Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine Giveaway

New Mum? Expecting? Or planning a bub? Thanks to the lovely folks at Closer to Nature, I have some fabulous 'must have' baby goodies to give away...

 

The first prize is the life changing (seriously!) Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine valued at $250.00. If you missed my review on this amazing appliance, you can catch up on it here.

 

 

I also have two runner up prize packs consisting of two packs of the Closer to Nature Soothers (0-6 months) in assorted designs.

 

 

To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below.

 

Please note that you must meet each of the 3 conditions of entry for your entry to be valid:

1. You must like the Utterly Organised Facebook Page
2. You must like the Closer to Nature Facebook Page
3. You must leave a blog comment below with what appeals to you most about the Perfect Prep Machine

Each entry is validated, so I would hate you to miss out for not completing a step!

 

Good luck everyone and please feel free to share this amazing giveaway with any friends with bubs, expecting or even thinking about one! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Preparing your baby’s bottle isn’t always straightforward, so to help parents everywhere, closer to nature® have created the perfect prep™ machine. Specially designed to make preparing bottles* quicker and more accurate, this clever device makes a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than 2 minutes, so your baby’s bottle will be perfect every time. The perfect prep™ machine is designed to fit most bottle shapes and sizes.  Available at Babies R Us, RRP$250.closertonaturebaby.com.au Ifacebook.com.au/closertonaturebaby I @closertonaturebaby1

Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine Review

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I am sure many of us have been here before...

It is 3am, you have only just shut your eyes for a few minutes of sleep, yet your baby is now wide awake and screaming for another feed - the third in the space of what seems like only a few minutes!

You get up from your warm bed (again), boil the water for the bottle, trying to pacify the babies insistent hungry cries. Both of you now agitated, you wonder why the water is not cooling - it seems to be taking hours - like everything at this time of night! Pacing up and down the kitchen, you think to yourself, gee there has to be an easier way... and now there is.... 

 

I am usually one of those unlucky people that misses out on the super amazing baby inventions, because my baby is too old by the time they arrive - but not this time!

The Perfect Prep Machine is the latest brilliant invention from masters of all things babies, Closer to Nature. The first of its kind (that I know of), this machine prepares bottles quickly and accurately for bubs. In less than two minutes, you have a bottle that is fresh, at the correct temperature, and with the peace of mind that everything has been done right - every single time!

I was so fortunate with Mr B that I was able to breastfeed him (with the initial help of a lactation consultant) until he was 8 months old (and at this stage getting far too greedy!). But by far, one of the best tips I received in my early stages, was to provide his last feed of the day by bottle to ensure that he has a nice full belly to sleep on. It was this method of mixed feeding that I think may have helped me have a bub that slept through from an early age.

 

I have kept this method going for Miss C and it has worked a treat, she has been sleeping through the night from only 5 weeks (let's hope it stays this way). I hope to mix feed for as long as possible with Miss C, but if not, at least now I have found a machine (and method) of helping prepare formula bottles in a faster, safer and so much easier way.

When it arrived, I was a bit worried that the machine would be a bit high tech - it looks a bit like a coffee machine - but for babies! But looks can be deceiving, as it is super easy to use - you simply measure out the amount of formula that you need according to your formula tin, hit the button and this clever little machine does the rest.

 

I seem to breed very greedy and impatient babies, so when they demand a bottle, they are not happy to wait 20 odd minutes until the water has cooled to the correct temperature - they want it now, or there are usually grizzly consequences for Mum! This machine eliminates that waiting time (which at 2am seriously feels like hours!) and the concern for having not prepared this correctly. There is even a 'hot shot' feature that kills any bacteria and an inbuilt water filter - amazing!

 

The machine retails for $250.00, which may be a little pricey for some. However if you have a baby shower (or a generous friend wanting to give your baby a special gift), then I would pop this on your to buy list. If it is your first baby, trust me anything that makes your life easier with bub (especially in the middle of the night) is worth its' weight in pure gold!

I am so thrilled to have one of these machines to give away to one super lucky reader. Stay tuned to the blog, because I will be running this giveaway tomorrow. Hope to see you back here then!

