All Mum Said

Telling it like it is...

An Easy How To Guide: Self-care For Busy Mums

By 28 Comments

An Easy How To Guide: Self-care For Busy Mums

Are you tired? Run-down? It is time to listen to your body and do something for you!
Mums are busy. There is no denying that fact. Regardless whether they are stay-at-home mums, work-at-home mums or full time working out of the house mum; we are all busy and we all put our family’s needs before our own.

Time for myself? You must be kidding!

After endless days of work, nappies, cleaning and cooking; time poor parents yearn for ‘me time’. Unfortunately it is often hindered by the fact there are not enough hours in the day or no one to mind the kids so you can enjoy it. Well good news – there are easy ways to improve your health and self-care options for busy mums that include the kids. Here is how you can introduce some self-care into your life with minimal effort!

Exercise

This is an obvious one however many women think they need to go to the gym to exercise and since they have no time or cannot afford a membership, don’t bother. This is not 100% right.
Exercise can be done in so many different ways.

• Go for a walk or run – get the blood pumping, burn some energy and get some vitamin D. Your whole body benefits from it.
• Do a park bench workout while your kids are playing.
• Dance – even just around the house while doing your usual chores.
• Gym – if this is an option for you many gyms offer a crèche service so you can work out without having to worry about your kids. *Private health funds also cover some gym membership costs.

Eat well

A healthy diet is crucial in taking care of yourself. The best part about eating well is that your whole family can do it. You should enjoy the food you put in your body though so if you like the occasional chocolate or soft drink, have it. Just keep in mind that they are a ‘sometimes’ food.

Sleep

No one functions well on minimal sleep. This is why it is so important to get a consistent 6-8 hours of sleep every night. Parents struggle with this when they have young children and have to cope with countless nights of broken sleep but when possible get an early night so you can start the day as fresh as possible.

Accept it is what it is

Life isn’t always easy, sometimes it can be tougher than tough. This is why instead of stressing over things beyond your control, you need to just accept the way the situation has unfolded and take each day as it comes. Stress is not good for a person, particularly a parent because children sense the mood.

This also means that you should stop comparing yourself to others. By comparing your life, your appearance, your kids and even your job to another person, you are creating doubt and destroying your confidence. Be who you are and be happy within!

Say no

Mums (and dads) are constantly saying yes. Yes to weekend sports, yes to driving kids to friends’ houses, yes to hosting sleepovers and yes to taking on that extra shift at work. It is time to be selfish and say no! You don’t have to become an unsocial person but it is ok to put yourself first and say no to everyone else once in a while.

Music

Crank the music and dance. Sing as loud as you can. Music relaxes you and puts a smile on your face. It makes the most mundane activities bearable.
Enjoy letting your body get loose and work up a sweat while doing it! Exercise, endorphins and happiness.

Take a break….alone!

Everyone needs a break from time to time and it is perfectly acceptable that you actually do it. Whether it be 5 minutes to enjoy a HOT cup of coffee, going to see a movie or sitting under a tree with a book; sometimes you NEED that break more than you realise. Not to mention it is a break from being touched, parents of young children will know exactly what I’m talking about!

Taking time out of your busy life to look after yourself is crucial for your family and you. It puts your day into perspective, revitalises your mood and is beneficial to your health.
Private health funds offer a wide range of benefits that allows you peace of mind and the freedom to take care of yourself. See how you can benefit here.

What is your self-care tip for other busy mums?

This is an S1 POST.

Ok bloggers, now it is time for you to link up your blog posts with Mummy Mondays!

Please read the linky guidelines –

        • Link up ONE of your favourite blog posts for the last week and don’t forget to share the comment love on at least a few other blogs that have linked up.
        • Your post doesn’t have to be parenting related, pretty much any post goes.
        • Feel free to share my Mummy Mondays button to put the word out there about the linky party…the more the merrier.


Teletubbyland Is Back!! Teletubbies DVD Giveaway

By 29 Comments

I remember back to when I was a kid and my younger sisters used to be Teletubbies crazy! My brother and I being older used to mock them and their crazy anecdotes but now watching my 2 year old be in awe just as my sisters were, I get it.

They are fun, adventurous and full of bright colours. To the joy of the next generation of children Teletubbyland is back with even more tales. Join Tinky-Winky, Dypsy, Laa-Laa and Po and be entertained by their energy!

Teletubbies DVD Review

Today I am reviewing two of the new Teletubbies DVD’s that my daughter has been enjoying.

Teletubbies Sing and Dance

We all know that the Teletubbies love to dance and encourage children to get creative. This DVD is full of fun and exploration while inspiring young kids to boost their confidence and try new things. Watch your little one get nurture and grow while dancing to the Boom Boom Dance and learning new ways to sing and dance by seeing how other children do it.

