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Why can’t women be happy for other women?
I’ve figured it out. Well, atleast I think I did. I think I know why there is a constant case of cant-be-happy-for-each-other-itis between us ladies. I mean, come on, let’s be honest, shall we? We’re pretty good at hating on each other. Don’t look at me like that, you know it’s true. We are the queens of throwing shade, especially at another female’s perceived success… even more so at her failures. Why do we do it, friends? Why can’t women be happy for other women?
So I’ve decided to bare the brunt, and the back lash, to attempt to solve this mystery. My analyses was based on a bunch of different things. For starters, I watch a lot of TV, so that’s got to count for something. Secondly I have the life experience to back it up. I mean, in my many years of being alive, I’ve been best friends, good friends, friends-friends and frenemies. I know what it feels like to be stabbed in the back AND to be a ninja warrior back stabber. And thirdly, I’ve counselled women who have been hurt by sisters and friends. I’ve also sat in gossip sessions and heard how we pick females apart, like birds of prey to a dying carcass. We are ruthless.
So why do we do it? Why do we scrutinize each other? I mean, do we not have enough struggle to deal with, as women in a male dominated world filled with reasons why we need to watch what we wear and which jobs we apply for? One would think that in this great big ‘Sisterhood of the World’, we would be celebrating and looking out for each other. But alas, this is not the trend.
Women can be savage. And I think I’ve figured out why. And if I’m right, you guys, it’s kinda dumb. So we need to stop like, pronto.
I think that women struggle to celebrate each other because deep down in our psychological wells of misinformation, we somehow believe that the pie is not big enough for all of us. It’s almost as if we don’t believe that there’s enough success, happiness, toned abs and hunky boyfriends for everyone. I mean, there is no quota when it comes to God dishing out happiness. And yet, when someone else is doing well, we somehow trick ourselves into believing that that’s it… let’s throw in the towel… Susan just got the most amazing promotion, this means that I can never ever ever get a promotion ever again in my whole life and therefore Susan does not deserve to be happy. Warning! Warning! Do not be happy for Susan. I repeat, do not be happy for Susan!
Okay, that was a tad bit dramatic. But I hope you get where I’m going with this (even though I’m taking the scenic route). And yes, I hear you Suzette. You’re going: “Argh, Luchae, it’s not that I’m not happy for Cynthia! It’s just that she annoys me and freedom of speech is a real thing, so I don’t feel bad for telling people the truth.”
But hey, guess what Suzette, (and I’m quoting a very wise friend): If you have too much fun discussing and putting down other people, you need to check yourself, girl! There is enough opportunity for every single hard working lady to get her manicured hands on! And maybe Maggie’s version of a happy life looks different to yours. Or maybe Mindy’s career move, or decision with regards to child rearing, looks exactly like yours. Oh well. That’s nice for them. But that’s not YOUR life.
You do you boo. And kick ass at it! But while you’re at it, don’t forget to applaud and share some light with the next woman. You don’t know how many sacrifices she’s had to make to get where she is. And while you can’t physically share in her success, surely you can cut out the negative comments and back biting? I mean, seriously, there is enough happy for all of us.
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Jonah’s first birthday nautical cake smash photo shoot
Learning that I was pregnant with our Jo came as a huge surprise. Let’s just say he was the sweetest surprise, out of all our surprises (another post, for another day). So when it came to celebrating his first birthday, I knew without a doubt that I needed to do a cake smash session with Michelle of Cutepix. Do you guys remember that Michelle took Jo’s newborn pics and Kari’s carnival themed cake smash? Anyways, I chatted to Michelle about having a first birthday nautical cake smash session and was THRILLED to hear that she still sources and makes all the props for the shoot AND she makes the cake. Seriously, all we had to do was rock up and smile. The result? Priceless! Check it out:
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First birthday party alternative: The birthday play date
Now while I love my fat cheeked child very, very much, I did not have the energy to plan an elaborate first birthday party for him. I mean, as I’ve asked before: Is a first birthday party really necessary? Yes. The answer is yes. Any kind of party is necessary, in my books, because: PARTY. But while I do love me some cake, I did not want to have your typical party for Jo for a number of reasons. Enter: The birthday play date. Combining the festivities of a party with the chilledness of a play date was the exact way we wanted to celebrate Jo’s first birthday. Here’s how it all went down:
The invite
I messaged a few close mommy friends (whose kiddies are 1 year old and under) and asked the pair to join Jo and I for his birthday play date. It honestly didn’t make sense to invite older kids since I wanted Jo to have fun with little ones his age. A 3-year old and a 12-month old plays differently, if you know what I mean. Anyways, I told the moms to expect a morning of chilling out and having fun with their little ones. Aint nobody got time for make up and heels.
