This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own
I know what you must be thinking. It’s not as if I have all the answers, believe me. My almost three year old has such an independent personality, sometimes I struggle to get it all done every day. It’s been a tough 6 months for everyone, and we have had a lot to deal with in 2020 from moving house to imminently expecting the arrival of our new baby boy. I can imagine for a toddler all this change is hard to take on board.
We are trying our best as parents to raise our children the best way we can, and that way differs from family to family. You have to take into account so many aspects, and whenever anyone makes a comment about your child or their behaviour it can strike a nerve when you feel like you cannot do anymore than you currently are for them. People are too quick to judge and share what works for them, assuming it’s as easy as that. So this post on teaching my toddler a daily routine is in no way meant to impose into your parenting style/ solve your problems. It’s really important we share our victories and wins, however, and I’d love to let you in on what we are doing with Alice at the moment…
Dental care
The hardest 4 minutes in a day sometimes! Getting your kids to brush their teeth properly is an issue that I have discussed with many parents, and most of us do have a battle at some point. When they are gaining their independence little by little, it can be a mission to persuade them to do what you want them to do, especially if you are trying to get out the house. Alice had been brushing her teeth well until she hit 31 months (2 years 7 months). I have come up with a new technique that helps me out- pretending to be a dentist! ‘Dentist Mummy’ wants to inspect her teeth, make sure they aren’t dirty, and if they are, we need to brush them and make as many bubbles as we can! She really likes this imaginary play and it seems to be working really well for us.
Hair care
Another pain in the bum can be brushing your child’s hair. If they have hair prone to tangles and knots, it’s no wonder they run away from you when they see that brush! I’ve got a daughter with very fine hair, and this needs brushing through regularly to stop her wispy hair getting all tangled. I usually try and distract her with a tablet or a snack and sit her on my knee so she can’t escape. Sometimes she will like to take my brush and do it herself, but it doesn’t really get a proper brush this way. I’ve not found a hack to get her to keep a band or clip in so far, she just pulls it out. If anyone has any tips for me, leave a comment down below please!
Skincare
As you may know, I am seriously into skincare as a blogger. I am constantly trying new brands and testing out top class products from all over the world. Baby skincare is no different. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know my child’s skin type, what works and doesn’t work for her. Right now we are loving Sanex Kids head to toe wash. It’s incredibly mild but with a gorgeous scent that helps restore a natural pH to the skin. It makes lots of bubbles in the bath, and Alice loves using it as a hand wash too.
Hygiene
A subject on everyone’s minds for the foreseeable future no doubt is hygiene. Now more than ever, we have a duty to teach our children the importance of washing our hands and staying clean. Making sure you have hand wash near every sink and bathroom is a must. Our children copy what they see and take it all in so you are doing your kids a service just by letting them watch you keep clean. I always bring Alice along with me if I need to wash my hands before cooking or using the bathroom, and she definitely is picking up the habit all by herself. I have found myself becoming too complacent to reach for a pack of baby wipes rather than just using plain soap and water after snack time, and I’m glad that’s now changing.
This is probably going to be one of my last blog posts before giving birth, so I hope you’ve enjoyed it; I’ll see you when our family becomes a little bigger, and my tummy is a little smaller!
*Post contains gifted items, all thoughts and views my own
At 34 weeks pregnant now, keeping on top of everything has become that much harder. From housework to looking after my two year old, self-care has taken a quick back seat as you can imagine. However, when I do have the time to look at myself in the mirror and have twenty minutes to myself, it’s got to be worth every damn second. Sharing my Summer routine goes a little something like this…
Daytime makeup
The one good thing about my second pregnancy is that I’ve been blessed yet again with good skin and non-greasy hair. This makes my daytime makeup routine super fast and always looks great. I’ve just made a foundation switch to Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Foundation and it is my new obsession. I apply Laura Mercier pure canvas primer first before the foundation, along with a simple eye stick (LM Caviar Eye Stick in shade amethyst) Then to finish my look a really minimal contour, a trusty MAC extreme dimension 3D mascara and lipstick in shade Velvet Teddy.
