Thursday, November 24, 2011

BIG! SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SALE


Small Business Saturday® is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses. It is easy to support big box stores but it is the little businesses which produce locally and keep funds in the community.
On November 26, we're asking you to Shop Small and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge!

Shop small at BabyBaby this weekend and SAVE BIG!

Free Delivery Store Wide
Gift Certificate Sale, Feeding Pillow Seconds, Free Product with purchase, discontinued product...

Check out the sale this Saturday and Sunday.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Style meets Breast Feeding...


Our Newest style in the BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow Decor' Friendly fabric is out.

Inspired by the hip New Zealand fashion industry, BabyBaby continues to create a look that you'll be proud to show off while enjoying the functionality that the popular Breast Feeding Pillow offers.

Zebra stripes meets Polka Dots - 100% cotton top and bottom with durable drill gusset and woven handles. Machine washable and dries in no time.

Position and posture is key when it comes to breastfeeding and it is all about mum! With the BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow Mum’s posture improves immediately the pillow is placed around her waist, therefore baby is correctly positioned at the correct height for successful feeding.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are encased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

Note Worthy: Our feeding Pillows are all hand made in New Zealand and are lovingly crafted in totally smoke free environments. We employ local sewers who are mothers and grandmothers who have perfected their craft and enjoy creating our pillows for our precious customers. By purchasing a babybaby feeding pillow not only are your customers supporting their own physical health by supporting their posture while their baby is in the correct position for breastfeeding; they are also supporting NZ women working from home. We have implemented a strict quality control program and back all our products with a 100% money back guarantee. Our sewers take complete pride in their work which we are very proud of. The key here is unlike other breast feeding support pillows, we are a local company, supporting local women. We have never manufactured offshore.

Learn more about Breast Feeding with the BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow at babybaby

Monday, October 24, 2011

Treating Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a form of seborrhea Dermatitis (sebum causing inflammation). Found mainly on the scalp and face of babies and young children. It appears as thick, oily, yellowish or brownish patches and the skin itself can appear red, flaky and irritated.
Cradle cap is simply a build up of sweat and oil produced by overactive glands. Sometimes an overgrowth of yeast may contribute to the condition. The good news is it is treatable.

We recommend Multi Healing Balm with Manuka and Kanuka oils which balance out sebum (oil) production and gently lift the dead skin cells from the scalp.

Treatment of Cradle Cap
• Brush the scalp with a soft bristle brush to loosen the scales.
• Massage Multi Healing Balm into scalp - it will literally lift the cradle cap without causing damage to the skin beneath.
• Leave the Multi Healing balm on over night.
• Shampoo hair and scalp as per usual the following day.

Testimonial
"I have battled cradle cap with three children and am so happy I have finally found something that works. Multi Healing Balm is awesome stuff! To think I wasted so much money on expensive products and time on old wives tales which did not work".
Ashleigh Procter, WA

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Situations Vacant - Work with Multi Healing Balm!


Multi Healing Balm is expanding into stores throughout New Zealand and looking for Regional Sales Reps/Agents.

If you have experience in sales, specifically to pharmacy and health food stores then this could be your dream job!

All applicant tertiary areas will be considered, although we are most interested in hearing from those in the Auckland and Wellington regions.

Part and full time applicants considered.

This is a commission based opportunity for someone who has a professional attitude and a genuine passion to achieve results with a solid record in sales.

This role has a high degree of independence so you will need to work autonomously from a home based office reporting through to our head office based in Hawkes Bay.

You would need to be highly motivated, with the ability to effectively manage time, solve problems, and identify opportunities for business growth but most importantly we are looking for a peoples person with a great work ethic and awesome attitude.

If this is you then we would love to hear from you.

All inquiries will be treated confidentially.

CV should be directed to:

Jodee Reid: info(at)multihealingbalm(dot)com

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Win A tube of Award Winning Nappy Rash Cream - Now CLOSED


Simply the best - BabyBaby Barrier Nappy Rash cream cures even the most resistant nappy rash thanks to our not so secret ingredients of Manuka and Kanuka oils. Native to New Zealand these oils work great individually but together they work magic. Likened to Tea Tree oil but kinder to the skin, these oils are a perfect blend for treating and preventing diaper rash.

Uses: Diaper Rash, dribble rash, chafing, teething rash, and most other non serious rash.

Function: Barrier Nappy Rash Cream has a unique action of both healing and protecting the skin all at once. Natural ingredients are used to reduce redness and irritability of the skin while protecting from further damage caused by moisture and outside irritants. Is effective in all types of rash particularly diaper rash. Use as a cure and a prevention.

Who Can Use it: Newborn and up.

How we use it: Make sure the area is clean and dry. We apply it to any area prone to rash; bottom, face, behind the knees, elbow joints, under the neck, chins and cheeks.

Customer Review: “I LOVE your Barrier Nappy Rash Cream! My son has a very sensitive skin and I was a little concerned when I first applied the product and his skin looked slightly redder than normal but within minutes the rash had settled and by morning was completely gone! Now I use it for everything. We use it at every diaper change to prevent a repeat of the severe rash we had.” Thank you! MJ, Wellington, NZ

Ingredients: Zinc oxide which soothes the skin reducing redness and has anti-fungal properties. Manuka and Kanuka Oils unique to New Zealand, they are anti fungal, anti inflammatory, anti septic and anti viral yet they are very kind and gentle to the skin. Sunflower oil, caster oil, almond oil and avocado oil all keep natural moisture in the skin and keep outside irritants out. Mandarin oil and Lavender soothe, calm and heal the skin. Beeswax, Cetearyl alcohol.

Free Of: Artificial color, fragrance and preservatives.

Packaging: 150 ml Tube made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) Recycle #4.

Buy

To Win: Tell us below or on our Facebook Page one fact about our nappy rash cream.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Note Worthy...


Something you may not know... all our BabyBaby feeding Pillows are hand made in New Zealand and are lovingly crafted in totally smoke free environments.


We employ local sewers who are mothers and grandmothers who have perfected their craft and enjoy creating our pillows for our precious customers.

By purchasing a BabyBaby feeding pillow not only are you supporting your own physical health, you are also supporting NZ women working from home.

We have implemented a strict quality control program with our feeding pillows and back all our products with a 100% money back guarantee.

Our sewers take complete pride in their work which they are very proud of.

We hand select all our fabrics and are constantly looking at ways to improve our product.

We hope you enjoy our feeding pillows as much as we do - mothers ourselves who have successfully breastfed with a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow

Monday, August 22, 2011

Be in to win - Eleventh semi-annual Cloth Nappy Hunt!

Well it’s that time again! BabyBaby are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Eleventh semi-annual Cloth Nappy Hunt!


It’s simple to enter. You register, for FREE, at http://www.clothnappyhunt.com/ anytime between now and the end of September, 2011. There are 10 Sponsors of the Day for the last 10 days of August. These will be announced each morning from the 22nd to the 31st at the cloth nappy hunt website, facebook page and via twitter. You visit their site and look for the Icon to go into the draw for each of their prizes. This is a warm up for the main event which takes place during September.

Then, from 9am on September 1st, you visit all the participating sponsor sites and hunt for the Diaper Decisions™ nappy, to earn entries to win some of the $10 000 in prizes, including Three Grand Prizes worth approx $350 each and one Ultimate Grand Prize worth $500!

For more details about this great event, please visit the FAQ page at http://www.clothnappyhunt.com/ and the Rules page.

To be kept up to date with all things Hunt related please join
http://www.facebook.com/clothnappyhunt and/or
http://twitter.com/ClothNappyHunt

And to keep a track of all the latest specials being offered by the Sponsors make sure you follow
http://twitter.com/#!/ClothNappyHunt/huntsponsors and opt in to the Newsletter when you register as a Hunter.

Registering to hunt also gives you access to the exclusive Discount Code allowing you to take advantage of all the specials listed at http://www.diaperdecisions.com/forum2/index.php?topic=7873.0

See you at the hunt!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

World Breast Feeding Week Compeition Winners

Day One Winner: Chont -
Day Two Winner: Karyn Carr
Day Three Winner: Julia Reyland
Day Four Winner: Samantha Cairns
Day Five Winner: TartanKiwi
Day Six Winner: Izel Wordsworth
Day Seven Winner: Sophie Hollands
Ultimate Prize Winner: Veronica Donaldson

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Seven - Nopw Closed


Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Seven

To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Congratulations to our Day Seven Winner: Sophie Hollands.

