Kids have so much fun packing for a trip..

Traveling with kids is not always easy and packing for them may sometimes seem an overwhelming task. You always feel the need to be prepared because you want your children to be happy and comfortable.   Happy children = happy parents.  But you need to be wise or you could end up taking just about everything with you.  So why not get the kids involved? 

I really enjoy packing for a trip, I always get excited, whether its 3 days or a 3 week break and now that my two girls are at such a fun age to enjoy it with me, I thought it was time to introduce them to the basics of packing.  We were only going away for the weekend but this was actually prefect to get them started.      
    
Usually I pack one large suitcase for the four of us for short trips but this time I was going to put their Trunki's to good use.  We bought them each a Trunki when we relocated from Portugal, it was mostly to keep them entertained during transit but since then they have just been sitting in the garage!  

I bought them each a small toiletry bag, two travel size bottles one for body wash and the other for body lotion. I also added a travel size hand and mouth wipes, mini hand sanitizer and lip balm. Just small bits to get them excited (these are items I usually pack anyway).  I think its also important they learn to look after their own personal items.  

We started off by filling the bottles, my eldest who is four did this herself and absolutely enjoyed it. Kids love these kinds of tasks. Once she was done I labeled each item with their names so they could identify them and keep them together.   With two kids you have to label everything to save all the arguments!  

We then spoke about what they would like to wear and what was important to take followed by what they would like for entertainment.  We then made our list together.   Once we had our list ready I called out each item and the quantities and they collected them from their cupboard and laid them out on a bed.  We checked that we had everything on our list and then they packed them into their suitcases.  It was amazing to see how well they work together .  

When their suitcases were packed we then moved onto the entertainment.  They each picked three items and this was packed in a separate bag that we could carry around with us.  

We really had a great time doing this together and they started getting really excited for the trip too.  They both loved that they each had their own toiletries. Of course the lip balm didn't last long but whats important is they had fun while learning and they got involved.  

While we were away it was lovely to see them so proud of their suitcases and they kept them tidy too!  

You may end up giving yourself a bit extra work doing this but the results are worth it!! 

I hope you enjoy packing with your children as much as I did.

5 Great links to beat the Blogging Blues

Hello again!!    I'm back... No, I haven't been active for some time now.  It seems I had reached one of those testing periods that bloggers get to.  Call it bloggers block or bloggers blues...  You know the moment you wonder if you are cut out for this, if your blog is any good, if the time and efforts you put into your posts are enough, if you are interesting enough and so the list goes on......

Its amazing once you start looking into it you find that you aren't alone.  So many bloggers experience the same thing but aren't we lucky to be able to search for some help online and we find other blogger with some pretty good advice!

Today I'm going to share 5 great links that have helped me get back on track and realise why I started my blog in the first place.  The reality is,  I'm not going to please everyone but its something that I enjoy....
Enough about what I think people want to read and more about what I feel I would like to share.   Its too easy to quit but where is the fun in that....

So if you ever get to a point when you aren't sure if blogging is your thing,  don't throw in the towel right away, click on the links below and get motivated....

1.  www.johnpaulaguiar.com - How to stay motivated when your blog is invisible


2.  www.bwww.blazingminds.co.uk - New blogging don't give up


3.  www.thedwellingtree.com


4.  www.kylemjones.com  - Don't give up - blog advice first six month bloggers

5.  www.dexmedia.com  - Don't give up on your blog

And now back to blogging.......

Take care and chat soon

xox

Best Gel Effect Nail Varnish

Best gel effect nail varnish by lovemakesthehome featuring L'Oréal Paris

Are you're looking for a long lasting nail polish?...... look no further.....

I'm in love with this L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish,  its the closest to a salon shalac that I've tried.  You only really need to apply one coat over the base and its enough.  Usually I'm applying two or three coats to get a good colour.  I have tried so many products and this is one of the longer lasting nail polish i've used.
TIP: I always use a top coat which helps with shine and helps polish last even longer.

These are two of my favourite colours.   Ideal for summer.....  

