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Spurt, helping us bust the toddler boredom this summer
I love summer, you guys! And I love that I can get my littlest ones involved in the summer fun too! Kari, in particular, is only now understanding the full glory of the summer sun, summer foods and activities and days by the pool. Man, I’m in my element! I was so super chuffed when Spurt sent us some of their swimming apparel to try out. I mean, how perfect is this, right?! Spurt is the leading suppliers of swimming apparel in South Africa. The brand is loved for its innovative patterns and colours and comfortable fit, with an extensive range of accessories and swimming aids for beginners and athletes.I know that you’re looking for fun things to do with your toddler this summer. I mean, who isn’t? With dwindling attention spans and the need to be kept entertained 24/7, keeping my little one busy is a challenge, yo. I found a few really cool ideas on the interweb:
Homemade slip and slide
Grab some plastic sheets, liquid dishwasher or bubble bath and water, to create your own slip and slide! Have your kids take turns slipping down the make shift slide, and give them points for the most imaginative slide poses.Fun in the pool
Baloons filled with water, and water guns, take your pool fun to the next level. We’ve always enjoyed playing little games in the pool and we’ve found that our kids especially enjoy when we do a pool “treasure hunt”. Simply throw a few soft, plastic toys, into the pool and have them search for it.Ball games
Come on friends, you know you were exceptionally skilled at playing ball games, when you were a little tike. I especially remember games like dodge ball or four square (like a four-man tennis match). Your kids won’t know these, because they don’t make em on XBox. I know, right, how old are we?!Eat and play… and eat
How about having ice cream decorating competitions? Or smoothie making contests? Pizza making or waffle/pan cake decorating also guarantees hours of fun (and full bellies). Take pics, and get family members, who live far away, to be the judges.Concert night
Create a fun, concert experience, in the comfort of your own back yard. Build a make shift stage, using scarfs and back drops, and have your kids (and their friends) put on a show for the adults. Don’t forget your video camera. This is what memories are made of!
If all else fails, throw them in the pool! Make sure they are well hydrated, slathered in sun screen, and that they have their Spurt head gear, goggles, and nose guards on. Just in case. Need some help with that? Check out the Spurt website, for more on their swimming aids and accessories.Want to win with Spurt? Sure you do! To enter, simply comment below, letting me know how old your little one is and what you’re getting up to this summer. Winner announced on my Facebook page next Friday, January 5th.
Update: The winner is Janine Augustus!
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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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All I want for Christmas is…
You know what, moms, it’s okay to want a Christmas present. I mean, I know that all I’m suppose to want for Christmas, is world peace and for my kids to be happy and healthy. But you can’t exactly put a ribbon around that. So, I decided to make a list of all the other things I want for Christmas. It’s not very long and I’ve precariously removed number 8 (loads and loads of money) because I felt it wasn’t practical. And this here is meant to be a practical list. Do you know what you want for Christmas? Yes? Good for you, lady! No? That’s okay too. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Oh So Heavenly
My friends over at Oh So Heavenly know that the way into a girls heart is definitely through heavenly scented bath and body products. Good job, team! I’m especially impressed with their ‘Footspa’ range (you can find it in the foot care aisle). Designed to “treat your feet”, these products are ultra-hydrating, deeply nourishing and intensively repairing. The Sole Repair range is specially formulated to help provide rescue and relief to dry skin and cracked heels. The Sole Therapy range replenishes and softens dry skin. And the Sole Retreat range will help you to pamper your tootsies in the comfort of your own home, with its indulgent foot soaks, foot butters and a really cool 3-in-1 pedicure! You (and by “you” I mean “your partner”) can pick these up at Clicks.
Stylish Steppers
I’ve mentioned Stylish Steppers on this here blog a few weeks ago and man, I wasn’t lying when I said that I am super duper impressed! Besides for wanting Michelle to do my hair, every day for the rest of my life (yes, I’m being dramatic) I also really love her specially made Stylish Steppers hair products and wouldn’t mind getting my hands on some of them! Or maybe a Stylish Steppers voucher, Santa? I’m really not fussy. Check out more in this blog post.
