Eco-liners @ earthbabies.co.za

Eco-Liners 3pk of cloth panty liners R50.00

Click to enlarge Eco-friendly and economical 3pack of soft cloth pantyliners with wings. Features * 3 layers – soft breathable top layer – core absorbent inner layer – water-proof bottom * These slim panty liners are ideal for light days (entire period for those who have light menses, or the start and end of menstruation) * Perfect for use as comfortable back-up with menstrual cups or tampons. * Used as everyday protection for light bladder control issues and incontinence * They are easy to use and comfortable - place pad with the blue wing strap side down on underwear, wrap wings around panty gusset and fasten. * Easy to wash - just soak, wash and dry. * Convenient - You will always have fresh, clean pads on hand, easy to wash and quick drying, small and slimline so easy to carry in your bag. * Reusable - they save you money and are kinder on our environment. * Hygienic and gentle - no harsh chemicals to come in contact with your body. * Lessen tendency towards yeast infections - if you do have thrush then it is recommended to either soak in some tea tree oil when washing or iron after washing to kill any yeast causing bacteria. How to care for them: Soaking in cold water and lemon juice (or salt) Do not use bleach or softener Line dry or tumble dryable

Some moments a camera can't capture

Being a SAHM, there are many moments which you wish to capture: the giggle of little children at silly things, saying "maqarium" or "paplova".

But yesterday I had a classic! One where I wish I had a video camera recording in the car.

The weather was odd and slightly wet.  DD and I just wanted to listen to our audio story, so we drove around. (Yes, we could have taken the CD and brought it inside, but there are too many distractions inside!)  It was close to lunch time and I was not feeling brave enough to take them out of the car to get anything.  My initial drive-thru option (the big M) was wacked by thoughts of fatty oil after tastes and reminders of it being  "toxins" (as DD says). My options were limited, but fortunately I found myself near the only Nandos' drive-thru that I know of.  Now they are not the most efficient - I actually switched the car off... there wasn't exactly a queue!

So we were sitting in the car and DD asks what we are doing - I explain that we are here to buy lunch and are waiting for it.  A few minutes later, the cashier sorts out the drinks order, as well as the kiddie toys. She throws in balloons.  You had to see the excitement on their faces!! You'd swear they won money! DS screamed of joy to get a balloon. The "lucky" packet of balloon PLUS toy PLUS juice was equally thrilling to DD !!  The kids played with their toys, examining the odd squid-like thing they got.  And this is the video capture moment .....

DD turns to me, realising we are STILL parked "what are we waiting for ?"

"Well, we didn't come her for a free balloon my dear, I am waiting for the FOOD !"

Jabber jabber yap yap

So why am I blogging ?  

My brain is turning into mush and there are way too many holes in my memory bank.

I try to download info to BFF at least daily, but her brain is in the same state ... maybe worse (cos she's older and has more kids ;-)  ! )  

We chat pretty much everyday (except weekends [sounds like a job ! ;-) ]) and yet there are still many topics we didn't cover, so I blog it so that I get to tell her things and it is on record for later when I can't recall what month we played dress-up!

Talking about dress-up .... 

Summer came to visit this week, just a short visit - she's left again today.

So out came the summer day playgroup goodies!

ZS blew up the pool and set up a tent for shade.

The kids had on bathers and sunblock and splashed about.  Funny thing though, the only one who CAN swim didn't want to get in ! Perhaps this was too "local" for her and all the "gam" splashing in her eyes was too irritating !

So what were the outfits ? HULA SKIRTS!!! Don't they look cute ?

The boys also had flowers, but felt it was too girly! Even DH wouldn't wear it and he has been dressed up by DD in worse !

Have you SEEN real Hula girls ?  

They are quite hippy aren't they ?  So after seeing how cute the little ones looked, we decided we also wanted to put Hula skirts on. Let me just say that I needed to breathe more than Hula, so I took it off !

I just had to add this picture.  Besides being a bee, THIS had to be DS's best day!

As happy as a pig (or hippo if you want the halaal version) in mud!

To secure his spot, he broke a chocolate cupcake in the water, the sight of which put the other kids off going in !!

From SAHM to WAHM !

