Features
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On the move with Opalescence Go
I was so excited when Opalescence Go sent me one of their teeth whitening kits. I mean, I love coffee. But I’m not a fan of the yellow-tinge on my teeth, after a few cups of java. Coffee, and other highly acidic foods and drinks, are the main culprits behind the discoloration of teeth. If you love sweets, fizzy drinks, red and white wine and citrus, this may not be good news for you. But, fear not! I come with glad tidings of great joy! Opalescence Go promises to restore your smile back to it’s former glory, one pre-filled whitening tray at a time!
Opalescence Go is a simple, quick way to start a whitening treatment. This ‘wake up and go’ kit requires no impressions or custom trays. I mean, besides for checking with your dentist if your gums are healthy enough to withstand a teeth whitening treatment, you literally can get those pearly whites, well, pearly white again, in the comfort of your own home.
The Opalescence Go kit contains ready to go disposable trays that you can use right out of the package. The disposable trays are loaded with the Opalesence tooth whitening gel which contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. These ingredients help to reduce cavities, minimize sensitivity and increases the enamel hardness of your teeth.
How you use it
So once you’ve found the Opalescence Go product that best suites your needs and budget, you simply apply the tray to your teeth (it adapts and is flexible) and gently bite down to help bond the gel overlay to your teeth. Once you’re happy with the fit, remove the tray, and you’re left with a snug cover on your teeth. I found it comfortable and I could actually still have a conversation while wearing it.
The kit I received required me to wear the tray for 60 minutes, for about 5 – 10 days, before I would see results. Opalescence actually has a bunch of different kits to suite your lifestyle and needs. They also come in a variety of flavors – peach, melon and mint. The kits are available in 10% and 15% hydrogen peroxide concentrations. I did notice a definite change in my teeth’s appearance. In fact, my teeth felt cleaner after the first application… I mean, if it’s possible for your teeth to feel clean. I used the Opalescence whitening toothpaste afterwards to maintain and prolong my newly found bright, healthy smile.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Opalescence South Africa.
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Bath time with Bubiroo
Bath time around our parts are quite a mission. I mean, for starters, there are now two squirmy little bodies to clean and the two-year age gap means nothing because the littlest one is just as active as the bigger one is. They just don’t sit still! We still have fun, none the less. Kari loves introducing Jo to our “lotions and potions” regime. She got really into it, the other day, when I added Bubiroo to our regular pamper session.You guys, Bubiroo has really impressed me! I mean, besides for the fact that owner, Dorae, is an actual qualified Naturopath and Homeopath (so she knows what she’s doing, yo). The Bubiroo product is 100% natural, handmade with love, and free of all the junk you would find in commercial baby products. That’s right, it’s preservative free and does not contain chemicals, artificial fragrances or coloring, mineral oils, parabens, petroleum sulfates or nut oil. And guys, I know you usually expect to spend a lot on all natural products but these are really well priced!
The baby wash and shampoo contains marula, mandarin and may chang and smells really clean. (I know, I’m so descriptive). What I mean is that most baby washes has a sweet scent, but I liked that the Bubiroo wash is almost fragrance free. It also doesn’t foam like normal washes because it does not contain sodium laureth sulfate. 100% goodness! I haven’t tried it out on Kari’s mop of curls, but it did the job on Jo’s hair. His hair did not feel coarse or sticky afterwards (as I expected it to).
The baby wax is the best thing in the world! It contains a whole bunch of amazingness such as coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, calendula oil, ylang ylang, marula seed oil (and the beat goes on). The consistency is a bit hard to the touch (because of the coconut oil), so you would need to warm it up by rubbing some between your hands, before applying. It’s such a great product for baby massages and rubs. I am a huge fan! Kari enjoys digging into it and rubbing the wax between her little hands. It’s actually a double score for me, because I don’t have to worry about copious amounts of lotion being slathered all over my bedding!
The baby bum balm is probably one of my favorite Bubiroo products. Jonah has fortunately been nappy rash free so I’ve never felt the need to cover his little bottom with thick, overly medicated bum creams. I mean, I want his skin to breath, while still being protected. This is the perfect product for that. And again, because it contains coconut oil you need to warm it up first before application, but once applied it goes on like a thin layer of ointment and smells great!Talking about ointment, Kari refers to the Bubiroo products as her “ointment” because she loves the smell and she says it makes her “better”. And how right she is! If you’d like to get your hands on some Bubiroo products check out the Facebook page for more information or drop them an email. Moms, if your kids have overly sensitive skin, chat with Dorae. She’ll put together a product tailor made just for you and your kid!
