Jac's Quests

What About Spirituality?

2012-02-04T09:22:00.001Z

I have recently felt like I need to address some things within me. I belong to some forums and I recently threw out a question on spirituality. Here follows a reply about me and how I feel with regard to the subject matter:

Well, I feel most spiritual meditating and in natural spaces. I've moved away from religion but I believe in a higher being - God/Mother Nature/The Universe. There's so much going on, something is skilfully orchestrating it. I believe in an after life and a life before this one. I could not name what I am though, as I get drawn to different aspects of different beliefs - Hindu and Buddhism for the meditative and awareness of body/mind link, Christianity for its comforting verses, especially the Psalms and during Christmas (I love the atmosphere and will attend carol concerts and Christingle ceremonies in church), Paganism for its 'witchery' with herbs and solstice celebrations and the whole respect for nature thing, which many religious beliefs seem to take for granted, Humanist for attaching importance to the human and respecting all, regardless, rather than divine or supernatural matters, although I strongly believe in the supernatural and divine too.

I also believe I can create my paradise right here in this life - nothing grand, but just being happy and satisfied with what I am and what I have, working at health for me and my loved ones, tilling my land, tending to my animals, relaxing in my uncluttered house... That is what spirituality is to me. Being happy, healthy, meditating, appreciating nature, respecting all, man and beast and the land we live in etc. Basically, being in the present, doing what religion asks people to do but without the spectre of burning in hell or anger from God or guilt at offending a divine being. Confused? Well, so am I, LOL! Well, this pretty much sums me up.

Oh, and talking of life before and after this one... I felt really strongly that Laurence chose me to be his mum, and I thank him for that. Also, today marks the day my father died 2 years ago. I had just 2 days before, on the 2nd of Feb found out I was pregnant. Dad and I didn't get on in this life, but after my anger at him dying before we could work out our differences, I found myself actually conversing with him, and we solved our issues. Anger went, I felt no guilt, we were and still are in a good place. Al, whilst comforting me, said something at the time about just knowing this pregnancy will work - and it did after 4 miscarriages. He said dad gave our baby room to be here - like something had to give, and dad gave up his seat for Lawi, so to speak. My beloved granny died last May, and again, I feel her presence intermittently - no fear, no guilt, no anger. I miss them dearly but feel comforted in the fact we will have a reunion. I know all these may sound crazy to some but that's okay, we are complicated beings!

So, that's me, right now spiritually. I've not studied anything on a big scale so could be wrong in my mention of various practices, but this is where am at right now and it is subject to change. All I know is that I feel what I feel and work with it as I get it.

And on that note, I feel it's fitting to send my dad some good feelings today, on the second anniversary of his death. I miss you dad. Yet I feel your presence and that makes me know you are okay. Thank you for watching over us. Keep well, keep safe, stay good, till we meet again. Love a plenty.

Blessings to all

22 days into the new year...

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000Z

And although it is late, here's to wishing you all a very happy, prosperous and blessed 2012.

I made just one big resolution that covers it all: Counting my blessings. This is it for me. Appreciate the good, don't dwell in the bad. This helps me look at things in a way that keeps me striving for positives.

Not that life is perfect; far from it! But appreciating all things, acknowledging it all and moving on towards more good and away from the bad is what I find keeps me going. Nothing to hold me back. No bad feelings. It's all good!

Peace!

Loving Lawi

2011-11-04T08:46:00.000Z

I love this little guy soooo much! I woke up early, get some bits done, he did too, to stop me doing what I planned to... or so it seems :-/. Pooped (half in nappy, half in potty, horrible stinky teething poop!), played, decided he wanted to go back to sleep again, but being cuddled. Daddy volunteered as he loves Lawi snuggles in the morning, but L wanted bosom too. I got annoyed, took a deep breath and got into bed with him, obliged him. He's teething too, poor guy, so is whimpering and twitching in his sleep and clamping down occasionally (ouch). But how could I stay angry at him? He's so strong yet vulnerable, and with his back arched, bum sticking out, I'm looking at him all awash with oxytocin. He has me well and truly wrapped in his little finger but I would not change it for the world. Laundry can wait, I'm in love. <3 x

Must Do Better

2011-11-04T08:43:00.002Z

I'm coming back. Must do better, really. Nuff said.

Happy Birthday to my little man!!!

2011-10-12T16:49:00.000+01:00

Laurence is 1 year old today. Seems like yesterday I was birthing him. It has been a wonderfully blessed year and I must say, I LOVE motherhood! It's the best job in the whole wide world. Will edit with today's pictures later. ***Edited to add pictures!!!***

It's my birthday mummy, what have you got in here for me?

Okay, I'll wait... nothing extraordinary in here, just the usual...

Okay, A pic of me too... not much improvement a year on *need to work on me a bit*

Ooooh, a basket full of balloons! Thanks Grandad!!!

Cake! I get to eat cake! Mummy approves as she baked it!

Part 2 on Saturday with Joshua (who refused to be pictured. A teen at 9, sigh...)