Make Up
Guys, I’m not a beauty blogger. Clearly. The other day my social media friends gasped in disgust and dismay as I show them the stubs that I call “my eye pencil”. I had just not had the time to go and get new eye pencil. I didn’t use the stubs though (because I value my eyesight and all that) but I must admit, I have been using my eyebrow pencil as eye pencil. Gasp! I know. I need to get my make up game on. I think that it’s time to stop looking like a sickly, older woman. I’m sure my Hubstopher would appreciate it.
Leather Hand Bag
I’ve been eyeing Wild and Free’s glorious selection of genuine leather bags and basically what I want to say is: AAACK! They are stunning! I’ve fallen inlove with the kudu tote, the stunning leather baby bag (yeah, I mean, seriously who said that nappy bags have to be boring) and their beautiful leather wallets. Can I cry now, or would that be too much? Check out their online store and cry with me.
Sneakers On Fleek
I really wanted to use the term “on fleek” in this post, so there you have it. Guys, I really need a decent pair of sneakers. I’ve been eyeing various brands, and yeah, I’ve seen the high-soled, Spice Girl reminiscent, platforms in stores. I’ve seen the glitter bedecked trainers, the metallic hues and the ribbon laces. I even spotted a pair of leopard print sneakers. And I decided that I’m okay with a “basic chick” normal pair, thank you very much. Something comfortable and cool, that literally goes with everything.
2018 Diary
I love my Christian Art Media daily planners! These are stunning on the inside and out, with a lux leather cover and inspirational quotes that help to keep you motivated and working towards your goals. I especially love the fact that they have zips – because I have a lot of ish to store and I dig that the zip keeps it safe. These go with me EVERYWHERE. Yes, I know, there’s an app for that. But I am a “pen and paper” kind of girl. Definitely planning to check out CUM Books next week for my 2018 Daily Planner.
Tori Kelly
You guys, all I want for Christmas is Tori Kelly. (Stalker much?) Kidding. But I really do love her music so much! I’ve recently (I know, right, have I been living under a rock? Geez!) discovered her Unbreakable Smile album and Handmade Songs EP and I have to have them both! I love owning physical copies of albums. I mean, thanks alot iTunes, but I can’t hold you tight, at night, while listening to my favorite song on repeat. I’ve checked online, and the prices are a bit extreme. Musica does not have stock. But here’s keeping fingers crossed that Santa has my number.So this is my Christmas list. What do you guys think? Is there anything on this list that you have to have? Maybe if we ask Santa reeeaaally nicely, he’ll oblige?
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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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Co-parenting drama in December? Ho, Ho, NO!
I’m quite fond of my children. I mean, I totally don’t want to get rid of them, if you know what I mean. It’s amazing how you’re never quite a pro, at parenting, even if you’ve been at it for a long time. And when it comes to co-parenting, even more so! Kyle is in his teens already and I still feel like I don’t know what the heck to do with my emotions in December! The end of each year always has me feeling all the parenting feels because he travels to his dad, to spend December with his other family. Yep, more than 10 years of him not being with me on Christmas day, and my heart still feels as if it’s beat-boxing to Gangnam Style when he gets on the plane. But, as much as I hate it seeing him go, I refuse to partake in co-parenting drama in December.
For starters, the kid didn’t choose this life. So I’m not about to insert my #momfeelings into the equation simply because I feel more entitled to having him with me. Truth be told, he needs both me and his dad. I’m not the Beyonce of this situation. We are all in it together. And, if we want to be fair about this thing, December is the longest time he spends with his dad, step mom and siblings. It sucks for me but Kyle is super duper excited. It’s a worthy sacrifice in my opinion.
Obviously, I’m still a mom and I’m never quite at peace until my boy is home; safe and soundly annoying the living daylights out of me, as he does. So until he gets back, I usually check up on him as often as I can. And I pray a lot, a lot, a lot. Seth, on the other hand is quite blessed to have both sets of parents in the same city. So Christmas with him usually means seeing him for only half the day. I feel like we’ve got this festive season co-parenting gig sorted. But I was wondering how other co-parenters do it. I mean, is there a trick to it? Well, this is what I found online:
When co-parenting in December, always be mindful of:
1. The other parent’s time. I mean, sure they should just be flippen grateful that they get to see the kid at all. Right? Wrong. We are all human beings and we all deserve respect, yo. In most cases, the usual “even split”, which sees the kid with one parent in the morning, and the other parent in the evening, works like the bomb dot com. My suggestion? Talk to one another and reach a compromise, without the intense desire to be the “winner”, in the situation. How about letting the kid be the winner?
