tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34233477813210353092024-03-13T04:46:43.643-07:00Overcoming Momborn with a passion for kids ,Degree in teaching , clearly her dream of becoming a parent, was only natural, but its been a journey, the hurdles faced with PND, the road travelled and the happiness gained ..... Created the birth of blogging :) blogging with Kim&Matt . Enjoy a daily scoop of surviving PND , reality of parenting , fashion, food, God, friendships, family, and lots more.....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-78142421289875598392015-10-01T10:18:00.002-07:002015-10-01T10:18:32.604-07:00Overcomingmom has moved <br />
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Overcomingmom has moved over to Wordpress.<br />
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Please go follow her there on<br />
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<a href="http://www.overcomingmom.wordpress.com/">www.overcomingmom.wordpress.com</a><br />
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Hit the follow button<br />
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XxxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-4225675050454976352015-08-23T23:02:00.001-07:002015-08-23T23:02:15.539-07:00Win at Morgans Playroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgcnaECZ1cw/VdqvtfINXGI/AAAAAAAAExo/rtZnoyw0ACU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QgcnaECZ1cw/VdqvtfINXGI/AAAAAAAAExo/rtZnoyw0ACU/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">"Morgan's playroom offers an extensive variety of fun, exciting and educational games, puzzles and toys for ages 1 to 12. Although the games and toys are essentially for children, we want to encourage families to spend quality time with each other while enjoying our colourful, great quality and excellent value products. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">We are very proud and excited to offer you superior brands such as Orchard Toys, Fiesta Crafts, Green Board Game (Brainbox), Aladine, Wonderworld, Janod (and many more) at affordable prices. We can attest to the excellent quality and fun factor of these products and have used all of them extensively with our own children. It is very easy to be passionate about brands that you love! "</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Visit Morgans Playroom. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.morgansplayroom.co.za/">Here</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Email her <a href="mailto:info@morgansplayroom.co.za">Here</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Overcoming Mom and Morgans Playroom is giving away 2 awesome finds to 2 lucky readers. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/morganplayroom">Morgans Playrooms Facebook Page </a></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Share this giveaway on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Email overcoming mom <a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">Here</a> to let me know that you've shared it and liked Morgans Playroom Facebook Page. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">*If you reside outside of Cape Town ( postage will be for your own costs) </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red;">* If you have won anything with Overcomingmom in the last 6 months , unfortunately you will not be entered into this giveaway.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red;">*giveaway ends at midnight Wednesday 26 August : winners announced on Thursday 27 August. </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">All the best ! Education is Fun </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-76538159690853118632015-08-21T00:46:00.001-07:002015-08-21T00:48:26.730-07:00Where is METo all my readers.<br />
<br />
Hello.<br />
Hope you are all well.<br />
Lately I've had a few ask why I have been so quiet on the blogging<br />
Front.<br />
To be honest life is life and it's been so busy and I try<br />
Put my family first. Especially a God , my little boy and my husband<br />
Those are my priorities before heading over to my social media, emails<br />
And blog posts.<br />
My free days get so consumed between my exercising, groceries, friendships<br />
And my tutoring business.<br />
But in the same breath I live my blog life and I love to<br />
Help my readers with all mommy stuffs<br />
<br />
Recently my hubby has been exceptionally busy with his job and personal life<br />
That being that mommy on my own with just one kiddie<br />
Makes me so humble, to those mommies who so it alone all the time .<br />
I know I have said it before but well done to all of you who parent on your own .<br />
<br />
Today the sun is shining and I'm off to a walk to blast my ears<br />
With some workship or good old gymRock<br />
I was recently reminded of the amazing fruits of the spirits and today I leave you with that<br />
No matter where you are in your life. Be it perfection or struggle or the inbetween.<br />
Stay focused on this<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://1FF0E3D8-19B5-4764-AC31-BEC6E765A68C/imagejpeg" /><br />
Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness<br />
Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. <br />
Self control.<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://7A5A8A27-BB48-4A06-8E5E-D51F282D56EF/imagejpeg" /><br />
Love conquers all and that is MYFIGHTSONG<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-34059775472473980152015-08-03T04:34:00.000-07:002015-08-03T07:28:23.623-07:00High 5 YOU! "Yes" you <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">High five you ! "Yes" you. Whether you the mommy. Daddy. Granny. Grandpa. Sister or who ever you are with a kid that you care for. Well done and high 5. Or whether you are that someone waiting long and hard for your little blessing. High 5 to you too.....</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Whether you have one kid, 2 kids, 4/5. Well done. Whether they 1 month old or heading to 18 with all the teenage Stuffs. High 5 to you . You deserve that guilt free coffee, glass of wine or that huge slab of chocolate.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Whether you parent with a hubby or wife or whether you parent alone. High 5. But alone, extra high 5. And if you the daddy or mommy that works extra long days,hours and mommy or daddy is alone with babies a lot. More than one full day give your wife or hubby a super tight hug, a treat and a mouth of praise. ( even if you don't understand) </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Whether you have a full time nanny, au pair or you do everything alone , well done, but extra high 5 to the parent that does everything alone.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">A parent is a parent we all deserve the biggest hug, slab of choc, piece of cake, a cold beer, wine , cup of tea or that guilt free feet up pedicure. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">You are all amazing. Kiddies take our hearts out of our bodies and Wear it on their sleeves and they take a lot of hard work ! everyday , every minute, every second. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Our minds race from the moment we open our eyes, till the time we close them and still we dream and pray many silent prayers of safety , security , love and blessings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Marriages take knocks but together a team is a far bigger winner ! and PRAISE LOVE and gentle words is what will make us get further each and every day. Love conquers all. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">Dads and moms no matter the roles you play. Whether it's a hard day at work or mom at home all day with tots, thank each other ! </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Yes moms because I'm the stay at home mommy I have that extra shuweee breath with you. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">And I only have one. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">One to dress, one to feed ( which sometimes doesn't even happen : cause we got up to late or the TV wouldn't go off or maybe the mere fact that mom doesn't do breakfast very often herself : naughty mom yes I know ) ,</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Teeth to brush ( sometimes only once a day) tot to entertain or to do the school run, groceries. Bills to pay , house to clean and clean and clean , washing ironing , and yes the lists goes on . </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">But whoever you are the worker mommy or stay at home mommy or daddy ! you a PARENT and that's super awesome. It's a life LONG high 5 and you should be proud , not guilty, yes proud!</span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: magenta;">Proud of that new day and to make that day , count, each day is super precious. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Another day gone, no need for worries but for living ( easier said than done but true) , no need for stress, but for caring , Live that day, </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">breath that day, </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">care embrace and hug those precious jewels ( wives, hubbies, and tots too ) hug, love , care and embrace it. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Life is precious, a blessings , short and .......</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: magenta;">That's why today I say , kick those shoes off, who cares if your undies don't match and you don't fold the purple heeled socks with the matching pair, or if you don't get groceries today but tomorrow instead, or you leave your hair for another day, who cares if your tot watches 1 hour extra TV today.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Do what works for you. !</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: magenta;">As my mom once said no one gave me a noddy badge for natural birth, breast feeding or cleaning the house a million times a day ! Do what works for you , your home and your family and your kids.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: magenta;">So if that means a messy home for a day , a extra cup of coffee and you lying on the floor with your tot and building one extra puzzle, if it means leaving the dishes to watch that Sunday night movie with hubbub! Do it ! </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: magenta;">Do it for today, </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> for the precious moments that we've been given and tomorrow has it's own worries, </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: magenta;">MAKE TODAY THE BEST DAY EVER !!!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-8403004123746806552015-07-27T23:27:00.002-07:002015-07-27T23:27:14.053-07:00FrankysMeal voucher for You & kiddies <div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;">You so wanna take your family & kids to Franky's Diner in SeaPoint Cape Town. They have</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;"> awesome foodies , fun kiddies play area and yummy treats x go like their page,share this </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;">post & email me your entry by this Friday 31 July 11am ❤️ overcomingmom@gmail.com 2 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;">win a R200 meal voucher 🌈</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: purple;">Go view my twitter/instagram/facebook page @overcomingmom </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-37959222811971309112015-07-06T23:35:00.000-07:002015-07-06T23:35:55.648-07:00Something close to my mommy heart : education pressure <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXi-ntWCm74/VZtqB_QlHcI/AAAAAAAAEsk/_DxVe51Q0PA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP63oMXicMg/VZtvVngxwxI/AAAAAAAAEtU/VyDL7i9qBsw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oP63oMXicMg/VZtvVngxwxI/AAAAAAAAEtU/VyDL7i9qBsw/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">I will be called old school, backward, get with the times or it's life, but I can't phathom the pressure,level, responsibilities, time, commitments and standards the kids of today face, starting at the mere age of 5.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">I am no judge and definitely believe in what works for you and your child , but for us and our little moo, he is doing an extra year of playschool, no specific reason except to PLAY.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Playing is so important for so many factors of education.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #a64d79;">"There are several strands of evidence which all point towards the importance of play in young children’s development, and the value of an extended period of playful learning before the start of formal schooling. - "<a href="http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence">http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;">"Today’s kids <a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/articles/sedentary_life_starts_toddlers.shtml" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">sit more than ever</a>. Babies spend hours confined in car seats and carriers rather than crawling, toddling, or being carried. As they get older their days are often heavily scheduled between educational activities and organized events. Children have 25 percent <a href="http://www.americantrails.org/resources/kids/CNNresearch07.html" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">less time for free play</a> than they did a generation ago, and that’s before factoring in distractions like TV or video games.