All Mum Said

Telling it like it is...

Forgive Me Hairdresser!

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Forgive Me Hairdresser!

Forgive me hairdresser, it has been 6 months since my last cut and colour! My split ends are extreme and I look very similar to a skunk (only reversed). I am ashamed of how bad I have let this become and promise tomorrow I will rectify the damage I have caused.



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This is me but in reverse and not as fancy or well known!
Oh and of course I smell like freshly cut flowers.
I know that I am not alone when it comes to feeling the want, the desire, the need to refresh and change something! For so many this is simply accomplished by a change of hair colour, a cut, a facial, etc. I am no different!  I love nothing more than going to the hairdresser with no idea what to get done and then leaving looking and feeling like a completely different person. I love the confidence a new cut and colour can instantly bring. I go from feeling tired, exhausted and boring to self-assured, sexy and ready to take on anything besides the rain or wind that may destroy my perfectly styled hair!

My problem (and I’m sure there will be so many others in the same boat) is that I don’t go nearly as often as I should or would like to for one reason or another. The main culprits are lack of time one week and no money the next but not this week!!



Image credit

My appointment is made and I am going to get sexified and a bloody good head massage (which I should add never goes for long enough!) I have no idea what colour I’m going to get, I was thinking red but as I have blonde currently I’m not sure that’s a great idea – bring on pink says my 15 year old self! Not sure if I’ll get it cut short or keep some length and I tend not to really think about it too much. I like the surprise!      

I am also wondering is it just me or are there other Mums out there who would just like the hairdressers to shut up occasionally? Don’t get me wrong, I love a little bit of chatter – how are the kids, what have you been up to, etc. But I personally love nothing more than enjoying my coffee in peace and quiet! It is really the only time I am away from everyone at home and don’t HAVE to speak. I enjoy some quiet!

Do you plan what cut/style and colour you are going to get before you arrive or do you wing it like me?

Review – Mumtrepreneur – Breast Mate

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Review – Breast Mate

As we all know being a Mum to a newborn can be very overwhelming at times and we may get a little forgetful or lose track of things. If something can make a Mums’ day easier than it is a win in my book.

I would like to introduce you to a fantastic new product on the market designed and made by a Mum for Mums.

This product is practical, full of fantastic features and is so easy to use. It keeps track of feeds (what time, which side & how long), lets you know which side you need to use next. All it takes is the push of a button!

The screen displays all the information you could want to know from feeds, the time, temperature, etc. One of my favourite features is the colour changing thermometer; it glows blue when it’s cold and red when it’s hot. The other feature I am a bit crazy for is the night light; it is so handy to have (even with toddlers and older kids) so you can check on them without having to turn the house lights on.

All the data that this amazing product stores can be uploaded your computer so you can keep track and monitor. The Breast Mate comes with a docking station and rechargeable batteries. You can also get interchangeable face plate designs so you can match it with your nursery or childs room.

This is perfect for any Mum or Mum-to-be!

“Breast Mate will be your best mate”

Pop over to this very clever Mums Webpageand Facebook page for more information or to buy online!
Disclaimer: I have not received any cash payment for this review. I received a breast mate for review purposes. Everything I have said is my own honest opinion!  

Starting your career later on in life – Tips for getting back into the workforce after kids

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Today I am excited to say I have got my very first ever guest posting on the blog.
She is talented and full of information!
Starting your career later on in life – Tips for getting back into the workforce after kids

It’s never too late to live your dream!

Many mums out there take extended time off from working life to look after their kids, and indeed the time you spend watching your children grow and learn during the crucial early years is some of the most rewarding time you’ll spend in your whole life.

But if you’re feeling like it’s time for you to get out of your trackies and back into your suit (or smart casual workplace attire), then here are some practical tips on how to make the transition back into the workforce – whether you’re returning to the same industry you worked in before you left, or taking the plunge into a completely new type of work.

Efficiency is key!

Determine whether you are in a position to be able to transition back to work slowly. Look into working part-time or working a couple of days a week at first. If this is not an option, talk to your boss about working from home.   Many companies encourage flexible work arrangements, with most organisations often finding such arrangements to be the most effective in terms of employee productivity.  This could mean having the flexibility to do the afternoon school pick up and then working again into the night after the kids have hit the sack. Talk to your boss about finding an arrangement that makes the most effective use of your time.

Ask for help

Getting back to the workforce is hard enough as it is. But add kids to the mix, and family obligations and responsibilities can seem like a insurmountable mountain you never get on top of. Try divvying up chores and responsibilities with your partner. This could mean having your partner fix dinners in the evening while you get the children ready in the morning.  Frank and clear communication is key in letting them know you need help in managing work with household responsibilities (don’t expect any mind reading here!). Discuss with your partner a concrete plan about how the responsibilities should be divided.  If you are a divorced parent, re-entering the workforce can seem like even more of a daunting challenge. Don’t be afraid to ask for child support in order to arrange childcare and babysitting services to help take care of the load and get back on your feet. After all, you are entitled to it!

