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Dress like a princess with Classy Baby Boutique {Win!}
Pretty dresses are my daughter’s jam. The girl believes that she is a princess (and I am the queen, duh), so she kinda insists on only wearing dresses, because this is what princesses wear.
Her princess-dress-wearing is not just for special occasions, mind you. In fact, her princess-dress-wearing is not limited to time or day or activity. We are a princess, so we wear a dress. Finish en kla.
And although it does cause my spreadsheet brain to short circuit because I obviously plan her outfits in advance, her attitude towards dressing up also reminds me to enjoy my beautiful things. I mean, who says that beautiful princess dresses are only to be worn on special occasions?!
So when I spotted the gorgeous princess dresses over on Classy Baby Boutique, I knew that I had to get my hands on one. I mean, even though they don’t fit me (and they wouldn’t because, uh, it’s a boutique for baby girls), I had a very specific little girl in mind who would totally rock a princess dress.
Yumna, fellow mom and owner of Classy Baby Boutique actually says that she started the boutique because she couldn’t always find those gorgeous princess dresses for her little girl.
And so her project soon turned into a fully fledged business where she sources the best dresses, for princesses, ensuring that quality and design is always on top of the list of boxes to tick.
Comfort also plays a big role in the type of garments she keeps in her store, because you know, princesses want to play all day too!
My niece, Ameera, tested the dress out (i.e. she played all day… dirty feet and all!) and agreed that it definitely was comfortable! I liked that the fabric is gorgeous but not too heavy.
Ameera says she liked that she looks like a super star. I concur.
After a couple of hours of playing in said dress, it still looked as good as new. (I mean, her mom had to wrestle her out of it, but that’s another blog post for another day). We made promises that she can wear it to her birthday party next week (our birthday’s are a day apart!). But seriously guys, I was impressed that the dress held up, considering the fact that Ameera plays hard.
Yumna’s range of gorgeous little girl dresses can be found on Instagram. Guys, they are simply stunning!The order process is simple: place your order via DM or Whatsapp. An invoice will be sent to you. Once payment is processed, her very secure courier company will make sure the goods arrive at your door in no time. You will receive a tracking number to keep an eye on your parcel.
Win a gorgeous Classy Baby Boutique for your little one!Classy Baby Boutique and My Spreadsheet Brain would like to give one little girl a gorgeous princess dress! To enter simply follow the prompt on this Instagram post!
The giveaway ends on 27 March at midday. Classy Baby Boutique is responsible for sending the prize to the winner.
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It’s Valentine’s Day – here’s how to do a Sunstar GUM #FreshBreathCheck! {And win a hamper!}
It was awkward. My Valentine and I were on the most perfect date, complete with roses, a moonlit walk by the beach and Leona Lewis. Until he leaned in to give me a smooch and it left me, pretty much, knocked out by more than just his good looks.
Bad breath is not cute, you guys.
And when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth and fresh breath, getting rid of dental plaque is essential. I don’t meant to be dramatic but bad breath totally has the power to make or break that special moment forever!!! *and end scene*
Seriously though, plaque is almost invisible – it’s not easy to spot. So, if you plan to take your dental care seriously, you might want to consider investing in the new Sunstar GUM Red-Cote Plaque Disclosing Tablets. I’m super impressed with it, because it makes it easy to identify exactly where you should improve your oral care routine.
Simply brush, floss and rinse as usual then chew a tasty, cherry-flavoured tablet to reveal any plaque you’ve missed. Then brush and clean in-between again, until your mouth is completely clean. As easy as pie… but, like, fresh smelling pie. If you know what I mean.Sunstar GUM has a range of amazing products that helps you to keep your teeth on fleek. (Does that sentence make sense? Well it does to me. I can’t help it if I’m hip.)