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;">Left to their own devices, children move. They hold hands and whirl in a circle till they fall down laughing. They beg to take part in interesting tasks with adults. They want to <a href="http://lauragraceweldon.com/2011/06/30/accepting-challenges-embracing-mistakes" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">face challenges and try again</a> after making mistakes. They climb, dig, and run. When they’re tired they like to be rocked or snuggled. Stifling these full body needs actually <a href="http://childsolution.org/development/children-movement-and-learning" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">impairs their ability to learn</a>." <a href="http://lauragraceweldon.com/2012/08/07/reading-readiness-has-to-do-with-the-body/">http://lauragraceweldon.com/2012/08/07/reading-readiness-has-to-do-with-the-body/</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzeQ0DMKkeY/VZtvdkP5u4I/AAAAAAAAEuI/Ksx4orgAy9Y/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzeQ0DMKkeY/VZtvdkP5u4I/AAAAAAAAEuI/Ksx4orgAy9Y/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzeQ0DMKkeY/VZtvdkP5u4I/AAAAAAAAEuI/Ksx4orgAy9Y/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzeQ0DMKkeY/VZtvdkP5u4I/AAAAAAAAEuI/Ksx4orgAy9Y/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nzeQ0DMKkeY/VZtvdkP5u4I/AAAAAAAAEuI/Ksx4orgAy9Y/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">For sometime now I have been in education and surrounded by educators, tutors, parents, friends, and currently run my own tutoring business <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/MindsGrowing/339669726229082?fref=photo">Minds Growing</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7WPYH7lids/VZtv0RLmGtI/AAAAAAAAEvk/7gyr0Mi9U-c/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7WPYH7lids/VZtv0RLmGtI/AAAAAAAAEvk/7gyr0Mi9U-c/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7WPYH7lids/VZtv0RLmGtI/AAAAAAAAEvk/7gyr0Mi9U-c/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Some recent comments and general talks amongst these people are the pressure and standard,</span></a></div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Where did it all change, where did school begin at 5 and where did play fall away. Where did the days get so long and the learning requirements jump 3/4 years ahead. Are kids all rounded?</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Excellent read ....... <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/07/08/why-so-many-kids-cant-sit-still-in-school-today/">Why kids can't sit still in class </a></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gT1Su685Juo/VZtvUj-lFNI/AAAAAAAAEtI/Gw5V0W-pSBU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gT1Su685Juo/VZtvUj-lFNI/AAAAAAAAEtI/Gw5V0W-pSBU/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Two sisters, 4 years apart are learning the same work, but just different levels.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Going to computers and art in grade R, being in school concerts and rehearsels at age 5 and coming home with a small homework book in little grade R! Hello!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">What happened to that big sandpit on 4 legs that once was in our Sub -a classroom, where are the green sticks that we once counted with at our own pace, where are the elastic bands we played with, tied together and squished the colourful play dough at our desks?</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">"Studies have compared groups of children in New Zealand who started formal literacy lessons at ages 5 and 7. Their results show that the early introduction of formal learning approaches to literacy does not improve children’s reading development, and may be damaging. By the age of 11 there was no difference in reading ability level between the two groups, but the children who started at 5 </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">developed less positive attitudes to reading, and showed poorer text comprehension than those children who had started later. In a separate study of reading achievement in 15 year olds across 55 countries, researchers showed that there was no significant association between reading achievement </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">and school entry age. - " </span><a href="http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">htt</span>p://www.cam.ac.uk/research/discussion/school-starting-age-the-evidence</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze-2sy13n24/VZtv3PxgSXI/AAAAAAAAEwA/-f8jCpxvGN8/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze-2sy13n24/VZtv3PxgSXI/AAAAAAAAEwA/-f8jCpxvGN8/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Where are the days when going home to run to our sandpits/ Lego boxes to enjoy some fun before dad came home for dinner ? Now it's aftercare, therapy sessions, iPads, gaming, homework, tutors and more.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #674ea7;">A passing mom at the mall the other day chatting to her friend in the Que, about her sons class and how every child is in some therapy or support group, Occupational therapy, extra reading, physio, extra lessons or remedial and how their </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">little ones are struggling so with the demands. How their friends older kids have gotten involved in so much peer pressure, or how the next door kid is texting the other kid in class.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: magenta;">Sob, sob will my boy ever go to school TechFree? Will he ever love school the way I did and be a kid. Out of my control I guess, I pray so.</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qylBzQgmtQ/VZtv0O9mKsI/AAAAAAAAEvg/CiGwETqkIug/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qylBzQgmtQ/VZtv0O9mKsI/AAAAAAAAEvg/CiGwETqkIug/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qylBzQgmtQ/VZtv0O9mKsI/AAAAAAAAEvg/CiGwETqkIug/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qylBzQgmtQ/VZtv0O9mKsI/AAAAAAAAEvg/CiGwETqkIug/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="color: magenta;">I am not one for homeschooling as I believe it's a special calling , but I so see why parents do!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Two OvercomingMom readers commented on a question I posted recently about what's with school today?</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: red;">Reader One :</span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">Pressure to make sure they never let their child 'fall behind' from mom's and babes at 8 weeks to all the hundreds of toddler activities (not saying they are not beneficial), then school at 18 months but I believe toddlers need to play more than anything and interact and explore the world...in lots of free </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">time. Seems small children's days are filled with activities that will stimulate and educate them...when should they get a chance to just be. Many Grade R's have turned into mini grade ones...teaching children to read before school to give them an advantage...sending children to a whole host of therapies.....to me childhood seems to be reduced in years to only a few. On the other hand we have to evolve with our ever changing world and maybe if your kids don't attend all these activities they are left behind. I am happy and secure in letting my children play and develop at their own pace.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;"> Children should be learning through play more and the admin and assessment in school is robbing our kids of this to a certain degree. At the end of the day, we all do what we believe to be in our child's best interest. Those that don't do enough will be viewed as a bad parent and those that do too much be the same. Your child, your family...do what works for you. Love anonymous x</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Reader Two:</span><br />
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<span class="s2" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">HI, I am the proud mom of two, a testosterone packed 7 year old son and a 2 year 9month old pink </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">princess. What a blessing to have a blue and pink brain to walk the journey of parenthood with in this dynamic world of ours.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">I feel the pressure on kids these days is way beyond expectation. Children are not given the opportunity to play and be their own little people in all the pressure placed on them by society. There seems to be a constant competitive battle to do things 110% consistently with comparisons being made continuously. Why must a 3 year old know how to write their name by 3, and have to feel inadequate should they not be able too? Why can’t they just play creatively, using their individual imaginations in their pretend worlds and be their own little personality? Is there not plenty of time for formal education?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="s2">Despite these pressure of having to write their names and read, to list but a few, why are our </span><span class="s2">youngsters entering the primary school journey needing so much extra intervention from the likes of OT’s, </span><span class="s2">physios</span><span class="s2">, speech and language therapists, academic support and the list goes on. Surely if we let our children be children for longer, we would not need to intervene so much. Let them explore and learn!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">When I was growing up, we didn’t have such intervention, we got on and moved along at the required pace, and we got along just fine, well at least I would like to think so.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="s2">There is a tremendous amount of pressure on parents, especially moms, these days to produce this outstanding, well balanced little human, or should I say ‘cookie cutter’ little being, with constant comparisons and pressure to keep up and perform. Regardless of the amount of hours spent in the classroom, many hours are spent at home to continue where the work left off. Everything is against </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="s2">the clock! Where is the holistic approach to raising children? For children this is daunting emotionally, why </span><span class="s2">are so many sitting in play therapy</span><span class="s2">, and going for educational psychologist assessments. Could it be that constant pressure to perform and outdo fellow </span><span class="s2">peers.</span><span class="s2">Where is it all stemming from?</span></span></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHtTP5A-_PM/VZtv2akDpnI/AAAAAAAAEv4/sd4Nx3OW1L0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHtTP5A-_PM/VZtv2akDpnI/AAAAAAAAEv4/sd4Nx3OW1L0/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-52916701264820904232015-07-06T22:34:00.001-07:002015-07-06T22:34:37.293-07:00Featured monthly blogger : Melanie Blignaut <br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Meet my new monthly featured blogger : Melanie</u></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Wind in a Letterbox</i> was launched in 2014 as a place to write write about faith, marriage and parenting. If you’re a parent looking for inspiration and encouragement, then you should feel right at home reading her blog. She has </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">also written a lot of how God has led them to homeschooling their </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">daughters and how they doing their best to raise them with a knowledge of God’s Word. She pins a lot of homeschool ideas, so check out</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> her Pinterest page for inspiration and ideas. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/melbli">http://twitter.com/melbli</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/melanie.blignaut">http://instagram.com/melanie.blignaut</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pinterest:<a href="http://pinterest.com/melanieblignaut"> http://pinterest.com/melanieblignaut</a><a href="http://pinterest.com/melanieblignaut/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/melbliwriting">http://facebook.com/melbliwriting</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Go like her pages , and show her some mommy support xxx </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-85610425787462750642015-06-12T11:55:00.000-07:002015-06-12T11:55:04.788-07:00Hope for the Premmy Babe by Lee Koetser <div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">What has society done? Made us insular, made us bitter, made us desensitised and self-absorbed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">Look at the great late Robin Williams. A world-renowned comedian who fought a lifetime of depression. He always smiled and made others laugh but his eyes hid a heart consumed by sadness. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">No matter how “awesome” someone's life appears we do not know what hides behind the mask, like:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">* The rich girl whose parents gave her an unlimited allowance which she spent it on her drug overdose when all she wanted was her parents' presence not their presents.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">* The girl who the boys called fat and she is now in rehabilitation fighting anorexia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">* The housewife who cares for her three kids alone because her husband is never home as he is having an affair.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">* The woman who gave birth to twins and is overwhelmed, but was told to “suck it up” and is sitting with postnatal depression, and</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">* The sex addict and alcoholic who is shunned by his family and place of worship for his behaviour, caused by the abuse he suffered and the abuse he witnessed as a child.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">Life is full of choices, however there are some things that are beyond our control. After my gran/mom died I have always been able to lean on my husband, dad and best friend for comfort and advice when the going gets tough. But what when you don't have that support? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">There will always be people in society who feel they have the “right” to give their advice, but never want to know the reason behind the issue. They may mean well, but just don't know the correct way to project their feelings onto others.