During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Six - now closed!


Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Six

To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Congratulations to our Day Six Winner: Izel Wordsworth

During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Five - Now closed


Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Three

To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Congratulations to our Day Five Winner - Tartankiwi

During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Four - Now Closed


Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Four


Day Four is now closed - congratulations to our daily winner Samantha Cairns.

To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.



During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Three - Now Closed.


Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Three

To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Congratulations to our day three winner - Julia Reyland.

During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day Two - Now Closed


To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Day Two is now closed - congratulations to our daily winner: Karyn Carr

During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow and daily prizes - Day One Closed.


To celebrate World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) we are giving away a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Day One is now closed - please see day Two to enter.

Congratulations to our day One WINNER - CHONT!!!! Chont please contact us to claim your prize.

During each day of World Breast Feeding Week you will have three chances to enter to win a BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow plus an opportunity to win a daily prize pack.


Ultimate Prize - A polar fleece BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow, This Side Next Wrist Band, Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. One winner will be chosen after competition closes at Midnight August 7th, 2011 NZ time.

Daily Prize - Each day during World Breast Feeding Week, we will choose a daily prize winner. The daily Prize consists of a BabyBaby This Side Next Wrist Band, a Tube of Multi Healing Balm (perfect for engorged breast and sore nipples), Kereru - Sticky Tiki 'Mini' wall/door decal. The daily prize winner will be chosen at midnight each day of duration of competition.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow has been a favorite among mums since its inception eight years ago. Its unique 'U' shape ensures this feeding pillow molds to baby and you, easily, comfortably and correctly. The larger than most surface size means you can use it to feed your infant longer than smaller feeding supports allow.

Filled with polystyrene beans which are incased in their own inner means you control the height and comfort of the pillow depending on your needs and that of your child.

It comes in a funky combination of machine washable, anti-pill polar fleece and like all our products is multi-functional from newborns to adults.

Great for breast feeding and establishing correct feeding position for mother and baby.
Supports mothers back during feeding preventing future back problems.
Due to correct feeding position for baby, helps prevent feeding associated problems.
A 'Must Have' for Breast feeding twins simultaneously.
Supports the back of support people holding baby - great for partners and children.
Supports baby while she is learning to sit.
Back support for bed ridden adults.
Machine washable and dries in no time.
100% Money Back Guarantee.


Three chances to Enter:

Visit our Facebook Page and post on our wall - I want to win a (@) BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow.

Follow us on Twitter (babybabynz) and Tweet #babybabybreastfeedingpillow

Post on our Blog (below)

Fine Print:

Competition closes Midnight (NZ time) August 7, 2011

One winner will be selected from all three points of entry.

You may enter once per day using all three methods of entry during duration of competition.

Only one Ultimate prize winner will be chosen and seven daily prizes.

Judges decision is final.

Winner may choose from Lime/Navy Polar Fleece Breast Feeding Pillow or Fuchsia/Navy Polar Fleece Feeding Pillow.

This is meant to be fun - please stick to the rules and be happy for the winner.

Thank you.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Multi Healing Balm Sponsors Ohbaby Ultimate Competition 2011



Multi Healing Balm are sponsoring three prizes of One Years Supply of our 'go to balm' for when you know you need to apply something but not sure what, in the OhBaby Ultimate Competition 2011.

Multi Healing Balm contains New Zealand's own Manuka and Kanuka Oils used in traditional Maori medicine to 'heal'. Use to clean, heal and protect skin. It is the ultimate first aid cream which can be used on anything from nappy rash to acne, insect bites to muscle pain - you name it you can use it!

Ohbaby Ultimate Competition run by OhBaby Magazine is offering One major prize winner who will be well on the way to parenting with a multitude of prizes, from a stroller, to a cot, to toys, clothes and so much more. PLUS there are another 180 runner-up prizes!

A total prize pool value of over $25,000 to be won!

To enter you will need a copy of Ohbaby Magazine issue #14 on sale here Inside is a unique code that you will use to enter here.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Last Ever 2B Skin Care Sale - 50% OFF!

Dear Friends

In 2007 I left New Zealand so that my daughter could receive medical treatment overseas. Unfortunately this has had a huge impact on my business and four years away from our home base has forced me to make some changes within the company.

Sadly I will be going out of all of our 2B Skin Care Range and a few of our other products. This breaks my heart as the product is so amazingly good for your skin and so simple for busy mums to use. I love it and have used it myself every single day since it was introduced to the market in 2004.

I hope you will take advantage of this last opportunity to purchase a New Zealand made skin care line which incorporates all the wonderful benefits of our own Manuka Honey and pure essential oils to ensure your skin stays youthful and healthy.

Once it is gone - it is gone.

I want to thank you for your continued support - you are truly awesome!!! I hope you will continue to support us here at BabyBaby.


Jodee

BabyBaby

Shop

Monday, April 4, 2011

How to apply eye cream...


The skin around the eye is one of the most sensitive areas on the body. Because of this it is important to know how to properly apply eye cream.

Only a tiny amount of any eye cream is needed to cover the area.

Using the ring finger (as this finger has the softness touch) dot the eye cream along the edge of the bone surrounding the eye.

One dot of cream pressed between the two ring fingers should be sufficient to cover the area.

Gently pat (do not rub!) the cream into the skin - staying around the edge of the bone. Do not get closer!

Eye cream, once absorbed into the skin, will spread. If the eye cream is applied too close to the eyelid - the cream will flood the delicate eye area and cause dark circles or worse increase the risk of product entering the eye causing swelling and irritation.

Monday, March 28, 2011

How Australian customers can save BIG $$$$$$

The New Zealand dollar is pretty weak against the Australian dollar which means if you are Australian you can save BIG $$$$ by shopping with us.

Shop our sale from Australia and this is how you save -

Example 1 Skin Care for Mama:

Buy 2B Eye Cream $ 4.95
Buy 2B Cleansing Gel $ 4.95
Total $ 9.90
You do not pay our GST - 1.29
Sub Total $ 8.61
Currency Exchange - 2.30
Your Total Less Post $ 6.31 AUD
You saved $32.30

Postage To Australia found here

Example 2 Skin Care for Bubs:

Buy BabyBaby Cradle Cap Shampoo & Natural Conditioner $15.00
Buy BabyBaby Comforting Massage Oil $ 8.00
Total $23.00
You do not pay our GST -3.13
Sub Total $19.87
Currency Exchange $ 5.30
Your Total Less Post $14.57 AUD
You saved $27.38

Shop our Sale

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

If you are feeling clucky or have empty nest syndrome DO NOT read this blog...

Because the gorgeous Miles will have you wanting one just like him!

This from his mum.

Hi Jodee,

We love the pillow both as a feeding support, bub snoozing pad and tummy time prop. The latest allows for gentle nose dives in the first weeks when the neck muscles are just beggining to be excersised :-)

The pillow is so much more than just a BF pillow for us.

We had it for baby no 1 who is now 3 yo and are using it for baby no 2 (Miles) now. Miles is currently 7 weeks and the enclosed pics are of him when he was 2 and 6 weeks old.

Cheers :-)
Agnieszka







BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillow - more than just a feeding aid!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Fairy Bread - the forgotten party treat


My son was star of the week at school last week. As part of his stardom I had to go into his class and read to the kids and take a snack. I decided to take Fairy Bread because this is considered a New Zealand party food and my son goes to an American school. One child out of the 23 had heard of fairy bread and that child had lived in Australia. Admittedly my own son had never had it until I tested it out on him prior to handing it out to 23 innocent American children. For the record - they loved it!

So what is fairy bread?

Fairy bread is sliced white bread (preferably sandwich bread I used Pepperidge Farms white bread ) cut into triangles (although I used a kiwi cookie cutter to make kiwi shapes), spread with margarine or butter, and covered with hundreds and thousands (sprinkles) which stick to the butter.

Fairy bread is commonly served at children's parties in New Zealand and Australia - a favorite of my childhood and apparently my sons first grade class.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011


"We first purchased Multi Healing Balm after the birth of our youngest child 5 years ago, and have used it for everything since, from boo boos, fungal infections, ouchies, bruises and itchies! My teenagers started using it as well and it even works well on acne... My dad came to me and asked me for our special cream as he had a scab on his face that just wouldn't heal... I notice he now carries it everywhere too! We have also given some to my Nana who is always tearing and bruising her fragile skin! So now we have 4 generations all using it! I love it so much, I give it to all my friends when they have a baby!"
Rebekah Taylor, NZ

Multi Healing Balm is the ‘go to balm’ for when you know you need to apply something but not sure what.

