Susann, Author at Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel

May 24, 2019 3 Mins Read

Oh, it’s from the Chicco Fantastic Love range!

It’s almost not real, you know, that I have my own kids. I still have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.

Lexa is in pre-school and probably smarter than most kids – and I’m not exaggerating, that kid is a genius. She is quite bossy, can solve any problem within minutes and have cracked the code to open all baby proof locks. She isn’t the nicest human after a nap, but when she is in a good mood… it’s sunshine and rainbows rolled in unicorn poop.

Lily is now just over the 7 month mark and crawls like a pro. She is definitely also a cat person as she loves grabbing onto my cat, Sandton. When her big sister holds her she can’t help but smile, she loves her sister so much.

When I look at all the new products that have hit the shelves since Lexa and Lily was born I feel a little pang of jealousy that I didn’t have that – not that we’re not still on bottles and diapers!

One of the most beautiful limited edition ranges that have hit the shelves is definitely the Chicco Fantastic Love range. When we opened the box Lexa just went wowowowow! Her poor little sister barely had time to chomp down on the teether before it was stolen right from her little mouth.

This is the perfect gift for a baby shower – even if you buy just one item from this range it’ll still be a pretty awesome gift.

Product range includes:

Wellbeing Feeding Bottles x 3 – 150, 250 and 330ml. In age groups with appropriate flow silicone teats.
Physio Soft newborn pacifier – comes in limited edition heart-shaped box with satin ribbon. Orthodontic, silicone soother that’s so soft baby can sleep on their side or face and not get hurt.
Pacifier holder – Unicorn designed clip-on pacifier holder for dummy hygiene.
Pony teether – with different edges and textures to soothe gums.
Pacifier clip – Unicorn design on these cute pacifier clips to conveniently connect to clothing and never drop a dummy again.

All products are merchandised together in store for easy reference. The Fantastic Love range is perfect for baby showers, baby gifting or just for that mom who wants to spoil their little one.

All products retail at R129 and are available at selected Pick ‘n Pay stores, Babies R Us, Kids Emporium, www.loot.co.za Loot and www.takealot.com.

The teether

Best thing since sliced bread! Love, love, love this teether/rattle/toy. It’s so easy to hold for baby plus the little horsey is just the cutest thing.

The bottles

After explaining to Lexa that the little teether is for Swieswie (little sister) she claimed the bottles for herself. We still give her formula for all those extra vitamins and minerals, so it’s a good thing.

The pacifier

Lexa almost annexed the pacifier for her dolls until I showed her it is way too big for that. Lily also never took to dummies so sometime soon some lucky mom is going to to get a pacifier, pacifier clip and pacifier holder from us.

#gift

May 23, 2019 3 Mins Read

25 best travel quotes to live by

There are three things I know for sure: I’m not done traveling; I want my kids to travel with us; I don’t want to wait.

I am still lusting after Morocco and Cuba, but it doesn’t stop me from making my list longer and finding new destinations that I would like to explore. I’m always amazed at the new places I discover through National Geographic, Instagram and just by sheer luck while stumbling around the internet.

For some reason I also read a lot of inspirational travel quotes and here are a few of my favourites:

“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.” – Oscar Wilde
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times”
“And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar
“It feels good to be lost in the right direction”
“To Travel is to Live” – Hans Christian Andersen
“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jamie Lyn Beatty
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
“Work, Travel, Save, Repeat”
”Life is short and the world is wide”
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” – James Michener
“Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, journey, discover, adventure.”
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” -Agustine of Hippo
“Not all those who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”
“You can shake the sand from your shoes, but it will never leave your soul.”
“Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind” – Marty Rubin
“Traveling’s not something you’re good at. It’s something you do. Like Breathing.” – Gayle Foreman
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag
“No matter where you go, there you are.”
“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” — Danny Kaye
“Travel is like a giant blank canvas, and the painting on the canvas is only limited by one’s imagination.” — Ross Morley
“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” — Susan Heller
“You lose sight of things… and when you travel, everything balances out.” – Daranna Gidel
“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin

May 18, 2019 3 Mins Read

Why you should second guess that diagnosis

I fell of the face of the earth, suddenly. I was there and suddenly I had to jump in my car and drive ‘back home’ again. It’s been like this for more than 2 months.

