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My social media is a lie
I try not to catch feelings. Mainly because catching feelings means that my hands are full. It hinders my productivity.
But, the truth is that I DO catch feelings sometimes… and like an expert nogals. In fact, my husband would tell you that on a particularly challenging day, I’d be out here catching feelings like Mark Boucher in his heyday. So that’s, like, a lot of feelings being caught.
Why the monologue about catching feelings?
Well, Gladys, if you follow me on the socials you’ll know that we’ve experienced a lot of loss this year. Having to watch our loved ones say goodbye to family members, on repeat, over a span of four months, has sucked tremendously.
Add the ‘Zoom funeral’ element to the mix and you have the making of a really terrible, depressing TV show… but like, imagine it’s an omnibus.
One tries to be encouraging and positive and upbeat and supportive, during these times. But grief has a way of creeping up on you. And, in our case, it’s a lot of… uh… second-hand grief (is that a thing?) because we’re kinda grieving WITH family and friends who are grieving.
My point is that it sucks. And you literally can’t escape it. The best you can do is to go through the motions of dealing with it. Me, I often deal in silence. But after experiencing a particularly kaka day a few weeks ago, I was scrolling through Instagram and had a moment where I wondered what my life looks like on social media.
I mean, one could look at my social media feed and marvel at how fantastic things are, with my fun updates and many gorgeous children running around. It’s very “cool Disney movie” looking. But alas, Facebook and Instagram are not a true narrative, should you want to know exactly how things are in our neck of the woods.The truth is that social media is NOT the truth.
I must admit, I’m totes guilty of checking out all of your Facebook posts and wondering when I’ll get to go on that island holiday. Or when I’ll be able to afford that giant house. Or whether I can get my hair to look like that too. “Will I ever be that happy? She probably never has a bad day.”
Social media is a highlight reel – everyone shares their best moments. But girrrrrrl, life is messy! My best moments are usually elevated by the really challenging, crappy moments.
Whether you’ve experienced loss too, or you’re deep in the financial popo, or dealing with relationship drama. Whether your work life is a nightmare or you have health issues or you feel as if you’re married to the spawn of Chucky. I mean, whatever your challenge is… we’re all dealing with some kind of ish.
And yaaaaaaaa, my way of “dealing” is to just be quiet.
“Doing it for the gram” has become secondary to my actual mental health. If I don’t feel particularly smiley, then you probably won’t find me posting anything. And although it is harmful to my side hustle (aka this social media influencer thing that I do….. yes roll your eyes Debbie, no one cares) I’d much rather “hurt” my numbers, than my actual heart, right now.
As much as I enjoy oversharing, there are some things I refuse to talk about. And that’s okay too. I have my moments with God and He kinda is the best listener. Speaking your truth – loudly, for the whole world to see – is brave and it can bring healing. But sometimes chilling in silence and processing quietly is amazing too.
Anyways, the point of this post is to remind you to check on your friend who seems to be living that perfect Instagram life. Heck, check on yourself too, mama! Putting pressure on yourself to be 100% okay all the time is not healthy.
Take a moment. Put your cellphone down.
Breathe life in. Hold for a few seconds. Then let it go.
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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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Blessed are the peacemakers
When it comes to feuding and arguments, I kinda, uhh… don’t.
Meaning: I don’t participate. I try not to indulge in little spats and angry text messaging and holding onto a grudge until 7de Laan’s Oubaas returns to Hilda (so that’s, like, a long time).I mean (honestly now) besides for being way too busy and way too lazy (at the same time nogals) to participate, I do find holding on to anger to be quite tedious and unproductive. And as you know – spreadsheet brain – my aim is to be super productive at all times. (Yes, even when I’m scrolling through Instagram Martha, thanks for pointing that out, it’s called “market research”… see? productive.)
This topic came to mind the other day when I realised just how LEKKER it is to hold onto an offence. I mean, when someone does you wrong, regardless of who is right or wrong, you want them to FEEL your wrath, right? You also want other people to know just how crappy of a person your wrong doer is.
I mean, where is the fun in letting go and moving on? So boring.
Right?
Wrong. Do you know what’s boring? Not being able to invite Sally to my son’s Barmitzvah because Susan didn’t like what she had to say about her curtains.