One of my faves is the Sunstar GUM ActiVital Sonic Toothbrush – a super stylish way to ensure a healthy mouth and clean teeth and gums. The ultra-tapered bristles are scientifically proven to remove up to 50% more plaque from between the teeth than a manual brush and reach deeper below the gumline.
The GUM Expanding Floss is perfect for those small gaps between teeth. GUM Expanding Floss is easy to insert, even between the tightest contacts, and expands during use for an exceptional clean.
I love the Sunstar GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner so much, man! It helps remove plaque and food debris from the surface of the tongue. The two sides provide a dual-action – bristles to gently brush and a serrated edge to wipe the surface clean.
My Hubstopher is a huge fan of the GUM Original White mouth rinse, because it contains StainClear to help remove stains from in-between the teeth and the tiny crevices in tooth enamel. Made with a patented combination of fluoride, Isomalt and vitamins, Original White Rinse delivers advanced mineralisation for stronger and shinier teeth, helping prevent further staining while strengthening gums and teeth.
BTW if you’re not sure whether your breath is fresh enough, take the online Sunstar GUM #FreshBreathCheck this February on www.ivohealth.co.za to find out. You could win awesome prizes! What’s more, Sunstar GUM will once again donate a toothbrush to the Dental Wellness Trust’s oral education programme on behalf of each person who completes their #FreshBreathCheck quiz in February. Legit.
Sunstar GUM is recommended by dental professionals around the world and available from Dis-Chem, Clicks, selected Checkers, Pick n Pay, SPAR, pharmacies and dentists.
Win a Sunstar GUM #FreshBreathCheck oral care kit, valued at over R700!This February – Fresh Breath Month – we’re giving away a Sunstar GUM #FreshBreathCheck oral care kit, valued at over R700. Each kit contains easy-to-use GUM Red-Cote Tablets plus everything you need to super-power your oral care routine for fresh breath and a healthy mouth, including a Sunstar GUM ActiVital Sonic brush, floss, interdental tools, a tongue cleaner, GUM Original White toothpaste and rinse.
To enter simply find the specially marked post on Facebook and on Instagram, and follow the prompts.
Terms and conditions
Giveaway only open to South African residents
Giveaway ends on 19 February at 12pm
Winners will be announced via my social media pages
Sunstar GUM is responsible for the delivery of prizes to the winner -
Make bath time oozy, gooey fun with Zimpli Kids! {Giveaway}
Our kids are going crazy for the Zimpli Kids Gelli Baff and Slime Baff products. And this is me being nonchalant about it. When I say they are “going crazy” I mean they are totally freaking out!
I always try to keep my small ones out of the pool when it’s super hot outside, simply because I’d rather them not be in the sun for too long. The baby pool is fun, for a while, but I soon have a pair of hot, bored small people who are driving me cray cray.
Enter: Gelli Baff and Slime Baff! (Yes, this is me flexing my Genius Mom muscle again). My friends, you’ll thank me for this bit of information. Simply add this amazing product to your baby pool water to turn it into fun goo! This instantly turns the boring ol’ baby pool into a super cool gooey, oozy bath of gunk!Slime Baff turns your bath water into a gunky bath of slime. By just adding more water, the slime can be diluted into coloured water that can be safely drained away. I hide small toys away, in the slime, to make a fun interactive sensory game fit for most kids and toddlers!
Gelli Baff is a totally unique fun bath time product that lets you turn water into goo and back again. By adding Gelli Baff powder to water, you create a thick colourful goo. Add a ‘dissolver’ powder, to turn the goo back to water. Pretty darn clever. I mean, if your kid isn’t into bathing, you could totally use this as a draw card.The Glitter Gelli Play is super fun and, yep you guessed it, glittery. My daughter is obviously a fan of this one.
These amazing products have been designed with bath time in mind. So, because of this, they are non-irritant and 100% safe on skin, stain free and non-toxic. Pick them up at Want It All, Takealot and Toys R Us.
Win a Zimpli Kids Gelli Baff/Slime Baff hamper!
