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    • Mari-Louise Candiotes a.k.a Just a Mamma
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Just A Mamma

  • Birthdays Celebrations Kids Photography

    You can be Anything: Eliana’s Barbie Birthday photoshoot

    Feb 13, 2019 Read More
  • Giveaways Mamma need to know Motherhood Something for the littles

    Everyday nutrition: A healthy lunchbox for a healthy mind

    Feb 12, 2019 Read More
  • Giveaways Mamma need to know Motherhood Something for the grown-ups Things we love

    How to include more plant based protein in your diet

    Feb 4, 2019 Read More
  • Fashion for littles Giveaways Something for the littles Things we love

    5 Reasons we love KEEDO: Quality South African kid’s Fashion for all.

    Feb 1, 2019 Read More
  • Things we love

    All about Silistraw – Reusable silicone straws

    Jan 31, 2019 Read More
  • DIYs Giveaways Something for the littles Things we love

    Growing your own vegetables with My Eco Sprout.

    Jan 24, 2019 Read More
  • DIYs Momspiration Motherhood Things we love

    #MeatFreeMondays with Fry Family Food Co.

    Jan 21, 2019 Read More
  • Places we go Travel Destinations

    Mini-Break | Kamonande in the Waterberg

    Jan 17, 2019 Read More
  • Mamma need to know Motherhood

    Back to School basics for 1st timers

    Jan 9, 2019 Read More
  • Things we love

    Vacation skincare: The Oolala Collection Mini SkinESSENTIALS Jetsetter kit

    Nov 28, 2018 Read More
  • Fashion for littles Places we go Things we love Travel Destinations

    Travel fashion for girls – Greece 2018

    Nov 16, 2018 Read More
  • Places we go Travel Destinations

    Family Travel Guide: Flying with kids

    Nov 9, 2018 Read More
  • Celebrations Just Dad Just for Fun Mamma need to know Motherhood

    10 lessons learnt from 10 years of marriage

    Oct 25, 2018 Read More
  • Fashion for littles Places we go Things we love Travel Destinations

    Travel fashion for girls – Greece 2018

    It’s no secret, we love fashion! So, when traveling to beautiful destinations… Why not dress the part too in some of the best proudly South African labels for kids? Take a moment, sit back,…

    Nov 16, 2018
  • Elf on the Shelf
    Celebrations Giveaways Holiday celebrations Something for the littles

    The Elf on the Shelf is here – A Magical season awaits!

    The Elf on the Shelf® has made its way to SA and we have officially adopted one of our own! Silly and sweet, Santa’s official Scout Elves love to find new ways to bring…

    Nov 14, 2018
  • Uncategorized

    5 beauty essentials for summer!

    Summer in South Africa means time in the sun, scorching warm days and loads of outdoor fun. Things get hot but with these 5 beauty essentials for summer, your days are bound to be…

    Nov 13, 2018
  • Places we go Travel Destinations

    Family Travel Guide: Flying with kids

    Seeing the world, visiting new places, meeting friends and doing it as a family! This has always been a priority to us. That’s why we’ve been traveling with our girls since they were young.…

    Nov 9, 2018
  • 10 year wedding anniversary
    Celebrations Just Dad Just for Fun Mamma need to know Motherhood

    10 lessons learnt from 10 years of marriage

    Like most big, life changing experiences reality isn’t always what you expected. Marriage is no different. We are all warned about the potential challenges one could face but when you’re in love, passion at…

    Oct 25, 2018
  • Just a Mamma Thomas and Friends_7112
    Things we love Toys

    Ava’s 1st movie: Thomas & Friends Big World! Big Adventures!

    A few weeks ago our entire family got treated to a special premiere screening of the new Thomas the train film. Thomas and Friends. Big World! Big Adventures! The entire family was excited. I…

    Oct 4, 2018
  • Just a Mamma Unfourgettable photoshoot
    Birthdays Celebrations Kids Photography

    Forever “un-FOUR-gettable” – Happy 4th birthday Lia!