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">My husband and I, for example, are guilty of being overprotective parents. This can be extremely damaging for children and a huge disservice, but it is a daily struggle to not let the past mold how we behave as parents today. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">Parenting is the most difficult job in the world and yet you cannot study for it. Every “case study” is different yet the rules remain the same. It is the most sought after job in the world and yet you do not get remuneration for it. It is also the most common job, yet we all fail at it repeatedly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #674ea7;">This is my story:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #674ea7;">After being married for four years my husband </span><span style="color: blue;">and I felt it was time to start a family. We both had an in-born need to be parents and recreate a childhood we both longed for. How difficult can it be? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">The only thing I can undoubtedly tell you is that assumptions are dangerous.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">I was 30 weeks pregnant, had severe swelling, pain and was so tired. I felt as though my baby was starting to climb out. I was on my way to join my family for a lovely lunch when I just thought I’d better go to Vincent Pallotti hospital en route. How ironic that after fearing preterm labour my entire pregnancy and doing everything to prevent it, I had in fact started experiencing it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">I was given steroidal injections to strengthen baby's lungs and medication to prolong labour until the baby's lungs were strong enough. Eighteen hours later Joshua Alexander popped out. His intense nature began as early as 30 weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;">I was told that Josh would spend 4-6 weeks in the neonatal ICU. Again, never assume.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;">Josh experienced cases of apnea (stopping to breathe). The sounds of those SATS monitors still haunt me today. His red blood count was extremely low and he had to have two blood transfusions. Finally after 6 weeks our baby boy was discharged.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">He was home for a week when he again had an apnea episode. The sight of his grey fa</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">ce turned my stomach inside out and my world upside down. I had learned CPR in hospital, a prerequisite for the parent of a neonate. I had to apply this to my very own flesh and blood by placing my mouth over my little angel's nose and mouth en route to the Blaauwberg Netcare hospital. There his oxygen levels were measured and doctors placed him on me in the ambulance en route to Vincent Pallotti, where the “nightmare” first began.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Josh was readmitted and this time they were going to be super cautious before letting us leave. <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">On September 16</a> we arrived to see our boy being resuscitated and asked the doctor if he was going to be okay. His words were: “If your baby stops breathing, he will die. We will need to ventilate him.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">My husband, a Methodist, and me, a Jew, both sought refuge in the Catholic chapel every day on our knees, crying out to God for his help. Josh was given test after test and eventually with the guidance of Dr Brown and the other paediatricians (Dr Wicht, Dr Jedaiken and Dr Sinclair) we were advised to do the reflux (Nissen fundoplication) operation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He was finally discharged <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">on November 4</a> – at exactly 40 weeks, on his initial due date and almost 3 months after he was born.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The operation saved his life and we have never looked back, but we cannot lie and say that it didn't change us as parents or humans. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* We have become paranoid </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* We have also become more protective</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* More appreciative, and </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Definitely guilty of overcompensating.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Next time you judge yourself as a parent or as a human being – STOP! We are human. Human can after all be an acronym for humble, understanding, (yet sometimes) manic, apathetic Neanderthals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everything in our lives happen for a reason and our story has definitely made my husband and I more compassionate towards other human beings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Moral of the story </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Whatever battle you are fighting:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Make the choice to break the habit</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Choose happiness over resentment or unhappiness</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Choose survival mentality over victimisation</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Be there for others without controlling their decisions</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Offer your help, but don't enforce it</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Be a suggester, not a dictator </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Be a listener, not a talker</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Give and expect nothing in return </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Empathise by showing compassion without doting, and </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">* Accept them unconditionally</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Next column: Empowering our community through reading</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #cc0000;">((BLOB)) Lee Koetser is a qualified remedial therapist with more than 10 years’ experience. She specialises in identifying problem areas and then puts programmes together to build learning bridges </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-20713297989976869232015-05-28T02:43:00.001-07:002015-05-29T03:35:37.602-07:00A years Botanical Society of SA (BotSoc) family membership ( Kirstenbosch Gardens & 9 National Gardens in SA)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">I dont think anyone has ever had a bad outing/experience to Kirstenbosch Gardens. I was blessed with a years </span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Botanical Society of SA (BotSoc) family membership. Although I would primarily visit the Kirstenbosch my membership allows me free access to all 9 national gardens in SA, plus other member benefits.</span> I cannot wait to become a regular. Or even visit these gardens on my next holiday</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">. BotSoc is a national NGO. Any member can enjoy visiting any/all SANBI national botanical gardens any time in the year with free entrance. You can visit Kirstenbosch (CT), Harold Porter (Betty’s Bay), Karoo Desert (Worcester), KZN (Pietermaritzburg), Free State (Bloemfontein), Lowveld (Nelspruit), Pretoria, Hantam (Nieuwoudtville), Walter Sisulu (Krugersdorp). So start planning family holidays and explore the gems each different garden offers</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.botanicalsociety.org.za/SitePages/Home.aspx">http://www.botanicalsociety.org.za/SitePages/Home.aspx</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">No worries to pay entry fees every time. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">I can highly recommend getting yourself/ your family a yearly membership to enjoy the beauty of this tranquil, scenic place or enter this amazing giveaway, (below)</span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWKUfpx46IE/VWbeLo_8vxI/AAAAAAAAEpE/10TtzFDKunc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWKUfpx46IE/VWbeLo_8vxI/AAAAAAAAEpE/10TtzFDKunc/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks7J_jSD0uY/VWbe7guA85I/AAAAAAAAEpk/cKvspAvaRrg/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks7J_jSD0uY/VWbe7guA85I/AAAAAAAAEpk/cKvspAvaRrg/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> <u> I asked a few readers to share their pics and experiences at Kirstenbosch Gardens :</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i>Easter visit with friends by Shelley form Ezy Pzy kids stuff </i></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wN8LpeqqtEU/VWbdi_JZBOI/AAAAAAAAEmc/nYrRT1O3Kcc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wN8LpeqqtEU/VWbdi_JZBOI/AAAAAAAAEmc/nYrRT1O3Kcc/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xWA1Ega2iE/VWbdjgBYU1I/AAAAAAAAEmg/MCOYKmOoz_I/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xWA1Ega2iE/VWbdjgBYU1I/AAAAAAAAEmg/MCOYKmOoz_I/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP9cH86khM0/VWbdmTTgw0I/AAAAAAAAEms/RoNLI2ymZQQ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP9cH86khM0/VWbdmTTgw0I/AAAAAAAAEms/RoNLI2ymZQQ/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0xESYqYFBk/VWbds6KQ2EI/AAAAAAAAEnY/iwryv3oLrsY/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0xESYqYFBk/VWbds6KQ2EI/AAAAAAAAEnY/iwryv3oLrsY/s200/image.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRO3ZUI3w2w/VWbdo_q-I0I/AAAAAAAAEm8/5VLIwT4nnJc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRO3ZUI3w2w/VWbdo_q-I0I/AAAAAAAAEm8/5VLIwT4nnJc/s200/image.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUjwyUeynSE/VWbdr8mtcrI/AAAAAAAAEnM/ak1Lj0QjPWg/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUjwyUeynSE/VWbdr8mtcrI/AAAAAAAAEnM/ak1Lj0QjPWg/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLfUqBt4Y1E/VWbdn21NxVI/AAAAAAAAEm0/C91ii5fK6co/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hLfUqBt4Y1E/VWbdn21NxVI/AAAAAAAAEm0/C91ii5fK6co/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Kirstenbosch has always been a special place, but more so since we got engaged there nearly 10 years ago! My husband had packed the perfect picnic basket for sundowners and popped the question on the rolling lawns overlooking the lake as the sun dipped below the mountains :) </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: blue;"><i>And because our wedding fell on a public holiday, it is now traditional that we go back to Kirstenbosch on our anniversary each year, now with two kids in tow :) " Lisa from : Cape Town </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Foodies </i></span></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8RZD1KWfs/VWbdtuTP_QI/AAAAAAAAEnc/KyNgj7P1Iew/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Py8RZD1KWfs/VWbdtuTP_QI/AAAAAAAAEnc/KyNgj7P1Iew/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55pzBLyMF9g/VWbduMAjL6I/AAAAAAAAEnk/LSmR9LPmXHA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55pzBLyMF9g/VWbduMAjL6I/AAAAAAAAEnk/LSmR9LPmXHA/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>"Looking at all the pictures we have of memories made at Kirstenbosch, it becomes accurate to say that our daughter Kate has literally grown up there. Our Botanical Society cards allow us access to Kirstenbosch whenever the mood takes us (which is often!) Be it for a quick afternoon cup of tea to catch the last rays of winter sun with a ratty toddler, or for a family breakfast followed by a scamper </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>on the green green grass. Kirstenbosch holds a warm, welcoming familiar place in our lives. We have our favourite places to walk and sit- we guard these secret places careful not to share them to too </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>many people.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>We are always left in awe of the beauty we find right on our doorstep and work hard at not taking how fortunate we are for granted " Simone teacher at Western Province Preparatory School</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i style="color: magenta;">We did a picnic & family photo shoot there in 2012 - Leigh from Red lips and darling adventures </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7iih3-odQI/VWbd76UU24I/AAAAAAAAEo0/gK49rhsSeFM/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7iih3-odQI/VWbd76UU24I/AAAAAAAAEo0/gK49rhsSeFM/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Enter this awesome giveaway where you and your family could win a years </span></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Botanical Society of SA (BotSoc) membership. To Kirstenbosch Gardens and free access to all 9 national gardens in SA, plus other member benefits. W</span><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">inner will be announced on Monday 1 June : competition closes Sunday 31 May </span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Share this post on any social media </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Email me your name and how many in your family : ie : 2 adults and 2 kids and your kids ages)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><i>Email <a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">overcomingmom@gmail.com</a></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8DYZsAZBybk/VWbeOp1UaOI/AAAAAAAAEpM/iISXlI_n01M/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8DYZsAZBybk/VWbeOp1UaOI/AAAAAAAAEpM/iISXlI_n01M/s400/image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BotSoc">Facebook page </a></div>
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Like their <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/botsocscot">Twitter Page </a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-11838587134753469232015-05-21T21:59:00.003-07:002015-05-21T21:59:56.382-07:00Things a mom wished she'd done more of <br />
