My aim is to support and bring awareness to more local brands during 2019. Browse the winter range on Pickalilly’s site or in-store
Tag: Review
When is your child ready for a booster seat?
Volvo knows child safety #CarseatFullstop
Like what you just read? Then share it!
The time we ran away from the kids
Its been exactly a week since our 2 day getaway and I’m still living on cloud 9!
To celebrate our Anniversary (24 September) and my Birthday (25 September) we were gifted with a stay at Mofam River Lodge and it was amazing.
Carl and I haven’t really ever gone away alone except for our Honeymoon which was 4 years ago, and since having Josh join our little family there just hasn’t been time or energy to plan something like this.
When you have kids, its just so easy to let the “US” time move to the bottom of the priority list or fall away completely.
BUT let me tell you, after this breakaway, this is definitely something I want to do more of.
For so long, I’ve wanted to do a romantic weekend away with my Hubby (who doesn’t) but when I get around to checking out places and comparing prices the Mommy Guilt kicks in and I set it aside for another time (like when the boys are older, or when Josh is off the breast, or during school holidays or or and and and). So this was definitely a welcomed and appreciated surprise when we were told by my Mom that she had made all the arrangements and there was no turning back.
(Side note, Mom if I haven’t said it enough, Thank you so much for all you do and for the best gift ever)
Situated on the shores of the Palmiet River, Mofam River Lodge is the perfect laidback, luxury getaway. You’ll find them deep in the Overberg’s Elgin Valley where the natural backdrop is unrelentingly beautiful.
Our comfortable four-star bed and breakfast chalets provide sweeping mountain and river views. We make every effort to ensure your stay with us is as comfortable as possible. This includes super-comfortable mattresses, cotton linen, and good quality pillows so that you wake up fully rested.
Accomodation
11 Standard Chalets, 2 Family Chalets and 2 Self Catering Units
The drive there was so chilled, I think we were both so excited to be child-free for the next 48 hrs. I felt young and inlove again, I know its so silly.
Mofam is an outdoor adventure paradise for couples and families seeking a glitz-free yet creature-comfort holiday or mini break. Our friendly staff is on hand to serve up all manner of exhilarating on water activities. These include everything from water skiing, wakeboarding, bass fishing and canoeing to sunset river barge cruises.
We arrived early, a bit overexcited only to find out our room wasn’t ready as yet. This worked out perfectly because it meant we could have a nice rustig anniversary lunch at Peregrine Farm Stall.
If you ever head out that side, this is definitely a MUST experience. The food, the vibe, the staff are all exceptionally friendly and great. We loved it so much we went back the next day for breakfast.
Established in the sixties, Peregrine has been serving generations of travelers seeking honest homemade fare and warm country hospitality. Situated in the beautiful and fertile Elgin Valley, Peregrine offers an abundance of locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce.
Café
The seasonal menu is a result of the close collaboration of local farmers, artisan chefs, and the demands of our discerning customers. The focus is on café style casual dining in a relaxed but stylish venue, and for those wanting a quick bite for the journey, there is a selection of wholesome and healthy ready-to-eat meals too. Peregrine pies enjoy legendary status, with perfect pastry and generous fillings.
Bakery
Skilled bakers rise at dawn to continue the age old tradition of carefully crafted breads, pies and pastries. We only use locally sourced unbleached stone ground flour and our own natural yeast starter in our artisanal breads. They are allowed to ferment naturally and slowly before being baked in our wood fired oven.
farm stall
The shop showcases a variety of locally farmed and produced goods, from artisanal foods, fynbos honey to fresh cold-pressed juices and champagne style apple cider. The aroma of Peregrine’s variety of freshly baked goods fills the air and teases the senses. The wine shop stocks all the region’s top wines and ciders, as well as a growing selection of craft beer.
Once back at Mofam we settled in nicely and took an afternoon nap (yes we’re that old) in the loungers overlooking the river. It was pure bliss.
There’s just something special about this place, perhaps its being in the thick of nature or the fact that there’s little to no cellphone reception and NO TV’s in the rooms which allows you to completely relax. Whatever it was, it worked and I found the conversation and alone time so much more enjoyable.
Later the evening we made our way to the onsite restaurant for a well deserved anniversary dinner, however I was still stuffed from my AMAZING lunch that I only managed to have a toasted chicken sandwich (such a loser).
Flavours onsite restaurant lures guests with our hearty food, comfortable lodgings and incredible vistas. We’re open Tuesday to Sunday for lodge guests, locals and out of town visitors. Where possible, ingredients are sourced locally to make up an A La Carte and children’s menu to suit various palates. Flavours comfortably seats 60 people indoors with additional space on the terrace overlooking the river. Fully licensed, guests can enjoy a pre or after dinner drink at the restaurant wine bar. Be sure to sample from our superb Elgin Valley cool climate wine list.
The food was great, the view was amazing and although there was no water at the restaurant (as they were doing some maintenance) and we couldn’t have a nice coffee everything else was GREAT!
We absolutely cannot wait to go back!
