Contemplating Age + Getting Older

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

Tomorrow is my 28th birthday.

As a general rule, I don't mind this whole getting older business. At least I haven't until now; which might partially be because I have thought myself to be (and felt like I was) 23 from the day I turned twenty three to, well, today.

Tomorrow I will no longer be early-twenties or even my mid-twenties, I will be joining the ranks of LATE-twenties. To top that little gem off, I will be a mere two years out from 30. 3 - 0. That number, right there, seems quite daunting. Suddenly I am freaking out.

Almost thirty and I am not something. Almost thirty and still not sure what I want to be when I 'grow up' but it turns out I was growing up without realising. Almost 30. OMG.

With this in mind, I've decided to make 28 my best year yet. Starting this month, with the gift I've given myself of A Month, Just for Me.

Tell me, what would make your best year ever?

Plunger Sucker Stand Review

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

When I first received these Plunger Sucker Stands to review I was a tad skeptical that they would work, though cute I couldn't imagine them being very practical. With sickness, moving, teething a busy house and a hospital stay I didn't get to properly test them for some time.

When my mum ordered her iPhone4, I let her have a play with mine so that once hers arrived she would know exactly what to do and suddenly I remembered the little Sucker Stands and got one out for her.

My mum, an avid lover of all things gamey was soon blasting her way through Angry Birds, which was a little bit annoying as I am SO bad at that game! As an accessory for playing all the wonderfully addictive iPhone games out there, the Plunger Sucker Stand is all kinds of wonderful.

Assuming you have a surface to sit it on then you're good to go for easy game play.

It's also great for use as a general stand at night and I have just started using it when I blog from the iPhone. So long as you get the sucker attached properly then there's no slipping or tumbling over which makes using the keyboard easy and not having to use my thumbs to type is a big plus.

You can buy the Plunger Sucker Stand here; it is normally $10 but is currently half price.

Motivating Mums

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

 

As a mother suffering severe Postnatal Depression I have found a passion for finding ways to shine a light on this illness and do my part in removing the stigma surrounding it.

In my own struggles I have been 'prescribed' Me Time by my doctor and so I have started a series of posts highlighting my attempts at fulfilling this important but difficult to manage task. Through my posts I hope to motivate other mum's out there to do what they can to look after themselves so that they can be the best mum they can be.

This month has seen a change in format, as I had originally aimed to post weekly about what I had done for myself - a bit of an over-reach given I have three children under 4.

Also this month, Little YoYo Styles has sponsored my April It's ALL About YOU Giveaway.

I would love for you guys to pop over, join in and enter. Help me spread the all important Mummy Me Time message!!

My Top iPhone Apps

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

I {heart} my iPhone. Almost daily I wonder how I ever got through live without it (honestly). I am not the only person in love with the device. I have to fight off my hubby and two girls to get my hands on it (and yes, it is my phone). When I DO get a go; these are my go-to apps (see if you can see a trend...):

1. Facebook
2. Instagram
3. Hipstamatic (this would probably be #2 if it had the kind of social side Instagram has)
4. SwankoLab
5. iDarkroom
6. Camera+
7. Words with Friends
8. Gloria Jean's Coffees
9. Jamie Oliver 20 Minute Meals
10. CamWow (just because it keeps the kids and I entertained)


My girls are loving these apps:

1. Poket God
2. Talking Gina
3. I Close My Eyes
4. Toy Story 3 memory game
5. Dora saves the Crystal Kingdom lite (yea, I am a mean Mumma)
6. Toddler Teasers
7. Baby Karaoke
8. ABC For Kids

What are your favourite apps?

Anniversary

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

 

Four years ago tomorrow my dear Other Half and I were married in a private ceremony in Broome, Western Australia. It was beautiful.

4 years has gone so fast. I suppose having added three little people to our lives in that time has helped with the whole speeding-up-of time thing.

As I have been happily perusing the Little YoYo Styles store, I thought I would share a list of things I would LOVE to receive for a fourth anniversary present.

I saw the Pink Gingham Gift Suitcases first and love, love, LOVED them. Then, noticed the Blue Gingham. *Die*. A few more clicks and I found the multicoloured Gift Suitcases. I want them all. Yes, when I say them all I mean all. three. sets. Decorative? Check. Cute? Of course. Practical?Indeed. Perfect photography prop?  OMG yes!