Cake pops went down well. See pop and bics, she'll make anything you ask for! Within reason, of course...

Yup, I made another cake. Got the bug! I know, not the prettiest, but it certainly was tasty!

Ha! The elusive Joshua.... Silly moo!

Granny marvelling at Lawi's ability to stuff it down ;-)

Flipping Poop EVERYWHERE- AAAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH

2011-08-23T18:38:00.001+01:00

It's been a funny old day. Nothing terrible has happened, other than the fact I was rained on massively this morning/afternoon, as I made a meet with a pal/employer, Lawi in tow. Came home to a poopy pretty nappy. Got that sorted, got dried and warm again, ate, played, tried doing a bit of housework. Back to normal.

We've been doing Elimination Communication on a part-time basis when at home. Lawi wears briefs, and every time he wets them, I change them - just so he gets the idea wet is not a nice feeling. Been going okay. He will sometimes go on the potty when he does not go for a long time and I sit him and go ''shhhhhaaaah'', but these are rare. Poop is more successful if he's around me, as I can tell when he needs to go (he has a poo face and sound [don't we all?] ).

So, a little while ago, he made the face and sound. I raced him to the bathroom, briefs off, signed potty and gave him my hairspray (homemade, no nasties, even edible, though not tasty, so not irresponsible and dangerous - had to clarify that), which he loves playing with to keep him there. He went really well, like he does most times. I congratulated him, and took him away to get cleaned up and re-dressed. And then it happened. I tripped on the potty. Its contents went flying all over the bathroom floor. Now I got poop all over the floor to clean. I just had to take a break from it all and post this before cleaning it up. Especially as Al came back from work and has taken Lawi out for a walk. So, just a regular day in the office then. With a little poopy blip. Life goes on. Off to clean the bathroom now. Life is still good, I count my blessings - poo-lined or not.

Till next time.

Domestic Goddess in the making?

2011-08-16T19:25:00.000+01:00

I've been wanting to bake more of my own a heck of a lot lately. Firstly, because I want Lawi eating good, nutritious, and mostly organic food with no 'nasties' and sugar/salt and other 'acceptable' additive overloads if I can help it, and secondly, because I'm just picky like that.

Anyway, so on Sunday, I baked a batch of all butter cookies with much less sugar, so they are Lawi friendly. he's more and more curious about what we eat, and wants in on the experience too, so baking my own means I can offer him a bit without worrying about the ingredients too much. His portion only amounts to something like 2 grams of sugar, and he has 1-2/day, so not too bad there (yes, I did a rough calculation, scales were involved, and no, I'm not obsessive, I just like to know, and I'm not being defensive here either, just trying to explain my reasons :-/). Well, the cookies are yummy, and there's still one left in the cookie tin and there's a roll of dough in the fridge for another batch to be made ASAP (possibly tomorrow though).

Yesterday (Monday), thanks to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's 'River Cottage Everyday' hardback, I finally took the plunge and started a bread starter. I've been baking my own bread, albeit irregularly for years, with the help of a bread making machine, but I've wanted to have my own starter going for over a year, since reading about it in a paper on the train home from work over a year ago. What I did not know, till [my locavore hero] Hugh opened my eyes to it, is that I could make my own starter. Saw the recipe weeks ago but been ooooh-ing and aaaah-ing about the work of feeding it and not killing it etc, but decided enough is enough and did it. After all, I've kept a kombucha SCOBY alive for over 2 years, surely I have some experience in keeping fermenting organisms alive - for a while?! *Whispers* killed my kefir grains last year after a year and a half of keeping them going *oops!*. In my defence, I was pregnant, and I developed an aversion to the poor kefir grains.

Anyway 24 hours into it, I've started feeding it (feels wrong calling it 'it', should give 'her' a name, like the lady I can't name as I did not 'bookmark' her name, who sowed the seed into my head in the daily paper I cannot remember...) and she's blossoming just fine. This I know because she had that ~~acrid rotting~~ putrid fermenting smell the HFW describes so well in the book. All being well, I'll be baking my first loaf with my own family of yeasts in a week or so.

Another recipe I really want to try, is home made corned beef. Again, I first became aware of the fact I can actually make my very own good quality corned beef , thanks to HFW's wonderful recipe from The River Cottage Meat Book. I still have no possession of this book, but it's on my wish list for my birthday in October - hubby is well aware. I'm not waiting till then to get my corned beef done though, thanks to this wonderful tool at my disposal, called the internet. I just need to get a good organic brisket and the ingredients and I'll be set.

Hmmmmm, what about my Raw Flirtation? Well, that's still on too. It's all about balance for me. Admittedly, living on a high raw diet is much more difficult for me right now, as I need to invest in the tools that will make it easier for me... new blender (mine died a few months ago), new juicer (current one struggling), a food processor (never owned one) , and they are expensive. I still juice though, and eat lots of salads and fruit and go through periods where all I want is an abundance of raw foods. I've tried forcing it and feel like I fail but I need to be kind to me. I've come to realise that if it does not come easy to me, I don't force it till it does, otherwise I'm being dishonest. Being healthy for me, involves all of the above. I cannot lie to me. I'm a die hard carnivore, I love meat. I love cooked food generally. I also love raw foods. This is the real me. Good food, cooked, raw, all well grown and well reared.

