The Gallery - Holidays!

This week's theme for Sticky Fingers' gallery is "Holidays". Could there be a better theme at this time of the year? I don't think so.

I am sure that we all love holidays, who wouldn't! When we lived in Australia, we were spoiled for choice when deciding where to spend our holidays. Australia is a huge continent with so many different places to visit. Not only it has the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world, but you can also go skiing and diving. It's true, it's not like skiing in the Alps, but the most important is you can go and enjoy skiing in a long sleeved t-shirt!

Also going on holidays before having Isabelle was completely different. I can't say I don't enjoy family holidays better, it's just different. I have to admit I still love going on short holidays just with my husband. Please, don't hate me for that!

Me skiing in the Austrian Alps

Cyprus family holiday

Cook Islands - Raratonga

Cook Islands - Me collecting coconuts

Great Barrier Reef

Whitsunday Islands - Us diving & snorkeling

Whitsunday Islands - A boat trip

Isabelle's footprint - Crete holiday

Crete holiday

Skiing in the Czech Republic

Cybermummy 2010 - I was there!

I cannot believe I am writing this post. I was soooo excited when I got sponsored to go to the conference and at that time I thought it was ages away. Now Cybermummy is over, I was there and still cannot get over the amazing experience and meeting all the wonderful mummy bloggers.

Before the conference, I was on Twitter (@Kahanka) all the time, and as everyone else even I was panicking that I would not know anyone... Then luckily I came across Muddlingalongmummy's post about meeting up at the Earls court tube station. There I also met the wonderful Babyrambles and spent most of the conference in her company.

I have to say the 3 key people AlphaMummy, Mummytips (had a pleasure to have a quick chat to her) and AModernMother, who organised this event, did such a great job and am sure that all the mummy bloggers who attended would agree. Here is my big THANK YOU! The only thing I would do differently were the badges...they kept on turning around... a bit annoying when looking for people you don't know.

Before going, I had a few bloggers in mind I wanted to meet and I think I met most of them. Sitting next to Tara from Sticky fingers was just amazing as I love her Gallery Wednesday. It was also nice when people were approaching me and recognising me from my twitter avatar. It was impossible to meet everyone, but for next time I will have a list and will be a bit more organised.

Originally I was planning to stay a bit longer, to have a few more drinks especially with thesleepisfortheweak and mochabeaniemummy, but have to admit that I was emotionally exhausted and decided to leave earlier. Another thing to remember for next time, even though I live in London, it's better to book a hotel and not to worry about returning home.... (a bit drunk)

By the way, has anybody taken a picture with me in it ??? I have no pictures......(very sad!!!)

Anyway, all in all, cannot wait for the Cybermummy 2011!

Kurtis Baby Peace Giveaway Competition!

For my July giveaway competition I have teamed up with the Kurtis Baby Peace and they will be kindly donating one of their great Baby Peaces to one lucky winner.

How to enter?

1. Follow my blog and
2. Comment on your favourite/least favourite prints/colours
3. For an extra entry mention this competition on Twitter including @Kahanka in the tweet
   

If you are an All Baby Advice follower already, don't forget to comment
on your favourite/least favourite prints and colours to be entered in the competition.

Terms and Conditions:

• The closing date of the competition is 21/07/2010
• The winner will be chosen at random from all entrants.
• The winner's name will be made available on this page.
• Competition is open to residents of the UK and Ireland only.
• The prize is non-refundable and cannot be transferred. No cash alternative is available.

And the winner is @second_time_mum

The Gallery - Our Nanna turning 90!

This week's gallery theme is "EMOTIONS". I have to admit that I am a very emotional person and since having Isabelle I have been showing them much more than before. I have asked some of my mummy friends and most of them agree that after having children you become much more emotional. It's not only crying, but also being angry and very protective when it has to do anything with my darling Isabelle. My husband says that she is the centre of my world, which she definitely is, but of course I don't love him less than before having her. He just had to learn to share me with her.

Last weekend was very emotional for our family, as it was our nan's 90th birthday celebration. We all flew to Belfast to visit her and spend some time with her and granddad on such an important event for her. She is always so happy when we come and visit. They moved there 5 years ago, used to live just round the corner from where we live now, but they decided to spend a few years with their friend who lives near Belfast. It's not easy to understand why, but it was their decision and we have to respect it. We would love to go and see them more often, but as my family lives in the Czech republic, we also have to fly to see them, it's not that easy.

