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Five Black Friday shopping tips you need to know!
Once a year I impress myself with my Black Friday shopping skills. Whaaat – I am my own biggest cheerleader, okay? And anyways, who has the time (or moola) to go on that festive spree in December? First of all, I can’t wait that long and I don’t foresee myself spending copious amounts of time standing around in shopping malls. I want to shop and I want to shop now! Secondly, uhh that’s what that Black Friday sale is for, my friend! So when I discovered that Superbalist will be having a Black Friday perfume sale, I had to get in on that. But it got me thinking… whether it be food, clothing or perfume, Black Friday sale etiquette must be observed at all times! Yes, there is such a thing. And yes, there is a clever way to do Black Friday. And, duh, I’ve come here to tell you how!
Five Black Friday shopping tips you need to know!
1. Make a list
So, first things first, you might want to make a shopping list. My list is usually filled with those Christmas gift ideas and a bunch of luxury clothing and electronic items that we’ve had our eye on throughout the year. It helps to also list the usual retail value of the goodies, so that you can figure out if you’re actually get a good deal or not. By the way, the list totally helps me to not overspend!
2. Timing is everything
Starting early is the only way to go! While most online stores release their Black Friday specials at midnight, some may kick off earlier! This means that those hot products may sell out quickly. If you’re shopping for toys, you may want to get in on the Black Friday sales as soon as possible, because Summer toys usually sell out very quickly.
3. Compare prices
Make a list of retailers who are selling the same products that you are after. If you are doing online shopping, I would even recommend you bookmark the various websites, to help you stay on top of things. Having a list of stockists on hand will mean that you don’t miss out on that highly sought after product if your retailer of choice runs out of stock. It will also help you to compare prices, so that you get the best deal possible!
4. Shop online
I feel like it’s a no brainer – online shopping is the way to go, for Black Friday promotions! What’s more, you can even sign up for early reminders, so that you can get in on those specials asap! Tip: Open online accounts beforehand and save your shipping or payment details to your personal profile, so that you can complete purchases swiftly. You can even create a wishlist, on your favorite site, which will make it easier for you to see when that item becomes available or when the prices drop.
5. Check the return policy
So this one is a biggie if you’re purchasing clothing items or electronics. Make sure you study up on the return policies and fees – eg. will you be liable for shipping fees, if you want to send an item back. While most online stores offer at minimum a 14 day return policy, you might want to double check that the policy entitles you to money back, credit or an exchange.
Happy shopping!
This post was sponsored by Superbalist
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How clean is your mouth?
This may come across as a bit of a weird question but – how clean is your mouth? No really… how clean? I’m only asking because September is Oral Health Awareness month and I thought to spread the word about good oral health.
The thing is this, my dearest friends, so many people think that simply brushing alone is enough to ensure good oral health. But cleaning between your teeth is super important too, because that is where majority of the cavities start!
The team over at Sunstar GUM are actual gum health experts, so I take their word for it when they say that teeth have five sides and that brushing only cleans three of those sides. So yes, daily interdental cleaning will ensure that you have a healthy mouth and fresh breath. (It’s actually recommended by dental professionals, yo!)
Sunstar GUM has an unrivalled range of professional interdental tools & floss – the biggest range in SA, actually. Their nifty nickname for the range is: #GUMEssentialWorkers and that’s because these interdental tools do important work! The ‘Gum essential workers’ help to clean where your brush can’t reach! (Sounds like an important job to me).
Some of my fave Sunstar GUM interdental tools are:
GUM Soft-Picks Advanced
These are my ultimate fave! This curved interdental pick has soft rubber bristles that gently remove plaque and debris between teeth. You can use them on your orthodontic braces or if you have sensitive gums. Oh and they are ideal for adults AND children – how rad? I also love that it comes with a convenient travel case. I always have these in my hand bag.
GUM Trav-Ler
These are reusable interdental brushes that are really nifty when it comes to keeping those tight spaces in-between your teeth clean. The bristles are anti-bacterial and is proven to remove up to 25% more plaque than standard bristles. The neck is quite bendy and flexible. These are perfect for kids and/or adults with wide gaps between the teeth, food traps, orthodontic braces; sensitive or bleeding gums; implants or bridges; Oh and it comes in 10 different sizes.
