On realising my dreams
I’ve always had a love for party planning and event conceptualisation, for as long as I can remember – which is why I got into PR in the first place. I’ve worked at the number 1 Agency in South Africa since I left University (with a hiatus in the middle whilst we lived in the…
My journey with Environ
Four weeks ago I started my skincare journey with Environ and Beauty Bulletin – trialling out two of their products from their anti-aging Youth Care+ Range in the #focusonflawlesssa campaign – the Tri BioBotanical Revival Masque and the Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules. The focus of these products is to improve signs of aging with the…
{WIN A SET OF TWO} Introducing the CRUNCHBOX – making packed lunches a cinch!
As you’ll know after reading this post, my firstborn is headed to ‘big school’ next year. Amongst other monumental changes, this means a proper packed lunch! We’ve been lucky that the kids Pre-Primary provides breakfast and a cooked lunch, as well as an afternoon snack, so we haven’t had to pack too much of a…
New Christmas tradition – building a Gingerbread House!
More and more over the years I’ve seen a growing number of Westernised Christmas traditions creeping into South Africa, this is one I’m absolutely thrilled about. We like to do Christmas ‘big’ in our house, and have loved starting and continuing Christmas traditions for our children. Decorating the tree together and who gets to adorn…
The leap to Grade One – I’m not ready!
I still cannot quite wrap my head around my little Oli-pop going to Grade One next year. To see my little baby in a uniform. It’s a monumental milestone, bringing with it so many exciting opportunities and the inevitable change. I wish I could tell you this was all about Oli, but in fact, it’s…
Netflix – our top 10 series picks of what we’ve been watching!
Netflix has revolutionised our tv/series watching at home. With our arrival of uncapped fibre, finally came our subscription to Netflix. Best. Thing. Ever! Our favourite way to unwind, on the nights we don’t need to work (and when the kids are down), is to watch series and chill – such homebodies! The pro’s? No more…
A letter to my second child
When people ask me if having a second child was harder than the first, my standard reply is “No, our second child literally just fell seamlessly into our lives and routines”. And I mean it. With Oli we literally parented by trial and error. We learnt what worked for us and our family and we…
Disney is bringing some exciting new movie releases – coming to a cinema near you soon!
Our family absolutely loves going to the movies. In fact, some of our all-time favourites have been brought to us by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. I’m sharing this mind-blowing Disney line up with you, they’re all set for theatrical release between November 2018 and November 2019, and I got to have a sneak-peek a…
{GIVEAWAY} Colgate-Palmolive answers your questions about your child’s oral hygiene habits
I’m bringing you the answers to all your child-related oral habits after sitting down with a Colgate-Palmolive Oral Hygienist, and my mind is blown! There is so much that I didn’t know, other than the importance of good oral habits. I’ve just gone full circle with my eldest, Oli, he’s lost two milk teeth and…
No tricks, only treats – some DIY Halloween gifts!
We love holidays of any sort in our home, and we celebrate them all! Halloween for us is a little more about the kids swopping treats and dressing up, than the ghoulish, dark-side of the holiday. This year we’ll be joining Killarney Country Club for their fantastic family event and we’ve been making some little…
Are sleepovers a thing of the past?
I might be that paranoid or overly cautious mom, but maybe I’m not? The more moms I talk to about this the more I’m beginning to feel the general consensus. Simply put, are sleepovers too dangerous to have anymore? I grew up in a tiny Diamond Mining town in Botswana and every single weekend from…
#JUSTLIKEUSKIDS
In January this year (on the very day Jess was to give birth to her daughter) in a Mommalikeyou feature, I introduced you to Jess Roberts. A Momma to Luke and Holly, she has spearheaded a phenomenal campaign to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October and prove that Luke, just like any other kid born with…
Help! My Baby has Colic!
Colic. The five-letter word that makes every new mother or father tremble. My first born, Oli, had it and those first three months were tortuous for all of us to say the least. Coupled with adjusting to a baby for the first time, raging hormones, and a lack of sleep, colic thrown into the mix…
The perfect Peppa Pig party!
