Month: November 2017

Parents, this is how you win at the internet – MindLabKids.com

Parents, this is how you win at the internet – MindLabKids.com

Summer school holidays are almost upon us here in New Zealand and, as far as I can tell, there are two distinct methodologies parents use to tackle the school holidays; The Organized Planner: Days, playdates, excursions,  picnics are all planned with military precision – only to 

Raising Kiwi boys – the good, the bad and the muddy

Raising Kiwi boys – the good, the bad and the muddy

Karicare Toddler is about as Kiwi as the kids that are we are raising here in New Zealand. As a Mum to a couple of Kiwi boys, Karicare Toddler asked me to have a think about what it means to me to be a Kiwi 

New Beauty – The Herb Farm Facial Serums + Skincare Minis

New Beauty – The Herb Farm Facial Serums + Skincare Minis

The Herb Farm NEW Enhanced Formula Facial Serums

New Zealand's Top Mummy Blogger Parenting Travel Blog Family Herb Farm Serum ReviewIf you love beautifully natural, New Zealand made skin care, you absolutely MUST visit The Herb Farm’s website if you’re not already familiar with their skincare and healing and therapeutic ranges.  All products are produced on the farm, a family business that believes that ‘living a natural life shouldn’t cost a fortune or the earth’.

It’s easy for individuals and companies alike to rest on their laurels when they’ve got a good thing New Zealand's Top Mummy Blogger Parenting Travel Blog Family Herb Farm Serum Reviewgoing.  In contrast, The Herb Farm’s founder and herbalist Lynn Kirkland seems committed to pushing forward with new product development and improving existing formulas, which has resulted in the relaunch of their two serums.  

Radiance Boost Facial Serum RRP $39.90 which targets; uneven skin tone, pigmented skin, redness, dull, tired and stressed skin, has been enhanced with Elderberry Extract resulting in a more easily absorbed formula

Renewal Advance Facial Serum RRP $46.90 gets to work on ageing concerns; fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, environmental stressors and free radicals.  The new formulation includes Gotu Kola Extract, further targeting the visible signs of ageing.

I use a serum every day under my moisturiser, I absolutely love them.  The two little beauties from The Herb Farm will become firm faves in my routine.  They are lightweight, silky smooth, absorb quickly and leave my skin feeling and looking fabulous.  Really impressed with the 2 year BB date also as a little goes a long way with serum.

The Herb Farm Skincare Minis

New Zealand's Top Mummy Blogger Parenting Travel Blog Family Herb Farm minis ReviewI love skincare minis for two reasons;  they are the perfect way to fine-tune your skincare routine, discover what works for you and experiment with a new brand or product before spending a lot of money on a full-size product.  Secondly, I love them for travelling.  I have way too much kid gear to lug around to be adding weight to my toiletry bag with large bottles and glass jars.

Just in time for Christmas gifting and summer roadies, The Herb Farm has released four Skincare Mini packs across each of their skin concern ranges; Signs of Aging Skincare Minis, Oily and Combination, Dry, and Normal/Sensitive.

Each system contains a cleanser, exfoliating powder, toner and face cream and is perfectly sized to slip into your hand-luggage.  We are heading to Japan in the New Year so I’m super happy to have a complete skincare system – in mini! – to take with me.

RRP $ 34.90 – $39.90 

 

Health – 5 Easy Ways to Improve your Sleep

Health – 5 Easy Ways to Improve your Sleep

This post was made possible by the world’s number #1 selling mattress protector, Protect-A-Bed, who know a thing or two about helping us get a good night’s sleep! How many times have you caught yourself complaining about how tired you are, how you could sleep for 

Parenting – Bright Ideas for Young Minds

Parenting – Bright Ideas for Young Minds

A couple of weeks ago I attended an event that was a little bit different from those I normally go to each week.  It wasn’t a cosmetic/foodie/makeup event, it wasn’t a glamorous, heels and frock, dress-to-the-nines occasion (thank god!).  It was a book launch.  A beautiful 

Cook, Eat – Homemade Burger Patty Recipe

Cook, Eat – Homemade Burger Patty Recipe

Nothing beats homemade hamburgers and with BBQ season quickly approaching, getting a go-to burger patty recipe locked, loaded and ready to go is a kiwi summer essential.

I tried this recipe last night for the first time and it’s a winner.  These burgers made an easy, delicious Friday night dinner that ticked all the boxes for the whole family.

Burger Patty Recipe

Recipe provided courtesy of New MacKenzie Burger Buns, available in selected New World and Pak ‘n’ Save stores in White Rye and Sprouted Grain varieties.

Ingredients:

Patties (makes 6)

750g premium beef mince

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 large onion, grated

1 egg lightly whisked

1/4 cup chopped parsley

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2tsp Tabasco sauce

Salt & pepper to taste

Olive oil

To serve:

6 MacKenzie White Rye Burger Buns

150g cheese of your choice

Mustard

Lettuce

Sliced tomatoes

Tomato relish

Method:

Mix the beef mince, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley salt & pepper and Tabasco sauce in a large bowl.  Divide into equal portions.

Cook in olive oil in the pan over medium-low heat or on the BBQ.

Melt cheese on top of patties when you flip them.

Lightly toast MacKenzie White Rye Burger Buns in the oven or on the BBQ.

Build burgers to taste and serve!

MacKenzie Chef Tips;

  • Avoid patty shrinkage by pressing a shallow ‘dimple’ in the middle of the patty before you cook.
  • Do not salt beef until patties are formed to avoid them drying out.