Marriage
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5 habits that will help you to commit to date night
What do men’s shirt and date nights have in common? Well, in our home, both shirts for men and sexy date nights are sighted on an extremely rare occasion. In fact – what is this myth called “date night” and how do we get one??
Jokes aside – we are busy parents, okay? And, to be honest, we often struggle to commit to spending quality time together. BUT, date night is important, my friends. Especially when you are actively working towards keeping that marital fire burning! It is a must and a need!
Needless to say, when it comes to spending time together, Hubstopher and I do need a little bit of motivation. And nothing inspires us more than a fancy new spot to visit, a well-planned schedule and a cute new outfit to wear. I spotted a couple of sultry dresses (for me, obvz) and swanky looking formal shirts for men on Superbalist the other day and felt so inspired to make QT happen more regularly.
Also, it gave me a reason to go shopping (because my online shopping cart looks a lot less suspicious if there’s an occasional men’s formal shirts in the mix). But regardless, date night needed to become a regular thing!
I scoured the web and found a couple of easy ways to finally commit to a regular QT appointment! Let me know what you think and if you have any tips for us on how to stick to our new found commitment.
5 habits that will help you to commit to date night!
1. Take turns planning a monthly date night
Commit to date night atleast once a month – but (here’s the catch) decide on a day at the start of the month and stick to that date as if it were a work commitment. No unnecessary forfeits allowed! Take turns to plan the date night, each month. By swapping planning duties, we remove some of the burden off each other and we are able to surprise each other and make it extra special.
2. Create a cool/fun regime
Create fun date night traditions that make it easier for you to explore and experience new things together. One fun date night regime could be to explore a new restaurant or a new hot spot each month. Or perhaps you are the outdoorsy type and would be interested in exploring various outdoor activities. Whatever floats your boat! The idea is to spend time together and to grow together, as a couple.
3. Preparation is key
Proper date night preparation will help you to stay committed to the cause! Simple things like researching venues beforehand, having a date night budget each month, and making sure you have a team of babysitters to call on, will go a long way towards helping you stick to your date night appointment.
4. Date night can be “date day” too
Do not despise a day time “date night”, friend! Quality time, during the day, means you don’t need to splurge on a babysitter (if the kids are at school). A date, on a pretty sunny day can comprise of picnics, beach hangs or you could even spend time in nature while having a chat. Or hey, since you are alone at home (with kids at school) you could even hang out on your own couch – for free!
5. Make weekly quality time a thing
I realised that date nights don’t have to be once in a while thing. It has to be a lot more regular in order to keep the fire burning. Designating time, each week, to staying connect will help you to stay connected. Couch time and quick coffee dates can help with that! Tip: Ditch the phones!
Let me know if any of these tips will help you to commit to date night!
This post was sponsored by Superbalist
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Thoughtful communication: talking to your spouse
“Baaabe, I want to say something but I don’t want you to get upset…”
Those are the words I use when gently letting my Hubstopher know that he is speaking a load of nonsense and I’m about to set him straight.After a few years of marriage, he is aware of my tactics already (the joke, after witnessing my C Section, is that he knows me inside and out) so he would call me out on it halfway into my pre-speech, nudging me with a “say what you want to say…” while I fumble around trying to find words that won’t hurt his heart or offend him.
And then, one day, in mid “Baaabe, I want to say something” he stopped me and asked why I am setting up the convo, without simply saying what I feel. He didn’t appreciate that I felt the need to prepare him for what I was going to say… almost as if I thought he isn’t able to handle my commentary.
You see, in my attempt to not offend him, I ended up offending him more than, uhh, actually offending him with the original offense that I was trying not to offend him with. (Now say that really fast)
I’ve had to learn that thoughtful communication looks different to each of us.In our marriage, thoughtful communication is all about vulnerability and efficiency. (Efficient, because we honestly don’t have the time to beat around the bush anymore.) And even though we push to be raw and real with each other, we still have to remain mindful of the other person’s heart.
And friends, let me tell you, it’s especially hard to say honest words KINDLY when you believe that the other person is being a world-class idiot and needs to be set straight. Sometimes you’re angry or frustrated and you’re just not in the mood to be kind. You don’t always want to like each other… but you always have to choose to love each other.