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Love his article from a fellow blogger.<br />
<a href="http://findingjoy.net/20-mom-things-i-wish-i-had-done/">http://findingjoy.net/20-mom-things-i-wish-i-had-done/</a><br />
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Take a read<br />
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She wished she'd<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">COMPARED LESS</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">READ MORE STORIES </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> SLOWED DOWN AND LET THEM HELP MORE </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">FOUGH FOR MYSELF</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">LET THE DISHES WAIT </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">NOT LET THE DISHES WAIT</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">FOUND MORE ONE ON ONE TIME </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">GIVEN MYSELF A LEARNING CURVE </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">TAKEN A PICTURE OF THEM IN THE SAME SPOT FOR EACH BIRTHDAY</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> BEEN ON THE COMPUTER LESS</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">HAD LESS STUFF</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">LET GO OF GUILT FREE TIME </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CONNECTED WITH MORE MOMS </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">WORRIED LESS</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">DOCUMENTED THE LITTLE THINGS TOO </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">JUDGED LESS</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">HAD MORE FAMILY MEALS AROUND THE TABLE</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">WAS MORE CONSISTENT YET SPONTANEOUS </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">EXPECTED A WHOLE BUNCH IF NORMAL </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">CELEBRATED THE AWESOME NORMAL DAYS </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Don't wait for tomorrow to start living today </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-57397359261621231632015-05-21T11:43:00.000-07:002015-05-21T13:09:48.257-07:00Love of poppet post <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJtZ32a0RIY/VV4mERyPkrI/AAAAAAAAEl4/5v-kUpSC860/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJtZ32a0RIY/VV4mERyPkrI/AAAAAAAAEl4/5v-kUpSC860/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><u>I absolutely love poppet post and so does Carter and Matthew.</u></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6On_MzNeeE/VV4lwfL6SNI/AAAAAAAAElQ/k2s2YP-eCJ8/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6On_MzNeeE/VV4lwfL6SNI/AAAAAAAAElQ/k2s2YP-eCJ8/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">A monthly box delivered to your door via a courier service and filled with age appropriate educational activities or toys, helping keep your mind and baby/ toddler busy too. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">so what's in the box?</span></span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGv-G77fXog/VV4mB0FMSpI/AAAAAAAAElw/-HyFG257BhI/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGv-G77fXog/VV4mB0FMSpI/AAAAAAAAElw/-HyFG257BhI/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">" Each month we put together a <a href="http://localhost/poppet-post/boxes/" style="-webkit-appearance: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" title="boxes">beautifully packaged</a> range of <span style="font-weight: 700;">fun and educational</span> toys, books and activities that are hand picked to suit your child’s age and gender. Items included are chosen according to the specific <span style="font-weight: 700;">developmental milestones of children</span>from ages <span style="font-weight: 700;">0 – 5.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">It’s simple! We work on a subscription model and <span style="font-weight: 700;">deliver to your door</span> once a month. <a href="http://localhost/poppet-post/boxes/" style="-webkit-appearance: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" title="boxes">Browse </a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://localhost/poppet-post/boxes/" style="-webkit-appearance: none; font-weight: bold; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" title="boxes">example boxes</a> <a href="http://www.poppetpost.co.za/boxes/">Here</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">This month Matthew enjoyed spraying different colour paints onto brown paper, rolling hugs paints with fun patterns onto the brown paper, playing with playdough, learning his colours from his colour activity book and playing with finger paints in a sealed ziplock bag !</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lu7zoCSd8Y/VV4lhnszYlI/AAAAAAAAEk4/-OTkE65e9pc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lu7zoCSd8Y/VV4lhnszYlI/AAAAAAAAEk4/-OTkE65e9pc/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRzJxcGwo-Q/VV4lurahFzI/AAAAAAAAElI/8FNZxraFMMA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRzJxcGwo-Q/VV4lurahFzI/AAAAAAAAElI/8FNZxraFMMA/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: red;">We look forward to a Poppet Post giveaway coming soon , for now take a look at their website and take advantage of this great service ! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-91094279298379558032015-05-21T07:10:00.001-07:002015-05-21T08:24:24.578-07:00Pink nail polish remover. ( why I've been so quiet)<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
pink nail polish remover </div>
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Oh my hat ! Here's my last week behind me. </div>
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I hope it makes you giggle, and may I not be alone </div>
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Sorry I've been super quiet. This is how it goes </div>
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One flat car battery needing a tow -to fit a new battery , </div>
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To dad's car needing 4 new tyres. Not 2 like we hoped for but 4! </div>
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And my 2 month broken washing machine needing </div>
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To be fetched to be repaired in the factory meaning </div>
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I have no water for the dishwasher. What a catastrophe !</div>
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Adding to that is mr moos 3rd birthday party tomorrow as he </div>
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Turns the big 3 on Saturday. What a joy he is to us. </div>
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So this week is all sorts of party shopping and today was</div>
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Extra hectic. </div>
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Rushing from shop to shop for last minute stuff </div>
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And home to click the kettle on before load shedding and </div>
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Then off to fetch mr m from school and home to </div>
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Do non electrical stuff. Like wash dishes and catching </div>
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A moment to paint my nails after puzzle building and </div>
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The tv comes back on and yeh for a moment to </div>
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Breath. And put the dinner on before heading out to tutor </div>
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While I turn my back I hear silence. I go outside to </div>
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Find a moment of speechlessness </div>
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Pink nail polish from the tips of his hair to this nose , pants </div>
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And. Yikes. Off I run to grab a full bottle of nail polish </div>
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Remover and successfully got things cleaned ( besides the pants of course )</div>
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But oh dear there goes my manicure , guess I'll have </div>
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To try that agin tomorrow </div>
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Shuweeee</div>
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Now for cake building </div>
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Pics to follow</div>
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Giveaways next week and </div>
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Plenty thank yous </div>
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Xxxx</div>
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Hugs </div>
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Me<br />
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Oh wait did I mention Matthew has ecsema and he will have to patiently wait to Deturn pink and that he got new chalk today for the outside walkways but decided to miss the walkways instead and decorate some walls for us ..... Yeh for chalk. After wall it's really just dusting it off </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-58933820745876450752015-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:002015-05-12T11:11:16.220-07:00Stuff you don't know about OVERCOMING MOM <div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Some things you may or may not know about me : </span></u></b></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I have lived in a Cape Town my whole life </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">My love language is giving </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I am A very proud Christian </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I have one brother, 2 sister in laws, 1 brother in law , 2 nephews </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I live in a little cottage in a super beautiful area in the South of Cape Town</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I taught grade 2 for 9 years after studying a degree in teaching, alongside my husband, then dating </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I love sushi, wine and fine dining </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I love trail walks & runs , yes don't laugh, I do.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I have been super blonde before, super dark before, long hair, short hair and medium hair </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I totally wish I was 20 kg lighter but as long as I keep trying and keep as healthy and as fit as I can be it's ok, life is short </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">My husband teachers too</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I have one little boy who makes me super super happy </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Favourite colours are pink & purple </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I'm a huge <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/114191647983433894816" target="_blank">+Woolworths South Africa</a> , <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/106839013280830650779" target="_blank">+Exclusive Books</a> , <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/103041900207507487572" target="_blank">+Seattle Coffee Company</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I love love love mac make up so much </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I love earrings but can't wear them :( ears don't allow any metals</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I m not a huge medicine fan but a huge vitamin omega fan. However for now a brain tab is needed for some needed balance & some great vitamins and omegas to give me that daily vooma x</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I work a couple days a week tutoring some darling kids for my tutor group calked. mindsgrowing Mindsgrowing@gmail.com </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I hardly watch TV : no time for that and would rather read a book or a good old HELLO mag , but do make time for Greys, masterchef , and the odd movie now and again.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Talking about movies if time allowed and mom was closer , I would run for a good old cinema movie , the hugest popcorn and soda, now that sounds appealing </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Wish I made more time for long candlelight hot baths with the amazing <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/115243275281051118600" target="_blank">+Rain Productions</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I am blessed with a super mom, ,mom in law and wonderful friends</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Matthew only started a play group at 2 years old 8 months and loves it, and will do another year in play school, before he goes to pre school </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I often drive my car with the Red petrol light on , putting in petrol kills me</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I live in tights , not the best figure for them, but once you go zip free, you struggle to go back, comfy is key as a mamma</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I like order and am a huge planner , but have so learnt to chill and kind of have no choice after baby.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I didn't breastfeed and I had a c section , and that's Ok</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I wish I had baby bum skin, like I use to , but that's out of my control too, as long as I continue it's cleanse and moisture twice daily - environ product proud </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I'm a biggie on kids buckled in and no smoking whatsoever ever around kiddies, especially in cars.