I am officially a WAHM ! (that is not a misspelling for WHAM !! It's Work - at - home-mom)

My little business has taken off (and DH has dollars in his eyes!) - and by taken off

 I mean I had a bulk order. Obviously DH doesn't think it is big enough as he (my financial advisor) does not think I can get the gadget yet! :-(

It's tricky as I am up from 5am cutting fabrics, and putting parts together and then another morning I put it all together and package it.  I'm knackered by 8pm and have to sit up to make Esha salaah, but at least it doesn't take away from my time with the kids.  I was hoping that getting up 2 hours before everyone else would at least secure me a peaceful (no-sharing) breakfast - but I have not been that lucky ;-) 

Sending the package to my client (hee hee) was shockingly pricey. I might not have been as shocked if I used the Post Office more often  for SENDING not receiving parcels ;-)

Next step is to try out pads.  Look out for my ad - as my product is being sold on-line !

Town

Today I took the kids to town! I thought it would be a horrible experience, but it wasn't. I found parking in Wale street, around the corner from where I wanted to be.  It was odd, trying to manouver taking them out and setting up the pram, while keeping an eye out that no-one would grab anything!  I have become so secure with my mall world!! ;-)So off we strolled to the bank.  Oh yes, the purpose of this trip was to close a bank account. Was I even more insane for bringing them to the bank ?  What perfect angels they were! Seriously !  They must have been so in awe of the open space, the trees, the buildings (all things I have to say I take for granted!) .  The bank was not condusive to a pram (how would a wheel-chair work ?!) I had to carry it up the stairs and FNB in Adderley Street has LOADS of stairs at either entrance ! The bank was a wait but nothing too serious. DSpointed out things to me that I hadn't even seen ... a ball .... (circle crest on the wall)... a car ... (a wagon on another pillar).  DD disappeared with her aunt who works there and chatted away to all her colleagues! When DS did start fussing (do to us having stopped moving) I had a bag of mini-marshmellows that kept him occupied.

What was different about town as opposed to a mall, was the array of different people.  I used to love sitting on a bench in St Georges and watching people. One guy who stood out (and must have thought I was weird for smiling at him!) was an elderly gentleman, dressed in a long coat and wore a black hat with a red feather (I think) on the side. It was so classic, so smart.  I can't recall when last I saw ANYONE with a hat like that!

When we left, we went via Greenmarket Square. I would have loved to stroll around my old haunts and see which shops are still around, but I had only paid for 1hour of parking and needed to return.  

Perhaps when the days warm up, we can make another trip to tone (as my granny used to call it)

Spider webs on the brain

It's been a strange few weeks. I haven't been my usual self.  I haven't been very busy, but I've been forgetting things.  And that is not like me!  To ensure I do the things I need, I have resorted to writing a list!

So what's the problem?  ZS lost her cellphone and was most upset by the loss of the pictures she had on it. ..... then she misplaced some keys ..... and lastly that silly accident the other day.  The problem with the accident was that neither of us could recall a THING! I looked at the vehicle, took note of what it was - but for the life of me I can't recall. ZS wrote down the name of the company to which the vehicle belongs, but can't recall what she wrote. She told me the name, but I don't remember what she said.  It felt like the web we hung up in her lounge had transfered over our minds with each eerie string we pulled.

I've been having conversations and then I don't know what the other person said.... and when ZS was tryingto do reflection on her life, I felt like I KNEW what the problem was but couldn't quite pin-point it. 

Then I read this blog about how to re-connect with Allah in your salaah (and as a mum I REALLY need some help in not being distracted).  I decided to try out some of the suggestions. I sat on my mat, making duah, thinking about events of the week and making duah for ZS, when .... it struck me!  It was SO obvious. As i watched the clouds shifting over the fullmoon, it seemed to clear my mind.  It was Shaytaan (A'oothubillah). You see, Mash'Allah ZS has made some big decisions in her life of late, as have I. And he needed to distract her from it.  She had become so preoccupied with her losses and the negativity happening around her that she forgot to count her blessings.  Mine was different ..... he was sneaky..... he figured out my weakness and caused me to bend the rules ....... and THAT is a sure way to let him in.  Algamdulillah for the clearing.... now if only I can find the book that explains all of this and give it to ZS .........