The decor
What decor? Hahaha. Kidding. Remember I said that Jo went for a first birthday cake smash? Well, we converted a room in our home into a play room and used the cake smash pics to decorate it. We filled the room with toys and gadgets that would be suitable for kids his age. You’ll spot the Baby Womb World baby crawler in one of these pics (it’s gorgeous, I’m sharing more about it next week!) and the An African Salad Busy Box – that one was a huge hit. Although there were couches for the moms, I wasn’t too perturbed about the adult seating area because I figured we won’t be doing much polite-sitting with a bunch of 12 month olds crawling and todding around.
The entertainment
I was also so blessed to receive some amazing kiddies gifts from Christian Art Media, which I could pass on to the mommy’s. These include chalk board Bibles and nifty colour-in cards. The moms pretty much entertained each other. We shared birth stories, talked about poo nappies and compared teething woes. It was the best time! We also discussed the amazing 936 Pennies book by Eryn Lynum. In this book, Eryn talks about intentional parenting and how to prioritise your time, in order to maximise the 936 weeks you have with your kid (from birth to 18 years old)! I’m going to tell you more about this in June and do a giveaway. It really is a remarkable book!
While I’m on the topic of entertainment, one of my play date party ideas was to get the mommy’s to interact with their little ones. I must admit, I had planned a few mommy/baby games and activities, but we just never got around to it. Honestly, I think we all really needed some adult time and to feel as if we’re all completely sane. I mean, you can’t understand how much weight a “me too!” holds, when you feel like you’re losing your mind.
The food
I ordered a yummo platter for the moms, some coffee and juice (did I say coffee? because COFFEE) and one of my besties, Bianca, made delicious cup cakes. For the kiddies, I had some fruit out. I mean, since they are still so little, loading them with refined sugars is probably not a good idea. I also made small party packs with yoghurt, teething biscuits, a marshmellow fish (okay just one sweetie, shame) and soft chippies.
The end result
Priceless! The amount of car seat snoozing selfies I received, from moms who were so thankful to get a break, indicated just how much of a good time the little ones had. Jo also had so much fun and I was glad that we got to celebrate his first birthday exactly how we needed to. -
Is having a first birthday party necessary?
The other day I had a brain fart moment, struggling to remember what we did to celebrate Kyle’s first birthday. Keeping in mind, the kid is a million years old already and his first birthday probably happened when I was 12 (I was a teen mom, remember) and reckless and not Martha Stewart enough to find serviettes that matched cleverly picked out balloons. Yep, feelings of “bad mom” befell me faster than the speed of light and I had to calm myself down, because, let’s be honest, the kid probably doesn’t even remember his first birthday. (I asked, so I’m sure) But wait, hey, this means that none of my kids remember their first birthdays. Right? And if they don’t remember, then why the heck am I trying to find serviettes that matches cleverly picked out balloons for Jo’s first birthday?! I mean, does any of that even matter? Is having a first birthday party necessary?
If you’re able to spend those extra ronds on an elaborate first birthday party – that’s amazing! Celebrate your baby, girlfriend! You’ve managed to parent the kid for a whole year without losing your sanity. It’s a milestone worthy of celebration.
BUT since I have a big family and many a birthday to consider, I’ve decided to not do a big first birthday party for Jo this year. Honestly, the boy is much more concerned with how he can get his own toes into his mouth. Needless to say, my matching serviettes and cleverly picked out balloons will not impress him one bit.
Instead, I’ve opted for a cake smash shoot with Cutepix (Michelle did Kari’s cake smash shoot as well). I love this concept because it documents all the elements of a birthday celebration – the cake, the decor etc – and puts it altogether in one beautiful taken photo shoot, giving us those important first birthday memories (and baby pics to share at his 21st).