Every single time someone phones from back home my heart drops into my stomach. I expect bad news every single time.

My mom is old. She is weakened after chemo. Her bone marrow isn’t working and all the (oncologist) doctor does is pump her full of more medicine, more platelets, more time in hospital… and she keeps on getting smaller, older, weaker.

I’ve been questioning the treatment my mom received since chemo ended. Surely that when bone marrow hasn’t been kickstarted after 21 days in 1 month in hospital then it is time to call in someone that knows more than you?

She now has a second doctor, an internist. The first time I spoke to him he could tell me what is happening, what her white blood count is, what it should be and what the acceptable level would be, what he is currently treating and what he may do on Monday and even that he might call a bone marrow specialist back in Gauteng (there is no specialist for that here).

Now isn’t that what you would expect? Someone that listens to your concerns and that has a plan of action if plan A doesn’t work.

My question is how did the cancer get that far undiagnosed? Each time I come back to the same answer. There was a GP who didn’t think that a recurring complaint about swollen glands in my mom’s neck was an issue. Another doctor that thought that nah, I’m just going to sit here and not do the job I’m supposed to be doing. Another doctor that was too #### lazy to just do their job.

Is it too much to ask that doctors just be better and do their jobs? Is it really that much to expect care when human lives are in their hands?

I’m bursting at the seams to get in my car and confront my mother’s GP. I want her to know that her incompetence has cost my children their grandmother. I want her to know that she cost me my mother. I want her to know she cost my dad a wife that he would be able to retire with, go on holiday with. I want her to know. I want her to live with that. I want her to be better at her job. I want her to second guess each and every diagnosis she makes. I want her to feel bad about it each time she charges a patient and sends them home with a script because she didn’t take the time to think about it.

I know that I won’t leave it there. It’s not in my nature to just say oh well, it’s too late now. I can feel the anger and resentment building by the minute…

I am tired of doctors not doing their jobs. I complained for 20 years about the same thing to GPs and gynaecologist and yet I had to find out from a fertility specialist that I was right. So yeah, I have earned the right to question the competence of doctors.

May 17, 2019 2 Mins Read

John Wick – Parabellum, a sequel worth watching

Tick, tock Mr Wick.

Action, action, action… that is what John Wick – Parabellum delivers on.

I recently watched the third John Wick installment at Sterkinekor and since I am a fan of the John Wick chronicles and Keanu Reeves I had high expectations that was set from the very first John Wick movie.

At the end of the second installment John Wick was excommunicated from the High Table. This is where Parabellum starts with 20 minutes on the clock before the excommunication comes into effect.

The high adrenaline, high action continues throughout the movie. Unfortunately at times the fight scenes seem to drag on for too long.

Keanu Reeves is 100% believable as a action hero and as always he doesn’t disappoint in delivering a flawless performance.
Laurence Fishburn is a welcome reminder of how a good actor can step into new roles – aka King of the homeless assassins and birds.
Lance Riddick finally steps out of his roll as “just the concierge” and shows his skills as a gunman.
Halle Berry once again impressed with her strong character portrayal of an assassin with her highly trained dogs in tow. It is a short appearance.

However, not all is lost, at the end of the movie they neatly set up for the sequel… and it’s going to be revenge. I would recommend you watch the first 2 John Wicks before Parabellum – and then wait for the next one 😀

*I was invited to the premiere in Johannesburg.

May 10, 2019 5 Mins Read

Little Tikes gave us the Happiest Toy in the World!

When a toy is so happy that it can even brighten up your day – then it must be the happiest toy in the world!

We have tried and tested these toys as part of a campaign, but the opinion expressed is unbiased… When you watch the videos you will know just how much fun these toys are.