This DVD offers 8 episodes which converts to a whopping 3 hours of Teletubbies which is a lot but if you break it up over a period of time they will never be bored.

Rated: G * Released: 2/12/15 * Running time: 190 minutes

Teletubbies Animal Friends

Teletubbyland is full of animal friends and everywhere you look you will find them. Teletubbies introduce animals to children in a fun and encouraging way. As they watch this DVD they will discover penguins, kittens, dogs, ducks and more! This DVD also runs for 3 hours so ensure your little ones take a break every few episodes.

Rated: G * Released: 2/12/15 * Running time: 190 minutes

Prize Includes: 1x Teletubbies Sing and Dance DVD or 1x Teletubbies Animal Friends DVD.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
6. All entries will be signed up to our newsletter, if you do not wish to sign up to our newsletter please advise us via email.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above DVD’s for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour

By 3 Comments

5 Foodie Ways to Get the Kids Through Witching Hour

Guest post by Simone Emery from Play with Food.

My favourite tool to have in my parenting arsenal is a good afternoon tea. A good afternoon tea sets the kids up for a decent window of opportunity to be productive without the “I’m bored” and “I’m hungry” complaints during the witching hour*.

*Actually, let’s be honest it should read hours. Next to afternoon tea is having something ready to occupy the youngsters. (Unless homework is in the picture for you and that is causing a whole lot of other “fun” at your place.)

Here are 5 foodie ideas to get through the afternoon that don’t require too much preparation. You should have most of the ingredients / resources on hand.

Play with food

1. Vegie Painting

Using some vegetables, try painting (or drawing around) them onto paper. You can make an edible paint by mixing a teaspoon of yoghurt with a drop of food colouring. Vegetables that make good brushes include asparagus, broccoli, rosemary stalks and carrot tops. Or you can cut a potato into two and make circle / oval stamps.

2. Grouping and Counting with Vegie Scraps

This is great if you have potato / carrot / sweet potato or the outer leaves of a leek available. Have the children tear them into pieces and then line them up in order from smallest to biggest. Or put them in groups of similar size pieces. Then they can tally up the number of pieces they have sorted out.

3. Mystery Sensory Challenge

In a shoe box, place some dry rolled oats and some small mystery fruits and vegetables for the children to find and determine what they are just by feeling them. This works well for small items like apricots, plums, cherries, beans, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes. You could use shredded paper, dry rice or dry pasta to surround the mystery foods too.

4. Bubble Painting

In a small beach bucket over a messy mat or outside, place some detergent, food colouring and water. Put some paper over the bucket and poke a straw through it. The child then has to blow OUT to make bubbles that will reach up and colour the paper.

5. Food Sculptures

A great way to use their imagination and also to make some use of your scraps again too. With toothpicks, get them to try and make things like a car, digger, castle or dog out of food items. This can be simply done on a placemat on the floor beside you while you are making dinner.

Simone, from Play with Food, has plenty of tips to help you master your family mealtimes, especially with fussy eaters. She always aims to delight the taste buds and imagination of children with food.

How do you incorporate food into play? Tell me in the comments. 

How To Leave A Domestic Violence Relationship In Six (Not So) Easy Steps

By 4 Comments

How To Leave A Domestic Violence Relationship

Escaping an abusive relationship is hard, particularly if children are involved. It is however essential for both you and your children!

Deciding to leave a violent relationship is difficult and not a decision that is easy to make. You want to leave but there are many obstacles that make this choice seem near impossible.
The most common hurdle is fear, for you and your child’s safety! You are scared about taking the next steps and the ramifications that may follow; this is completely understandable given your current situation. This is why knowing how to leave a domestic violence relationship safely is crucial.

Must do’s for a safe escape

You have reached the point where you cannot take the abuse anymore but don’t know what to do next. This step by step guide will help you take the first of many steps to your reclaiming independence.

1. Seek legal advice

Before you do anything, seek legal advice. They will be able to tell you exactly what you need to do in order to protect yourself. This is particularly important if children are involved. It isn’t uncommon for the abuser to use your children as leverage to get you to return. If you take the advised steps from your legal team and/or local police, you will not have this concern. They will also be able to put you in touch with emergency accommodation and DV groups. For Legal Aid advice click here for further information.

2. DVO

Get a Domestic Violence Order (commonly known as DVO). While this may aggravate the situation, it is essential. This allows police to keep an eye out and it will also help you should you be required to go to court. For more information on how to obtain a DVO click here.

3. Where will you go?

This is the question that scares most victims into staying. You may have been alienated from your family and friends and feel you have no one to lean on. This is a time of need and you don’t have to do it alone. If you have a good friend or family close by; stay with them until you can sort out alternative accommodation.