2. Long distance love. For those co-parenting from different cities, a great idea would be a week split. One parent gets the kid for the week leading up to Christmas and Christmas day, and the other for the week leading up to New Years, and New Years day. Win-win, really.
3. The gifts. We had a situation, one year, where one of the parents in our quadruple parenting situation was not happy with a gift that was given to one of the kids. It reminded me that we need to be mindful of each other, when it comes to gift giving too! Kyles dad and I now regularly have “so what are you getting him?” conversations, which is helpful.
4. Traditions. I’m big on traditions. Like, to me, Christmas tradition is almost as important as Christmas day. There, I said it. I appreciate when the boys are allowed to partake in my Christmas crazy, because I mean, what are traditions without having your whole family with you? (Or staring at you, as if you’re a loony toon)
5. The other family. I mean, ignoring your ex and the other family is pretty easy, I’m sure. But we’re not good at playing that game, at our house. Mainly because our boys are always so eager to tell us what went down, who got which gifts and all the funny things that happened. We encourage it! Christmas cheer is Christmas cheer, yo! We’ll take what we can get! But it also sets your kid at ease, and kinda makes them feel like it’s OKAY TO FEEL GOOD about spending time with the other family.So what do you guys think? Can any of my co-parenters relate to any of this? Drop your comments below. I mean, as I said in the beginning, 16 years later and I still learn something new every year! At the end of the day, your kid is what matters. Don’t be a jerk. That’s is all.
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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 -
Scoring all the “cool mom” points with Hasbro’s Christmas gift ideas
I don’t know about your kids, but mine are only slightly impressed with me. I mean, I serve my purpose, no doubt, and I’m pretty sure that they love me. But as far as cool points (I talk about these a lot, I know) go, Hubstopher usually scores all of them. But not this Christmas! Oh no, I’m about to be as cool as rolled up skinny jeans and top knots! That’s right, I’m bringing out the big guns this festive season as I prepare to wow my kids with Hasbro’s Christmas gift ideas and stocking fillers. Check them out here:
My Little Pony
Following in the My Little Pony tradition of heartwarming tales of adventure, magical characters, colourful worlds and humour for all ages. The MY LITTLE PONY:THE MOVIE, was released on 6 October 2017. In the movie, the ponies face off against their biggest villain yet, the evil Storm King who is determined to steal all the magic from the kingdom of Equestria. It is up to the Mane Six to stop him and take back their beloved home. The fun doesn’t end with the movie – Hasbro has launched a MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE inspired range of characters and play sets, now available in South Africa. Kari’s favorite pony is Twilight Sparkle, so I am so chuffed to give her one of the My Little Pony seapony figures. Each 6-inch seapony figure has a beautiful mermaid-like tail and her signature cutie mark on her back fin. Her eyes and wings are detailed with glitter for extra under-the- sea sparkle.
Toilet Trouble
There’s a lot more family fun time to be had with the introduction of Hasbro’s latest games; Toilet Trouble and Fantastic Gymnastics. (I chatted about Fantastic Gymnastics in this post). This Toilet Trouble game is hilarious! True to its name Toilet Trouble produces some hilarious and suspense-filled moments as players take turns spinning the toilet paper roll, flushing the toilet handle, and hoping, this round, they don’t get sprayed with water. The number that turns up on the paper roll spinner indicates how many times each player must flush. Players are safe if they hear the flushing sound, but no water is sprayed. Suitable for ages four and up, Toilet Trouble is fun for two or more players, keeping the kids (and adults) entertained for hours. Watch the Toilet Trouble game in action here.
