Survival Guide To Traveling With Kids

It's the most wonderful time of the year - everyone is looking forward to the holidays, but if you're going away with little kids, the very idea of the traveling could be daunting! In my experience, the most difficult part of traveling with kids is the journey itself - once you arrive at your destination, kids seem to adjust quickly to a new environment. Find below some tips on surviving a plane trip and airports with kids.

Traveling with Toddlers ~

 

1. Communication - toddlers are fully able to understand everything that we say to them and act accordingly. For weeks before the flight, prepare your toddler, explaining to them that they are going on an aeroplane and how much of "fun" its going to be with all their favourite games and movies available to watch. Make it appealing to them and they will be excited and (hopefully) prevent them from acting out too much. Whilst on the plane, keep reiterating what a treat it is with reinforcers such as "Remember mommy told you how much of fun this was going to be - aren't you having an amazing time?" It provides a great distraction. It is an innate quality of human beings to want to please - especially a child to  his/her parent. Positive reinforces are wonderful and urge the child to behave in a positive way  ~ and a little reverse psychology goes a long way.

2. Sleep - If you choose to give your toddler a little something on the flight to make them sleep, please do so on permission of your pediatrician and make SURE you have tried it out at home prior to the flight (some medicines take an adverse effect on children and make them hyper-alert - toddlers are active enough, they do not need anything to intensify this!)

3. iPad (or any other technological device that your kid loves) - Some moms are anti-technology for their kids at a young age - I am not one of those moms. At home, I believe in limiting the use of technology as they need outdoor stimulation in addition to this. However, on a long-haul flight, do whatever works! Take along a fully-charged iPad or any other device that is airplane-friendly and will keep your child happy.

4. Snacks - Take along some snacks - airlines are very accommodating with regards to child meals, but sometimes kids can be picky (and they do choose the worst times) so having their favorite snacks can help and even serve as a great distraction from a tantrum. Carry along little packets of nuts, dried fruit and maybe a packet of chips or two- No sweets please!

5. The airline kit for kids - most airlines provide a little bag filled with activites for kids. Make use of this - the kids will be occupied with the colouring book and snacks for ATLEAST half an hour.You can also take along a colouring book, writing pad and even play dough (I will be taking this along, my little girl will be occupied for hours on the eating table provided - nothing a little wet wipes can't clean up!)

6. Do not pull out everything in the first hour - Brace yourself - pull out your bag of tricks one at a time - for the first hour movies, the second snacks, the third colouring book etc.

Traveling with babies ~

It is a bit more difficult to advise on traveling with babies, as they are not able to communicate and so cry as means of getting anything or when they are uncomfortable or unhappy. Again, if you are going to give your baby a little something to help them sleep, make sure you do so on permission of your pediatrician.

1. Soothing - Make use of a pacifier or bottle or any means of soothing (perhaps a favourite blanket or teddy) that your child prefers.

2. Take along snacks for older babies - hand-held snacks for babies are a great distraction, snacks such as Flings, cheddars, dried fruit flakes are all a great idea.

3. Take along some toys - I came across this little traveling bag for babies and just had to share it with you all! I think it is such an innovative idea and great for taking along toys without the hassle of putting it together your self. This traveling kit contains 10 activites that are age appropriate from 4-18month olds eg. grasping, posting and looking as well as sensory activities. There is also a book, peekaboo cloth amongst other items. I think this kit could keep a baby entertained for hours and will definitely come in handy for both plane trips and airport waits. It comes in a lighweight suitcase with instructions what to do with the items. You can purchase them from Lucy Johnson - they are R120 each. Contact Lucy on 083 413 7724 (DURBAN area)   *I am giving away one of these traveling kits - have a look at my Instagram page for details*



Lastly, the best advise I can give is to stay calm - children can sense anxiety and if you act out, chances are that your child will too. Ignore the stares from other people, chances are you will never see them again! I wrote this article a little for my readers and a little for me too; as I will be flying 16 hours with a 2 and a half year old!

I hope that all your toddlers sleep for most of their flights and for the time they are awake, watch the in-flight entertainment whilst quietly munching on snacks. If not, keep chanting to yourself the mommy mantra "This Too Shall Pass." Happy holidaying & Safe Travels Mommas!

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Destination Review ~ Paris

Twinkling lights over your head, the smell of freshly-made crepes on the streets, Nutella and croissants every where you turn (literally) and the simple eclectic ambiance...it's called the most romantic city in the world and deserves every bit of this title. There's no place quite like Paris!