 

Preparing your baby’s bottle isn’t always straightforward, so to help parents everywhere, closer to nature® have created the perfect prep™ machine. Specially designed to make preparing bottles* quicker and more accurate, this clever device makes a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than 2 minutes, so your baby’s bottle will be perfect every time. The perfect prep™ machine is designed to fit most bottle shapes and sizes.  Available at Babies R Us, RRP$250.closertonaturebaby.com.au Ifacebook.com.au/closertonaturebaby I @closertonaturebaby1

 

Mr B Turns 2 - A Farmyard Themed Birthday Party

Better late than never... so they say... this post I have been trying to hit the publish button on since December. But with the pregnancy (and the daily sickness) and the arrival of the little lady, it has been a busy old few months.

 

So in December our little man turned two and it literally feels like yesterday I was blogging away about his first birthday party (which you can read all about here).

I decided that we would have a big party every second year for Mr B (and now for little Miss C too)and the alternative year would be for family and close friends. Do you do something similar in your house?

 

So last year was the small gathering, but I couldn't resist putting together a small dessert table to go along with the BBQ lunch we had.

 

I decided on a Modern Farmyard theme because back then Mr B loved making his animal sounds like no one else's business (he wasn't quite taking back then!).

 

And the famous Kit Kat Cake... I ended up making a 2 layer Butter Cake and covered it with chocolate buttercream frosting all over (and in between). The Kit Kat's were stuck to the side before the icing had time to set (it wasn't very fun with a grumpy toddler in the house!) and M&M's stuck to the top with some farm animal toppers which I purchased through Ebay.

 

 

 

 

The desserts and cake were made by me and the gorgeous cake pops and cookies are by Sweet Creations by Sharms. The super cute printed material is from Be Design Solutions. If you are in Melbourne, all items on the table (plus much more!) are available to hire through my little business Utterly Organised Events.

Now that we are already in May (seriously how did that happen?!), it is time to start thinking about themes for this year and a Christening Celebration for the little lady too...

Are you planning a party for your little one this year? Love to hear what theme/s you are thinking of. I love the idea of a Construction, Circus or even a Wiggles Party for Mr B for this year.
 

Life with Two

Can you believe it but on Easter Sunday our little lady was 3 months old?!

 

Time really does fly when you are having fun (and not much sleep apparently)! Before I know it, she will be moving out of home and getting married...

 

These early days (and nights) can seem so long, but once you hit the one year mark you realise just how short they were. I think once you have one baby, you certainly begin to appreciate, treasure and hold your next baby that wee bit more because you know how quickly it is all going to go.

 

One of the truly special moments about having a second child come along, is to witness the love that the two siblings have for one another. Yup I do know that in a few short years there will be fights, screaming, hating each other - you name it. But for now I just love seeing the special hugs, kisses and moments between these two... 

Mr B is such a brilliant big brother, already so protective of his little sister and such a fabulous help to Mummy with nappy changes.

At the risk of jinxing myself, I think it seems to be a teeny bit easier the second time around, would you agree?
 

Turn your roaring tiger into a purring kitten with the closer to nature® new soother range.  Be the first to trial the new baby approved soothers – Register your interest for samples here. There are 4 new styles – Air, Anytime, Night time and Fun to choose from.  The soothers are suitable to use from birth and are designed with an orthodontic silicone teat to support healthy oral development.  $11rrp for a twin pack.  For stockist or for more information, please visit: closertonaturebaby.com I facebook.com.au/closertonaturebaby I @closertonature1

 

Winter Time Wish List

I may not love Winter, but I sure do love Winter clothes and the relaxation that the season brings....

 

Each Winter I try not to go too overboard (because I have do have not one, but two wardrobes filled to the brim with clothes!). Instead I simply try to update my everyday Winter casual essentials each year - on a bit of a budget!

 

Here is what is on my wish list to buy invest in this year....

 

1. Long Sleeve Tees. These are an absolute must for me as I wear these day in, day out and all year round. Each Winter I tend to update with at least two to three new ones. I picked up this striped one from Cotton On during a recent promo they had (30% off) for $14.00 and it has quickly become a post baby favourite!

Try Dotti, Target or Big W who also have amazing quality tees at under $20 a pop.

 

Image Source and To Buy: Cotton On

 

2. Jeans. If you wear jeans daily or even weekly, then Winter is a great time to upgrade these everyday essentials.

 

I struggle big time to get a pair that fit well as my thighs tend to be on the 'generous' side. However this year I managed to snare the best ever pair of jeans from Big W!!! They were the Emmerson Brand, Skinny Leg style (which never, ever fit me!) and the best part was that they were only $9 and fit and look great.

