There is something about owning a piece of Pandora jewellery and being able to make it your own. I wear my travel bracelet almost every day and if I pass a Pandora shop or seller I always pop in to take a look and maybe add another charm to my or the kids’ bracelets. The Rebelle in Wonderland Collection is currently speaking to me and the new Pandora Me Collection is truly a cute collection for Gen Z.
What makes you, you? Reinventing symbols in an entirely new way, Pandora Me explores self-identity through a brand-new collection of sterling silver micro dangle charms and single stud earrings, bracelets and a safety pin brooch that enables a new generation to create empowering jewellery looks based on the stories that make them who they are.
Reimagining the notion of miniature inkings through jewellery, looking at the way we use symbols and messages to express who we are as individuals, the small, hand-finished sterling silver symbols are powerful markers of personality and open to interpretation. From blue moons to bumble bees and music notes to magical unicorns, every piece has a meaning; it’s up to the wearer to define it.
The beauty of Pandora Me is that one person sees a symbol one way, and someone else sees it another way. It’s a more playful way to express yourself and your story — jewellery doesn’t have to be serious.
Pandora’s creative directors, Francesco Terzo and A. Filippo Ficarelli
The new collection is faced by the actor and activist, Millie Bobby Brown, who has signed a two-year contract to represent Pandora Me. The casual and cool campaign images, shot by noted photographer Cass Bird, feature Brown wearing her favourite symbols and sharing the personal stories behind each piece.
Are these pieces just too gorgeous?
Meet Millie Bobby Brown — The Face of Pandora Me
The 15-year-old actress is a multifaceted talent on and off the screen and her professional accolades are well-known. She captured the hearts of millions in major television roles and is set to make her silver screen debut in summer 2019.
Beyond her professional talents, Millie’s passions for important social causes elevated her to become the youngest person ever to be included on TIME Magazine’s annual “100 Most Influential People” list, and UNICEF appointed her the youngest Goodwill Ambassador in the program’s history.
In addition to her tell it like it is attitude, Millie’s 18 million Instagram fans follow her page for fashion moments, her impressive rap skills and behind the scenes look at her life.
When she’s not using her profile to celebrate personal stories with her fans, Millie uses her stardom to advocate against bullying and the negativity on social media.
Millie Bobby Brown was born on February 19, 2004 in Spain to British parents, and moved to Orlando, Florida in 2011 where talent scouts discovered Millie. She has three siblings, and today she resides in London and Atlanta, Georgia.
“Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.”
Anon
There is one thing you need to know about the new Instax
Mini LiPlay… It is the best Instax ever released and this is why:
You can take photos with the digital camera
Apply filters and frames
Record a voice note and print it to the photo by
QR code
It has a selfie mirror
You can print from your phone
It uses the same film as your Instax Mini 8 or 9
It is super easy to use
The Instax Mini LiPlay is available in speckled white, black
and rose gold. It comes with a strap and battery charging cable. It will set
you back over 2k, but if I had to choose… this camera would be top of my list
in the instant photo category.
You can also opt to get the Instax SP2 Printer to print
photos from your phone, but if you get the LiPlay you have the best of printer
and digital camera plus the only camera (as far as I know) that will let you
link a voice memo to it.
…and yes, I am well aware that there are places that will
print your photos to an Instax film, but they won’t add frames or crop it a
little. I did this, at home, in my own time, with my own Instax camera.
…or you could just have your photos printed in the mall. On
that note, FujiFilm has developed a new app you install on your phone. You can
find the nearest printer that uses the app, load the photos you want to print
into the app and send it to your chosen location (you’ll have to pay before
they print), but still, no memory sticks and WhatsApping your photos.
The first thing I did with my Instax Mini LiPlay…
Print photos of my mom! Then my kids… The best part was that
I could go back in time and print old photos. This camera gave me something
that no other camera currently on the market could.
I’m making an album for each of my kids, so that no matter what, they will always remember the good times they had with us.
A picture is worth a thousand words, but the memories are priceless…
Unknown
…and this is where I am
After a big loss you realise what you won’t have anymore. This is where a printed photograph will help you to keep those memories fresh in your mind and the good times close to your heart.
Facebook brought us closer, but having an online profile exposes you (and your kids) to the world in ways that you cannot even begin to imagine.
Did you know that Facebook invests in research to understand the impact its platform has and offers training within local communities to teach people to be safer online? I got to hear a bit more of their efforts last night…
5 safety tips for parents with teens on Facebook and Instagram
Facebook wants you, your children, family and friends to feel safe from bullying, harassment, scams, inappropriate content and other cyber dangers when using Facebook and its family of apps (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger). They work with external experts, including a safety advisory board, to gather feedback from their community to develop policies, tools and resources to keep you safe.
