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Babies, Be Inspired, Children, Family, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

MooMoo Kids Crawlie

I am always amazed at the array of fantastic goodies that are available to parents! There is definitely so much more on offer for moms and babies, than when my kiddies were small!

The MooMoo Crawlie is a super cute, functional outfit for crawling and cruising babies. The grippy kneepads facilitate crawling on slippery floors (such as tiles, laminates, wood) for babies that are struggling to crawl and also provide protection and durability for the knees of those speed-crawlers!

MooMoo Crawlie dungaree and T-shirt sets are definitely one of the things I wish were around when my tots where crawling! Especially for my second baby, as she had the strangest crawling style and we ended up with many onesies with holes on the knees!

The Crawlie also comes with a matching long-sleeve T-shirt, they have (nickel-free) poppers for nappy changing ease, and a front pocket for dummy storage. Above all they are super soft and comfy for your little one and come in such cute designs. If not for your little one they also make a wonderful baby shower gift!

We are proud to be able to say that ALL MooMoo products are made locally, here in Cape Town. As part of our “local is lekker” philosophy, we make a point of using local fabric mills (sadly this is often no longer possible owing to mill closures), local print designs and local labour. We are proud to say that each MooMoo product is a genuine “South African original”! ~ MooMoo

If you would like to find out more about the MooMoo Crawlie and the other fantastic products they have on offer then pop over to their website by clicking here.

*Disclaimer: The MooMoo Crawlie was sent to me for review purposes but views and opinions are all my own.

Be Inspired, Food, Kids Food, My Top, Recipes

My Top Weekday Recipes

I have put together a list of my go-to, simple to make weekday recipes. These recipes are easy but so delicious and definite family favourites.

Reach To Recovery Conference 2013

Last month I attended the 17th Reach To Recover Conference held at the CTICC in Cape Town. I must admit that never having attended something like this before I was uncertain what to expect. Cancer is an issue that hits quite close to home, for me, having lost my own mom to Cancer when I was quite young!

The theme of this years conference was Together We Reach and the focus was breast cancer from the perspectives of the patient (both the newly diagnosed and those with metastatic spread), the survivor, the partner, the family, the community, the breast cancer activist and the health professional. How we can reach together to improve the quality of life for women and men with breast cancer.

In essence the conference was aimed at women and men across the world to gain a better knowledge of breast cancer, a better understanding of the needs of low-resourced areas, how to improve service delivery and support for patients, survivors and families, to find sustainable solutions that can be used across borders, to increase networking opportunities to facilitate skills and knowledge transfer and last but certainly not least to empower survivors who are advocates for their rights.

My main aim for attending the conference was to gain more knowledge myself because I believe that knowledge is power and without it we are unable to help and support those around us. Having two daughters of my own I am aware of the responsibility as a mother to ensure that they are informed and have an understanding of the threats that this disease poses.

As a woman of 40, one may think that you know everything you need to about Breast Cancer(BC) but in my opinion unless you are directly affected by BC, you know very little. Attending the conference definitely left me feeling more knowledgeable on the topic but I must admit I did find it quite overwhelming trying to grasp the severity of this global problem! With over 1 million deaths caused by cancer each year the stats are devastating and with BC being the most diagnosed cancer in woman, it is definitely something that we all need to know more about.

There were many doctors who spoke at the conference, all specialists in their own right and extremely passionate advocates in the fight against Breast Cancer. It was great to hear from such a diverse range of people and in essence they all had the same message – it is vital to empower yourself and know your risks and most importantly not be ignorant, like an ostrich with you head in the sand.

It was very interesting to learn that although Mammograms have their place in diagnosing BC, there are other methods that are as, if not more successful and that mammograms are more successful in diagnose of BC, in patients over the age of 50. Another interesting factor was self or clinical examination can be as beneficial when diagnosing BC, so it is important to be vigilant with these things, making them part of your everyday life. Make sure you have regular checkups and if you know you are at risk, genetic testing is a good option!

So what did I take away from this experience? I now have a more balanced understanding of what the risk or contributing factors to BC are. I also know that it is important for patients and survivors to share their knowledge and experiences with those around them, as it may in turn help someone else who is suffering with Breast Cancer.

Be Inspired, Beauty, Beauty Products, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

Obey Your Body Product Review

Last month I told you about the Obey Your Body Products which I received to review. Well it is just over a month since I started using them, which I feel it enough time to establish whether or not I like the products or more importantly if my skin likes the products!

The products that I am reviewing are mostly from the Age-Control Range. They are Decorin Age-Control Day Cream SPF15, Decorin Age-Control Night Cream, Decorin Age-Control Thermal Mask and Decorin Age-Control Radiance Serum. The Decorin Age-Control (DECO) Collection fights the naturally occurring effects of aging. This range is aimed at skin which is showing signs of aging and promises to create youthful and healthy looking skin – something at the age of 40 I am definitely looking to achieve!

The other two products I received to review are the Radiance Care Creamy Milk Cleanser and Radiance Care Clarifying Facial Toner, both a cleanser and a toner should be part of your daily skincare regime.

I must admit that I was rather sceptical about the Obey Your Body Products at first, after hearing mixed reviews about the products but I can confirm that I have nothing but positive feedback to give you – so here goes:

Decorin Age-Control Day Cream SPF15 ~ This is a definite winner! Even my hubby has been using it, he is somewhat of a metrosexual when it comes to using products and looking after his appearance but I have no complaints, at least he is looking after his skin. What I love most about this product, is that although it is very moisturising, it is lightweight and does not leave your skin feeling greasy. It also has the added benefit of containing an SPF15, which is perfect for me as I have pigmentation and need to use sunblock to prevent the pigmentation from becoming darker.