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Day Zero: The day the taps will run dry {And 10 ways you can save water}
It sounds very “end of the world movie starring Will Smith” but authorities have recently reported that our water resources are running low… yep, we are on the brink of facing Day Zero. And by on the brink I mean, they say it’s going to happen in the next few months. What is Day Zero, you ask? Well, it’s the day when most taps will be turned off and residents will have to queue for water due to drought and water shortage. There has been no relief for our looming water crisis and authorities have urged residents to continue to be water smart. I mean, can you imagine not having flushing toilets? If you haven’t begun to conserve water, I urge you to do so now. To help you do this, I’ve put together a bunch of really cool tips on how you can get your household to conserve water.
In the kitchen
1. Keep the plug in the sink to collect any extra water (which can be used for rinsing). If you have a double sink, consider leaving a plastic bowl in one of them, to catch any water that can be reused again.
2. When washing dishes, save the water to mop the floor afterwards. Rinse washed dishes in a tub of water which you can reuse to water the garden.
3. Save a small container of water in the fridge to wash fruit in. Water the garden once you’re done.
4. Using paper towels (and not cloth towels, that may need to be washed afterwards) is a good way to conserve water.
5. If you’re using a dishwasher, wait until it is fully loaded before switching it on.
In the bathroom
1. Save your bathwater and use it to flush the loo.
2. Only flush the toilet when absolutely necessary. Some moms have allowed their boys to urinate outside. Yep, the struggle is that real!
3. Use a facecloth to clean your face, and a small cup of water to rinse your mouth, instead of a running tap.
4. Take a shorter shower or hey, have a competition to see who can do it in the shortest amount of time. When showering, turn the tap off while you’re lathering yourself, and turn tap back on to rinse. Want to be extra? Take a bucket with you into the shower, to catch any excess water.
5. Share bath water (usually the kids will hop in first, and the adults later).Moms, are you teaching your children how to be water smart? Are they aware of the water crises? Are they treating water like the precious commodity that it is? I certainly do hope so! If not, that’s okay. You can always start today. Consider turning it into a little game to see who can save the most water, or come up with the best ways to save water.
If you have any great water saving tips, please do share them below or on the Facebook thread on my Facebook page. We’re in this together guys.
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Get cybersmart and win R1 million in Bitcoin or cash
How cyber safe are you? This is a question I had to ask myself a few months ago, when someone tried to hack into my website, causing it to crash and be totally unresponsive for almost 2 weeks!
I mean, you wear a safety belt when you travel by car, you lock your security gate when you enter your home, and you have insurance to protect your valuables, but how are you protecting yourself against cyber attacks… Because they’re REAL! Ask the gentleman who proposed to me online, after finding a fake profile hosting my name and pics on a marriage site. It’s time to get cyber smart, friends!
If you’re a business owner, there should be an urgency to making sure that your computer systems, software and data are covered. King Price’s cybersure (cyber insurance for businesses) does all of this, and then some! I mean, cybersure includes cover for cyber liability, cybercrime, data breach expenses and even damage to computer systems and data, and associated loss of income.
With the massive spike in cybercrime, it’s time to think ahead friends. In just a few clicks, your business could lose everything. Cybersure can offer assistance in the event of fraud, hacking, phishing and scamming. And hey, if a cybercriminal tries to threaten you and hold your business’ info ransom, cybersure will cover the cost for a professional team to check if the threat is valid and will also help you pay the ransom demand if it needs to be done.
Want to win R1 million in Bitcoin or cash?
Cybersure is giving away R1 million in Bitcoin or cash! No jokes. Have a go at the super fun (and super addictive) cybersure game to enter this sweet giveaway! The final round will be a LIVE knockout game, and you want to be there! Just head on over to cybersure.co.za and start playing!Get cyber protection for your business! Contact your broker or call 0860 21 00 00. Check out the King Price Insurance website for more.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by King Price Insurance. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash .
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Flying with children – Uh, yes you can!
I sometimes think that going places with your children should get you an award or something. I mean, I’m sure you’ve taken your little ones out in public and said a silent prayer, hoping that melt downs are at a minimum and that no one needs to poop while you’re standing in a very long queue. Come on, pat yourself on the shoulder, you’ve mastered the art of taking quick trips to the the shopping mall. The beach? Waxed it. Play park? Sheesh, walk in the park (pun intended). Movies? You’re probably a pro. But hey, have you ever considered flying with your kids? Flying with children?! Yep, I said it! It’s totally doable! Book those flights to Cape Town, girl!