In South Africa Facebook works with partners like Digify Africa who launched Ilizwe Lam with in 2018. This programme is aimed at training teens on the importance of Internet safety. Parents also have a critical role to play in educating teenagers about online safety. Here are a few tips on engaging with kids and discussions you could have about their online safety.
Under 13? You shouldn’t be on Facebook or Instagram yet! Facebook and Instagram require everyone to be 13 years old before they can create an account (in some countries, this age limit may be higher dependent on local laws), and we encourage parents to have these conversations with their teens
The same rules apply online and offline! Your teenager can avoid most potential dangers and concerns online by simply stopping to think before they submit a post or accepting a friend request. Teach them to think before they engage with strangers online.
Engage early. Research shows that many children as young as six have access to smartphones or tablets. Talk to them about technology, before they are on social media.
Help them to check and manage their privacy settings. Once your teen has set up a social media account, they can use Facebook privacy settings to control who can friend them, who can see their posts, and if they share details such as their location by default. This can help them to control their exposure to bullying, harassment and other potential concerns.
Show them the tools they can use to filter content and people from their feeds. Instagram offers many flexible tools to keep teens safe online – keep them informed about the options. We’ve rolled out keyword filtering, bullying filtering and sensitivity screens, for example. People can also restrict unwanted interactions on their profiles and easily report accounts, comments and posts for bullying.
I have a few rules I follow online with my kids too – and they might just surprise you!
My kids are very far from being teenagers, but keeping them safe is my top priority.
I never LIVE tag our location
I will never check in at their school, at someone else’s or our own house
You don’t have to use their real names on “open platforms” where it is more than friends and family
They always have to wear clothes and not be in a pose that may be misconstrued by twisted individuals
For parents with kids slightly older I would highly recommend teaching your kids not to post photos of them in their school and sports uniforms. It is so easy to find school emblems, then Google the school for its address. Not to scare you, but by the time a criminal knows your kid’s name, where they’ll be, who their friends are and likes and dislikes from what they post online… your kid could be a walking target. I have personally seen how easy it is to gather all this information – and it scares me.
When I was asked to review the Instax SQ20 I didn’t really
want to, because I have an Instax LiPlay – and you don’t need more than that in
life… or so I thought.
The Instax SQ20 is a hybrid instant camera (shoot – edit – print) which makes it a great gift for any shutterbug. It is a fun camera that takes the gamble out of printing.
What I really like about this camera is automatic flash and colour editing capabilities. I don’t think it has the oolala appeal of an Instax Mini, but has a rather utilitarian design – I’m not complaining. I really, really like the square photos as it offered more space to fit stuff into the frame.
Its features
Offers a digital display on the reverse of the
camera to let users preview images before printing Video capture and zoom
functionality
18 simple filter effects and 6 colour filters to
apply with a dial button
Up to 4 x zoom
Frame-by-frame video grabbing – great when you
have kid or cats that won’t sit still
Selfie mirror – and if you don’t like it,
discard and try again with no printing
The photos of Lexa is from a video and I grabbed my fav 2 frames, applied a B&W filter and voila! Santon, the cat, is another favourite test subject as it is quite difficult to capture the beauty of black cats – and this little camera did it.
The size & weight
The Instax SQ20 is about the same size as an Instax Mini 8
or 9 – 119 mm x 50 mm x 127 mm/4.7 in. x 2 in. x 5 in. (W x D x H).
It’s quite a heavy little camera at 390 g/13.8oz (excluding film pack and memory card) or 440 g/15.5oz with film pack and memory card
The first day with the Instax SQ20
Lexa has seen Instax cameras and how the film reveals the picture, but this was Lily’s very first time and she was fascinated.
Exploring the Cradle of Humankind with the Instax SQ20
An 8
episode series was the best think I did this weekend – and I’m not even sorry I
watched it in 1 marathon session!
UNBELIEVABLE
is a miniseries based on true events with Toni Collette, Merrit Wever (Denise
from The Walking Dead) and Kaitlyn Dever as the 3 main characters. It is a sit
on the edge of your seat, will they/won’t they solve it type of story.
One of
the victims even gets charge for “falsely” reporting her rape – all because she
was battered by the police during the investigation.
It such a
topical series with the #AMINEXT movement in South Africa. It is a must-watch.
