Features
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Christmas Gift Idea: The original Magic 8 Ball
Q: What’s better than giving your kid the latest fad toy for Christmas? A: A really cool classic game that we probably played when we were growing up! I mean, I don’t know about you guys, but I kinda enjoy gifting my kids with things that I’ve mastered before. Those novelty toys of yesteryear are the bomb!
The original Magic 8 Ball™ is one such toy… right?! This novelty toy lets anyone pretend-seek advice about their future! And no, it does not work with voodoo… it’s actually for “jokes”… and it can get quit silly. All you have to do is simply “ask the ball” any yes or no question, then wait for your answer to be revealed.
Turn the toy upside-down and wait for your answer to appear through the window. Each pack contains 1 Magic 8 Ball novelty toy. It’s a really fun way to replace your dice, on a board game!Back in my day (look at me pretending to be really old when I’m only semi-old) we would use things like Magic 8 Ball and other such frivolities (paper predictors) to help us determine whether our school crush has a crush on us. (Yes, I too would like to give younger me a hug).
`Since then, I’ve become older and wiser (I’d like to think) and I don’t rely on hocus pocus and “what ifs” to determine my future. Although, come on, that first cup of coffee kinda helps us to decide exactly how great our day is going to be #amIright?You can grab your Magic 8 Ball from Takealot for only R169.This post was sponsored by Brand Alley -
Toy Story brings the magic! {Toy Review}
Hands up if you’ve watched your kids favorite movie over and over and over… I mean, let’s be honest, we are able to quote those movies word-for-word already, right? Heck, I even have my favorite scenes, and even though it’s, like, the gazillionth time that it’s on, I find myself glued to the screen. Don’t look at me like that Martha… I’m not ashamed to admit it.
When it comes to kids movies, one of the absolute faves is Toy Story. We love the adventures of Woody and Buzz! (I’m here for Lil Bo Beep, to be honest). So I was super thrilled when we received a Disney Pixar Toy Story 4 action figure to review. Jo is so big on dinosaurs right now (which helps when planning his birthday party, not gonna lie to ya!) and he was chuffed to find a Rex figurine in the package!
This particular collection of “road trip figurines” includes six action figures altogether. Each figure is highly posable, for big action play, helping your child recreate the movie’s vacation scenes at home and on your next holiday. You can pick up Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, Slinky, Jessie or Forky.The giftset is well priced (Christmas gift idea, yo!) and it comes in true-to-movie RV packaging.
You can pick these up at major retailers such as Takealot, ToysRUs, Toy Kingdom, The Kid Zone and Loot.The post was paid for by Brand Alley. -
Cooking up some fun with the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Magic Color Mixing Bowl
When it comes to pretend play, my kids are expert chefs. I mean, I would know, since I’ve had to pretend sample all of their – errr – delicious foods, brought to me on tiny saucers and in tiny cups. My baby boy has since learnt the art of throwing together a bunch of invisible ingredients into a bowl and turning it into an invisible masterpiece. It’s wonderful to watch, no really.
When we received the Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn® Magic Color Mixing Bowl I knew it would be an instant hit! Your baby can mix up lots of yummy pretend food with this magical mixing bowl.
This light-up musical mixing bowl ‘magically’ knows when little bakers place the ingredients inside and rewards every put-and-take action with colorful lights, music, sounds, and learning phrases.It has six removable ‘ingredient’ play pieces, two buttons that activate more fun songs and sounds, and an adorable light-up face… Asher was beside himself!
I love that the toy introduces him to the alphabet, colors and numbers. It also helps to develop those fine motor skills through grasping and moving the play pieces in and out of the mixing bowl, helping to strengthen his dexterity and hand-eye coordination. It also encourages those thinking skills by introducing him to the fun of cause and effect as he figures out how to activate the lights and music by placing the ingredients in the bowl or pressing the two buttons.