I mean, I know exactly which buttons to press, to win the fight. But loving him – even when I don’t like him very much – means that I choose not to press those buttons. (And sometimes I totally choose to press all the buttons, at the same time, as if I’m playing Tekken at the corner shop arcade. Let’s not even front.)
I suddenly understand why aunties and uncles mention the importance of communication during their speeches at weddings. Finding your “thoughtful communication mojo” is what marriage dreams are made of.
And hey, the beauty is that we have our whole lives to figure it out together. So, even if we don’t get it right today, there’s always tomorrow.
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5 Home Date Night Valentine Activities
I’d like to think that I’m an expert at staying at home. In fact, all of my best Valentine’s Day dates took place in the comfort of my living room. True story!
I mean, I love the idea of spending quality time with my Hubstopher, but the lure of my comfy couch and pajama’s is a lot stronger than the thought of having to scramble for a babysitter, pre-cook meals for the kids, get all dolled up and then drag myself (and my Hubstopher) to a restaurant, only to check in on the kids every few minutes and then call it a night when exhaustion hits me. (At 9pm, guys. The exhaustion hits at 9.)
I mean, who says a home date night has to be boring, anyways?! When it comes to planning the perfect Valentine home date night, you need to have a few key things in place:
1. The kids are bathed and in bed by 8pm.
2. We have a list of fun activities to partake in.
3. Someone has their Uber Eats app open, because mama’s not cooking tonight!The app has a wide variety of cuisines with over 400 000 menu items available. We usually order a “starter” from one eatery, a “main” from another, and a dessert from a completely different restaurant, just to spice things up a bit! The cool thing is that the new Uber Eats delivery fee (which is super low anyways) depend on the distance between the eater’s delivery address and the restaurant you’re ordering from. So we always feel like we’re winning!
Once you’ve sorted out kids and food (at this point, you may consider taking a nap, but I dare you not to), how about partaking in these interesting home date night activities:
5 Home Date Night Valentine ActivitiesMovie Night
Set up your very own indoor cinema, complete with romantic lighting and lots of comfy pillows. You could add a romantic element to the movie-watching i.e. “One kiss every time someone says the word love” or “share a secret every time someone hugs”.
Watch your wedding video
Take a walk down memory lane by watching your wedding video together. My Hubstopher gets especially teary eyed every single time he watches us exchanging vows – it’s super cute! Up the ante, by including conversation prompts (questions in a jar) that would take you all the way back to when you first met.
Questions and Answers
We love a good questions and answers game, you guys. It’s really simple: write down questions (we usually do 20 each), place them in a jar and then take turns to ask them to each other. It makes for really interesting conversation starters and you end up learning a little bit more about your partner.
Board Games
A game night always scores a thumbs up from us. We’ve figured out ways to adapt even the most complicated of games, to a two-man show, making things a lot more fun. Hint: Add some prizes and penalties to make things a bit more dramatic and interesting. This is when I’d usually order some dessert, because with an under 30 minute delivery, it’s there before my Hubstopher conspires to win, keeping him distracted and letting mama sail to victory.
Dance it out
Move the furniture in your living room, put on those slow love songs, and enjoy the evening in your partners arms, dancing the night away! Add an element of surprise, by each creating a special playlist and then putting it on shuffle, surprising each other with your song selections.
It’s easy with Eats!
Whatever you end up doing, to celebrate the day of love, always remember that the real treat is in being together. Keep the night simple by ordering in via the Uber Eats app, and enjoying quality time with your loved one. Download the Uber Eats app from either the App or Google Play stores or order at ubereats.com
Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Uber Eats.
Header Image: Freepik
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My husband won’t buy me Christmas presents (and other wifey drama that he puts up with)
If ever my husband should question whether I really love him, I would cutely point out that I am still married to him even though he doesn’t believe in buying me Christmas presents. (And the crowd goes gasp!)
I mean, one would think that he’d catch a hint after years of me giving him a death stare when he proudly retorts that HE is, in fact, my Christmas present. (It wasn’t funny 5 years ago, and it’s not funny now) But alas, here I sit, a grown woman, hinting really hard that I’d like to unwrap more than just the gammon and salt beef this Christmas. (I’m talking about festive meats, get your head out of the gutter, Sheila!)