 

I have seen a great range in Target and K-Mart this year too. I really don't think you need to spend a small fortune on jeans.

 

3. Scarf. I cannot let a Winter pass without adding a new scarf to my collection. This year I searched high and low to find the perfect Polka Dot scarf and found it at Portmans. On sale now for $14.95 it was too good to pass up, and I just know how much wear I will get out of it.

 

K- mart, Sussan and Witchery are also my favs when it comes to gorgeous prints and designs too.

 

Image Source and To Buy: Portmans

 

4. Cardi or Jumper. Wollens are absolutely essential here in Melbourne and I love Merino! I picked up this cardi at Portmans when they recently had a $20.00 off sale, but the regular price is $89.95.

 

I snared the marle grey colour, but it also comes in a range of stunning colours (the lavender is divine) that will see you through many a cold day in years to come.

 

I do love that the drapey style is very forgiving on the mum tum!

 

Witchery also do great woolens, but worth waiting til they do another 25% off (which they seem to do nearly every other week).

I am also loving the Knitwear in Dotti this year, great quality and even greater prices.

 

Image Source and To Buy: Portmans

 

5. Leggings/Ponte Pants. 3 Months post baby and this is a trend that I never thought I would embrace... but leggings or ponte pants are definitely the must have item of the season.

I purchased these amazing pants from one of my favourite stores - Coles! Yup that is right, these babies were from Coles' Mix Apparel and I absolutely love them teamed with my drapey or tunic tops to disguise the post baby body. They retail for $20.00, but I picked up for $14.00 during their recent 30% off days.

If you are not sure about this trend too, then these are a great way to test the waters without spending big bucks if it doesn't work for you.

I have seen some gorgeous varieties in Sussan for those who are a bit more confident that this look will work for them.

Image Source and To Buy: Mix Apparel

6. Relaxation. Winter truly is the time for relaxation and rejuvenation after a hectic and busy summer. The pace of weekends for us is much slower and much more focused on family. I love nothing more than rugging up in my winter woollies and hitting the road for a country drive. There is nothing nicer than a relaxing lunch in the country side, with an open fire and family by your side - bliss!

What is on your Winter Wish List this year?

This post is bought to you in conjunction with Land Rover, because let's face it, every good wish list should contain a luxury SUV!

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Treasures Nappies Review and Giveaway

If I could pick one word to describe my reaction to trialling the newest nappies to hit the market - Treasures Nappies - it would be nervous... You see I am a Huggies type of Mum, through and through. I have tried nearly every single brand on the market and the results are always the same - a messy disaster!

 

Never heard of Treasures Nappies? These nappies are the newbies in the Australian nappy scene, but have been a leading brand wrapped around babies bottoms in New Zealand for over 30 years - so that says something! In Australia you will find them at IGA stores.

 

Now that I have two in nappies, not only am I dead poor (why are nappies so expensive?!), I just don't have the time or the patience to mess around with brands that just don't work. Most days I feel like I am chained to that darn change table, so I don't want to make things any harder than they need to be with nappies that don't work. 

 

At 3 months old, I also have Miss C in a brilliant routine with her sleep (touch wood!) and we all know that a leaking nappy = grouchy Mum with a baby that wakes up overnight!

 

So how did they compare?

 

Well I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at how absorbent these nappies actually were.

 

The nappy is light and has a great design with plenty of elastic around the waist area and no gapping in the wrong spots like some other brands out there that I have tried.

 

These were comfy for both toddler and newborn alike and did not cause any irritation on the precious newborn skin of Miss C.

 

The design of the nappies is Hairy Maclary (super cute!) which Mr B loved, as he is an avid lover of the book series.

 

The outside of the nappy feels a bit more papery than Huggies, but this doesn't seem to affect the effectiveness in the least.

 

The big test was overnight and I was so pleased that when I woke up, no leaks, no wet bed and no disturbed sleep - winner in my books!!

Price wise at around $9.95 a pop, they are much friendlier on the wallet than the other 'big' brand out there. It is nice to actually make a saving on the grocery bill each week with a product that works.

Want to Try?!