I have never written about nan and granddad on this blog, but have decided this is the right time to do so. They are both very special people to my hubby, not just like all grandparents are. They are actually like parents to him and his sister, as they raised them up and we all are very grateful to them for doing so. When I met my husband, I was very confused about his family history, but having these people in his life was the best of luck he could have ever gotten. I love them both and wish they could be with us for many more years.

Don't forget to visit the writing workshop and the other gallery posts.

My Review of the Ju-Ju-Be Behave Bag from JellyBean!

When I received this fabulous Ju Ju Behave changing Bag from JellyBeans for a review, I loved it from the first sight. I didn't know which bag I would be reviewing, but this one is just "me".

The brown Earth LeatherTM (animal free and earth friendly) bag has a beautiful pink flowery fabric lining and has so many pockets inside you will never be looking for your mobile or car keys again! As it is made of the Earth LeatherTM, it's not as heavy as real one, but still gives you the leather look. It has two handles and an attachable strap, comes in brown or black. Oh, and have I mentioned it's machine washable? It doesn't look like a changing bag, but like a very stylish bag you can be proud of! What else to wish for? Have a look at the pictures I took and am sure you will fall in love with it too.

To find out more about this bag or to check the rest of the JellyBean changing bags, go to the official website www.jellybeangroup.co.uk

There is a side pocket on each side, giving you even more space!

You will fall in love with the inside, such a lovely print!

Silver Cross Days Out Website!

Silver Cross is inviting all families with young children to visit their Days Out website (www.silvercrossdaysout.co.uk) and comment on their experiences of days out, and to see other reviews enabling them to choose the very best venues in their location.


They decided to build this website after several of their customers said that they were frustrated that the existing websites that provided recommendations on where to take children were commercially motivated and often did not allow for reviews.


They will not allow any advertising or sponsorship on the site as this exciting new development has been built for the benefit of the community and it is up to you to both take advantage of the reviews and also give us accounts of your experiences, good and bad, so others can be helped by what you have discovered.

Silver Cross Days Out Competition:

- To enter someone simply has to add a venue into the Silver Cross Days Out website
(ends 31st July 2010).

- Winners will be randomly picked.

- The more times someone enters, the more chances they have to win!

Prizes

1x Scottish National Trust: Family Pass (annual membership entitles two adults at one address and any of their children or grandchildren under 18).
Plus
1x English Heritage: Joint Adult Pass (annual membership entitles free, unlimited entry to 400 properties plus free entry for up to six accompanying children - under 19 - within your family group).

OR

1x National Trust: Family Pass (annual membership entitles two adults living at one address and any of their children or grandchildren under 18).
Plus
1x English Heritage: Joint Adult Pass (annual membership entitles free, unlimited entry to 400 properties plus free entry for up to six accompanying children - under 19 - within your family group).

My darling becoming an artist!

When you look at this picture, what can you see?

I gave Isabelle a sheet of paper the other day and told her to draw something nice, so that mummy could do some housework. When I finished and looked at this wonderful picture, I was almost in tears. Not long ago, she wasn't even able to draw lines, and now she draws lines and circles. And have you seen the details of the faces? They have eyes! Big eyes! How do I know they are faces? I have asked her, she told me it was a picture of our family and her friends. How lovely. Maybe one day she will become a famous artist!

My Review of the Cat in the Hat BBGrow from Fabric Flavours!

If you and your kids are fans of the famous book, The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, you will just love the new baby grow from Fabric Flavours. I was given one for a review and have to say I loved the fabric soooo much, very soft, exactly what you want for your precious little one. It comes in 0/6, 6/12 and 12/18 months sizes. There is a big picture of the cat on the front, and the sleeves and the back are covered with tiny pictures of the cat and its hat as well. I think the combination of blue, red and white is just perfect for both, girls and boys. It could be a nice gift as well. If you love this character and you have a toddler or older kid, they also have a new t-shirt with the same character, available in 1-6 years sizes.

Why don't you check the rest of the Fabric Flavours products, they have so many other character t-shirts and BBGrows to choose from, and they are all pre- washed and 100% cotton!