I know you’re probably looking at me with crazy eyes and wondering if I’ve ever met your children and gauged the amount of damage they could possibly do during a 90 minute flight. And trust me, I get it. (Have you met MINE?!) But having a positive and fun flight experience is totally possible.
Some things to consider when planning that flight
1. Prepare your child by explaining the protocol to them. This creates a familiarity and gets them excited to comply! Cover topics such as using that ‘inside voice’, the safety belt and the fact that you’re not allowed to leave your seat.
2. Make sure you visit the loo before boarding and right after landing! It’s also helpful if you could limit your child’s liquid intake about 2-4 hours before your flight.
3. Your kid is just a kid! Bring along games, electronic devices (that has an “airplane mode”) and other fun activities that would help to keep them entertained. Don’t forget that portable charger!
4. Create special airplane related games (such as eye-spy or airplane bingo). You could even focus the activities around your destination (airplane/destination trivia for the older kids) and hey, how about going next level and having little prizes for motivation.
5. Don’t forget to bring along the chewing gum to avoid air pressure discomfort. Yawning or swallowing frequently can also help to alleviate ear discomfort during the flight, so those gummy chews are your friend!Here are some more tips from our friends over at Travelstart
Travelling with your children shouldn’t have to be a pain! In fact, teaching your children the do’s and don’ts about travel should be priority. So, for 2018, I dare you to book that flight, go on that adventure, make that memory, and hey don’t be afraid to take the kids with you. Check out the Travelstart website for great deals and cheap flights From Johannesburg To Cape TownDisclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Travelstart. Photo by Paul on Unsplash
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Gifting with intention: Keeping the Christ in Christmas
Christmas is a few hours away and I’m pretty sure some of you, like me, have yet to wrap those Christmas gifts. Okay, okay, let’s keep it real, I have yet to BUY those Christmas gifts too. I love gifting with intention though… and that takes time! I usually find myself online sifting through the latest fads and trends, to find the perfect gift for my family members. You know, gifts that actually mean something! This year, I decided to keep the Christ in Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season, after all. Fortunately, my friends over at Christian Art Media has a range of inspirational gifting ideas to help make the tedious yet very, very rewarding job of Christmas gifting, that much easier. Here are some of my faves:
Books and more books
If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you’ll know that I am a huge fan of Christian Art Medias range of amazing inspirational books. My favorite picks, this festive season is Nick Vujicic’s autobiogrophy, Be The Hands and Feet. This guy is amazing. He tells the story of how God used him, despite being born with out limbs. Nick Vujicic is known worldwide as the man without arms and legs who personifies a “can do” spirit.
Using compelling stories from his own experience, Nick shares the heart of his message, the motivation behind all he does, and something that he believes the world needs now more than ever before: A faith in Jesus Christ that moves people to act and make the world a better place.
If you’re looking for a stocking filler, the hand bag sized Minute Motivators for Women by bestselling author Stan Toler and his wife, Linda, is a great gift idea! In this mini manual, they share thought-provoking quotes and beautiful words of hope that is sure to keep you inspired in the new year. Each chapter will draw your attention to a single attribute every godly woman wants to cultivate in her life, such as patience, wisdom, persistence, courage, and gratitude. Bite-size portions of inspiration make this the perfect devotional for, well, anytime—especially those days when you feel like you can never get ahead. Recharge in the middle of a hectic schedule or end your day with a much-needed reminder that God has every aspect of your life under control.
Bibles
Christian Art Media has the biggest selection of Bibles. There literally is something for everyone! My favorite is the My Promise Bible, which is beautifully designed, inside and out. Besides for the stunning illustrations (which you can color in), there is also a whole collection of scrap book goodies, in the sleeve behind the Bible, for you to document your spiritual journey through color and expression. I love this so much!
If you’re looking for something a bit more masculine, this stunning classic King James Version tan lux leather Bible is perfect. It offers a one-year Bible reading plan, full-color map, a concordance and the words of Christ in red. Gilt-edged pages and a presentation page make this Bible perfect for gift-giving.
Journals
I’m a journal kinda girl. I love planning out my online and offline stuff, in one of the beautiful Christian Art Media luxe leather journals. Whether you’re looking for something for a guy or a gal, young or old, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit!For more inspirational gifting ideas, visit a CUM Books store or check out their website.