Who
has a partner that absolutely drives them up the wall about the bed or pillow
they are sleeping on? I’m jumping up and down because my husband more than just
drives me up the wall. He has bought several pillows because the pillow is too
hard, too fluffy, too something else – plus now apparently the bed we bought
not so long ago is just not comfortable enough anymore.
It drives me up the walls that he can’t just get on with it and sleep wherever, because I can. If I can sit or lie down on it, I can sleep.
I
don’t know where people hear about my husband’s complaints or my irritation
about his sleeping troubles but I got invited to check out a new technology at
The Bed King to help you choose a bed that offers the right support where you
need it.
You
lie down on a bed in the Comfort
Solutions Lab –
whichever position you sleep in most – then the sensors in the bed feeds
information to a laptop. It maps out your pressure points and based on your
sleeping position and pressure points the software recommends a type of
mattress. The sales assistant then can take you to the right mattresses that
will offer you the best sleep and support – narrowing down your choices.
I really wish they had brought this in earlier!
If you are
planning on buying a bed all you need to do is visit your nearest Bed King
branch and have your unique posture and support reading done in the Comfort
Solutions Lab.
By the way, if you buy any Comfort Solutions mattress Bed King will donate R500 to The Children’s Hospital Trust! This is the third year that Bed King is running this fundraising initiative. Last year over R250K was raised and we’re on target to do the same now. All money goes towards upgrading the emergency unit.
About the Lab
Each Comfort Solutions Lab® is a spacious booth that includes one mattress with a built-in pressure-mapping sensor. The Comfort Solutions Lab® uses your unique pressure points to recommend a Comfort Solutions® mattress that will effectively support your body while providing it with the comfort it needs. Customers lie on the test mattress in their usual sleep positions. Once their pressure map is recorded, a screen displays the data and shows the customer where their unique pressure points are. The Comfort Solutions Lab® identifies two primary factors – the comfort level of each individual and the customer’s required support.
The Children’s Hospital Trust
The Children’s Hospital Trust is an independent non- profit organisation established in 1994 to raise funds to support specific projects and programmes to help advance child healthcare through the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. It’s a topic close to Bed King’s heart as they strongly believe in children as the future of South Africa and the option of quality healthcare. Money raised will go directly towards upgrading of the emergency ward.
Are you a fan of a little show called The Walking Dead? It’s going for S10 – sans Rick and Maggie. Somehow this show about people in a post zombie-pocalypse world had me for 9 seasons already… I might as well admit that S10 will have me in front of the TV again. There are no spoilers here, move along and look at this awesome official pic!
THIS IS A SPOILER BIT Be primed and ready for the apocalypse this October, as the Walking Dead focusses on Michonne as she goes out in a blaze of glory. This season will also close out the Whisperers arc, introduce a new faction and feature another time jump.
Stumptown
I’m just going to put it out there, but Cobie Smulders who used to play Robin in How I met your mother and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in Marvel films may just have found the perfect role…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwynrxEPSQk
Disney added a great line-up of content with the acquisition of FOX
This October you can look forward to great shows and additional seasons of your favourites.
CSI S10 (23 episodes) Riley Adams leaves the CSI team in turmoil, as Catherine’s leadership skills are called into question.
CSI Miami S9 (22 episodes) Whilst the team reels from Cardoza’s murder, Horatio and Calleigh find themselves battling old foes and new criminals.
EMPIRE S6A – the final season (9 episodes) Be prepared for more twists and drama we we bid farewell to the Lyon family.
BLUE BLOODS (S4 – S6 double bills) Blue Bloods is a drama about a multi- generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTAKULAR – 31 October
American Dad – From 06:25
Family Guy – From 07:35
Criminal Minds – From 08:25
CSI – From 09:10
Hawaii Five-0 – From 10:45 – 16:10
WAR OF THE WORLDS (8 episodes of 60 minutes each)
When astronomers detect a transmission from
another galaxy, it is definitive proof of intelligent extra-terrestrial life.
The world’s population waits for further contact with baited breath. They do
not have to wait long. Within days, mankind is all but wiped out; just pockets
of humanity are left in an eerily deserted world.
As alien ships appear in the sky, the
survivors ask a burning question – who are these attackers and why are they
hell-bent on our destruction?!
The preview and the actors convinced me to make a note to watch it
Do you cartoon?
Adult Cartoons like The Simpsons, American Dad and Family Guy are also still running strong. I don’t know how The Simpsons have defied the years to still be on screen, but I do enjoy the crossovers that happen in these cartoons. Just in case you’ve missed this yellow family..
