Welcome to #mamamondays. Here I try to include anything that is making us happy – and hopefully you too – even though it’s a Monday. And, I have to say it really is making me try to make the most of this often ‘depressing’ day
It has been anything from what we’re doing or planning to what we’re eating, watching or reading. I’ve even included items I’m lusting after or buying and anything else that has been inspiring me to make Mondays – and the rest of the week if need be – just a little more bearable.
I really hope that #mamamondays is inspiring you to make the most of this fresh start we get every week…
CARRYING
I may well be past the baby bag stage with a toddler but when PacaPod offered to sent me a bag to try I couldn’t resist.
Why?
Well, one because after buying my baby bag nearly 4 years ago I soon discovered PacaPod and wished I’d got one of them instead of the bag I finally did get. But, isn’t it always the way?
And, two because I knew all about the fab PacaPod idea. Which is… the unique feeding and changing pods to make life a little easier.
These durable, wipe clean mini bags are used to keep babies nappy chaining and feeding paraphernalia separate. Therefore making not only packing easy, finding stuff simple – it keeps everything hygienic and separate from other items. Plus they can be taken out and used individually (as they have a mini strap.)
But, back to why PacaPod is so great for me now with a toddler. Well, not only have I been using my Hastings backpack pretty much every weekend since it arrived – it genuinely is one of the few baby bags labels that you will still want to use after the bag stage.
My Hastings backpack is not only stylish with its bold navy stripes – I mean how could I resist? The pods have been handy for Miss M even now. One has been ideal for her snacks and drinks and the other has held toys, pads, pencils and stuff (meaning they are not everywhere at the bottom of my bag).
Bar the changing mat which Miss M of course, no longer needs (although it has a few times come in handy for a dry seating area for Miss Marnie in the park) – I can’t fault this backpack. I love its old school looking charm and as it has no real evidence of being a ‘baby/mum’ bag that the husband has even taken it to the park on the odd occasion too.
If you have yet to discover PacaPod then I suggest you take a look – you really won’t regret it and its money well spent.
Here are my all-time favourite designs (bar my Hastings of course!)
WRITING
And, by writing – I mean writing lists.
I actually don’t think a day goes by when I don’t write some form of list. But, it was starting to get out of hand as I was writing one in my diary, one in my notepad and sometimes one on the back of an envelope just to remind myself of all the things I had remember.
So, when Mum’s Office sent me a little parcel of stationery loveliness (they had me at the beautifully wrapped tissue and double ribbon ties package) I decided that it was time to get organised.
If you’ve not discovered Mum’s Office then let me tell you in a nutshell – they will save your sanity. No, really.
Whether you try one of its School year diaries (from August to August), its to-do list notepads with a tick box for when task is completed (and a magnetic strip so you can pop it on the fridge) or one of it beautiful leather backed notepads with ribbon markers (and a plain page for doodling or drawings facing a lined page for notes and lists) you’ll wonder how you managed without them.
By the way what is unique about the Mum’s Office diaries is the grid format. Being able to see your weeks schedule at glance – along with being about to add what the rest of the family is up to/doing – it’s what helps you feel in control. I have been using my grids to keep track of my freelance work days (invoicing and deadlines dates), Miss M’s activities (birthday parties, playdates and nursery days) and general to-do lists (errands, meal planning and appointments).
I now have my eye on the Christmas notebook I mean who doesn’t love a bright red notepad to write all their Christmas planning notes in?
USING
Generally I am a creature of habit when it comes to my skin care. I now what brands I like, I know what products I use and I stick to them. And, I will admit they are usually on the pricey side.
But, a change is as good as a rest and after a recent trip to Aldi I thought I would give it’s anti-ageing Caviar skin care a whirl.
I had heard and read good things about the Lacura Caviar illumination Day Cream – so picked up a pot and grabbed the Lacura Caviar Illumination Night Cream too. Don’t know about you but I like my creams to match (like my shampoo and conditioner as I often think they’re created to work together). And, the fact that they costed just £7.99 each meant if I didn’t love them it wasn’t to much of a skin care gamble.
Well what can I say? I posted this pict on Instagram a month ago and I have continued to use them twice daily and I’m impressed. Really impressed.
The creams are light but thick enough to feel luxurious – and they really do feel expensive. They absorb quickly (and perfect under foundation), they smell nice (not at all fish like) and actually do feel like you’re pampering your skin. I am hooked. I am going to admit I also like the fact that they come in a classy looking screw top jar – I mean all parts of your beauty regime should feel like a treat right?
I hear there’s a serum too. Am off to stock up…fast!
