EasiYo Product Review

{Post brought to you in conjunction with Nuffnang and EasiYo}

If there is one thing in this house that sends me broke (apart from nappies!!) it has to be yoghurt.

 

We eat it by the bucket load in our home - all 4 of us. It really does cost us a small fortune and I estimate that on our weekly shopping bill that I spend close to $40 a week on yoghurt alone. Crazy!!

 

In an effort to cut down our shopping bill, I have always wondered about the prospect of trying my own yoghurt at home. But to be honest I was always put off by the hassle of doing it (would it be hard) and the taste (would it be yuk) and also what on earth would actually be inside those packet mix sachets.

 

When I was offered the chance to try out the EasiYo maker, I was really interested to give it a shot. I have to say a big thank you to the readers on my Facebook and Instagram pages that answered all of my questions before I started, definitely helped me loads!

 

Okay so this is how I went....

 

Attempt 1: Strawberry Yoghurt

 

Hard to believe that with a bit of water, a sachet and a shake that you can actually make yoghurt! My first batch was made during the day using the EasiYo Strawberry Flavour sachet.

 

 

 

I popped it on the bench for 10 hours during the day and before I went to sleep, I popped it in the fridge overnight and woke up to this...

 

 

 

It was perfect! So thick and creamy - just the way we love our yoghurt in our house. The strawberry flavour was divine and within the day, the full 1 kilo was devoured and loved by all.

 

It seemed a bit too easy!!

 

Attempt 2: Passionfruit Greek Yoghurt

 

For attempt two, I decided to try out the EasiYo Passionfruit Greek flavour. This time I mixed up at night, left overnight (for 11 hours) and popped this in the fridge first thing in the morning. I then left it in the fridge to cool and set further for most of the day and ended up with this...

 

 

 

Unfortunately I have to say that batch #2 was definitely not the success that #1 was. It was much runnier in consistency and not thick and creamy like I loved the first time. Because Melbourne was so darn cold that night (down to 0 degrees), I think this is what contributed to the failure of this batch. I am told that these cold nasty nights can play havoc on achieving yoghurt perfection!

 

I have since resorted back to making during the day and have been achieving results the same as batch #1 - yay!!

 

What I loved:

 

* The ease: Seriously it is so darn easy to mix up and make yoghurt and literally took only a few minutes to get the batch underway and all you need is water!

 

* The flavours: There are SO many different flavours to choose from. We love the Strawberry and the Greek Yoghurt with Honey the best so far

 

* The cost and savings: The sachets are only around the $4.50 mark per sachet and this makes up a kilo of yoghurt. This is a HUGE saving for us as we typically buy the Jalna Yoghurt ($7 for 1 kilo) or the 5AM Yoghurt (almost $7 for 700g) for the kids, eating per week a few tubs of each. For hubby and I, we have been previously eating the Gippsland Dairy yoghurt (pregnancy craving) which is $7 for a 720g sized tub

 

* Convenience: I'm always found mid week doing one or two top up shops that usually consist of yoghurt because we go through it so fast. I love the concept that I can stock up on as many sachets as I like at a time and they won't go out of date or take up valuable fridge space. This is going to be an absolute life saver when #3 comes and it won't be as easy to nip out!

 

Sachets can be easily picked up at your local Woolies or Big W, both of which are super handy options for me

 

* Health Benefits: I try to be very conscious when it comes to what I feed the kiddos. The EasiYo sachets contain only natural ingredients with no additives or stabilisers. They are also loaded with probiotics too.  They also don't contain any gluten, wheat or meat products (such a gelatine) for those following special diets.

 

I love that they also have an unsweetened version so you add in your own 'flavour' with honey, fresh fruits or anything else that you like!

 

What wasn't so great...

 

* A toddler asking me every 30 seconds if the yoghurt was set yet - all day!! Yep this drove me insane, he didn't quite grasp the whole 'setting' concept!

 

 

All in all, I really found this product to be a worthwhile (and small investment) that every family should make if you too love your yoghurt! The actual machine can be purchased for under $25 also at your local Woolies or Big W store.

 

Do you have one? Love it? What are your favourite flavours?

