February 2014 – The Milk Memoirs

Chalk it up as a day of fun with an Annie Sloan workshop

Posted on February 28, 2014 by mommabeartrax

A start of many more good things to come!

So a few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of being part of a much coveted Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop. It was held at The Painted Cottage and hosted by the lovely Ilana Tani. If you recall from a previous post of mine, The Painted Cottage is a quaint, yet awesome new store, that Im completely gaga about. It recently opened up in Jan 2014 out in Parklands, Cape Town.

I was out of my pants excited about this workshop. Partly because I was just about emerging from the baby fog, brought on by Continue reading →

Breastfeeding, you cruel wench!

Posted on February 25, 2014 by mommabeartrax

[UPDATE: added the link to what natural remedies I used for my scalp. See below.]

So as you might have deduced by now, Im an advocate of breastfeeding.That is, through whatever delivery system, your baby is nourished by breastmilk. I don’t slam formula at all, don’t get me wrong. Milk formula is a wonderful invention that has come to the rescue of many a fretting mama and hungry babe. But I fully support the breastfeeding awareness movement. *wave flag*

Yet, every time I catch my own reflection, I have a tremendous “sorry-for-myself” moment, and quietly think, “breastfeeding, you cruel wench!”, as I shake my white knuckled fist at the sky. A daily ritual that lasts Continue reading →

Chicken Korma Curry recipe for baby and the whole family

Posted on February 21, 2014 by mommabeartrax

I know what you’re thinking, “a curry? For a baby?”. Yip.If you haven’t heard of korma yet,it’s a curry paste that makes for a pretty gentle curry, that’s baby-friendly, packed with flavour and a great way to add diversity to your bub’s palate. Best of all this dish only takes about 20 min cooking time. These are all things you want to hear when Continue reading →

Kid friendly spots: Weltevreden Estate Review

Posted on February 19, 2014 by mommabeartrax

So about two weekends ago we went on an epic family playdate. I had read quite a bit about Weltevreden Estate, religiously stalked their facebook page and so had been wanting to go for some time now. So when my buddy suggested we do a reconn mission there for a possible birthday venue for her DD, it was on like donkey kong!!

As you drive into the estate, you’ll be sufficiently charmed by the pretty little dutch style building that greets you. It sets the mood, and clearly holds a promise of a great venue. Parking was pretty easy, and is more Continue reading →

The Painted Cottage and surviving the motherhood trenches

Posted on February 17, 2014 by mommabeartrax

Motherhood is fantastic, its miraculous, life changing.Its soul-enlightening, unlocks depths of love unknown to you before…Yes, and all those other profound awakenings you may have heard of. Its all true. However, motherhood is also a title you certainly end up earning your stripes in. It aint for sissies. But often us mommies tend to forget, we are still human. And with that, we certainly need to remember to cut ourselves some slack, and perhaps find an outlet. Even a small and simple one – like I did! 🙂

I had been cooped up for several weeks with my Continue reading →

Date Night Ideas: Valentines Day

Posted on February 13, 2014 by mommabeartrax

So, with valentines day but a day away,my minds obviously reeling what hubs ‘n I could possibly do for the day. You know, to keep the magic alive, fires burning and other such metaphors.

We don’t truly buy into the whole commercialism of the day, and yes “everyday SHOULD be valentines”, but I’m a sucker for holidays, so we Continue reading →

Kid friendly spot: Tables at Nitida

Posted on February 13, 2014 by mommabeartrax

For those of you who are living under the same rock that I was up until July last year, and still dont know of the lovely eatery called Tables at Nitinda: firstly slap yourselves, then make your way on down to this gem of a place tucked in the Durbanville Winelands area, nested within the Nitida Wine Estate.

Got kids? Perfect! With the generous lawn that gives way to a cute little jungle gym and swings, your kids will be kept entertained and hopefully Continue reading →

Getting crafty: Valentines Day cookies with the kids

Posted on February 12, 2014 by mommabeartrax

Ok, so this might not be a craft strictly speaking. I suppose it belongs more under the bake section. But none the less, your kids will still have loadsa fun messing in the flour and butter goop, and cookie cutting. (all whilst still stimulating their tactile senses)
Kids entertained AND stimulated?? Double WIN!

Its a plain and simple vanilla almond cookie, decorated in honour of Valentines Day. Perfect little gift for Continue reading →

Breastfeeding: Origins of my obsession

Posted on February 10, 2014 by mommabeartrax

According to the World Health Organization, 4 out of 5 women initiate breastfeeding. However, only 1 out of those 5, maintain it to the recommended 6 month mark.

As if life didn’t already have a cruel sense of humour, won’t Mother Nature also throw her 2 cents in and make, what is essentially the wisest choice in nourishing your offspring, one of the gosh-darnest trickiest things to do… And THAT sentence right there ladies and gentleman, is the understatement of the century!!!

Seriously,WHAT was she thinking? We need our Continue reading →