If you’re looking for a cool Christmas gift for your baby (it’s perfect for babies aged 6-36 months!) or maybe you’re just really hungry for pretend food and would like to enslave your child to cook for you – you should totes consider investing in the Magic Color Mixing Bowl. Fisher Price is known for their quality toys.Oh AND the best part (for me, atleast) is that it comes with 6 removable play pieces, including rattle egg, milk bottle, set of 2 measuring cups, pretend cherries, BPA-free teethable chocolate bar, and spoon for stirring.
For more information check out the Fisher Price website.
You can purchase Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn® Magic Color Mixing Bowl from Toys R Us
Disclaimer: This post was paid for by Fisher Price
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Fisher-Price Linkimals: My baby’s new crew of talking, singing, light-up friends
When it comes to friends, one could say that I’m my baby’s bestie. I mean, it’s a no brainer… the kid wants to hang out with me, like, 24/7! And hey, I don’t mind at all – have you seen his cheeks? Best cheeks in all the land. But – not gon’ lie – I was super keen when I heard that Fisher-Price Linkimals were being launched in South Africa!
For those who don’t know, this toy is dubbed as “baby’s crew of talking, singing, light-up friends” (yes, just like in my title), because it’s loaded with exciting interactive play elements that are both fun and educational.
The fun lights and songs introduces baby to counting, colours and more! Pressing the Linkimals Musical Moose starts a totally rockin’ light-up learning party (one could say it’s “lit”) and, what’s even more fun is the synchronized music and light show when a bunch of Linkimals are hanging out together!
The Linkimal characters “recognize” each other and they create a synchronized music and light show. How legit?! So the more Linkimal characters you have, the better!
Where development comes into play:
Early Academics: Sung songs and phrases introduce your baby to colours and counting from 1 to 10!
Sensory: The moose’s light-up belly, playful songs and sounds, and soft antlers engage your baby’s developing visual, auditory, and tactile senses.
Curiosity & Wonder: Your baby can discover the fun of cause and effect as they press the belly button to activate music and lights or bat at the bobble head.This toy is perfect for babies ages 9 months and older. Fisher-Price Linkimals are available from Toys R Us.This post was paid for by Brand Alley. -
Recipe: Broccoli sprout pesto
What if I told you that some foods are like a superhero: They pack a punch AND protect your body from all the baddies, one bite at a time. Yes, I’m being serious.
Well, friends, microgreens do exactly this! Microgreens are the young seedlings of edible veggies and herbs. They are typically harvested less than 14 days after germination, are nutrition packed and have the flavour of a grown plant. But – get this – they contain four to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts! (Read more about it here, if you don’t believe me.)
So yes they are baby plants/veggies… but, like, imagine they were ninja babies. Exactly. They help to reduce the chances of diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers… so one could say that they are the Mr Miyagi of veggies.
These ninja foods use to be a thing that you would find in health shops and in the trolleys of the hip and health conscious. (So, like, not people like me then). But more peeps are incorporating them into their dishes now. Some even prefer them, over their mature counterparts, due to the added antioxidant and phytonutrients.
Anyways, I know I sound uber in-the-know about microgreens but I honestly only learnt about it about a week ago, when Eaton Greens asked me to try out some of their ninja microgreens. I was challenged to make a recipe using the power packed brocolli sprouts and cherry belle radishes. I mean, you obvz can incorporate them into basically any type of dish (salads, stews etc). But I wanted to be extra. And so here we are.
I give to you a DELICIOUS pesto recipe that is both yummy AND especially good for your body. What a score, right?
Broccoli Sprout PestoIngredients
2 cups of broccoli sprout (you can use cherry belle radishes too – or mix them together!)
Half cup of parmesan cheese
Half cup of sunflower seeds
3 cloves of garlic (crushed)
Half teaspoon of salt
Olive oil as needed
Lemon juice as needed
Method
Add everything (except olive oil and lemon juice) to the food processor and blend, stopping inbetween to add a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice until you are happy with the consistency. That’s basically it!