 

Love to hear your thoughts...

 

 

Skip Hop Grand Central Nappy Bag Review

One month (yikes!!) to go and things are starting to seem a little bit more real with #3 arriving in to the family. So much still to do and organise, but at least I have one thing ticked off my list thanks to The Stork Nest - a nappy bag!!

I was recently given the opportunity to try out a nappy bag through The Stork Nest (thank you guys!) and I was pretty darn excited about it too. You see I have never really owned a true nappy bag before now - I know - shock horror!

 

For the past almost 4 years, I have just been using a tote/beach bag (that I purchased from Valley Girl) in conjunction with a change mat. Yup it has been less than ideal, and has usually meant that in addition to this bag, I have had to lug around an additional smaller bag (Cotton On Kids Backpack) for snacks/cups/food, just so that I could fit everything I need in.

With 3, aged 3 and under, a true nappy bag was really becoming a necessity for me this time around. Not only will I have 2 full time in nappies (my goodness how poor am I going to be!), but I will need to lug around all of the other accoutrements that go along with 3 kids (not just nappies - but snacks, bottles, drink bottles, wipes, spare clothes).... and then there are my things too!

 

I gotta tell you, picking just one nappy bag from the extensive Stork Nest range wasn't easy - I was like a kid in a candy store! There are so many gorgeous brands and designs to choose from in their range.

 

In the end I opted for the 'Grand Central' Skip Hop Nappy Bag in the black and white stripe.

I wanted something neutral, classic and that looked big enough for my needs (but not too big at the same time). I also wanted something that could double as a beach and swimming bag when we head to the pool each week for swimming lessons. The print is also not too girly for those times that hubby will be carrying this around for me!

Outing #1: The Shops!

So what do I take with me to the shops?

 

 

At the moment a shopping trip looks a little like this:

- Nappies & Wipes for Miss C
- Hand Sanitiser, Tissues and Creams

- Toy and Book for Miss C (because she cannot sit still)

- Snacks and Drinks for both kids (and me!)
- Spare Pants for Miss C (the most accident prone girl in town with a drink)

- My Wallet, Phone, Keys & Sunglasses (for all)
- Change Mat

Actually at the moment my bag is not too cluttered at all, but my goodness, this is going to triple when #3 arrives. This is going to mean the addition of more nappies, dummies, bottles, baby food, spare clothes and additional items to keep bubs entertained.... anything else I have forgotten?!

Outing #2: Swimming!

 

What do I try and squeeze in for swimming each week?

 

Well my swimming bag looks much the same as a shopping trip, but with the addition of:
 

- Spare Clothes for Mr B

- Towel for Mr B

At the moment we just have Mr B doing lessons, but Miss C will be starting lessons in September so again this is going to double as I add in her swim nappy, spare clothes and towel too!

Even though my needs as going to increase dramatically with another bub, the bag still has plenty of room to cope with these extras.

What I loved about the Bag...

* So many pockets and sections!! All up there are 11 pockets in total and the bag has three fabulous sized sections so I can compartmentalise and have a section for baby, me and 'the toddlers'.

* I love that it comes with a co-ordinating change mat - I love a bit of matchy matchy!

* Insulated size pockets to keep drinks and bottles at the right temperature (and upright!). These side pockets are HUGE and each can fit two large sized drink bottles in each (4 at least in total)

* The bag attached neatly over the handles of our Baby Bogger Pram with special stroller straps that clip over any stroller/pram that you are using. The bag also stowed easily in the generous basket under our pram (one of the features I adore about our pram is the basket space!).

* The bag is still lightweight even when packed to the brim, but it is not too bulky when only filled for a 'quick' trip - whatever that means with kids!!

 

* Even though this bag is quite sizable, it does make it so much easier for me to have everything in the one bag rather than me having to carry my tote bag and separate bag for snacks/food like in the past

* Inside of the bag is easy to wipe down if you do have any spills and the lining is water resistant too. This makes it great for a swim or beach bag too.