Multi Healing Balm contains New Zealand's own Manuka and Kanuka Oils used in traditional Maori medicine to 'heal'.

"Since pregnancy with my first son nine years ago I have suffered cracked heels and feet on and off. It's particularly bad in winter.They can be quite painful. I apply multi healing balm to the cracks, put on some socks and go to sleep. By morning the painful cracks are not sore anymore!"
Jacqui Miyabayashi, Japan

Just some of the many uses I have for this wonderful cream.

Also use to aid and promote healing in...
* Cuts, scrapes, bites, grazes, bruises, minor burns.
* Minor Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and cradle cap.
* Acne (including P acne), cold sores, stings, minor rashes.
* Tinea, athlete's foot, thrush.
* Muscle pain, arthritis relief, inflammation, swelling.
* Dry and cracked skin.

Use on any skin condition that needs cleaning, healing or protecting.
Multi Healing Balm contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing properties.

Multi Healing Balm is complete first aid in a single tube.

More...

Join Multi Healing Balm on facebook to unlock your 50% off discount code.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Prevent harmful chemicals reaching your child's bath tub

Baby Friendly Earth Friendly BabyBaby Organic body wash and shampoo are safe for even the most sensitive skins. Our concentrated formula means you use less making these products great value and you can relax knowing that harmful chemicals are not reaching your childs bath tub.






Congratulations to Stacie Mills our Day Two Competition winner. Stacie won a BabyBaby Organic Body Wash and Organic Shampoo.

Monday, March 14, 2011

How clean is your face?

I was really impressed with the answers to our Day One competition question - How often do you cleanse your face?

A facial cleanser is the first step to healthy, beautiful skin. It is essential to remove make-up, dirt and dead skin cells from the skin with a ph balanced cleanser designed specifically for your skin type.

Ideally you would cleanse your face twice a day; once in the morning and double cleanse at night. We recommend a double cleanse at night to first remove make up then the second cleanse to remove traces of dirt and oil. Follow with day or night cream.

2B Cleansing Cream is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skins and for those who like to use a cream cleanser.

2B Cleansing Gel is suitable for normal, oily and acne skins and those who use soap to clean their skin or who like the feel of a gel cleanser.

Both Contain Key Ingredients of:

Manuka Honey: A natural anti-oxidant, and has the ability to destroy large amounts of bacteria including staphylococcus aureus and propiobacterium-common causes of acne, Improves texture of the skin and is hydrating to the skin.
Neroli Essential Oil: Excellent for cell regeneration. Neroli oil is non irritating and may be used where there is redness and irritation. It is extremely useful for red veins.
Ascorbic Acid: Stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening the skins elastin.
Geranium Essential Oil: Regulator which balances the hormones improves overall health of skin, known for its ability to regenerate skin tissue.
Chamomile Essential Oil: Valuable in treating any condition where irritation or inflammation occurs, such as sensitive skin and acne.

More info visit our website.

Congratulations to Tina Bothma - our Day One Competition winner!!!!!

Tina won our 2B Skin Care for Mama Cleanser Pack.

Enter day two of our competition here.


Saturday, March 12, 2011

Competition Open World Wide - Lets have some fun!

Giving away 'stuff' is always fun but I decided this time I really wanted to make the competition interesting. Based on some emails going around facebook I had an idea for a fun competition, with lots of prizes at the same time keeping your facebook friends guessing.

Up for Grabs
.2B Cleanser Package - contains 2B Cleansing Cream and 2B Cleansing Gel for Mama.
.BabyBaby Organics: Contains Organic Baby Body Wash and Organic Shampoo.
.Multi Healing Balm Pack: One Years Supply of Multi Healing Balm = x 4 tubes.
.2B Hydrate Pack: 2B Day and Night Cream for Mama.
.BabyBaby Hair Pack: Cradle Cap Shampoo and Natural Conditioner Pack for baby.

How to Enter

Depending on which prize you want to win (and you can enter all of them)tag us using the @ sign with www.babybaby.co.nz and the answer to the question corresponding to the prize you want to win. For example if you want to win the 2B Cleanser package, update your face book status to @www.babybaby.co.nz twice a day. We will be offering up one prize per day while the competition is running as set out below.

Day 1 -To win 2B Cleanser Pack answer: How many times a day do you cleanse your face?
Day 2 -To win BB Organic Pack answer: How many times a week do you bath your kids?
Day 3- To win Multi Healing Balm Pack answer in one word why you want to win it?
Day 3 -To win Hydrate Pack answer in one word: Do you prefer night or day or both?
Day 5 -To Win BB Hair Pack answer in one word, Where you prefer to wash the kids hair - bath or shower?


Fine Print
Enter for as many prizes as you would like to win but only one entry per prize per day.
Competition is open world wide and prizes will be sent to any country, although postage will be paid by us any custom fees incurred will not. Lost or missing items will not be replaced.
Prize can not be redeemed for cash and judges decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into.
We will choose winners via random.org
Winners will be notified on our facebook wall, on this blog and on our website. It will be up to the winners to contact us.

Competition opens NZ 14/3 and US 3/13.
Competition ends midnight NZ 18/3 US 3/17

Thursday, March 10, 2011

How old is too Old?


Suri Cruise is five next month and being slammed in the tabloids for being too old for a pacifier. I think she is kinda rocking that paci! The kid flaunts designer shoes and handbags, maybe she is setting a new trend for the good old dummy - what do you think??

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Model Needed

Breast Feeding Mamas we want you to be the new face of BabyBaby Breast Feeding Pillows!

We are updating our Breast Feeding Pillow images and are looking for 'models' near (or willing to travel to) Pukekohe, New Zealand.

Whats in it for you?
• A professional photo shoot with Lisa Robertson Photography with image disc. Shoot will take place after product shots. Here's a hint of what you can expect.
• $100.00 BabyBaby Gift Voucher.

Our Needs:
• A breast feeding mum with a 0-6 month old baby. Preferably but not necessarily using our breast feeding pillow, willing to be photographed using our feeding pillow. Multiple shots with different covers will be taken and we expect shoot will take up to an hour or longer (depending on bubs).
• Needs to be available before April 30 for photo shoot. Time and date will be arranged to suit you and our photographer.
• Willing to travel to Pukekohe at own expense if not in the area
• Must know we will be using images for commercial purposes to advertise our product, although we do not intend to expose your privacy your face and baby will be exposed. A signed release will be required.
• No professional experience needed - we just want a typical kiwi mum!
For more information or to register your interest contact us.

Our Breast Feeding Pillow


Our Photographer

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

In public or private – the right place for baby

In public or private, feeding baby should take place wherever the mother feels comfortable, however feeling comfortable while breast feeding can be elusive for many nursing mothers.

For me, I was an aesthetician and had a lot of back problems caused by leaning over clients all the time, so I was constantly at the doctor’s office sorting out my neck and back. When I was breastfeeding my first son I found I was experiencing the same problems, and it made me think about the need for me to support my back and neck rather than leaning over to accommodate my baby. The BabyBaby feeding pillow was the result, and it made a huge difference when I breastfed my second son for 13 months. I didn’t have any back pain at all.

With the BabyBaby feeding pillow your posture improves immediately the pillow is placed around your waist. Baby is correctly positioned and not fussing, so you won't be tempted to lean over to accommodate baby and put strain on your back. Unlike other feeding aids our feeding pillow is filled with polystyrene beans making it easy to adjust the height of the pillow to suit your needs.


The BabyBaby Feeding Pillow now comes in a machine washable, pre-shrunk 100% patterned cotton top with black cotton base, chosen to fit with your living room furnishings or nursery. Check out our newest editions:

Pink Stampede


Elle-Green

Atomic Circle


Shop

Monday, February 14, 2011

My child only eats chicken nuggets

Last week in desperation I posted on Facebook 'My child only eats chicken nuggets". I received some really good feedback and as a result my six year old is trying some new foods and I am no longer cooking up a separate meal for him but do include the foods he likes in the family meal, sans the chicken nuggets of course.

The key to success is definitely perseverance and sticking to your resolve. In order to get my child to change his eating habits I definitely needed to be in it wholeheartedly and not give in!