This pesto is very pungent and so devine! I stirred some into full cream plain yoghurt to make a creamy dip. Trust me, you want to try this! What a yummy way to get your nutrients in.
Eaton Greens stocks a variety of microgreens and they are so well priced at only R25 per tub. I love that their aim is to educate others on how to grow your own microgreens at home! In fact, they’ll soon be expanding their range and you will be able to pick up all goods (harvest trays etc) needed to harvest at home, straight from Eaton Greens. How cool, right? PE peeps can find Eaton Greens on Facebook or contact them via email or 064 902 1055.
If you try out my pesto recipe please drop me a message to let me know!
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Uber Tech For Safety summit
We live in a world where safety is a necessity and sometimes, a luxury. I mean, we don’t always have the means to ensure that our homes and families are 100% safe. That’s why I get so excited when companies like Uber go above and beyond into investigating and researching ways that we can use technology to help create public spaces that champion social justice, equality, and safety for all.
Uber – in particular – hosts an annual Tech for Safety summit that is technology-safety focused.
The aim of the 2020 summit is to find technology-driven innovative solutions to some of the most pressing societal safety-related issues.
I love that the mission of the summit is to up the ante and bring to the forefront some of Africa’s biggest threats to personal safety while highlighting the opportunities that exist in leveraging technology.
I mean, let’s be honest, the world has changed due to COVID-19. Now more than ever, safety and technology is a key to survival for people and businesses.
Safety unlocks opportunities for growth. And I appreciate that Uber believes that safety should always be a priority. That’s why they are constantly striving to better the app.Anyways, the Tech for Safety summit, with its innovative speakers and panellists, will chat about COVID-19 safety, while equipping guests with the knowledge needed to use current and new technology to help create a safer future for all across South Africa.
The speakers and panellists will include thought leaders, corporates, start-ups and innovators and they’ll lead the summit by addressing the safety challenges faced by the pandemic and what solutions have worked
The Uber Tech for Safety 2020 summit will take place on Thursday, October 22nd.Is this something that interests you? Well, I’m sure it does. It involves the safety and well-being of your family and society, at large. So, if you’d like to sign up (it’s free) and join the conversation, register now by clicking here or alternatively by sending your full name and contact details to rsvp@ubertechsafety.co.za to save your free virtual seat.
This post was done in collaboration with Uber SA.
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Instant Pot Creamy Pasta Recipe
I’m the pasta lady, everyone knows this about me. A really special lady taught me how to make this creamy pasta dish and let me tell ya, my creamy pasta is unrivalled. (Unrivalled, you hear!! *shakes fist to the sky*) Anyways – dramatics aside – when I got my hands on my new Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 I wondered if I would be able to make my creamy dreamy UNRIVALLED pasta dish in this glorious machine. I needed a one pot pasta (because mama’s busy) without losing flavour or creaminess (because creaminess is important okay).
Before I get right into the recipe I need to clip note: you can make this dish as fancy or as simple as you need. When pressed for time (or when my fridge is semi-empty) I use what I have and make it work. It tastes delish either way!
Instant Pot Creamy Pasta
Ingredients
500g of pasta (macaroni)
A punnet of mushrooms (chopped)
Greenpepper (chopped)
2 packets of cream of chicken OR mushroom soup
1 tub of fresh cream
500g water (Instant Pot)
500g of cheese (I love it super cheesey… your cheese, your call) (Oh and you’d want it grated)
Salt and pepper
Chicken breast – cubed
I usually add chopped pieces of pepperdew for that extra spunk, but this is optional
Instant Pot Method
Saute Mode
1. Melt a dash of olive oil and a spoonful of butter.
2. Add some garlic for flavor (I use chilli garlic).
3. Add chunks of chicken, salt and pepper, and saute.
4. Add chopped greenpepper and chopped mushrooms.
Don’t overcook these ingredients, you’re lightly sautéing it.Switch Off Instant Pot
5. Mix your chicken/mushroom soup with about 500g of water and add to pot.
6. Add fresh cream and give it a good stir.
7. Add your macaroni to the top and DO NOT MIX but do push down lightly to make sure that your pasta is just submerged. You may need to add a dash of water, based on how much meat you’ve added, but I usually just eye it to determine if your pasta is submerged enough. (Think: crocodile, not submarine)Pressure Cook Mode
Seal and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
When timer goes off, turn valve to “venting” to do a quick release.