Experimentation

So apparently there is some experiment happening in Switzerland (I think) - they tried to re-create the Big Bang ! I personaly think that THAT is idiotic as it could blow us all up .. but that's not the point of today's blabber ...... whenever anything goes wrong - I blame the experiment!

So the winter weather we are having in November is DEFINITELY their fault!

The fear DS sees when he looks at the clouds and hears the wind  -THEIR fault ..... ZS's lost cellphone - THEIR fault .... the stupid lady who reversed into us today ... erm .. that's HER fault - She was an idiot!

But how about milk ?  Could I blame reverse polarity or super speed in the earth's core for affecting the taste of grass on some farm where an Everfresh cow is grazing ?  Cos darn it - my cuppa tea tasted CRAP this morning!  No-one else seemed to be affected, so I tried again ... YUK !! I don't like to waste  - so Priscilla is scoring a liter of milk. I opened a new carton and enjoyed a good, warm, cup of tea .... which I had to share with little-ones ...  but today, on this dreary looking spring day - I don't mind - cos it tasted yummmmmmmm.

Today I get a GOLD star!

Since being a mom I haven't really cleaned my house.  Priscilla initially came a few days a week and since we weren't messy, I didn't have to do much on the days she didn't come.  Since the arrival of DS, help was required more frequently and as he grows, if she could move in that would be perfect.

The problem with DS is, he constantly messes .... when he eats, it is all over him and the table and the floor .. and I didn't give him that much to begin with !  He unpacks things and isn't too fond of repacking ..... (unlike DD who will make sure it is packed in the EXACT spot at he EXACT angle !)

Anyway ... so at 7:45am I realised I was on my own again today.  I could no longer avoid the mess and dirt and Monday is too long away to wait for Priscilla to return! ;-)

So, this is what I did (wearing my combat/camouflage pjs nogal! ) While the kids ate breakfast, I swept the kitchen (I had to have DS tied up else he eats the dirt!) and rather than mop the

 entire area - I just wiped the dirty spots (my standards have sunk so low!). Swept the tv area while DD tidied. (isn't it great having a 4yr old ?! ) Oh, and since th elaundry was piling too and the weather was iffy yesterday I HAD to do that as well ... so in between the sweeping and wiping, I hung the washing.

With this big area now almost sorted I put thekids in the shower ...... they love it there - it's like a play area and they are confined!  So I swept the lounge and hung the last load.  Woohoo half a house complete !!  Got the kids dressed and then started on lunch! Yes I make lunch on a Friday cos DH comes home, and even though I could have phoned for a pizza, I wanted to see how much I could do.  Today we are having a chili chicken pasta (SP's Fusion).  With the food brewing - I could finally do the dishes !! Now, the problem with being at that area is that DS visits, and he unpacks the plastics .. so while moving around I have to dodge tupperwear at my feet, my DD packed away (isn't she just the best little helper?!)  I was by the last load - the POTS and DS decides he has had enough of me playing house and not with him .. and starts hanging on my legs crying.  Before pampering him I managed to finish the food and pop it into the oven and ...... and .... AND .... there was enough food for TWO dishes !!! BONUS !!!!! What a treat !!  Now I have freezer food and I wasn't even expecting it ! (For those who do not understand: it is like 

finding money in your bag you didn't know about!)

Now, if there is ONE thing I am picky about - it's my bed! When DH does it, I let it slide, but when I do it - I do it the way my lovely Granny showed me how: the sheet has to be tucked in TIGHT, and have that double fold over on top so you can see the pretty edging of the sheet.

AND my pillows HAVE TO BE FLUFFED !! It just doesn't look good without the puffy pillows ! (I recommend Latex pillows - they stay puffy and don't need the daily poof .)

So it is 12:38pm and THIS is why I get a gold star:

The kitchen is clean, dishes washed, laundry washed and on the line

All living areas neat, tidy, swept.

All beds made, rooms tidy (just don't go into the playroom )

Bathrooms clean.

Kids and ME washed, dressed and fed !

ALGAMDULILLAH !

And as I humbly accept this gold star  I'd like to thank the following

 people:

Firstly Priscilla,  who I couldn't do without in my life.