Next update on the bread starter, she'll have a name. Feel free to throw some at me if you've any ideas!

Till next time. Stay brightly blessed.

So much to blog about, such little time!

2011-08-16T18:07:00.000+01:00

I need more time for my blog. This is short and worthy of Twitter, but I'll put it here instead.That is all...

Seven Words

2011-08-03T22:40:00.001+01:00

Loving my baby boy, yes I am.

This is a meme being run by this lovely mama.Love the simplicity of it, and how just a few words can speak volumes. Do join in please.

SilentSunday

2011-07-31T11:08:00.002+01:00

I Do Not Want To Forget

2011-07-15T12:19:00.001+01:00

Last Friday, Lawi learnt how to wave. We were on a train, and there was a lovely man sitting across the aisle from us waving at him, talking to him. He waved back, and was so pleased with himself, he's been waving hellos and bye-byes ever since.

He also started saying 'mama' on demand on Tuesday as he turned 9 months old. Prior to this, he only said it when crying. He also says dada, baba and yaya and mumbles other words that sound meaningful and others that don't.

He's been standing unsupported for a few seconds for about 4 weeks now, but till Tuesday, he faltered and reached out or sat down quickly when he realised he was standing. Since Wednesday however, he's more confident and has been taking the odd step, or 3, and is raising himself up from sitting. As I watch him stand, I can see him negotiating how to take a step and stay up.

A bit of an indulgent post, yes, but I'm just so proud of him! A little video of him, taken on Tuesday. Excuse my excited, noisy voice *blush*

Adding another of him not only standing, but also taking off his nappy at the same time. Yes, my child's a genius, he truly is ;-)*

*modesty? What modesty?!

PS - New to this, can't work out how to rotate (or indeed, edit) videos on my computer. Apologies they are sideways.

Yesterday, I Cried

2011-07-09T12:05:00.002+01:00

I cried for a woman I don't even know. A woman in Kenya who was mentally ill but had no love nor support whatsoever. Not from her loved ones. Not from professionals. Not from any kind soul.

A woman with one living child and many angel babies, yet had her husband calling her names and beating her like an animal for miscarrying his babies.

A woman who still did her duties as a mother and a wife. Tilled her land for food and put it on the table for the abusive husband, looked after the homestead and kept a clean household.

A woman who, before ending it all, did what she did as usual - cooked for her husband, laundered his clothes, ironed everything and put it all away nicely, then took her own life by setting fire to her hut. What a painful death!

This woman will not make The News. Even in death, she has apparently been shunned, and will not be 'prayed for' and offered a fitting funeral for her charred, burnt remains. She committed suicide, does not deserve prayers as she's definitely destined to burn in hell. Eternally.

And the husband that drove her to death? Well, life goes on for him. He's free of her, and has shown no remorse.

The child she left behind? Lord only knows how they'll turn out.

I'm amazed that this sort of thing is allowed to happen at all. Man sure is the most cruel being that ever existed.

Cybermummy 2011

2011-06-30T11:28:00.000+01:00

Well, this past weekend was interesting. On Saturday, I joined hundreds of parents to my first ever parent blogger conference, Cybermummy 11, in its second year. I was not sure I'd fit in, as, although I do blog, my blogging is very random, and I can go weeks and months without an update. I seldom participate in the memes/blog hops (not sure meme = blog hop either) that go round and I'm yet to join in the carnivals. I tend to disappear off the face of twitter as well, only occasionally follow email notifications from the Brit Mums forums . My email account is out of control with many unread messages, most of which are notifications. One word to describe me would be disorganised. I know. And while I've met a handful of other parent bloggers in real life, I hardly ever keep a constant cyber presence to expect them to remember me.

I manage my life off line fairly okay, not brilliantly, but okay. Online however, I'm a complete mess. Not just online... any work involving the computer is pushed way down the priority list and procrastinated upon for days. I almost got cold feet but I decided I needed to go. I wanted to meet other parent bloggers. After all, we all had that in common. If anyone was to empathise on my lack of time [need a couple more hours in the day?], it would be a fellow parent, right? And surely, there would be good sessions offering tips for the likes of me, right?

See, my problem is not the lack of content to blog about, it's more the elusive time to sit and write down the thoughts I have that are bloggable. My mind really goes for it sometimes, but I'm almost always on the go and cannot stop at that point in time, and when I eventually do stop, I've almost always have forgotten what it was I was thinking of blogging about. Yes, I should take have notebook and a pen with me handy, but..... but.... yeah, I'm just disorganised, plain and simple.

