www.themommycity.co.za
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march issue: clothing
PARENTING | TRENDS | REVIEWS
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Hospital bag Checklist
New products hitting the shelves this month, including Le Creuset's adorable baby range.
Save money on kids wear with my tried and tested list of 21 ways to spend less on clothing.
Guide to packing your hospital bag and what you need for baby, mom and your first trip home.
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never miss a giveaway
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Thank you for the wonderful feedback received on the launch issue of my digital newsletter. I look forward to continue creating informative and easy to read newsletters, packed with my latest blog posts. news and reviews. This month the focus is on clothing - how to buy for the family on a budget with my top 21 tips, and what to pack for your hospital bag. Over the years I have featured a number of fantastic local clothing brands. On page 9 you will find links to all my blog reviews under categories, including clothing and accessories. Last month we had a scare when Ethan was rushed to hospital with asthma. He has been diagnosed with severe allergies, and I have been implementing changes to make our home allergen-safe. Read all about allergies, asthma and eczema in next month's issue and follow our story on my blog.
march 2018
CONTACT
in living and loving
sarah huddy blogger
Blogger: Sarah Huddy Email: sarah@themommycity.co.za Website: www.themommycity.co.za Em
DISCLAIMER
The Mommy City cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content of this publication, which is provided for general information purposes only. All rights reserved, No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission by The Mommy City.
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Grab the March issue of the Living and Loving magazine to read by interview on Page 90. Great to be featured as this month's blogger.
LIPIKAR STICK AP+
nirvana natural bliss
Now baby can enjoy Le Creuset especially for them. Feeding time fun with teddy bears, hearts, cars and birds in pastel shades. Designed for heat-and-eat meals to two-handled mugs that are perfect for morning milk and ergonomically designed spoons that are sure to get a gummy smile every time. https://www.lecreuset.co.za/blog/
le creuset baby
NEWS | TRENDS
Combining the power of science with the best in botanical actives, this skin-friendly natural and organic skincare range is luxurious and safe for the entire family. Free from harsh chemicals, paraben-free, cruelty-free and no animal fats are used. Manufactured in Cape Town. https://nirvananaturalbliss.com
First stick that instantly relieves the urge to scratch and soothes dry skin flare-ups. Safe on any part of the body (including eyelids) thanks to the high-tolerance formula A handy pocket-size stick is easy to use, even by children. Can be taken to school to treat itching as soon as it occurs, enabling children to manage their eczema-prone skin. Gentle enough to use on babies from 3 months +. Available at select Dis-Chem stores. http://www.laroche-posay.co.za
HOSPITAL BAG WHAT TO PACK CHECKLIST
WHAT I PACKED IN MY HOSPITAL BAG THE SECOND TIME ROUND AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY FIRST BIRTH. When pregnant with Ethan, I left packing my hospital bag a little late - at 37 weeks. I had been collecting bits and bobs for a few weeks and had them in a pile for just in case. Once my bags were finally packed, I was confident that it would see me through my 4 day hospital stay. It really isn’t the end of the world if you haven’t packed everything you need – the hospital will have a pharmacy and a family member or friend can bring you things as and when you need them – but being somewhat prepared does help with the stress levels at this late stage. Packing your hospital bag There are a number of good hospital bag checklists out there. My checklist is very much like any other except it’s my second time round so these are my preferences for a planned caesarian. A few points are worth discussing which you don’t often read about: Ask your hospital for a list of what they need you to bring. Each hospital will have different requirements. For example my hospital will provide newborn clothing during the hospital stay so I only need to bring an outfit for the day of discharge, whilst other hospitals may require you to provide clothing for the 3/4 days. Recently my hospital have introduced complimentary baby bags with all the essential items, but since they are subject to availability, I’m still packing my own just in case. Hubby can take whatever I don’t need home with him. Discuss your contraceptive needs with your doctor for after the pregnancy. A Home Affairs representative will visit you in hospital to register your baby so have original and copies of ID documents at the ready and agree on the spelling of your baby’s name beforehand. Leave valuables at home or insure them, especially jewellery, as the hospital won’t take responsibility for any loss or damage.