Monday came with the honour of styling a Peppa Pig party for one of the sweetest little three year olds I know! My family has been to Bella’s last two parties, and I know the lengths her Mom goes to, to throw the most special day for her baby girl, so I knew it had to…
Mommalikeyou – Meet Cisca!
This month the Mommalikeyou feature is dedicated to the phenomenal Cisca de Kock. This lovely lady came into my life last year and right from the start we struck up a friendship. She’s the kind of friend who always has your back, will be your biggest supporter, and will keep you in fits of giggles…
An update on our potty training – and what it taught me.
If you’ll remember from this post , you’ll remember that although Soph has been potty trained (during the day) for a year, she was battling with night-time potty training. I decided to potty train her because I thought it was what I should be doing, instead of thinking about how ready she was, and as…
Mommalikeme turns 1!
I can’t believe my little passion project has just turned one! My first blog post was about Oli’s Magic Party, and a year later I’ve just blogged about his Carnival Party! Celebrations all round. I still can’t quite believe how much my ‘space’ has grown in just 12 months. I started the blog as a…
The Carnival comes to town – Oli turns 6!
After postponing the party due to the birthday boy having an unexpected hospital stay – remember this post – the Carnival finally came to town! Oli and I probably started planning this party last year, directly after his Magic party – that’s how it works in our house – lots of forward planning! Oli immediately…
A Mommy’s Birthday Gift Guide (aka mine)
I’ll be 33 (eek, I can’t quite believe it) on the 9th of September. I do gift guides for everyone else, and for just about every occasion, so I figured why not do one for my own birthday this year?! I hope this round up might be helpful for a friend/boyfriend/husband out there wanting to…
A true “Oolala” moment – meet Daniella the founder of The Oolala Collection Club
A true “Oolala” moment – meet Daniella the founder of The Oolala Collection Club In celebration of Woman’s Month – a day is just not long enough – I wanted to feature a female powerhouse I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person. A lady, full of grace and poise, but also drive and sheer…
optiphi® Facial Cleanser: The good, the bad and, nope, there’s no ugly!
Truthfully, there really isn’t ‘an ugly’. I’ve been testing the optiphi® Facial Cleanser (part of their Active range) for well over a month now and I’m completely sold on this product. Better than the phenomenal results I’ve gotten, this brand is Proudly South African! “Born from the knowledge applied in the fields of producing burn…
A very (un) Happy Birthday.
On Monday night, as we wrapped up Oli’s big boy bike and presents, we struggled to get him to sleep. Not because he was showing signs of any illness, but because he was so excited, he proclaimed he just ‘could not sleep’. I went to bed just after ten and could hear Oli talking, so…
Turning Six
Today, the 7th August, our firstborn, turns 6. SIX. This birthday symbolises so much for me, let alone you, Oli – most of which I’m distracting myself with by focusing on your birthday party instead. This year we’ll be throwing you a Carnival Party with all your school friends invited – you all know how much…
Come visit the new and improved play area at The Silver Birch Restaurant!
There’s a brand new play area in town! The Silver Birch Restaurant, which we’ve frequented for years, has just opened a revamped play area at its restaurant at the Lifestyle Home Garden centre in Randpark Ridge, and this one is not going to disappoint! Separated into two play areas – for 6 and under, and…
{Featured Party} Yusuf’s TEE-RIFFIC 3rd Birthday!
So, most of you will know by now that Rebecca from In these Stilettos and I collaborate on parties and had talked about turning it into a business – well, it’s happening! Bookings are officially open, and today I’m featuring the unbelievable party Becks threw for her son that I got to help with at…
{Giveaway – WIN a personalised eating plan} Let’s get healthy!
You know what they say, ‘summer bodies are made in winter’ – and guess what, ‘they’re’ right. I love being in the kitchen, cooking and baking with Soph. I love food. In fact, before deciding to go down the PR route, I was ready to enrol at Silwood School of Cookery. I thought it would…
My favourite new find – Kiddylicious snacks!