Anyway, I'm glad I bought my own ticket to the event and did not get sponsored, which means my time there was mine. No weight on my shoulders about honouring my end of the bargain for any brand. I was there for me, not working for X, Y or Z. I did not even bother having business cards printed out as I wanted a clean slate - I had no expectations, and any recognition I got is a bonus. It definitely was worth going, and although I could not let my hair down and party like most did, I'd be happy to pay to attend the event again next year. The sessions were well thought out, and like most events of this kind, I was spoilt for choice. There were lots of good sessions running at the same time, and having to choose one out of 3 to attend was a pain, but it was an experience. All my chosen sessions, bar one were relevant to me. I have no criticism of any of the speakers either. Even at the one session I had to leave midway. Why did I have to leave? It's content just did not resonate with me. So I walked in late to another session, all to do with time management.

I had to take Lawi with me too, and having him doted on was wonderful. All the sponsors were pretty generous, and the goodie bags very much appreciated. I met some lovely people, and those I'd met before did remember me (phew!) and my experience was mainly positive. And next year, I look forward to doing it again. I may well have a camera handy. And a wad of business cards too. I give myself till then to be better at time management, and hopefully be better organised in all aspects of my life - off and online.

BabyWearing -The Lifft Sling

2011-06-28T10:08:00.000+01:00

So, Laurence has been worn since birth, and to say I love babywearing is a serious understatement. I absolutely LOVE and ADORE wearing him so much, and love slings that facilitate this intimate, but little known act of bonding.

Anyway, a while back, my husband and I got sent 'the' Lifft Sling to test and review. I got offered one, he wanted it, but could not use it as it was small for him, so I asked for one for him, and he got his.

The Lifft sling is a pouch sling that is not only stylish. It also, according to its makers, ''offers a tailored fit, combines stunning ease of use with supreme comfort, and allows you to carry your little one in supportive, natural carrying positions from snuggly baby through to weary toddler.''

So, having bought and tried pouch slings before, and not really getting along very well with them, I was determined to give this a good shot (it's taken 4 months!). The Lifft website has videos on how to wear the [Lifft] pouch sling, and I found these most useful in helping me wear it. Now, as far as pouch slings go, I'd say this is one of the best I've tried - the padded seams makes it appealing as the fabric does not crteate pressure points on babies' legs as well as on the wearer's shoulders.

Hubby also gave it a good go, and loved it initially. The only down side to the sling, for both of us however - and this may well just be because we sling a lot, for longer periods of time - was the fact that it puts a lot of strain on the one shoulder it drapes over. This is not a problem exclusive to the brand though, it is to do with all one shouldered carries with all sorts of carriers.

If one was to use a one shouldered carrier, for short periods of time, I'd recommend Lifft sling. For die hard babywearing however, I'd go for a carrier that goes over both shoulders, and holds the baby close, so as to offer optimal back and shoulder support.

This post is sponsored.

I'm a true gardener......

2011-06-27T20:38:00.000+01:00

My garden may look like this sometimes.................

.... In all fairness, winter, followed by pregnancy and tending to a new baby had me leaving it like this. It's looking less like a jungle now though:

Yes, I cheated, I had some help to tame it some; those two men helped sort it out... phew! Not going to be thrown out for non-cultivation, thank goodness.

Anyway, the one thing I've learnt about gardening with a baby is that it is a challenge. A big one. Might the wheelbarrow help me look after the child?

Truth is, it did. But only for half a minute, so really did not. As you can see, he's a mover, and the barrow was just adding to my work as I had to keep him from toppling over [which I didn't do very well, mind you, as he did topple over, sigh].

Anyway, since then, I've tried picnic blankets with picnics of fruit, fresh from the bushes, as well as food from home....

But what I've learnt is that, if one is a gardener, then their offspring [or any charges in their care] are bound to have their curiosity towards nature awakened and once that is done, then they will go forth and explore.........

And the best course of action is to let them. Just try and keep then safe........

And keep an close eye out on them as they explore. Because, they will try and eat all sorts - soil, rocks, slugs, snails, worms, frogs and even....................

.........slow worms, AKA, legless lizards. See, I'm a great gardener! I have fab creatures residing in my garden! Must admit to letting out a scream though, they look so like snakes. Next task however, after the slow worm...

Baby up on my back, picking cherries as I goof around.Cherry pie to bake, so back soon.

SilentSunday

2011-06-26T09:25:00.002+01:00

Back To The Garden - A Visit to Kew

2011-05-08T18:01:00.001+01:00

Okay, Spring is here, and so is the new gardening season, and I'm yet to get my allotment in a state that is remotely productive, let alone manicured. I still need to work out how to do anything with a baby, and gardening just seems so daunting.