Boring is having to now navigate your entire life around an argument. Boring is basing your future decisions around a past offence. I’m sorry but it’s so lame man! #sorrynotsorry
You aren’t starting a revolution by holding on to your anger and making status updates about it. Seriously, you can justify your anger and offence as much as you want, but it isn’t changing the world for the better. You aren’t setting trends that you want your children to pick up, Harriet.
In a nutshell, and to put it politely: Your resentment is boring.
Do you know what IS exciting and ground breaking and world changing? Forgiveness.It’s ground breaking because it takes a lot more motivation and courage to forgive and move on. Unforgiveness is a comfort zone. Being offended is EASY. Show me the guy who addresses the issue with the intent of solving the problem and moving on, and I’ll show you a champion!
Now, I have been offended a gazillion times over. Like, I’m sure someone made me naar as recently as today. I say this to make you aware that I know that I’m not perfect.
But my point, Vanessa, is that none of us are. And by choosing to stay angry with someone, like, for long periods of time… by justifying your unforgiveness… you’re kinda saying “uhhh yes I AM perfect, bish!”
And to that I’ll say “is your name Jesus?”
And then you’ll say “no, it’s Vanessa”
And then I’ll say “okay so then you’re not perfect, sit down”
And then you’ll be angry with me for a long period of time too… and so it goes on and on
*Que: Circle of Life – Elton John*Anyways, Mufasa, what I was trying to get at is that putting your pride and ego aside is a lot more exciting than holding on to your boring resentment. Walking around like you are Perfect Polly isn’t fooling anyone.
Say what you need to say girl – speak your heart! Do it loudly and out of complete love. And give the other person the chance to do the same. And hey, who knows, by the end of the convo you may have sparked true healing and restoration for both of you.
Love yourself enough to NOT walk around hating/resenting people. That sort of hatred lives buried in your heart but it eventually has to manifest someway or the other. Eventually someone has to lose.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9)
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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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Pregnant again?
Now, as you may know, I have a lot of children, and (like all other children) they are especially cute… so one could say that we’ve done a good job at creating kids. Right?
Until I give off a whiff of my favorite scent – Eau De Pregnant – and people start losing their metaphorical ish. Because, apparently, I’m only allowed to be pregnant a certain amount of times AND within a certain period, or else I’m straight up being sloppy… and that’s not a good look.
Well, that’s what I heard from all the ‘CEO of Ovaries‘ who cared to weigh in on the topic.
So yes, I’ve been told to take a break from baby making, I’ve also been advised to not fall pregnant again. (The word “again” used as an obvious and necessary way to highlight that I’ve been “with child” one too many times for their liking.) Clearly, my ovaries have fulfilled it’s baby making quota and I need to curb my enthusiasm.
Sir, Yes Sir.
Aye, aye Captain!
So thankful for all these regular reminders, you know? It’s, like, SOOOO helpful!*insert eye roll*
But hey, subliminal bitterness aside, I’m actually pretty immune (read: numb) to comments about the mass production of little William’s that we’ve managed to create and oversee. I mean, one could say that I’m an expert at the polite laugh and quirky comeback already. I don’t even get offended anymore.
But, my own thick skin aside, I didn’t realise just how damaging thoughtless comments could be until someone close me fell pregnant and refused to let anyone know.
Now, this person is married, has a bunch of kids already and provides a stable and happy home environment for all of them. So why be afraid to let people know that she’s pregnant again? Well, because apparently it’s okay to have an opinion about someone else’s ovaries. I mean, don’t tell a school girl what type of hairstyle she’s allowed to wear, and God forbid you try to tell a boy to only play with blue toys, but hey, if you’re needing an outlet, DO tell a Pregnant Mama that she shouldn’t be pregnant again.Because, you know, “the rest of us” are not wanting to have more than 1 or 2 babies so, uhm, you should follow that pattern too, Pregnant Mama! How DARE YOU do what YOU want with your own body!!! The outrage! The audacity! Somebody call the EFF immediately, we need some protest action! We demand a lock down level 5 of your ovaries!
*Cough* Okay, that went a bit too far.
Anyways, said Pregnant Mama called me to let me know that she was expecting baby number 7 soon. My reaction? “Oh wow, that’s amazing, why didn’t you tell me earlier?!” She explained that this would probably be her last baby and that she really wanted to enjoy this pregnancy, without the onslaught of negative comments.