American Dad – An animated comedy revolving around Stan Smith, a CIA agent in Langley Falls, VA, whose main objective in life is national security. His family, a talking goldfish and a space alien rescued from Area 51 keep Stan busy while he tries to prevent terrorist activity in the U.S.
National Geographic October highlights
EXPEDITION AMELIA follows National Geographic explorer Bob Ballard’s quest to solve one of the most enduring mysteries of all time—the loss of another famed explorer, Amelia Earhart. Along the way it also tells the extraordinary and often overlooked story of Amelia herself—a record breaker and tireless advocate for women’s rights, a hundred years ahead of her time.
Lost Cities combines hi-tech archaeology, breath-taking visuals and genuine exploration to make headline-grabbing discoveries. Lost Cities brings adventure, science and archaeology together through our host Albert Lin. Our ambitious approach applies 3D scanning to some of the most extraordinary sites of antiquity. This series will deliver powerful, emotional stories with hi-tech imagery to bring the mysteries of the past vividly to life.
Activate is a six-part National Geographic documentary series about the Global Citizen movement’s efforts to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. Each episode delves into a different issue connected to poverty by following a specific campaign and the organizers, celebrity amplifiers, grassroots activists and impacted people connected to that campaign. The series will run in 2019 in 172 countries, in 43 languages and reach 463 million households.
“Ice Road Rescue” portrays a group of heroic tow truck rescue workers. When winter hits Norway the transport roads turn into treacherous bobsleigh tracks. Every day the rescuers fight to keep this routes open by rescuing heavy trailers stuck in the mountain terrain. Winter storms, avalanches and lack of daylight through the winter season are just some of the challenges they have to face, working close to the polar circle. Extreme winter conditions that often make them risk their lives. “Ice Road Rescue” shows the ultimate man versus nature.
Airport Security: Brazil Sao Paolo International Airport, Guarulhos, Brazil, South America’s busiest. Here, Federal Police work 24-7, to stop illegal activity. Their main threats, forged documents and the trafficking of cocaine. In this 5th season agents bust passengers with cocaine on and inside their bodies, smuggling contraband in clever items and taking chances with illegal immigration. Watch as the action unfolds in the airport’s most restricted areas.
National Geographic Wild October highlights
LIFE AND DEATH IN PARADISE –This is a rollercoaster ride of life in the Caribbean as never seen before. Fascinating stories, unparalleled pictures and singular storytelling give a surprising and stunning insight into life in the Caribbean in two action packed episodes.
DOG IMPOSSIBLE –In every one-hour episode, we take a step inside Matt’s innovative approaches to modifying canine behavior. With each animal, he focuses on their unique needs, from detachment issues to aggression shaped from fear. Each episode features inspiring stories of dog rehabilitation and is loaded with useful information that will help pet owners improve their life with their four- legged best friends.
KINGDOM OF THE WHITE WOLF –National Geographic Photographer and biologist Ronan Donovan travels to the Arctic to embed with the legendary white wolves that don’t fear human sand get as close to them as he can.
WORLD ANIMAL DAY – 24 Hour marathon – 4 October – Nat Geo Wild will broadcast a 24 hours marathon on October 4th in celebration of World Animal Day. The aim is to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. Building the celebration of World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals. Through increased awareness and education we can create a world where animals are always recognized as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare.
Disney Channel
Disney Junior
A SECOND SEASON OF DISNEY JUNIOR’S ‘FANCY NANCY,’ BASED ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING BOOK SERIES, IS IN PRODUCTION
Disney Junior has ordered a second season
of “Fancy Nancy” on Disney Junior. Based on the New York
Times bestselling book series by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser,
the animated family comedy centers around six-year-old Nancy, a high-spirited
young girl whose zest and enthusiasm for all that is exquisite – including
language, nature, art and color – transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, executive vice president, Content and Creative
Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide and general manager, Disney Junior
Worldwide.
PRODUCTION UNDERWAY ON DISNEY JUNIOR’S ‘MIRA, ROYAL DETECTIVE,’ A MYSTERY-ADVENTURE SERIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Production has begun on “Mira, Royal Detective,” an animated mystery-adventure series for preschoolers slated to debut on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks around the world in 2020. Set in the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur, the series follows the brave and resourceful Mira, a commoner who is appointed to the role of royal detective after solving a mystery that involves saving the kingdom’s young prince. The role of Mira will be voiced by 15-year-old newcomer Leela Ladnier. The announcement was made today by Joe D’Ambrosia, senior vice president, Original Programming, Disney Junior.
You want to visit and explore beautiful countries? Now isn’t that funny, we already live in a beautiful country rich in attractions and natural wonders.