GUM Original White Floss
If you’re a flossy kinda gal, you definitely will appreciate this quality, waxed floss. It contains micronized silica which helps to remove surface stains between teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. The floss is shred-resistant and it also contains fluoride. This product is recommended by dental professionals.
All Sunstar GUM products are available from dentists, Clicks, Dis-Chem, leading supermarkets and pharmacies.
WIN with Sunstar GUM!Sunstar GUM is giving you TWO opportunities to win some awsome Sunstar GUM prizes!
1. My Spreadsheet Brain blog giveaway: Simply pop on over to this specially marked Instagram post and follow the instructions. A Sunstar GUM hamper, to the value of R800 could be yours!
2. Sunstar GUM #GUMEssentialWorkers giveaway: Vote for your favourite #GUMEsssentialWorkers this September and you could win awesome Sunstar GUM prizes! To top this off, they will donate to the Dental Wellness Trust on your behalf. How cool is that?! Visit this page to vote.
Terms and conditions:
Giveaway closes on 23 September at midnight. 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. Winners of any My Spreadsheet Brain competitions in the last 6 months will not be eligible to win.
Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Ivodent
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It’s beginning to look a lot like…
“Iiiiiit’s beginning to look a lot like” … September. It’s September, people, calm down. And yes, when I speak to “people”, I’m actually talking to my spreadsheet brain… you know, “the girls” – my inner Susan and her sisters.
Anyways, soooo “the girls” want to start digging out the Christmas decorations already because my soul is in serious need of the over-the-top cheerfulness of the festive season. I need to feel some sort of renewed joy right now, like pronto, right this second.
To curb my enthusiasm (and mainly to avoid the wrath of a husband who is not ready for me to pump my Mariah Carey Christmas album), I’ve dedicated my pre-Christmas time to making my lists (and checking them twice… whaaaaaaat).
Mind you – it’s not all wasted time and longingly staring into the sky, in search of signs that Santa Clause really does exist. (I mean, is there even a doubt?!) I’m actually using this time to PLAN, my friends! Needless to say, “the girls” are so happy rn.
What am I planning? Well… Christmas gifts, for one. I figure that it’ll be super clever of me to begin my Christmas gifts shopping as early as possible. My December budget will thank me for this. I also want to use this time to stock up on Secret Santa gifts (we usually end up buying like 8 gifts for Secret Santa, because we belong to that many groups – its crazy! I mean, how many boxes of Clicks 2-for-1 chocolates does one really need?)It’s also a really good time to begin your Summer fashion shopping. Winter is the BEST time to go Summer shopping for kids! I’ve managed to get the kids some new cozzies and summery items already and I suspect my Black Friday hauls will help to add to the collection.
Guys – I’m even investigating my Christmas lunch options. This year, the fam and I are considering eating at a restaurant because let’s be honest, life is too short to stand around cooking huge pots of food and then to stand around washing copious amounts of dishes, while your pants button begs for mercy. Can’t do it. Won’t do it. Anyways – I am checking out the alternatives before they are fully booked.
Oh and don’t forget that January comes after December (amazing, I know, so mind-blowing). But what I mean by that is that you need to start prepping for that “back to school” spending now already, Patricia!
Don’t be like Old Luchae, who literally waited a week before school started, to make all those purchases. Old Luchae almost had a nervous breakdown. Old Luchae should be no one’s hero.
Anyways, my aim now is to try to buy any replacement school uniform items before December, so that I’m sorted in January. You can do the same with stationary lists (tip: find the next grades stationary list and use it as a guide).
There are a bunch of other things that I’ve been doing, to prep for the end of the old year and the start of the new one. (Whaaat don’t look at me like that Tiffany). You can check out that post over here. It’s filled with really good ideas, I promise.
I know I’m a bit pedantic with planning ahead – but it jingles my bells, okay? Have you begun planning for the festive season? The – uhhh- the girls want to know…
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5 habits that will help you to commit to date night
What do men’s shirt and date nights have in common? Well, in our home, both shirts for men and sexy date nights are sighted on an extremely rare occasion. In fact – what is this myth called “date night” and how do we get one??