Fair enough.
Pregnant Mama went on to tell me that a doctor she visited (he’s a specialist in his field) made such a big deal about the fact that she has carried this many babies successfully. According to him… a specialist who deals with pregnant women on the regular… she should give herself a flippen pat on the back. And she should.
But instead, she chose to keep her miracle 7th pregnancy under wraps… guess why… because she didn’t want to upset OTHER people who wouldn’t appreciate that she is pregnant again. Like, HUH?!
I don’t know about you moms, but when I was pregnant, the last thing I wanted to do was worry about what other people thought about my unborn child… my blessing… my glorious gift from God! And here this Pregnant Mama chose to secretly celebrate her baby with her hubby, when all she wanted to do was tell the world how excited they are.
I guess I will always feel like a victim when this topic comes up.
And I guess that, yep, there are cases where the parents are unable to care for many children. There are situations where the home environment is not ideal for the upbringing of a child.
But I am writing as someone who is able to love and care for (financially) the many kids that I currently have… as someone who has faced judgement, even though my pregnancy’s took place within a happy marriage and stable home situation.
Not here to debate. I’m not Debora Patta.
But what I am here to say is this: don’t try to disguise your judgement as concern.
Because if you’re really concerned about a Pregnant Mama, you would know that creating an atmosphere of love and peace around her is the best thing for her and baby.
If you really are concerned about Pregnant Mama you wouldn’t try to paint her with your paint brush and then wonder why the picture comes out differently. We all have our own dreams and aspirations. Some of us want to be successful career women and entrepreneurs… some of us want to be kickass moms to as many kids as possible. Some of us want to be (and CAN be) both! Neither one is the “better” option. Susan.
And finally, if you really are concerned with Pregnant Mama you would realise that your concern is misplaced. I mean, take your concern and point it towards something that actually needs it. You know? GBV, Race Discrimination, Teenage Pregnancy… pick a struggle. Because I speak on behalf of myself and all the other “moms of many kids” when I say that our ovaries are doing juuuuust fine without your concern, thanks.
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Asher’s first birthday ‘Boss Baby’ cake smash photo shoot
I’ve been this kid’s mom for a whole year and, golly gosh, has it been sweet! I mean, sure, my pregnancy was
especiallya bit challenging and I pretty much felt as if I swallowed, like, a whole building when I was pregnant with him (the kid weighed 4,3kg at birth)… but it was totes worth it!For his birthday, this year, I knew I was going to do a cake smash photo shoot with Michelle of Cutepix, because as you may know, this is what I do for my children’s first birthday celebrations. (See Kari’s shoot here and Jonah’s shoot here)
I mean, I just can’t bring myself to spend lots of moola on a party that they probably won’t even remember. A cake smash shoot basically captures that first birthday fun, and it’s something that you can treasure for years to come.
ALSO, you guys, with lock down being what it is (you know, a much needed pain in the boody) we can’t really do a big birthday celebration anyways. In fact, Michelle told me that a lot more parents are opting to do a birthday shoot for their older kids too! She also mentioned that you can do a second and third birthday cake smash too!
Our theme for Asher’s cake smash was Boss Baby because, much like the baby in the movie, this little tike has pretty much taken over our home. He definitely is the boss! His nanny affectionately refers to him as “baasie” (which is “little boss” in Afrikaans) and the nickname has grown on us so much that we call him Baasie as if it’s his first name.
Can totes see him being an “Uncle Baasie” one day, in his old age hahaha.
Michelle does the whole set up (including cake) for her cake smash shoots AND it includes a family photo shoot and a bath session at the end of the shoot (which serves as a double win… clean baby, cute pics).
Anyways, enough with the chitchat, I know you came here to drool over some baby cheeks, so here:
All pics taken by Michelle of Cutepix
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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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Cooking with NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids
Can I let you in on a little secret? When it comes to the kitchen, I’m not exactly a cooking maven. In a nutshell, I have the culinary prowess of a french poodle. Ironically, I’ve noticed that my kids seemed to really enjoy spending time with me in the kitchen. They find the measuring and mixing particularly exciting and we usually end up sharing stories and silly moments while cooking up a storm.
So I was particularly thrilled to receive a special drop from NESTLÉ, introducing us to the NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids initiative. This global campaign champions happy, nutritional moments of togetherness between parents and kids. I mean, our kids do what we do. What better way to encourage healthy eating, than by doing it together?