I have adopted great advice from friend, Jennifer Rath, Director of Psychology at the Children's Institute, Pittsburgh. Jennifer recommends offering choice but not allowing the same food twice in one day. This has become a mantra in our household and has really kept us on track, no more cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also easy for a little one to understand. My son now knows if he has a cupcake after school he can not have one after dinner, he still has choice as to when he eats the treat but is fully aware that he can not have the treat twice in one day.

Some other great advice came from other mothers on facebook:

Rosie suggests: Get him to come shopping with you - kids love choices.

Vanessa managed to get her picky eater to eat vegetables and salad by continuing to serve it up - don't offer a separate meal. Kids will not starve themselves.

Lisa suggests getting kids involved in the kitchen. Get them to help prepare and cook foods, sampling as they go.

Sarah makes her own healthier nuggets style foods using vegetables.

Kylie agrees - children will not starve, don't offer junk food.

I think it is important to realize, I am the adult in this relationship. My son only eats chicken nuggets because I continue to serve them up for him. Insisting that he eats the same meal as the rest of the family ensures he makes better food choices and is lead by example as he sees the rest of us eat the same food.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Natalie Murphy - all women need to read Natalie's Story - it may save your life.


10mths ago Natalie Murphy was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and given 2-5yrs to live. Last week following a CT scan she was given 12-18mths (continued below).

Please help Natalie to have the funds to be able to enjoy her family while she is here and possibly even buy her some more time.

How you can help -

Melissa at The Baby Saver is collecting items to auction on Trademe with all proceeds going to Natalie. Melissa is asking businesses, Mums and Dads to please make donations of new and gently used products, vouchers or baby and maternity related items to auction. It could be anything from clothes or toys your kids have outgrown, or gifts you have been given that you have never used.

For more details visit http://www.thebabysavernz.com/nataliemurphy.htm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Natalie.

Natalie's family are also raising funds to pay for her alternative treatments. Email nataliemurphy@clear.net.nz, or donations can be made to Natalie F Murphy BNZ 02-0238-0116716-97

Natalie's Story

My name is Natalie Murphy, I am 34yrs old and I have Stage 4 Breast Cancer which has metastasized to my liver and my spine.

Being that it’s in my liver, I am now what they consider ‘terminal’, so the Oncologist tells me.

In March 2010 I was told that with chemotherapy I would have appx 2-5yrs to live, but I refused to accept this and I’m fighting hard to be here for a lot longer than that. My wonderful husband and almost 18month old little boy Jackson are keeping me strong and positive and of course a reason to keep fighting and prove my oncologist wrong. This is my story.

Jackson was 11 days late, so my midwife decided I needed a ‘stretch and sweep’ to get things started. At my appointment I noticed my lump. My husband had found it earlier but I was lying down at the time and it didn’t feel that bad so I didn’t take it seriously. But whilst at this appointment my arm brushed against it and I realised there really was a noticeable lump. I asked my midwife to check it out. She told me it was “more than likely my ‘milk coming in’” and “not to worry about”. I believed her and ignored it. At that stage it felt like the size of a large marble but imperfect, like a mass, not a round lump.

Not long into breast feeding I developed mastitis in that same breast so that made me think the lump was a blocked milk duct and I was put on meds to treat the infection. The lump never changed though.

When Jackson was 4mths old, two of his teeth appeared and he started to bite me while feeding. I ended up with a very damaged nipple and decided to try a week of bottle feeding with only one breastfeed at night. My lump never changed and my intuition got the better of me...something wasn’t right.

I went to the GP early Dec 09 and had an examination. My doctor told me she didn’t think it ‘felt like cancer’...I was thinking how can a lump feel or not feel like cancer?? But she still sent off a referral letter to the breast clinic at North Shore Hospital to get an ultrasound. She warned me due to Christmas that there may be a wait. It was a torturous wait.

6 weeks later Id had no letter from the hospital for an appointment. I rang the medical centre to find no one had followed it up. I asked them to, but 4 days later I still hadn’t a phone call. So I rang them again only to be told “we’ve tried to call and have left messages but no one has called us back”. Feeling unimpressed and losing sleep due to being so anxious about it, I decided I wasn’t getting anywhere relying on them, so I rang the hospital myself as it had now been 7wks since my appt. The hospital had NO RECORD of a referral letter. They never received it and they said they had no messages from my doctor’s clinic. I was furious. Why was something so important not being handled better and taken more seriously? I rang back the clinic and made a complaint and asked them to resend the letter. I had to start the whole process all over again, get the letter resent and wait for my appointment letter - which was normally a 4 week waiting time. I finally got my appt in early March.

I went along trying to be positive. At worst I decided it may be the start of something and I may need a lumpectomy but not a mastectomy.

The appointment wasn’t going to give me final results. The ultrasound technician made me aware that there was possibly a concern, it could be benign but the characteristics of it didn’t look promising. I would need a biopsy to be sure.

Two weeks later I had a follow-up biopsy and mammograms on both sides. During the biopsy the technician made it clear to us that we should prepare ourselves. His words were “I am concerned” and that was enough to make me sick to my stomach for the next week while we waited for the results.

I remember waiting in the car after the biopsy while Greg ran back into the hospital (as he forgot the free parking ticket). A woman and her son walked past, he would have been about 7 yrs old. I burst into tears. I had an overwhelming feeling that things were not ok, and I wouldn’t get to see my little boy at 7yrs old, let alone an adult. I’ve always had good intuition. This was one time I wasn’t grateful for it.

My appt letter (to get my results) said it would be with the surgical team. Immediately we knew I was in the least having a lumpectomy but maybe it wasn’t cancer, just a benign lump. And worst case maybe it was cancer and I needed a single mastectomy. But we stayed positive and hoped for the best. On arrival she examined me before she gave me the prognosis. Then, “deep breath” she said “it’s cancer”.

They say you never forget the moment you first find out. It’s so true.

I was booked in straight away for a mastectomy in 3 weeks time. Only 3wks more with my left boob. Crazy thought to have. I was told I had every chance of going into remission and living a long life. The outlook was positive but I had definitely had this a while as it was large. 4cms. Pretty much the size a golf ball.

Only one of the lymph nodes was tested in the biopsy but it was malignant too (cancerous) and they presumed the other 3 surrounding the lump were also affected – which then meant that it was highly likely the lymph nodes in my auxiliary (armpit) were also affected meaning that the cancer had possibly spread but hopefully we had caught it in time.

I had to come home to my mum who was looking after Jackson. Telling her was insanely hard as you can imagine. A lot of tears but it all felt so surreal. Surely this wasn’t happening to me? I can only imagine the pain Mum must’ve felt too knowing that her ‘baby’ (I’m the youngest of 4) was sick.

That night I rang Dad as he was away on business. It was the first time I’d ever heard my Dad cry. Hearing him made it all hit home and for the first time I really sobbed too.

I had a CT scan 10days later and my Mastectomy was booked in for 10days after that.

I decided not to be down about my boob, it was just a boob, not a limb, so instead I had a ‘farewell thy lovely boob’ party at my sister’s house, with 60 of my closest friends. It was a great night and it felt good to be dancing and having a great time. The word ‘cancer’ had started to form a black cloud over my life and I didn’t want it that way...so I said to everyone at the party;

“Farewell thy lovely boob, and good riddance you cancer bastard. I plan on living a long and happy life, starting with tonight and getting plastered”. I had a great night and got home at 3am, just as I had hoped!

So there was me, sitting in my hospital gown, sexy plastic socks and all, ready to be put on the table in about 5min, when my surgeon came rushing in the room.



“I’m really sorry Natalie but the cancer is in your liver and possibly in your lungs. We won’t be able to cure you any longer with chemo and we can’t do your mastectomy due to the fact we need to get you started on chemo ASAP. Surgery will only delay it and we need to get on it straight away”.





She apologized, gave me a hug and left Greg and I in the room alone to process. All I could do was keep apologising to Greg. I didn’t know what else to say. We sobbed together for a while then 2min later she was back in the room asking me if I wanted to keep my surgery time and instead have my Portacath inserted into my chest for administering my chemo (so I didn’t have to worry about coming back) and then my chemo would be able to start sooner. Of course I agreed and was whisked away to my surgery. Poor Greg was left behind in a state of shock. He had to go out and explain to his Dad and sister what had just happened and try to get his head around it while I was in surgery. Thank God they were there for him. I was obviously still in shock too and started to shake while I was under anesthetic. I took a bit longer to come around too. We should have had more time to process.