I think
I am luckier than most, I got to see and experience a lot of South Africa with
my parents. Plus I grew up in the far north, made my way to Gauteng and set up
home in Jozi and Durbs. I kind of have a map in my head of all the places we’ve
been. I never want to stop discovering more of my country or visiting
favourites like the Kruger National Park, beautiful Mpumalanga or Limpopo with
it’s views of mountains, bushveld and wildness.
However, we can’t always drive to all the beautiful places far, far away – sometimes we have to look a little closer to home.
A
few weekends ago we left the kids with the nanny and hubby and I did something
together, on our own. I finally convinced hubby that this is one of those quick
trips close to home that we need to see. I grabbed the Instax SQ20, my phone
and wallet and off we went.
I
didn’t quite know what to expect from Maropeng/Cradle of Humankind. I didn’t go
with expectations but rather with the mindset that there might be some cool
bones. This museum exhibition did not disappoint and I can say for sure that
the quality of the exhibition is on par with some really great international
exhibits.
I’m going to skip right past the Long Walk to Freedom statues and get back to it later… as in, in another piece next week. (I’m that evil)
The
building itself is a marvel to see. It is covered in grass from the front and
reminds you of a beehive. Officially the Tumulus Building resembles an ancient
burial mound – but I see a beehive. As you make your way into the building you
are greeted by the sound of a sunken fountain – where you can toss a coin and
make wish. Then you descend into the underground where you will go on a journey
of time.
Another
surprise was the little gondola ride. It floats by an ice world, volcanoes and
more – it was such a fun part of the museum! Then you get out and walk the rest
of the journey. We had so much fun with all the interactive pieces and it was
really an immersive experience that is great for kids and adults.
I’m not going to spoil it by oversharing, but what I can tell you is that I would definitely go to Maropeng again! If you have time to watch the video at the bottom of the page you can see more of the exhibition and gondola ride experience.
After the exhibit we had lunch at the entrance. It was a simple meal and not too expensive.
What it costs to Visit Maropeng / Cradle of Humankind, Long Walk to Freedom statues and Sterkfontein Caves
R190 per adult gets you into the museum and into the Sterkfontein
Caves. You can do them separately, but it’s more cost effective to do a all-in
ticket.
You can visit the Long Walk to Freedom statues for free as it
is outside.
The advances Optiphi have made with the delivery systems of nourishment for skin is one of the most interesting developments to follow. It didn’t surprise me when I learnt that with the help of a DNA analysis they can predict what problems your skin will have in future – based on genetic markers.
The
DNA test identifies unique genetic markers which indicates your genetic
disposition to certain skin characteristics.
There
are six skin categories that are investigated;
Wrinkles, volume loss and glycation
Dermal sensitivity and detoxification
Inflammation of the skin
Oxidative stress
DNA protection and repair
Pigmentation and sun sensitivity
My Optiphi recommendation is for the Active Range but with suggestions of adding additional products from other ranges. The report is quite comprehensive at 15 pages – so I’m just sharing the diagram.
These recommendations I received is based on my personal DNA results and are uniquely designed around my medium and high priority areas. You need to have your own analysis done in order to get the right products for your skin. This can be done at any beauty clinic or salon that stocks Optiphi.
Must have: Eyesigns Active Gel Priority Area: Collagen formation; sun damage; detoxification
Must have: Rejuvenating Revitalizer Priority Area: Collagen formation; sun sensitivity and pigmentation; sun damage; anti-oxidant enzymes
Must have: Moisture Control Ultra Priority Area: Collagen formation; pigmentation; sun damage; anti-oxidant enzymes; detoxification
Recommended additional product: Dermintense Active Gel Priority Area: Collagen formation; anti-oxidant enzymes
I was given a free DNA Analysis and products to test, however the opinions expressed are my own.
Africa is the roar of a lion the prance of a springbok the sun in the sky the beat of my heart the air that I breathe
Africa is
where my heart gallops over mountains
where smiles walk dusty roads
where the sun sets in fire
where the world comes to meet
where my people are
Africa is my love my life my dream my family my friends
Africa is lost burning eating itself shouting with blood on its streets
Africa needs to be saved from the rot eating at its soul killing its people while the rioters rule
Africa is roaring in pain running from the streets hiding from the sun losing its heartbeat out of breath crying
Will you lock arms with me to stop the flames from swallowing the tip of Africa?
What can you do?
Click here to sign the petition and tell the President that he needs to do something about the crime in South Africa TODAY: https://chng.it/RNcVJzXc