Seriously though, I’m a sucker for all things Christmas. You guys know that when 1 December hits, I’m all about decking the halls with bells of holly. (Fala lala laaaaa) And, to be honest, I’m here for all the gift buying and presents wrapping. I think I enjoy giving Christmas gifts more than receiving them. (I know, what madness is this?!)
But, the other day, while planning my festive shopping list, I realised that Hubstopher and I are so consumed with making sure that our kids have the best Christmas, that we kinda forget about each other.
I mean, knowing my Hubstopher, he will pretend (or not really pretend, let’s be honest, the guy’s dramatic sometimes) to be so blown away by the specially wrapped socks and hand drawn card that Kari will give to him. (Yeah, it’s socks again this year, sorry babe).
And, knowing my Hubstopher, he would probably have forgotten to make sure that there’s something cute/silly under the tree for my kids to give to me. I mean, I’m sure the guy loves me (cough cough) but, truth be told, we have a lot going on.
Having children kinda changes Christmas for you. Sure, everything is just better because you get to experience Christmas through the eyes of your kid (hint: magicalness guaranteed). But, your focus changes. Your priorities shift. And suddenly YOU are not the the most important thing in your world.
Christmas changes a little bit more, with each new addition to our family. It’s as if you become a little bit more selfless with each whole new person that you have to look after.
We have FIVE children, you guys. Life right now kinda resembles living as if you’re on a post-Apocalyptic Earth… you know, reserving your energy and resources for important things. Five children means five gifts to buy and five whole other bodies to herd, as we motor from one family member’s home to another. Five is a lot. Five is overwhelming.
So, if my Hubstopher is doing a great job at giving all five kids a great Christmas then I forgive him for not getting me a Christmas gift.
The real present is his presence… getting to give each other an excited smile, as we watch the kids at the tree on Christmas morning. The gift is in the togetherness, when we show Kari how to use her toy for the first time. Or when we hear what Kyle wants to spend his “Christmas money” on. (Because money is a gift nowadays, did you know?)
The gift is going to the Christmas service, at church, together and hearing the kids sing the Christmas hymns and carols really loudly… and then going to visit our parents, where our smallies get to enjoy time with their cousins as our older boys put their screens aside, to play a new board game together.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that family is the real gift. And getting to spend another Christmas with my husband and kids is the only gift I want.
But, like, don’t tell my husband that.
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My husband drives me crazy on purpose (and other wifey drama)
Okay, I’m just going to say it: I feel like there’s a secret husband WhatsApp group where they chat about ways to be more, you know, “husbandy” aka helpless-without-their-wives-on-purpose. Because, honestly you guys, it feels as if my Hubstopher is even more dependant on me, with each passing year. It’s a conspiracy I tell ya!
Now I know what you’re thinking… probably something along the lines of: “Geez Luchae, that’s quite an opening, is alles oright by die huis?”
And the answer is no. Alles is nie oright nie. (Humour my dramatics and applaude my use of a whole Afrikaans sentence and correctly nogal)
Alles is nie oright nie, because my husband is helpless without me, but like, not for real. He does it ON PURPOSE, you guys. He pretends to be helpless without me. And it’s not funny.
Okay let’s start at the beginning…
So the other night I watched my husband rifle through the kitchen cupboard frantically. He was looking for the peanut butter and couldn’t find it. Well, that’s what he says. I mean, the jar was literally right infront of him. But there he stands, dramatically searching (with sound effects and running commentary) semi-dying of hunger and unable to locate the mysteriously invisible jar. He needed a hero. The hero was me. Would he have found the peanut butter had I not pointed it out to him? Probably not.
My darling Hubstopher is also unable to figure out where I keep the towels (I mean, seriously) even though they’ve been in the same place since, like, forever. Oh and he happens to only realise that he needs the towel when he’s in the middle of, well, needing the towel. I guess forward-thinking is a wife thing. What would happen to him when I’m not around? I shudder to think about it!
If you think that’s catastrophic, you don’t know the half of it! I mean, the rummage for clean undies or to find that missing sock is such a mammoth task, people! One would think that dear ol’ Hubstopher could simply search through the clean washing to find it. But nay, not this one. He was born without that skill set. He needs me. (To be fair, I AM an excellent things-finder. Just ask my kids.) Without me, the guy would probably end up wearing only one sock, or, gasp, the same undies for the rest of his life!