Now, with so many adorable suitcases I figured I would need many, many stylish things to fill them. And as I am obsessed with photography I am looking at things and wondering if they'd make perfect additions to shoots with my kids; so if my choices seem strange, that might be why (or I might just still be a kid at heart)!

I {adore} hats

I can't totally see my girls in these!

Something cute for my hair

Something cute for their hair

{Gahh}

Is this not the best cushion, ever?

Yes, most of those are purely to make my kiddos adorable, which makes my heart full, so that I can snap away with my camera. I can't help it. I am obsessed! Just for me, I would want;

{Divine}

And of course those three sets of suitcases. I'm not asking for much, surely.

What would YOU ask for?

If you want to read more about our wedding in Broome; visit BeckyandJames.com tomorrow!

Dressing Up **Review**

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

Like so many other children, my girls adore dressing up. For the most part, it's fairies and princesses with lots of frills, glitter, twirls and magic so when we received this Super smart two pieces gentleman set in Kahlei's size to review I wasn't sure how she would take to it.

Thankfully, she decided it was the perfect Dress-Up piece and created a funny, shuffling little character to go along with her new look.

This 100% cotton long-sleeve romper has the most adorable bow-tie and (attached) braces, it has snap studs on the inside of the legs for easy access nappy changes and comes with a matching suit jacket. Once it's a little cooler she will be able to wear that on top.

She loves it and I think she looks oh-so-cute (no bias here, hehe).

I am a big fan of dressing up. The role play elements of dressing up encourages social skill building, gives children the ability to play out real life situations and gives them the chance to work on problem solving. And, of course, there's the obvious benefits of allowing their imaginations to develop and soar.

Add the Super smart two pieces gentleman set to your dress up box or buy for your little boy to wear to special occasions for $39.60.

My Top Rain Play Tips

by Becky from beckyandjames.com

With summer being quite a wet one this year, I've struggled frequently with people who tell my children "Oh, you can't play outside, it's raining!" I realise they think they are helping but I certainly do not subscribe to the 'children can't play in the wet' way of thinking. I believe the chance to experience play in all types of weather is an important part of learning and growing up.

Now that summer's on the way out, I wanted to share some of my top Rain Play tips to help you and your child get the most out of  those autumn days where crunching in the beautiful fallen leaves isn't at option, yet playing in the rain is.

1. Say Yes

I know it can seem easier to say those words; "Oh, you can't play outside, it's raining!" and keep the kiddies inside, but if you simply start by saying yes, that's a great step. We often feel bound to doing what is perceived as the 'right' thing and that, more often than not, is denying rather than allowing. Say yes. It might surprise you how much you enjoy your children playing in the rain.

2. Be Prepared

Being prepared can make a whole lot of difference in your enjoyment of any activity your children partake in. I always get my girls a towel each to wrap them in once they're done, as well as put a towel down inside the back door for foot wiping. Having clothes at the ready and running the bath before they come inside can also be a great stress and time saver.

3. Rain Wear

Appropriate wet weather gear like raincoats, hats, gumboots and even an umbrella are the perfect attire for jumping in puddles, keeping clothes and children dry and gives an opportunity to talk about why these things might be required.

4. Bare Baby

While there are definitely times where rain wear is needed, there are also times when the warmer weather might be perfect for some bare feet or even bare bodies. It's the chance for children to feel and experience what the rain does to the world around them. It's the chance for them to get their feet wet, literally.

5. Encourage Exploration

My girls and I love exploring our yard and I adore the opportunity to discover how things change or work due to different weather. Finding worms, watching snails, counting collecting raindrops on leaves and noticing spiderwebs outlined by resting water are all wondrous things for children.

6. Let There Be Mud

If you have mud in your yard, don't be afraid to let your children play in it. My husband has paved over our mud and I often grieve it's loss. Mud play is a great, natural tactile experience for children. It is one of the messiest of Messy Play, obviously, but it is so rewarding. You don't have to let them in it every time it rains, just occasionally break out of your normal play routine and let them loose. Just be sure you've taken in point two and run the bath before they come in!