But, of course, a cake smash doesn’t include people and fun! So my spreadsheet brain and I decided to have a birthday PLAY DATE! What is a birthday play date and how on earth does it differ to a birthday party or a normal play date, I hear you ask. Good questions, Margaret, good questions. Well…
1. A birthday play date’s emphasis is on the word PLAY. I wanted to incorporate a lot of fun and toys and interaction with other kids HIS age. So yes, that meant that the invite list comprised of “one and unders”… no older kids. And yes, that also meant ALOT of playing because it’s his day and I want him to have fun (and possibly conk out afterwards, hello Greys Anatomy my old friend, how I’ve missed you)
2. The birthday play date would have NO: matching anything, birthday cake, elaborate decorations. Those things don’t matter… well, atleast not to my Jojo. And as for the pics… the cake smash took care of that, remember?
3. The birthday play date’s emphasis was on: Interaction. The mommy’s were encouraged to hang out and chat (I even told them to come wearing flip flops and yoga pants if they wanted) and the kiddies were encouraged to have fun. Instead of focusing on “what must happen next” ala birthday party vibes.
4. The birthday play date allowed me to celebrate my baby boy but it was minus the formalities, minus the stress and minus the copious amounts of spending money I dont have on stuff I don’t need… stuff that is probably not important to my 12 month old. Stuff like matching serviettes and cleverly picked out balloons.The result? Probably the best birthday celebration we’ve had! I’ll share pics and more on what went down tomorrow. But I’d love to hear your opinion: Do you prefer a big birthday bash for your one year old? Or something more low key? How much money would you spend on a first birthday party?
Header image taken by Cutepix. Will share more about the cake smash pics on Friday!
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To be the wife of a prince
So this past weekend women all around the world sighed infront of their television screens at the beauty that is Meghan Markle as she walked down the aisle to marry an actual prince. Meghan – a 36 year old divorcee, who is probably as “royal” as I am – was whisked off into the royal sunset by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex – also known as the very dashing Prince Harry. I mean, this is what dreams are made of – to be the wife of a prince. Right?
Hands up if you had a “sigh, I wish a prince would whisk me away into the royal sunset too” moment on Saturday. I had this moment, friends. Well, I had many moments, if I’m going to be really honest with you. But, the truth is that as glamorous and amazing as Meghans new life has just become, there are some parts of marriage that is unavoidable, no matter how dashing your prince is. Stuff like:
1. Even though he’s pretty to look at, after a few years of marriage, he’s probably going to annoy the living daylights out of you now and then. Granted my annoyance is because he doesn’t change the toilet roll holder and yours might be because he stepped on your toe, in the golden carriage. Same thing girl. Husbands get annoying.
2. You might not always agree with or understand (or want to agree with or understand) his side of the family and the way they do things. I mean, this speaks for itself in so many ways. We learn how to adapt and compromise. We learn how to speak up and stand for what we believe in. We learn how to put ego aside, to make it work.
3. Hey, I don’t care how dashing your prince is, when bedtime comes around (and you’re exhausted and not in the mood) I won’t judge you for turning on that fake snore, girl! Generations of women all around the world have fake snored and you, Princess Meg, too can do this. No judgies.
4. It can be difficult for a strong, independent woman to let go of her “I can do all things” attitude, to allow her husband to steer the ship. No matter your race, religion or culture, allowing your man to be the man can be challenging. Hey, can you imagine how much harder it might be if your man is in fact on auto pilot due to royal protocol and tradition? Exactly. Taking all of my metaphorical hats off for Meghan.
5. Staying connected and working on your marriage is applicable in and out of a royal castle. Wearing a tiara does not make you immune to a complacent relationship. You’ve got to keep the fire burning, yo! I would imagine that this applies to our lovely royal couple too. I mean, wait until they start pooping out babies… white Givenchy dress for what?!
You know, the only royal thing about my Hubstopher is that he’s a royal pain in the neck sometimes. (Please don’t tell him I said so) But (and you can tell him this) I love my royal pain in the neck. What I’m trying to say is that: it’s all about love. Love is the thing. And I love the way these two love each other. It’s beautiful really. But more than that, it’s necessary.Castles and designer dresses and fancy royal galas aside… without love, spending a lifetime with this other person becomes kinda tedious. Love makes it easy to overlook the flaws and irritations. Love makes it worth it to roll up your sleeves and graft at making each other happy. Love opens up doors to show grace through the hardship and forgiveness when it hurts. Loving each other, even when it’s hard, is what makes your marriage a royal marriage!