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Christmas stocking fillers for kids
One big gift, on Christmas morning, just makes sense. Well, to us big people, that is. But the truth is that most kids want to open a whole bunch of gifts, come December 25th! And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like hearing the rip of wrapping paper and seeing festive inspired gift bags laid strewn across your living room floor. Fortunately there are some really cool Christmas stocking fillers for kids that work well at making your Christmas tree pile look a bit more impressive.
Crazi Erazi
Kids love to collect! How about topping up that Christmas stocking with the latest craze – Crazi Erazi mini collectibles. I love this new series of collectibles, which features tiny versions of a bunch of South Africa’s best loved stationery products. The full Crazi Erazi collection consists of 13 erasers that really work. Unlike the retailer specific free collectibles seen over the last few years which rewarded shoppers with a collectible item per specific amount spent in store, Crazi Erazi collectable erasers can be purchased at a variety of participating retailers and stationers for only R 6.99 each. The plastic collector box, which doubles as a pencil case, retails for R 39.99 and is fitted with exact compartments where all the erasers can be housed. The replicas of actual stationery products include brands such as Pritt, Mondi, Treeline, Artline, Uni, Penflex, Staedtler, BIC and Butterfly with mini versions of glue sticks, multi tack, paper reams, counter books, pens and markers, highlighters, pencil cases, pencils, crayons, pocket files, paper pads and colouring books. So cool! Find these at your nearest retail outlet.
The Action Bible Guess-It Game
Discover and learn about the Bible in a whole new way with The Action Bible Guess-It Game! Designed for ages 8 years and older, this game can be played with 2 or more players and tests and expands your Bible knowledge. Includes 100 oversized, laminated cards with 20 questions on each card that point toward the answer (a person, place, or thing from the Bible) and feature artwork taken from The Action Bible. Guys, this really is so much fun! Great for traveling or family game night, these action-packed cards will help expand youngster’s Bible knowledge in a fun and interactive way. Available at CUM Books, or online.
Mini-Me Personalised LEGO
Wow your kids with their very own personalised mini LEGO! The super cool Mini Me online store allows you to build your own LEGO ‘people’. Yep, you get to personalise everything… torso, face, hair, even the accessories! Theare are 1000’s of categorised items, on the website, and you are able to purchase a special stand for your creation too. Visit the online store for more.
Gelli Baff and Slime Baff
Guys, I was so excited when Zimpli Kids sent us some Gelli Baff and Slime Baff to try out at home. I think that these would make such great Christmas stocking fillers! The product basically turns your kids bathtime into an exciting, slime (or jelly) filled experience! Both products are 100% safe on skin, manufactured in the UK, non toxic and environmentally friendly, which means they can be drained away and disposed of easily. Gelli Baff is a totally unique, fun, bath time product that lets you turn water into goo and back again! Slime Baff turns your bath water into a gooey, oozy bath of slime. By just adding more water, the slime can be diluted into coloured water that can be safely drained away. Such a fun time! You can pick it up at Toys R Us or Takealot. Check out the Zimpli Kids website for more deets. -
Gifting with intention: Why DVD’s are great Christmas gifts!
I love giving gifts that have meaning. Intentional gift giving (and receiving) is my thing. I get it though. Sometimes a “grab and go” gift makes more sense than a “this made me think of you gift” because: LIFE. But that’s why I love gifting books and DVDs. You can literally check their ratings and synopsis on the internet, make your decision, and then pop into a store (or online, yo) to quickly pick it up. Christian Art Media has an amazing selection of books and DVD’s, this Christmas, that will help you to gift with intention! Plus, have you been following my Christmas music giveaway? It closes tomorrow, and I’ll be adding something from this DVD collection to the prize! Whoop whoop!
Superbook
You guys, I LOVE the latest Christian Art Media release – CBN’s Superbook. It’s an animation series, telling the story of real Bible heroes whose success came from trusting God and following His direction. Your kids will learn valuable, lifelong lessons of faith and victory! Seth reviewed these for me, and he was so impressed with the quality of the graphics (he’s 11) and found the storyline to be compelling. In fact, we learnt a bunch of things that we didn’t know, about some of these Bible stories. CBN’s Superbook team is made up of Emmy-winning artists and storytellers, whose credits include Mulan, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. Together they are collaborating to completely reimagine the classic Superbook series using the latest 3D CGI technology. The new Superbook honors the life-changing legacy of the classic series and introduces the stories of the Bible to a new generation. I LOVE THIS! This is such a great Christmas gift! Check out more on the Superbook website.