7. Relax and Enjoy

This is the most important step. Once you've said yes and got everything organised, don't spend the whole time they're out in the rain stressing about how dirty or wet they are getting or what they are doing. Letting children just be is sometimes hard to do and it's also something that we should all work harder at doing. Not restricting their exploration and play performs an imperative part in forming their self esteem, self belief and understanding of themselves, their world around them and their place in it.

Is it raining today? Why not go splash in the puddles with your kids (maybe sing a song and dance, too)?

For more brilliant play ideas, visit Childhood 101's We Play link up

Messy Play

 

Kids LOVE messy play. And why wouldn't they? Not only is it heaps of fun to squish, slop, stamp and explore, it is also important for their development. Messy play is a sensory playground for toddlers and young children, giving them the opportunity to manipulate, test and experience through touch, smell, sight and, of course, taste (making it important to source toddler friendly recipes).

 As someone who has worked with children, I love messy play. I love to get in there with them and have a go, too. I love to hear what they think, what they're feeling and doing. I love to see the development of hand-eye coordination.
As a parent, I have days when the last thing I want to do is launch a full-scale clean up after messy play. These always seem to be the days when the weather is perfect and my girls are ready for some tactile experiences. On these days, I like to make Goop because I know how important learning through play is but I don't want to commit to something too extreme.
 
 To make goop all you need is;* Cornflour* Water* Food ColouringMethod;Place two cups of cornflour into a bowlSlowly add water until you get the desired effect - today I wanted it a bit runny, so we added a cup and a halfOnce you have the consistency you want, stir in some food colouringThat's it.I set up a sheet, pour the goop into a container lid (as I know my girls like to get their feet involved), put out some paper for prints and let them go to town. 

The best thing? When we're done the mess simply washes away with water. Easy make, easy clean and lots of fun.

For more brilliant play ideas, visit Childhood 101's We Play link up

Meet The New Bloggers on the Block

Recently, the Little YoYo Styles blog added three new bloggers to bring you posts about everything from product reviews to recipes, parenting and Post Natal Depression. Before the first post goes live, an introduction seems appropriate. Here's a little about each blogger;

Hi, I'm Louisa. I am married to "The Architect" and we have two children, Ginger Bliss who is almost 3 and Little Bear who is 4months. We live in Melbourne with our large piece of fluff, Rumple. I love kids clothes and toys and sometimes it feels like our house is over run by the stuff. The Architect does not love these things. He loves books, music and art. Thankfully, we do too and he and Bliss can often be found dancing round the house together. I'm looking forward to contributing to the Little Yo Yo Styles blog and sharing with you some beautiful pieces for your beloved little ones as well as meandering the parenting journey and "hot spots" with you. When I'm not writing here you can find me on my personal blog Everything Is Edible.

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Hi, I’m Bec.  I’m a Mother, I’m a wife.  I’m a sister, I’m a daughter.  I’m an employee, I’m a volunteer.  My children are Hunter, 4 and Savannah, nearly 2. It just seems like yesterday Hunter was born, but here we are with him starting school later in the year.  When I’m not in any of my “roles” I love reading, gym classes and scrapbooking.  Since having my daughter I’ve developed an obsession with nice girly clothes, hence her wardrobe would cloth a small country.  I love finding new, useful and special products, so look forward to sharing these with you.  I also enjoy activities with the kids, so will be writing about some of the things we get up to.  I look forward to sharing our journey with you.  

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Hi, I'm Becky. I have been married to my best friend for almost 4 years now and in these 4 years we have gone from a family of 2 to a family of five. My three little Munchkins; Ellie, 3, Kahlei, 2 and Jasper 3 months, keep me on my toes and entertained. I spend my days playing and crafting, not to mention cleaning, cooking and general running around. I have dabbled in Digital Scrapbook designing, my life long dream was to be a novalist, I still dream of selling some of my photographs and I love to blog, so I am still finding my purpose in life. I look forward to sharing play and craft ideas and those general life moments as well as sharing some of my journey with Post Natal Depression with you. When not posting here you can find me at beckyandjames.com.

Thanks for joining us. We look forward to getting to know you and would love to hear from you the sorts of things you'd like to find in this blog.