So, a recent visit to Kew Gardens with my West London Attachment Meet-up Group mummy pals and their little ones was a very welcome opportunity, and it did indeed have me hankering for more time out there, at one with Nature. Here are some pictures I managed to take on my phone, before it's battery died completely, making me add to my list of things to buy a proper camera whose batteries can go for days and days. Enjoy! :-)

Beautiful on arrival

Mamas and babes, all worn and carried. Even those with pushchairs/buggies had slings as back up ;-)

Beautiful Rhododendrons

Japanese hut whose proper name I forget

More rhododendrons.... One of the ladies described this as, 'like a wedding dress'

Lawi and I under a humongous tree whose identity I missed taking

Guinea Fowl? It was shy and kept moving away as I approached it, poor thing

Lawi on a massive basket swing, losing his balance.....

.....and managing to regain and keep it for a moment

Playing in a sand pit with fake sand made of rubber.... why on earth? I prefer real sand.

Straight into his mouth, my oral explorer [blurry as I needed to intercept;-)].

And here's a little science story, as told by plants.... apparently.....

Lovely science lesson for the kids visiting ;-). And this is where my camera battery got so exhausted, and no more pictures were taken. I'm definitely going again soon, as it's an amazing place, with amazing gardens, and lovely quotes and sayings on the benches that I'd love to take pictures of too.

Now, off to make plans for my allotment.

Blessings x

Motherhood - Laurence and I

2011-05-08T07:48:00.001+01:00

We are a match made in Heaven. I love him with a love that is all consuming and would give my life to save his. He's done some nasties on me (poop, vomit, pee etc) but I'm yet to be disgusted by them. He's grabbed me by my skin, tugged at my hair, hit and punched me and even bitten me, but it's all been with love. He has me carrying him everywhere, cleaning after him, rocking him to sleep.... some say I've created a rod for my back (or something to that effect), but I don't care.

He is my attached baby. Carried, rocked and worn. I live for him and pray my parenting choices bring forth a man full of respect for all, that is valuable to the community to which he is a part of, wherever in the world that will be.

I'm in love with the little person that he is right now. I pray everyday as I see him gradually change, that I stay in love with the grown person he will become. Molding him is the most important work I will ever do in my whole life. My prayer is that The Universe grant me the wisdom to do it right. It is an overwhelming prospect, but women have done it since the beginning of time. I can do it too.

And there are my random thoughts, written down this morning whilst still in bed, feeding, cuddling and gazing at my sleepy boy. Motherhood is so special. I intend to enjoy it fully so I don't look back one day and say, " I wish I had...."

Bright blessings to all, and a Happy Mothering Sunday to all the mamas celebrating motherhood today all over the world.

Testing Mobile Blogging

2011-04-22T05:59:00.001+01:00

God has created another brand new day for which I will rejoice and be glad.

Random thought: must work out how to mobile post photos.

The Holiday Season is upon us....

2011-04-13T13:50:00.001+01:00

And with many families planning their holiday trips, it might be worth considering a few pointers, especially for those families travelling with young children. Below are a few tips, as suggested by Dr Lin Day, founder of nationwide baby development classes, Baby Sensory.

Top Travel Tips

Keeping small children seated, quiet and entertained on a car or plane trip is a frightening prospect for most parents. But, with a little planning, travelling can be a fun experience for children and a relaxing one for parents. Here are some ideas on how to prepare for the journey and how to keep your child busy and happy on the way.

Planning your trip

Have everything from the entertainment to nappies, wet wipes, medicine, spare clothes and the first aid kit prepared in advance and stored within easy reach. Rubbish bags are essential to keep the car clean and they may be useful if your child suffers from motion sickness. Take enough finger food and bottled water to last the journey, and any unexpected delays, but avoid sugary snacks since these will increase energy levels. High protein foods such as slices of fruit, cucumber and cheese will fill your child up and make them drowsy.

Start your trip an hour or so before your child's normal nap time. Allow them to run about and let off steam before getting in the car. The chances are that they will amuse themselves for the first part of the journey and then fall asleep for the rest of it. An extra rear-view mirror will allow you to keep an eye on your child without having to turn around.

If you are on the road, frequent stops will make the journey more bearable. Your child will enjoy stretching their legs, getting some fresh air and having a change of scenery.

Being comfortable is all-important on a long trip. Clothes made from natural fibres are more comfortable than synthetic ones. Snuggle your child up in a soft blanket or use it as a pillow. If your child is potty-training, put a training pad or small towel on the car seat so any accidents will be contained. You may be unable to stop for a toilet break on demand.

If you are catching a plane, get to the airport early. There is nothing worse than struggling through check-in when you are late. If your stress levels are high, your child will pick up on your mood, which will only make matters worse.

A pull-along suitcase will keep your child entertained and serve as a resting place when they get tired. If you are travelling with a baby put them in a metal-free sling, so that they can sleep without being disturbed during the security check-in.

Airport regulations permit up to 100ml in the way of milk and drinks, although exceptions may be made for the under-twos. If your baby is bottle-fed, take powdered formula milk and buy bottled water in the secure area. Ask the cabin crew to top it up with boiled water during the flight.

Changes in air pressure can make little ears pop. Sucking and swallowing helps to relieve air pressure in the middle ear, so keep drinks or pacifiers available for takeoffs and landings.