Zimpli Kids would like to give one My Spreadsheet Brain reader a cool Gelli Baff/Slime Baff hamper!
To enter, simply follow the prompts below find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instructions!
Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 27 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with Zimpli Kids.
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Christmas gift idea: Roly Polyz for the win! {Giveaway!}
Since it’s Jojo’s first Christmas as an actual person (aka he’s old enough to know that it’s Christmas) I knew that we had to make it extra special. An extra dollop of festivities and a special Christmas gift is a must!
Festivities and cheer, I can do. I mean, come 1 December, I pretty much jingle as I walk. But I wasn’t really sure what type of gifts to get him. I don’t know about you guys, but I always find gift buying for boys a lot more challenging than it is for girls.
Jonah loves music and sport… so getting him a musical instrument or a ball is kinda… I don’t know… obvious. I wanted to add something else to the mix.
When I spotted these super cool construction and monster trucks from Roly Polyz, I knew that they’d be a legit finishing touch to his gift!
The Roly Polyz monster trucks come in a variety of colors and you are even get a monster truck launcher that propels the truck and makes fun monster truck sounds. Build your own ramps and set up your own off road adventures, then use the launcher to propel your truck over the obstacle course.They come in a variety of designs and colors and are super sturdy, making it perfect for outside play.
The Roly Polyz construction range features construction vehicles AND a construction worker uniform and tools, making imaginative play that much more interesting for your little one.
My kids enjoyed using the construction trucks to really dig up and transport dirt (so fun for me to clean up afterwards). I love that it’s more than just a pushing around of mini cars. They really get into it!
I love the idea of these novelty trucks because, well, they are flippen cool! But also, I like that there are various items in each range, making it a great gift that you can add on to for birthday’s and special occasions.When it comes to Christmas gifting and toddler boys, I never spend money on toy/pretend weapons, simply because I don’t want my kid to grow up thinking that a gun is fun or something to be desired.
I also don’t want to spend copious amounts of money on intricate toys that they will probably lose interest in or rip apart after a while. Also, while I am a firm believer in books and puzzles, I know that my two year old is a rambunctious scallywag and he needs a bit more than a good ol’ book to keep him occupied.
So the Roly Polyz construction diggers and monster trucks kinda hit the mark for me! They are available from Toys R Us at a sweeeet R70 each! How’s that for a great deal?
Win a RolyPolyz trucks hamper!
RolyPolyz would like to give one My Spreadsheet Brain reader a cool trucks hamper complete with 6 monster trucks and 4 diggers!
To enter, simply follow the prompts below:
1. Find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
2. Find the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 27 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with RolyPolyz.
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Show Your Style with MRP x Barbie! {Giveaway!}
My daughter has an eye for style! (Must get that from her mom… cough cough). She loves to show off her (sometimes interesting) outfit choices and I enjoy letting her do just that. (Mom’s who allow their kids to put together their own outfits – hollar!)
I see clothing and fashion as a way for her to get creative and express herself. And I love that her choice in clothing often represents her mood for the day. But, no matter the mood, the girl insists on looking fabulous at all times. So she was absolutely smitten when she received a gift containing some of the stunning new MRP x Barbie pieces.
Yep, you read that right, friends! Our favorite fashionista – Barbie – has released hot new items which can only be found in MRP stores.
Yes, you may “aaack”, I’ll wait.
In case you’re wondering, we’re aaacking because MRP always brings the hottest fashion at affordable prices! And with Christmas around the corner, it’s cool to know that we can pick up our fave Barbie styles, from one of our fave retail stores, and not break the bank doing so.Kari and I decided to play around with some of the MRP x Barbie items (because being extra is the new chilled). I love the easy to wear denim pieces. The fabric is perfect for a hot South African summer, while not losing the chicness that only denim can bring.