When I came to I was told I would be seeing an Oncologist to discuss my prognosis in 2 days time. In other words, we would find out how much time I had.

I came home from the hospital, early and to my mum’s surprise who wasn’t expecting to see me until the next day. It was so surreal telling her I was going to die. It was sh*t to put it mildly!! But telling her suddenly made it all hit home. This was really happening....to me!

It was the hardest day of my life.

Then my Dad came over. It was the first time I had seen him cry. It broke me. Then one by one each family member came over to see me and so one by one I had to re-tell the horrible news. Of course everyone was devastated. I was their little sister. I was supposed to be the last to go, not the first.



Greg had to pop into work and finish some things up so he could come back and be with me for the next couple of days.

I remember for the most part trying to be the strong one as I told each of them. We cried but then I pulled myself together to put my son to bed. That’s when I fell apart. I left his room, walked to my bedroom, fell on the bed and sobbed, screamed, and cursed God for not letting me see my son grow up. I didn’t want to die. My family all came in and huddled around me but I couldn’t stop crying. Then Greg came home. Everyone left the room so he could try and console me. Before I knew it I was giggling. I can’t remember what he said to me now, but that’s Greg. He will always find a way to make me laugh and I knew no matter what I was going to be ok and he would be by my side every day. I’m a very lucky woman, cancer or not.

Those 2 days until we saw the Oncologist were THE WORST TWO DAYS OF MY LIFE. So many tears, “why me’s!”, fears, anger and insomnia. We had no idea if I had weeks, let alone months or even years. I didn’t want to miss out on my future with Greg, and the idea of leaving my son floored me in ways I can’t put into words. If you are a parent, I’m sure you can understand.

The day came and Greg and I sat in the waiting room literally awaiting my death sentence. I remember even talking to him about making sure his next wife was ‘this and that’, and that I wanted him to happy etc. Of course he kept telling me to shut up, way too soon for those conversations! But every part of me just wanted to make sure Greg and Jackson were going to be ok. But I was so scared. The thought of leaving them, possibly soon, was terrifying me.

The news was the best bad news I could have asked for. He said that with chemo I was looking at

2-5yrs!!! Well that’s better than months and WAY better than weeks. We walked out smiling and that was the craziest feeling! How can we be so happy that I supposedly only have this short amount of time compared to growing old together like we planned? We had so many plans for the future. But like I said to Greg then and still say to him now - I could have got hit by a bus a month ago and had no time with you and Jackson and everyone I love at all. I could have had no opportunity to do all the things I still want to do, to spend more time with family and friends, to make more memories with my wonderful husband and so thankfully, to see my little boy grow up that little bit more.



Chemo way more manageable than I could ever have hoped for. I believe mainly due to the Ozone Treatments I have been having...with a bit of 'tough chick' on the side.

First round was fairly easy. I lost my hair on day 14 just as they said I would. It took 3 days of major shedding before I finally got Greg to shave it. We made it fun and to be honest, my vanity has almost completely gone out the window....almost! There is more to life that my hair and my looks. That doesn’t make me happy and I’m realising that more every day.

Second round I started to feel more of the nausea but still ok. This time though at about 6pm the day of chemo I suddenly felt totally wiped and couldn’t get off the couch. I went pale and felt pretty bad. Greg got teary; he’d never seen me sick like that before. A few hours late I came right again.

Third round was slightly worse but mainly due to just growing more tired.

Fourth round probably affected me the most with the growing tiredness, plus the loss of 50% of my brows and lashes, a few mouth ulcers, dry mouth and nose and dehydration, sinusitis, and aches in my legs (as the bone marrow depletes) plus a few sleepless nights. But considering how it affects so many others much worse, I still feel very lucky!

After my 4th round I had a CT Scan to see how things were looking.

The tumor in my breast had shrunk a little along with the affected nodes surrounding it. Yay!

I originally had 6 spots of cancer in my liver (I thought I only had 4, oh well) and now I only have 3 visible by scan and all of which have shrunk in size, the largest being only 11mm.

I have though, had a spot appear in the CT scan on my spine. Very small, so small they think it was probably there at my first scan but they missed it. It’s only 8mm in size. The chemo has been on to it though as it is dense which means it is healing.

The small dot that was originally seen on my lung has not changed; this confirms it is definitely not cancer and nothing to worry about.

Although a good result, not a fantastic one. It really just means the chemo is doing its job fairly well, not amazing, but well - which is great! But it hasn’t changed my prognosis or meant that I have more time than originally thought, but it is still good news. And although the spot on my spine was a bit of a surprise, they don’t seem any more concerned than previously. If anything it is maybe just an eye opener for what my come further down the line as the bones and liver is usually where breast cancer will spread to so I guess it’s really not a shock to anyone and just great it hadn’t gone any further. I’m still curtain I will outlive their expectations without a doubt!

I also found out after my CT scan that I will no longer being having radiation. They have decided to hold off on this and maybe give it to me if the cancer 'takes off' on us again and I need further treatment down the line. This is fantastic news. I was really dreading this as the side-effects aren't very nice and I was really worried about not being able to pick up my son for while due to the burns and infection you can suffer. This on top of not being able to possibly pick him up much post Mastectomy for a few weeks was all sounding very hard. So I'm a happy woman.

Denied!! I was rejected for my 5th round of chemo due to my neutrophil (white cell) count being far too low. Soooo gutting! You must have a neutrophil count of at least 1.5 to receive chemo. I had a blood test the day prior and my result was 0.19. So they tested me again and but only 0.24! Oh well, nothing I could do about it. Home I went to hibernate and stay away from any possibility of catching anything for a week before we could try again. I got acupuncture which helped a little and started taking Shark Liver Oils which also help to fight cancer cells along with boosting your immune system.

Luckily I just passed and had my fifth round of chemo. It was the hardest one so far but it made sense as many of the side effects are accumulative. I was sick for 3 days afterwards and felt way more tired. But I didn’t cancel Jackson's 1st Birthday 3 days after chemo, how could I? It was such a great day, we had 100 people come along for a great day in the park!!

Unfortunately due to my Ozone nurse being away I had to skip a week of my usual weekly Ozone treatment. It’s was good and bad to notice the difference. I ended up with my lips covered in ulcers and a few in my mouth. At least I know the Ozone was doing its job keeping so many of my side effects at bay! I lost more eyelashes and eyebrows, but it didn’t bothered me as much as I thought it would. I didn’t lose anymore hair either due to the ozone. That’s something!

It’s over! As of the 18th August, Round 6 completed, and chemo is done and dusted. For now.

The last round was definitely the worst. I was nauseous for 6 days, dehydrated, achy, extremely tired, pains in my skull, hips and legs, bad headaches, ulcers and generally felt like an old woman! Two weeks after I was still suffering side-effects and also began having regular menopausal systems - hot flushes which are horrible, no period (not complaining) and a bit more emotional and anxious than usual. Lots of headaches, pains in strange places and exhaustion like I’ve never experienced before. I guess it was to be expected. The symptoms were always going to get worse as I went as they are accumulative but I never expected them to be so bad after round 6 compared to round 5. It took me 3 weeks to recover.

I then had a follow up CT Scan to get the final perspective on how Chemo went.

The lump in my breast shrank a few more mm's but there are still 3 spots on my liver which really didn’t change at all. Buggar! The 8mm spot on my spine is still there with no change.

Not a wonderful result but still not a bad one either. Now that my energy is back I can concentrate on fighting.

My oncologist says the mastectomy is optional. (He said) there is no real proof at my stage of things, that a single mastectomy, let alone a double, will buy me any more time. He said one is a good idea, you don’t have to though, but two is not necessary. But as far as I was concerned they could both go! I think I’d be an idiot not get rid of the very place it all started. Not only for peace of mind that the 'source' is no longer with me every day, but also to reduce the chances greatly of another lump appearing there further down the track. Maybe a new lump in my breast later is not as big a deal as the metastasizes I already have in my liver and spine, but the fewer tumors the better I say! And as for the healthy one, when you have jubblies like me (D's) I really don’t fancy being lop-sided, I’d rather they both went! So, I elected to have them both off around mid October.