Decorin Age-Control Night Cream ~ I am all about trying to keep that youthful glow and feel that is very important to use a night cream! The younger you start the better but the most important thing is to find a night cream which suits your skin type. The Decorin Night Cream works overnight to nourish and firm stressed skin with the innovative collagen organizing tetrapeptide DecorinylÂ®. I found this cream especially beneficial after spending a few days up the West Coast, as my skin became incredibly dry after spending time in the salty sea water but after a few nights of using this cream it was soft and supple again.

Decorin Age-Control Thermal Mask ~ This mask is quick and easy to use and you do not need to leave it on your skin for longer than 3-5 minutes. Do not be alarmed however, as you will feel a rather unusual heating sensation after application, which indicates that the mask is active. You then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. The Decorin Thermal Mask is recommended for use once weekly and I have taken to using if I know I have an evening out, as gives your skin a wonderful glow.

Decorin Age-Control Radiance Serum ~ This is probably my favourite product! I started using a serum in my daily routine well over a year ago and I can immediately feel the difference in my skin if I forget to apply it. I have tried quite a few but I must admit this is probably the best one I have tried thus far. I apply it to cleansed skin in the morning and evening, before my moisturiser. I find that it leaves my skin wonderfully silky and smooth!

The DECORIN Collection from ObeyYourBody® gives an immediate lift to tired and stressed skin. The range contains the innovative collagen organizing tetrapeptide Decorinyl®. The Decorin (DECO) range is enriched with powerful antioxidants and natural herbal complexes to help you create radiant, youthful and healthy looking skin. The products also provide long-term care that tightens, firms and prevents dry lines and wrinkles. ~ Obey Your Body

Radiance Care Creamy Milk Cleanser ~ I love using a creamy cleanser especially to remove my eye makeup and the Radiance Creamy Milk Cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It is also perfect for sensitive and problem skin, as it is very mild and gentle on the skin. It also has a wonderful fresh fragrance without being over perfumed.
Radiance Care Clarifying Facial Toner ~ I feel that a toner should also be a vital part of your daily beauty care but again it is important to find one that is suitable for your skin type. Some Toners can be very astringent and leave your skin feeling dry and taut. The Radiance Care Clarifying Facial Toner however is not one of those, much like the cleanser it is very gentle and helps to balance the skin’s natural protective pH, leaving your skin feeling radiant and healthy.

My overall experience with all the products has been very positive and I have noticed a wonderful renewed firmness and glow to my skin! I am also hoping to review the Pigmentation Cream, from Obey Your Body, as this condition is a major concern of mine.

To find out more about Obey Your Body Products visit their website by clicking here. You can also follow Obey Your Body on Twitter and Facebook.

Disclaimer: Obey Your Body has sponsored the above products for review purposes.

Be Inspired, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

2013 FAIRLADY Consumer Awards

The hunt for South Africa’s top kid-friendly products is on with the call to enter the 2013 FAIRLADY Consumer Awards. Categories such as Babies & Toddlers, as well as Kids 3 Years+, introduce moms to the best South African products.

Last year’s Babies & Toddlers award was won by the Tiny Love, Soothe and Groove Mobile. While the LeapFrog, Leap Pad was the hands-down winner in the Kids 3 Years + category.

This year the Baby and Children’s category will be judged by Jenny Collins, editor of Your Baby & Your Pregnancy, and Helen Schoer, editor of Baba & Kleuter. They are joined by two to four speciality judges chaired by the relevant FAIRLADY editor.

The panel of FAIRLADY Test House judges includes FAIRLADY editor Suzy Brokensha and FAIRLADY speciality editors Robyn MacLarty (wine), Justine Kiggen (food), Sally Kramer (Test House editor), dietitians Lila Bruk and Kim Hofmann (health), and Tasneem Larney (consumer).

Another new category this year is for Best Food Blogger, voted for online by FAIRLADY readers. “The internet and bloggers in particular have become so influential in our decision-making about food, from what to cook for dinner to which brand of dark chocolate to buy,” says Kiggen. “It makes sense for us to give our seal of approval to bloggers who are of great service to consumers as a source of inspiration, and through their fastidious approach to their work.”

The hallmarks of the Awards process are accuracy and fairness in identifying the best consumer products within the 12 major categories featured. According to Brokensha, the number of entries last year increased by 164% from the previous year, and the number of categories more than doubled. “The dramatic growth in the number of entries is the most important endorsement we can get from readers and producers alike. After 48 years in this market, the FAIRLADY stamp of approval is seen by our readers as a real statement of quality in a complex and heavily traded marketplace,” says Brokensha.

The awards are open to all FMCG products and entries will be processed through the Fairlady Test House online hub. The easily accessible one-stop hub provides users with consumer reviews, tips, information and trusted ratings on all things consumer.

“We also have a Reader’s Favourites Survey – a reader competition attached to the voting process,” says Brokensha. “The awards wouldn’t be the same without input from our readers, who are actively using and experiencing the products every day. The competition acknowledges the critical value of word-of-mouth, which plays a major role in consumer decision-making.”

Log on here to enter.

For more information, email [email protected]. The 2013 winners will be announced in the November issue of the magazine.