Little Tikes Squishy Octopus Piano

The Little Tikes Squishy Octopus Piano is literally the best musical toy we have ever seen and owned. If this Octopus was available when I bought baby toys, it most probably would’ve made the cut and this is why…

When you see it, it will make you smile 🙂

2 music settings of which one plays a melody for each key vs standard single notes
A soft tongue button that releases the happiest sounds we’ve ever heard (check out the video)
It is durable, our toddler stands on it all the time
It has sound, lights and texture with the additional sensory beads on the keys
It is compact enough to fit in my handbag or in baby’s bag to take everywhere
Very importantly it has no sharp edges

All the humans in the house wants to play with the Octopus Piano, because it just makes you happy. We have taken it on a road trip and I haven’t gotten tired of listening to it either.

Little Tikes Ocean Explorer – Ball Chase Octopus

I know this toy has the words “ball chase” but unfortunately in my house it’s more like “who can hit mommy with the balls”. This is the most fun for my toddler, unfortunately baby just tries to eat the balls – she even crawls to get her little hands on them.

We seem to have misplaced some of the balls around the house between the kids, the cats and the nanny, but that’s not a problem. I bought 6 table tennis balls and they fit too.

Did you know that Little Tikes has brought smiles for 50 years already?

Known for its colourful, resilient, fun and educational toys, Little Tikes continues to bring exciting new products to an already well-established and much-loved range.

For 50 years Little Tikes has brought smiles and happiness to children all over the world. The toys incorporate fun, education, gross and fine motor skills development, ingenuity and of course fun. The products are made especially for little hands and are built to last. Kids can throw them, bite them and really get stuck in with hands-on play. The toys are a firm favourite amongst kids in South Africa and no doubt will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Chiquita Patrizi of Prima Toys

Little Tikes encourages play – obviously!

A 2018 policy report from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents should pencil in big blocks of time devoted to nothing but free play. One reason for the suggestion is that a high percentage of children in the U.S. no longer have break during their day at pre-school because of increased academic pressure. While this is fortunately not the case in South African pre-schools, time for free play is diminishing and parents should take heed before it becomes a “playtime crisis”.

As a response to this, Little Tikes and Prima Toys aim to celebrate the important relationship between parent and child and encourages parents and kids to be active and playful through discovery… together! The Little Tikes product range is designed for all sorts of play patterns and lays the foundation not only for the healthy development of a child, but for the future of play.

Below are some of the best-selling toys from Little Tikes:

Little Tikes Push n Play Turtle

The Little Tikes Push n Play Turtle is a walker and activity centre in one. Ideal for ages 9 months plus, the sturdy handle allows toddlers to hold on and walk with confidence. To prevent walker from going too fast, the wheels have a locking mechanism. The toy also features a shape sorting activity that helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The ball popper allows children to hear and see the shapes pop while the walker is in motion. Clicking toys on the handle make walking fun! RSP: R699.99

Little Tikes Sing n Roll Ducky

The Sing n Roll Ducky is a pull along toy that also features sounds and songs. The toy helps to develop fine motor skills and audio recognition. Ideal for ages 12+ months. RSP: R299.99

Little Tikes Handle Haulers – Truck

This friendly-faced Handle Haulers Truck encourages children to get down on the floor and play. The easy to grip, handheld car is easy to push. Little Tikes Handle Haulers are great toys for kids as they encourage energetic floor play and hours of pretend fun. Ideal for ages 12 months plus. RSP: R299.99

Little Tikes Discover Sounds Hammer

This fun, interactive toy hammer is an ideal toy for babies. The easy to grasp shape makes it simple for children to grab and shake. The soft rubber makes a great teether and the textured grip is just right for little hands as they explore cause and effect. Features lights and sounds. Ideal for ages 6 months plus. RSP: R249.99

Little Tikes Tap-a-Tune Drum

Little Tikes Tap-A-Tune Drum helps preschoolers and toddlers take their first steps into the world of music. The brightly coloured drum and drum sticks encourage children to make their own musical tunes. Features 2 ways to play. RSP: R299.99. Ideal for ages 12 months plus.

