And the winners are...

I always try make this as random as humanly possible. So I've opened up a new post and will type the first 5 numbers that come to my head between 1 & 11 and then check who the lucky winners of the Babygroup vouchers are.

So the lucky numbers are:

6
9
2
11
7

And those winners would be....

DeMonique
Remember When
Kash
Brigitta Nel
Sindi

Please will the winners email me at jmckaydesigns@gmail.com with your contact info and I can get your vouchers to you ASAP.

I have something for you

I love shopping, I especially love shopping for Aiden. Only recently have I found the joy in online shopping and I can say it can quickly turn to a nasty habit but it's so easy and you can find exactly what you looking for with a click of a button.

Baby Group is a online portal that offers exclusive products that aren’t available anywhere else in our country as well as insightful advice and support from the BabyGroup panel of experts. You can also find them on Facebook so give them a like if you have a chance.

This is a sponsered post but I received nothing for it but I did get five R50 vouchers for my readers. I honestly love this site, it's clean and easy to use and the products they have in their shop are wonderful.

Leave a comment and the five lucky readers will be announced on Wednesday 6 June.

Here are some things I would love to get my hands on:

Freddie the Frog Silicone Bib

Sparky the Schnauzer Night Light

Blossom Bashful Bunny

This camper cot is only R795, wish I had seen this before I bought Aiden's one

Amber Teething Necklace

Love this clip on feeding chair

Stack & Spray fountain

Let your animals meet ours

If I lived in Cape Town this is where A and I would be, probably dragging my sister in toe, along with all my other friends with wee ones but alas I live in the grey city of Joburg where our fun things to do normally consist of a mall so I thought I'd share something I wish I could do with my little squid. So to those wonderful Capetonians who read my blog, hurry up now, tickets are selling out fast!

aSCAREium

Whether you're endlessly fascinated by the slimy hagfish, mesmerised by the always-in-costume devil firefish, enamoured by the hovering longhorn cowfish or simply amazed at the strangeness of our giant spider crabs, this month means one thing: fascination and fun at the aSCAREium on 27 October.

This is your opportunity to bond with your brood among our exhibits in a wonderful, wacky, wholesome atmosphere.

You and your little sea fans are invited to dress up – get those imaginations going and let your creativity run wild.

Then watch as your kids embrace the wonder of the oceans through interactive games, take-home arts and crafts, face-painting and magic shows.

And as everyone knows, after-hours the Aquarium takes on a life of its own …

Don’t miss the aSCAREium – the highlight of our social calendar.

Bookings are limited so secure your spot today: tickets cost R140 per child and R100 per adult. Click here to book now.

Softy is a legend

I love waking up to presents, even if the arrive at 7.30am and I have to go out in my very unflattering P.J's to go get it. The lovely folk over at Baby Soft sent me a Surfing Softy to start off my collection. Back in 2007 they had the Rugby pup in their packs of toilet paper, this time round for the months of October and November you can collect 3 different Softy's and your kids will love them and maybe will get them to stop nagging you for a real puppy for a short while.

Mommy Bootcamp

After having a baby my body just hasn't gone back to what it was, I hate it and often feel insecure and don't have the same confidence I once had. I know with eating right and exercise and I can change it but often finding time and someone to look after A so I can gym is challenging, especially as a single mom.

The great people at Adventure Boot Camp are launching a Mom's & Tots bootcamp, the next one starts the 22 October and registration needs to be done by this Friday 12 October, this one is taking place in Cape Town and if it does well they will bring it to Joburg so please Cape Town moms take part so they can bring this my side. It's twice a week, on a Tuesday and Thursday morning for an hour from 9.45,it's a 4 week camp and all you need is you, a baby and a pram.

The idea of Adventure Boot Camp for New Moms is to use your baby’s pram as your fitness equipment and partake in exercises that rely on the pram and the natural environment to get you back in shape. Your baby will be with you at all times which eliminates the need for a babysitter and as you are in an engaging outdoor environment, there will be plenty to keep your little one stimulated.