Another fave is the printed fringe vest, that my girl insisted be worn over her swimming clothes, as she lounged at the pool. The slouchy fit and bright coral makes it kinda perfect for the beach, don’t you think?We also adore the MRP x Barbie range of bags. The duffle bag is great as an overnight OR for trips to the beach. The sling bag is kinda cool, you guys. You could fill it with funky accessories and sweeties, for a fabulous Christmas stocking gift idea. I know, I’m a genius.
In true Kari style, my girl wanted to show her cousins her fabulous new outfits. So we decided to put together a few flat lays.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: you probably have to be a Pinterest Mom to get your flat lay just right. Well, friend, I’m here to share with you some of my easy flat lay tips. I mean, it’s so easy even I could do it (with a baby on my hip, no lie).
Here are a few flat lay tips:
1. Always use natural light. Stand in front of a window for the best results!
2. Try to stick to one color pallette or theme
3. Choose one item to be your focal point and add props that complement that item, but does not steal the show.
4. Move around props after every few frames, to ensure that you have a nice amount of pics options to choose from.
5. A white background (or anything with a solid color) works best because it is not distracting.
Win one of two MRP x Barbie hampers valued at R1000 each!
We are giving away two gorgeous Barbie hampers valued at R1000 each! We’ll choose one winner from Instagram and one from Facebook. To enter, simply follow these prompts:
Instagram: Find this post, on Instagram and follow the prompts! (Entry prompts have been changed to give more people the opportunity to enter)
Facebook: Find this specially marked post on Facebook. Take a snap of your little one rocking her Barbie outfit and upload it in the comments section, using the hashtag #MyBarbieStyle. Make sure you’re following My Spreadsheet Brain on Facebook to check if you’re a winner!
Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 27 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with MRP x Barbie.
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Curb your World Cup withdrawal with The Springbok Monopoly board game {Giveaway!}
As for me and my house, we WILL play the board games… ALL the board games! We love a good family game (because we’re all hella competitive, but don’t tell anyone I said that) and we get super excited when a new, interesting game hits our coffee table.
So you can imagine the squeals of delight (no, seriously, there was actual squealing) when we received The Springbok game collection, including a limited edition Springbok Monopoly! Say it with me: Aaaaack! The Rugby World Cup excitement is still strong in our house, you guys. The boys (Springboks) brought the cup home and now we get to contend for the Springbok Monopoly cup… woohoo! We’re all still dealing with W.C.W.S (World Cup Withdrawal Syndrome) over here and we need to get our fix!
Now, not to fret dear friends, this first ever range of Springbok board and card games have hit stores nationwide (yep, just in time for Christmas!). I mean, who wouldn’t get excited about it?! (Unfriend that person immediately, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life).We tried our hand at The Springbok Monopoly board game. It’s similiar to the classic board game, but with a lekker, South African rugby twist! Participants travel around the board and buy their favourite Springbok players and rugby stadiums. A rugby ball, boot, goal posts, whistle and trophy replace the original tokens. Will you play the goal posts like Handre Pollard? Or opt for the trophy to keep the winning streak going? (I spotted it on Takealot for R515)
A ‘Top Trumps’ card game has also been developed. The cards feature key facts on Springbok players. With Beast having one of his best ever performances in the World Cup Final, it’s up to you to decide if he has lived up to his Top Trump spot in the pack. (Takealot R91)There is also a Waddingtons 52-card deck of playing cards with action shots of the Springboks. My boys are going to love finding these in their Christmas stockings!
I could help but giggle when I read that the Boks took a couple of sets with them to play in Japan. Here’s what they had to say about it:“We are always busy looking for games to play while being on tour. This will definitely be our new favourite and I can’t wait to compete and play this along with my team-mates,” says Damian Willemse.
“Board games are really fun and interactive to play as a family. As for featuring in it, well I’m sure my kids will have a good laugh if they see their dad” says Warren Whiteley.