Available at good toy stores countrywide. For more information go to www.primatoys.co.za

May 8, 2019 4 Mins Read

Start a tradition of a Mother’s Day with meaning

I don’t need more jewellery, gifts or breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day. In our family (when I was growing up) we never celebrated the Mother’s/Father’s/Valentine’s Days, we celebrated birthdays, Christmases and victories – that’s it. It was really strange when I started dating my Irishman and they celebrated every single commercial holiday with extravagant gifts and restaurant lunches.

It is different for me, I didn’t get to have babies like (most of) you. I didn’t choose when I could have them or even if I could have them. All I knew was that I wanted them and I would stop at nothing to have my own kids. I was 37 and 39 when they arrived. Being older and wiser has its perks – one of them that I already have wisdom and everything else I want and need.

Don’t worry about the pressure or the responsibility. Just live in it, have fun, and when everything seems to be going right, just stay humble and remember your family.
Roman Reigns

I’m under no illusion that I will be there to see my grand kids, all that matter now is that my kids know that they are everything to me. I want them to have the best of the world I grew up in and the life their parents built and dreamt of. I want them to always know that I’m there, even if I’m gone one day. I want them to know that I knew them, thought of them, fought for them and loved them. Mother’s Day is not about me, but rather about me starting a tradition to add another charm to their bracelets…

I have written about my kids’ bracelets before. I started the bracelets to celebrate moments we shared, dreams I had for them and just to add something I loved. One of Lexa’s very first charms is a little Christmas cat, because we got Sandton when she was a year old and she loved him from the very first moment. Lily’s bracelet I started off for myself while waiting for her time to come and she has blooming flowers, because she was my wish that had to bloom. They both have a charm representing having a sister and that I added the day I was sure there would be two kids to love.

I don’t need more jewellery, gifts or breakfast in bed – but I do need to make sure that my girls have special pieces that I put together for each of them. I chose Pandora because it is a timeless gift that they can continue building, changing and customising wherever they may end up in the world one day.

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.
George Sand

Joined by Love, a tribute by Pandora to the bonds we share

Pandora has also launched a unique collection to celebrate the bonds that connect us. This very special collection is called JOINED BY LOVE and it tells the story of Mother’s Day in a versatile, new way. One where motherhood and the idea of being loved and embracing the people you feel connected to, not just through DNA, play a central role.

Their signature design, craftsmanship and attention to detail reworked classical symbols into modern sensibilities. The iconic heart shape melds elegantly with the classic love knot to create a new and inﬁnite link of love with a modern edge.

We’ve mixed symbols of unending love and linked them to create a new symbol inspired by the fabric of love and family bonds.You can put your own meaning and sentiments into the jewellery or see it as a complete style story.
VP Creative Directors, Francesco Terzo and A. Filippo Ficarelli

The new Knotted Heart Bracelet is crafted from sterling silver links that hold a central knotted heart as a tribute to timeless emotional bonds. For wear without charms, the heart-embossed toggle slips through the largest link to close. Combining smooth sterling silver looped with lines of glittering pavé-set stones, the Knotted Heart statement ring redeﬁnes the ultimate symbol of love – forever modern, forever connected.

#PandoraMothersDay #JoinedByLove

April 23, 2019 2 Mins Read

Still fighting

This is me sitting next to yet another hospital bed. It is the third time for my mom in the last 8 or so months. She has cancer.

My mom is over 70. Most days you wouldn’t guess she is “that old”. You would never have guessed she already had cancer when we went to Reunion Island last year. We didn’t know. It was only 2 months (or so) after we came back that she could barely breathe, didn’t get up – and didn’t tell us.

She was rushed to hospital 56km from their home via ambulance that night. The next morning while the rest of Joburg was still tucked in bed I was already on my way back “home”. I sat next to my mom’s bed working on my laptop for a week while she was brought back from the brink.

She went through 6 monthly chemo treatments and at the end the poison destroyed more than the cancer.

Last month just as I was about to celebrate my big birthday I got yet another late night call that my mom is on her way to hospital via ambulance. We packed the kids 2 days before my birthday and rushed to Polokwane. My mom’s white blood cells were destroyed and she had no immunity and looked deathly pale with dark circles under her eyes.

