It's not personal



I do not take credit for this image

 

How many times have you been in a shopping mall where a toddler has thrown her/himself on the floor and a panic stricken mother is either standing helplessly, visibly praying or attempting to negotiate with the screaming child? I have witnessed the sight a multitude of times and every single time I have thought “Women please get your sh*t together!”

Now that I am a mother too, however, it is whole other ball game.  While my son rarely throws tantrums in public places (I got lucky), I have encountered it a few times and I can tell you without a doubt, it is any mother’s worst fear. Not because we have no idea how to handle our children, but because strangers are standing around, staring judgingly just as I was.  You have to understand, you simply cannot prepare in advance for a tantrum, it always happens when you least expect. But, this post is not for the onlookers. It is for the moms who have been avoiding going out all together because they cannot imagine dealing with the dreaded outburst.

Let me assure you, IT’S NOT PERSONAL. Chances are it is just a case of bad timing: you probably decided to make the trip close to the little one’s nap time. Or the large crowd is causing them to be a little restless. More often than not, it has nothing to do with who you are as a parent. The sooner you realise that, the sooner you can forget about being judged and that might make defusing the situation a little easier. Forget about feeling self-conscious and focus on the child.

Like I said there is no way to fully prepare for a tantrum, but you can do a few things to lessen the chance of one. What works for me is feeding before we go shopping and also packing a few snacks. I also make sure my son is well rested and is aware of where we are going and what is going to happen. And the most important thing, I promise him a reward if we get through the trip without any major hiccups. And if all else fails and he does end up throwing a tantrum, I take him home. I can always continue shopping another time. Losing my own composure is bound to make things way worse. Remember, IT’S NOT PERSONAL.

                                                              TILL LATER, LAUREN!

REVIEW: Cinderella's Secret Body Scrub

As you may or may not have guessed by now I am a huge fan of Cinderella’s Secret products. So far everything I have used has been so luxurious, so decadent! I have already reviewed two of my favourite products from the brand read post here and today I would like to talk about one that caught me completely off guard: The Love Potion Body Scrub.

Generally I am not too fond of body scrubs simply because I hate having to spend a good couple of minutes actually rinsing the stuff off. However, this time that was not the case at all. From the moment you lather the product on you feel pampered (I know I did). It has a rich and creamy formula that makes you feel both relaxed and revived at the same time. And, it rinses off easily. No hard labour involved.

 I have to say that my absolute favourite thing about the body scrub is the way it smells. I wanted to use it for a while before doing a review and I am beyond amazed. It leaves my skin feeling supple and cared for every time. As far as I know it retails for under R30 so you really have no excuse not to indulge. 

* please note that this was not a sponsored post.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog. Id love to hear what products you count on for a good pamper session. Alternatively connect with me on twitter @CkoBlog and my facebook page CKO cool kids only- blog.

                                                                TILL LATER, LAUREN!

CKO turns 1!

Even as I am typing this, it still feels unreal. How did I manage to blog for a whole year when I am so used to not finishing things? The answer is simple: this blog has been my saving grace. It is the one place where I can to share my thoughts and I don’t have to sugar coat anything. This blog has helped me overcome so many obstacles in the last year and, most importantly; it has helped me celebrate motherhood and my love for all things fashion and beauty.

The other day I was asked why my blog is called “Cool Kids Only”. If you knew throughout my childhood and high school you would certainly appreciate the irony. I was NOT cool at all, not even close. That’s why I thought choosing that name would be really funny (even if it was a private joke).

When I started the blog I was unsure of what I wanted it to be about, if anyone would read or how long I would be able to keep it up. But here we are, a whole year later and I couldn’t be more proud of my humble little blog. Through blogging I have discovered so many brilliant blogs and they have all made me want to be a better blogger myself. While I am still not entirely sure of the route I want to take with my blog, I definitely know what kind of blogger I want to be.  The kind that is authentic and supportive of other bloggers. One who is truthful and approachable and hardworking .Am I all of that right now? I don’t know yet, but here’s to another year of working on that.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog. Thank you for every comment, share, mention and retweet. You would never know just how much it means to me. Bear with me while we attempt this for another year.