According to him, it’s not his fault… I’m the only one who can do certain things, uhm, “properly.” I guess God must have given me a double dollop when gifting me with the ability to:
– Complete paper work (especially when it’s school related)
– Manage our diary successfully
– Remember important dates/events
– Decide on what to wear to the costume party
– Dress our kids in appropriate attire for the day
– Answer the loaded question of “what’s for supper?”
– Change baby’s nappy if he made a BIG poopMind you, my husband is the cleverest man I know. And that’s why I’m convinced that he is ‘purposefully helpless’. Hey, that sounds like a Beyonce song.
Anyways, rant over. I do love the bugger. And I get that his damsel-in-distress vibes is simply because he loves to be looked after by me (just like how I love to be showered with gifts, by him). If I must be honest, these are the quirks and perks of being his wife… he doesn’t expect me to be a genius in the kitchen, a Pinterest wife, skinny top model or a Martha Stewart of the home. All he needs is for me to pass him the towel and find his missing sock.
And yeah, I complain, but it (secretly) feels good to be needed by him.
So I guess this little confession session is simply for me to say: I see you babe. And don’t worry, I’ll probably help you find the peanut butter until you’re too old and wrinkly to actually be able to eat peanut butter.
Disclaimer: In this post I generalise a hellava lot. So if the – uh – “husband shoe” doesn’t fit, don’t wear it. Or something like that.
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10 random perks of being married
Hi, I’m Luchae and I love being married. Yes, this may be a well known fact but I sensed the need to lead the conversation with it because I feel like I complain about my beautiful, wonderful, amazing Hubstopher a bit too much on this here blog. Granted, his heightened sense of humor let’s me get away with saying just about anything (except Liverpool… we don’t diss Liverpool). But still. I felt it my obligation and duty to let you all know that I do, in fact, love my husband and that we are, in fact, happily married (soccer nights included).
I mean, marriage is a trip, you guys. The elation of finding your “one” mixed with the deflation of having to deal with someone else’s irks and quirks till death you do part is kind of bittersweet in the best way. But if I could choose between not being married to him and having to pick up his socks (you know, from the staircase, under the bed and hidden away behind my couch cushions) for eternity, I would probably choose this man and his stinky socks till death us do part.
Granted, there are the occasional disagreements (and irks and quirks) to deal with but the perks are actually quite perky. I mean, the perks totally make up for it. I don’t know what your marriage perks are… but mine are quite random. Sure, it includes all the mandatory “loves me, loves his kids, doesn’t shoot stray cats with his pellet gun” stuff. But there are a bunch of other random reasons why I love being married to the guy. Things like:
1. I don’t have to ask for directions
I mean, my husband knows what’s up (cough) and probably never has to ask for directions too. Right? Husband’s always know which way to go. But mine is a techno fundi and probably has a gazillion GPS apps on hand, just in case the rare occasion arises where he needs to ask for directions.2. I don’t change light bulbs
Look, I’m no damsel in distress, but I totally enjoy the fact that Hubstopher can do those arb home repairs like, you know, changing the light bulb or fixing the wonky door handle. In fact, I’ve totally sat in darkness waiting for him to come home to change said light bulb. The fact that I can do it myself is not the point here, okay?3. He knows whats up with the car
I don’t do car things. I mean, sure, women are capable of knowing car things. It’s good to know car things. But my extensive knowledge of car things does not give me the power to overthrow my husband as the “Car Things Gatekeeper.” I mean, he checks the oil and changes the tyre and, just being real, he even drives us places most of the time even though I have a very real driver’s license.4. Spiders
‘Nuff said.5. He can be a donkey
Guys, my Hubstopher is the parent who would go down on his hands and knees, pretending to be a donkey for my kids. He gives the best piggy back rides and plays wrestling with the big boys and is the only one who would allow them to use him as a trampoline. And I say thank you for that.