What I wear around the house
If I’m not going out, I don’t usually do my hair or makeup unless I’m feeling exceptionally great, but I do still like to plan my outfits. A casual loungewear set is ideal, as comfort is key right now! By tea time I probably have taken the top half off and just rock around in a crop or bralette as I get too hot.
It gets to about 10pm before I realise I have to take my makeup off and get ready for bed. Alice is going to bed much later during these long summer days and so after she’s down and we have eaten food, it’s about time to head upstairs. My evening skin routine currently consists of a few minimal yet brilliant products. I set myself up in the bathroom mirror to get started:
I’m using Nivea MicellAIR makeup remover to tackle the makeup around my eyes. I then don’t use anything but my reusable wipe and water to take my foundation and lipstick off. Then comes a gentle exfoliating scrub paired with a Magnitone sonic facial brush. This vibrating tool helps dislodge any makeup and impurities left on the skin, it works so well! I finish off with Nivea’s Hyaluron anti-age night cream and this goes onto my face and decolletage.
Just look at all that still on my face!
So there you have it, sharing my Summer routine has been quick, easy and really fun to write up. Have you got a new summer routine at the moment? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below.
This post contains gifted products, all thoughts and views my own
I’m not sure if it’s the fact that my 30s are a mere matter of months away, or simply my current mum lifestyle, but I am now definitely classed as a lover of all things to do with cleaning and organisation. Maybe you just wake up one day and your attitude towards ‘house pride’ shifts, or you just slowly get better at how to adult after trying for a decade or so. Either way, the move to a brand new home has spurred me on to achieve great things inside the place I call my home. I’ve put together some top tips for cleaning and organisation in the home, so if you are feeling a similar way to me, then you’re definitely going to want to take a three minute read…
Find one cleaning brand to suit multiple purposes
Finding one cleaning brand you can rely on for just about everything may seem like an impossible task at first, but here’s where I introduce you to Delphis. Delphis are an eco friendly, plant-based brand that really produce the best of products from bathroom to kitchen. These products are perfect for a daily spruce or a real deep clean when the oven needs tackling, plus I’ve discovered some handy hacks in the short space of time I’ve used them for.
Speed up cleaning toilets with a tablet
This is where Delphis have really helped me out in a time of need. Being in my last trimester of pregnancy has slowed me down quite a bit, so just popping a tablet down the loo without having to lift lids, squeeze bleach etc is my kind of awesome.
Tea variety packs save space in your cupboard
Getting your hands on a box of variety teas like this one will really help save space in your cupboard. It’s the perfect size to store upright or flat, and you don’t need to have ten types of boxes cluttering up your space. You can whip it out and take your pick. This reminds me of hotel breakfasts and puts a smile on my face in the mornings.
Little trays can go anywhere
Much to my husband’s disdain, I have become quite obsessed with basket and tray storage for just about anything. From my knicker drawer to the cupboard under the sink, I have things stored vertically in all types of boxes and trays. These are super easy to find online or in store, just make sure you have some time to think about how you store your things as it will change your life.
Make sure you’re always prepared for guests
I know that in the current covid climate, entertaining guests may not be something that’s on your mind, but we are lucky to have a side gate to our back garden so we can have a few family members round for a bit. Allocate a place in your fridge for those special visits and fill it with drinks for your guests.
Keep your hands well looked after once cleaning is done
I think you’re either a cleaner who wears gloves or you’re not. I’m definitely not a fan of them when washing up or cleaning, though this can take a toll on your skin. Make sure you look after your hands once cleaning is done. Choosing a nourishing hand wash will give you the extra helping hand and self care you need after a cleaning blitz.
To make things even simpler for you, I’ve found a website where you can order all the products straight to your door! Check out Viking Direct for your cleaning supply needs as well as ordering drinks and products mentioned above to keep your cupboards neatly stocked up.
Thanks for reading top tips for cleaning and organisation in the home, let me know if this inspires you to make a difference in your home in the comments below.
This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and views my own
We’ve now been residing in our new Suffolk home for a week, though it sort of feels very strange to be saying that. It seems like we have been here a lot longer as travels between homes have been often over the past few months. We had to move everything ourselves in the current climate, luckily we had a trailer to carry the bigger items like washing machines and fridges! I thought I’d write up a little post about how we are getting on in our first family home as well as share some insight into our visions for the property over the coming months and years. (It won’t all be done at once with a baby arriving this August!)