    Here we are again… The night before your birthday! Over the years we’ve baked, had a tea party or two-hundred and now; our little “milkaholic“, you are turning 4! The days seem to fly…

    Oct 1, 2018
  • Just a Mamma Clean Beauty
    Mamma need to know Motherhood Things we love

    Establishing a Good Skincare Routine with Oolala Collection

    Over the past 33 years I haven’t been kind to my skin. Sure, I apply sunblock when needed and I wash and moisturise my face every evening. I even enjoy the occasional mask and…

    Sep 26, 2018
  • Just a Mamma Barbie book series
    Book Club Giveaways Something for the littles Things we love

    Book Club: WIN the Barbie “You can be anything” series

    By now I’m sure you’ve noticed… We are Barbie fans. Being a #girlmom it’s impossible not to love a brand that invests and cares so much about empowering woman and inspiring little girls to…

    Sep 25, 2018
  • Just a Mamma Barney Board Books
    Book Club Things we love

    Book Club: Barney Board Books launch

    Establishing a love for reading and books is something we value as parents. So much so that we started reading stories to our girls even before they were born. Bedtime stories is a nightly…

    Sep 17, 2018
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is a space for Mammas by a Mamma. Intended to inspire, motivate and be helpful. No judgement or expert advice - just gorgeous photo shoots, fun celebrations, great finds for mamma and baby, inspirational moms I have come across, places to go and vacations to have, as well as my own journey of motherhood and family life.