 

 

The Skip Hop Grand Central Nappy Bag is available to purchase through The Stork Nest for $149.99. Did you know that The Stork Nest actually have a gift registry service?! Perfect if you are planning a baby shower, or you have friends who want to know what to get you for bub #2, #3, #4 or #5! I would be popping this bag on my list for sure....

 

Bump Update - Almost There!!!!

Well folks this will be the first (and most likely the last) picture of the bump that I post, because as I am told "I am HUGE this pregnancy". Yeah thanks for that....

 

In the past I don't think that I have felt (or looked) this big until I was waddling in to the hospital to have the baby, so goodness knows what I am going to look like in 5 or so weeks time! I am refusing to step anywhere near the scales this time around...

 

 

 

We had a bit of a scare with the baby's kidneys at the 20 week scan and so have spent the last few months worried about what this will all mean. At a further specialist scan last week we received the great news that the condition seems to have corrected itself for now, we will need more tests though once bubs once his/her grand entrance!

At this same scan, I was told that baby was already measuring 2 and a bit weeks ahead and she told me (in no uncertain terms) that this is going to be one BIG baby (and to speak to my ob about delivery dates!). Apparently bub is in the 97th percentile - no idea why he/she is so big this time around.

 

Definitely such a relief to hear that everything looks okay with bubs, I am such a worrier during pregnancy from start to finish (and then forever after!).

As for the sickness, I have had a shocking few days stuck in bed where it has ramped up again. I am still so weak and cannot do very much each week. Still so much to do/organise before bubs comes, but I will have to take it as it comes (yeah easier said than done!).

 

We still don't know the gender, so any 'bump' experts, what do you think? Boy or Girl?! I am still thinking boy...

 

 

Win a SodaStream Play Drinks Maker!

It looks as though I left a few of you drooling when I shared over on my Facebook and Instagram accounts, my mocktail recipes made in the SodaStream Play yesterday.

 

 

 

If you missed my post, recipes and my review on the SodaStream Play, you can read it right here.

 

 

Now for your chance to experience 'Water Made Exciting' with SodaStream for yourself (yay!), I am a little bit excited to be giving away one (1) White SodaStream Play Drinks Maker valued at $99.00.

To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter Widget below.

 

Please note that entrants MUST provide a comment in the box below as to what mocktail (or cocktail) they would love to whip up using the SodaStream Play if they won. Entries will be verified, so please be sure to pop your full name with your comment too.

 

Enter Here

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Terms & Conditions

• The giveaway will be hosted by Rafflecopter and is open to Australian residents only
• There is one (1) SodaStream Play available, valued at $99.00
• Entrant must comment on this blog post as to what mocktail (or cocktail) they would love to whip up using the SodaStream Play if they won
• Failure to comment as required above will result in the entrant being ineligible to win and entries will be verified
• Entrant must include their full name with their comment below, so that entries can be verified
• The announcement of the lucky winner will be made on the Utterly Organised Facebook Page and displayed on the Rafflecopter widget above
• The lucky winner will have 5 days to contact Utterly Organised and claim their prize so that the prize can be finalised
• Failure to claim prize within designated period will result in another winner being drawn
• Any questions on the competition can be directed to utterlyorganised@gmail.com

 

The SodaStream Play has an RRP of $99.00 and is leading retailers such as Myer, Target, and Big W as well as on the SodaStream website.

Mocktails (and Cocktails) with the SodaStream Play

{Post Brought to you in conjunction with SodaStream}

 

Don't you find it funny that the minute you discover you are pregnant, you suddenly crave all of the forbidden foods? Ham from the supermarket deli - yup you probably haven't eaten it for years - but suddenly when you are pregnant it's all that you can think about!

 

I am a bit like that with drinking. Although not normally a big alcoholic drinker, as soon as I am pregnant I crave sweet and creamy cocktails!! So when I was offered the chance to try out the latest addition to SodaStream's Drink Maker Range - the SodaStream Play - what do you think I was keen to replicate - mocktails of course!

 

Now we (like most families) had the original SodaStream growing up back in the 80's and loved it! But boy the new Play machine has come a long way since then - super quick, quiet and a slimline design that you are not embarrassed to have on your bench, and available in a range of stunning colours too. The first thing I looked for when I was setting it up was a plug - but it doesn't need power - making it something that you can easily keep on your bench without taking up valuable space for your toaster.

