest I don't think we would have survived the first year without the help of Grandparents! 

The modern day grandparent doesn't quite fit the idea of an old women knitting jersey's and feeding the cats. I find that modern grandparents are quite refined and stylish. So with that in mind here are some gift ideas for Grandparents:

Personalized Photo Collage: I like this because it has a beautiful design, using your child's name, and fill the frame with cute pictures from the year that has past.

   

The Photobook: Instead of putting photo's in an album, why not get a book printed and bound. This is a fantastic gift, you can even get the kids to write or draw personal messages to the Grandparents to give it a special touch. 

Personalized Jewelry: Probably a better idea for Grandma, but this charm bracelet is a great idea. You can add the names of her children and grandchildren to make it a special gift. I like the look and feel of 'Hand Stamped' jewelry in particular.

 

A Web Cam: A lot of grandparents live far away and miss their families, why not get them a cute Web Cam so that you can chat online with them. You may need to help them understand how to use it, but it will make staying in touch that much more special to them. 

Name Rocks: This would be a good gift idea for a grandparent who enjoys gardening. The rocks can be used in pot plants, or specially placed in areas of the garden. 

The Photo Calendar:  Much like the photobook and collage idea, you could make them a personalized 2012 calendar. You can find the software online for free and get it printed. Then your gift will be used for a whole year!

Then lastly... Why not bake a Christmas card instead of getting one from the store. You can get the kids involved in this one, and they will have fun doing it too. You will have something to give them to do during their school holidays. What do I mean bake a card? See below on how effective it is. 

Yummy Mummy: Beach Edition

December holidays are around the corner, and many of you will be planning your summer holidays in the sun. Mom's like myself may be looking forward to the break, the yummy treats and good times with their family's... But you may also be dreading the inevitable swimsuit situation. 

I have been thinking about this a lot lately, and wondering how to hit the beach without being self-conscious about my post pregnancy body. I have now found the solution.. Chiffon Swimsuits and Shirts. This give you the cover without having to wear a bodysuit! You can still feel young and sexy, and the light weight material will make you feel cool. In fact this beach look makes you look like a celebrity diva. I love it!

It's also a great idea for expecting mums too!