 

Now for the exciting part - for one lucky Utterly Organised reader (Australia only), I have the chance to try these out for yourself. Treasures have kindly given me a super generous prize pack of 8 packs of nappies (in your choice of size) worth $74.00 to one very lucky reader. Gee imagine how nice your shopping bill would look for a change if you won!

 

To enter simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts and pop me a blog comment below with your best tip on getting your little ones to sleep right through the night (one can dream right?!).   You must also use the hashtag #SleepingTreasures in your comment below. Failure to do this will unfortunately result on your entry being invalid.

 

Please note that the conditions of entry are mandatory and all entries are screened via Rafflecopter to ensure that all entries are complete.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

Good luck everyone!!

Easter at Our Place

I cannot believe that Easter is over and done with for another year. I already went a bit mad tonight and stripped the house of the decorations, all packed away for 2015 along with a few new ones that I nabbed in the Easter clearance sales over the weekend.

 

This was Miss C's first Easter and the third Easter for Mr B (who turned two in December). However this year is the first year that I think Mr B understood a little bit of what was going on. I guess the Easter Bunny is a little harder to explain to littlies, as you don't see him out and about like you do Santa at every local shopping centre!!

 

This year we put together Easter baskets for both Miss C and Mr B (using the Pottery Barn Kids baskets that I blogged about here) that looked like this:

 

Miss C received a Skip Hop Plate and Bowl Set (The Kidstore had the set on sale for $13.95), a Kate Finn Pony Rattle and a Mini Girl Bunny from Bed, Bath and Table (reduced to $3.50).

Mr B received Gumboots from Kidstore (on sale for $10.50, but silly mummy picked up the wrong size!), a Wiggles DVD (which has already been seen on repeat), a Peppa Pig Puppet Book, a Ball and a small Peter Rabbit Easter Egg.

 

Mummy didn't fare too badly either. The Easter Bunny didn't disappoint me with my annual Lindt Bunny (super impressed with the personalisation!) and Humpty Dumpty Egg fix - both of which are long gone (self control, chocolate and I just don't mix!).

 

I cannot stop eating chocolate but figure I have until Tuesday to worry about that diet... anyone else?!! Hope you all had a Happy Easter too x

Super Easy Honeycomb Ice Cream Slice Recipe

A few weeks ago I was on the lookout for a recipe to serve up to our friends that joined us for a night of take away at our place - I am definitely not ambitious enough to be cooking up a dinner party two months post baby!

 

These days I am lucky if I get 3 minutes to do anything without someone needing me for a feed, fresh nappy or to put the Wiggles on, so a super easy recipe it needed to be. I stumbled across this recipe with only 4 ingredients and very little preparation needed, so it looked like a winner!

 

One of my first jobs post university was at a well known ice cream manufacturers (true story). It was the best job and meant plenty (and I mean plenty) of free ice cream. To this day I am still a huge ice cream fan (Ben and Jerry's Fhish Food gets me every time!), so this slice was right up my alley and let's face it who doesn't love ice cream?!

 

Little Easter Note: If you have Easter Eggs laying about, you could forgo the honeycomb and crush up some of your Easter Eggs (caramel filled ones would be divine!). 

 

• 250g Malt Biscuits (I used Arnotts Malt O Milk
• 4 x 50g Violet Crumble or Crunchie Bars
• 600ml Thickened Cream
• 1 x 395g tin of Condensed Milk

1. Grease and line a lamington pan with baking paper (the original recipe calls for two pans, however I decided to use the one and make the slice a bit thicker)

 

2. Layer malt biscuits over the base of the prepared pan

 

3. With a Mixmaster, Kitchen Aid or Electric Beaters, whisk cream until soft peaks form

 

4. Pour condensed milk on top of cream mixture and continue to beat until firm

 

5. Crush 3 of the Honeycomb Bars and fold in to cream mixture (taking extreme care not to eat one!)

 

6. Pour cream mixture over the top of the biscuit base and smooth down. Crush remaining Honeycomb Bar and sprinkle over the top of the mixture

 

7. Pop in freezer until set (overnight is perfect if you can)

 

Sadly I forgot to take a photo once it was all cut up, but it was delicious!

 

I definitely recommend leaving out of the freezer for at least 5 minutes or more before serving, as I served mine immediately and it was a tad hard to get a spoon through.

 

Tried this recipe? Love to hear how you enjoyed it!