If you are living away from relatives; contact your local Salvation Army or other emergency accommodation provider. The Salvos help more than 2000 women escape violent relationships each year by providing them with refuge accommodation and on-going support. The Salvation Army details can be found here: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/find-help/domestic-violence/.

4. Have a plan

Victims of domestic violence do not always have the luxury of having time to plan when and how they will leave. If you can, make a plan of where you will go and how you will respond to your partner’s calls and persistence.
If you feel your life is in imminent danger, get out now! Don’t leave it until it is too late.

5. Money

• If possible, start saving little bits of money when you can. This is easier said than done as most abusers know where every dollar is being spent. This is another way they maintain control and make it difficult for you to leave. For those fleeing and saving isn’t possible, the government offers crisis payments to those who are planning to or have left violent relationships. See more information here.

• Open up a bank account in your name only, with another bank you don’t use together. This eliminates any chance of your partner getting your personal details, including address or money.

• Call your bank and put a hold on all home loan redraws. While this is not something you would think of doing in the moment of leaving, it is smart for long term.

6. Privacy and safety

• Cancel your childcare and change schools if possible. This is to ensure your partner does not come and take the children out of school as a way to regain control.

• Change passwords and privacy settings on everything!

Far too many people suffer from domestic violence and the number of sufferers is only rising. The stats shown below from the Australian Bureau of Statistics are just terrifying.


Fleeing a domestic violence relationship takes strength, bravery and patience. This is why good support is essential. Please remember that regardless what you are told; it is not your fault and you are not to blame!

For support and domestic violence helplines see the numbers below.

If your life in immediate danger call – 000

National Domestic Violence (24 hours): 1800 737 732
Lifeline: 131 114
• QLD – Domestic Violence Telephone Service – 1800 811 811
• NSW – Domestic Violence Line – 1800 65 64 63
• VIC – safe steps Family Violence Response Centre – 1800 015 188
• ACT – Domestic Violence Crisis Service – 02 6280 0900
• SA – Domestic Violence Helpline – 1300 782 200
• WA – Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800007 339 & Crisis Care – 1800 199 00808
• NT – Domestic Violence Crisis Line – 1800 019 116
• TAS – Family Violence Counselling and Support Service – 1800 608 122 or Family Violence Response & Referral – 1800 633 937

For more helplines visit http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/finding-help.

*Disclaimer: I am not qualified to advise you on what to do or give legal assistance in your situation, I can only comment on my own personal experience and those close to me. Please call one of the helplines or seek legal advice before taking action.

How To Save Money On Furniture And Homewares

By 1 Comment

Save Money On Furniture And Homewares

It is time to get organised. Clean up, clear out and start fresh this festive season.

The holidays have rolled around again and guests are spending the weekend. You don’t want to be embarrassed by your old worn out homewares, so it is the perfect time to change your décor. Get that outdated and shabby furniture off your property and spruce it up with something new or new to you.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

You know the old saying. This is absolutely true when it comes to furniture and homewares. Unlike 10 years ago, today there are so many options to find a bargain and you are crazy to not try. Consider the following before you go out and pay full price:

Christmas and Boxing Day sales

Stores and warehouses around Australia have fantastic Christmas and Boxing Day sales. Sometimes you may have to hunt a little to find them but they are definitely there. You can save up to 50% on some items, which is nothing to be laughed at for brand new pieces of furniture!

Gumtree or Ebay

These websites are full of fantastic bargains. On Gumtree you will even find free homewares, electricals and outdoor furniture. A lot of the time there is absolutely nothing wrong with the items; people just upgrade and want to pass them onto someone else. Keep your eyes peeled for these bargains because they don’t last long!

TIP: For even better deals, check after Christmas when people replace their furniture or are selling their unwanted gifts!

Buy, Swap & Sell sites on Facebook

Similar to Gumtree, you can find mountains of free and cheap household goods and furniture in your local area. Social media has opened up opportunities for sellers to get rid of their unwanted goods and buyers to score themselves a bargain. Sometimes all the furniture needs is a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory.

Get creative with DIY

Look around your local garage sales, businesses, the above mentioned avenues and even friends places for scraps that can be turned into fun items. Wooden pallets are fantastic for creating practical but unique outdoor lounges and garden beds. Create feature pieces by turning old doors and cable reels into tables. For the festive season, extra esky’s and ice buckets are required which is where old bath tubs make the perfect addition to an outdoor area.

For more ideas on how you can create your own home decor with a little DIY, CLICK THE LINK!

Style and comfort doesn’t have to be expensive. You can stay well within your budget by doing a little bit of research and bartering to get a better price.

Everyone wants something new but new isn’t always better. Sometimes older products are built to a higher standard and will last longer than many new pieces. Consider your needs, wants and budget before making your purchases.

How do you save money on your furniture, homewares and gardening items?

This is an S1 POST.

Top Posts & Pages