Tell us about yourself?
I’m a decor and lifestyle blogger who can officially call herself a work-from-home mom and Mom Blogger since October last year. I love that I’m able to take on so many different roles during the course of one week (business woman, artist, writer, cook, art lover, wife and mom). I try to surround myself with beautiful, artistic things such as antiques, classical music, books and beautiful designs.
Tell us about your blog?
Most of the above things find their way into my work, so my blog is a bit of a mixed bag all the things that inspire me. The blog started off as a decor only blog, in support of my interior decorating business, but has evolved to include some lifestyle posts. It’s definitely all still about bringing beauty and inspiration into your home, filling your life with joy.
How do you feel about using technology as part of learning?
I’m fairly old-school when it comes to tech and media. I like children playing outside, reading books and listening to stories as opposed to watching them. Actively playing educational games with a parent or caretaker as opposed to playing them on a device. Having said that, I’d be placing my child at a great disadvantage if I did not raise him in a tech-savvy manner. Technological advancements have brought us so many great tools and devices that can not only make our lives easier, but add real value to our everyday lives when used responsibly.
What are your kid’s favourite apps?
I have not introduced him to devices or even TV yet, so none at the moment. I plan on letting him play with some fun, educational apps in a couple of months’ time though.
What do you love about South Africa and raising your children here?
The sense of community and family. Children play an important role in our collective culture. That, coupled with South Africans’ warm nature makes finding a village to help raise your child very easy. One of the other things that’s great about raising our child in SA is all the wonderful and diverse nature adventures we’ll be able to take him on.
TV “Yes” or “No”?
The short answer is “No”, because I have found TV to be such a habit forming medium that even a “Yes, but…” can easily turn into an unhealthy daily routine for kids who aren’t able to reason yet. I realise that lofty ideals soon vanish when faced with the reality of raising children, but I hope that our family routine and the example we set will make this a little easier. We eat at the table and watch quality television as a treat two or three times a week.
What is in the lunchbox?
At the moment, breast milk.
How do you balance it all – in one sentence?
You can’t – you have to choose the two or three things that are most important to you and endeavour to do them well.
Do you children do chores at home, if so what and how do you manage it?
Again, not at the moment. But I’m big on cleaning up and tyding after yourself. Chores will include making your own bed (something I still struggle with), washing your bath, packing away your shoes, etc.
What is your favourite holiday plans/ activities with kids?
I think it’s probably good to get out of the house during the holidays. There are so many great animal and adventure parks in Joburg you can visit, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of my favourite outings are going for a picnic or to a touch farm. When at home, the single most fun thing I can think of doing is playing board games – I can play all day long and hope to instill this love in my children.
You can catch up with Belinda on her blog here and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
