Flying With Children aka “The Monsters”

A couple of years ago we decided on a lovely family holiday. This was back when we only had one child, now we have two. We ummed and ahhed over flights to Cape Town, but in the end we decided that a road trip would be much more fun! What follows in this post is…

January 25, 20184Comments ByChanene Ablett

Fun Family Life Immigration Lifestyle

Let me take you on a tour: My Little Pony Movie Competition

As you may have seen, we were invited to an exclusive screening of the MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE which hits cinemas this month (October 2017).

In this My Little Pony movie we follow the adventures of the Mane 6 pony characters as they journey from Equestria, in a heart-warming tale of adventure, magical characters, colourful worlds and humour for all ages.

Check out the trailer:

October 11, 201733Comments ByChanene Ablett

Immigration Fun Family Life Health & Wellness

How To Survive Winter On The Side Of A Sports Field

Today I had the honour of speaking to a “seasoned’’ sports mom. All the men in her life (husband included) play sport while she freezes her butt off on the sideline. How does one make this just a little bit more bearable?

I had to ask her.

Is it possible, and if so how do you survive winter on the side of a sports field?

Fear not moms, supportive girlfriends, fiancé’s, wives and even husbands and dads. I am here to help you! It’s not very complicated and I do like to help. How can I, a mere newbie to the “supportive” scene help?

June 19, 201717Comments ByChanene Ablett

Fun Family Life Health & Wellness Parenting

Reunions, Memories, Traditions, and more Reunions

My mom started a tradition with my brother and me. What's this got to do with reunions? Bear with me. When we hit a big milestone like birthdays or when we look at my kids (in that ah you’re so sweet quietly picking your nose over there way) we play a special “where were you at my age mom” game?

Reunions or Traditions

It’s a lovely game to get a piece of my mom’s life and I think I value it more so. I have a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. At the same age, my mom had an 18-year-old and a 12-year-old. So different, here I am starting school life with Miss K and my mom’s oldest child (that’s me) was leaving on a jet plane to the USA. I challenge you to ask someone older and who you are close with where they were in life at your current age?

April 21, 20172Comments ByChanene Ablett

Fun Family Life Immigration Lifestyle Parenting

Easter: How I always want to celebrate.

After celebrating Shrove Tuesday, Lent sets in and everyone around me shows such amazing will power and here I am just trying to give up on shouting and possibly being able to tame my fringe once and for all. Easter will soon be here.

The next thing we look forward to is Easter. Religious or not, Easter is celebrated whether going to Church or an Easter Brunch with family but it is guaranteed there will always be the obligatory Easter egg hunt.

April 3, 20171Comment ByChanene Ablett

Education and Learning Fun Family Life Parenting

Let’s sleep on that

Having a 5 year old going onto 19, I have been in some situations and the most recent was the please can I have a sleepover… What to do, what to do? For me it is easy. My husband and I (still not sure how much I can involve him in my thoughts here) have come to a conclusion. Quite simply, we do not do sleepovers full stop. (See what I did there to focus on my “point”)

March 1, 201711Comments ByChanene Ablett

Education and Learning Fun Family Life Global Citizen Immigration Lifestyle Parenting

Gifts & party favours – thanks for being present

I survived the party weekend. Minimal drama and tantrums and that was just from my husband. Go me! As the first party ended a few kids went up to the party mom and asked where their party packs were. This mom has taken a stand and is starting a trend of no party packs. Her reasoning is sound - there are sweeties, cake, food and fun - right. I then went to another party where there were limited amounts of sweets and drinks available during the party but we went home with a party pack that was full of sweeties. The idea – send them home to get a sugar high and no screaming kids at her house. Well played mom, well played. So the party pack conundrum begins… to party pack or not to party pack… that is the question…

February 1, 20178Comments ByChanene Ablett

Immigration Fun Family Life Health & Wellness Lifestyle Parenting

The Art of Small Talk At Birthday Parties

There are many mixed rainbow emotions when it comes to children's parties. I love the copious amount of sugar. I do not admit this to my daughter who you would think I deprive of all things sucrose related. She is that child with her head in a cupcake grasping on jelly tots and flings. Thinking perhaps I had deprived her I tried a different approach with child number 2 and guess what she too behaves as if she has been deprived of sugar.

There are many mixed rainbow emotions when it comes to children's parties. I love the copious amount of sugar.

I do not admit this to my daughter who you would think I deprive of all things sucrose related. She is that child with her head in a cupcake grasping on jelly tots and flings. Thinking perhaps I had deprived her I tried a different approach with child number 2 and guess what she too behaves as if she has been deprived of sugar.

Emotions range from happy due to the sugar and adult company being present, to being nervous about what happens if I eat too much sugar and scare the adult company by either being super talkative or nursing a sugar low. And if there are adults, what do I say to sound like I am an in-control mother who has a clue, even if it is slightly skewered and covered in chaos?

January 17, 20178Comments ByChanene Ablett