So things we have already ticked off our list are a new range cooker and dishwasher for the kitchen. They look so great, and considering it took us about two weeks to come to a decision on the cooker, we are very happy with the result. I’ve spent this entire week cleaning the cupboards from top to bottom and have almost finished with the utility.
The garden outside has had a good lawn trim, and we’ve got a beautiful playhouse on the way for Alice soon. Our swing still remains at the old house, which we will pick up at some point over the next few weeks.
Upstairs is pretty bare really, we’ve converted one of the guest rooms into my husband’s work from home office for the time being and guest room two is where we are sleeping. Our master bedroom currently has no flooring down, this is one exciting renovation project we are taking on ourselves. We plan to lay down a laminate flooring before we order a new bed and accessories, so make sure you are following my home Instagram page @Suffolkfamilyhome for all the latest updates.
One massive job that was completed before our move was the paintwork. We had the entire house painted from top to bottom in a Dulux Pure Brilliant White so it was like brand new (highly recommended if moving into an older style home). One project we are looking to start fairly shortly is the entrance hallway and bannisters. We plan to paint the top rail a dark grey or black, leaving the spindles white and put in a stair runner with black edging. I cannot wait to start this one!
If you are looking for a new feel to your home, why not take a look at what TuffX Glass manufacturers can do. I am loving these glass balustrades from TuffX Glass, so maybe a few years down the line we will choose to go with a toughened glass effect for our inside entrance hallway! They handle bespoke work for conservatory glass and roof lights too, perfect for letting as much natural light in as possible.
For the living room, we decided to split our L-shaped sofa into two parts, as this style only works in a certain shape or sized room. Our living space is quite square, and has a fireplace that sticks out (soon to be gone!) so breaking apart the sofa was the only real option. This room is the only room that’s left with original wallpaper and chair rail as we are yet to decide what to do in here. I was hoping to get hard floors to match the rest of the downstairs and keep the chair rail for a half and half effect around the room. But do we paint over the wallpaper or tackle the messy job of removing it all? Let me know what you’d do/have done in the comments below!
I’d like to thank everyone for all their well wishes so far, and expect more home, style and organisation blog posts to come this year.
Saharasplash x
You’ve been reading “renovation ideas and updates on our new family home”, check out my previous blog post here
This post contains gifted items, all thoughts and views my own
Happy 2020! I’ve been away for what feels like my longest break in blogging. Sometimes we all just need to take some time out and chill, especially during the festive/NY period. Though I can assure you it was more non-stop than relaxing, I am starting this new year with nothing but positivity. There are lots of changes coming in 2020 for the Schaefer family, and I cannot wait to share all the details. It’s going to be an interesting beginning to the decade to say the least so I need to get myself organised. Starting the new decade right with Boxclever has got me motivated and going in the right direction for 2020…
Boxclever are a brilliantly British stationery company who specialise in designing the most beautiful calendars, diaries and wall planners. I was thrilled to be gifted the 2020 weekly family planner calendar (£11.99) to show you. It has a handy 16 months so you can start using before the new year begins, six columns for all the family members and is designed in a week-to-view style.
This family planner calendar is just so easy to use, they really have thought of everything. You can add recurring activities on the plastic overlay and it comes with a host of stickers – from doctor and dentist to birthday and exclamation marks – for those things you just cannot forget! Alice was so eager to help me put the stickers onto the right days, so it’s something you can get your kids involved in to help them learn the fun of planning.
It’s so simple to follow as the planner is nice and strategic, yet it has a graceful charm that you will want to hang on your kitchen wall for everyone to see. I know exactly where mine is going to go. This is a no-fuss, super organised calendar that just fits within my family life. Where has this been in years gone past? Guaranteed I would have forgotten a few less things!
Boxclever have a design perfect for any household and decor so why not take a look on the website and find your 2020 match, there’s no excuse to not get organised!
Be back soon with a few more life updates, Saharasplash x
This is a gifted/sponsored post in collaboration with the brands below. All thoughts and views my own.
