Mama Essentials: Stain Removal

Vanish and the stains are gone they say.

I've long been a sceptic of these types of ads but continue to buy whichever new stain removal product promises to solve all my stain removal dilemmas. When I was recently sent some of the Vanish Gold products to try I sure wanted to find some challenging stains to test {not very hard with a two year old and a husband with the keeping-clean ability on par with aforementioned two year old.}

However ... 

I've long been labelled a lazy cook by my husband and I guess I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone by not also flying that lazy flag {proudly} in the laundry.

• I rarely never sort colours and whites and yes, this has resulted in some of my husband's beloved golf shorts turning a nice shade of pink
• I jam as much stuff into the washing machine as I can and then instantly regret that action when it comes to hanging the massive basket of clothes out to dry {we do not own a dryer} 
• Wanting to fit as much in one load as possible is very de-motivating when that tune plays to signify the cycle has finished and often also results in some, or an entire load sitting in the machine for hours or even days slowly developing that lovely fermented wet smell. Cue subsequent {often more than one} washing of the stuff that was already clean 

Lazy me also had forgotten about the tried and true method of soaking for successful stain removal. Lazy me doesn't didn't have time for soaking. But lazy me realises that it can {but not always} work to get stains out.

Grab a cheapo plastic tub from Kmart, tip a good amount of Vanish into the tub {aint nobody got time for measurements {because lazy} and let soak.

The longer the better, but not too long because colour run can happen at this point too. 

Pretty impressed I've got to say! I will definitely be purchasing this product again especially when it's on sale.

*I was sent these products to try but was not paid for this post.

Mama Wardrobe | the 2015 Edition

I was recently contacted by Hawes & Curtis and asked to select a couple of pieces to add to my wardrobe. Hawes & Curtis are a UK company who have been in operation for over one hundred years who create and sell beautiful quality menswear, womenswear and accessories.

The classic white shirt is a wardrobe staple that was totally missing from my wardrobe ... but within reason. You see, having a young son ... Oh hell, I can't be trusted wearing a white shirt so I won't blame Ned for the reason I didn't have one. Within half an hour of wearing it I had splattered my green juice down the centre and will require a lesson from Julie Goodwin on the finer points of stain removal ... it's just as easy as vanish, and the stains are gone! ... isn't it?!

I've always been envious of women with boobs, hell, even men with boobs and know this would look so much better if I had an existent rack. But, it's an amazing quality, comfortable, loose fit {UK 12}shirt, and will sure get a workout over the coming months.

{Check out the Hawes & Curtis website - really affordable and I'd love to dress trainee daddy in head to toe H&C for a day at the races ... see the new Quintessentially British Collection}

Mama Wardobe | the 2015 edition

When you stare into your substantial, and mostly organised walk in wardrobe {with just your clothes - trainee daddy's clothes live elsewhere {in chaos, I might add}} on a Monday and have that nothing to wear moment, what do you do?

Select a pair of printed pants from your extensive collection, find a tank, slap on some sandals and you're ready to rock n roll. Or in my case, head to work.

Alternatively, you could also find whatever clothes match your breakfast of choice {in my case a spinach, frozen green apple, mint, lemon juice and water smoothie} and roll with that.

Did you spot my beautiful Make A Wish necklace sent to me by the lovely team at Najo? It's part of their Valentines Day collection and knowing that I won't be receiving anything on that day in a couple of weeks time makes it even more special.

What will you be wishing for this Valentines Day?