The development of the game is a collaborative venture, with SARU working closely with Epic Games to determine the features of the game and other aspects of game play. Stockists of the game include Checkers, CNA, Exclusive Books, Hamleys, Mr Price Sports, Musica, PNA, Readers Warehouse, Sportsmans Warehouse, Takealot, Toy Kingdom, ToysRUs, Independents and SA Rugby Shop.
Win a Springbok game hamper!If you want to WIN these official Springbok games including Springbok Monopoly, Top Trumps & playing cards all you have to do is find this specially marked post on Instagram and follow the instructions!
Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 16 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with Epic Games.
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Festive feeding: carb free tuna dish with KOO {Giveaway}
When it comes to festive eating, I only have 3 requirements: quick, easy and yummy! Oh and it would help if it’s good for my body too. Because of this (and because I like to work smart, not hard) I revised a delish Tuna Mornay recipe that I had spotted online. The recipe is CARB FREE (that’s right… call it a unicorn, I don’t mind) and the ingredients are basically 2 tins of tuna, some cheese, and as much KOO tinned goodness, as you’d care to add. That easy!
Fortunately, KOO’s ever expanding “bean family” comes with new flavours this festive and I ain’t mad at it! First of all, can we talk about the KOO Black Beans in Mexican Sauce flavour?! If you’re as big of a Mexican foods fan as I am, then your heart probably did flip flops just reading that, karnal!
I’ve also been eyeing a delish-sounding KOO Baked Beans in Chilli Wors flavour and I’m still crazy about the KOO Cape Malay Curry flavour.For my recipe today, I am using some of our fave KOO tinned veggies… you know, the ones you simply can’t do without. This recipe is kind of like a “choose your own adventure” book – you know, you get to choose which flavour journey you want to go on. And guess what, no matter what you choose, you’ll probably STILL enjoy this dish because it’s that flexible. It’s perfect for Summer feeding! Check it out:
Easy Peasy (no carb) Tuna MornayIngredients:
1 onion
2 tins of tuna (either in brine or water, doesn’t matter, because you’ll be draining it)
Cheese (as much cheese as your cheesy lil’ heart can stand)
1 tin of KOO Creamstyle Sweetcorn
1 tin of KOO Whole Kernel Corn
1 tin of KOO Garden peas
You can add any flavour of KOO mixed veg, but remember that too much sauce might change the consistency, so balance the sauce out with more whole kernel corn or peas.
Spice for flavour (I usually do without any! It’s that wholesome and good!)
Method: In a large pot, brown your onion and add your drained tuna and brown together for about 5 minutes.
Add all your “unsaucy” veggies to the mix. Cook together for about 3 minutes.
Add your binders (your saucy tins, i.e. the creamed corn). Allow to cook for another 3 minutes. You can add your spices now. Again, I don’t add any salt or spices to this dish.
Transfer your final mixture to an oven dish and stir in some grated cheese, finally topping the dish off with a layer of grated cheese.
Pop into the oven until your cheese is nice and golden/gooey. (I prefer gooey over golden).
And that’s that. A quick veggie based dish that doesn’t take a gazillion years to put together and it’s flop proof! As I’ve said before, I would add one of the KOO mixed vegetable variations, if i’m looking to change it up. You can totally make it your own!So what do you think friends? Would you try this at home?How would you make it your own, if you do?
Win a KOO hamper valued at R500!KOO wants to give you a festive hamper filled with some of their classic and newer product offerings, as well as some funky KOO branded items!
To enter, simply follow the prompts below:
1. Find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
2. Find the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
3. Comment below and let me know which of the newer KOO tins you’d like to try, to grab 1 entry.Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 6 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
(EDITED: The KOO giveaway has been extended! Winner to be announced on 16 December.)
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with KOO South Africa.
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‘Breastfeeding 101’ points out the myths and truths of breastfeeding {Giveaway!}
My introduction to breastfeeding was an unwanted one. I was only 18 years old and I remember being so thankful that the challenging pregnancy and pain of childbirth was over.