Once you’ve been given the go ahead to remove lid, stir in your grated cheese and serve!
Yep – it’s that easy!Check out my video below – you know – for entertainment purposes, but also to see my facial expressions while I make this dish. Bon appetite!
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Ace that space with Sunstar GUM
A huge lesson that I am taking with me after all of the 2020 shenanigans (for lack of a better word) is that health is wealth! I mean, we’ve all been reminded of the value and importance of looking after your body #amiright?
I was also reminded that a healthy mouth and fresh breath goes hand in hand with a healthy body.
In fact, September is National Oral Health Month and Sunstar GUM is on a mission to help us ‘ace that space’ by efectively cleaning in-between teeth for a healthier mouth and body.
Did you know that only a third of South Africans floss or clean in-between regularly? Shocking, right? (I mean, how shocked am I really when I am NOT a part of that third… I know, I’m giving myself a stern talking to…)According to dental experts, you actually NEED to clean between teeth every day. Children should start cleaning in-between once their permanent teeth start to touch. It’s actually good to get them to play with interdental tools at a young age, familiarizing them with the concept of healthy teeth.
Fortunately, Sunstar GUM makes it pretty easy to keep our “inbetweens” clean, with their unrivalled range of flosses, tooth picks and tiny interdental brushes. There is literally an interdental tool for everyone… even if your gaps are small or you wear orthodontic braces!
Oh and they’ve made it even easier for those of us (me, definitely me) who are too busy/lazy to actually figure out which interdental tool would suite your needs. Simply visit the Ivo Health website and take the Sunstar GUM #AceThatSpace quiz (www.ivohealth.co.za/ace-that-space).
Besides for letting you know exactly what you need to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly white, by completing the quiz you also enter yourself into a cool giveaway. You could win prizes valued at over R1,200 – including top quality Sunstar GUM oral care tools and a professional EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy Treatment with a Swiss Dental Academy qualified oral hygienist.
According to the Sunstar GUM #AceThatSpace quiz, my perfect interdental tool is the Sunstar GUM Easy Flossers which are designed to make between-teeth cleaning easy and (very important) FAST! I like that it has an easy to grip handle and that it’s shred-resistant. This makes it ideal for kids and those who may find traditional floss difficult to manage. It also comes in a handy travel case.
Hubstopher has sensitive gums and would probably have to use the Sunstar GUM Expanding Floss. It’s thin and easy to insert between teeth, comfortably. Once inserted, it then cleverly expands for a more effective clean around the tooth and gum line. This one is ideal for those with small gaps between teeth or if you have sensitive or receding gums.If you have orthodontics, bridges or implants, guess what, there’s an interdental tool for you too! The Sunstar GUM Soft-Picks Advanced is perfect for you because it has a curved dental pick (the only curved pick on the market, btw). The curve follows the natural shape of the joy, which makes it easy to reach between each tooth. The soft rubber bristles helps to gently dislodge food and plague. What’s more, it is available in small, regular and large. How’s that for convenience?
But wait, there’s more! Sunstar GUM makes it even easier for you to practice good dental hygiene with their genius Sunstar GUM Red-Cote Disclosing Tablets. Once chewed, these tablets make it easy to find plaque by colouring the plaque red. You are then able to target the areas that need extra care, ensuring that your teeth and gums are completely clean! This product is recommended by dental professionals to help children learn to brush and clean between the teeth effectively, and for adults who want to check how well their oral care is working.