This year I am doing things slightly differently. In the past, I have separated out men’s and women’s things, but for some reason I just can’t do it this year. Labels, sections and lines are being removed from our society day by day, especially in the beauty industry, so why should I have to put certain things under a certain label? Short answer is, I don’t, so I won’t. I have three amazing sections this year…Category is… ok I’m laughing at that one a little too much, if you’re a RuPaul fan then you’ll get why. If not, let’s just move on swiftly to my big fat Christmas gift guide 2019.
Cienna Rose are a vegan and non-toxic brand that create the most beautiful shades, especially this time of year. Below are shades “Let it Snow” (clear with holographic glitter flakes) and “Ice Cream Sundae” (pink, orange, blue and white micro glitter) along with “Plump it up High Shine Gel Effect Top Coat”.
Mavala are a Swiss-based brand that I cannot get enough of. They have a stunning range of makeup and skincare, but I particularly wanted to showcase their “Cyber Chic Collection” in the form of this festive, mini trio set. I highly recommend their waterproof mascara too for a great stocking filler.
In aid of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Spacemasks have designed a beautifully packaged pack of five masks. The amazing thing about these masks (with ingredients of essence of rose and iron) is that they react with oxygen once applied and gently heat up for 15 minutes of bliss.
A company very close to home are Suffolk-based skincare experts Pevonia. With a very enticing Christmas gift section, you’ll have no trouble finding a perfect preside. Below are some favourites from the “Spa at Home” collection, including body moisturiser and shower gel.
Spa at Home Moisturiser: £6 Spa at Home Shower Gel: £6
I have been a REN Skincare enthusiast ever since I discovered their miracle allergy spray. They have their ultimate season staples all wrapped up in one complete package here in the “Face Favourites” skincare gift set. Containing three bestselling facial products for glowing, hydrated and youthful looking skin.
Est. 1994, American Crew is distributed in more than 30,000 salons across over 40 countries. This “Essential Grooming Gift” can go anywhere with you, and nothing from this selection will go to waste. I just love a gift that’s thought of it all, and American Crew definitely has! Contains shaving gel, lotion, 3-in-1, cream pomade in this stylish bag.
Taking its name from the Latin “oleum verum” (meaning ‘true oil’) Olverum will prove to be the hit of the household. Only half a capful needed per bath, a little will go a very long way. A sublime gift for anyone needing a bit of R&R this Christmas- can you smell the lavender already?
Such a beautiful name for a brand, don’t you agree? It’s named after the Sweet Iris of Dalmatia and uses sustainable ingredients such as wild plant oils, healing honey and pomegranate. This “Everybody Energy Cleanse” will invigorate the sleepy soul and awaken a newfound sense of self. Trust me, I’ve tried and tested it.
Every Body Energy Cleanse: £29
Quirky things, bubbles and gold
Moving onto section two of my Christmas Gift Guide 2019. I think you’ll find a few things in here to rival anyone’s standard Christmas list…
If you have a friend or family member that tends to shy away from getting into the festive spirit, or maybe you know someone who is choosing to go it abroad this year, then hear more about Zap-It! Perfect for winter sun, beaches and picnics, this device generates a harmless, low electrical impulse that stops the itching of an insect bite within minutes. Bet you’ve never heard of a gift quite like this before?! Available via Asda, Superdrug and Amazon.
If you are looking for an ultimate gift to spruce up your favourite couple’s home, then how about a beautiful piece of furniture? Grey Chenille Bedroom Accessories like this one can become a nursery toy box, or a blanket storage system/seat to sit at the end of a bed. I love its versatility and thanks to IG’s newfound home interior craze, you’d be number one on anyone’s list well into 2020 with this gift-giving expertise.
Be prepared for another mind-blowing stocking filler. This gift comes with the notion of forward-planning for those times where festivities+alcohol=bad next day. With the gift of Yeti & The Fox capsules, your recipient will receive a present that will help promote optimum health when they most need it. These capsules aid in replenishing the body with much needed glutathione, which plays a significant role in energy metabolism. For a better description, no more feeling dodgy after you’ve gone too hard.