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Love pretty homey decor and all things girly </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I'm big on no cell phones or media or techy stuff in company , a bit old school that way. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Big on fighting for marriages and happy families.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Wish I had oodles of money, a new car, a 3 bed roomed house, new clothes, and extra. Cash to spoil my loved ones, but for now , my little cute home, my reliable car, my good quality clothes, my home painted nails, my home made food, my supportive husband and the joy to be hone with my little beautiful blessing called my son : is way more important to me for now. </span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-37899300804054897752015-05-11T12:48:00.000-07:002015-05-11T12:48:06.919-07:00Good ol grey <div class="adjust_blocks_for_ads" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: auto !important;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;">Still, sometimes, we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today’s possibility under tomorrow’s rug, until we can’t anymore, until we finally understand for ourselves...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;">That knowing, is better than wondering. That waking, is better than sleeping. And that even the biggest failure, even the worst, most intractable mistake, beats never trying.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;">Change is as good as a holiday and although the paths we've hoped for aren't always what wed like, or see in others, it's ok, yes it's ok, we have on our plates and in our hands what we have, can push through, deal with, love, cherish , embrace and be so blessed &fortunate with. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;">Tomorrow is a new day and I'm super excited </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-23777327044335771762015-05-08T02:25:00.000-07:002015-05-08T12:42:50.358-07:00Mommy Do I need routine? Tips by fellow bloggers&Readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red;">None of us mommies get a routine Right all the time or sometimes we are all </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">for routine and sometimes we not.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">I asked some fellow bloggers & mommy readers out there what worked for them</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">here is what they had to say . . . </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Our routine is pretty much a case of survival - wake up, keep the kids alive and relatively entertained until bedtime :) We do try to keep the night time consistent with supper, bath, story, pray and then bed. For my sanity I try get them into bed by 6.30. ~ blogger <u>~ 3 kids 2 dogs 1old House</u></span><span style="color: #674ea7; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4--ww1W4A2Y/VT50hd7rJaI/AAAAAAAAEX4/SlsLsvQMB-k/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4--ww1W4A2Y/VT50hd7rJaI/AAAAAAAAEX4/SlsLsvQMB-k/s1600/image.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #6aa84f;">As a new mom the best advice I received from the Midwife was to follow the babies cues and they will develop their own rhythm. I found this very challenging in the beginning as I am a person that loves routine so not knowing what time the next feed or sleep was, was quite frustrating. However I followed this advice and tracked sleep and feeding patterns with an app called Sprout. This allowed me to see patterns emerging and sure enough I could see a “routine” developing. During the early days I watched My little boys awake times rather than having set times for him to sleep and I still do this 9 months down the line. This works for me as sometimes his naps are 45 min and other times they are 2 ½ hours. From 3 months we introduced a bedtime routine of bath, bottle and bed. We still follow this basic routine but after bath now we have quite play time in his room (puzzles, books and cuddles), a story then bottle and bed. If we are out we try to keep to this routine even if we have to modify it slightly. Most nights it works and by <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">7pm </a></span>Hubby and I have a chance to have dinner together and relax. ~ <u>overcoming mom reader </u></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">In the early newborn days I full believed in letting Malakai tell me when he was hungry and when he tired and read his cue! Every day was so different because he struggled with colic , so I had to work around that and work around him. One thing I did keep consistent in those days , was at around 5/6 pm it was bath time then bottle in his room. So no matter how the day went, the night was always the same.</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">To this day it's still the same for us . We follow his lead but also preempt things and are prepared for what the day holds. We find having this kind of flexible routine helps in having a happy toddler and happy parents . Our flexible routine suits our son and our family. ~ <u>Cass Lee</u> ~</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">I am actually kind of like one of those hippie parents to be honest. I never set any kind of routine. I breast fed on demand (trying very hard to stop now!), co sleep/slept. My husband and I figured when Jake was ready for something it would be easy and have found this to be true so far. What I have found that worked was listening to him. Babies set their own routine and if you keep to it they seem very happy. When we wanted something, like for him to start to go down at night in his own bed we would start doing it and after months it would become the norm. He now goes to sleep quite quickly with me lying next to him around 6.30/7 after a bath and some supper and on a good night stays asleep until 1.30. That's the routine that suits him at the moment, it will change when it no longer works. Not everyone's cup of tea but I never saw the point of strictly adhering to a routine I set when </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">he changes so quickly. ~<u> overcoming mom reader</u> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;">I'm a mom who likes routine. My boys like to know what's coming next so we work alot with star charts and calendars. My boys are early rises so we choose to send them to bed early (7pm) so we get some adult time in too and have a hot cup of tea ;) I strongly believe in a afternoon lie down even if it's just quiet time on the bed reading or playing with a toy quietly. We really do enjoy our family time together but believe that our kids need special alone time with nan granny and gramps too and they look so forward to special sleep outs at them ~ <u>mamma&nanna</u> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJMr3J9UgS0/VT50hcLRI6I/AAAAAAAAEXo/ixCGFRQjcBk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJMr3J9UgS0/VT50hcLRI6I/AAAAAAAAEXo/ixCGFRQjcBk/s1600/image.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I am a firm believer in routines!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">I get home from work at 5:30 and after hugging and kissing everyone I start supper. While supper is cooking I spend time with the kids - Mikayla tells me what she learned at school and whatever else she feels like sharing and Knox lies on my chest. We eat supper at about 7pm - sometimes just before, after supper we draw or watch cartoons for about 30 minutes. I always make sure that </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Mikayla has no screen time for at least half an hour before bed as she gets nightmares, so at 7:30 it is bath time for both little ones (that also helps calm them down). After the bath I get Mikayla in her PJ's and put out her outfit for the next day and then I read a story to her and Knox. Mikayla goes to sleep at 8:15 and then it is time for Knox's feed - once he is done he goes to bed too. Wehn both kiddos are sound asleep I pack all the bags for them for the next day and get everything ready (hubby helps with this) - then we spend some quality time together for an hour or so. I like getting into bed at about 10pm. It works like a well oiled machine, I love routines! ~ <u>caffeine&fairydust</u>-~</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In closing. You need to do what's best for you . For hubby, Matthew and I we had a perfect book baby till 24 months and thereafter things got tricky but because of the routine we had in place, it was easier to adapt and swing a few things around. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJcZbLoKf2o/VT51tgaBqfI/AAAAAAAAEZA/MujGqybGbOQ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJcZbLoKf2o/VT51tgaBqfI/AAAAAAAAEZA/MujGqybGbOQ/s1600/image.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ6lh_sTPew/VT50ughu3EI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/AUA_Y_tj8vs/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ6lh_sTPew/VT50ughu3EI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/AUA_Y_tj8vs/s1600/image.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #351c75;">As for now at 36 months. We wake around 7am, watch some telly and we hardly eat breakfast as there is no breakfast he has taken too, and I have tried everything. So doctors advice is put out some nibble bits : ham,cheese, raisins etc. He goes to school, comes home for lunch and somedays he naps others he doesn't. It's a toss up between 7pm bed time or 830pm bedtime. Night time routine for us is dinner, bath, small bottle and TV/story/cuddle. Lights off and bed. Carry to bed and we generally have a solid nights sleep. Except for the occasional drenched leaking nappy, cold or too hot.....</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">While mr moo is winding down for bed, I tidy the kitchen and last bit or house, put out hubby and mr m'S clothes for the next day , I make their lunch. This makes waking the next morning easier, fresher & puts me in a way better mood. #atype</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fed9AsOdrYk/VT50ht3N7TI/AAAAAAAAEXw/C7JcIKNpSIA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fed9AsOdrYk/VT50ht3N7TI/AAAAAAAAEXw/C7JcIKNpSIA/s1600/image.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;">Xxxx happy routineyZ</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-48162102347875385552015-05-06T07:10:00.000-07:002015-05-06T07:13:16.967-07:00Thai mommy massage Gardens Cape Town <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFG3Hsid0Qs/VUoenDUngcI/AAAAAAAAEig/j7d3x35s0yw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFG3Hsid0Qs/VUoenDUngcI/AAAAAAAAEig/j7d3x35s0yw/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Why don't you treat yourself or any mommy to one of these awesome specials :</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I sure can't wait to experience a massage fully clothed without oils.....</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1-LQQlejlo/VUocvf4dClI/AAAAAAAAEiE/zCuAC1sVGKw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1-LQQlejlo/VUocvf4dClI/AAAAAAAAEiE/zCuAC1sVGKw/s1600/image.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">ENMASSE MASSAGE IS BASED IN GARDENS CAPE TOWN </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">view their website <a href="http://enmasse massage massage@enmasse.co.za">Here</a></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7Nf7QfpaZE/VUoemsMJmzI/AAAAAAAAEio/i31dRNix6uc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7Nf7QfpaZE/VUoemsMJmzI/AAAAAAAAEio/i31dRNix6uc/s1600/image.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mini Mama R300 (SAVE: R120)<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Gift voucher (tea/massage) – R100<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Enmasse tea tasting ceremony - R120<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bunch of flowers – R200<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mama Mia R700 (SAVE: R145) <u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">60 min gift voucher – R425<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">a Tea Tasting Ceremony - R120<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bunch of flowers– R300<b><i><u></u><u></u></i></b></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">An enmasse massage is tailored to your preference of acupressure and assisted stretching. It is all about communication with the therapist to get the best results!</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">A enmasse Tea Tasting Ceremony takes you through a journey across our range teas (45 mins)J Tasting, talking and relaxing!<i><u></u><u></u></i></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Flowers are put together by Kenly Flower. A tasteful combination of lillies (star gazers), Nigella, Roses, white small daisies. Soft whites, Pinks and Greens.<u></u><u></u></span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the day the flowers will be sent to her doorstep and we will email her that she has been gifted a voucher and a Tea Tasting Ceremony from you!<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO9yUL2nyTc/VUoem1KZeuI/AAAAAAAAEiw/UYv7BEyIe4A/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO9yUL2nyTc/VUoem1KZeuI/AAAAAAAAEiw/UYv7BEyIe4A/s1600/image.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">If you are interested please send them email <a href="mailto:massage@enmasse.co.za">Here</a> with the type of package you’d like to purchase and your mother’s: name, home address, email address, and mobile number.<u></u><u></u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">They will then send you confirmation and bank details for an EFT transfer <u></u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;">This offer Closes at 5pm on the 7th of May!