South African Kids and Parenting Blogs
  • A press drop for the girls celebrating Barbie’s 60th Birthday (dang she lookin good). Keep an eye out during March for the new Barbie range in store and stand a change to win a Barbie pamper box for your own little girl to enjoy with 3 of her besties! 
Thank you Barbie! #sponsored
  • Hey, it’s Friday so let’s do a little #freebie😉
.
.
Next week, Ava and I - and probably her baba too - will be hitting @boobalooexpo.
.
.
It’s Pretoria’s biggest baby expo and it’s taking place at Sun Arena at @timesquareza (right across @menlynmaine - one of the trendiest PTA hangouts😎).
.
.
With some serious sponsors on board (@dischem_pharmacies, @beeld_nuus and @pretoria_fm) it promises to give us mamas some MASSIVE savings, cool prizes, informative masterclasses, entertainment for the littles and beautiful shopping.
.
.
We’ll be swooning over some of our favourite brands @lullaby_rock_apparel, @annapatat_kids, @cloud.and.co, @dandylionkids, @yummybabysa and @hanselandgretelbags - just to name a few.
.
.
JOIN US!👏🏻
.
.
I’m giving away a set of double ticket to one lucky mama. .
How to enter:
1. Make sure you follow us @justamamma 
2. Like this post. 
3. Tag a friend (1 tag = 1 entry) - must tag different people. .
.
SUPER EASY!
.
.
Ts & Cs: Only open to SA residents. Competition ends Monday, 25 February 2019 at midnight. Winner will be announced on February 26th 2019 and contacted via DM. IG is in no way liable or associated with this giveaway.
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#win #competition #giveaway #boobalooexpo #pretoria #thingstodoinpretoria #familyouting #explorepretoria #babyexpo #baby #family #mommyandbaby
  • Today this lady gave me such a fright😢 (and even posting about this makes me nervous) But maybe this has happened to you too and I need some help.
.
.
Ava and I was running a couple of minutes late and arrived at school just before the bell rang. We rushed to our pickup spot and I was relieved to see the usual crowd of parents still waiting for their littles. Ava and I stood waiting, and waiting until I couldn’t fight the urge to go looking for Eliana. .
.
She was nowhere to be found😳 my heart sank into my shoes but I knew I had to stay calm. She couldn’t be gone. The teacher just saw her and our school is so strict when it comes to safety and security, I knew this had to have been some kind of misunderstandings. .
.
As I retraced her steps I found her, quietly sitting, safe and secure waiting for us - with not a concern in the world. She even laughed asking me “how I got into school?” For some reason she decided today would be a good day to take a little stroll through the corridors before coming to meet me...🙈
.
.
I wanted to kiss and strangle her all at once. In that moment I realized we hadn’t spoken about school safety and what she should do if for some reason I’m not where she expects me to be. .
.
Where she should go for help and who she could talk to. Tonight we had a long chat about all of it but I really want to make sure I’ve covered all our bases. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a moment to share any tips you may have on school safety. 📸 @madisonandwestlifestyle .
.
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#honestmom #realmotherhood #motherhoodmoments #motherhoodunhinged #momfail #parentingfail #safety #raisinggirls #parentingadvice #parentingtips #unitedinmotherhood #uniteinmotherhood #mommyandme #girlmom #bigfamilylife #familyof5 #stopdropandmom #momming #momminainteasy #rawmotherhood #justamamma #momssupportingmoms #parentinghelp #motherhoodintheraw #mamamoments #momdiaries
  • Totally “lathering” 😉 your screen with some shameless promotion of the the new @theoolalacollection SWEAT range👊🏼
.
.
WHY?
1. We’ve been loyal @theoolalacollection customers for the past 10 months and love the brand and all it stands for.
2. The recently launched SWEAT range is absolutely incredible and ticks all the boxes
- #proudlySouthAfrican
- #crueltyfreeskincare - #vegan
- #parabenfree - #petroleumfree - #nontoxic - #chemicalfree
- #glutenfree
3. Its also safe to use while pregnant, breastfeeding and even on kids.
4. In just 3 steps you’re good to GO! Mr. Perfect especially appreciates how quick and easy his skincare routine has become.
5. Being a genderless range means  we can split the cost😉
6. The 2in1 moisturiser & Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide won’t harm you or our beautiful ocean life. 
7. WE ARE GIVING AWAY a his and hers set (and a @cactic_fitness Home gym) in our February ValenMINE competition👏🏻
.
.
There are a few more reasons too but those will have to wait for Friday’s blogpost. In the meantime, get entering on the original giveaway post😉
.
.
And happy Wednesday friends!
.
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#sponsored #wellnesswednesday #skincaretips #skincareproducts  #ecofriendlybeauty #oolalacollectionclub #beautywithoutcruelty #greenliving #sweatlife #sweatsquad #fitcouple #couplegoals❤ #fitfamily #couplesfitness #healthyskincare #cleanbeautyrevolution #cleanskincare #parentsbelike #selfcare #antiagingskincare #sunblock
  • Wanna see what got us (okay just me) dancing today? .
.
I’m setting up a family “command center” and this will be at the heart of it all... Have you guys heard of home command centers? They are all over Pinterest and apparently a must when it comes to home organization - a little family goal of ours this year(if you haven’t noticed)😋