So even though I may not have been carried off into the sunset by a prince on a white horse of sorts, I still consider myself lucky to have found the prince of my heart. Being married is a mind trip, you guys. You learn the art of putting yourself aside for a whole other human being. But you also learn the power that comes with making difficult decisions that sometimes results in you taking the back seat now and then. You don’t need a crown to be a queen.
So congratulations Ms Markle, you’ve found your prince, and I’ve found mine. Now the real work begins!
Images
Header: time.com
Body: Cutepix Photography -
Creating criminals: How smartphone smart is your child?
I’m totally not hating on the fact that a tablet or cellphone screen can get my kids to leave me alone for a few minutes. I mean, come on, let’s be honest, we need our space (and a hot second to wash the dishes) right? And anyways, my 13 year old can’t get into much trouble online, right? Wrong. The truth is that the new generation of online sexual predator looks a lot like your kid. And as cool and trendy as social media is, you have to question whether it is creating a criminal right under your roof. (Perhaps one who is probably unaware of just how much trouble their actions can get them in.) Which brings me to this question: How smartphone smart is your child?
I sat through a very interesting talk by Social Media Law guru, Emma Sadleir (you may have heard her on 5FM yes) who shared that children has young as 11 years old are now sexting. With access to hardcore pornography (when the pop up banner innocently prompts “click here for fun”, guess what your 7 year old is going to do) our children are seeing things that are way beyond their maturity level and emotional capacity. And once the brain absorbs, it remembers.
Our kids are taking nude pics of themselves, you guys. Emma says that nudes are the latest currency amongst children (some as young as 9 years old) and these images are then sent through to friends and boyfriends/girlfriends under the guise that it will be deleted afterwards. What your little boy does not realize is that once it has been posted or sent, you can’t take it back! Kids are pretty savage now a days and if they find something amusing or shocking, the chances of it being kept under wraps is slim to none. Content follows your child. And guess what parents, it’s YOUR responsibility to make sure that they are aware of the permanence of the internet. Once its out, it’s out.
What we need to teach our children about the internet:
1. You are responsible for the content you create. And guess what, even if you like, retweet or share content, but did not create it, you are associating yourself with it and it can therefore be used against you in a court of law.
2. Sending and soliciting sexual images from an underaged child (even if you are underaged too) makes you a sexual predator! That’s right, it is illegal to get your buddy to send you a pic of his genitals as a joke. It is also illegal to share images of other people, in a compromised position, without their permission.
3. Your child’s school Code of Conduct applies to social media too, even if the images or content your child publishes does not have the school logo or name on it. In fact, the school can strip you of titles and even have you expelled, if they feel that you are bringing the school’s name to disrepute. Taking pics when you are doing something illegal or against the school’s code of conduct can be held against you.
4. Planning to go for a job interview one day? Your employer might Google you for your “online CV” – keep your social media profiles clean!
5. Bullying and cyberbulling is a criminal offence. Children over the age of 14 is considered to have full criminal capacity, in South Africa, which means they can receive jail time!
6. Make sure your location services are switched off! Never ever share sensitive information online!
7. If a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend asks for nudes you have the RIGHT to say NO. You don’t have to explain yourself to this person. If they refuse to accept no for an answer, tell someone.
8. If you are in a Whatsapp group where nudes or illegal behaviour is being shared, get out of the group immediately.
9. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, tell someone.
10. If you would not be comfortable sharing it on a huge billboard in the middle of the city, don’t share it on social media!There is so much to share on this topic. I will be continuing the conversation in a few days, but for now, please use this information to make sure that your child is cyber smart. The more you look after your child’s privacy, the more privacy they will have to look after.
Check out more about Emma on The Digital Law Co website.
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#ECMeetUp: Because the Eastern Cape is lekker!
If you guys follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed the mini rant I had the other day. I threw my metaphorical toys out of the cot about the fact that our wonderful Eastern Cape (and all it’s amazing people – myself included) are sometimes overlooked. I mean, clearly I love living here. Which is another reason why we are so proud of ECMeetUp. The event brings together bloggers and social media influencers based in and around the Eastern Cape and I get a mommy thrill (same as a normal people thrill, but with an extra dollop of emotion) when I spy EC bloggers building relationship with each other and growing their brand!