My DD, who when asked to help always answers with "of course",

My DS, who without - none of this would have been necessary,

My BFF, who always knows the right thing to say,

My DH, who affords me to stay at home,

And the Almighty who  has given me all that I have and all the abilities required to accomplish what I need to.

"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear".

Garden Creatures Day

So we planned this one ages ago .. but Spring/Summer just never wanted to come.

The girls had little alicebands with butterflies on ..and we had made their wings.

ZS's was perfect ... perfectly cut, perfectly painted .... so pretty!

I, in my slap bang style, had a piece of fabric, grabbed it in the middle - tied it with a pipe cleaner and squirted fabric paint on it.   The first time DD wore it - I had elastic bands on the edge to attach to her wrists .. by the evening her little hands were SWOLLEN !! And she didn't say anything !  So before the event I had to change that.

So this week looked promising with good weather.. so Monday 

night we called it and as we pretty much had everything set we got together on Tuesday.  

Except that DS didn't have a costume ! 

So Monday night I had to throw something together .. 

and I must say by best ideas seem to come when I am in a panic !  I made him the cutest Bee outfit !

Now - when we do this we go ALL out !  So for decor I hung DD's bed net outside and setup a little picnic area ... we had already made them little pillows (Thanks to ZS for the fabric)

Eats were little meringues and juice and a BOWL of strawberries which they managed to finish!!

The rest of the morning they fluttered about the garden .. that IS what garden creatures do anyway !  

Crafts included a tiny basket which they filled with paper roses ... DD the perfectionist placed each one in, T (who is more like me

 than her mum) just shoved them in !  We took a walk in the garden and collected gooseberries, but there weren't many, but T enjoyed them none the less (gotta love T !! )Next was a butterfly picture which had to be decorated and I pointed out to ZS that it was all about Maths ... one-to-one matching of the circles and the puffballs, and patterns !

At this point the bat arrived ... and he adds a new dimension to the play .... he is all boy in this very girly group (sorry DS).  Play is wild and he makes them laugh at silly things.  It is so great watching them grow.  Next year will be interesting to see how DD changes once she goes to school. (we'll chat about that topic when it happens else I might cry).

Ok - co back to bat boy ....... so he JUMPS off the sliding board (tried to hide it from his mum but it looked so cool with the wings we had to tell her).

At the end of the day when I reflect .... I KNOW these days are all about us and not the kids ....  we are living through them .... brainwashing them into thinking they had this wonderful childhood, taking photos and scrapbooking it to PROVE it to them ! 

Or maybe it is to remind us to be young and carefree, the rainbow on that day when they drive you beserk and our way of preserving memories, as our braincells die .... (and we lose our cellphones ;-) )

Priscilla takes a sick day

This is day 2 of Priscilla's sick leave .....

Staring at the pile of dishes and the mess DS makes when he eats ......

So I decided to go out and deal with it when the anti-histamine has started working and I have cleared my head of all that clutter.  While driving I realised that the best way to avoid having to deal with kids is to go out!  They seem thrilled just to be out so tend to behave.  

So we went down the road to factory shop - retail therapy can fix anything!

I LOVE factory shopping !! And when I walked in Mojo and I was told there is less 40% on shirts ... I was excited !! So DH scored a few new shirts, DD got a top and few leggings.  

I was on the hunt for a summer dress.  

I went to one store and they had a green dress .... I had to wriggle to get it on .... only to discover later there was a ZIP on the side !! I KNEW I wasn't THAT fat !!  But it didn't look good anyway.

A few stores later I scored a good one ... chocolate brown with burnt orange and red ... I LOVED it.

The next store was a goldmine ! I got 3 dresses for R400 !! Considering that my BFF paid that price for ONE dress - I figured I scored!!

But by then the kids were restless ... DS had unpacked my wallet and tossing notes around as if he was Richie Rich!! DD was using my phone ...... 

On the way out we stopped at a construction site.... they were fascinated my the cement mixer and various sized diggers.  It was better than the (m)aquarium  - they stood mesmerized and I didn't have to pay!   Any interested parents - go to Brickfield Road Salt River.

Note to self - DON'T take a pram to the factory shops ! There are NO ramps.

Note to others - The joy of factory shopping is lost when you have to take kids along !