The Gallery - Creatures!

This is my interpretation of "creatures" for this week's gallery. I took these pictures on Sunday, when exploring our front garden with Isabelle. She was so fascinated by the snail and we spent a minimum of an hour watching it. At the end she wanted to bring it home... Luckily even daddy wasn't up for it. The next morning when she woke up, she was a bit disappointed the snail wasn't waiting for her on the leaf where we had left it.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the gallery posts.

I have just been watering the garden and look what I have found!

Guest Post by Mamascarf - National Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding in public- tips for new or expectant mums

So you are pregnant and you know that you want to breastfeed your baby. Congratulations! Maybe you have started breastfeeding but not yet ventured out in public. Breastfeeding in public can be a scary thought for any new mum and even not so new mums. These tips should help you on your way.

1. Practise in front of a mirror. It might help you to know exactly what can be seen when you are breastfeeding your baby, you might be pleasantly surprised!


2. Wear the right clothes. Ensure that you are wearing something that you are comfortable in and that can give you easy access for feeding. This might be a large top that you can easily lift or open. Layering with a cardigan can offer additional coverage. There are many different styles of breastfeeding clothing available, often with hidden openings across the chest allowing access without having to lift or remove any item of clothing. You might choose to double layer vests and lift one and pull down the other which will provide a similar effect.

3. Take a friend along for moral support. If you are going to breastfeed in public for the first time, you should take someone supportive along with you whether this be your partner, friend, mum or even some other new mums.

4. Go to a breastfeeding friendly place. You may want to seek out some breastfeeding friendly places in your local area and choose one for your first outing. Your Midwife or Health Visitor should be able to advise you on breastfeeding friendly places. Often child/baby friendly cafes are breastfeeding friendly.

5. Find a seat out of the way. If you are still feeling nervous you may want to find a seat out of the way or in the corner until you increase your confidence.

6. You could use a breastfeeding cover such as a Mamascarf. This not only provides privacy for public breastfeeding but allows you to see your baby throughout the feed, can’t be pulled off and also provides some additional support.

7. Plan your route. If you know where you are going to be when it’s feeding time, you will be able to make sure that you are somewhere you are going to feel comfortable breastfeeding your baby.

8. Have confidence in yourself and what you are doing. You are breastfeeding your baby, it is your right! It is the best food you can give your baby and it is also good for you too. Good luck and remember it gets easier with time. Happy Breastfeeding!

Keira O’Mara from Mamascarf

Keira has kindly offered 10% discount for All Baby Advice blog readers during National Breastfeeding Week (21st- 27th June 2010). Just enter code SUSH01.

My review of Kosmea Skin Clinic Rescue Balm!

Just before my holiday I was contacted to review the Skin Clinic Rescue Balm from Kosmea. The first thing I liked about it was, that it is an Australian product (and I think you know from my previous posts how I LOVE Australia) and the second, all the ingredients are organic. Unfortunately, I missed the special delivery before going on holiday, but it was worth waiting for it.

First when I saw it, I was not sure if this is going to be any use to me. Then I read all the information about the use and straight away I thought of my daughter. She is just over 3 years old and really suffers from cuticles, which she very often bites. We have been using it on her hands and nails now for more than a week and I can tell you, there is definitely a visible improvement. She loves using it, it has become part of our bedtime routine. I have also started using it on my feet. My skin after a beach holiday was very dry. You should see it now. My verdict: " I LOVE IT ".

This multi- puropse balm can be applied to:

• lips
• feet and heels
• spots and scrapes
• scars
• sensitive infant skin
• unruly eyebrows
• elbows
• nails and cuticles
• stretch marks
• dry and damaged hair
• cracked nipples

This balm is preservative free and contains certified organic rose hip oil, certified organic rose hip butter, certified organic everlasting oil, certified organic calendula oil, certified organic lavender essential oil and certified organic shea butter.

Kosmea's rose hips and everlasting flowers are handpicked by the local people of Lesotho, Africa.