We are so proud to once again feature collabs with a bunch of Eastern Cape based businesses at this year’s ECMeetUp. These include a few newbies, that Eleanor will introduce to you guys on her blog today, as well as some “golden oldies” – the EC brands who have journeyed with us pretty much since Day 1. I’m talking about:
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
I am so proud to be affiliated with NMBT. The Bay’s PR team have been a great support since the very beginning… I mean, honestly you guys, I can’t think of another event of this type that is so well supported by a tourism department. Headed by Reuann Smith, NMBT gets on board every year with the main intention of helping bloggers to grow their brands and to get involved in the city’s various media and press events. We are so keen to hob knob with them at this year’s meet up.The Herald
I’m not being biased (because they’ve employed me) or anything, but The Herald is possibly the more popular newspaper this side of South Africa. It is the oldest and most well-read print paper in the Eastern Cape and the HeraldLIVE online newspaper is certainly growing in stature, reaching more than a million readers per month. (Can you tell that I head up their online advertising?) The newspaper house always partners with the meet up as a media sponsor and support system and I love that they are so open minded with regards to working with bloggers and expanding their online reach.
Mastertons Coffee
You guys, one of my favorite things about ECMeetUp is our sweet partnership with Mastertons. For starters, Gillian, who heads up their PR, is a darling! We always enjoy working with her and definitely enjoyed her talk at last year’s meet up. And then, of course, there’s the coffee. Mastertons spoils each delegate at every single meet up and I’m sure we’re in for a treat this time around too.Dockside Brewery
We’re excited to welcome Dockside Brewery to the fold again. I mean, if you’re a beer fundi, you’ll go gaga for this proudly PE third generation brew team’s artisan concoctions. At past meet ups, the brewery has introduced delegates to it’s extraordinary beers and we’re kinda excited to see what they’re bringing to the party at our next event.Stylish Steppers
Michelle of Stylish Steppers is such a sweetheart and we’ve enjoyed having her on board at previous events. This Nelson Mandela Bay born and bred lady started her salon a few years ago and has since seen it grow to become more than just another hairdresser. In fact, she even creates her own hair products and is known as a “hair whisperer”. So excited to have her on board again this time around!
Geek World
Our geeky friends over at Geek World sent us legit unicorn horns and Shrek ears for one of our previous meet ups. I mean, how rad are they?! This online (and popup) store is proudly PE and features goodies that range between “quirk” and “geek”, with the BEST gift ideas and novelty items around!Bubiroo
Bubiroo’s all natural products were a huge hit at a previous meet up and guys, I’m literally using one of the little tubs of Healing Balm as I type this. (Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up, it’s amazing) The Bubiroo products are all natural, cruelty free and handmade with love by Dorae – a mom who knows and cares! You want to try this at home!So, what do you think? Do you have your ECMeetUp ticket? All tickets have been provisionally booked, but you’re welcome to drop me an email, just in case a seat becomes available! Tickets must be paid by May 25th. We’re super duper excited to see you guys there!
Check out our previous posts where we share more about the 2018 ECMeetUp and what’s in store for you, EC Blogger!
Meet Lyle Scritten of Travel Start
Meet Megan Botha of By Megan Kelly
ECMeetUp venue: Fairview Race Course
5 reasons to go to an ECMeetUp -
What my kids are playing with: Fisher Price
When it comes to keeping our smallest (and arguably, our cutest) child busy, we’re willing to pull out all the stops. I mean, the kid is inquisitive for days! He usually guns for TV remote controls or a cellphone when we’re not looking. Thankfully, Fisher Price has sent him two of their latest gadgets to try out (big brother Kyle says thank you for that… the remote is no longer being held hostage) and it was so cute to see baby Jo inspect each toy in true Sherlock Holmes style.
Fisher-Price baby’s first activity book
With big sister constantly pretend-reading her own story books, baby Jo was pretty pleased with himself when he got to turn the pages of his own book. The Fisher-Price baby’s first activity book features a variety of different colorful textured fabrics and elements, to stimulate his sensory, cognitive and motor skills. It has a squeaker, crinkly page, peek-a-boo, plastic rings, a rubber teether attached and Jo’s fave – a round mirror. This boy is too clever! He is also a biter. Seriously though, and he only bites me! And now, he also bites his activity book. Winning at life.