What you need to know

Paris is located in France and is an approximately 2 hour train ride away from London with the Eurostar train service whilst a flight is around an hour and a half. You can catch flights in and out of other European countries into Paris at reasonable rates through www.ryanair.com or compare prices on airlines through www.skyscanner.net when perusing for flights. 

When my husband and I visited France, we flew from Madrid into Paris and departed using the Eurostar service from Paris to London - I loved the Eurostar and would definitely urge everyone to try it out for the wonderful experience. When using the Eurostar it is important to note that the procedure is exactly as if you are boarding a flight, as you are crossing countries you are required to go through security, passport control, customs and the whole shebang - I cannot stress enough to arrive at the station EARLY as if you are going to the airport to board a flight - we almost missed our train due to a misjudgement of the amount of time it would take to get on board. 

South Africans require a Schengen Visa to enter France. The cost of this visa is R814 ~ we applied for and obtained our visas through VFS Global in Durban, they provided a great service for a small fee and we found the visas to be very easily obtainable.

Transport in Paris is no hassle as there are train stations located almost everywhere and the routes are fairly easy to understand. It is important to take note that all instructions on the trains are in French and some impromptu announcements are not translated into English - if you are uncertain, ask a local. True to the myth, the French are not the friendliest of people; find the most approachable-looking person near you and just ask! I may or may not have ended up on a train that started moving backwards in the complete opposite direction; after being too shy to ask anyone what the announcement that I did not understand a word of meant. 

Attractions and Things To Do

The Eiffel Tower

I had extremely high expectations of the Eiffel Tower, and had set my mind that I was definitely going to be disappointed. I approached the Eiffel Tower for the very first time at night. I walked towards it, and at my first glimpse, I literally gasped. The entire structure was alight and twinkling from top to bottom. No picture could ever do it justice - it is breath-taking and I was most definitely NOT disappointed in any way!!



Disneyland Paris

I am a kid at heart and I am CRAZY about Disneyland. From the shows to the thrilling rides to the magical carnival, Disneyland is an absolute must-see when visiting Paris. Be sure not to miss the parade (there are a number of parades throughout a day) as well as the Action Show! Another must-have is Ben & Jerrys ice-cream sold inside the park. Whether you are a kid at heart or have kids coming along with you - a day at Disney will be a day well spent.

Louvre

The Louvre is a must-see, if not only for the culture-rich and amazing art pieces that lie within it, for the gorgeous outward structure.

Champs Elysees

Perhaps the most glorious street in all of Paris, the Champs Elysees runs for 1.9 km and within it lies the famous Arc de Triomphe, cafes and luxury stores. Visit during the day for your shopping fix and during the night for an amazing atmosphere, late night bites and a romantic stroll.

Where To Stay, What To Eat and Where To Shop

Our first hotel stay in Paris was at the Hilton Paris. The hotel itself was beautiful and the rooms spacious, but the breakfast had a limited range to choose from; although I could not complain too much, seeing as I had all the nutella and croissants I could imagine right in front of me! It is great to stay somewhere near the Champs Elysees as most attractions are within close proximity. I recommend also staying a night or two at the Disneyland resort, or one of the resorts nearby (most provide free shuttles to Disneyland) as the park is a distance away from central Paris, which could prove to be a tiring journey back. 








 Paris has some of the finest patisseries in the world, so it's a great idea to try out their delicacies. From croissants to pastries in high end bakeries to the most amazing crepes you will ever eat - found on roadside carts near the Eiffel Tower, to the amazing (and sometime strangely flavoured) Laduree macarons, the Parisian sweet treats are not to be passed by.

Shopping in Paris is some of the finest in the world, with high end brands at almost every turn. Champs Elysees is the obvious choice for shopping, however, in addition to this, I also loved the stores at Marna-La-Vallee, which is a town located near Disneyland. From high-end stores to mid-range, they have it all and the range is gorgeous!

Visit Paris with your other half ~ it is as magical and romantic as you have heard it to be, maybe even more so!

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Trends that are here to stay ~ And we're not complaining!

From last year through to this year, and even continuing to next year (as per fashion weeks trends forecasts) we can see a pattern of a continuation of trends. I love seeing new twists on the older trends!