It’s been proven that by getting kids involved in the prep of their meals, you are able to help them to adopt healthier eating habits that include more veggies, fruits and diversified protein sources.
I love that the NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids campaign strives to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by the year 2030. Their response to this very real need is to launch more nutritious foods and beverages worldwide to answer children’s nutritional needs, while providing nutrition education through school programs, as well as everyday tips and healthy recipes for parents.
These healthy recipes come in a super fun recipe storybook called Sam Dreams, with lead characters Sam and Nandi. I mean, storytelling is a fun activity, anyways, so what better way to get your kid thinking and talking about eating healthy than by speaking to their imaginations?
Using our NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids recipe storybook, Kari and Jo tried their hand at yummy flapjacks and healthy muesli bars. Both were a definite win!
Read up about the NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids campaign and download your very own NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids recipe storybook on the NESTLÉ website.
You can check out Kari and Jo’s cooking skills here:
NESTLÉ Nespray Big Moon Flapjacks
NESTLÉ Milo Treasure Chest Muesli Bars
Disclaimer: I collaborated with NESTLÉ and participated in the NESTLÉ for Healthier Kids campaign
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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.
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My Covid-19 experience and why I chose to not get tested again
My run in with Covid-19 was a bit…uh…anti-climatic.
It’s almost as if the virus was playing “where’s he, there’s he!” with me. I mean, I had been totally convinced that I was Covid-19 positive, like, thrice a week, since the start of lock down. With every cough or sniff I would be on my knees asking God to spare my life. Yeah, dramatic much, right?
Except that when we lost someone who was very close to our family, to Covid-19, suddenly the dramatics were totally called for. And suddenly my every cough or sniff felt that much more deadly. Mind you, my symptoms had seemingly worsened and I felt like dog poop on a hot day, covered in mango juice. (Yes, just like that. Whaaat.)
When I eventually ended up going for a test (I’ll pop the video at the bottom of this post, in case you would like to see how they stick a swab all the way up my nostril, and into the deep recesses of my brain) it came back as negative. Woohooooo, Covid negative, party over here!!
The party was short-lived though, as my symptoms became even more severe. I mean, helooooo body, I’m not sure if you heard the news that I’m Covid negative.. if you could just calm down now, that would be great!
But alas, my body did NOT calm down. In fact, I lost my sense of smell and taste. My lungs felt as if they could not expand to it’s fullest capacity. I was fatigued and wanted to sleep all the time.
I was definitely Covid positive.
And friends, although I was displaying all of the signs, I decided to not go for another test. I mean, besides for really appreciating my nasal capacities and not wanting another swab stuck up it, I kinda figured that a test would be wasted on me.
Wasted because all it would do is tell me what I already know. A test would not heal me. A test would not make me feel better. A test would not change anything.
I needed to treat my symptoms and no test on earth was going to help me do that.
I immediately started taking meds to treat the symptoms and I self isolated. My doc also recommended sucking on a blue Disprin, since the virus forms blood clots.One thing about this sneaky virus is that it has you feeling better one moment, and as if you’re dying the next! I mean, I’m sure it has its SA colors in peekaboo. The fortunate thing about this, though, is that I was able to get up and get stuff done (you know, before folding into a sack of dilapidated pain and despair).
After about 2 weeks I began to feel like a normal person again (well, as normal as I could ever be, you know, with my my spreadsheet brain). I remember feeling this huge weight lifted, when I realised that I had fought and won against the virus. Some of the people dearest to me had lost loved ones to it and yet I lived to see another day. How thankful I was!
I try to maintain a faith-based outlook on life…. you know, faith over fear, and all of that. And I can’t say that Covid-19 has changed my mind about this. But it has most definitely rocked me! And, if anything, it has strengthened my believe that God is God.
God is God.
Noone else is. Nothing else is. When you’re breathing in (what might be) your last few breaths, trust me friends, clinging to Him will be the most valuable thing. Not your assets, or your titles, or your outward appearance.
Holding on to Him will be IT.
You see, we NEED to hold on to Him, because we NEED the hope that everything will be okay, no matter what the ending looks like. And that kind of hope and peace is something that only God can give you. He is faithful.