Finally my life (and body) will return to some sort of normal, right?
But no… this was not the case. The nurse (probably shocked at my age) sternly instructed me to feed my baby. I felt a range of emotions. My body was still not my own. I had already given up 9 months of my youth to house another life. Do you mean to tell me, I now have to give up my flesh yet again, to feed the culprit too?!
The disappointment was quickly replaced with feelings of guilt (I mean, how dare I feel this way) and an overbearing sense of finality. In that moment, the young, immature, 18 year old me quickly fell away, as I realised that my life will never be the same again.
No more a girl, I had graduated into motherhood. Someone’s mother. Someones carer. I was my baby’s nurturer and sustenance… and he was my responsibility. This was my new normal.
Breastfeeding 101
Maybe your breastfeeding story looks a lot different to mine. Maybe there are similarities. Whatever the case, I know that the reality of breastfeeding can hit you right in the jugular, without you even preparing for it!
This is the very reason why I was so drawn to Leah Hawker’s phenomenal new book, Breastfeeding 101. Friends, you need to read this one! In it, Leah shines a spotlight on 101 women, telling their often surprising stories about their journey with breastfeeding.
With gorgeous portraits, accompanied with candied stories as told straight from the “mamas mouth”, Leah explores personal truths, myths and attitudes towards the subject of breastfeeding, inevitably raising topical questions about how women feel about themselves, how they are seen by others and how they are marketed to.
I was so drawn to each story – relating to each on a different level. There is beauty in the difference and I love how Leah unpacks the multiple facets of breastfeeding, by creating a space where we can connect, as women and share a “wow, me too” moment as we page through her book.
The incredibly beautiful images, that accompany each story, paints a picture of what it means to be proudly and diversely South African AND united by the overwhelming task of Motherhood, all at the same time.
Leah says: “This was an important project to me because the subject is a central axis for current debates and highlights the current influences and outside factors affecting women, breastfeeding and infant health,” says Hawker. “The book tells unique stories and reveals surprisingly uncommon knowledge. My interest, as an image maker, is looking at women’s entire identities and the multitude of facets that these can be composed of.
Now, after photographing 101 portraits, I realise there is still so much we don’t know about the subject and even about what women experience when they become mothers.
The current influences and outside factors affecting women, breastfeeding and infant health are substantial. The stories told in this book are therefore important ones.”
My friends, if you’re a book lover, or you’re looking for something fascinating to add to your coffee table, trust me, you want this book! It is a stunning collection of work by one of our own and I highly recommend it! It is available for purchase via Exclusive Books, The Book Lounge and directly from the author at R385. You can contact Leah Hawker via email or visit her website.
About the author: Leah Hawker is a South African professional photographer. Her work covers birth, nudes, documentary features, art-based and editorial projects. Her most recent diptych titled “60 days (Pen & Hlomla)”, a reflection on motherhood and infant mortality, showed at the 2018 Sasol New Signatures Awards in the Pretoria Art Museum. The images exhibited were created during her Breastfeeding 101 project, which has taken three years.
Win a copy of Breastfeeding 101!Leah Hawker is giving away a copy of her gorgeous book, Breastfeeding 101, to one lucky reader!
To enter, simply follow the prompts below:
1. Find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
2. Find the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
3. Comment below and let me know what you think of the book, to grab 1 entry.Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 6 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
(EDITED: This giveaway has been extended! Winner to be announced on 16 December.)
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with Leah Hawker. All images in this post was supplied by and is the property of Leah Hawker.
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Hasbro’s Top Toys & board games has something for the whole family {Giveaway}
Shopping for Christmas gifts can be a tedious affair. I mean, how is one to know what “kids these days” are really into? Someone needs to tell us these things! Aaack! (Freaking out on the inside, smile and wave on the outside).