1. Skirting Sensation

The skirt trend has been rocking the fashion circuit since 2013 and I have loved it ever since (well, technically; since the 1950's but we can look passed this since it did fade out for a long while!) I was pregnant for most of 2013 and there are some trends that pregnant women should not step near (well, this pregnant woman, atleast!) so my midi-skirts came out to play at the first post-pregnancy opportunity (see post on Fabulous vs Fashion Faux Pax for details on this look) 

A midi skirt is basically a skirt that ranges anywhere from slightly below the knee to slightly above the ankle. The style can range from anything from a pencil skirt to a flare. More recently, we have seen flare skirts on the rise and I am becoming obsessed with the flare as a stark opposition to the pencil skirt. You can add interest to your look by choosing a skirt with a bold fabric, texture or even incorporate tulle or net. Pair it with a loose tucked-in shirt or more fitting top for a looser skirt. Check out my post on my No-Jeans wardrobe challenge on how I styled a black pencil skirt down for a casual Saturday. Pictured below is my look for my cousins engagement last night. I paired a cream midi skirt with a black top and black heels with a pop of colour and added on the 3D flora necklace.

Skirt - Mumbai
Top - Quiz
Shoes - Soviet
Necklace - Ziba Styles

As I was perusing through Instagram, I came across these skirting looks which I love. Pictured in the first frame is Shaheeda Mahomed (Instagram@shaheeda18) - she sent social media into a frenzy with this single look and it's not hard to see why ~ this outfit is the epitome of elegance! 

Pictured below is Zaakira (Instagram - @ladyzaa) in a cute and quirky ensemble - I love this funky take on the long skirt ~ I am drawn to this look because of the edgy style and as always, Zaakira has fun with fashion! www.princessofjozi.com

Lastly, pictured is Carlinn (Instagram - @superficialgirl) in some of my favourite of her skirting looks. She is always on point and I love how she plays with pastels and achieves the perfect balance of colour.

I will be continuing to follow the skirting sensation trend right through to the end of Summer and then some; I'm definitely not complaining on the continuation of this trend!

2. A Pop Of Colour is the New Black

T-Shirt - Zara 

Jeans - MNG

Shoes - Centerpoint

We all are aware of how important a little pop of colour can be to transform an ordinary outfit into extraordinary. Monochrome is here to stay so naturally the pop of colour isn't going anywhere! Add it in on your shoes, your handbag, your lipstick or nails or your accessories and most importantly, have FUN with this trend! 

Pictured below is Blogger Sydne Style's interpretation of the pop of colour,I absolutely LOVE her style, she never get's it wrong (Instagram @sydnesummer)

3. Statement Jewels

As seen on the runways of New York, Milan and Paris; statement necklaces and earrings are here to stay. Choose either a statement necklace or statement earrings to pair together with a simple outfit. If I wear a bold neck piece I keep my earrings simple or skip them altogether to avoid an over-the-top look and vice-versa. I am definitely an accessories girl and have my organiser filled with all my favourite jewels - call me crazy but I love just looking at them every time I pass by my dresser; I purchased my organiser pictured below from Dash and Pancache (Instagram ~ @dashandpanache) Check out my two favourite online jewelry boutiques for the most beautiful statement jewels Ziba Styles ~ Instagram @zibastyles and So You The Boutique ~ Instagram @shopsoyou 

4. Winged Eyeliner

This has been around for a long time and will continue to be around for a VERY long time to come. Refer to my post on Winging It for more details. 

Check back soon for trends that I am NOT so crazy about - Trends that should please go away and stay away ~ Coming Soon.

Positive Vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Coffee & Catch-Ups {with a little something for the kids!}

Are you always eager to go to restaurants but the thought of your kids trying to escape the feeding chairs and running between tables (and sometimes even into the kitchen!) deters you? Have a look below for some child-friendly restaurants and coffee shops - some perfect for play dates and some even perfect for a family meal.

1. Chez Nous

Chez Nous is an upmarket restaurant situated in Westville. When I saw the name and description online, I had to double and triple check whether it really did cater for kids! I was pleased to find out that there was an adjoining kids room and a few tables which could see directly into the room, which made it so convenient for my friends and I, as mums of young kids.

The food -

The restaurant is not Halaal, so we were not spoilt for choice when ordering; but they do have a fair selection of vegetarian dishes, desserts and even a cute cake and sweet station in the front of the restaurant. I was VERY keen to try out Eggs Benedict, and was not disappointed at my first taste of it ~ it was as delicious as it looks and I will be definitely going back for more. We also tried out the mushroom bruschetta, the vegetarian pizza and mushrooms on toast - these were all good. Dessert time arrived and we never skip dessert - we ordered a hot lava walnut crepe (the name is enough to get a person salivating!) and the double fudge cheesecake. The hot lava walnut crepe was a bit of a disappointment - I was not too thrilled with taste or the presentation. The cheesecake, however, was delicious (and I am not even a cheesecake person!)