WIN a Sunstar GUM oral care kit valued at R812!We’re giving away a Sunstar GUM #AceThatSpace oral care kit valued at R812. It contains everything you need to ‘ace that space’ including a Sunstar GUM ActiVital Sonic brush, floss, three types of interdentals, GUM Original White paste and mouth rinse.
To enter simply find the specially marked posts on Instagram and Facebook and follow the instructions!
Terms and conditions
Giveaway ends on 9 October. Competition is open to SA residents only. Competition is not affiliated with Facebook or Instagram. T&C’s apply. Decision is final and we reserve the right to disqualify winners should entry mechanisms not be followed. Products are not redeemable for cash. Ivo Health will deliver goods to winner.
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Ivo Health.
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Ride Safe with Uber
I’m a professional Uber-rer (is that a word?) but, with the Covid-19 pandemic floating around, I’ve been a bit more nervous about climbing into a driver’s vehicle.
I was so relieved to read about Uber’s fantastic #RideSafeWithUber campaign and the protocol that they’ve put in place to ensure that both the rider AND the driver remains safe at all times!
I mean, Covid-19 has drastically changed the way we live (and think!) and we’ve had to adjust to a new normal. So I’m quite pleased that Uber has decided to enhance the safety features available on the Uber app.
Pre-trip
A new interactive safety checklist, that both driver and rider must acknowledge before booking the trip, helps to keep both parties committed to following the necessary guidelines. This is super helpful because it reminds you to wash your hands and wear your mask etc. Drivers are required to follow WHO/local public health authority Covid-19 regulations, which means that cars must be sanitised before or after each trip. Riders are reminded to sit in the backseat and to open windows for ventilation.
BTW I think it’s so rad that Uber has partnered with YES to supply the drivers with a mask, should they need one, and that they reimburse eligible drivers for the one-time spend on sanitiser or disinfectant.
On tripMasks are mandatory, as per the government’s safety guidelines. It just makes sense! Both riders and drivers are not allowed to remove masks, once inside the Uber.
Post trip
Both the rider and the driver are encouraged to leave feedback, via the app, regarding the safety and hygiene of the trip. Drivers and riders are prompted to report any behaviour that makes them feel safe, in any way. In fact, drivers can even report a situation where a rider removes a mask at any point during the trip! The feedback received through these will be considered in accordance with Uber’s mandatory use of face masks.
But wait, there’s more!Uber has introduced mask detection – an in-app tool that detects if drivers are wearing a mask or not. How legit is this?! Drivers will be asked to take a selfie to confirm that they are wearing a face covering and once confirmed, riders will receive a message to say that the driver has taken all necessary precautions, to ensure a safe trip.
Should the Uber arrive and the driver or rider are not wearing a mask, both parties are able to cancel the trip and will not be charged a cancellation penalty!
Maximum seating capacity has been reduced to 50% per vehicle, and riders are encouraged to sit in the back seat, with enough physical distancing between rider and driver.
As always, contactless payment is available, such as Uber Cash options with EFT and Barter.
So, as you can see, Uber really has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of both rider and driver. I appreciate that they’ve put so many safety measures in place and that they care for both the driver and an actual Uber-rer, like me.
What do you think about Uber’s Covid-19 safety measures?
Disclaimer: This post was paid for by Uber South Africa.
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How useful is a nappy bin? {Win with Tommee Tippee!}
As the name of my blog would suggest, I’m a bit of a nutjob when it comes to making lists. Needless to say, I knew exactly what I wanted and needed, while planning for baby Asher’s arrival. I had opted for items that were practical and efficient. Price point was important and I also wanted to know that I would get the full use of product, instead of throwing money at something that I would only use for 2 weeks. (It happens, Mary, it happens.)