Register Now, go here!

Mompreneur Breakfast

Last week my mom and I attended the Mommy Matters Mompreneur Breakfast in Melrose Arch. It exceeded my expectations. I finally got to meet Jess and Kathy, founders of Mommy Matters and I also got incredibally inspired by an amazing group of woman.

We all got to stand up and introduce ourselves and what we do (sweaty hands from public speaking, oh and I think a lot of ums), A yummy breakfast and a talk from a life coach from FAB MOMS and then of course prices, where I won a MOM diary for 2013.

If you missed this one not to worry the next one in Joburg is the 31 October and if you in Cape Town, 24 October, for more info go here.

Photos taken from the Mommy Matters site and were done by "Janelle Sheehan photography"

Bubbles

Aiden has a room made in kid's heaven and it was my only goal when I was pregnant, I have bought him toy after toy and all he cares about is the packaging. So I stopped buying him crap and then I saw this bubble gun down one of the aisles and thought why not. It has a pretty cool tune for a toy and it doesn't pierce my brain just yet and the look on A's face when we play with it, is just to adorable, the utter amazement and wonder in his eyes makes me laugh till my tummy hurts. Look at the video and see what a cutie my son is.

Oh it's a  Verimark product which Pick n Pay seems to be stocking now.

P.S I was not sponsored or given this product to review, nor was I paid, I just think it's a real cool toy and my kid loves bubbles

Aiden has teeth... now what

Aiden got his two bottom teeth this past month and as motherhood goes with every milestone comes a new challenge. Maybe this isn't a challenge but it adds a tick on my checklist everyday and it's a new responsibility and something new I have to teach A: brush your teeth twice a day and don't forget to floss. Now obviously I'm not flossing A's little teeth just yet before anyone want's to shout any profanities at me but I am 'trying' to brush them when he stops shutting his mouth like a word class wrestler and I manage to get the tiny tooth in his mouth.

A hit the nail on the head this time and sprouted his little whites just in time for, Oral Hygiene Awareness Month, who would of thought. The kind people over at  Oral B  sent me the Professional Care 500, it's an electric toothbrush of note and makes brushing and getting the job done so much easier.

I'm trying to have A in the bathroom when I brush my teeth in hope it will create a "monkey see, monkey do" effect and it will become easier in time. Until then here's some handy info on keeping your wee ones teeth in good health.

Pick a Child-Friendly Dentist

There are pediatric dentists who have additional training and interest in children s’ dental issues. If you don’t have one in your area, look for a dentist whose waiting room, staff attitude and interaction with children tell you it’ll be a good experience. Ask your health care provider for some suggestions if you don’t know where to start.

Visit Ahead of Time

Bring a child in before the time of the appointment to get acquainted with the place. You can also bring a well-behaved 3-year-old with you on your own check-up so they can get used to the idea.

Examine Your Own Attitude About the Dentist

Many parents have some memories of bad dental experiences, and they can sometimes give off negative messages about the dental chair without even knowing it. The parent who can be most positive about the visit should be the one to accompany the child to the dentist.

Respect Those Baby Teeth

Even though your child will lose his or her baby teeth, proper care and treatment, including fillings, sealants and extraction of dead teeth, will help ensure that the jaw and teeth underneath grow well and stay healthy. Be ready for suggestions about care that you didn’t have as options when you were a child. Also remember to ask your dentist about fluoride rinses to help better protect your child’s teeth from decay.