The play area -

The play area was well equipped for kids of all ages; from the TV playing cartoons to the several PlayStations to the soft toys, your kids will love it! There is a childminder present to watch over the kids, but I chose to take my helper along with me, as my kids are both quite young and do not take well to unfamilar people.

Rating - 9/10

2. Heatherbelles Coffee Shop

My friends and I visited Heatherbelles one late afternoon, just for a little cake and coffee and for the kids to have some fun.

The food -

This was a huge disappointment for us; as they were sold out of everything! We arrived at 3pm and they closed at 4pm which is probably the reason for the lack of treats, but we could not get the full experience of the place just because we had nothing to eat. The drinks were plentiful, from milkshakes to ice teas to soft drinks to hot drinks and even juice for kids in plastic cups. I have heard a lot about their cakes and would like to try it out sometime, perhaps go a bit earlier the next time!

The play area -

The play area was lovely with a jungle gym and trampoline. My (then 6 month old) enjoyed being bounced on the trampoline and the toddlers had loads of fun on the jungle gyms and play houses. The area is a bit worn, but clean and it is a lovely coffee shop for an afternoon with friends.

Rating - 6/10

3. The Coffee Corner

My friend and I stopped at The Coffee Corner for breakfast one morning after moms and tots, with our 2-year old girls.

The food - We tried out the quiche, grilled cheese sandwiches and carrot cake. The food was good, but the portions were smaller than expected. Our kids enjoyed the margarita pizza and the milkshakes were good. The tables are outdoors and slightly rustic.

The play area - The play area is large and entirely outdoors. They have two sets of jungle gyms, plenty of bicycles and scooters and a fantasy play house. Our kids had a blast! This coffee shop is great for a breakfast or coffee date, your kids are sure to have tons of fun.

Rating - 8/10

4. Circus Circus Beach Cafe

A group of friends and I visited Circus Circus on the beach for a lunch and some beach-side chilling. We had heard about the little play area for kiddies and thought to give it a try - we were SO glad that we did as our kids had an amazing afternon!

The food - We ordered an array of meals from cous cous salad (this was a disappointment!) to nachos to a seafood platter and white sauce pasta. The food was good, the star being the seafood platter although I would not order the salad again! The star of the show was the decadent chocolate cake - despite being stuffed we ALWAYS order dessert, and this time we indulged in a rich moist and not to mention decadent chocolate cake as well as a delicious banana cake.

The play area- The play area was lovely with a jungle gym together with a large sand pit with little tables and chairs and buckets and spades. The kids were so happy to be there and we sat at a table directly opposite them so we could observe them easily. The only downside is the lack of shade on the one side of the are (towards the jungle gym) - bring along a sunhat and some sunblock as you would the beach and you're good to go!

Definitely a must-try for a lunch date with friends or even a Sunday breakfast with the hubby and kids.

Rating - 9/10

5. Planet Purple

This play venue is based in Overport and designed specifically for kids under the age of 12 - it reminds me of Jimmy Jungles in Umhlanga.

The food - The play station itself offers a very limited selection of drinks and snacks, however, Caminettos, Purple and Porto Nettos are based just a staircase away so the food options are quite good - only down side is that it is self service (placing your order and bringing it up by yourself.)

The play area - The play area is amazing with large indoor slides as well as obstacle courses. There is also a variety of coin-operated ride ons and a seating area for both adults and kids. The only disadvantage is that adults are not allowed into the play area, except for the childminders present at the venue - this could definitely prove to be a problem especially for younger kids who are not great with unfamiliar people (we managed to plead with them to allow our helpers in atleast, which they finally did agree to though!) This venue is great for a quick lunch with the girls or even as a family.

I have a list of more places I am eager to try out (definitely with a little something to keep my kids busy!) Keep your eye on the blog for more updates and reviews on restaurants to visit with your little ones!

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Winging It

 

This season (and many many seasons before that) is all about winged eyeliner. It is here to stay and has evolved from a simple flick to hundreds of different styles from double flicks to under the eye winged eyeliner ~ your imagination is the limit. 

In this post I look at three different liners, from mid-range to drug store and show you a few of my winged eyeliner looks.