A close friend who knows my battles with my fussy eater, Oli, dropped off a variety of Kiddylicious snacks for us to try. Oli is notoriously bad at willingly eating vegetables so I’m limited to basically three choices with him, which still need to be washed down with multiple cups of water. Brand new to…
Mommalikeyou – Meet Laura!
This next Mommalikeyou feature unveils the beautiful Momma behind the Rosie Bee brand – a lady I’ve come to call my friend, even though we’ve only met over the interwebs. Meet Laura, a beautiful Momma of a pigeon pair who successfully juggles motherhood, two small children and a thriving local business. Name: Laura Ritchie Where…
Nestlé has launched the new and improved MILO® Energy Cereal with 27% less sugar, more added benefits and I’m sharing the secret recipe with you!
The secret is out, and parents, you’re going to love this. The famous brand has given the cereal we know and love an entire makeover, and has reduced the sugar contents by a whopping 27%. That’s huge! Breakfast time can now be guilt-free! I attended the media event last week, hosted by Dr Michael…
The best indoor activities to do with your kids in Johannesburg and Pretoria this Winter!
It feels like we’ve been living in the middle of the Antarctic lately. Seriously, that was more than just ‘winter’. My poor kids are so layered up right now, their movements are restricted and their resemblance of the Michelin Man is striking! The current weather has inspired my latest list of places to keep the kids busy…
The downside to being a working Mom
Recently our entire family was down with swine flu. One by one, with me being second in line. Soph had had it for quite a while before she was actually diagnosed and I had to leave her at home with our helper for a whole week battling raging temperatures while I went to work. I…
{Win with Travelstart} Oh to be a kid again!
When I was a kid, all I wanted to be was an adult. Now that I’m an adult, all I want to be is a kid again! I cringe at all the naps I refused to take (now, I’ll take ALL the naps I can, given the chance!). In celebration of Youth Month, Travelstart is…
{Holiday fun} Head on over to Cradlestone Mall to discover the Dinosaurs of The Lost World!
Are you looking for something fun to do with the kids during the long school holidays? Cradlestone Mall, in conjunction with the cinema release of Jurassic World 3, has set up the most incredible collection of prehistoric creatures throughout the mall for your entertainment, and what’s more, the exhibition and activities are totally free of…
{Father’s Day Feature} Two Dads and a KiD
With Father’s Day fast approaching, I reached out to my two favourite Daddy Bloggers – Emanuel and Darren from Two Dads and a KiD to get their take on their journey through fatherhood. These are two of the nicest, most genuine people I know, and they take such pride in being the best fathers they…
{Featured Party} A Harry Potter Party for Riya!
Remember those gorgeous cake pops my friend Jaysheela made for Soph’s party? Well, this fabulous Momma also loves doing parties like I do and I just had to feature this phenomenal party she threw for her daughter. If you’ve done a party for your child you’d like featured, send through your submissions to mommalikeme@yahoo.com and you…
The Mommalikeme Father’s Day Gift Guide (for Moms)
Father’s Day is fast approaching, so I’ve collated 18 items to suit almost every type of dad (and budget) out there. Everyone always complains how hard it is to by a gift for a man, well I’ve just made your life a whole lot simpler with this guide. There’s something from everyone here. Everything from…
Meet: Sam and Tam
It’s been ages since the last Mommalikeyou feature, so I’ve decided to resurrect the series with the fabulous ladies behind Pink Dust Events – Sam and Tam! This fabulous Mompreneur duo are revolutionising ‘Ladies Night Off’ in their midnight hours – let’s meet the Mommas! Names: Samantha Lopes Tam Lobban Where do you live: S:…
{Win a fabulous Dettol hamper} Three easy ways we’re busting germs in our home this winter!
We’ve visited the GP far too many times this year – between the kids and I, we’ve passed various bugs and viral infections between each other faster than an Olympic Ping-Pong match. I’ve decided to up the ante this year and cleanse our household as best as we can for the Winter onslaught of germs….