Jokes aside – we are busy parents, okay? And, to be honest, we often struggle to commit to spending quality time together. BUT, date night is important, my friends. Especially when you are actively working towards keeping that marital fire burning! It is a must and a need!
Needless to say, when it comes to spending time together, Hubstopher and I do need a little bit of motivation. And nothing inspires us more than a fancy new spot to visit, a well-planned schedule and a cute new outfit to wear. I spotted a couple of sultry dresses (for me, obvz) and swanky looking formal shirts for men on Superbalist the other day and felt so inspired to make QT happen more regularly.
Also, it gave me a reason to go shopping (because my online shopping cart looks a lot less suspicious if there’s an occasional men’s formal shirts in the mix). But regardless, date night needed to become a regular thing!
I scoured the web and found a couple of easy ways to finally commit to a regular QT appointment! Let me know what you think and if you have any tips for us on how to stick to our new found commitment.
5 habits that will help you to commit to date night!
1. Take turns planning a monthly date night
Commit to date night atleast once a month – but (here’s the catch) decide on a day at the start of the month and stick to that date as if it were a work commitment. No unnecessary forfeits allowed! Take turns to plan the date night, each month. By swapping planning duties, we remove some of the burden off each other and we are able to surprise each other and make it extra special.
2. Create a cool/fun regime
Create fun date night traditions that make it easier for you to explore and experience new things together. One fun date night regime could be to explore a new restaurant or a new hot spot each month. Or perhaps you are the outdoorsy type and would be interested in exploring various outdoor activities. Whatever floats your boat! The idea is to spend time together and to grow together, as a couple.
3. Preparation is key
Proper date night preparation will help you to stay committed to the cause! Simple things like researching venues beforehand, having a date night budget each month, and making sure you have a team of babysitters to call on, will go a long way towards helping you stick to your date night appointment.
4. Date night can be “date day” too
Do not despise a day time “date night”, friend! Quality time, during the day, means you don’t need to splurge on a babysitter (if the kids are at school). A date, on a pretty sunny day can comprise of picnics, beach hangs or you could even spend time in nature while having a chat. Or hey, since you are alone at home (with kids at school) you could even hang out on your own couch – for free!
5. Make weekly quality time a thing
I realised that date nights don’t have to be once in a while thing. It has to be a lot more regular in order to keep the fire burning. Designating time, each week, to staying connect will help you to stay connected. Couch time and quick coffee dates can help with that! Tip: Ditch the phones!
Let me know if any of these tips will help you to commit to date night!
This post was sponsored by Superbalist
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What do you know about the Uber In-App Emergency Button?
I recently learnt about the Uber In-App Emergency Button and, I must admit, the e-hailing service went from amazing to even more amazinger™ (words by Luchae) in my books!
At the end of a busy day at the office, nothing is more relaxing to me, than a scenic drive home. There’s something about the peace and quiet, after the bustle of a busy day, that hits me right in the feels. And, when I’m not driving myself home, I must admit I get a kick out of sinking into the backseat of an Uber, while the driver’s choice of music settles my mind. I mean, as a mom who works full-time, nothing beats a couple of minutes of “alone time” albeit in an Uber.
I’ve always felt safe during my Uber trips. And I appreciate that their safety measures are so stringent. I mean, with all the e-hailing services available these days, I take comfort in knowing that Uber sets the standard for safety by having over 20 dedicated features to ensure its community’s wellbeing.
For starters, Uber’s checklists (that riders and drivers must acknowledge before the ride), ensures that both parties are Covid-19 compliant.
The Check Your Ride protocol helps you to verify that you are getting into the right car. Riders have a view of the driver’s information, including photo, license plate and car make/model.
You are also able to share your location – giving a loved one access to your geolocation and ETA all in real-time!
With Uber’s Safety Toolkit, the app houses all its unique safety features in one convenient spot. Identifiable by a shield logo, it can be found on the bottom right when on the app. Trusted Contacts and the in-app emergency button can all be accessed from this by simply tapping on the shield.In fact, you are able to designate up to five friends and family members as Trusted Contacts, to be prompted to share trip details with them during every ride or night-time trips. How cool is that?
A key feature that certainly stands out is the In-App Emergency Button. During a ride, with the push of a button in the app, you can connect directly to private security and medical assistance when needed via a third-party supplier. This key feature sets the app high in my rankings as an option of travel (especially when alone), as a female!