1. MAC Blacktrack Gel Liner

This has got to be my favourite liner. Pair it with a good brush and you can create just about any look ranging from bold to barely-there. The colour is jet black and it stays put all day.
Confession ~ Most of the time I do not use my angled brush to apply winged eyeliner, but rather use my thin lipstick brush to do so! The thin tip of the brush makes for easy buildable application. Pictured below are two looks created using this liner - a simple no fuss wing pictured in the first frame; and in the second frame is a double winged liner.

TIP - if your gel liner has dried up, add 2 drops of oil to it, give it a mix and it will be good as new {tried and tested!}

This picture is the tutorial I used when I was trying to teach myself to apply winged eyeliner ~ I still use this method today and find it most effective.

Pictured below are different types of eyeliner techniques,  I saved a copy and refer back to it every now and then when I feel like creating a look besides my signature clean cut wing.

2. Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner

This liner has got to be the most talked-about make-up product since Urban Decay Naked 3! It combines gel liner into a pen form, you use it by pushing up the liner and applying once it gets to the top. The angled tip does aid in getting a perfect flick, however it can be difficult to use. In my experience too much of the gel released at the push of the pen; I think traditional gel liner is definitely easier to use.

3. Essence Long Lasting Black Eyeliner Pencil

I purchased this pencil a while ago, it's great for under the eye liner and great for a corner of the eye wing. To do this I literally just draw a quick flick on the corner of my eye (I had seen this look online but knew it couldn't be executed with gel liner) and smudged it on the eye with my finger. Slap on some mascara and its a cute and quick look for when you're on the go. This pencil is not as dark as I would like; you have to go over it a few times to achieve the perfect 'black' look, but its great for a corner wing which shouldn't be too black anyway.

I am crazy about winged eyeliner and have recently began to experiment with different eyeliner techniques, I am coveting the Inglot and Bobbi Brown Gel Liners in some different colours rather than black, as I have heard SO much about them; but for now my MAC Blacktrack still reigns supreme.

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Whats in my bag?

I have failed miserably at the November 30 day blogger challenge, but one or two of the challenges have sparked my  interest, so I  am drawing my inspiration for a couple of November posts from these, (totally in contradiction to the point of the challenge, I know! I do however promise to complete a 30 day challenge in the near future.)

 

Today I am tackling number 7 - What's in my bag?

Pictured above is a collection of what you could find in my bag on a typical day ~ 

The one obvious thing that I haven't included in my picture that never leaves my bag, is my purse - it contains everything from my license to my cards and I cannot leave the house without it! One thing  ALWAYS forget to pop into my handbag is a packet of Kleenex - the single most essential item that every person should carry around with them at all times (especially if you have kids!)

1. Sunglasses - I have a slight obsession with sunglasses and if the weather is good I don't leave home without it! It is the perfect Summer accessory an instantly adds a lift to an outfit or face.

2. Car keys - I am ALWAYS misplacing my car keys. I can blame my kids for playing with and hiding them from me all I want, but deep down I know that it is really my fault. I have taken to keeping my car keys in my handbag, even when at home so that I always know where they are ~ the perfect solution to my forgetfulness! 

3. Nappy - I have a nappy in each handbag; even though I carry diaper bags along for both my girls I still have a habit of keeping one with me at all times. You never know when you could need it - and yes, it's come in handy once or twice!  #mamadramas

4. Hairbrush - I use the hairbrush often for my girls who both have curly little mops for hair - this comes in especially handy when we're in the car or when I am trying to control their hair whilst on the run!

5. Lipstick - I always have a lipstick on hand in case of a touch-up, especially handy on lunch dates! This Marc Jacobs lippie in Understudy is the perfect nude-pink to touch-up and is one of my favorites. 

6. Handbag-size perfume - I always keep a miniature perfume in my handbag, its an instant refresher. I purchased a set of 5 miniature Dior perfumes, perfect for a handbag and definitely a great buy! The perfume pictured below is one of my favourite classic scents - Dior Pure Poison.

7. Cellphone - my cellphone goes wherever I go for obvious social reasons. I take it with me everywhere and turn the car around if I ever do (highly unlikely) forget it at home for any reason.

8. Sweets - I always have a sweet or two in my bag, it gives an instant boost and energy rush.

9. Dummy - My lifesaver. I ALWAYS carry a spare dummy with me in my bag, as with a 9-month old, you never know when happiness can turn into tantrums and you never know what could happen to the original dummy. If you are a mom of a dummy-loving babe, you will know why this is a handbag essential!

As you can tell, I am not a prepare-for-anything person and my handbag contains pretty much a cross between essentials, beauty products and a splash of mama drama. 

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo

Hali