 

I am the first to admit that I am not the best when it comes to operating new gadgets, but this machine was really easy for even me to operate! This particular model has a snap lock mechanism so you can easily pop the bottle in, and an auto lift slider which automatically places the carbon block back in the starting position. With the simple push, the PLAY quickly turns your ordinary tap water in to sparkling water in seconds. From there you simply add your flavours or additions as you like....

 

SodaStream have a whole host of flavours ranging from the Traditional Mixes, to the Caps range (which I love because they are SO easy) and even a Sugar Free and a Naturals range thrown in for good measure).

 

I love that unlike ordinary soft drinks, YOU get to control the flavours and how much sugar you are adding in (if at all). You can make the kids a special 'bubbly treat' by simply carbonating the water and adding in freshly crushed fruit or lemon juice - they will really think it is special! This clever little machine really does cater for different diets, tastes and nutritional needs (and pregnant ladies wanting a decent mocktail too!).

 

Speaking of those mocktail recipes I promised... I have also added an 'alcoholic' version too, for those of you who are not pregnant and can enjoy a little liquor!

 

 

SODASTREAM FRUIT PUNCH

 

If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know that fruit punch is a beverage that I wheel out for every birthday or festive occasion - I LOVE it! So this was the first thing that I wanted to try out.

 

You'll Need:

 

• 1 Litre of SodaStream Orange Flavoured Sparkling Water (made with the Orange SodaStream Cap or standard Orange Flavoured Bottle
• 1 Litre of Fruit Juice - my personal favourite is the Golden Circle Golden Pash mixed fruit juice - works a treat with the orange!
• Squeeze of fresh Lime or Lemon
• 1 Orange and a Punnet of Strawberries cut up in thin slices (for decoration)
• Ice

Optional Alcoholic Version:

 

Add a dash (or more!) of Vodka and or Sparkling Wine (love Omni Blue Moscato) as desired!

 

 

Method:

1. Fill carbonating bottle with chilled tap water to the designated line

 

2. Snap lock the bottle in to place and push down to carbonate

 

3. Press the Orange Flavoured 'Cap' on to the mouth of the bottle and wait until the liquid has finished dispensing

4.  Add your Fruit Juice, SodaStream Orange Flavoured Sparkling Water, Ice, squeeze of lemon or lime and cut up fruit to desired punch bowl or beverage dispenser and stir. Of course if you are adding in a bit of booze, add that in at this step.

5. Add a ladle and let your guests help themselves!

 

 

SODASTREAM PINA COLADA

 

In their Happy Hour Caps range, Soda Stream have cleverly introduced 4 of the most popular cocktail flavours going around. In this pack you'll find Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Strawberry Daiquiri and my favourite - Pina Colada! I know, I am totally going to have you singing 'if you like Pina Colada's' now...

 

Anyway with the Caps range, the hard work of 'mixing' the perfect cocktail is done! Although I like mine with a bit of coconut cream and a twist of lime, so I have popped a little spin on it in my recipe below...

 

You'll Need:

• 1 Litre of Pina Colada Flavoured Sparkling Water (made with the Pina Colada SodaStream Cap as part of the Caps Variety Pack - Happy Hour range)
• Dash of Coconut Milk
• Squeeze of fresh Lime
• Lime cut up in thin slices (for decoration)

 

 

Method:

 

1. Fill carbonating bottle with chilled tap water to the designated line

 

2. Snap lock the bottle in to place and push down to carbonate

3. Press the Pina Colada Flavoured 'Cap' on to the mouth of bottle and wait until the liquid has finished dispensing

4. Add a dash of Coconut Milk to the SodaStream Pina Colada Flavoured Sparkling Water (I used 1/4 very small tin of Coconut Milk), a squeeze of Lime and stir. Again if you are going for an alcoholic version, add a dash of White Rum at this step.