6. He knows kung fu
Okay, he doesn’t really know kung fu, but best believe when I hear a weird sound in the living room at 3 in the morning, I won’t be the one doing the investigating. Husbands do the “weird sound” investigating. It’s just like, the rule of life!7. I don’t have to do physical labor
Again, this does not speak to my lack of ability but rather to my Hubstopher’s abundance thereof. Need a heavy box lifted? Can’t open that pickle jar? Does the dirt need to be taken out? Do not fret or fear, Hubstopher is near!8. He holds my hand in public places
I don’t know, there is just a tangible safety of sorts, when you’re ambling through a crowded area and you’re able to walk a few steps behind your person while holding his hand. I have nothing more to say on the matter because I feel like you guys know what I’m talking about, right?9. He talks to people
I mean, sure I can also talk to people, but when it comes to the mechanic and the petrol attendant and the person who fumigated the house and the DSTV installer, chances are Hubstopher would be the one who would do all the talking.10. He loves me
For some weird, overly bizarre reason, this guy finds me the most attractive when I’m donning my oldest comfy clothes, with my hair in some sort of a messy bun (if “messy” was “chaotic”). He loves me in my natural state… you know, the person that is Luchae when noone is looking. And that right there is the biggest perk of being married to him.Can you relate with any of these? What are some of your weirdest and most favorite perks of being married to your husband?
Disclaimer: This post was not meant to be sexist, painting women as the weaker sex. Women can do all things and girl power and rah rah rah, but I sure do love that I have a Hubstopher around to do some of the heavy lifting for me!
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Can husbands and wives owe each other money?
It happened again. I sent my Hubstopher to the shops to buy something girly for me and, upon return, he handed me the cashier’s receipt expecting a reimbursement. I looked at him, slip in hand, with shock and betrayal written all over my face, like, hello, we are husband and wife! I can’t owe you money!
What utter nonsense is this?! But nope, homeboy was having none of it. He had spent his hard earned dollar bill on my girly things and he wanted his cash back (to spend on his manly things, I’m assuming).
I straight out refused to reimburse him, you guys. Because, you know, husbands and wives can’t owe each other money. Right? Isn’t that, like, the rule of LIFE? Doesn’t it say that in the Bible somewhere? Can someone find the scripture for me? I need to prove a point.
Anyways.
When I brought up the topic with a few close friends of mine they just laughed and laughed and laughed. I mean, I totally thought their manic laughter was in support of me. But nay, they were laughing AT me. Because apparently husbands and wives CAN owe each other money. And “community of property” has nothing to do with it.
“It’s a principal thing, Luchae” one of them explained, as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Apparently my way of thinking is totally old school. And since we’re living in the modern day era (you know, where we don’t have to wipe our bums with banana leaves or grow our own potatoes) men and women now earn their wages fair and square.
And since the earning of wages is fair and square and all of that, more households are co-dependent on BOTH man and woman’s salaries. We both earn and we both contribute towards the household.
And if I’m willing to split household expenses with the guy, then I should atleast acknowledge that we’ve come to an unspoken agreement that his money is his and mine is mine and together we make things work for our home? Right?
Well I have questions about that.
I mean, what happens when husband and wife has a joint account or has come to an agreement that “it’s OUR money, and not yours or mine”… do you then ask for permission every time you want to make a girly purchase? Also, is it very sexist of me to expect the man to foot the bill for everything? Am I just old school like that?
And so, while debating the topic in my head (hands up if you have long debates with yourself) I came to the conclusion that I probably should #paybackthemoney. Because, in all fairness, when I sent him to the shops, I didn’t let him know that he’d be spending his hard earned cash on my hair products.
I mean, regardless of how important a leave in conditioner is when you’re living on this side of South Africa, I guess it’s not something that my husband would be budgeting for, at the end of each month. I guess it’s something that I should be budgeting for. And thus said, something that I should be paying for. I guess. Sigh.
My inner old-school lass needs to realize that I need to be a little bit more conscientious and inclusive when I make decisions about spending money… especially when it affects my husband. Although, I’m not gonna lie to you, when he came at me with a receipt, my inner Jane Austen was like, “Kind Sir! I find this most insulting that I, a fair Lady, should reimburse thy spend! Begone with thee, foul man!”
Well, something like that.
Anyways, I thought to take it to the streets (this is the streets, you guys, my blog is so hip) and find out what you guys would do in a situation like this. Do you reimburse your hubby if he went to the shops to buy something for you? Do you expect reimbursement? Is it a matter of whose salary is the highest? Lend me your thoughts in the comments section below!