Fisher-Price Chime Bell Rattle
Another fave is this Fisher-Price chime bell rattle, that features colorful textured fabrics and elements to stimulate his senses. Well, for starters, it looks pretty cool! I mean, I would totally brag on the play ground if I had this baby. Also, I love the design and that the plastic rings encourages him to work on those motor skills. I’m totally sold on the fact that it can attach to his stroller or baby carrier. I’m tired of looking for toys on the floor of our car you guys. The fact that it’s a rattle impresses him so much, that he bashes it against objects, just to hear it make a noise. Yes, sometimes the object is me. Again, winning at life.
Jokes aside, when it comes to choosing toys for my little one, I always check for SAFETY first! And, let’s be honest guys, it’s worth it to spend that extra few rands for the guarantee that your kid will be safe. Play is the way children learn best. Hands-on play is what Fisher-Price is best known for. With your kid’s development in mind, they develop and design baby gear and toys that will help you give your child the best possible start.You can check out the latest in toys and baby gear on the Fisher Price South Africa website.
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My hair is breaking off
My hair is breaking off, you guys! What the heck does this evens mean?! I honestly don’t even notice these things, because my hair goes up in a bun at home, and I pretty much finger brush it en route to work. I’m very low maintenance like that (because of my many, many children). But alarm bells went off when people kept asking me if I had gone for a hair cut (which I didn’t btw). I decided to do my own inspection and noticed that sections of my hair are definitely shorter than the rest. (If you’re following me on Instagram, I’m sure my hair rants in my Instastories must have had you rolling your eyes) Anyways, panic ensued and I almost went to the emergency room. Kidding! But I did I chat to a few experts and did my research on hair breakage. It’s a matter of “process of elimination” for me now. I need to figure out what is causing my mane to become brittle. Here’s what I found:
Lay off the heat
You guys, I’m a brown person. And like most brown people, I grew up heat styling my hair. I think the introduction to my best friend, the flat iron, may have taken my relationship with heat styling to the next level. Heat styling is obviously not natural and it does damage your hair and makes it weaker and more susceptible to breakage. I only flat iron my hair once a week but I don’t use a heat protector before doing so. I know, right? I could totally give myself a stern talking to right about now.Chemicals
Overprocessed hair is not healthy hair. I mean, even your simple boxed hair dyes contain chemicals and solutions that strip your hair of its natural protection. And, for those who don’t know, guys I’m greyer than the most ashiest elbows in the world. I pretty much dye my hair, at home, every six weeks to avoid looking like a Golden Girl. The chemicals in boxed dyes are not brilliant for your hair. Apparently I am meant to apply a salon-grade treatment to my hair every now and then to make it feel loved and special. I obviously don’t do that (many kids, little time, remember?). Could this be my hairs passive aggressive way of telling me that it wants to be loved?
Basics
You guys, I am so shocked to learn that sleeping on a cotton pillowcase could be damaging my hair! Say what?! Cotton creates friction between the fabric, and the hair. Satin or silk pillowcases are apparently way more gentle on the hair. Did you know that even towel drying is a bad thing? Tying your hair in a towel can lead to breakage and tangling. I read that you need to swop your towel for an old, soft T-shirt instead, which is more absorbent and less abbrasive. Go figure. And duh, combing versus brushing your wet hair is way more smarter.Thirsty hair
Yes, you read it, my hair is probably just thirsty. Dry hair is more prone to breakage. Make sure you’re using the correct shampoo and conditioner, friends! I mean, I generally grab whatever is on the shelf (and cheaper, let’s be honest Maggie) but in order to ensure that your hair receives ample moisture, you need to make sure the product you use contains ingredients that help to hydrate your locks. Also, did you know that the more you wash your hair, the more you’re stripping it of natural oils?! So yes… that.All in all, my hair is breaking off. Excuse me while I freak out.
I’m considering going for a super dramatic hair chop. I need to get rid of the damaged hair. And getting it all to one length again, would also be a great idea. The lopsided look is not working for me. I must admit, I am freaking out. Oh wait, I told you that already. The thing is, I’ve always had long hair, but I guess with long hair, comes great responsibility (I’m sure I heard that on Spiderman). If you’ve had experience with hair breakage, and have some advice to share, please drop it in the comments section. You guys, I don’t want to chop all my hair off! Help!