He also told me after the op and a few weeks of recovery, I may be facing some more treatment. What exactly I’m not sure but they will analyse what they remove and decide what’s best from there. All I hoped for was that I still felt ok over Christmas (with maybe even enough hair growth to brave going out without my scarf or my wig!). And then just prayed that I had at least a couple of years before I possibly had to face another round of chemo. I want to try to believe in the miracle that maybe I won’t have to face any of this again and it will just disappear...who knows, maybe I will be lucky enough to be one of those stories.

Just letting you all know how the mastectomy went... Great! Seems strange to be describing losing both my boobs as 'great' but I guess I’m just saying it really couldn't have gone any better.

I had the operation at 330pm on Thurs 28th October, (2 surgeons worked on me so I was only under for 90min) I 'came to' from recovery at 610pm, slept until 745pm, ate my dinner with Greg, watched a movie from my laptop, fell asleep at 11pm, got woken by nurses at midnight, so I wrote a blog on facebook, slept again at 3am only to be woken by nurses again at 6am. I felt fine, I was so numb I couldn’t really feel anything. My movement was restricted and I had to drains coming out of my chest, but I actually felt really good and soooo wanted to go home. So, by 11am I was home (17hrs after i woke up from surgery). I know. The doctors were pretty amazed too. I was just feeling too 'fine' to sit in a hospital bed and was dreading facing another night of bad sleep. I knew I was better off at home. Plus I missed Jackson.

They did a great job. I couldn’t have been flatter!! Literally nothing there but ribs and skin. Really tidy. I was impressed.

I was bandaged so i couldn't see the scar yet but that would come. The drains were full of red/orange fluid which I was told I would have to regularly empty until they would be removed a week later. They were a pain.

About a week later the pain started to kick in. It was bearable but I had to sleep on my back every night which drove me nuts as I can only sleep on my side.

The pain felt like someone (really heavy) was leaning on my chest, and their hands were pulling my skin really, really tight across my chest at the same time. The pressure was amazing. But yet I had no feeling, no nerve sensation at all on my skin - across my chest or down my biceps. You could have cut me and I wouldn’t have felt it. The other weird feeling was that I no longer had these boobs that formed a protective cushioning across my chest,. I could feel ALL my ribs and my heart felt like it was literally directly under my skin! Bizarre.

4 days later the bandages came off and i was able to see my very tidy scar. No stitches (only internal) there were only steri strips going all the way across one great long scar holding my skin together.

The drains come out after 7 days and that was the craziest thing to watch. I had no idea those tubes were about 2 feet long inside my chest. Lucky I still had absolutely no sensation so it didn’t hurt at all.

Emotionally the first week was strange. Everyone was looking at me with these "poor you" eyes but that wasn’t how I felt. I was on a high. I was so glad the tumor was gone. A huge weight had been lifted emotionally. It wasn’t until it was gone that I realised how much it had obviously been affecting me. The reason it was a strange week though was because even though I wanted everyone to see how fine I was and not to worry about me, the one person who was treating me like I really was fine was Greg, and that annoyed me. Poor guy. He was acting on what he could see. A woman who was bubbly, unaffected, a bit sore but his wife no longer had a huge lump so that was great. And it was, but of all the people I just wanted Greg's cuddles and compassion. I didn’t want anyone's sympathy, so Greg thought he was doing the right thing by playing it all down. And he was, but emotionally Greg is the only person I 'let in'. He is the one person I let see the vulnerable side and its not even a conscious thing. So I was looking to him comfort and nurturing even though I was portraying that I didn’t need it. I had no idea what i needed from him until I realised I wasn’t getting it. Such a chick thing to do. I was like "hello? remember me? I just had my boobs off!! Where are my cuddles? Where's my nurturing, fussing over me husband? He was seeing a very capable wife, which is what I was being, but in the end I had to tell him that I didn't need to cry, but I needed cuddles, I needed compassion/acknowledgement for what I'd just been through and a little bit of special treatment. I needed to be honest and he got it. He understood and was only acting on what he saw and also on his own relief, excitement and joy that the original bastard that caused all this heartache was gone, one (major) less thing to worry about. The reality that his wife had lost her boobs was so insignificant to him because of the positive aspects, and he wasn't thinking that I probably needed reassurance and comfort over the fact that I had lost a huge part of my womanhood - even though I wasn't falling apart over it. So after a week of saying "i just had my boobs off remember? hug me damn it" in my head, I finally realised Greg needed me to communicate what I needed as he had no idea I was feeling so vulnerable. I must make a mental note to take off my super woman cape I seem to display so much these days, even when I'm not ok. It's true though, woman are capable of so much. We are stronger than we ever realise until we are faced with a huge challenge. Whether we shine at the time or go into hiding, we still come out the other side stronger than ever. Remember that ladies if you are ever faced with a challenge like mine. You will get through it, you will be stronger for it, a better person/wife/mum/sister/daughter for it. It's hard, you have good days, and days of crying on the floor of the shower, but you are capable of fighting for every single day!

So anyway, back to being boobless. It's been easier to accept that I thought it would. Two weeks after my operation I felt like the old Nat was back, on form, full of life, smiles and ready to take on the remaining tumors in my liver and the spot on my spine. There have been lots of positives to having no boobs compared to the great big D's I had after having Jackson. Some of my clothes look way better than they ever did. I look skinnier up top, I’m lighter (about 2kgs) my back and neck pain has lessened and I don’t have to wear a bra. The fine lines I had in my chest (aging) have even gone now due to the skin being pulled so tight!

I know everyone handles these things differently. I imagined myself having teary days but I've only had one over my boobs and it was a couple of weeks ago. I went to the beach for the first time and I noticed a few people looking at me. I didn’t have a bikini I could wear yet so i wore a strapless top and pulled it up so bare my tummy and catch some rays. The group of girls next to me were looking, obviously noticing i literally had no boobs. Then a couple of times my top fell down and bared my scar. My scar didn’t bother me, feeling different bothered me. I just wanted to blend in and not be noticed. When i got home I shed a few tears but was ok after that. I knew I just had to go out and buy a bikini top that hid my scar and had shape that made me look like i had boobs. I have 2 now and its amazing how great they look!!

It has been 3 months since my surgery. I feel great! Now is a time in my life when things are probably what we would call 'at their best'. This is the time I have to make the most of. I’m not under-going chemo, I feel good, I look pretty good too ;-)

In about a week’s time I will have a CT scan to see if there was been further growth since I finished my chemo in August. Fingers crossed things are stable. If not, I will have to face more treatment. I’m trying to stay positive but I have also had a blood test recently which says my liver isn’t doing too well. This could be a result of my great holiday over Xmas where I had a few drinks and tried to relax a little, (currently trying to make up for that) but it could also mean the cancer in my liver is flaring up again. We will find out soon enough. The blood test is no real surprise though as lately I have been feeling a lot more tired than normal – a sure sign your liver isn’t happy. I’ve also had more back pain and had moment of feel pale and wiped out. At the end of the day I have cancer, I’m going to have days where I don’t feel great. But I have so many days where I do feel great that the bad ones still come as a shock and a bit of an unfriendly reminder of my reality. I find it easy to forget I’m sick. Like I say I feel great most of the time (9 days out of 10) and people are always telling me how great I look – some even say better than I did before!! Go figure!! Either way, no matter what that scan says, I’m still going to fight hard and I’m still going to outlive their predictions. They can stick their diagnosis where the sun don't shine. I have way too much to live for.

One thing that Greg and I have been discussing are the pro’s and con’s of further treatment. They can never guarantee how much time it may or may not buy you, and yet you may spend 6 months feeling like rubbish and unable to enjoy the life you are fighting for. It’s hard to get your head around. When you have a son that wants your time, attention and energy I know that I would rather be able to give him 6 months of that, than a year of being bedridden. I’m not saying I’m not going to do any more chemo, but this time around I’m going to be doing a lot more research, thinking, planning and analysing rather than just doing what the hospital tells me to when to them I’m just a number if we are going to be honest. One thing I have decided though is that if the scan is not so great and they do want me to start another round of treatment, that I’m going to wait until summer is over. Maybe early April, so I can enjoy this time of feeling good, being outdoors, having energy, enjoying family time and having a great summer with Greg and Jackson. Memories are so important now and I want to make as many great ones as I can while I’m at my best!!