Strap children in on long-haul flights. If you fall asleep, they may wander off. Seat straps will also keep them safe during air turbulence or in the event of an emergency.

Best travel toys

The best travel toys are quiet and compact and don't break easily. Toys with small, moving parts are bound to end up under the seat. Favourite soft toys and books are essential, but have some new toys to provide interest and excitement. Wrap these up in paper to keep little hands busy. Offer one thing at a time, such as a plastic food container. When the novelty wears off, give your child the lid to maintain interest.

Babies

Containers that fit together are fun to play with. They can be stacked, nested or used as hiding places for toys. A fabric scarf offers endless play and learning opportunities from hand-eye coordination to peek-a-boo, tickling and texture exploration. A rattle is a must, but keep it in reserve for a difficult moment. It could save the day!

Sophie the Giraffe, a phthalate-free rubber toy that can be gripped, squeezed or mouthed is a popular baby toy. A familiar book can be comforting and your baby will enjoy turning the pages to find her favourite characters. Texture books that contain hidden surprises also provide entertainment and amusement. If you are on the road, put on a nursery rhyme CD or sing a song. A Baby Sensory baby will be instantly calmed by 'Say Hello to the Sun'

Toddlers

A reusable sticker book will keep little hands busy. Stickers can be stuck on the window or the seat without any harm being done. A toy catalogue is great fun to look at and toddlers can colour in the things they would like to have. Activity books, which include dot-to-dot, mazes and patterns, will provide entertainment and distraction. If crayons are a problem, try an ' Etch a Sketch
'. Simply draw on the wipe off mat with the magic pencil and start again without having to change the paper.

Chunky pipe cleaners that can be transformed into fascinating shapes will provide amusement. Attach them together to make animals, bracelets and necklaces. Small strips of masking tape stuck to your toddler's legs and arms will provide endless fun. It can be removed easily (unlike a plaster) and gives a pleasant sensation. An interesting way to entertain your toddler is to provide a straw and a drinking cup filled with ice cubes. The straw can be flicked, bent and twisted in a number of different ways and the melting ice will promote the development of many scientific concepts.

Older children

Older children may sit quietly listening to their favourite music on an MP3 player with headphones. A favourite book will keep them entranced for some time, but avoid books with small print in the car or you could end up with a sick child. Books about the geography, history, customs, animal and plant life of your destination will also keep them busy. A map and compass is great fun for children who want to help navigate the route.

Classic travel games such as connect the dots, hangman, tic-tac-toe and magnetic games such as checkers, chess and snakes and ladders can make the journey zoom by. Scrabble is an ideal game for two players, but children can invent their own crossword puzzles too. Electronic games are very popular, but make sure that they are turned off during take-off and landing or they may interfere with the aircraft's navigational system.

Try some of these tips on your next trip and you and your family may get to your destination in a more relaxed and happy frame of mind!

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Find out more about Baby Sensory on http://www.babysensory.com

A Trip to Nobu and Sterimar Nasal Spray

2011-04-12T14:29:00.003+01:00

So, a few weeks ago, Lawi and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a PR event - lunch at Nobu - as Sterimar launched it's wonderful new product, the Sterimar Nasal Spray for babies and kids.

As the adults tucked into 6 courses of yummy food and drink, and babies and children tucked into wonderful organic baby and child friendly food and drinks, we had Dr Catherine Hood, also a mother, pitch Sterimar to us.

Now, I could have just featured the PR event weeks ago, but I wanted to try out the spray on Lawi and review it. I knew I would anyway, so waited till now after a good few tries. Now, being a new mum, I certainly was not looking forward to my baby being ill... no mother in her right senses would, but unfortunately, coughs and colds happen to the best of us during the cold, dark months, and when my whole household succumbed recently, I was thankful for Sterimar.

Now, older kids and adults can blow their noses. Little babies can't. I had a nasal spray and nasal drops before Sterimar. They worked well, or so I thought. When I first tried Sterimar on myself, (me before baby, so I have an idea how he'd feel), I did not like it. I felt it had too much spray power. It tickled my nose and made me sneeze. So I then tried the nasal spray I had bought before the acquiring Sterimar. It was no better, plus the down-side, it got stuck mid-spray. I had to shake it and could only spray upright. And when it did work, it also tickled and made me sneeze. I started comparing the two, and Sterimar won simply because:

It's 100% natural, made out of purified and filtered sea water, physiologically similar to the human body electrolytes - no preservatives
It sprays upright, sideways, upside down, and does not get stuck
The more I read about it, the more using it above all else (but breast milk ;-))made sense to me (great PR!)

More from the site:

In clinical studies, it has been proven to improve breathing which leads to better feeding and sleeping.

Stérimar Baby is a low pressure seawater nasal spray and is completely safe to use from 0-3 years, as directed by your doctor.

It can be used as long as required 2 to 6 times a day or more if needed, or as directed by your doctor.