5. Pop in cocktail glasses (I love Mason Jars) with a few slices of fresh Lemon and serve!

 

 All I can say is these really did hit the spot for this pregnant mumma!! These mocktail recipes would be perfect for baby showers and of course the naughtier version for cocktail parties, birthday parties, New Years Eve - the list goes on.

 

Like to try the new SodaStream Play Drinks Maker for yourself? Well you are in luck as tomorrow on the blog, I have one White SodaStream Play to give away to one lucky reader. 

 

See you back here tomorrow - I am off to enjoy the rest of my Pina Colada....

 

The SodaStream Play has an RRP of $99.00 and is available at leading retailers such as Myer, Target, and Big W as well as on the SodaStream website.

 

 

 

Bargains for a Gender Neutral Cloud Themed Nursery

One of the most asked questions that I am getting since I announced my pregnancy is, "do you know what you are having this time". The answer: "I wish!!"

 

Yet once again hubby won't let us find out, so I am planning another gender neutral nursery much to my frustration. You see I would LOVE to be organised down to the letter, but I must admit the big surprise at the end is worth the mad rush to order everything for my nursery from my hospital bed!!

 

Actually I have decided this time not to do too much in the way of decoration and theming. Instead I am going to pick up the very basics and leave the rest until bub is born - famous last words! Yes let us see how I go with all of that with my obsessive organisational nature....

 

One of my favourite gender neutral nursery themes is the cloud theme, it is definitely one that I am leaning towards doing myself. I have found that there is no shortage of bargains out there for this theme, so I thought I would share just a few that I have seen along the traps:

 

 

Cloud Lamp/Night Light

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Cotton on Kids

How Much? $24.99

This one has already made its' way in to the top cupboard ready to go! We also have one in B's bedroom that we use as a nightlight. It gives the perfect amount of glow for those long nights breastfeeding in the nursery.

 

Set of 3 Wall Hooks

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Kmart Australia

How Much? $5.00 for all 3 - bargain!!

These are just too cute to resist at this price! I have seen some clever folk on Instagram land spray paint these to match their nursery colours with great results.

 

Double Sided Jersey Baby Wrap

 

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Target Australia

How Much? $15.00

I have two summer babies, so a Winter bub means I am in desperate need of some cool weather wraps for swaddling in those early days - this looks perfect! If you have any other swaddling suggestions for winter, please let me know!

 

Pram Blanket

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Kmart Australia

How Much? $12.00

Cute little pram blanket or play blanket perhaps?! This design is also available in a cot set too. We actually have and use the cot set in the bottom of our tepee and on the sofa for cool weather movie nights!

 

 

Cloud Shaped Clock

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Target Australia

How Much? $20.00

I can see this sitting on a gorgeous little shelf surrounded by some cute artwork.

 

 

Cushion

 

Image Source and to Buy

 

Where? Kmart Australia

How Much? $7.00

These are selling like hot-cakes but I am told back in stock - soon!

 

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Ikea Australia
How Much? $9.99
Another one that I couldn't resist for our play area!
 

Wall Mirror

Image Source and to Buy

Where? Target Australia

How Much? $10.00

 

 

Found some cute cloud bargains that you'd care to share? Feel free to contact me, comment below or pop on my Facebook page - I would love to see them!

 

 

 

Divine Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

{Post brought to you in conjunction with the stunning new Blush range from Maxwell & Williams}

 

Banana cake, banana bread, banana muffins - always the same weekly baking requests around here! If you find the same thing at your place, here is an extra special (and decadent) little twist on the humble banana bread - chocolate chip banana bread!! Because adding a bit of chocolate makes everything taste better right?!

 

 

 

You'll Need...

• 3 Large Ripe Bananas
• 1 Lemon (juiced) and a splash of Milk
• 2 Cups Self Raising Flour
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 160g butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Bean Extract (or Vanilla Essence)
• 1/2 - 3/4 Cup Chocolate Bits (or grated chocolate) - as your heart desires!!

 

 

Little Note: Don't be alarmed folks by my black bananas!! I pop any un-eaten and over ripe bananas straight in to the freezer in to a plastic bag. As soon as I need to bake, I simply defrost for a few hours and they are perfect to use!

 

Method...