It took another week before she was discharged.

Just 3 weeks later here I am again sitting next to her bed watching another bag of someone else’s blood make its way into her system. She doesn’t look as bad as the last time, but she’s smaller and older. She’s still fighting.

Note:
Currently my mom is out of hospital and at home.

April 22, 2019 3 Mins Read

#EveryCupCounts when you brush your teeth

I am really trying to live a more mindful life. I take note of what I buy, try to avoid single use plastics and polystyrenes. I even try to safe water where I can and it starts with brushing my teeth.

Before reading the rest of this post, do you:

Let the tap run while you brush your teeth
Use the tap to wet your tootbrush and toothpaste and then use it again to rinse
Use a cup/glass

According to waterwise.org.uk, if we leave the tap running while we brush our teeth, and brush our teeth the recommended twice a day for two minutes, we waste 24 litres of water every day!In one year, a person following this daily tooth-brushing routine could use eight kilolitres – the equivalent of a small swimming pool of water, every year! However, the #EveryCupCounts method of brushing and rinsing with a single cup of water, cuts water consumption by 98%!

#EveryCupCounts with Colgate. Use one cup to brush and save thousands of litres!

Colgate-Palmolive launched the #EveryCupCounts campaign to drive awareness of South Africa’s urgent need to save water, offering practical advice on how to make a daily difference with responsible water use. “The #EveryCupCounts campaign is part of our commitment to raising awareness about water conservation,” commented Mauricio Moutinho, Director of Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive, South Africa. We believe it is part of our responsibility to educate people on how to use water resourcefully as well as reduce one’s water footprint when using our products to brush their teeth.” The digital campaign aims to create awareness around water saving and how a simple lifestyle adjustment like using a single cup to brush our teeth can save water. The campaign is part of a broader strategy to help Colgate improve lives through better oral hygiene practices, and water management, giving all a future to smile about.

Infographic supplied y Colgate-Palmolive

It’s really important that we preserve this unique, precious resource. Water is fundamental to life. As we go through dry periods, our lives and our livelihoods are going to be more deeply compromised. Methods like #EveryCupCounts are key to saving water and avoiding that.
Maps Maponye

Today, I understand that water is a scarce resource that we should preserve for future generations. After hearing how we can save thousands of litres a year by doing something as simple as using a cup to brush our teeth, I was even more motivated to make a change. It is easy, straightforward, and we should motivate others to do the same.
Heavy K

Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) initiative brings oral care education and samples to 1.8 million children per year across South Africa.³ Colgate also maintains 26 play pumps, which pump water when children play on a playground roundabout. They are located within reach of 10 000 children and their families to ensure that these communities continue to receive safe water.

#gifted #notsponsored

April 20, 2019 1 Min Read

Almal het iets te sê

My ma’t gesê ek moet vir my ‘n boer soek
Maar ek het mos nie ore aan my kop
My ma’t gevra wat ek in die stad wil soek
Maar ek weet klaar beter
My ma’t gesê ek is nie normaal
Maar ek verstaan dit nie

My pa’t gesê ek moet stadiger ry
Maar ek kruip soos ‘n slak
My pa’t gesê ek moet die mans die deur wys
Maar dit weet ek mos
My pa’t gesê ek is soos ‘n malhaas
Maar ek verstaan dit nie

My sus’t gesê ek moet minder praat
Maar ek weet ek skryf meer
My sus’t gesê ek moet my kar skoner hou
Maar hoe gemaak as my skoen dan breek
My sus’t gesê ek moet nie soos ‘n krismisboom lyk
Maar toe sit ek nog toonringe aan

Ek myself het gesê ek moet doen wat ek kan
Maar net wanneer ek wil
Ek myself het gesê ek moet aantrek soos ek wil
Maar net as ek so voel
Ek myself het gesê ek moet minder kitskos eet
Maar net as iemand vir my kosmaak

Ek myself praat gans te veel
Maar gelukkig lees ek dit nie hier!