Thanks to technology, Uber’s Ride Check can even identify rare events like unexpected stops or possible crashes, with its response team contacting you to check on your safety!
I mean, how’s that for riding with safety?! These safety measures, and the e-hailing services commitment to driver and rider safety, is what sets Uber apart for me, without a doubt!
This post was paid for by Uber South Africa
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Whats up with Whatsapp? 8 simple points to help you understand.
Okay everybody calm down. Hold up. Let’s all take a collective “wooosahhhhh”. Rub those earlobes Susan… we’ve decided that we’re not going to freak out. Okay? I know you’re all wondering “whats up with Whatsapp?!” I mean, the aunties in our chat groups are telling us that the messaging app wants to steal our information and that we will lose access to the app from the 8 Feb. Hey, look at me! No freaking out, I said!
So, yes, it’s not a hoax, it’s a real thing. As of 8 February, Whatsapp will become unavailable to those not willing to accept their new terms of service.
“AAACK! What are the terms of service?!” I hear you shout out to me.
First all, I asked you to stay calm, Susan.
Secondly… do not fear, friends, I’m here to explain it to you in – uhhh – mummy terms. (I call it “mummy terms” because “dummy terms” is rude and we will not tolerate that kind of language around here, young lady.)
Anyways, here’s what’s happening, in point form: - Whatsapp is changing its terms of service.
This means that they are being transparent with regards to what their future plans are. - Functionally speaking, little will change for existing Whatsapp users.
This means that you will still beable to use the app, and enjoy the end-to-end encrypted chatting that it offers (as in, they are not outhere reading your messages). - The change is to create an integration between Whatsapp and Facebook, making it easier for businesses who use Whatsapp, to make use of the Facebook infrustructure.
This means that businesses and their clients, will have more options with regards to how they shop on the Facebook and Whatsapp platforms. The two will be linked. - Facebook has owned Whatsapp since 2014 by the way.
This means that Whatsapp and Facebook have been in partnership for a long time. This isn’t a new agenda. - If you’re a Facebook/Google user, you’ve been sharing your data already. It’s not a new thing.
This means that apps have always used your data to manage the type of services they offer, advertising and even how they go about growing their corporations. - So if you’re ditching Whatsapp because privacy is an issue for you, you should probably delete every other app you’re registered on.
- If you’re still uncomfy with Whatsapp, you could switch to Telegram or Signal, but you would need to ask your friends and family to switch too.
- Oh and last tip, instead of relying on family chat groups to provide you with information, rather rely on verified/trusted sources of information.
With that said, you can can check out more about the above over here:
- Whatsapp is changing its terms of service.
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Wanna win a cool R25 000 in Uber Credits? {Giveaway!}
How does a cool R25 000 worth of Uber Credits sound? Like music to your ears, right? Well, you could be the lucky winner, taking home R25 000 in Uber credits to be used on the Uber Eats or Uber Rides app!
As you guys know, I am an avid Uber patron. Honestly, without the Uber Rides and Uber Eats apps, I would probably be stranded, daily. I appreciate that safety is a priority at Uber Eats. All stores, merchants and restaurants follow the strictest of hygiene protocols.
In fact, the Uber app has included enhanced COVID-19 safety features which require all delivery-partners to wear a mask before being allowed to pick-up and deliver. All delivery bags are also sanitised before and after every order.
Users are still able to track their order in real-time and have access to in-app support via the app for any queries.
Well, guess what my friends, Uber would like to give you the opportunity to win a lekker R25 000 in Uber credits! All you need to do is order from the app for R60 or more between now and the 20th of December 2020. Yep – that’s it! Users have an unlimited amount of entries, so the more you order the greater your chances of winning.