{Review: Clarins Double Serum} – why I’ll be repurchasing this!
I’m by no means a certifiable ‘beauty’ blogger (I’ll leave that to some of my favourites – Mascara and Mimosas, Kiss Blush and Tell and For the Beauty of It), but I have a love for all things beautifying and have become increasingly interested in skincare and how I help delay the aging process and…
Night Time Potty Training – why we’re just not ready yet
Oli was the kid that at the age of three decided he was done with his nappies, stuck on a pair of undies and with only a few wet episodes was good to go. That same day he told me ‘no more nappies’ he refused to wear one to bed and after piling up three…
15 signs you’re currently parenting a threenager
Soph’s birthday came around and it was like a dormant time bomb went off, signaling the start of year three, and all the sass she could serve. Her previously slightly ‘stubborn’ streak became more of an all-consuming personality trait. Threenager – The Urban Dictionary defines the term ‘threenager’ as “a 3-year-old spouting attitude like a…
Momma battling HG – I see you.
If you’ve been following me from the start, you’ll know I didn’t have an easy time with my pregnancies. You’ll know the second pregnancy was substantially worse than the first and I honestly felt like I was battling a demon. Today, 15th May, is World HG Awareness Day. The one day dedicated to creating awareness…
A party fit for a mermaid – Soph turns 3!
Having a little girl to throw a glittering, pink-popping, girly party for is an absolute dream come true for me. Parties and events are initially what drew me into the PR industry, and more and more I’ve come to realise it as my passion. I love seeing how my ideas come together and watching everyone…
The Mommalikeme Mother’s Day Gift Guide (for the Dads)
Mother’s Day is around the corner, 6 days to be exact, and I know that most Dads’ are preparing to scramble. Here’s a roundup of some deliciously divine spoils you may just want to subtly pass on to your husband to give him a little guidance. If your husband is anything like mine he has…
Baking with Snowflake – the easiest marshmallow-frosted cupcakes
A couple of weeks ago it was Sophie’s school birthday ring, which means baking or buying cupcakes. If you know and follow me, you’ll know that I love being in the kitchen, but you might also remember a cupcake incident last year that threw me for a loop and l lost my cupcake-making mojo. Since…
Ster-Kinekor opens a Kids Cinema in Sandton City!
With the reopening of the newly revamped Ster-Kinekor cinemas in Sandton City, came the launch of an entire cinema catering just for kids – what could be better than that? Oli absolutely loves going to the movies, I think he even sees himself as a bit of an aficionado, and he’s thrilled that he can…
{Win 2 Enchantimals™ dolls} The power of imagination play – Enchantimals™
Mattel South Africa, the magical toy company that’s brought us our beloved brands like Barbie® and Hot Wheels®, has now introduced a brand-new franchise to their girl’s portfolio – Enchantimals™. Each whimsical half-animal character is paired with her animal counterpart – depicting the special bond that is often formed between a child and their pet,…
We need to talk.
I had a completely different blog post in mind for today, but after the monumental meltdown in our home yesterday morning I just had to address this, and find out if anyone else has come across this in their own home. It’s a very real and disturbing issue that I never thought would affect kids…
WIN a Hatchimals CollEGGtibles Season 2 hamper worth R500!
This Easter we decided to limit the number of sugary finds on the egg hunt after last year’s sugar overload of such epic proportions that we literally chucked away some precious gold bunnies that had expired! We opted for various books, bunny-themed t-shirts & socks, cups, puzzles and of course, some of the brand new…
So this is three – a letter to my Soph for her birthday.