But I’m still doing my Ozone and Intravenous Vit C treatments, plus my supplements and a good diet so I’m still fighting every day. Chemo can maybe just wait a tinsy bit longer. And hey, maybe we will have some good news for the first time along this journey. Maybe things will be stable, maybe my liver hasn’t taken off again, maybe it hasn’t spread any further. Maybe my lungs are still ok, maybe I will be lucky this time around. I can only hope and pray. I certainly wouldn’t complain about having another year chemo free!!

If it’s good news, they will scan me again in 6 months time, and check on me with the occasional blood test. If I feel unwell for any reason they will scan me earlier.

I will keep you all posted.



So many people have been asking me what (in detail) I’ve been doing besides Chemo.

I have been having Ozone treatment, which has been fantastic and I believe it will buy me more time. Basically it is oxygen that has been converted to ozone and is administered to me intravenously, and injected into my gluteus (butt), and also rectally to fill my organs (joy).

In layman’s terms it helps the chemo do its job more effectively and maybe even slow down the cancer growth. If you want more detail you can go to the Ozone University website. I have no doubt it is working and that is one of the reasons why some of the spots on my liver have vanished and why I handled the chemo better than so many others. It also stopped my hair falling out again as it should’ve done after each chemo round. I have to say I’m now sporting a bit of a Halley Berry haircut which everyone thinks I should keep!! Who would have thought people would think I’m better looking after my chemo!! LOL!!

I’m taking metagenics supplements, several, too many almost, which is helping my body fight and deal with other health issues that could be making it harder for my body to deal with the chemo. Plus telling the chemo to concentrate on the bad cells and not so many of the good ones too!

(If you want to know exactly what I’m taking you will find my email address at the end.)

My naturopath puts me on a machine that tells him all about my ‘body health’. My ‘health age’ started at 31.5yrs (I was actually 33), 5 weeks later after a round of chemo I still managed to improve it to 27yrs old!! But after two more rounds of chemo I was back up to 31.2yrs old but hey, that’s still pretty good considering what chemo puts your body through. I haven’t been back to see him in a while as all my treatments are costing so much and he isn’t exactly cheap, but I’m planning to go back after I get my CT results.

I’m also juicing veggies and fruit once a day.

Plus my lovely, close friend Sheri who is a Chiropractor treats me regularly (and for free, she is so great!) for my back and neck problems, which in turn also helps all my ‘systems’ work as optimally as possible so I can give my body the best chance to fight this thing. www.dynamicchrio.co.nz

I’m also doing Intravenous Vitamin C which I can only do since finishing my chemo. You would have seen and heard a bit about it on the news. It’s been known for some time now that it has really positive effects on cancer! Finally people are talking about it in the media so hopefully one day, maybe it will be available to everyone publically and for free! Meanwhile it costs me $150 a go and I usually try to get it twice a week!! It’s just crazy that it’s so expensive to try and fight for your life!

I’m also investigating Infra-red heat treatment, Rife machines, and Colon Cleansing but can’t afford to do everything and once and with Jackson around there isn’t really time to do it all either!!



I’m also going to go and see a Chinese lady who works with herbs and other interesting new things and has helped other cancer patients.



I took Shark Liver Oils to help my white cell count and I’m told they are also effective in fighting cancer cells. Apricot Seeds which are also well known to help fight cancer. All of which you can find out more about just by googling them.

Whatever else is out there that has some evidence to back it up, I’m probably going to give a try. I want to die knowing I fought hard and tried as much as I could afford to do. I have to fight, for me for my son and for my friends and family.



But we greatly need financial help.



My husband Greg is currently paying himself a minimum wage as he tries to build his company and so we are also on 2 benefits to help pay the bills. Currently, there are no spare funds to pay for all these alternative treatments or other miscellaneous things needed to try and keep myself as healthy as possible.

My cousins, my friends and I have been busy fundraising for me to help pay for all these on-going expenses. I can’t thank them enough. So far the money raised has paid for my ozone treatments, my supplements, and Intravenous Vit C to date. But in 2 months it will have run out.

Any help we can get is sooooo appreciated and I promise I am making every penny count. I’m a fighter, I’m a positive thinker, I’m tough, and I believe I will baffle my Oncologist. I have to be around for my family, my husband, and my 18mth old son, as long as I can.

If you have sent me money, made a donation for an auction, sent me gifts, letters, emails, texts etc, please know I am eternally grateful and appreciate every little thing you are all doing for me so much. I don’t know that I will ever feel satisfied that I have thanked people enough!

In case you’re wondering, I did ring my midwife. I told her my ‘milk coming in’ was cancer and I told her I was now terminal. She was upset for me of course and apologised for what I was going through, not for not telling me to get it properly checked. A part of me was angry towards her. She shouldn’t have presumed it was my milk, she should have said, have your baby and go get it checked to be sure after Jackson arrives. But then again, I’m sure most women who have lumpy breasts are just experiencing their milk coming in, that’s what happens. So I never expressed any animosity or let on that at that time I was a bit resentful. I simply told her in that in the future if she’s asked to check lumps to maybe suggest they get it properly checked out to be safe, so they didn’t end up in my situation. Since then, I have let it go. I think a part of me was looking for someone or something to blame. I was thinking things like, maybe if id got it checked then it wouldn’t be in my liver now and I would have a chance at remission. But Greg reminds me that there is no way of knowing that. I could’ve already been in my liver at that point as I’m actually pressure sure it was. (A specialist I saw thinks it had possibly been there 2yrs before I found it). But there’s no way of ever knowing and there is no point dwelling on that now. Now it’s time to be positive, to fight, to stay healthy, to focus on milestones, all the things I have to look forward to and time to prove the diagnosis wrong and still be around in 10yrs or even more!! It’s time to appreciate what I have and make the most of every day.



After finding out that I have cancer, my doctor’s clinic realised that they needed to re-examine their follow up process which they have now majorly improved to ensure that kind of delay, especially with such a time sensitive situation, never happens again. A 2mth delay in following up a referral when it comes to cancer is not ok. And I’m glad this will now, hopefully, not happen to someone else.

A journalist came to see me from my brother-in-laws work, and my story ended up in the Sunday News which meant so much to me. It meant that hopefully many more women which start checking themselves at a much earlier age, and I have learnt from several letters and emails in response to the article, that this is the case. Maybe I have saved a life in sharing my story, maybe many lives? I really hope so.

Another friend of a friend (a midwife with her own midwifery clinic) has told me how my story has now changed the way she runs her practice and is now way more bossy towards her clients to ensure they get themselves checked properly when they find lumps.

It means so much to me to know that I have positively affected so many people and changed their lives in some way. If nothing else good comes from this bastard cancer, then I’m just glad I got the opportunity to create more awareness and maybe prevent others from not ending up in the same situation as me.

So, I guess I’ve not had a lot of luck during this process beginning with not being given the right advice, delays at my GP, getting breast cancer, and then finding out 5min before my op that it had spread and I’m ‘terminal’. I do hate that word and have since stopped using it.

But yet despite all of this, I feel lucky.

Firstly, because I’m still here. I didn’t die yesterday, or a month ago. I’m alive and I have time.

Secondly, because of my amazing husband, Greg. He is my rock, my best friend and the love of my life. I would be lost without him. He is an amazing man, husband and father and I could never find enough words to thank him for all that he does for me. He holds me when I cry, listens, and then makes me laugh. He takes care of me, works hard for me and does everything he can to make me happy. He keeps me grounded, focused, and in love. I’m a lucky woman. In the words of Opshop...

“One day you’ll understand how much, you have me, One day you’ll realise we have it easy.

I can’t offer you the future, I don’t know it myself, all I can offer you, is me.”

Thirdly, that I was lucky enough to not only experience motherhood, but to have the best son I could have ever asked for in Jackson. It amazes me that we can love someone so much you think you’re heart is going to explode sometimes. He is just so freakin’ good looking! He’s cheeky which he gets from both of us, he’s smart and well, he’s mine. He’s quite simply an incredible blessing in my life. He is probably the one thing that makes me cry these days. When I think about what I might miss out on... I pray that I see his first day at school which according to some is wishful thinking. So I think positive and reach for the stars, then beg God to let make his 10th birthday or even beyond. Maybe it’s unrealistic, maybe it’s not at all with the right attitude. I try to find a balance between what is and isn’t good for me pin my hopes on. One naturally tries to be realistic in a hope to prepare themselves for the worst so they don’t fall apart when the time comes, but at the same time trying their best to believe in miracles. It’s not easy. The way I’m trying to see it now is that every day is a bonus.