| GUIDE
For Mom • 2 pkt maternity sanitary towels • 3 nighties (button-up or easy access to breast for feeding) • dressing gown • slippers/non-slip socks • feeding bras, breast pads and nipple cream • 2 x disposable stretch panties (Carriwell) • toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, face cream …) • face cloths • plastic bag for dirty clothes • phone charger and adapter (put your name on it) • ID document and copies • black pen and notebook • camera/phone/iPad • jujuice powder (instant jungle juice) • hospital socks (from my first delivery) • Cherished Belly (belly belt) • mints • sleep eye mask • lip balm • hospital and medical aid documents
hospital bag checklist mom & baby
For Baby • 50 mg tub non-perfumed vaseline • 50 ml surgical spirits • cotton balls • 1 pkt newborn nappies • 1 pkt wet wipes • newborn hat Leaving hospital • baby blanket • outfit for baby • outfit for mom • car seat What did you pack in your hospital bag?
Clothing your family can be expensive, but there are 21 ways you can save!
cut clothing costs
Babies grow out of their clothing in a matter of months, and crawling can tear holes in pants. Toddlers love messy play and their outfits can end up stained and well worn quickly. Then school children require expensive uniforms, sports equipment, as well as casual clothes. Once your child is a teenager, then they want the latest fashions and designer wear, all at a cost. So how can we try save money on children’s clothing, whilst still providing our children with the outfits they need and want? Here are my top 21 tips on how to save money buying kids wear. You can adapt the same tips for girls and boys clothes, for buying clothing for yourself.
click to read blog post
21 Tips To save money on kids clothes
FULL POST
BUYING CHILDREN'S CLOTHES
21 ways to save
1. Organise your child’s closet If a clothes cupboard is not organised, it’s amazing how many items go unseen and unworn. 2. Make a shopping list Now that you know what you need, write it down on a shopping list and try not deviate from these items. 3. Stick to a budget Beware buying on credit and only spend what you can afford. Create a budget for each family member. BUDGETING TIP: Involve older children in budgeting their clothing spend. Let them earn their clothing money by doing chores around the house or by achieving good school grades. 4. Shop sales Shop the sales in-store or online for bargains which are on your shopping list and follow these 21 rules. 5. Quality before designer Don’t be lured by designer labels. Look for quality items which will last longer and worn longer. 6. Ignore sizes Clothes sizes can differ between stores. Sizes should be used as an approximate and not the rule. 7. Stick to the basics Purchase clothing that won’t go out of style.Use accessoriesto brighten up outfits and provide new looks on a budget. 8. Hunt the factory shops Visit factory stores regularly, as new stock comes in all the time. Sign up for store notifications by SMS/email. CLICK HERE TO READ MY BEST CAPE TOWN FACTORY SHOPS LIST 9. Return if unwanted Return for a credit if items are the wrong size, the quality is poor, or you changed your mind.
This is a summary of 21 Tips to save money on children's clothes. Read the full post on my blog for more detailed advice and tips to save!
10. Buy gender neutral With a boy and girl, I look for gender neutral basics which both can wear. 11. Size up Allow room to grow by buying bigger sizes on more costly items. Excludes shoes which are worn daily. 12. Limit cute clothing It’s harder to mix and match cute items, or accessorise them, for multiple outfit looks. 13. Rent or borrow special outfits Have a special occasion to attend like a wedding? Rent or borrow that special dress/suit. 14. Clothes as gifts Save money by buying clothes as part of birthday, celebrations and Christmas gifts. Caring for children’s clothes 15. Check tags for care instructions Avoid dry clean only items, which will cost to be cleaned by professionals. 16. Take care of your clothes Wash according to care instructions. Clean cupboards regularly to avoid moisture and mould. 17. Repair or repurpose clothes Replacing lost buttons, close up small holes or let down a hem on a skirt. Repurpose to make new items. 18. Bling it Get creative by giving basic items a personal touch. Make embellishments interchangeable for multiple looks. MY TIGHTS TO LEGGINGS TUTORIAL Gently used clothes 19. Shop charity or thrift stores Search your local charity shops regularly to find clothing bargains and other household items. 20. Organise a clothing swap Get together with friends and family and have a clothing swap. 21. Sell gently used clothes Make money from your gently used second hand clothes by selling on Gumtree, community forums or on consignment.
| reviews
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