My precious, feisty little child, on Friday you will be 3. Three! I can’t quite believe it. Three whole years since you set the tone for your personality, by arriving on your own terms. No one is going to stop you from being you, don’t let them. Three years since the last little space in…
{Win a Barbie Dreamtopia doll} The power of imagination play – Barbie Dreamtopia
Imaginative play is crucial to the cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth and development of young children. In other words, children make sense of the world around them through imaginative play. When a child enters the magical world of Barbie Dreamtopia, and fantasizes about being a fairy, a mermaid or a princess, they escape the…
{Easter} Bunny Bark
I can’t quite believe it’s Easter time already, but, it is! That means decadent treats and a little indulgence. Scrolling through Instagram one night I came across these amazing shards of heavenly chocolatey goodness. It’s so simple they barely require a ‘recipe’ – I feel I bit silly even typing it up, but here it…
{Win a Sonicare for Kids toothbrush worth R800} Staying on top of your little ones’ oral health this Easter
Easter is just a few days away, and for the little kids, that means only one thing – the Easter egg hunt AND chocolate! This year I’ve decided to limit the chocolatey finds and switch some of them out with Easter-inspired goodies. Cute bunny tees, books & fun toys replacing some of the sugar-loaded loot….
Mom guilt – your kids only need YOU!
A couple of weeks ago I took Soph for her vaccinations. Her 18 month vaccinations. Soph will be 3 on the 6th of April. I gave a high-pitched laugh when our family doctor asked what we’d come in for that day, barely masking my embarrassment of not having had her immunisations done already. Ever the…
{HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WIN A BROW MAKEOVER WORTH R1850} Debunking the myths surrounding Microblading
There are so many misconceptions surrounding the microblading procedure, I’m going to clear some of them up! For those of you that are considering it, I hope this puts your mind at ease. Debunking the myths: You need to shave your eyebrows when microblading. False. You absolutely do not need to do this, in fact, a technician…
{YOU COULD WIN A BROW MAKEOVER WORTH R1850} I got my eyebrows Microbladed – here’s what you need to know!
I grew up plucking my eyebrows overzealously – heavens I wish I hadn’t. Over plucking, a botched wax job by a trainee and possibly just bad genes resulted in sparse, unsymmetrical brows. The hair on my left brow grows out like cyclops, and the right brow was longer and higher than the left. Filling in…
{WIN} The power of imagination play – PowWow Designer Teepees
My children love toys. Don’t most kids? I often feel like they have far too many of them. The one thing I don’t mind adding to their ever-increasing collection however, is imagination play toys. Toys where they can play for hours on end engrossed in a faraway make-believe world. A world with magic fortresses (or…
Parenting an anxious child – the thing about Soph.
Soph is generally a very happy and easy child (bar her strong will), but over the last year she’s battled consistently with being separated from me, and only me. She’s always been a ‘Mommy’s girl’ but this is taking it to a whole new level – this is the thing about Soph. Separation anxiety is…
Easy Banana Breakfast Muffins
The kids and I bake most weekends. They love the process of measuring, pouring and mixing and of course enjoy tasting the end result! Faced with a bowl of overripened bananas (this heat ripens everything so much faster!), we decided to bake Banana Muffins in our jaarmies on Saturday morning. Perfect for a quick breakfast…
Colour sorting sensory box
During the holiday I decided to do a fun colour sorting sensory box for the kids. At 5, Oli is obviously a pro and could sort the colours and name the objects, but as for Soph, not so much. She can easily group the colours together, as well as recognising what the objects are, but she’s still learning…
7 ways to raise a confident child
In a world full of uncertainty, chaos and instant gratification, raising a child that is confident enough in themselves is crucial. Self-esteem is the key to a happy and successful child and in turn, adult. My hope is that I raise my children with enough confidence that they are self-assertive and assure – with just…
A letter to my Love
‘I wrote a letter to my Love and on the way I lost it’ – okay, so I never lost it, but I also never wrote a public declaration of my love, so here it is, as we enter your birthday month. If you cringe at gushy posts, click away, this one isn’t for you!
Baking with YUM YUM – The best Peanut Butter Cookies!
Flourless and gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies – they’re virtually sinless if you don’t count the sugar and chocolate chips. A few days ago YUM YUM dropped off a fabulous gym kit for me (did you read this post about getting my BC body back?) and two boxes of peanut butter sachets for the kids. Inspired by the delivery, we…