For congestion and blocked noses, use when your baby gets up in the morning, goes to bed in the evening and before feeding.

Stérimar Baby is trusted by millions of mums all over the world.

Stérimar Baby is made out of the purest sea water taken off the French coast in Britanny. It has no preservatives or additives.

Stérimar Baby exists in 50ml (approx. 150 doses).

Allergy UK approved

Stérimar baby has received the Allergy Friendly Product Award from Allergy UK.

Sterimar can be bought in Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds Pharmacy, independent pharmacies and most supermarket pharmacies.

A bit of Science: Clinical Studies

TOPIC

SOURCE / TRIAL

OUTCOME

Use of Stérimar in ENT hygiene

SOURCE: B Azoulay, ENT outpatients, Saint-Cloud Hospital, France. Gazzette Medicale 1987: 94:31

Stérimar helped with nose-blowing, drainage of the nasal cavities and improved nasal hygiene.

Stérimar as a factor in nasal hygiene

SOURCE: J Bruker, ENT department, Centre medico-chirurgical Foch, Suresnes, France. Gazette Medicale 1989: 96: 42

Stérimar improved clinical symptoms in patients suffering from rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, or rhinopharyngitis. The convenience of the treatment and absence of any side effects were also demonstrated.

Stérimar in rhinopharyngeal disinfection in children

SOURCE: P Contencin, ENT department, Hospital Robert Debre, Paris, France. La revue de Pediatrie 1989, 25: 421-3

Children suffering from obstructive or dry rhinitis were treated with Stérimar which was found to be safe and effective.

Review of Clinical studies - Stérimar nasal Spray

Alkiewicz J, Marcinkowski K Department of Peadiatric Pnuemology and Allergology, Institute of Pediatrics, Poznon. New Paediatrics 2002; 4: 277-80

Nasal Hygiene is important not just when suffering from congestion but also on a daily basis. Stérimar was a well tolerated and safe treatment for children with infections and hayfever.

Usefulness of Hypertonic sea water in rhinology

Freche CH Hospital Americain de Paris, Nuielly, France. Revue Officielle de la Societe Francaise d’O.R.L. 1998; 50:4

A hypertonic sea water solution improvers swelling and relieves symptoms of infectious and allergic nasal conditions. It also seems to help decrease the irritation and excess mucus production associated with nose and sinus disorders.

Use of Stérimar in common rhinosinisutis

A Marsac, ENT Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France. Les Cahiers d'oto-laryngologie, de chirurgie cervico-faciale et d’audiophonolgie 1989; 24: 799-800

Rhinosinisutis symptoms disappeared in patients treated with Stérimar. Treatment was also shown to be excellent in terms of tolerance and acceptability.

Stérimar respiratory relief and allergic rhinitis in adults

J Fougerol, ENT Department, Broussais Hospital, Paris, France. Gazzetter Medicale 1992: 99: 41-2

Stérimar was recommended for the relief from the symptoms of allergic rhinitis; there were no side affects.

Nasal cleansing as part of the treatment of chronic rhinisunitis

Source

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G Scadding, Rhinology department, Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London Rhinology 1999; 37: 29-32

Stérimar improved

symptoms in patients with rhinosinusitis. The treatment was also shown to have excellent safety and acceptability.

Natural Seaborne baby Sponge for Baby's Delicate Skin

2011-04-12T06:02:00.000+01:00

I recently got offered an opportunity to test and review the Seaborne Baby Sponge. This is a 100% natural product made by none other than the amazing Mother Nature herself. It is ecologically 'extracted only from a controlled extraction area', ensuring it's kindness to the environment.

This wonderful product is brought to us by Tippitoes, and is a wonderful and natural alternative to synthetic bath sponges. It comes wonderfully packaged in it's own little container, making it very easy to look after and keep clean. It is loved very much by my little guy, who reaches for it as soon as he's in his bath.... admittedly for a suck, but it's not that big a deal as it would otherwise be with the synthetic kind.

A wonderful investment for gently cleaning baby's delicate skin.

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Swings and Legs

2011-04-10T11:55:00.004+01:00

Lawi had his first go on the swings this week. Wonderful weather too, thank goodness! Spring has finally sprung!

And whilst on his walker bare feet yesterday, I could not help but take a pic of his chubby, edible legs. They truly are munchable!

And here we are earlier today, on our way out for a sunny stroll in the park. It's perfect weather-wise: not too hot, not too cold, just a wonderful, happy medium, as it should be in the spring!

How fresh and new does it all look? And I sure am not the only one enjoying it all

Today...

2011-04-05T20:09:00.000+01:00

...Good things as well as not so good things happened. Nothing major, but I just wanted to share / get back on the blog.

We had our first ever proper Baby Massage session. We only did legs, but Laurence loved it! He was so relaxed and calm during the session, and slept a good hour afterwards as we took a gentle stroll through the park and the shop on our way home.