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Meet the ECMeetUp speaker: Lyle Scritten of Travelstart
I’m not going to lie to ya, when it comes to ECMeetUp, I totally get my thrills just by sitting in a room full of bloggers and influencers who probably understand the crazy going on in my head. I mean, we love talking “shop”, right Bloggers?! And we love learning about the latest influencer trends – the what’s hots and what’s nots, if you will. Well, this is why the ECMeetUp team is so excited to welcome speaker Lyle Scritten of Travelstart to our 2018 ECMeetUp panel. You guys, Lyle knows what’s up. And I’m not just saying so because he told me that.
Besides for working at Travelstart – one of the top online travel agency’s in Africa – the guy is also an avid blogger himself. His blog, VersatileLyle, celebrates its 10 year anniversary in June! Lyle will be joining us to talk about Travelstart and their amazing blogger affiliate program. He will also be sharing hot tips and information with regards to working and building relationship with brands. Travelstart will be partnering with ECMeetUp extensively and guys, I’m not saying that some of you may very well get a paid gig out of this, but I’m not saying that you won’t. Please, stop giving me those eyes. I can’t share anymore information. AAAAAAACK!
We also have some AMAZING Travelstart goodies up for grabs and, Oprah moment, everybody’s getting one! Anyways, enough of my chit chat. Here’s more from Lyle:
1. Hey Lyle, ‘sup! Tell us more about yourself – Who is Lyle?
Who is Lyle really? Great question, you should speak to my wife I feel she knows me better than I know myself haha. Well first and foremost I’m a 33 year old male born and bred on the Cape Flats of Cape Town. I’m happily married and have 2 wonderful sons, all of whom I love dearly. I spend the bulk of my time at my second home, namely Travelstart HQ, where I oversee and run blogger and influencer marketing campaigns for our core markets in South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt.In my spare time, I try to do some blogging under the pseudonym, VersatileLyle and as the name states my blog is versatile, so no specific niche for me. Quick fact on that, while my blog is not yet where I would like it to be, I am proud of the fact that I managed to be a finalist in the Samsung Blogger challenge back in 2014 and even got the chance to be featured on Expresso, yeah that was pretty cool. Lastly I was recently asked to join the leadership team for the Cape Town Chapter of Travel Massive. So, I get to work alongside the incredible Dawn from the The Incidental Tourist and Linda from Moving Sushi, on Travel specific networking events in our city, which I simply love! I’m quite a busy guy lol!
2. Tell us more about Travelstart (for those of us who never go like, anywhere, ever)
Travelstart is the leading online travel agency in Africa and to wake up every morning knowing that I work for such a great company is a blessing to me. Our aim is to make travel simple and easy for everyone and this means I have to do my utmost best to collaborate with the best bloggers and publications in South Africa to get our name and message across to all citizens.
3. Have you learnt alot during your many years working with influencers?
Influencer Marketing is not as easy as most people would think. I have learnt that, while I would like to work on every pitch or proposal I receive, I simply cannot. Ideally I would love to send people around the country and world to write and create content but this is not the case. Each proposal has to be look at in detail and depending on how good it might look on paper we would need to see the value from a business point of view and if it meets our ROI standards then it might get the go ahead. So, ROI is major factor to consider when pitching ideas.4. You get to visit like, the most beautiful city in the world! Are you excited about your visit to the Bay?
I would be even more excited if you told me I could take a long hot bath but the fact of the matter is that the water crisis is a real thing and an issue we all need to become more aware of. Honestly speaking I am super excited to be joining you guys and to be able to share some of my knowledge with your guests.5. What will you be teaching us at the ECMeetUp?
I will be sharing some real life scenarios from my past and tying that back to how bloggers should approach pitching collaborative ideas to brands. I’m all about knowledge sharing and motivating other to do their best in this industry.Head on over to JustEllabElla, to learn more about our other guest speaker, super blogger, By Megan Kelly. Excited yet? Aaack! To get your hands on a ticket, simply use the bank deets below to make your purchase. Can’t make a purchase right now? It’s all good! RSVP with either Luchae (that’s me, yo) or Eleanor and make sure to pay for your ticket by May 25th. See you soon!
Purchase by making payment to FNB 62712255365, and using your name and surname as reference