Competition GuidelinesTo enter, simply:
1. Open the Uber Eats app and select “account”
2. Tap on promotions and tap “enter code”
3. Enter ‘WIN25k’ and tap “add promo”
4. Order your favourite foods, daily essentials or any other much-needed item from any of the merchants available on the app (Minimum basket order must be over R60 to be eligible)
5. At checkout the competition code is automatically applied so simply place your order
The competition closes on the 20th December and the winner will be announced 23 December 2020. The competition will be overseen by Eversheds Sutherland (SA) Inc. T&Cs apply. The winner is subject to authentication by Uber Eats and must be of 18 years or older to enter. All orders must be to the value of R60 or higher to be eligible for the competition. The winner will be selected by an external auditor using a random function on their UUID. The winner will need to acknowledge the winnings before a payout is made. Uber Eats reserves the right to adjust the terms if necessary. Full competition rules can be found on the Uber website.
This post was paid for by Uber.
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Uber Tech For Safety summit
We live in a world where safety is a necessity and sometimes, a luxury. I mean, we don’t always have the means to ensure that our homes and families are 100% safe. That’s why I get so excited when companies like Uber go above and beyond into investigating and researching ways that we can use technology to help create public spaces that champion social justice, equality, and safety for all.
Uber – in particular – hosts an annual Tech for Safety summit that is technology-safety focused.
The aim of the 2020 summit is to find technology-driven innovative solutions to some of the most pressing societal safety-related issues.
I love that the mission of the summit is to up the ante and bring to the forefront some of Africa’s biggest threats to personal safety while highlighting the opportunities that exist in leveraging technology.
I mean, let’s be honest, the world has changed due to COVID-19. Now more than ever, safety and technology is a key to survival for people and businesses.
Safety unlocks opportunities for growth. And I appreciate that Uber believes that safety should always be a priority. That’s why they are constantly striving to better the app.Anyways, the Tech for Safety summit, with its innovative speakers and panellists, will chat about COVID-19 safety, while equipping guests with the knowledge needed to use current and new technology to help create a safer future for all across South Africa.
The speakers and panellists will include thought leaders, corporates, start-ups and innovators and they’ll lead the summit by addressing the safety challenges faced by the pandemic and what solutions have worked
The Uber Tech for Safety 2020 summit will take place on Thursday, October 22nd.Is this something that interests you? Well, I’m sure it does. It involves the safety and well-being of your family and society, at large. So, if you’d like to sign up (it’s free) and join the conversation, register now by clicking here or alternatively by sending your full name and contact details to rsvp@ubertechsafety.co.za to save your free virtual seat.
This post was done in collaboration with Uber SA.
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Instant Pot Creamy Pasta Recipe
I’m the pasta lady, everyone knows this about me. A really special lady taught me how to make this creamy pasta dish and let me tell ya, my creamy pasta is unrivalled. (Unrivalled, you hear!! *shakes fist to the sky*) Anyways – dramatics aside – when I got my hands on my new Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 I wondered if I would be able to make my creamy dreamy UNRIVALLED pasta dish in this glorious machine. I needed a one pot pasta (because mama’s busy) without losing flavour or creaminess (because creaminess is important okay).
Before I get right into the recipe I need to clip note: you can make this dish as fancy or as simple as you need. When pressed for time (or when my fridge is semi-empty) I use what I have and make it work. It tastes delish either way!
Instant Pot Creamy Pasta
Ingredients
500g of pasta (macaroni)
A punnet of mushrooms (chopped)
Greenpepper (chopped)
2 packets of cream of chicken OR mushroom soup
1 tub of fresh cream
500g water (Instant Pot)
500g of cheese (I love it super cheesey… your cheese, your call) (Oh and you’d want it grated)
Salt and pepper
Chicken breast – cubed
I usually add chopped pieces of pepperdew for that extra spunk, but this is optional
Instant Pot Method
Saute Mode
1. Melt a dash of olive oil and a spoonful of butter.
2. Add some garlic for flavor (I use chilli garlic).
3. Add chunks of chicken, salt and pepper, and saute.
4. Add chopped greenpepper and chopped mushrooms.
Don’t overcook these ingredients, you’re lightly sautéing it.Switch Off Instant Pot
5. Mix your chicken/mushroom soup with about 500g of water and add to pot.
6. Add fresh cream and give it a good stir.
7. Add your macaroni to the top and DO NOT MIX but do push down lightly to make sure that your pasta is just submerged. You may need to add a dash of water, based on how much meat you’ve added, but I usually just eye it to determine if your pasta is submerged enough. (Think: crocodile, not submarine)Pressure Cook Mode
Seal and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
When timer goes off, turn valve to “venting” to do a quick release.