Establish a Routine

Going to the dentist isn’t the only thing that is important. Keeping up with a good oral health routine at home is key. Here are a few things that you can do at home between visits to maintain good oral care:

• Teach children to brush twice a day. Good times to brush are after breakfast and before bed. Supervise at least the evening brushings for children under the age of seven.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Hard ones scrape the gums. Change the brush every three months or sooner if it wears out.
• Put a timer in the bathroom. Set it for at least two minutes. According to dental recommendations, two minutes is what it takes to get the job done, and children often have difficulty keeping time.
• Make sure your child is getting some sort of fluoride. Fluoride is available in toothpastes, mouthwashes and rinses, supplements or in fluoridated tap water.
• Avoid sticky and sugary foods and drinks. They can cause decay (cavities).

A little late but had to share

Last week Saturday a lot of Mommy Bloggers and readers got to attend the Johannesburg Huggies Momville Launch, it was a lovely day filled with catching up with old friends, meeting new faces and spending time with our little monsters.

The food was indulgent and never stopped coming and coming and coming, the weather was perfect and company was great. I don't want to spill to much as the last one is happening this Saturday in Cape Town and all the wonderful moms who are attending are in for a real treat.

It was all to launch the Huggies Momville website, where pregnant and new moms can find useful info and advice from professionals and moms a like, a community to connect with mom, a platform for mom's to share their stories and a bubble filled with needed advice and information.

 

Calling all Joburg Mompreneurs

I write for Mommy Matters once a week, they are online parenting and lifestyle magazine that sheds light on the many facets of womanhood, motherhood and livelihood. It has a special interest in moms personal & professional development and run regular workshop and events to ensure that as mothers we are living lives that motivate and excite us. 

I have been watching in pure jealousy on this one event that they have held in Cape Town a few times and been hoping they would do one up here and now they are! Excitement! I have already booked a ticket for my mom and I.

It is a networking breakfast for all you mompreneurs, it's on the 26 September at Grand Central cafe', Melrose Arch. It includes a yummy breakfast and an informative and inspirational talk by Life Coach, Kamani Reddy. So with great food and great moms around you and lots of prizes to win, there is no reason not to go.

Price: R200
Time: 9.30-12.00
Email: Kathy@mommymatters.co.za
(P.S: Johannesburg Mompreneurs Networking Breakfast. We do also run these events in CPT, so we just need to be sure which event you wish to attend, and allocate your seat accordingly)

Let Me Eat CAKE!

Last Friday I was invited to a High Tea at Junipa's for there Media Launch, although quite a distance for me it was a journey worth travelling to this heaven sent coffee shop at the Hobart Grove Centre in Bryanston.
This might sound cliche' but I mean it when I say, you haven't tasted what cake is supposed to taste like until you have put one of this perfected creations in your mouth. It quite literally melts in your mouth and for a few seconds, while you have that sugary goodness teasing your taste buds, everything is right in the world.

My favourite treats for the day was were the Red Velvet Petite Fours ( that's the little one with the strawberry on top) and the Sundried Tomato Galettes (the little pizza on my plate).

  

They welcomed us with warm smiles and filled us with baking knowledge, offered us perfectly brewed coffee and treated us to little bites of heaven. Wish I had more space in my tummy to fill it up and try everything they had to offer but will definitely be going back to taste the rest.

The launch was not the opening of this gem as they have been in business for years but the launch of there new Cake Studio. From tiered wedding cakes almost as beautiful as the bride, to birthday sponges drenched in Frangelico covered in chocolate Ganache, every creation designed and baked by Junipa's is unique.

"As an artisan bakery, we differentiate ourselves by using only the freshest ingredients to increase the depth of flavour and diverse textures that are a permanent feature of all our baked products. This attention to detail and passion for quality food is our trademark is of course extended to the beautiful cakes we create," explains owner Julian Platt.

Along with planning my wedding cake now before I have even found a suitable man, Junipa's also offers novelty cakes for your wee one and while they look great for them, we can now have cake that actually tastes as great as they look.

You really should go have a look and encounter this mouth watering experience for yourself and treat yourself to bakers, George and Michael, as they create gorgeously delectable confectionery. To order your own baked creation call (011) 706 2387 or visit their Website.