Yesterdays history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift...that’s why it’s called the ‘present’.



Fourth, I have been blessed with a wonderful family.

My Mum is my personal wonder woman. She is always there when I need her. She comes over and she doesn’t stop from the moment she arrives. She comes with food, she does housework and she takes great care of Jackson while I’m off at appointments. She is tireless it seems at times, never stops, so hard working. How she does what she does at her age amazes me. She is sensitive, incredibly caring, thoughtful, supportive, generous, and knows how to have a good laugh. She taught me how to shop! To take pride in my appearance and to make a big deal of birthdays, Christmas and any get together. Food and love being the centre of it all! She is the best mother I could have ever asked for. She loves me unconditionally and abundantly. She is the most beautiful woman I know, inside and out. I’m so incredibly lucky and proud to have her. I hope she knows that.

My Dad is the rock in our family. Never failing to astound me by his gentleness, honesty, kindness, his grace, his calm, his generosity and the fact he never ever says a bad word about anyone. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. He is the first to offer to help, the first to ask someone he just met to stay for dinner, or offer them a beer. He has the respect of everyone he knows and it’s so deserved. I want to be more like him in these ways that seem so rare to find these days. We all could learn something from him. Despite the fact he has had to travel with his job throughout my life, I have never really ‘felt’ his absence. He is always there for me. He is an incredible person, and father. I’m filled with pride to be able to call him my Dad.

I’m so lucky to have the parents I do. I’d like to say I don’t take them for granted, I guess we all do, but I don’t anymore. When life takes a bad turn like this, suddenly you appreciate everything so much more!

And as for my siblings, my two sisters and my bro are awesome. Meeghan, Eleni and Cameron are always there for me and they have helped to mould me into who I am today. Thank you for teaching me to rollerskate, to appreciate good music, to laugh so hard that I cry, to dance all night long and be the last to leave, how to fight blow off steam, but also to forgive and move on, to always present myself well, to have an opinion and be a good listener, that family is important and to always be there for each other, in the good times and the bad. I think being the youngest I have ended up being the sum total of all three of them put together...and I’m not complaining. I can’t thank them enough for all that they have done for me all these years. For being so much fun, for being my friends, for all the love and support and advice – and even being willing to take mine on occasion too. My family rock, I’m a very lucky woman. I know you will always be there for Greg and Jackson too. I’m counting on that!

This includes my extended family (Cousins and Aunties) too who have all rallied around me since finding out my news. They have organised fundraisers and babysat for me several times too. They have given advice, gifts, time and so much love. The Swan clan are an amazing bunch of people. My friends often say to me, “I knew which one’s were relations of yours because they're all so bloody gorgeous”. I haven’t spent as much time with them all over the last 10yrs until now, and for that I will always be regretful, but it doesn’t matter. They are blowing me away with how quickly and effortlessly they have been at my side, just as if they had been right there the whole time. I’m incredibly grateful. Cuzzies, not only are you all stunningly gorgeous but you all are on the inside too.

I also want to thank my wonderful in-laws. Fay (Greg’s Mum) is a star. She has been so supportive, kind and generous! She helps with Jackson and often pops around with flowers or kiwifruit to keep me going. She is so giving when she has so little herself. I love her heaps. Bridget, Andy, Louise and Nigel, you are my second family and I love you heaps too. Thank you for always being there, for your love, support and friendship. I love the bond that we have formed over the last 11.5 years and I thank you for always making me feel like a part of your family. Thanks you for being an awesome support for Greg. I can’t thank you enough. When the time comes I know you will be there for Greg and Jackson and that means so much to me.



Fifth, I am so blessed to have sooo many amazing friends!! There was a time in my life when I could count my ‘real’ friends on one hand a long time ago. Since then, I seem to be overwhelmed and struggle to keep up with them all!! It’s not a complaint. I am humbled and honored to have so many wonderful people in my life who care about me. And so many who have contacted me after not seeing me since College, offering so much love, support and generosity. It has just blown me away. I have swept away baggage from past hurts with people I can now call a friend again. And I have made amends with someone that I once hurt who blew me away with their forgiveness and instant friendship and love.

I want to in particular give thanks to Inez, Debbie, Sheri, Mel, Annette, Jo H, Rachel & Kev, Ruth & Rob, Deb & Tom, Mike and Shari, Jana and Dean, Angela, Anna, Kerryn, Jo M, and Sarah. I love you all so much and I will never forget the special ways in which you have each been there for me.

All my friends are wonderful, they have all added to my life in their own special way. Once upon a time I never thought I would ever be so overwhelmed with the number of people I could call a real friend. At times like these you realise who your real friends are. You have blown me away and far exceeded my expectations. I love you all.

Sixth, I am thankful for the generosity, kindness and support from all the strangers who have sent me gifts, money, emails, letters, cards. They have sent me praise for my strength and courage which has meant so much. It has blown my mind the generosity of even strangers and taught someone like me who always considered themselves ‘giving’, what giving is really all about. This cancer had brought people together in ways I never could have imagined. It’s restored my faith in the human spirit and ever single message I get every day keeps me inspired and encouraged more than I could ever put into words.

Lastly, I feel lucky because I have received the gift of a wake-up call about life so I want to offer you all some advice...

Don’t be a selfish person. Life isn’t just about you. It’s about relationships, it’s about giving, it’s about loving each other, being good to each other and being there for one another. Don’t take the ones you care about for granted – family, friends, husbands, wives, lovers, your children. Appreciate what you have, those who you love and those who love you. Stop and tell them more often what they mean to you. Show them what they mean to you. Too many of us are lazy in our relationships. Don’t wait until you lose someone before you realise what you had.

Don’t hold on to anger. Don’t let the sunset on an argument. Forgive. Don’t hold on to hurt and resentment, it will only eat you up inside. Don’t punish people for their mistakes because it makes you feel better. Let it go, forgive, move on. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes.

If you are having problems in your relationship, any relationship, be willing to look at yourself as much as you are willing to point the finger. Most problems take two people to fix. We all have our faults, accept each other’s imperfections, and embrace them. This doesn’t mean allow people to hurt you or walk all over you, but forgive them when they do. If they continue to hurt you, then move on from them. They are not good for you. Life is too short to hold on to resentment, to live in sadness or believe we don’t deserve any better, to live in a situation with more bad than good times. People can change, but not everyone wants to. So don’t wait around for someone to change if they don’t want to. But also we can’t always blame someone else when things fail and take no responsibility ourselves. Pointing the finger doesn’t make things better, working together as a team does. Take it from someone who has tried both ways, and succeeded with the latter.



Look after your health. Go for walks, drink lots of water. Don’t drink energy drinks and fizzy drinks and too much coffee. In general, look after your body! It is your temple and yes you are what you eat! Don’t smoke.

Ladies check your breasts and men your prostates, etc. Go and get regularly checkups. Having no family history does not make you safe. I had no family history. 95% of breast cancer cases today do not have a history. Ladies start checking yourself from 20...that means now for all of you over 20. Someone I know got breast cancer at 24 and had a 6mth old son. If you’re 35 don’t wait until your 40+ for the free screening. Start now. It’s free to check yourself. Go ahead, feel yourself up, regularly! No one else can look after you better than you can. The earlier and the more often you start checking the more likely you are to realise when something feels different. My generation has had an increase of 25% in breast cancers. Please, check yourself in the shower in the morning. Or even make it part of your Monday to do list in the shower. It should be more important to you than shaving your legs!

It sounds cliché, but don’t take your life for granted. Days shouldn’t be lost or thrown away thinking we have endless buckets of them. I’m not being morbid, we just don’t know what’s around the corner. We always think ‘the really bad things’ happen to everyone else, not to us. But we are ‘everyone else’. We all have to appreciate our life. It’s a blessing. If there is something you have always wanted to do, go and do it! Make it happen. Make the most of everyday. Stop making excuses. Stop and smell the roses. Watch the sunset. Watch the sunrise. As I said earlier, Yesterdays history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift...that’s why it’s called the ‘present’.

One of my favourite sayings is now my life’s motto...

Life is not about the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.



You’ve been told, with love.

Again, thanks so much for your support. I’m humbled by my wonderful life, and I’ll never find the words to truly express how grateful I am.



Nat x



http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/news/3882672/Mums-breast-cancer-devastation

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/4037053/Friends-rally-round