(Images: Header – Freepik; Body – Donna van der Watt)
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Single versus Married: the big regret
I have a beautiful, single friend who despises being single. She regrets not settling down sooner and often pines for a baby and is on that dating scene, hoping to meet her future husband and best friend. I’m the one sitting next to her, encouraging her to enjoy this season, saying things like, “Girl, you can literally do anything you want right now!” I mean, the last time I could do anything I wanted to, was maybe that half an hour before the kids wake up on a blue Monday morning. To a single person, being single feels like a burden. But to those of us who are followed around by a small army daily, it sounds like a dream, right?
Well, the other day, while staring at a pile of washing that needed to be folded (and by staring, I do mean glaring menacingly) I suddenly had a thought: where would I be today, if I had I not gotten married? I mean, before I met Chris, I had been rocking single motherhood (self proclaimed rocking) – doing life with my baby boy and crushing it.
If I had remained single, with Kyle finishing high school this year, the world would literally have been our oyster! But alas, I chose marriage and guys, with the addition of each child, life got a lot more messier, crazier and busier.
So I found myself staring into space like a Forester, and reminiscing on a time when life was easier, wondering if I would have been a super star by now if I had chosen to remain single. (We dream these dreams, let’s not even front.)
Would I have been less tired? More in shape? Maybe. On a different career path? Probably. Heck, maybe this blog would not have been in existence. And I definitely wouldn’t be folding copious amounts of laundry each week, that’s for sure.
But would a life of simplicity and freedom have been enough for me?
Now, yes, I am aware that these thoughts were merrily a distraction to avoid the actual folding of the laundry. (Same like when I sit on the couch and plan what I’ll do with my millions one day, when I’m suppose to be cleaning the kitchen). But it was a great moment to sit and reflect on the seasons of life.The thing about choosing marriage and all that comes with it is that you kinda have to accept the sacrifice of parenthood and the unselfishness of being married and staying married. Maybe things would have been a lot easier if I had just said no to all the responsibility and sacrifice that came with the ring when Chris popped the question.
But my single friend, and her deep regret, reminded me of this thing about seasons and how there is beauty and necessity in every season of our lives.
Life is ever changing, ever evolving. And as we grow, our needs and desires shift and change. For some of us, that may mean that we rock our singledom for a longer period (or indefinitely) and have a whole bunch of other things to focus our time on. And that’s okay.
And for others, like me, it may mean that we’ve had our taste of being single (and “free”, as the term may imply) and that we don’t regret a thing. I mean, I wouldn’t trade my new life for that freedom if it means going without tiny arms wrapped around my legs, as I try to cook. Maybe freedom looks a little bit different to me now?
So, in retrospect, if you had to ask me which one is better, being single or being married, I guess I can’t really choose which one of these is the best thing.
My couch sitting and laundry glaring brought me to the conclusion that none of it is… well, none of it is the best thing, I mean. Because, I guess you’re only ever happy when you embrace the moment you’re in right now, instead of pining away for something else.
So I guess embracing your season, is the best thing.
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Practical Valentine’s gift Ideas for the spreadsheet brain
So I have a spreadsheet brain (but you guys already knew this) and because of my spreadsheet brain, I simply cannot allow my husband to spend copious amounts of money on flowers and chocolates, when February 14th hits. I mean, when he does, I totally appreciate it. But the spreadsheet half of my heart is busy calculating exactly how much he spent and what we could use the money on (I know, it’s bad, this is not me bragging, yo).
Anyways, in light of my spreadsheet brain and Valentine’s Day and you know, buying flowers and chocolates, I thought to put together a list of practical Valentine’s gift ideas, for those of you who are just like me (yep, semi-looney). Here are my findings:
Diamonds and Pearls
They say that diamonds are a girls best friend. Which may be accurate if you’re that kind of girl. I’m not that kind of girl (spreadsheet brain calculations and all of that). But I do love me some pretty and sentimental jewelry! I love receiving well thought out gifts like mood rings, lockets and bracelets. When my Hubstopher finds something that reminds him of me, regardless of price, I immediately love it!