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwrgAQ3AFoI/VUoenYSwLMI/AAAAAAAAEis/ocGxjg8i-E4/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwrgAQ3AFoI/VUoenYSwLMI/AAAAAAAAEis/ocGxjg8i-E4/s1600/image.jpg" /></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-16839513949015539452015-05-04T05:23:00.001-07:002015-05-04T05:29:51.133-07:00Mother's Day Hamper<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Mother's Day is just around the corner.... Sunday 10 May </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">Share this hamper with your mommy friends and you could win this great giveaway. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">Hamper with </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">an infinity scarf, </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">Sweet William greeting card, </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">water erasable chalk pen,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;"> chalkboard paint, </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">4 rolls of washi tape and </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: magenta;">a bronze metallic Sharpie. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cotton.candi.za">Cotton Candis Facebook Page</a>. You will love it ! </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta;">Tell a mommy about it and email me <a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">Here </a></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8uI-cna0gY/VUdhubPew4I/AAAAAAAAEhc/bMmWXKA26qg/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8uI-cna0gY/VUdhubPew4I/AAAAAAAAEhc/bMmWXKA26qg/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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*winner will be chosen on Sunday 10 MayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-66693574186105617092015-05-01T02:11:00.000-07:002015-05-04T05:30:38.389-07:00Mother's Day is soon. Giveaway : Mommy & me photoshoot <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxsP3ewlibU/VUMYE3YnlBI/AAAAAAAAEc4/ejbffqrJ9nk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxsP3ewlibU/VUMYE3YnlBI/AAAAAAAAEc4/ejbffqrJ9nk/s1600/image.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Why not do what I did and book yourself a mommy and me photoshoot with the awesome photographer Katie. <a href="http://magicalmomentsintime.co.za/">http://magicalmomentsintime.co.za</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">I met Katie on Saturday Morning at Wynberg park.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">I had planned make up, </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Planned outfit and planned hairdo , </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">well that didn't go my way ..typical early mommy morning yikes..</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">But in anycase, the morning went well and Katie captured some beautiful pictures. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">She not only captured true love, she edited and got the photos to me promptly and professionally. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">( even amongst being a mommy herself) </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Thank you Kate, great working with you. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Here are some of them </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZTXp4CJlic/VUMwsn9YwbI/AAAAAAAAEeA/mrt3oyzxzTk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZTXp4CJlic/VUMwsn9YwbI/AAAAAAAAEeA/mrt3oyzxzTk/s1600/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah4v9Qr_GXE/VUMwpj0m-4I/AAAAAAAAEdw/VGnU81oYy8I/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah4v9Qr_GXE/VUMwpj0m-4I/AAAAAAAAEdw/VGnU81oYy8I/s1600/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCDTHzmqv14/VUMwsGhNt2I/AAAAAAAAEd8/97uNkcYxZww/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCDTHzmqv14/VUMwsGhNt2I/AAAAAAAAEd8/97uNkcYxZww/s1600/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rr5CeshbDYE/VUMwpa97ASI/AAAAAAAAEds/9t6ofkulMfg/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rr5CeshbDYE/VUMwpa97ASI/AAAAAAAAEds/9t6ofkulMfg/s1600/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Katie ( based in Cape Town) is running a Mother's Day special , and has limited spaces available.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Book her soon.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrNfnfOM1ys/VUMwpXV2pKI/AAAAAAAAEdo/EVWdHkJ67aY/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrNfnfOM1ys/VUMwpXV2pKI/AAAAAAAAEdo/EVWdHkJ67aY/s1600/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Bonus giveaway : go like Katie's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/magicalmomentsintimephotography">Facebook page </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">tell a friend about this awesome giveaway by tagging their name on </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and you will be entered into winning a free mommy and me photoshoot valid for the above mentioned dates.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Please email me to enter : <a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">overcomingmom@gmail.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com"><br /></a></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">*winner will be chosen Friday 8 may </a></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-68726347599988436432015-04-27T11:01:00.003-07:002015-04-27T11:02:25.674-07:00Dingle dangle bunny ears Lily 'n Jack <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miIAqx3pfIM/VT50clb8iFI/AAAAAAAAEXA/dizX2ylk2Bk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miIAqx3pfIM/VT50clb8iFI/AAAAAAAAEXA/dizX2ylk2Bk/s1600/image.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #741b47;">I just love love love Lily 'n Jack bunnies. I wish I'd seem them before Matthew was born , but we have one now, just incase ....</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue; text-align: center;"><i>Lily 'n Jack, the designers and manufacturers of the award winning Baby Bath Apron and Snuggle Bunny™ and Blankie range - the ultimate self-soothers to help calm and settle your little one. Touch is the first means by which a baby can communicate with the world. Snuggle Bunnies' soft, luxurious feel stimulates physiological and emotional responses in a child / baby and promotes healthy development and sleep. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Little Nathan in Matthews school carries his bunny with him wherever he goes, too cute. </span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhsanYvpMTU/VT50f0mBG0I/AAAAAAAAEXc/aFE8HXw9UNk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhsanYvpMTU/VT50f0mBG0I/AAAAAAAAEXc/aFE8HXw9UNk/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOPqykTKSp8/VT50fSYxJfI/AAAAAAAAEXY/Z40a3_-dniU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOPqykTKSp8/VT50fSYxJfI/AAAAAAAAEXY/Z40a3_-dniU/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCS36bbUvNA/VT50fBCK9iI/AAAAAAAAEXM/fnuoNCp7k3c/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCS36bbUvNA/VT50fBCK9iI/AAAAAAAAEXM/fnuoNCp7k3c/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3pD6M_8WsA/VT50cxDbfoI/AAAAAAAAEW4/p_v-X9LJ5zc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3pD6M_8WsA/VT50cxDbfoI/AAAAAAAAEW4/p_v-X9LJ5zc/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Today Overcoming Mom & Lily 'n Jack are giving away one bunny to one lucky reader.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpxlTtjBfPY/VT50cn7fTGI/AAAAAAAAEW8/hzBuMd0duEY/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpxlTtjBfPY/VT50cn7fTGI/AAAAAAAAEW8/hzBuMd0duEY/s1600/image.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Share this awesome giveaway on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Email me your choice of boy or girl <a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">Here</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">Like the Lilly and jack Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lily-n-Jack/100551786659768">Here</a></span><br />
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* giveaway ends Sunday 3 May : midnight<br />
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</span> <span style="color: #741b47;"><span id="goog_1618779417"></span><span id="goog_1618779418"></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-19126025635489690902015-04-25T05:18:00.004-07:002015-04-25T05:18:51.383-07:00One person who does the work of twenty. For free : muhther<div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QaEHvfeAAE/VTt-8Cw-RgI/AAAAAAAAEVw/EyMD8fJBX5Y/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QaEHvfeAAE/VTt-8Cw-RgI/AAAAAAAAEVw/EyMD8fJBX5Y/s1600/image.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My daddy came back yesterday after 5 long days,</span> away.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Mommy is so grateful he isn't away often. The extra </span>Hands are so helpful. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mommy tried hard and so did little monkey boy, but</span> fetching day was one whirlwind of note. </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEE6qfrkxko/VTt-7P9neuI/AAAAAAAAEVk/jUm5PeooNU0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEE6qfrkxko/VTt-7P9neuI/AAAAAAAAEVk/jUm5PeooNU0/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="color: magenta;">Mommy woke up , showered. Dressed me and nanny came to look after me as Tuesdays I don't go to school</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Mommy raced to our nearest mall and walked to fast, she felt like she had done some serious exercise </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">She went from shop to shop to get my ecsema mix </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Special dinner for dad and a welcome home balloon </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">She was home within an hour , cleaned the whole house </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">And even put out some pretty pink roses to add that extra sparkle to welcome daddy home. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">While mommy was cleaning I accidentally popped the welcome Home balloon which didn't make mommy to happy but. I said sorry and asked for a new one for Daddy. Cause I said it would make him happy and I promised not to the pop the next one. Nanny offered to pay for the new one. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Once the house was tidy. Mommy made daddy A special dish for dinner some yummy butter Chicken , while mommy was busy </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I found a pairOf scissors and cut a rose off the beautiful new bunch Yikes. Oopsie : but at least </span><span style="color: magenta;">it made another little vase pretty</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">I went to play outdoors and while outdoors I needed To poo , ( I am learning to go without nappies ) I landed up Eating 2 squishes that mommy got on special at clicks And hence my tummy wasn't happy so I landed making 5 sloppy piles in the garden. So mommy quickly wiped me down and dressed Me for swimming which was soon soon. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Before that she ran to get the hose pipe and some dettol but when she Got to the tap the link had snapped off so she hurried to the otherside Of the house to get the other link and managed to clean up my piles. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Off we went to swimming and back home I showered. Go dressed. And while I watched some Telly nanny watched me again while mommy Hurried back to the balloon shop. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">When mommy got back she was exhausted from rushing , vacuuming Mopping, washing , cooking, sparkling the house, my swimming and then I dropped my popcorn everywhere so she quickly used the broom and Pan to ' skoppie' it up. (I did help her though ) </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbPbcOUevBk/VTt-7CEXvOI/AAAAAAAAEVo/AekfQ1ExWaY/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbPbcOUevBk/VTt-7CEXvOI/AAAAAAAAEVo/AekfQ1ExWaY/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></li>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Off we went via the airport to drop off a baby seat for my </span>Friend from Durban but mommy took jan smuts. Instead of borchards quarry what a detour. Oops But finally we found then dropped it off and headed to the airport. Via 2 black cows crossing the road. Yikes e doodle. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">Eventually we got to the airport but mommy missed the turning to parkade 3</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;"> and had to go around again. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finally we were at the airport and mommy had to entertain me </span>A short while as I didn't quite understand why daddy's school were Taking so long. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Off we went home but first mommy had to do go do some work helping </span>A little girl with her homework for an hour and I went home With daddy. When mommy got home we had dinner bath </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;">And we all went to bed early </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;">( except for daddy that is ) and we slept like a log.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCEQ6tAMjVc/VTt-71DbR5I/AAAAAAAAEV0/RGX8hoVpzIs/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCEQ6tAMjVc/VTt-71DbR5I/AAAAAAAAEV0/RGX8hoVpzIs/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">Some added bonus to our next days journey </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Was </span>mommy juggling money and shopping and planning my Party and her work and blog and then she took me For a picnic in the forest and while in the forest mommy had to change </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My poo so after our forest walk mommy put me in my seat and closed the door went to throw my happy away and click the car locked and mommy </span>Realized the keys were in the car. Luckily I'm old enough For mommy to gently speak me through opening the locking </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">Mechanism. Shuuu weeee </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">Mommy is thankful now and again for coffee in the day and some wine </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: blue;">At night </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xIagfLECvY/VTt-64aFJhI/AAAAAAAAEVc/PqmiK3CBODo/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xIagfLECvY/VTt-64aFJhI/AAAAAAAAEVc/PqmiK3CBODo/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-70689294608292785122015-04-23T04:54:00.000-07:002015-04-23T04:54:02.198-07:00Pitta-Patta little feet ..... Today your little one is in for a treat :-0Pitta-Patta little feet ..... Today your little one is in for a treat :-0)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XYvcbx3-vo/VTjbpy-i9nI/AAAAAAAAEUo/NIH5hANJOV0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XYvcbx3-vo/VTjbpy-i9nI/AAAAAAAAEUo/NIH5hANJOV0/s1600/image.