Brazenmom

BrazenMom says that every funky baby needs a funky cat shirt. And Hello Kitty does not cut it on this occasion. Quirky, random, strange, offbeat, unconventional comprise the laws of ‘Funky’ – and exclusivity is not an essential. Street style is whatever you want it to be – it’s taking what is mass produced and wearing it with ATTITUDE. And believe me; even those with minimal hair and an appreciation for breast milk have plenty of A-TTI-TUDE to go around. A pair of skinny jeans and a ‘Jay-Z cat’ from NYC speak volumes! Read the rest of this entry »

Let’s bitch about hazardous toy boxes. I have always been of the opinion that toy boxes were made for children’s toys. Perhaps the occasional lateral thinker may use one as a make-shift table, a laundry ‘basket’ or even a lamp stand if one is really creative. But for argument’s sake, let’s operate under the assumption that toy boxes are in fact made for toys.

Based on the aforementioned premise, one would logically assume that if a certain box is marketed by a company or a shop as a “toy box” it is not too far fetched to assume that said box would fall under the mark of ‘child friendly’. Read the rest of this entry »

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. – Albert Einstein

One of my most favourite things about being a mom is living vicariously through my daughter as she experiences LIFE for the first time. Read the rest of this entry »

I don’t think that anyone on this planet needs an introduction to Roald Dahl, and his genius certainly needs no substantiation. The man was blessed with the gift of the gab and I know for certain that his marvellous stories are like medicine for the soul – enriching and uplifting. So, I am starting my Roald Dahl indoctrination project as of yesterday. For thirteen months, our daughter has been gazing up at a Roald Dahl book box set that sits patiently on the top of her bookshelf. In the meantime, I pique her curiosity with the hilarity of Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts. Read the rest of this entry »

Just the other day, on our tube ride home, a lady commented on my child's Kewpie Doll features. As I smiled and offered a gracious nod, my husband stared blankly at the woman before hurling a questioning gaze in my direction. I explained to him that Amelia's big blue eyes look much the same as some random, old-fashioned doll that was called Kewpie (sometimes spelt Cupie). Read the rest of this entry »

My daughter loves to be naked. I think that’s the sole reason she enjoys bath time so much – she gets to be naked for an extended period.

She used to be very still, especially when having her hair washed, which made things easy for whoever was on bath duty. The first time we ever bathed her she screamed blue murder. She was only a few days old and probably wishing the doctor had left her inside me where she was warm, comfortable and never hungry. Read the rest of this entry »

My daughter thinks that she is a Christmas tree. She has taken to draping herself with jewellery and clothing. I have a feeling that I am to blame for this rather entertaining pastime, being a fan of heavy drapage myself.

Today my 13-month-old was waddling around our flat with my DevilDriver Tee (great choice in ‘non-dodgy’ daytime attire) swathed around her shoulders, as if she was in her way to the Royal Ascot. Amelia practically shakes with excitement when her daddy brings out his black and white checked scarf, which is then appropriated by the human Christmas tree in order to adorn her various limbs. It is also not quite good enough to dangle one string of beads around her neck – all five must have an equal opportunity. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Diary, my daughter loves cuddles. She cuddles her teddies (naturally)… but she also cuddles her bath sponge, her favourite green pyjama top, her play-play telephone and just about anything that tickles her fancy. Sadly, cuddles for mommy and daddy have become a tad more sparse as toddlerhood slowly but surely takes over consciousness and a strong will and independent attitude emerge. My little girl is growing up… Boo Hooooo! Mommy NEEDS a cuddle today. Diary – I think I will accost my daughter from behind and demand some affection. What a genius plan! Forced love. Ha ha ha ha ha (evil laugh).

I recently discovered a lovely little gem of a TV show. Here’s how it happened:

There is no TV in our household, so to my 13-month-old daughter the concept of ‘television programme’ is rather foreign. This, however, was about to change. The other day when my little princess (or ‘little gremlin’ on this occasion) was feeling rubbish and whiney, thanks to a dumbass cold she probably contracted after pawing a gross pole on the tube that had already been accosted by millions of disgusting germs that I do not care not to think about (RANT over – thanks for listening), I shoved her in front of the computer screen in the hope that BBC iPlayer would provide enough of a distraction to cease the winging for a few minutes. My sanity (and patience) had regressed from a sturdy rope to a rather flimsy piece of cotton by this stage. Any random programme, with no sex violence or dodgy imagery would do. Lo and behold! Tinga Tinga Tales came to the rescue. Read the rest of this entry »

I have it in my head that alphabet books are an essential for small children. Teaching letters in association with words forms the groundwork for learning to read, and rhyming words are a great tool for helping children learn the art of speech. My 13-month-old currently has two alphabet books on her shelf and both are equally awesome. Read the rest of this entry »