Got home, settled down, ate and went for a bit of soft play in bed. That's when he fell off our bed, proving that babies truly are bouncy. Right in front of my eyes! It happened so fast, I was up tying my head scarf on, he was sitting up in bed playing with his sippy cup. My laptop or mouse lights caught his eye and he dived at them as he does when he sees something he's interested in.

We usually catch him, but this time, he landed on the floor between the bed and the folding table the laptop was resting on. No injuries, but the shock had him cry so badly... but only for a short time.

We then had a nap whilst listening to a self-hypnosis relaxation recording.... a follow up from my love of hypnobirthing - so worth having if only to get a restful 30 minutes. Nappy leaked as we slept for 2 hours, so it was time for a bath.

As soon as he was in the bath, he did the biggest ever poop - evidence of weaning was that it was so formed the bits were floating in the bath. Had to get Al to help clean that before we continued with the bath, but it wasn't enjoyable for Lawi, I guess, as he just wanted out of the water.

Dressed again, he played with daddy as I had a shower and then on my back he went as I made dinner as daddy was on the phone with work stuff. And so it's 8pm and I've updated my blog with randomness and I'm ready for bed. Might visit a bit of FaceBook and Twitter, but really... bed is calling. Till tomorrow, hopefully with a review or 2 as I'm so running behind with those.....

Cleaning with the E-Cloth - Maybe I can get back on track with FlyLady....

2011-03-18T12:59:00.001Z

..... sink shining and all. See, I've kinda lost my way on my new quest, but now I have the wonderful E-cloth, which somehow makes cleaning a teenie, tiny bit tolerable. I seriously do not enjoy cleaning. I've gone as far as saying I loathe cleaning... but as it is one of those jobs that must be done, I cannot escape it. When I do clean, however, I like to use natural cleaning agents - mostly, I use ecologically sound cleaning agents by Ecover, BioD or Method, in rotation with real soap, Sodium Bicarb and vinegar. I've occasionally used soapnuts too, and just plain washing up liquid but I've never really stuck to one thing - that's telling, isn't it?

Anyway, I recently got sent a general purpose E-cloth to test.

The E-cloth promises exceptional cleaning power with just.... wait for it.... water. No soap, no Sodium Bicarbonate, no vinegar, no washing up liquid. Just plain old water. Plainer than washing up liquid. Now, this is a good moment for me to confess that I've bought E-cloths before. Bought a pack of 3 nearly 5 years ago when the green living forum I frequently visited was all over them. But I never used them as intended... heck, I didn't even read the instructions on how to use them, didn't even try to understand them... I just dismissed the 'only use water' blurb and used them as I would any piece of cleaning cloth, in this case, a pretty costly piece of cloth. and of course in the process, I damaged the microfibre properties that do the cleaning with just water.

This time however, with a 'test and review' hat on, I actually read the packaging, tested the cloth and used it as I ought to. I started out with the mirrors, as surely, those can be easily cleaned with just any cloth and water, right? Result - fabulous, no streaks whatsoever, and quick. I then moved on to the front room and the TV screen (ours is still the old fashioned analogue style TV), again, wowed. I know you're probably thinking the glass is no much of a challenge to be going on about, and you're right. Well, I put it in the wash with my tea towels and moved the challenges into the kitchen.

First thing I did in the kitchen - and I hope the FlyLady would be pleased with me for doing this - was shine my sink. I did the dishes as normal, put it all away and cleaned my sink, then polished it with the E-cloth. It gleamed wonderfully, and without as much effort as I put normally, thanks to the absorbent nature of the E-cloth. I didn't go obsessive over keeping it shiny through out the day, but I admit to E-clothing it at every opportune moment, with good results.

Next challenge, the cooker. The dirty, greasy cooker that had hardly been scrubbed clean in over 2 weeks **blush**. While I don't mind cleaning the kitchen much, the cooker can be something else. Especially when hubby takes charge of dinner a few days leading up to the weekend with breakfast on a Saturday. Well, this last Sunday, as I prepared to give it a good old scrub, as is always the case, I thought I'd take the leap and see how the E-cloth would rise up to the challenge. Well, it did okay. I used it before the scrubbing, but a week's worth of dirt, which includes an oil spill from Friday evening and Saturday morning (chips and hash browns, respectively) proved to be a bit too much for the microfibres. In all fairness though, if the oil spills were to be E-clothed immediately after they happened, before they take hold, I'm sure they'd be beaten.

So there. Who'd have thought it, but as strange as this may sound, the E-cloth has had me mildly excited at the prospect of cleaning, when I do have to do it. Spring cleaning anyone?

So, how does it work? Well, from the E-cloth site, I got this:

Each E-cloth has an extraordinary 480,000 strands per square centimetre. Every special E-cloth fibre is 1/100th the width of a human hair. It is this, together with the wedge shape of each individual fibre, that gives the cloths their remarkable cleaning capability and their high absorbency.Unlike conventional cloths, as you draw an E-cloth across a surface, the fibres clean by breaking up, trapping and absorbing dirt AND grease into the material. All this with just water.

More explanation on how it works

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