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 657px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 493pt;" width="657"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 493pt;" width="657"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><i>"</i></span></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Babies and kiddies love walking bare foot. And frankly “Barefoot is Best”. However, </span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">this is not always practical or possible That is why we have designed our shoes.</span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">to give your child the closest feel to walking bare foot.</span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"></td></tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><td height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">What to look for in baby shoes</span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Flexible soles give these little growing feet the perfect environment to develop and strengthen</span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">while learning to walk, in a nutshell “ No support is all they need”. Little feet get really hot because they exert </span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">a lot of energy, so it's important that the shoe allows the feet to 'breathe.' A shoe made withunlined leather</span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">is ideal for a baby and toddler. So at Pitta-Patta, all our shoes are unlined, (so they absorb the </span></i></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><i>moisture and then keep the feet cool), and they sport a soft, flexible, slip-resistant suede sole.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><strong>Pitta-Patta - Manufacturers of Leather Baby Shoes</strong>Konrad Cell: 082 253 1491 </span></span></div>
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<u><strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Pitta-Patta House:</span></strong></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;">Tel/Fax 021 556 72 52,<br />P.O.Box 11105, Boubergrant, Cape Town, S.A, 7443</span></span></div>
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<u><strong style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Pitta-Patta Shop:</span></strong></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;">119 Blaauwberg Rd, Table View, Cape Town, S.A. 7441<br /><a href="http://www.pitta-patta.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=225">Website </a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PittaPattaBabyShoes">https://www.facebook.com/PittaPattaBabyShoes</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: normal;">"Ordered my second batch of shoes from Pitta-Patt<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>a on Friday and already received them this morning. They are stunning. Such excellent service and made so beautifull<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>y. Cannot wait to order some more." T. Roberts </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWVK127-qN4/VTjbq9W2HRI/AAAAAAAAEU4/jifORAqciz0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWVK127-qN4/VTjbq9W2HRI/AAAAAAAAEU4/jifORAqciz0/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week<br />
Pitta-Patta shoes & Overcoming mom are giving away one lucky<br />
Boy mom or girl mom a pair of Pitta-Patta shoes.<br />
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To enter : like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PittaPattaBabyShoes">Pitta-Patta facebook page </a><br />
Email me your choice of boy/girl shoe : <a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com">Here</a><br />
Bonus for sharing<br />
Giveaway ends Sunday 26 April : midnight<br />
<a href="mailto:overcomingmom@gmail.com"><br /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-58843383521821058442015-04-15T11:29:00.002-07:002015-04-15T11:31:17.108-07:00Love till the end ~ faith <div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19HLewxUxuw/VS1XwgI1ReI/AAAAAAAAEQo/bB1Mc4lKHAU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19HLewxUxuw/VS1XwgI1ReI/AAAAAAAAEQo/bB1Mc4lKHAU/s1600/image.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Recently I wrote an article called <a href="http://overcomingmom.blogspot.com/2015/03/my-mommy-heart-is-broken.html#gpluscomments">My mommy heart is broken </a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"> It was about a dear girl named Lucy. Today was Lucy Faith's celebration of life along with her dear little girl Alexis's memorial. It was a beautiful service. The church was full of loved ones, beautiful bouquets, 2 burning candles, a framed picture of little Alexis's hand and foot prints, a painted picture of her baby A and Jesus </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dszF3v-fgfQ/VS1Y0G71kMI/AAAAAAAAERI/A-8uOKx1Xpk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dszF3v-fgfQ/VS1Y0G71kMI/AAAAAAAAERI/A-8uOKx1Xpk/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjbImV_aY8k/VS6tVta80RI/AAAAAAAAETs/8Orfx39dPr8/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjbImV_aY8k/VS6tVta80RI/AAAAAAAAETs/8Orfx39dPr8/s1600/image.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">and a beautiful blown up photograph of dearest Lucy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tntrMwyjNFQ/VS1YzNTFJ7I/AAAAAAAAEQ8/UgMGKB3isTo/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tntrMwyjNFQ/VS1YzNTFJ7I/AAAAAAAAEQ8/UgMGKB3isTo/s1600/image.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Lucy had many special friends and family members, a few beautiful eulogys were read and Lucy's exceptionally faithful mom spoke so inspirationally about their dear daughter. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22HTSPMKn-w/VS6tVQqAhwI/AAAAAAAAETo/SJr1TF33Ork/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22HTSPMKn-w/VS6tVQqAhwI/AAAAAAAAETo/SJr1TF33Ork/s1600/image.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">A wise sermon was shared about how ready and faithful Lucy was and the mentioning of just how short our time on earth is. It was mentioned how our birthdate is unknown , so is our death date , but in actual fact that dash between our birth to death date is so short, just as our life is on earth, and it was encouraged for us to seek our hearts ~</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsSOBHNTmtA/VS1cFWpcqvI/AAAAAAAAERg/HogRP7FmUns/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsSOBHNTmtA/VS1cFWpcqvI/AAAAAAAAERg/HogRP7FmUns/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">The service was ended by prayer, but before that ~ </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Lucy's hubby played a tribute song to hear, a song written and played by him on their wedding day, what a brave and courageous man he is and those vows he once made to Lucy stood strong to the bitter end, in sickness and in health Till death do us part. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UGOnYSti5E/VS1Y0oW-ZFI/AAAAAAAAERM/r8e7M6X8TJw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UGOnYSti5E/VS1Y0oW-ZFI/AAAAAAAAERM/r8e7M6X8TJw/s1600/image.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Lucy was a blessed girl with so much love from her friends & family & today we heard just how bubbly, enthusiastic, faithful, caring, kind , gentle & special she was to many. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Memorials are often the places that remind us just how short life actually is and how we should value each and every person and never take a day or moment for granted. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziRyJZq7RXo/VS1U_QkbSVI/AAAAAAAAEQY/AegLemGqgAw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziRyJZq7RXo/VS1U_QkbSVI/AAAAAAAAEQY/AegLemGqgAw/s1600/image.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Love our loved ones, give those blessings called children extra hugs and kisses </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">& </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Live life to the fullest .</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Rest in peace dear Lucy </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Until we meet again </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fX-V-vCTl2w/VS1U-4eMRZI/AAAAAAAAEQM/YXRht4xQ-lg/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fX-V-vCTl2w/VS1U-4eMRZI/AAAAAAAAEQM/YXRht4xQ-lg/s1600/image.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Me </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Xxx</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-80079845501400240072015-04-15T04:03:00.002-07:002015-04-15T04:03:29.012-07:00Craftalu giveaway <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewXAyfRyp-c/VS40-QBbL4I/AAAAAAAAESA/0bUCEtjmnvU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewXAyfRyp-c/VS40-QBbL4I/AAAAAAAAESA/0bUCEtjmnvU/s1600/image.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Craftalu is such Fun. A all inclusive packed box of creative goodies for you and your kiddie to do. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Clear instructions ,everything's marked and ready to do , for that specific craft</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">~ delivered straight to you, no hassle at all. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Worth every cent, and great for the rainy days ahead. ~overcoming mom</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsYAZjPEiRw/VS41AaFEYgI/AAAAAAAAESI/zH00kcMQtME/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsYAZjPEiRw/VS41AaFEYgI/AAAAAAAAESI/zH00kcMQtME/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn48a37zO6A/VS41Q7_NG-I/AAAAAAAAESk/MqRXjU4pWR0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn48a37zO6A/VS41Q7_NG-I/AAAAAAAAESk/MqRXjU4pWR0/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div class="_55wq _4_34 _51y2" data-sigil="more-text-trigger" data-store-id="0" data-store="{"id":"u_0_0","mask_id":"u_0_1","masked":false,"max_lines":8}" id="u_0_2" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; cursor: pointer; padding: 4px;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><u>Monthly craft boxes for R350 (4 craft projects). R340 per month for 3 month subscription, R330 for 6 months, R320 for 12 months. 50% discount for sibling.</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Description</span></span></div>
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<div class="_5001" id="u_0_3" style="-webkit-line-clamp: 8; max-height: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Monthly home deliveries of kids arts and crafts, specifically designed to not only be fun but also encourage and enhance vital developmental milestones!<br />
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As busy moms, we know how hard it can be to find the time to not only come up with crafts to do with your kids, but also source the materials! Even after all this you're still not sure whether you've </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">come up with something that'll boost your child's rapidly developing brain. And that's why we </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">developed Craftalu.<br />
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Craftalu is designed to spark kids’ natural creativity and curiosity with Occupational-Therapist approved, hand-selected projects and materials. We created Craftalu because we want to make it fun and easy to spend “healthy,” fun time, exploring and creating together. Website coming soon!</span></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3R1r-o1_nN0/VS41Q1C0vwI/AAAAAAAAESo/E8S3CK4vvyE/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3R1r-o1_nN0/VS41Q1C0vwI/AAAAAAAAESo/E8S3CK4vvyE/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aydchf0WS9I/VS5EcqqFiyI/AAAAAAAAETA/lY4yfTO7ya8/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aydchf0WS9I/VS5EcqqFiyI/AAAAAAAAETA/lY4yfTO7ya8/s1600/image.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><u><span style="color: red;">To win this months awesome box, </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><b><u><span style="color: red;">Go like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/craftalu">Craftalu facebook page </a></span></u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red;">Email me <a href="mailto:Overcomingmom@gmail.com">Here </a></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red;">And bonus for sharing </span></u></b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewXAyfRyp-c/VS40-QBbL4I/AAAAAAAAESA/0bUCEtjmnvU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewXAyfRyp-c/VS40-QBbL4I/AAAAAAAAESA/0bUCEtjmnvU/s1600/image.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red;">Giveaway ends on Sunday 19 April @midnight </span></u></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-4787648403680326662015-04-09T10:10:00.000-07:002015-04-09T10:10:02.407-07:00Why I've left teaching by fellow blogger : my life my love <div class="entry-content" style="border: 0px; margin: 1.615em 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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I could not have said it better ...... Partly why I left teaching too and why it's not soooo easy to return.</div>