.
.
SWIPE LEFT to have a laugh at my “amazing 🤪” dance moves and double tap to make me feel like less of a loser - unless you think I am a loser - then give me some love out of pity 😆
.
.
Ps fellow organizers: We have a little discount code for you to use... Simply add “Justamamma” when you checkout and receive 20% off all acrylic planners and calendars👏🏻YAY!
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#sponsored #commandcenter #bigfamilylife #quietthechaos #familylifestyle #acrylicplanner #acryliccalendar #organisedlife #organisedmum #customdesigned #momshelpingmoms #stayingorganized #wallplanner #homeofficedecor #mommyandme #happydance #tellmetuesday #momhacks #parentinghacks #shopsmall #supportlocalbrand #proudlysouthafrican #stationaryaddict #motherofthree #familyof5 #declutter #simplify #livesimply #organizingtips
  • Happy Monday from the the #girlgang and I🤗
.
.
So much love and gratitude for these three. Never in a million years would I have seen myself here... A mama of 3, raising future girlbosses, wives, moms and woman of God. As parents we have such a massive “job”, one that needs to be shared with so many others. I pray that this week we can all remember that no matter the challenges, we know that - “we got this”. Because there really isn’t anyone else out there that can love your child more, raise them better or know their hearts. 💕
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.
You’re doing an amazing job mom (and dad)! 📸 @madisonandwestlifestyle .
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#myhonestmotherhood #mythreebabies #mymotherhood #motherofthree #girlmom #mombloggersofig #ourtinymoments #celebratemotherhood #lifestyleblogger #mondaymotivation #parentingtips #parenthood_unveiled #motherhoodslens #momproblems #momdiaries #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodrising #celebratemotherhood #initeinmotherhood #familyof5 #bigfamilylife #mcm #amomentinmotherhood #workingmom #modernmama #momming #momstruggles
  • Friday feels is all about the party vibes...
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.
Mama ain’t doing anything else but party prepping for Eliana’s Barbie birthday tomorrow.
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.
I’ll be the crazy lady running all over town picking up supplies. In the meantime you guys enjoy a little snippet of Lia’s Tinkerbell birthday last year. This video was created by @poppitandfinch - The 1st supplier I book for any birthday party - All the other details will be up on the blog next week😉
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Have a great Friday friends 💕
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#turning4 #inlovewithlia #tinkerbellparty #partyideas #partydecorations #partyinspiration #girlsparty #fridayfeels #instavideos #justamamma #southafricanblogger #magicofchildhood #childrenparty #childhoodcaptured #diyparty #fairygarden #makebelieve #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #littleandbrave #letthekidsplay #freerangekids #flashbackfridays #fbf
  • 16 years ago Mr. Perfect walked into Aca Joe to buy a pair of pants...
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I think he got a tad more than he bargained for😋
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US and happy Valentine’s Day too. May we all celebrate the loves in our lives today even if it’s just with an extra kiss 💋 .
.
(SWIPE left to see one of our very 1st photos together. A nerdy 21 year old and bewildered 17 year old - and yes, that was the quality of our photos back then🙈)
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#16yearstogether #happyanniversary #valentinesday2019 #happyvalentineday #myforever #familylove❤️ #bigfamilylife #couplelife #husbandandwifeforlife #mine #tbt #valentines_day #coupletime #anniversary #slowdown #couplesofinstagram #couplesofig #highschoolsweethearts #marriedlife #marriagegoals #parents #reallove❤ #inlove #family #myforever #justamamma #marriedcouple  #husbandandwifeteam #parentinglife #southafricanblogger #celebratelove
  • Disappeared for the day to celebrate our incredible SEVEN year old!!!
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.
We can’t believe it, how? The lady that made us parents has been ours for seven years. WOW! How lucky are we?
.
We went old school... Waking her up with cake and presents, spending the day with no distractions, giving all our attention and ending off with a @spursteakranches dinner. .
.
Eliana couldn’t wait to experience her 1st “big school” birthday and all she wants is to celebrate, Barbie style! Remember the photoshoot we did with @madisonandwestlifestyle at @lvdpstudio a few weeks ago. All the pics are on the blog as well as a little letter to our birthday girl. .
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Have a read especially if you’re a #girlmom💕 (link in bio)
📸 @madisonandwestlifestyle .
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#birthdaygirl #barbiebirthday #happybirthday #barbiedoll #birthdaycelebrations #pinkparty #partyinspo #photoshootideas #motherhoodinspired #honestmotherhood #mytinymoments #bestofmomlife #rawmotherhood #bestofmom #uniteinmotherhood #piecesofmyheart #motherhood #motherhoodunhinged #samomblogger #momssupportingmoms #motherhoodjourney #workingmomlife #lovemyjob❤️ #unitedinmotherhood #parenting #documentingmotherhood #motherslove #themommydiary