Grab and Go Monopoly
Monopoly is back with the next generation game featuring the newly launched token set. Over 4.3 million fans, from around the globe, voted to keep their favorite tokens on board. The eight tokens set to carry on “Passing Go” in the new set include: the Scottie dog, top hat, car, battleship, cat, T-Rex, rubber ducky and the penguin. Monopoly Gamer is the Monopoly edition with a Nintendo twist. Instead of standard Monopoly tokens the game features Super Mario characters each with its own special powers within gameplay. Still a firm family favourite, Monopoly Mzansi, featuring 22 local locations, makes a perfect gift for the festive season. A definite must have for travellers, Monopoly Mzansi provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together and enjoy some quality time, Mzansi style.
Nerf Gun
The Nerf N-Strike Elite Raptor Strike blaster is part of the AccuStrike Series, which features darts designed for greater accuracy. If your kids are gamers, like mine are, Nerf Blasters make for a fun reason to get them playing outdoors! The Elite Accustrike foam darts, with its twisted flat tip moulding, helps the bullet to stay straight when travelling through the air. The bolt-action blaster comes with an extendable bipod to stabilise shots, perfect for stealth battles with your friends. The 2 six-dart clips and 18 darts includes ensures battlers will stay stocked for their Nerf fights. The blaster comes complete with a pop-up sight for targeting.So what do you guys think? Spot anything that your kid would love for Christmas? More importantly, which of these will give you the much needed “street cred”?
You can pick any of these up at Toys R Us, ToyZone, Toy Kingdom, Hamleys, Lilliputs and other major retailers. You can also shop online at Takealot.com. Visit the Hasbro website for more.
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Stylish Steppers: Helping me nail those hair goals
So, you may or may not know that I have more grey hairs than a Golden Girl. No, seriously, the patches of greys on my head resemble a really warped version of a map of the world. Yep, it’s that much. And yep, this means that I color my hair quite regularly. So I’m always on the look out for product that can make my mane feel loved and cared for, and not as if I’m trying to morph it into something that it doesn’t want to be. Anyways, I was super duper chuffed when the wonderful Michelle of Stylish Steppers took one look at me and said “you should try out my new range!” Finally! Someone recognizes my potential to be a hair model. Or a Kardashian. I mean, I’ll take either one, thanks.Turns out Michelle is not working for Kris Jenner. Better yet, she is actually working for herself and besides for running her own highly popular hair salon, Stylish Steppers, she has also started developing her own hair care products. Stylish Steppers is based in Nelson Mandela Bay and I’ve heard such great things about Michelle and team. But, truth be told, it was mainly from my curly girl friends. And hey, since we’re being honest, I sometimes felt like I can’t sit at the curly girl table, because those chicks are so darn fierce, surely what works for them won’t work for me. Right?
Well, yeah, I am right. We can’t really use the same product. BUT Michelle has taught me that this is exactly why you need to find a salon and a hairdresser who actually KNOWS hair. You need a “hair person” who has a passion for hair. Someone with more than just skill! And that’s what I found in this wonderful lady. For starters, Ella has been raving about her curly girl product (which I am yet to try on my own curly girl). But then Michelle told me that she has developed product for us straight haired sisters too (yay, someone actually sees us, can we have our own event now?). I got to try out this Silky Smooth range, the past few weeks.The shampoo has a delicious fruity smell, and I swear guys, an almost pearl-like consistency, which made me feel like it’s really going to make my hair silky smooth. I fell inlove with the condicare. Michelle said that it’s actually a deep conditioner, which I was super excited to hear about. (Because I clearly have no life and hair care products are the only excitement in it). The condicare went on extremely well – no lumps – and I left it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
The difference? Well, there was a major one, in my opinion! For starters, I didn’t have to use heat on my hair, after week two of using the product. That’s like, a big deal, if you’re from where I come from! (Brown girls, hollar) My hair had a great shine and texture to it. I mean, sure, it was clean (and clean hair is always a good time) but people actually stopped me to admire my hair… and all I had done was literally wash it and leave it to air dry.Needless to say, I’m a huge fan and I can’t wait to try out the other Stylish Steppers products! If you’re in Nelson Mandela Bay and would like to visit the salon, or if you’d like to learn more about the product, check out the Facebook page.
