My two boys are complete opposites when it comes to brushing their teeth and sticking to a good oral health routine. One will want to brush his teeth every single time he hears someone in the bathroom, whilst the other will ‘forget’ and actually …
Kiwi’s are a funny old bunch when it comes to traditions aren’t we? Here in New Zealand we don’t have too many hard and fast holiday routines when compared to other countries but we sure love those traditions that have stood the test of time …
I emerged from the 12 month yoga-pant haze that followed Nixon’s birth with a desire to once again wear more structured, non-stretchy clothes. Clothes of varying fabrics, maybe a skirt or EVEN A DRESS (post-breastfeeding!) Clothes that didn’t have to do double duty as a burp cloth and a handkerchief.
The problem was, at this point I completely lost what little of my own style I once had, and my ‘new’ post-baby wardrobe became a predictable array of Bassike-inspired stripes and monochrome separates. Pair anything and everything with a pair of Nike Roshe and I was out the door!
It’s only in the past month (with Nix now 3!) that I realised how bored I had become with the way I was dressing and vowed to get my groove back. With two international retailers H&M and Zara opening here in Auckland this month I shopped brights, statement pieces, sparkles and funky separates. I purchased clothes that I will love to wear, not necessarily clothes that I loved seeing everyone else on IG wearing.
Because I don’t shop for new clothes each week I do take good care of what I have. There is nothing more upsetting (for me or the boys) than a new shirt being on the receiving end of a greasy-paw, toddler snug fest – as lovely as those are of course! There have been many kid-wardrobe mishaps over the years, but as my laundry experience has broadened (i.e. I’ve gotten older and older lol) I’ve settled on 5 sure-fire ways to reduce stain-angst.
5 Ways I Keep my Mum-Wardrobe looking Great
Because I actually know nothing about fashion compared to some, I’ve called in the Most Stylish Mum I know to offer some legit advice on how to be fashionable and have kids! Megan Robinson is both the beauty and brains behind NZ Fashion Institution www.threadnz.com and is a mother of two. (click to enlarge)
Is the proof in the pudding? YES, I did actually give the Sard Power Stain Remover duo a test run and…………..Dave and I are totally speechless as to the results. It’s become one of those totally boring parental conversations like “did Nixon poo this morning?” but now we have “I can’t believe Sard got that beetroot stain out!”.
Stains are the badges of honour your family accumulates as you move through your domestic days, months and years and I just smashed strawberry, chocolate, an almighty beetroot stain, tomato sauce and grass stains in one wash cycle.
Nix and I ‘carefully’ applied our stains then sprayed each with Sard Power Stain Remover spray and let it sit for an hour. I washed on a normal cycle with other laundry using 1 cap of Sard Power Stain Remover soaker – NOT holding my breath that this white shirt would live to ride another day.
Narrowly avoided heart-attack when shirt appeared 50 minutes later looking as pure as the driven snow.
Pick up your own Sard superheroes in the laundry aisle and don’t be afraid to try this at home!
Two winners are going to be ready to take on stains this summer, each receiving a Sard Prize Pack including 3 units of Sard Power Stain Remover soaker and 3 units of Sard Power Stain Remover spray!
To enter just comment below telling me what your toughest laundry battle is.
Competition closes 18th November 2016, NZ residents only. Thanks to Sard for teaming up with me for this post.
Mum’s are the undisputed multi-tasking masters. Our innate ability to switch roles, tasks, expectations and juggle kids, work and life is what helps keep things moving on the home-front, and keeps us in front of the coffee machine every morning! Summer comes with both it’s …
With each new season comes an opportunity for a bit of a stock-take in both our lives and our wardrobes. Compared to other areas in my home where I can be ruthlessly brutal during a ‘culling season’, I do tend to hoard a wee bit …
SunRice Brown Rice Chips – Sweet Chili RRP $5.99
Sure to become a summer fave, SunRice have added a new flavour to their existing range of Brown Rice Chips. Sweet Chili joins Wild Rice, Sea Salt and Parmesan and Sundried Tomato. These are the perfect gluten free, wholegrain option for entertaining or snacking with no artificial flavours or preservatives.
Available in the healthy food or snack aisles in selected supermarkets
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Betty Crocker – Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownie RRP $5.99
Full of milk and white chocolate chips, I’m soooo looking forward to whipping up this brownie next week! These are such great ‘lifesavers’ to keep in the pantry for those unexpected afternoon teas or rushed desserts. Available in supermarkets nationwide.