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Follow the link <a href="http://mylifemylove.com/2015/04/02/why-ive-left-teaching/">Here</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; color: black; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://mylifemylovedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/photo-19-e1427980351984.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="photo (19)" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2628" height="189" originalh="189" originalw="300" scale="2" src-orig="https://mylifemylovedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/photo-19-e1427980351984.jpg?w=300&h=189" src="https://mylifemylovedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/photo-19-e1427980351984.jpg?w=604&h=382" style="border: 1px solid rgb(187, 187, 187); clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0.8075em auto; max-width: 99.25%; padding: 1px;" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’ll be totally honest and say that I never thought this day would come.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have been in a job that I have loved for 15 years.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Teaching is all I ever thought I would do. All I have ever done. All I have ever wanted to do.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am sat here, surrounded by the 4 brightly coloured walls, full of colourful displays that I hope I’m remembered for, saddened by the deafening silence of the classroom now that all of my class have disappeared off on their Easter Holidays.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This very room has been my second home for so long.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For the hour when I am in the classroom, with the class, teaching, I love it. It’s still the most rewarding feeling to know that you have taught, supported, encouraged and guided a child throughout their learning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But sadly, that’s not the job any more.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The powers that be, the political masterminds who believe they know how children should be taught, have changed the job, beyond measure. They have changed the dynamic in the classroom and the pedagogy behind modern day learning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Government’s frequent, rapid changes to both the curriculum and expectations are too dramatic to not warrant consultation.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The latest trend in teaching styles, seem to put the teacher in the background; giving pupils ownership of their learning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gone are the days of teacher led lessons, where the teacher utilises their expert knowledge to progress learning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Has the pendulum swung too much towards pupil based learning therefore under utilising the teacher’s knowledge and skillset? Is this the deliberate intention of the DfE?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The latest Government figures suggest that the number of teachers quitting the profession have hit a record high, of 4000 a month.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And that saddens me. So much.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Government often quotes how the greatest minds and intelligent people with skillsets should be utilised in education. Why do the Government think that these people would want to put themselves into the current teaching environment, probably on far less money than they are currently earning?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">BBC news have been covering this very story. The demand for teachers is growing because of the baby boom. But it’s getting harder to recruit the target number of teachers with an apparent 7% shortfall in the required number of trainee teachers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">However, surely the BBC have missed the point with regard to teaching numbers? I believe that the focus should ultimately be on retaining existing teachers and re-recruiting those with experience, that have left the profession.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This should surely be the top priority for the next Education Secretary: to ensure that teachers remain in the profession.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With the current funding issues encapsulating all schools, experienced teachers high up the pay scale are almost automatically knocked out of the running for jobs because schools can’t afford to pay them – it’s surely the only industry where experience is NOT an advantage?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In a results driven environment, full of tick boxes and paperwork, I started to wonder and question where the actual ‘teaching’ that I had trained so hard for, had sadly disappeared to.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The current expectation put on teachers is without a doubt, unrealistic and dangerously unmanageable.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pupils have become instruments for teachers to achieve their performance management targets rather than individuals. I am still bemused by the expectation that all pupils are expected to make the same amount of progress within an academic year. This is ridiculous. If we were all the same, we would all be the same as adults. All children learn and progress at different rates and it is completely wrong for a teacher to be held accountable for that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> This is a job and a profession that I never thought I would ever leave.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> But right now, my own children and my family need to come first.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There’s a common phrase that is branded around within schools,<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> ‘Every Child Matters’</strong>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And yes, that’s true. However teaching, be it full time or part time is growing increasingly impossible for teachers with their own children. The sheer demand of the job that impacts so heavily on a teacher’s own time, made me grow increasingly resentful for the time I was spending on the children in my class, as opposed to my own children. My own 2 beautiful children who needed their Mummy.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sadly, it’s more a case of <strong style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">‘Every Child Matters, apart from your own.’</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And I wasn’t prepared for that to be the case, anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No more using my days off to write lesson plans for the following week.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No more spending weekends alone, making resources while the rest of the family head off to the park.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No more rushing or skipping a bedtime story so that I can get on with the stacks of marking, every night.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No more hours analysing computer screens of tracking sheets and data spreadsheets.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No more proving progress in order to justify and maintain my salary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Very sadly, teaching is not a job any more; it’s a lifestyle choice. I wanted to make the choice to change my lifestyle. I was missing out on my children.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Regretfully, the number of qualified teachers leaving the profession is only going to rise, if nothing is done to change the unrealistic conditions of service.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Eventually there are not going to be enough teachers for the number of children in Britain and therefore, is the focus on pupil led learning and the under utilisation of a teacher’s skillset, a way of opening the door for unqualified staff?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am genuinely concerned about who will be teaching my own children, when they get to school age. It’s not acceptable to simply just have a body at the front of the classroom.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For our education system to rival the best in the world, we need to retain experienced staff who are experts in their field, who have trained and dedicate their careers to helping our children grow.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18120090761868835698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423347781321035309.post-16819029284101655732015-04-08T23:13:00.001-07:002015-04-08T23:13:18.812-07:00Caffeineandfairydust <br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Joining the blogger world has been super amazing. Especially when we meet a new bunch of people who care, love , support and give great tips & advice.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">This month my featured blogger is a beautiful mommy of two named Maz from </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/">CaffeineandFairydust</a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0nQCmcahqm7XmiTpUgkOjZc0f__hYgdRVOQc2RMVp2BTRU0aftJCYv1pEiwcWnZ_BZ5Rg67zvTDTlceETvs7X7zsi0vq88F2Ynd-NeWBmgyf-31B21MHuN0Ub81OI_C63Y1fMwW73BI0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0nQCmcahqm7XmiTpUgkOjZc0f__hYgdRVOQc2RMVp2BTRU0aftJCYv1pEiwcWnZ_BZ5Rg67zvTDTlceETvs7X7zsi0vq88F2Ynd-NeWBmgyf-31B21MHuN0Ub81OI_C63Y1fMwW73BI0/s1600/image.jpg" height="200" width="193" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;"> I love following her Parenting and Lifestyle Blog .</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WNriIoX8jo/VSYWpHMGrPI/AAAAAAAAEOs/HGFrUfvTxdc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WNriIoX8jo/VSYWpHMGrPI/AAAAAAAAEOs/HGFrUfvTxdc/s1600/image.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Besides offering some fabulous </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/competitions/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">competitions </a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and writing honest product reviews – I also write about</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/tattoos/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Tattoos</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/parenting/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Parenting</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">,</span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/beauty-tips-2/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"> Beauty</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">, </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/pregnancy-2/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Pregnancy</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/food-and-recipies/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Recipes & Food</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">, My Family,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/health-2/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Health</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">, Fashion,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/controversial-topics/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Controversial Topics</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and every now and then Cole writes something</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/category/for-the-dads/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">for the dads</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">. Please take some time to read</span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/2015/03/01/why-i-do-not-give-parenting-advice/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Why I Do Not Give Parenting Advice"> why I do not give parenting advice</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">, as well as</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/2015/03/02/how-product-reviews-work-on-caffeine-and-fairydust/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="How Product Reviews Work On Caffeine And Fairydust">how product reviews work on the blog</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red;"></span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFCsqb3gwks/VSYWrEV8YPI/AAAAAAAAEPA/_DeGnFNh-A0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFCsqb3gwks/VSYWrEV8YPI/AAAAAAAAEPA/_DeGnFNh-A0/s1600/image.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: red;">I hope that when you are done reading my blog you walk away feeling<em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">inspired</em>, feeling that you are <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">not alone</em> and knowing that <em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">you are doing the best you can</em>. "</span></span></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Maz writes about her time she experienced PND with her first born , </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: magenta;">Read it <a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/bonding-and-not-bonding-with-your-newborn-why-it-will-be-okay/">Here</a></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoeaP3eSkrY/VSYWpcFvBVI/AAAAAAAAEOw/y5L8o2tfH50/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoeaP3eSkrY/VSYWpcFvBVI/AAAAAAAAEOw/y5L8o2tfH50/s1600/image.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Follow here on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/caffeineandfairydust">Facebook</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Follow her on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mazpie/">Pinterest</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Follow her awesome blog <a href="https://caffeineandfairydust.wordpress.com/">Here </a></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Xxx enjoy </span></div>
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