Once you’ve been given the go ahead to remove lid, stir in your grated cheese and serve!
Yep – it’s that easy!Check out my video below – you know – for entertainment purposes, but also to see my facial expressions while I make this dish. Bon appetite!
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Ace that space with Sunstar GUM
A huge lesson that I am taking with me after all of the 2020 shenanigans (for lack of a better word) is that health is wealth! I mean, we’ve all been reminded of the value and importance of looking after your body #amiright?
I was also reminded that a healthy mouth and fresh breath goes hand in hand with a healthy body.
In fact, September is National Oral Health Month and Sunstar GUM is on a mission to help us ‘ace that space’ by efectively cleaning in-between teeth for a healthier mouth and body.
Did you know that only a third of South Africans floss or clean in-between regularly? Shocking, right? (I mean, how shocked am I really when I am NOT a part of that third… I know, I’m giving myself a stern talking to…)According to dental experts, you actually NEED to clean between teeth every day. Children should start cleaning in-between once their permanent teeth start to touch. It’s actually good to get them to play with interdental tools at a young age, familiarizing them with the concept of healthy teeth.
Fortunately, Sunstar GUM makes it pretty easy to keep our “inbetweens” clean, with their unrivalled range of flosses, tooth picks and tiny interdental brushes. There is literally an interdental tool for everyone… even if your gaps are small or you wear orthodontic braces!
Oh and they’ve made it even easier for those of us (me, definitely me) who are too busy/lazy to actually figure out which interdental tool would suite your needs. Simply visit the Ivo Health website and take the Sunstar GUM #AceThatSpace quiz (www.ivohealth.co.za/ace-that-space).
Besides for letting you know exactly what you need to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly white, by completing the quiz you also enter yourself into a cool giveaway. You could win prizes valued at over R1,200 – including top quality Sunstar GUM oral care tools and a professional EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy Treatment with a Swiss Dental Academy qualified oral hygienist.
According to the Sunstar GUM #AceThatSpace quiz, my perfect interdental tool is the Sunstar GUM Easy Flossers which are designed to make between-teeth cleaning easy and (very important) FAST! I like that it has an easy to grip handle and that it’s shred-resistant. This makes it ideal for kids and those who may find traditional floss difficult to manage. It also comes in a handy travel case.
Hubstopher has sensitive gums and would probably have to use the Sunstar GUM Expanding Floss. It’s thin and easy to insert between teeth, comfortably. Once inserted, it then cleverly expands for a more effective clean around the tooth and gum line. This one is ideal for those with small gaps between teeth or if you have sensitive or receding gums.If you have orthodontics, bridges or implants, guess what, there’s an interdental tool for you too! The Sunstar GUM Soft-Picks Advanced is perfect for you because it has a curved dental pick (the only curved pick on the market, btw). The curve follows the natural shape of the joy, which makes it easy to reach between each tooth. The soft rubber bristles helps to gently dislodge food and plague. What’s more, it is available in small, regular and large. How’s that for convenience?
But wait, there’s more! Sunstar GUM makes it even easier for you to practice good dental hygiene with their genius Sunstar GUM Red-Cote Disclosing Tablets. Once chewed, these tablets make it easy to find plaque by colouring the plaque red. You are then able to target the areas that need extra care, ensuring that your teeth and gums are completely clean! This product is recommended by dental professionals to help children learn to brush and clean between the teeth effectively, and for adults who want to check how well their oral care is working.
WIN a Sunstar GUM oral care kit valued at R812!We’re giving away a Sunstar GUM #AceThatSpace oral care kit valued at R812. It contains everything you need to ‘ace that space’ including a Sunstar GUM ActiVital Sonic brush, floss, three types of interdentals, GUM Original White paste and mouth rinse.
To enter simply find the specially marked posts on Instagram and Facebook and follow the instructions!
Terms and conditions
Giveaway ends on 9 October. Competition is open to SA residents only. Competition is not affiliated with Facebook or Instagram. T&C’s apply. Decision is final and we reserve the right to disqualify winners should entry mechanisms not be followed. Products are not redeemable for cash. Ivo Health will deliver goods to winner.
Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Ivo Health.