Well, Hasbro has made it considerably easier by releasing their Top Toys and board games list. (And the crowd goes yay). My favorite thing about this list is that it’s filled with nifty little gifts that would make for perfect stocking fillers. You know, the type of stuff you want to throw in your handbag, when you’re on your way out and you need something to keep your kid entertained.
I’m also a huge fan of the Hasbro board games. You guys, it’s no secret, board games are my jam. I love everything about a good game!Board games make for such cool Christmas gifts too! I mean, put together a little snack hamper, a scoreboard and matching buffs, and you have the perfect FAMILY gift! (JustEllaBella actually does this, so yes, I’m totally stealing this idea from her).
Some of my fave Hasbro board games include:
- Speak Out brings friends and family together for laugh-out-loud entertainment as players try to say different phrases, while wearing a mouthpiece that won’t let them close their mouth. Their teammates need to decipher what they are saying to earn points.
- Pie Face is another game for the whole family filled with fun and suspense, and somebody’sbound to get splatted! Just add some whipped cream or place a wet sponge on the ‘hand’ of this hilarious game unit and start turning the handles.
- 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.
- Add a twist of classic fun with Twister, the game that ties you up in knots and gets everyone moving.
- Try the fun block-stacking, stack-crashing game of JENGA that questions how you will stack up against the law of gravity?
If you’re looking for fun stocking fillers, your kids would probably go ga-ga for these latest top toys fads:
Play-Doh, always a fave, continues to captivate and capture kid’s imaginations. This time with Play-Doh Color Burst – a cool new addition to the Play-Doh range. It’s quite enchanting, watching the colors swirl and change, as the speckles of colors fuse for a cool marbling and blending effect. The pack contains 4 cans and a roller.So unless you’re living under a rock (the metaphorical rock of “no kids”) you would know that the Disney Frozen 2 movie will be released soon. If your kid is a fan like
I ammine is, you would totally make her Christmas with one of the cool Singing Elsa and Anna Fashion dolls. These come with Frozen 2 inspired outfits, light up dresses and they even play snippets of an original song from the movie! Want to score even more Mom Points? Well, then you definitely should grab a Fold and Go Arendelle Castle too. This castle has two floors and fun accessories, to decorate the rooms. How rad?!
The Lost Kitties Mice Mania milk carton singles are fantastic stocking fillers and I enjoy that there’s a bit of a mystery to it. It comes with a figurine, meme stickers, two hidden accesories and a collector’s sheet. And, best yet, you can store it in the resealable carton, so your kid can keep discovering over and over again.Everyone’s favorite rescue birds-in-training, the Top Wing crew, is a sure fire way to get your kid smiling on Christmas morning. These Top Wing figurines are 7cm high, poseable and includes a snap-on wings badge that the kids can wear.
My Little Pony, well known in the kiddy world for it’s magic, messages of friendship and overall coolness, has a gorgeous range of figurines and dolls. The Equestria Girls collectibles make for rad stocking fillers. You can even pick adorable My Little Pony baby dolls, that features moulded diapers, removable bibs and bottle accessories. I mean, I wouldn’t mind getting one… for myself.
And then this one is for all the Marvel fans… these Marvel figures are amazing! The Marvel action figures will give your child the inspiration to recreate scenes from the Marvel Universe, or imagine their own incredible adventures. This assortment includes Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor.If figurines are your – uh, I mean, your kids – thing, then check out the 15-cm Power Rangers Beast Morphers figures. I really love the size and that with the included Morph-X key, kids can imagine unlocking hero powers in the Beast-X Morpher toy (sold separately).
My favorite one yet is this Monopoly Deal Card Game! If you’re a Monopoly fan, you’ll enjoy this quick-playing card game that comes with 110 cards, including Property Cards, Rent Cards, House and Hotel Cards, and Wild Property Cards and ideal for on-the-go fun.Hasbro products are available from leading retailers including: Takealot.com, Makro, Toys R Us, ToyZone, Toy Kingdom, Game and Checkers.