Any the hoo, one of the items on my list was a nappy disposal bin BUT I wasn’t completely sold on the idea. I mean, my initial thought was “how useful is a nappy bin really?” I had managed to successfully raise 3 whole other children without one and I was pretty sure that I would be okay, sans nappy bin/diaper disposal system, this time around too.
And then I got one, you guys. And it changed my mind, like, a lot.For starters, between Jojo’s pull ups and Ash’s nappies, our previous – uhm – ‘nappy disposal method’ was stinky, to say the least. Who wants to have to deal with a bin chockablock full of dirty diapers?! Not I, sayeth the queen.
I investigated a bit more, and found out that the Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Nappy Disposal Bin is so worth the investment! I mean, it’s a kickass nappy bin, sure, but what if I told you that you could use your nappy disposal bin for so much more than just diapers! I know, my mind exploded into a billion pieces too.
Here are 5 different uses for your Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Nappy Disposal Bin. You’re welcome.
1. Top notch nappy disposal bin
The Twist & Click nappy bin keeps your home fresh and stink-free because it has guaranteed odour and germ protection (powered by Sangenic). Yep, that means less trips to the outside bin! Woohoo! The inbuilt plunger pushes up to 30 nappies deep into the bin, sealing each nappy in an anti-bacterial film, to stop germs and smells from invading your home. Very ninja-esque.
2. Sanitary napkin disposal
Once you’re done using your nappy bin for its intended use, you could repurpose the bin and use it to dispose of sanitary napkins and tampons. Yep, you heard me! Because of its sleek and compact design, the Twist & Click nappy bin fits into any room and would actually make for a really stylish looking sanitary pad disposal bin. Plus the twist and click function will ensure that each item is individually wrapped in the optimum amount of antibacterial film. Less waste! Less mess!
3. Skip the flush, bin the paper
South Africa’s water crisis has made us so aware of the amount of water we waste each time we flush the toilet. (It’s 7 to 9 litres, by the way). One of the ways that we’ve been trying to save water, is by skipping the flush. (If it’s yellow, let it mellow etc) Not flushing, every time you go, would make a big difference! But, with this practice comes the question: where do I put the toilet paper?! Well, you could use your nappy disposal bin to bin your paper hygienically. The Twist & Click nappy bin’s anti-bacterial film kills 99% of dangerous germs like e-coli and Staphyloccus Aureus.
4. Covid-19 single use itemsFor those who are in the habit of using single use masks and gloves, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m sure you’re quite pedantic when it comes to the disposal of those items. The safest thing to do is to put used masks and gloves into a plastic bag, and then seal it. Because of the “twist and click” feature, the Twist & Click nappy bin individually wraps each item in multi-layer, anti-bacterial film, making this a clever way to bin your used PPE, dramatically reducing the risk of contamination. I also appreciate that the refill cassettes are made from 98% recycled plastic.
5. Food waste
If, like me, you aren’t keen on leaving food waste in the bin where they can attract pests, develop an odor, or become covered in bacteria, why not repurpose a nappy bin to take care of the problem for you. The Twist & Click nappy bin will seal away household waste, with each click, and it’s citrus scented refill cassette will leave your kitchen smelling fresh. Plus, with its slimline, compact design and the on trend colours, it will not look out of place in your kitchen! It’s available in white, blue, green and pink.
Convinced yet? Get your very own Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Disposal System from one of these stores. You can read more about these gorgeous bins over on the Tommee Tippee website.
Win a Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Disposal System!Tommee Tippee would like to give one lucky My Spreadsheet Brain reader a Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Disposal System of their own! To enter the giveaway, simply follow the links to these posts on Instagram and Facebook, and follow the instructions there.
Terms and conditions:
You can enter on Facebook and on Instagram. Decision is final and we reserve the right to disqualify winners should entry mechanisms not be followed. Products are not redeemable for cash. Winners of any Tommee Tippee competitions in the last 6 months will not be eligible to win. Winner will be drawn on 31 July.
Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Tommee Tippee. Some of the images, in this post, belong to Tommee Tippee.