For more information on this product, or the rest of Kosmea's skin, body and hair care range, please, visit www.kosmea.com

CyberMummy Meet and Greet

Name: Mirka Moore
Blog: All Baby Advice Blog
Website: All Baby Advice
Twitter ID: @Kahanka
Height: 168cm
Hair: Long dark brown
Eyes: Chocolate brown
Likes: Blogging, twittering, social media, SEO, learning foreign languages,
travelling, teaching ESL (English as a second language), shopping
at T.K.Maxx, running, swimming and spinning...... and of course being a mummy to my 3 year old Isabelle



Thank you, Carly, from Mummys shoes, for coming up with a brilliant idea to introduce ourselves before going to Cybermummy.

Our Family Holiday in Crete!

When you mention the word "summer" to me, my eyes get that extra sparkle which is missing for most of the year. I love sun, sunshine, beaches, sea and five years living in Australia were giving me all that. Well, now living in London, is a different story, but we try to have at least one beach holiday every year and also one winter/ ski holiday.

This year we went to Crete (Makrigialos). We love Greek Islands, not just the landscape, sea, beaches, but also the food and people. Even though we went at the beginning of June, the weather was great, quite hot and the sea was not too cold for the beginning of summer. Isabelle loved swimming in the sea. This was the first holiday she actually spend so much time in the sea, I was amazed. On one hand not really, as it reminded me of me when I was little. Lately I have realised so many things she does or likes doing, once I used to do when a little girl. My husband says she definitely takes more in personality after me than him. The following picture is just an example.

Our little adventurer


Always happy when playing with sand

Isabelle's footprint


In the pool

Isabelle with mummy

Absolutely love these pink bushes, will have to find out if I could grow one here in London

I love this shot taken by my husband


Our villa was in a newly built Grapevine complex, just a few minutes from the sea.

Both my darlings having an afternoon nap by the pool


Isabelle ate a lot of ice cream and ice lollies

Beautiful sunset, looking out from one of the restaurant we went to

I love seafood, could have some every day.

Halos N Horns Competition Giveaway!

The summer is slowly approaching, and I am happy to announce another great competition on All Baby Advice blog. I have teamed up with Halos N Horns and they will be giving away some fabulous prizes. 10 winners will be getting a Halos N Horns Baby Bath, a copy of The Book Of Holiday Fun and a Zingy Orange Toddler Hair & Body Wash each.

How to enter?

It's very easy. Just follow my blog (on the left hand side) & leave a comment on this post and you will be entered into the free prize draw. If you are a follower already, you will be automatically entered into the competition.

Terms and Conditions:

• The closing date of the competition is 30/06/2010
• The winners will be chosen at random from all entrants.
• The winners' names will be made available on this page and on Twitter.
• The competition is open to residents of the UK and Northern Ireland only.
• The prizes are non-refundable and cannot be transferred. No cash alternative is available.

And the winners are:

1. @Soph4Soph
2. @mum_themadhouse
3. @Kailexness
4. @frugalfamily
5. @notsosinglemum
6. @Jax2000
7. @Cafebebe
8. @Caroljs
9. @SingleMummyNet
10. @MuddlingAlong

CONGRATULATIONS!
Please e-mail your name and address to allbabyadvice@yahoo.co.uk

Hooray - I am going to Cybermummy 2010!

Not long ago I was blogging about this great mummy blogging event, which is going to happen on July 3rd 2010 ( Earls Court, London), and now I can announce I have a sponsor. I was so delighted and very proud I am being sponsored by Seven Seas Femibion. I don't think there are many mums I would have to explain who they are, as most of us were/are using their products when pregnant. But did you know they provide also products for new mums and women in general?

The Gallery - Motherhood!

Me & Isabelle happy and relaxed on holiday in Crete

Just in time after my lovely holiday in Crete, I am here to present you what "motherhood" means to me. I think that many of you will agree that it completely changes your life. It took me a few years before I decided I was ready to become a mother, but I have always known I would love to be a mum one day. It wasn't easy to say goodbye to all my travelling, partying, buying clothes, shoes and just "looking after" myself, but I will never regret it. I think becoming a mum is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me!

As you know we have our 3 year old Isabelle, my little darling who I love the most and have been enjoying the ups and downs of raising her the best way I can. It's not always easy, but at the end of the day, when she looks at me, hugs me, kisses me and tells me she LOVES ME.... that is the most amazing feeling you can imagine.

3 years old Isabelle celebrating mum's birthday

And what does "motherhood" mean to you? Don't forget to check all the other posts from the Gallery Wednesday.