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Seen on CapeTownInsider

Instagram

  • A press drop for the girls celebrating Barbie’s 60th Birthday (dang she lookin good). Keep an eye out during March for the new Barbie range in store and stand a change to win a Barbie pamper box for your own little girl to enjoy with 3 of her besties! 
Thank you Barbie! #sponsored
  • Hey, it’s Friday so let’s do a little #freebie😉
.
.
Next week, Ava and I - and probably her baba too - will be hitting @boobalooexpo.
.
.
It’s Pretoria’s biggest baby expo and it’s taking place at Sun Arena at @timesquareza (right across @menlynmaine - one of the trendiest PTA hangouts😎).
.
.
With some serious sponsors on board (@dischem_pharmacies, @beeld_nuus and @pretoria_fm) it promises to give us mamas some MASSIVE savings, cool prizes, informative masterclasses, entertainment for the littles and beautiful shopping.
.
.
We’ll be swooning over some of our favourite brands @lullaby_rock_apparel, @annapatat_kids, @cloud.and.co, @dandylionkids, @yummybabysa and @hanselandgretelbags - just to name a few.
.
.
JOIN US!👏🏻
.
.
I’m giving away a set of double ticket to one lucky mama. .
How to enter:
1. Make sure you follow us @justamamma 
2. Like this post. 
3. Tag a friend (1 tag = 1 entry) - must tag different people. .
.
SUPER EASY!
.
.
Ts & Cs: Only open to SA residents. Competition ends Monday, 25 February 2019 at midnight. Winner will be announced on February 26th 2019 and contacted via DM. IG is in no way liable or associated with this giveaway.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#win #competition #giveaway #boobalooexpo #pretoria #thingstodoinpretoria #familyouting #explorepretoria #babyexpo #baby #family #mommyandbaby
  • Today this lady gave me such a fright😢 (and even posting about this makes me nervous) But maybe this has happened to you too and I need some help.
.
.
Ava and I was running a couple of minutes late and arrived at school just before the bell rang. We rushed to our pickup spot and I was relieved to see the usual crowd of parents still waiting for their littles. Ava and I stood waiting, and waiting until I couldn’t fight the urge to go looking for Eliana. .
.
She was nowhere to be found😳 my heart sank into my shoes but I knew I had to stay calm. She couldn’t be gone. The teacher just saw her and our school is so strict when it comes to safety and security, I knew this had to have been some kind of misunderstandings. .
.
As I retraced her steps I found her, quietly sitting, safe and secure waiting for us - with not a concern in the world. She even laughed asking me “how I got into school?” For some reason she decided today would be a good day to take a little stroll through the corridors before coming to meet me...🙈
.
.
I wanted to kiss and strangle her all at once. In that moment I realized we hadn’t spoken about school safety and what she should do if for some reason I’m not where she expects me to be. .
.
Where she should go for help and who she could talk to. Tonight we had a long chat about all of it but I really want to make sure I’ve covered all our bases. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take a moment to share any tips you may have on school safety. 📸 @madisonandwestlifestyle .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#honestmom #realmotherhood #motherhoodmoments #motherhoodunhinged #momfail #parentingfail #safety #raisinggirls #parentingadvice #parentingtips #unitedinmotherhood #uniteinmotherhood #mommyandme #girlmom #bigfamilylife #familyof5 #stopdropandmom #momming #momminainteasy #rawmotherhood #justamamma #momssupportingmoms #parentinghelp #motherhoodintheraw #mamamoments #momdiaries
  • Totally “lathering” 😉 your screen with some shameless promotion of the the new @theoolalacollection SWEAT range👊🏼
.
.
WHY?
1. We’ve been loyal @theoolalacollection customers for the past 10 months and love the brand and all it stands for.
2. The recently launched SWEAT range is absolutely incredible and ticks all the boxes
- #proudlySouthAfrican
- #crueltyfreeskincare - #vegan
- #parabenfree - #petroleumfree - #nontoxic - #chemicalfree
- #glutenfree
3. Its also safe to use while pregnant, breastfeeding and even on kids.
4. In just 3 steps you’re good to GO! Mr. Perfect especially appreciates how quick and easy his skincare routine has become.
5. Being a genderless range means  we can split the cost😉
6. The 2in1 moisturiser & Sunblock with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide won’t harm you or our beautiful ocean life. 
7. WE ARE GIVING AWAY a his and hers set (and a @cactic_fitness Home gym) in our February ValenMINE competition👏🏻
.
.
There are a few more reasons too but those will have to wait for Friday’s blogpost. In the meantime, get entering on the original giveaway post😉
.
.
And happy Wednesday friends!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#sponsored #wellnesswednesday #skincaretips #skincareproducts  #ecofriendlybeauty #oolalacollectionclub #beautywithoutcruelty #greenliving #sweatlife #sweatsquad #fitcouple #couplegoals❤ #fitfamily #couplesfitness #healthyskincare #cleanbeautyrevolution #cleanskincare #parentsbelike #selfcare #antiagingskincare #sunblock
  • Wanna see what got us (okay just me) dancing today? .
.
I’m setting up a family “command center” and this will be at the heart of it all... Have you guys heard of home command centers? They are all over Pinterest and apparently a must when it comes to home organization - a little family goal of ours this year(if you haven’t noticed)😋
.
.
SWIPE LEFT to have a laugh at my “amazing 🤪” dance moves and double tap to make me feel like less of a loser - unless you think I am a loser - then give me some love out of pity 😆
.
.
Ps fellow organizers: We have a little discount code for you to use... Simply add “Justamamma” when you checkout and receive 20% off all acrylic planners and calendars👏🏻YAY!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#sponsored #commandcenter #bigfamilylife #quietthechaos #familylifestyle #acrylicplanner #acryliccalendar #organisedlife #organisedmum #customdesigned #momshelpingmoms #stayingorganized #wallplanner #homeofficedecor #mommyandme #happydance #tellmetuesday #momhacks #parentinghacks #shopsmall #supportlocalbrand #proudlysouthafrican #stationaryaddict #motherofthree #familyof5 #declutter #simplify #livesimply #organizingtips
  • Happy Monday from the the #girlgang and I🤗
.
.
So much love and gratitude for these three. Never in a million years would I have seen myself here... A mama of 3, raising future girlbosses, wives, moms and woman of God. As parents we have such a massive “job”, one that needs to be shared with so many others. I pray that this week we can all remember that no matter the challenges, we know that - “we got this”. Because there really isn’t anyone else out there that can love your child more, raise them better or know their hearts. 💕
.
.
You’re doing an amazing job mom (and dad)! 📸 @madisonandwestlifestyle .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#myhonestmotherhood #mythreebabies #mymotherhood #motherofthree #girlmom #mombloggersofig #ourtinymoments #celebratemotherhood #lifestyleblogger #mondaymotivation #parentingtips #parenthood_unveiled #motherhoodslens #momproblems #momdiaries #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodrising #celebratemotherhood #initeinmotherhood #familyof5 #bigfamilylife #mcm #amomentinmotherhood #workingmom #modernmama #momming #momstruggles

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