Cheeky Cheekychinos

We went to Cheekychinos, Stirling, yesterday for lunch, coffee and cake after a lovely walk and play in the park at Stirling Gardens. While it is in a relatively unusual location for a cafe, on the corner of Cedric Street and Karrinyup Road with lots of traffic around (you could feel like you're sitting right on the road when sitting outside), this spot is obviously working well for them and probably creating good exposure, being in such a prominent position. It was very busy when we were there with many people filtering in from the surrounding offices (it's close to the Stirling Council building and various offices and businesses), however, it was not uncomfortably busy - we easily got a table for four at 12:15pm.

Cheekychinos offers yummy coffees that come to your table fast. There were many relatively healthy options that our toddler was happy to try. We ordered: a spinach and feta quesadilla; a ham and cheese croissant; and a bacon and egg bagel with yummy tomato relish. These were all relatively reasonably priced (similar prices to any other cafe in Perth). We finished with a delightful chocolate cupcake. Yum!

There is a nice little kids' corner that has drawing, books and a variety of toys. Although the kids' corner pales in comparison to the Cheekychinos' counterparts (check out the 'state of the art educational facility' offered at the likes of the Melbourne and Sydney franchises), our little girl was happily amused. 

A relaxed, cheeky and fun place to go with (or without) kids and we will definitely be heading there again.

One Idea For Keeping Toys Tidy

It's always difficult keeping toys tidy and in this photo you can see my friend has converted her TV cabinet into a clever spot to hide away toys: all neatly organised into boxes. I love that when you close the cabinet door, it's all hidden away; back to 'grown-up zone' for at night - nice to not look at toys when you're watching your favourite movie, chilling on the sofa and pretending your house is not overtaken by your toddler's playthings.

Five Minute Mummy Makeover: How To Do Your Makeup With Two Kids

Step 1: Do Everything Else First

Unless you're one of those amazing (read: annoying) mums who sets their alarm at 6am before the kids get up - and even when I have those energetic starts to the day, I only want to brush my teeth, brush my hair and quickly get rid of that under-eye black shadow (because we're all too tired to do it before bed at night) - then you're probably dealing with both (three, four..) kids by the time it's your turn to get ready for the day. That's because we've done everything else first - that's the way most mums like it and that's the way most kids demand it. So before you look at yourself in the mirror (yes, I got rid of the under-eye shadow without a mirror!) get all those 'kid-demanding' things done first: clean them; feed them; dress them. It makes you feel organised and ready to spend a moment on yourself.

Step 2: TV Time

If there was ever a time when TV was 'necessary', your makeup time is it. Peppa Pig was made for your morning 'me' time (Play School, even better). If you're a mum who avoids putting your kids in front of the box completely (apparently there are mums who don't; although I think behind closed doors they treasure their Bananas in Pyjamas opportunity to go to the loo), then opt for the more seemingly educational options, such as the 'made-for-these-moments' iPad. Beware other so called 'independent play' options such as colouring because undoubtedly your makeup time will be repeatedly interrupted with sharpening pencils, picking up crayons and drawing your best interpretation of 'Papa at work'. Mirroring what you're doing could work a treat though. My Number 1 spends many minutes trawling through my cosmetics box: clicking open and shut the powder case; sorting the empty boxes; and 'trying' on lipstick (that is, putting a brush to her lips). If she ends up with black hands or red chunks on her teeth, it's ok: at least I got my makeup done!

Step 3: Make It Quick

You have five minutes maximum to complete your look. Play School may run for 28 minutes, but we all know that no programme can hold a toddler's continuous attention for longer than five.

Step 4: Face The Day With Your Face On

Now is not the time to apply the complete smoky eye look followed by your favourite blend of three various lipsticks. Have your essentials ready and do it in an order that works even if you're interrupted. If mascara and lipgloss make you feel ready to face the day, don't start with concealer. Get the mascara and gloss on straight up! Add concealer after, if you get your full five minute time slot. My favourite is a blush stick, where I can quickly rub on some colour to my cheeks and lips, followed by lip balm and eye cream. (By the way, NEVER compromise on eye cream. It always trumps every other makeup item you have. You will not regret it in 15 years' time). If I then get interrupted by pooey nappies or impatient cries, I'm ok. I can face the day with my blush, lip balm and eye cream on.

Step 5: Out Of Order

So you've managed to get the essentials on. My next suggestion is to continue a non-linear approach with the rest. If you do manage to get a few more minutes (thanks, Giggle and Hoot) you can add your next favourite items in the order of most important to least. So go the non-traditional approach to applying your makeup: maybe put your mascara on next . Then apply your eyeliner (yes, it's possible to put eyeliner on after mascara, you just need to practise!), because you never know when you'll get called away and your makeup time cut short. Mix the order up in whatever way it suits you, just don't feel you have to start with foundation, if your 'feel-good' cosmetic is lipstick. Priority is key.

Having your 'face on' for the day can be an essential part of being a mum. Just because you have two (three, four..) kids demanding your time, doesn't mean they can command your look. Coming soon.. 'How to Shower in One Minute'; 'Communal Toilet Time' and 'Eating on the Run'!!

Winter: time to get out the humidifier...

Winter is the perfect time to set up a humidifier or a vaporiser in your child's bedroom. Both heat water. A humidifier works by creating a mist; while a vaporiser creates a  hot steam. Either one may help in easing congestion and I have found it to be excellent when the kids have colds. Our first purchase was a Hippo Deluxe Steam Vaporiser from Chemist Warehouse. It definitely achieved the purpose of relieving congestion (and was quiet, with a few soft bubbly sounds), however, it leaks. It leaks so much that we have been constantly arranging various towels on the floor to protect our floorboards (to no avail). I can't imagine the damage it would cause on carpet! How to ruin your floor: purchase a Hippo Vaporiser. Not recommended by me!

With two kids now, we have purchased a second vaporiser: TAAV Vaporaire, also from Chemist Warehouse. While very basic (no separate parts) and slightly louder than the Hippo (more of a constant steam sound), it is by far a better product, in my opinion. Nice and clean; easy to use; 14 hours duration before refilling. What a relief to buy a product that does what it is supposed to (no stuffy noses at night!) and doesn't ruin our floors!

Dull Yelo

Yelo Cafe... hmmm... I do not rate it. All the reviews I read touted it as the place to take your toddler. While it did have a play corner, it was not maintained (a big tub of pencils but no paper to draw on?!). The food was ok - pre-made, served in paper plates with self service plastic cutlery. I'm wondering what the staff actually do as the tables were a mess and remained a mess the whole time we were there. I admit, it was relaxing once we were sipping on yummy coffee and our little one was playing (she was happy to sort pencils rather than draw), but the deal breaker was the single unisex toilet. Ever tried to 'rush' a toddler on the toilet?! We got three taps on the door to hurry up! Thank goodness I didn't have to change my little boy's nappy (the change table is also in this single toilet) as that is not a quick task. Won't be going there again.

Toddler Fun

Lunch at Carilley Estate, Swan Valley, yesterday - great place to take kids: toddler climber, cubby house and lots of space to run around (and hopscotch!). Food was excellent. Such a relaxing afternoon.