Know that it will be tough

Many women, upon returning to the workforce, find themselves ridden with guilt at having to leave their children at home. The first couple of weeks (even months) can be an emotional and physical roller coaster. Understand that feelings of sadness and anxiety are perfectly normal and try to find your own ways to make the transition smoother (perhaps video Skype the babysitter during lunch, place photos of your kids on your desk, talk to other mothers at work too see how they coped etc).  Ultimately, don’t forget to enjoy the joys and challenges of this new chapter in your working career and remember to reach out for help. Of the millions of working mothers out there, chances are, there is one that has  felt just the same way you do at one point or another!

Author Bio:  Aliyah Lee is a stay-at-home mum and a financial advisor in her previous life.  She enjoys finding creative ways of getting the most out of child support payments.

“This guest post was brought to you by Watts McCray”

WINNER ANNOUNCED!! 8x Pack of Drink & Play GIVEAWAY!

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8x Pack of Drink & Play GIVEAWAY!
In the spirit of all things kids love; I have a giveaway that will keep parents and kids equally happy.
Fun and appealing Disney themed kids’ fruit juice drinks with a collectable range of toys with each drink. These drinks are absolutely delicious and come in 3 great flavours. Apple/Pear, Grape/Cherry & Grape/Strawberry (this one is my favourite!)

Healthy drink options with a toy!
100% Preservative free
30% Juice content
Vitamin C & E
Natural ingredients with mineral water
You may have seen these popping up around the place in stores like Target, Woolworths and Toys R Us.
Well lucky for you I have 1x pack of 8 Drink & Play drinks to giveaway to one lucky winner!
Winner will get to select their design of choice. Cars, Toy Story or Princess!
To Enter:
*Leave a comment telling me what your favourite Disney character is and why.
*Pop over to Drink & Play Facebook page and either ‘like’ them or tell them I sent you.
*It is not necessary to enter this competition but it would be greatly appreciated if you could share the competition/my Facebook/blog page, etc.

CLOSED!

Winner choosen by the man of the house is ………….

TRISH!

Terms & Conditions
1. Only Australian residents eligible to enter (sorry everyone else)
2. Giveaway closes 11.59pm 23rd June 2012 
3. Winner/s will be chosen based on creativity and originality so have some fun.
4. Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
5. Winner must make contact within 3 days of being contacted, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.
6. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
7. Prizes will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit. I except no responsibility for prizes sent from Drink & Play.
Disclaimer: I have not received any cash payment for this giveaway. All opinions are my own.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED!! Jujo Baby Review & Giveaway

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Jujo Baby Review & Giveaway
You can imagine my delight when I received this perfectly wrapped delivery. It was almost a shame to rip open the tissue paper, I say almost because once I opened it I was faced with the most beautiful baby knitwear from Jujo Baby.
 If you have a baby, are pregnant or even know someone having one then you need to check out the Jujo Baby collections. They are made from 100% multi ended cotton in poppy reds, subtle denim blues and natural tones.
The attentions to detail in these outfits are incredible with exceptional quality to match. The Alpine collection is traditional with a chic modern twist and they are perfect for your little bundles of joy as they not only look amazing and wonderfully cute but they are also super soft. I’m not exaggerating! Super Soft!!
This winter your babies’ wardrobe should consist of at least one of these onsies.
Luckily for you the lovely Julia (Co. Founder / Designer) of Jujo Baby has given me 2 yes that’s right 2 of these gorgeous onsies to giveaway! Valued at $64.95 each. 
She has so kindly offered a choice of style (from the selection shown) to the winners in sizes 0-3 months or 3-6 months.
*The Striped Sleeve onsie in stone/poppy (the one I received) or silver/denim.
*The Cable Front onsie in poppy or denim.
Don’t worry if you’re not a winner this time you can purchase on their website or from several stockists. To find here nearest store click here. Jujo Baby is currently looking for more stockists around the country so if you’re interested please contact Julia via the contact tab on the website.
To enter –
*Leave a comment telling me what your favourite item from the Jujo Baby Alpine collection is and why.
*Pop over to Jujo Baby Facebook page and either ‘like’ them or tell them I sent you.
*It is not necessary to enter competition but it would be greatly appreciated if you could share and like my blog/Facebook page.
*If you share it please leave a comment telling me how and/or the url.
CLOSED!

Winners choosen by the man of the house are………
1. Michvee
2. Jenny Swift

Ladies can you please email me with your address and choice of size and style as shown above. You have 3 days to make contact or another winner will be choosen!
Email me at [email protected]

Terms & Conditions
1. Only Australian residents eligible to enter (sorry everyone else)
2. Giveaway closes 11.59pm 22nd June 2012 
3. Winner/s will be chosen based on creativity and originality so have some fun.
4. Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
5. Winner must make contact within 3 days of being contacted, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.
6. Prizes are not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
7. There will be 2 winners, each will receive 1 item as selected from prize options valued at $64.95 each.
7. Total Prize Pool is valued at approx. $130.00
8. Prizes will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged in transit. I except no responsibility for prizes sent from Jujo Baby.
 GOOD LUCK!!
Disclosure: I have not recieved any cash payment for this review. I did recieve a onsie as shown above to review. All opinions are my own and honest! 

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