 

                            REST IN PEACE JAELYN: 2012- 2014 L

                                                 TILL LATER, LAUREN!

TRENDING: Cut out boots

Every now and then a shoe comes along that I am completely fascinated with but, also completely terrified of. At the moment that shoe is the cut out bootie. For quite some time now it’s been on my radar and I have spotted it on celebrities, off duty models and fashion bloggers the world over. While I completely adore how it looks on everyone else; I am not exactly sure my thin legs would be able to do them justice. And yet I still desperately want to get my hands on a pair. From the street style snaps I have seen these boots seem super versatile. It can be worn with flirty frocks or you can go the rocker chic route with black skinnies and a leather jacket. Whatever you personality desires.

                                                          Wear them with leggings

                                                                   Or socks...

                                                              How gorgeous are they?

 

 

HOW TO WEAR THESE BEAUTIES

 

                                                  

                                                    

 

* I do not take credit for the images in this post

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my humble blog. If you enjoy it please do me a favour and follow it. Alternatively connect with me on twitter @CkoBlog and like my facebook page CKO cool kids only- blog. Are you rocking the cut out boot trend? I would LOVE to hear from you.

                                                         TILL LATER, LAUREN 

REVIEW: Tresemme` Heat Defence Styling Spray

Now this is what I call a little bottle of dynamite. I have been using Tresemme` Heat defence styling spray for over a year now and I am thoroughly impressed. After giving birth my hair took a turn for the worse and I was in need of every bit of extra care I could find. I started looking for products that would not only help me fix my hair, but that would also continue to protect my hair once it was repaired. Let’s talk a little about the product.

What it says on the bottle

For soft, shiny results spray evenly through damp hair. Use a brush to pull hair straight and blow dry from roots to ends. Helps prevent hair becoming brittle and dull. With continued use prevents up to 82% less breakage. Helps protect against damage from dryers and heat styling tools, smoothes frizz and seals in shine.

What do i think about the product?

As I have already mentioned, this product has been one of the saving graces of my hair. After the first few blow outs there was a visible difference to my hair. It was soft and shiny and so much more manageable. More often than not I have ended up being disappointed after a blow out but, a lot less in the last year. The formula is a lightweight spray that gives you the most amazing shine without the greasy feeling. More importantly, it smells incredible. I can’t remember how much I paid for it but, knowing me, it probably wasn’t too expensive. The product certainly lived up to everything that was promised on the label. Overall, I was beyond impressed and I would recommend it to everyone reading.

What heat styling products do you prefer using? Have you used this one? I would love to hear from you .Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If you enjoy reading it please do me a huge favour and follow it.  Alternatively connect with me on twitter @CkoBlog or via my facebook page CKO cool kids only- blog.

 

                                             TILL LATER, LAUREN!

 

 

I LOVE LACE

Lace always makes me think of my grandma and, while that's not a bad thing, its 2016 and no one wants to be thought of as granny-ish.

When you think of lace, what comes to mind? Someone who is demure and soft? Well not anymore. The new season sees lace get a tough rock star make-over. With fashionistas all over the globe indulging in the trend it’s easy to find lace inspiration and put together an ensemble that fits both your body and your mood.

 While I could never bring myself to wear white lace, I am more than excited to give darker colours (in small dosages) a go. Think bad-ass-grunge-glamour. What do you think? Are you already rocking this trend?  

* I do not take credit for the images in this post

Thank you fot taking the time to read my blog . It is much appreciated.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Autumn/Winter inspiration

I have heard a multitude of people complain about not knowing how to be stylish in colder weather. While I prefer  the colder seasons, I love the idea of hot chocolate and cuddling up with loved ones  and new books, I too find it difficult putting outfits together that are both cosy and chic. Half way through the season I usually feel like I am stuck in the monotonous routine. Do you go through the same thing? Fear not. I have compiled some autumn/winter looks to give you (and me) bucket loads of inspiration.  I’m certainly going to try some of these.

 

* I do not take credit for the images in this post

Thank you for reading everyone. What will be your go to look when the chilly days roll around?

                                                                 TILL LATER, LAUREN!