Nice Blocks – Special Edition Watermelon & Lime
The nice blokes at Nice Blocks are throwing their hats in the ring to help Starship Foundation this year. They’ve created an amazing Watermelon and Lime Nice Block with 30c from each ice block sold and 50c from each multipack going straight to Starship Foundation! You can also get involved by purchasing one of this years gorgeous tea towels designed by young cancer survivor Ruby Seeto. Pick yours up or order online from www.wallacecotton.co.nz.
John Grisham – The Whistler RRP $37.99
Fresh off the press! Released on October 25th, the latest novel from bestseller John Grisham has gone straight to the top of my ‘Read Next’ list. A young investigator is pitted against the most corrupt judge in American history with only a whistle blower and an indicted lawyer on her side. How good does that sound? Straight to the Summer bestseller list I think!
Be Natural Re-launch
Yum guys! Look out for the new packaging of re-launched plant-power brand Be Natural. With a delicious range of cereals and snack bars, I’m loving these fab offerings with organic options. The Protein Nut Bars are my fave as is the Coco-Nutty Granola!
Smashbox Colour Correcting Sticks RRP $45 ea
Colour correcting is a mum essential – at least as far as this tired Mum is concerned! Use under concealer or foundation, these four shades will help you to put your best face forward every day. Green counteracts redness to reduce the appearance of blemishes, Lavender brightens yellowness so you look less dull (YES!), Peach works on lighter skin to fix dark circles and call in the heavy duty Orange to work it’s wonders on darker skin, dark circles and hyperpigmentation.
Dr. LeWinns Private Formula Day Cream Light SPF 15
Available at Life and Unichem pharmacies nationwide, this modern light formulation from revolutionary cosmeceutical brand Dr. LeWinns is set to deliver your best skin yet. Containing SPF 15 protection, the Super Berry Trio of Pepperberry, Riberry and Muntrie, Hydrovition Plus, Argan Oil and Vitamin A to encourage cell renewal and address aging concerns.
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil RRP $139 Available November 1st 2016
The launch for this revolutionary product from Dermalogica was almost as amazing as this little bottle of skin deliciousness. Phytoactives solve dryness and dehydration while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, leaving skin with a luminous, dewy finish that’s also protected against free radical damage. Phyto Replenish Oil is like a complete toolbox for skin in one lovely product. Don’t be shy about using oil on your skin, some are a bit thick and gluggy feeling, but Dermalogica has produced the lightest formulation here that absorbs super quickly.
Schwarzkopf Sun repair Range RRP $6.39-$11.99
Summer is coming, summer is coming, summer is coming! Get ahead of the warm weather with Schwarzkopf’s NEW Sun Repair Range. Including Monoi-Flower Extract and UVA/UVB filters, this is the prescription you need this summer to protect you hair and prevent it from drying out.
Available from all leading department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.
WIN > I have two sets of the Schwarzkopf Sun repair Range to give away! Enter via the widget below.
Despite the rain, wind and volatile temps here in New Zealand – it IS actually Spring. The kids are back in the routine of compulsory hat-wearing at kindy and school, which serves as a great visual reminder for me that it’s also sunscreen season. My …
Love it or loathe it, New Zealanders are slowly adopting a more favorable view of Halloween. My opinion is simply that dressing up is super-fun for kids so let them have it whilst they’re still young enough to enjoy a special, spooky night out in …
Ramen bowls are trending hard right now and rightly so. They are quick, easy and budget friendly meals that can smash leftovers and just as easily feed the troops on a busy weekday evening or be pared back for a perfectly sized meal for one.
I wanted to make the family roast chicken stretch for two meals so reimagined our leftovers into this delicious Chicken Ramen Bowl for two that became a very generous lunch for Dave and I the next day.
The beauty of this traditional Japanese dish is that it’s a really easy way to eat a balanced meal. By combining fresh veges and lean protein with pantry staple MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles (now with invisible wholegrain!) a delicious meal is never too far from the table.
This is going to be good!
[yumprint-recipe id=’11’]How easy is that!
For more info on MAGGI click here or head to their Facebook page.
Getting a great meal on the table for yourself or the family is definitely a good thing. Tell me about the good happening in your life right now and you’ll be in the draw to win one of FOUR $50 supermarket vouchers!
Simply leave a comment below sharing something good that’s coming up in your life – from dinner, to renovations, a long weekend, a new job or a day off! #thisisgoingtobegood!
Competition closes 18/11/16 NZ residents only.
This post was made possible thanks to Maggi.
The MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles with Invisible Wholegrain replace the Extra Delicious range – so keep an eye out at your local supermarket!
I’m seeing a lot of awesome new products each week so thought it was about time I curated these new releases into a weekly ‘Hot List’ that’s short and snappy, giving you guys the lowdown on the latest and greatest from brands we love. What’s …