April 15, 2019 4 Mins Read

Local MUA launches own makeup palette – Freak Unique, Makeup by Ryno Mulder

In what feels like forever ago I met a professional Make-up Artist for a photoshoot with Your Family magazine end of 2017. I kept on checking on his Facebook and Instagram on what he was up to and then one day I see that he has launched his very own make-up palette.

The Freak Unique palette has the most beautiful colours that I’ve seen him use on his clients – and it is the first independently created and launched palette by Makeup by Ryno Mulder. I’m excited to see what is next…

I want to celebrate well known and not-so-well-known trailblazers of individuality. People who inspire me and others. Makeup has always been a way for them and for me to express individuality. The message is that expressing your creativity is necessary for more love, more acceptance and for the evolution of mankind. We should all discover our uniqueness and let our freak flags fly.
Ryno Mulder

All you need to know about the Freak Unique Eyeshadow Palette from Makeup by Ryno Mulder

The Freak Unique eyeshadow palette contains sixteen velvety eyeshadow shades in ultra pigmented, super blendable colours. The palette includes ten matte powders, four glitter crème shadows and two powder shimmer shadows allowing endless looks from natural to classic, on-trend to smokey.

Eyeshadow shades (left to right, top to bottom): **DOLLAR** matte cream **BURNS** matte cinnamon **STARR** orange glitter crème **ZANE** matte deep red **QUENTIN** champagne shimmer **MAX** matte lavender **PARIS** pink glitter crème **MADONNA** matte chocolate MJ gold glitter crème R matte brown red **BOWIE** matte light brown **GIGI** matte deep pink **WILDE** copper glitter crème **GRACE** matte dark brown **IMAN** chocolate shimmer **DAPHNE** matte black

Why did you create your own makeup palette?

In a world of corporate giants, mass production and hype I was looking for a cosmetics line with authenticity, audacity and a unique point of view. Considering my background as beauty editor, makeover specialist and makeup artist I figured “why not do it myself!”

How long did development take and what was the process?

It was trial and error. I had been exploring the possibilities for the past two years. I knocked on many doors in many countries and was introduced to key players by a friend in California who has a successful makeup line. I checked hundreds of samples and travelled to the biggest international East-meets-West cosmetics trade fair to learn about product development first hand. In 2018 I took the leap, used my life savings and invested in a humble quantity of stock. I didn’t know if one person would buy my palette so I was genuinely grateful when my entire stock holding sold out in just over a week. I went through the whole process again (but much faster this time!) to meet demand for more Freak Unique palettes.

How did you decide on the colours?

I have a signature makeup style so my objective was to launch a palette that contain my ‘go to’ eyeshadow shades. This way my followers – especially those who attend my makeup masterclasses – can recreate my eye makeup looks on themselves using just one palette. Colour payoff and pigment quality at an affordable retail price were the other key considerations.

How does this palette stand out amongst competitors?

The Freak Unique eyeshadows are waterproof and sweat-resistant giving you a look that will last all day and night – even in the most humid weather conditions. The high quality mirrored compact is wrapped in eco-friendly rose gold paper packaging and all sixteen eyeshadows are cruelty-free.

Where is it sold?

The Freak Unique eyeshadow palette retails for R390 and is available online from www.burstmakeupbrushes.co.za as well as dollmeupfashion.com as well as at my Makeup Masterclass. For more information contact Makeup by Ryno on 071 688 0242 or email ryno@makeupbyryno.co.za.

Where can you find Ryno?

Johannesburg based makeup artist Ryno Mulder is known for his soft glam, high impact makeup transformations. A former style and beauty editor who created countless magazine covers with South Africa’s A-list celebs, he also wrote bestselling makeover book Maklik Mooi with 10 000 copies sold. Ryno is currently sharing his makeup secrets countrywide on his tour The Makeup Masterclass South Africa.

You can follow Ryno on social media at www.facebook.com/makeupbyryno and www.instagram.com/makeupbyryno.

https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByRyno/videos/1447456718718953/

#notsponsored