Prices vary from £6 to £50 depending on quantity of sachets
Hashtag trending, if you didn’t know, is all things CBD this year. Completely legal might I add, with a variety of benefits, I bring you the “Hugg CBD Gift Kit”. Containing CBD Oil (to be used sublingually) as well as CBD bath salts, this gift kit will be perfect for someone who deserves a long bath and some royal treatment. FYI the bath salts contain coconut oil, orange and ginger root essential oils that will remain fragrant on your skin long after the bath is over.
Eco-friendly and sustainable are words on everyone’s lips right now. The Natural Deodorant Co. is the ultimate go-to choice for many a celeb with all products free from palm oil, synthetics and pore-blocking preservatives. These velvety balms melt into the skin helping nourish, banish odours and provide all-day protection. The Natural Deodorant Co. are the only deodorants to have been selected by Selfridges to be part of their Project Ocean campaign. Current best sellers are Fearne Cotton’s favourite, “Clean Orange + Bergamot” and refreshing “Active Coriander + Lime”.
Prices vary from £2.50 to £11 and come in 3 different sizes
Now it wouldn’t be a proper Christmas Gift Guide without a little tipple would it? I have never really been hugely interested in alcohol, especially wines. That was until I tried Barefoot. These guys adorned the tables at my wedding and they are always on my Christmas list each year. Introduced into the UK market in 2007, the brand now boasts an extensive collection of still and sparkling wines. My favourite has to be the Pink Pino Grigio.
Seol originates from the Anglo-Saxon word for silver “Seolfor”, originally used for sterling coins. Seol + Gold caters for all vibes, from delicate 9ct gold flourishes to richly plated statement jewellery for layering. I have on show below the beautiful “North Star Studs”, totally worth a double-tap am I right?!
North Star Studs: £14.95
One for the Kids
Now onto my final section, for the kiddos in your lives that you generally have no clue what to get for them because they already own everything.
Peppa Pig, an icon of this day and age. Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit that this character has stolen the hearts of our mini nation. We love Peppa in our household and so here are a few lovely ideas from Gift Giving All Wrapped up to score some major points from those little angels this season.
Peppa Pig Christmas Bauble £9.95 Bamboo mug £4.95 Bamboo Christmas Eve Set £12
For the kids who really have got the lot, or maybe the parents have asked you not to splurge out on toys and chocolate, Little Siberica is a great option. Organic birch extract in the baby soap softens the skin and relieves irritation, while organic extracts of chamomile heals and relieves in the baby daily care cream. Both these wondrous gifts provide gentle care of baby and child’s delicate skin for 24 hours.
If you are considering spoiling your niece or nephew rotten this year, then I would love to introduce you to Babyblooms. Equipped with personalisation services and a gift-wrapped box next to none, just take a look at these gorgeous and thoughtful gift ideas below. I just cannot get over the personalised toy makeup set with palette, lipstick, compact mirror and brush. Not a piece of plastic in sight, and utterly stunning. Also featured below is the “Personalised Little Bunny Christmas Breakfast Set and Christmas Eve Box”- you just can’t go wrong.
Personalised Little Bunny Christmas Breakfast Set and Christmas Eve Box £65 Personalised Toy Makeup Set – £38
A second Swiss-made company on my list, and this time it’s for the art lovers out there. A present like these beautiful neocolor pastels will receive enjoyment from all ages, and they are perfect for many surfaces from paper, cardboard, glass, to wood, leather, fabric and even stone! Alice loves drawing and painting, so a gift like this is perfect for my budding little artiste.
Last, but certainly no means least on my Christmas Gift Guide extravaganza list is a beautiful set of pjamas from Chelsea Peers NYC. I can honestly say I’ve never felt pyjamas so soft before. Both Alice and I had such fun taking these shots while having a snowball fight with daddy! You can see more matching sets on the website, below we are wearing “Bearly Awake Long PJ Sets” in adult and mini size.
Bearly Awake Mini Me Long PJ Set: £25 Bearly Awake Adult Size: £32
Et voila, fin, ende, final and any other language you can add in here. I hope you loved reading through the plethora of amazing suggestions as much as I did compiling it. Of course, my gift guide would not be half as possible or fun without the support of the brands involved, so my final thanks extends to you all,
