We are off to the Eastern Cape next week, and I CANNOT WAIT. My son and I have been counting down sleeps, though I think I'm more impatient than he is and might soon start counting the hours too.

My Kindle is full of first-chapter samples, and this week I'll be ticking off my wax, nail and brow appointments. All that's left are some work projects, and packing, which, even with a three-month-old and all the requirements there, I'm not that stressed about.

We are well stocked up on that side already, thanks to some pre-planning and a very involved, generous and organised set of grandparents. 

I wanted to share what's in my beachbag, which is technically more a beachbag for my daughter than for me.  While there are sun-related products in there, I will obviously keep my daughter in the shade, and only venture into the sun, fully protected, to swim (assuming she likes it).

There are technically two items for me: Vichy Thermal Spa Water spray, which is a refreshing, hydrating and boosting (according to Vichy). I love it mostly because it's very cooling.

The second item for me is my nursing cover from The Mummary. I never thought I'd ever use something like this, as I was worried it would look dowdy, plus I thought the blanket or receiving blanket thrown over my torso would work just fine. Well, this cover is just briliant and I've never felt this comfortable or secure when trying to (and succeeding in this case) breastfeed discreetly.

Other must-haves:

– Cute costumes from Woolworths: they seem to have the best range, from what I've seen

– Huggies wipes: why would any mom go anywhere without wipes?

– Huggies Little Swimmers: I'm not chancing any "accidents" in the pool

– Sunhat from Naartjie

– Sunscreen SPF 50 from La Roche Posay

– Nappy bag from Lou Harvey, which comes with a changing mat too