Top 6 Kitchen Gadgets

Whether you enjoy cooking or not its always handy to have some help around the kitchen.   These 6 little gadgets are use everyday and I would not be able to function without them!!  

Number 1 needs no introduction as I'm sure a kettle is on the top of every ones list!   

I've tried all types and styles of lemon and orange juicers but this simple yet effective little lemon squeezer is my favourite.  Its so easy to use and to clean!

The domestic espresso machine..  This is the best invention since the toaster, if you like coffee as much as I do you will appreciate this machine.  There is nothing like a GOOD cup of coffee to start your day and even better when you aren't left with all the mess.  Those capsules are genius. 

OK I am going to be straight here...... I honestly would not be able to peel vegetables without a peeler. It just so fast and easy to use and still leaves you with a decent size vegetable!!!  oh and also great for flaking Parmesan cheese...

These little graters are perfect for garlic, I hate having to chop (smelly garlic fingers!).  They are also brilliant to zest lemons and limes! I also use mine for finely grated cheese...

I'm sure you've heard of Jamie Oliver's 30min meals....  They would not be 30min meals in my kitchen without the help from my multi-purpose blender...  It chops and blends and whisks and even crushes ice! The parts are machine washable so another hassle free bonus!!

What super gadgets do you have in your kitchen that you use everyday and couldn't cope without?  Why not share them with me, leave me a comment below I'd love to hear from you.... 

A Healthy yet Delicious Cooked Breakfast

I love good food and I love to cook but its not always great on my scale so I'm always trying to come up with recipes that taste good and kind to my hips!!  

Today I'm going to share my take on a low fat and healthy Bacon and Eggs breakfast!!! 

With only a total of 323CAL this is a winner.  

FAT:  21.63       CARBS:  14.43    PROT:  19.05        CAL:  323

This recipe is based on serving for 1 so double up on ingredients if needed.  

Ingredients 

Two Eggs 
1tsp Vinegar
4 Mushrooms - sliced 
1 Tbsp red onion - chopped 
1 Quarter Avocado - sliced 
salt 
Pepper
chives
Jalapeño sauce (optional)

Firstly you will need a pot, fill it halfway with water, add salt and vinegar and bring to a boil.   

Fry the bacon in its own fat using a nonstick flying pan on a medium heat.  Once the bacon is done to your liking set it aside covering it with some foil to keep the heat   Fry the onions and mushrooms until soft in the same pan so they will infuse with the flavours left over from the bacon. Once done set aside and cover with foil as well.  

Once your water has come to boil turn down the heat to halfway.  Crack two eggs into a  bowl.   With a mixing spoon and start to swirl the water in the pot into a vortex then gently drop the eggs into the centre of the pot. Let them cook for about three min. 
(I have left a link below of a youtube video to assist you)

Whilst the eggs are poaching start to plate the other ingredients.  Begin with the avocado, lay then down then place the bacon on top. Add the mushroom and onions.  The eggs should be done at the point, remove and place on a paper towel two to drain the water before placing onto of your tower of awesomeness! 

Sprinkle with some salt and pepper and chives.  I love a bit of spice so i add some jalapeño sauce for a kick!

I hope you try it and enjoy and let me know what you think!.


Please press here for a youtube link to help you with the poached eggs.

My Friend Lily

Last week I attended an open house day at My Friend Lily.  For those of you who don't know My Friend Lily is an online boutique that offers beautiful children's clothing sourced locally and international.  With brands like Lief, JoJo Mama Bébé, O'Shea, Bluebelle and the latest addition Vintage Belle. 

An open house is held four times a year so you can visit and see the beautiful garments up close. This was great for me because I'm a bit sceptical when it comes to shopping online, you just can't be sure of the quality.  
It is true that My Friend Lily honour their statement by offering only the highest quality products.  I loved all the fabrics, especially the pyjamas, very soft and cosy.  It was so nice to see a fresh look.  I bought two little dressed detailed with the Shweshwe fabric by Sojo.  

But My Friend Lily don't only offer clothing, they also have accessories, toys and linen.

Why don't you visit My Friend Lily, I'm positive you won't be disappointed.