You can also like them on their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter

Santa Shoebox Project

When I lived in Cape Town I took part in this initiative, I didn't know it was actually a country wide project.
It's a great foundation and doesn't take a lot of your money or time and you will be making a child's Christmas a good one.

The Santa Shoebox WEBSITE is easy to use and it takes probably less than 10 minutes to register and pledge a shoebox to a child, you choose the your child and what organisation they are from and you get a medium sized shoebox fill it with a list of items, decorate the box or wrap it up (lid separately), stick on the label they will email you and you drop it off at one of the many destinations.

What needs to be in the box:

-	Toothpaste and tooth brush
-	Bar of soap and wash cloth
-	An outfit of clothing
-	Educational supplies
-	Sweets
-	A toy

Get involved, get your family and friends involved, get your colleagues involved, get your neighbours involved, get strangers involved, get everyone involved!

They have a Facebook Page -  https://www.facebook.com/SantaShoebox 

And you can follow them on Twitter - @SantaShoebox

If you are one of my friends or crazy family members I expect you to do a box and I will do one big drop, if you get it to me or give me the cash and I'll do a box for you! Charlene, Lee, Simmy, Mom, Aunty, and all you others, I know you reading this!

Blogger Secret Santa

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love putting up the tree, I love the probably fake happiness, I love the lights, I love the shopping, I love the food, I love the family time, I love the colour scheme, I love the little red santa hats, I love the lists, I love the love and I love the presents.

Last year MommyToes came up with the idea of doing a Blogger Secret Santa, I unfortunately missed it as I had just had Aiden but this year I am in and so looking forward to spoiling someone this year and it's all thanks to Charlotte from The Stiletto Mum for organising it this year.

Here's how it works

Guidelines:

· All names must be entered by 16 November 2012.

· Charlotte will email you your person by 21 November 2012.

· It’s a secret, the person you’re buying for may not be buying for you so be nice or you may get coal.

· Gifts must be under the value of R100 (pre postage) if you want to spend more feel free, but if about the love that goes into the gift rather than the price.

· If you are no longer able to participate let Charlotte know asap.

· Charlotte will list all blogs involved as I receive them – last year we even had 2 non-bloggers.

· Anther cute thing we did last year was a post about the things you like so that your Santa can get an idea of who you are (http://thestilettomum.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/dear-santa/). As soon as you have joined and did the post, email Charlotte the link to set up for you.

Email c.l.coetzee at gmail dot com if you want to join in.

SHARE this everywhere… Twitter hashtag #blogsecretsanta

Ella Belle WINNERS!

So happy to announce that the little princess winning a box set of these adorable shoes is

and the prince charming will be

Please email me your address's of where it can be delivered at jmckaydesigns@gmail.com

Ella Belle is the distributor of TRUMPETTE in South Africa, you can find what they offer over at their Facebook page, gorgeous socks, shoes, bags, leggings and accessories.

Momville

The wonderful people over at  Huggies Momville  asked me to do another post for them. It's up and it's honest and all about what I wish people would of told me when I had a bun in the oven. Follow this link to What they don't tell you

Ella Belle Giveaway!

I love being able to give pretty things to you lovely ladies. Last week I did a post on Ella Belle and all their amazing goodies. Now I get to give away not one but two gifts. Yay! I love this product because I can't get Aiden to wear shoes and they off within 5 seconds and he's left in his socks, which are always so ugly no matter where you look, well Ella Belle solves that dilemma with their gorgeous socks for babies and toddlers.

We'll be giving away two box sets, one to a precious boy and one to your little princess, sizes 0-12 months.

It's as easy as 1,2,3 to enter and stand a chance to win.

1. Comment on this blog post or if you struggle to do so, pop me an email at jmckaydesigns@gmail.com and I'll add your entry.
2. Go and like Ella Belle's  Facebook Page
3. If you tweet this win or share it on Facebook you get an extra entry.

Competition ends next week Wednesday, wishing you all luck!