Win a Hasbro Top Toys hamper!We’ve partnered with Hasbro to give away a cool Top Toys hamper to one lucky reader! The hamper will include a Hasbro Gaming family game, Nerf Micro shot, Lost Kittie Collectable and a Play-Doh item.
To enter, simply follow the prompts below:
1. Find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
2. Find the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
3. Comment below and let me know which of the Top Toys your kids will be excited about, to grab 1 entry.Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 6 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with Hasbro.
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Tommee Tippee’s Perfect Prep machine makes the perfect bottle! {Giveaway!}
It’s 3am and I hear Asher waking up for a feed. My heart is saying yes, but my body says no as I try to rise out of bed to see to him. I mean, I had literally just closed my eyes. Need sleep… can’t function. I nudge Hubstopher… it’s a silent “tag you’re it” and he grunts as he tries to escape my plea for help. I decide to grab baby, prepare his bottle and kinda just, you know, deposit him into his father’s arms, as one does.
The boy is a giant. And I’m not just saying so because it sounds like a fun thing to say. He is heavy. Juggling him, his blanket and bottle, while not stepping on toys, as I creep towards the kitchen, is probably what ninja training is made of. Once I reach the kitchen, I switch on the kettle, trying to shush him and prepare the bottle at the same time. It takes forever. The shushing is now accompanied with a little dance, as I try to keep him quiet. If the other
monsterskids wake up my dream of getting some rest tonight will be just that – a dream. The water is finally boiled and I now have to figure out how I’m going to get it into the bottle, and get the bottle made AND cooled, without upsetting my hungry baby even more. I silently mouth a prayer, while wondering how much Hollywood would pay me for my life story since it pretty much feels as if I am living in a sitcom. Baby starts crying again. This time, it’s loud enough to wake the others up. Jonah cries. Karis cries. I cry. The end.Okay, okay, my evenings aren’t thaaat dramatic. Well, not all the time atleast. And especially not since we got our hands on the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep machine. Now, I know what you’re thinking… it’s the same thing my mom said when she realised that we use a whole machine just to prepare our baby’s formula bottles: “Seriously Luchae, do you really need a machine for that?!”
And the answer is yes. The biggest, fattest yes!
The perfect bottle… every time!Because I combo feed my baby, I may not always have a readily prepared bottle on hand. I mean, sure you can prepare your formula bottles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. But even then, it would probably need to be heated up, before baby would take it. Heating a formula bottle in the microwave is not advisable since it might heat unevenly, creating ‘hot spots’ that would burn baby’s mouth. So doing it the old school way is probably your safest bet. And yep. that takes time.
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep machine prepares the perfect bottle in under two minutes! And friends, I’m talking perfect temperature, correct amount of water, in under two minutes AND you can operate it using only one hand… which, in my opinion, is the biggest score!
Your bottle will be the correct temperature for your baby pretty much immediately! No wait time. No screaming children. No headaches.The Perfect Prep has a filter system that removes impurities from the water and it’s initial “hot shot” kills any bacteria that may be in the formula.
And, my favorite thing about it is that it’s so easy to use, I even have my teenager prepping bottles! This machine is great for when you’re leaving baby with a babysitter or a helper and you’re concerned that they may not prepare their bottles correctly. There is no way they can get it wrong! Perfect Prep gives you the extra peace of mind that comes from knowing your baby’s bottle will be perfect every time.
Win a Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep machine!We’re giving away a Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep dream machine to one lucky reader! To enter, simply follow the prompts below:
1. Find the specially marked post on Instagram and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
2. Find the specially marked post on Facebook and follow instruction to grab 1 entry.
3. Comment below and let me know what you think of this amazing machine, to grab 1 entry.Giveaway open to SA residents only. Winner announced on 6 December and has 24 hours to claim prize.
This review and giveaway was done in collaboration with Tommee Tippee.