Who needs Christmas
I’ve recently been glued to Andy Stanley’s thought provoking teaching, Who Needs God. Andy is the founder and senior pastor of North Point Ministries and I love his way of dissecting the word of God. He brings you facts, arguments and an almost unbiased look at what the word of God says versus what the world says. The teachings are available on DVD (the first segment is called Athiest 2.0 and is especially interesting). Stanley also has a teaching called Who Needs Christmas. I mean, I get it, the details of Christmas can seem a bit sketchy. On the DVD, Stanley goes into the story and talks about WHY we have a “Christmas” and WHY a “Christmas” was needed. Argh, this is so good, I can’t even form the correct words to express it. If you’re looking for a gift that is deeper than your average box of chocolates, then this is it!
Something for everyone
With a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction, story-based or teaching-filled DVD’s available, there is literally something for everyone! How about grabbing that Christmas-themed movie dvd, as the perfect festive stocking filler? If you like to be a little bit “extra” (like me), use a marker to write your special message on the DVD cover. Ta da! The perfect keepsake.Pick these DVD’s up at CUM Books or shop online, to check out their wide variety of Christmas inspired gift ideas.
Remember that I’m giving away a collection of Christmas themed CDs? Well, I’ll be adding something from this post to that set, as well. Yeah, you might not have to hit the shops for Christmas gifts this year, folks! The giveaway closes in 12 hours you guys, so complete the rafflecopter below, asap! Winner will be anounced on my Facebook page tomorrow.Find the rest of the reviews (and more about the giveaway) here:
Lauren Daigle – BeholdMatt Redman – These Christmas Lights
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Nelson Mandela Bay – Summer lovin’ on a Segway
Looking for something fun to do with the fam this December? Sure you are, because #momlife is a real thing. Well, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has heard your silent pleas for help and welcomes the addition of WildX Adventure Segway Beachfront Tours and Black Impala Tshisa Nyama to the growing array of activities on offer this summer holiday season.
You guys, I want a Segway. Like, for myself. Why? Well, because it’s pretty much an electric, self-balancing scooter, and I’ve decided that I’d much rather ride on one of these than walk, thanks. Segways are noise free and eco-friendly and they are really easy to ride. This awesome tourism offering will have visitors and locals gliding along our (extremely beautiful, btw) beachfront promenade, along four different routes between Kings Beach and Summerstrand. There are also three routes along Forest Park and Happy Valley. Prices are from R300 per person and a special offer for children of R250 per person. (All pictures above were taken from Sarah of Chasing the Rainbow‘s article on HeraldLIVE. You can read more about her Segway experience there.)
And while we’re talking about food (Oh, we arent? Must be my stomach talking then), you guys should totally check out the modern and stylish tsisha nyama, called Black Impala, in Deal Party. For those who don’t know, a traditional township tsisha nyama is basically a butchery, that also has a braai/restaurant styled facility, that prepares your meat for you. Black Impala brings a much needed dose of hip and happening, to the bay, with the very best cultural cuisine on offer. This barbecue restro bar and venue focuses on Afro foods (braai meats, salads, stews etc) at affordable prices. For more information, check out their Facebook page.To explore these and other offerings of Nelson Mandela Bay visit the tourism website or enquire about the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass which is your access card to free and discounted entry to a variety of attractions and activities.
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Music Monday: Casting Crowns – It’s Finally Christmas
I love Christmas music, you guys. It gives me all the feels. Like, literally, ALL of them! I love hearing and singing about the birth of Jesus Christ. I think this is why I’m such a fan of Christmas music. Thanks to Christian Art Media, this weeks review sets the mood just right! It is Casting Crowns’ latest festive offering called It’s Finally Christmas.Well, for those who don’t know, Casting Crowns is a 7 piece contemporary Christian band from the sunny state of Florida. The one thing that I’ve always admired about them is their stunning vocal arrangements… I mean, if you’re looking for vocal perfection, you should have a listen to some of their harmonies… amazing!
On this their latest festive EP, the band gives us a collection of original Christmas tracks, beautifully written and flawlessly executed. The album also boasts two reworked Christmas anthems, O Holy Night and What Child is This. Both songs are kept true to it’s original melody, and the musical arrangement is simple yet haunting. I really enjoyed listening to this EP. You can check out my complete review over at Gateway News.
Win your own set of Christmas albums!But wait… there’s more! Remember I said that I’m giving away a collection Christmas-themed albums to one of you (thanks to Christian Art Media)? Well, that’s definitely still happening! Whoot whooot! I’ve changed the entry mechanism, to give everyone more of a chance. Simply complete the rafflecopter below! Giveaway closes on Tuesday, December 19th!
Find the rest of the reviews here:
Lauren Daigle – Behold
