April 2015 – The Milk Memoirs

Galactogogues: Galacta wha’?!

Posted on April 23, 2015 by mommabeartrax

A 5 month old Parker-Grace catching a quick snack …with the mastitus massacre long forgotten. Photocred:Marysol Blomerus

Ga-Lac-Ta-Goges…increasing your milk supply since…like, forever!

First time I read that word, I thought it must be a joke-word. Surely someone made it up, right? That’s not a real word…Maybe just a bunch of buddies came together and got you to say a made-up word for a giggle. But t’is true: it is a word. It’s a real thang, and it is a thang that could have you singing its praises if you’re a breastfeeding momma suffering a bit of a dip in your supply.

It is essentially refers to any herb or food that could assist in regaining/increasing your breastmilk supply.

I know due to an unexpected visit from the mastitis monster with our second beast and also due to major sleep deprivation with our Continue reading →

The double life of Jackal & Hide will suit all your big night out cravings

Posted on April 16, 2015 by mommabeartrax

Photo cred: Food24

So I’ve been wanting to check this joint out for yonks, ever since I spotted the rather intriguing name last year…But,as you may well know, being a parent often means some serious NASA–level communication and co-ordination with your “village” (if they’re available) to make date-night happen. (I ain’t even kidding). So about three weeks ago when our open-air cinema plans fell through, but we still had a secured babysitter for the night, we grabbed at the opportunity to finally pop in at the hot and fine, Jackal& Hide.

View from across the street at night

From the moment you enter from atop the stairs, you’re immediately struck by the Continue reading →

Izakaya Matsuri: Japanese cuisine at its finest AND most relaxed

Posted on April 14, 2015 by mommabeartrax

This past weekend, we got to celebrate this guy…

My very own personal little dream come true, built-exactly-according-to-spec hubby. And it was a FULL day of celebration from the beachy morning, a lunch, cake ‘n tea, right down to a very taste bud satisfying dinner at one of Cape Town’s little hidden gems, Izakaya Matsuri!

Birthday boy had a major sushi craving that needed tending to, so I was Continue reading →

Family farm fun at Doo Little Farm

Posted on April 9, 2015 by mommabeartrax

Sniffing my offering out

Actually also known as Fountain Bush, but I totally prefer the charm of “Doo Little Farm”. 🙂
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I have been itching to just getaway already! Like pack up Team Porter into the car, and just go, go, go!Its been a while since we’ve actually done a family getaway..We always say after we do do one, that we should do it more often…Only to find that months have gone by and we haven’t made good on it. Case in point: Our Doo-Little Farm getaway. Which was almost a year ago! A fun spur of the moment fam getaway that was so good for the soul!…And loads of fun for the kids!

Sorry, Whiskey, this is your stop:Grandma’s.

So clearly Im not the worlds most Continue reading →

A festive sugar-free alternative: Easter Bunny Crackers Recipe

Posted on April 3, 2015 by mommabeartrax

So I have nothing against chocolate. In fact, Ive got nothing but lurrrv for chocolate. However, I am against the sugar frenzy that face our kids everyday, in this very commercial world we live in. Yes, my kids do get to indulge in treats now and again – Im no sugar-nazi. It is part of the world, so no ducking it. But when I do get a chance to eliminate/reduce it, I grab at that chance. Like say, at Easter…Yes, at Easter!Just hear me out… Continue reading →

Painted Easter eggs and fond memories of my Dad

Posted on April 2, 2015 by mommabeartrax

I actually clearly remember taking this photo

So Easter may not beat out Christmas nor Halloween in the excitement stakes for me, but it does have an enormously soft spot within my heart. Not solely for the gravity it holds religiously, but also for the wonderful memories I have of my Dad during these Easter celebrations.

He had such gusto in his manner of celebrations, not only in getting all of us as siblings involved, but also Continue reading →

Cute Easter Bunny t-shirt craft for toddlers

Posted on April 1, 2015 by mommabeartrax

Here’s looking at you, kid! 😉 (That’s Morgan-Lee about to give me the double-canon and wink)

Ssssso Easter bunny vibes are pretty alive and kicking in Team Porter’s abode, despite having both parents down with some bug. (By the way this little craft can be modified for any occassion, not just Easter.) So, with me being such a sucker for “festiveness”, and my beasties always eager for crafts, there is never much of a lull in the busy-ness of their activity table, nor the messiness thereof…and my lounge.

So after being inspired by some pinterest over-achievers on the interwebs, I whipped out a few supplies I already had in my home to create these Continue reading →