Some of the Activities you can participate in while enjoying the breathtaking views at Mofam are
- Waterskiing
- Large Mouth Bass Fishing (Catch and release only)
- Canoeing
- River Cruising
- Hiking
- Quad biking
- Taking a chilled walk through the Labyrinth
Parting words…. Go and have a romantic weekend away with your significant other, it will do your relationship the world of good!
Contact Mofam River Lodge
| Tel: | +27 21 846 8345 |
| Fax: | +27 86 295 0084 |
| Email: | info@mofam.co.za |
| GPS | S34°13.709min |
| E18°159.292min | |
| Skype | mofam.reception |
| +27 21 813 6845 |
Like what you just read? Then share it!
Pampers Unisex pants
A while ago I was asked to review the new and improved Pampers pants for Joshuah and I jumped at the opportunity as we’ve had a constant challenge with finding something suitable for him from birth.
Since I was 13 weeks pregnant and given the all clear by my Doctor following a miscarriage at 10 weeks, Carl and I started in investing in nappies. When this baby was due to arrive we wanted to be sorted and in true Thomas ways we searched all the nappy deals and purchased almost R4000 worth of nappies. Packing space was slim to none-existent and the nappy tower began developing much like our little baby in my belly in the home’s belly, our lounge.
This was at 20 weeks, see I kid you not, it was a HUGE nappy stash which kept on growing!
Shortly after Josh was born though, we discovered that these wonderful nappies were causing a bit of an irritation to our wee bundles precious bum and thighs. To our utter dismay we loaded the Vito and headed to Dischem who were willing enough to accept all the nappies and in return give us a gift card with the monetary value of the nappy pile, I think it was totalling R43 something something and a few cents. Which actually helped us BIG time when I went on maternity leave for all the meds, toiletries, baby products, cleaning products we needed during those 5 months.
We have long been a Pampers baby fan, these were nappies that worked for us and worked for our petite baby’s frame.
Another constant battle we have with both our kids is that they’re narrow waisted beings, I swear they get this from me. Really, not that you would think that now but really, I promise. Length of clothing works perfectly but the waist is always much to big.
Getting back to Pampers. With Josh we found out match, no saggy nappy bum. Fit was perfect and no leaking / exploding nappy bums in the morning. A definite win from me! NO ONE likes waking up to a gel covered bed, which during our nappy hunt we experienced MANY!
When I was contacted to review the pull up pants I was excited. The thought of pull ups scare me a bit. Since the introduction of disposable nappies, the world has come to know the “open system” was the norm. Tabs / Velcro / Cellotape whatever they were made of is what worked. So the no tabs and easy access through me a bit, I will explain why and because of this I’ve never thought of purchasing them myself. But with potty training lurking in the not too distant future I thought it was time to don my big girl panties and give it a go.
Day 1 – 4 : Pampers pants used from 06:00am – 20:00pm, no problems
Day 5 – 6 : Pampers pants used 06:00am – 17:00pm, slight nappy rash from school due to not being changed often enough so we swopped for the night routine to normal Pampers.
Day 7 – 10 : Pampers Pants used 24 hours, night 1 we had a nappy explosion (10 hours of wear during night) but Josh ate poorly and drank for most of the night (the nappy just couldn’t cope), the rest was no problems.
The challenge, Josh has very very sensitive skin and using Vaseline as a barrier is not even enough. We have trained him so well from young, the minute he drops a bomb he MUST tell us (as parents sometimes you forget, can’t smell, not too sure), Josh now tells us when he’s mid bomb drop. Lol In saying this it means that he uses the Pharmacist concoction daily with every nappy change on his bum. Here’s the challenge. How do you put on bum cream with a pullup pants and not get nappy cream on everything (i.e. bed, changing mat, couch, cot wherever you lay your little one on)?
See my problem? Its a practical and mindset thing which I’ll just have to get over. On the practical side we put on the pull up then through the side do the barrier cream.
Lets see what Pampers says and if it stood the Josh test
· Unisex and Easy to use
· Extra Sleep – Layer which absorbs wetness and distributes it evenly across the core for up to 12 hours of dryness
· All around fit with a stretchy waistband and leg cuffs adapted to baby shapes and movement for a perfect fit in all positions
· Less bulky design which allows for maximum freedom of movement
· Breathable : Micropores enable vapour to travel from inside to outside of nappy to help your baby stay dry
My final thoughts?
Other than my one challenge it stood the test, there were no major leaks or accidents I needed to clean up (apart from 1 overloaded deposit). They’re super easy to use and tear easily (at the seams when taking them off) and Josh is proud to be wearing in his words “Ander pants”. And he has mastered the art of taking them off himself for bathtime (you do not want to see that picture, after taking them off for bathtime he decided to leave me a little surprise on the bedroom floor, like a naughty puppy and it wasn’t a wee wee) and score they’re compact and fit him perfectly!
From my side I do feel they could be a tiny bit softer, I do understand the need for durable absorbing material but these are tiny people’s little bits after all. Thumbs up from me and my gang.
Please note Pampers gave me these products to test and share my experience and I think I’ve done it fairly.
Pampers pants are available both in store and online from sizes 3 – 6
The great thing is that Pampers also gave me a few extra packs to share with other Moms and get their inputs. Watch this space. I will be asking 3 Moms to give their views on the product.
#paidad #PampersSA