Spa Day
Trust me guys, if you’re looking to find the perfect Valentine’s gift, a day at the spa will probably give you serious brownie points. I actually booked a spa day a few months ago, when I wanted to spoil Chris for his birthday. He loved it! Men love a good pamper too, yo! And most of the spa’s have romantic couple’s treatments that will have you feeling super relaxed and super, you know, in love all at the same time. Winning.Make My Life Easier
If you really want to creep into my mama heart, you’d get me gift vouchers for those every day spoils that I can’t afford. You know, things like a cleaning service (someone else cleaning my house… heck yeah!) or a laundromat (because folding laundry is the spawn of evil). What about a dinner box subscription, where meals are sent to your door every week? Ooh or even a pamper voucher, for nails and hair. Those are the types of things that I would never dream to spend money on (because many kids, remember?).
Sweet smells
The idea of opening a gift filled with perfumes and sweet smell makers totally makes me feel like love is in the air, yo! And if you’re sentimental like I am, you’d probably keep the perfume bottle until you’re old and grey with a whole vanity filled with empty bottles. We’re our own special kind of crazy. But yes, a perfume set, filled with your loved ones favorite scent, is a definite winner!Shoes and Bags
Men, women love shoes and bags. That’s that. Need I say more? (Clip note: if you’re unsure of the type style she may be into, enlist the help of a friend or sister who can point you in the right direction!) In my opinion, a practical gift like this will make me squeal a whole lot more than a box of chocolates, yo.
Practical Extras
I’m a fiend over things like notebooks, cute mugs, travel mugs, stationary sets and decorative desk stuff. Yeah, I have a Typo and Cum Books in my head… along with the spreadsheet brain. It’s pretty crowded up there. My point is that if your loved one is into this sort of thing, there are a range of amazing goodies at these stores, and they are quite affordable too! Cum Books is one of my faves and I love their range of Valentine’s “Love” inspired mugs and notebooks (pictured above).So there you have it fam. Which of these are a winner, in your eyes? Hit the share button below and tag your special someone if you’re wanting to drop a hint!
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Don’t let bad breath ruin Valentine’s Day {Giveaway!}
Did you know that February is Relationship Month AND National Fresh Breath Month all at the same time? Coincidence, I don’t think so! I mean, oral healthcare goes hand in hand with, you know, intimacy. Experts actually recommend that you have an effective daily oral care routine… its the best way to keep your mouth healthy, breath fresh and your pearly whites in tip top condition for Valentine’s month.
Sunstar GUM has developed the best tools to help you do just that! They recently sent me a #FreshBreathPower kit to try out. It’s filled with a bunch of seriously cool (I mean, like, James Bond cool) gadgets and product that helps you to ensure that your oral care routine is, well, effective.
If you’re unsure of what “an effective oral care routine” entails, Ivohealth’s Oral Hygiene Advisor, Dirna Grobbelaar explains – in four simple steps:
- Brush correctly twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Floss or clean in-between every day with whatever interdental tool suits you best.
- Remove plaque and food debris from the surface of your tongue by gently scraping the tongue once a day using a GUM Tongue Cleaner.
- For added fresh breath confidence rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash like GUM Original White rinse.
The Sunstar GUM tongue cleaner is, by far, one of my favorite oral care gizmos. The soft bristles helps to dislodge plaque and debris from the tiny grooves on the surface of the tongue. The serrated edge of the tongue cleaner can be used to gently scrape from the back of the tongue to front. For extra fresh breath confidence, complete your oral care routine by rinsing and gargling with alcohol-free GUM Original White or Dentyl Dual Action mouthwash.
Win a Sunstar GUM #FreshBreathPower kit valued at over R680!To celebrate the month of love, Sunstar GUM wants to gift one of you with a lovely #FreshBreathPower kit! Want one? Sure you do.
You can enter by dropping me a comment on Instagram or the blog, letting me know how you plan to use the #FreshBreathPower kit to spruce up your Valentine’s month.
1.Enter via Instagram by commenting on this specially marked post. (Tag a friend, to let them in on the action)
2.Enter via the blog, by dropping a comment below.
You can enter on both the blog AND Instagram, to double your chances! Giveaway only open to South African residents. Winner will be announced next Wednesday, 13 February.
Competition closed. Winner: Faziela Prantice!