1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees and grease and line (I am always a bit lazy to line!) your loaf tin

2. Mash up your bananas and add the juice of one lemon and a splash of milk to a separate small bowl. If you freeze your bananas like me, you'll find that they won't need to be mashed

3. In a mixmaster, kitchen aid (or even Thermomix) cream together butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy

4. Add the eggs (one at a time) beating well after each addition

5. Sift half of the flour and baking powder in to the mix and fold gently

6. Fold in the mashed banana/juice/milk combo

7. Fold in the last half of the flour and baking powder and your chocolate chips too

8. Pop in to your prepared tin and smooth mixture

 

 9. Pop in to pre-heated oven for appro 60 minutes (or whenever the skewer comes out clean!).
 

 

This banana bread is divine when cool but is exceptional with warm with (thick) lashings of butter on it!!

Another big thank you to Maxwell & Williams for providing me with this gorgeous platter from their 'Blush' range to try out. You can also see the stunning high tea stand they sent me over on my white chocolate mudcake recipe post from earlier on this week.

This little platter is also in my absolute fave colour - a minty/pale blue that they call blue. It also comes in a beautiful pale pink and a classic white too and retails for just $19.95.

This range really is just divine and so affordable too - the teapot and sugar and creamer sets (also in the range) would make a brilliant little gift for that 'someone' that has absolutely everything!

 

The Very Best White Chocolate Mud Cupcake Recipe

{Post brought to you in conjunction with the stunning new Blush range from Maxwell & Williams}

There is absolutely no better treat than a fresh batch of cupcakes, mmm.... and I love the sheer decadence of a white chocolate mud cupcake in particular. They are perfect for a special occasion such as a birthday, Chrissie time, Easter or just because (which is my excuse a lot lately!).

 

Today I share my tried, true and tested recipe that you'll see me churning out year after year and birthday after birthday - it never fails to disappoint! Super, quick and easy too.

 

 

 

The below makes up 12 cupcakes, so feel free to double (or triple) as you need.

 

You'll Need...

• 125g regular butter
• 150g White Chocolate Cooking Chocolate (I love the Cadbury Dream stuff as you can tell)
• 1 Cup Caster Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 Egg (lightly whisked)
• 3/4 Cup Plain Flour
• 1/2 Cup Self Raising Flour
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (or extract if you have this laying around instead)

*Always a good idea to get two blocks of chockie for this recipe, because if you are anything like me, one always disappears before I get around to making!!

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees and line your patty tins with cases

2. Whip out a saucepan (medium sized) and in it combine your butter, chocolate, sugar and milk

 

3. Cook over low heat (stirring constantly) for approx. 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and everything is nice and smooth.

4. Transfer mixture to a heatproof bowl and allow to cool down slightly (5 minutes or so should do the trick)

5. Once mixture has cooled, whisk in egg

 

 

6. Sift the two flours over the chocolate mixture and whisk gently until just combined

 

 

7. Stir in the vanilla

 

 

8. Pour mixture in to prepared patty liners (muffin cases)

 

 

9. Bake for approx 25 - 30 minutes (check that they are done with the old skewer in the middle test)

 

 

 

Now these are absolutely yummo as they are (and my hubby loves them plain). But in my opinion, you cannot have a cupcake without frosting or ganache!! So once cool ice with frosting or ganache of your choice - a white chocolate ganache works a treat with these - this Cadbury recipe is always a winner at our place.

 

Enjoy!!

 

Little Note: For Christmas time, I top mine with a Jaffa and some mint leaves and at Easter with some mini Easter eggs - super cute and super yummy too!

I was fortunate enough to be sent this stunning stand from the Maxwell & Williams Blush Range - talk about LOVE! I opted for the 'blue' colour, which as you can see is in my absolute favourite colour - a soft mint/blue. It also comes in a classic pink and white - but you know I cannot go past anything in my signature colour.

 

The stand retails for $69.95 and I am sure will be wheeled out year after year for birthdays and special occasions alike.

I love to keep my pretties out on display, so have found that this doubles up as the most beautiful little fruit stand too - what do you think?! Too pretty to pop her away in the cupboard isn't she?!