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If you recognise yourself in the following, then this is the gift guide you would want to tag your sister, friend, partner or husband on – because it contains the ultimate gifts for someone like you. This gift guide contains a selection of items that I either have or want… all from local businesses (because that’s how I roll).

You always wear something that has meaning or symbolises something important to you; walking barefoot on the beach wrapped in a sarong with salt in your hair is how you could live your life; you don’t mind being left alone with your own thoughts; watching the stars while sprawled out on a blanket is a favourite pastime.

A fragrance to remind her of Island holidays…

I have fond memories of beautiful Zanzibar and a fragrance that will bring a little of the Spice Island’s Magic is ⭐️⭐️!

I spotted the Boucheron Vanille de Zanzibar on Fragrance Fanatic’s Facebook page and loved the read:

VANILLE DE ZANZIBAR: An oriental vanilla woody, voluptuous and addictive. With the zesty burst of Mandarin, Jasmine Petals shake elegantly and release a sheer and ethereal floral charm. Gentle luminosity with a hint of juicy Pear brings modernity and colour to the top notes. Unsettling and fascinating, the middle notes surrender to the richness of Bourbon Vanilla. The Oriental sensuality of its black pods is combined with the amber and coppery character of Balsam of Peru to enhance its natural power. The creamy floral tones of Heliotrope soften this addictive duo. The generous trail of White Musks passionately envelops this exotic beauty with an irresistible powdery veil. A carnal intensity, tactile and irrepressible, is supported from below by the woods. Smooth Sandalwood and warm Patchouli wrap up the fragrance with charisma.

Eco-friendly Turkish Towel

Turkish towel, sarong… it all looks like what I would have in my closet and pack for beach holidays! This beautiful navy Ballito Turkish towel is from The Cotton Company.

  • 100% cotton
  • Eco-friendly, lightweight and functional
  • Highly absorbent and fast-drying
  • Size: 100cm x 180cm

Kikoi

A kikoi is a traditional rectangle of woven cloth originating from Africa, particularly along the east coast as far south as the Horn of Africa. It is most commonly viewed a type of sarong.

I bought my first Kikoi on Zanzibar and I love wearing it as a scarf, sarong, wrap and even use it as a blanket. To this day I still think that I should’ve bought more!

Mungo has a few lovely Kikois that you might want to check out.

A bit of bling with a cowrie shell

I love cowrie shells because they are so much more than pretty things from the sea. They are good luck charms – and you can never wear enough of them! Soul Design Jewellery has a ring and this necklace with brass finishing.

…and then this one. Sterling Silver ❤️ and it is pushing all the right buttons in my heart. Available from bensonchantal5@gmail.com.

Cover your head!

Now that I have body and jewellery covered it is time to cover the head. I love the sun, but I’m not really willing to become more freckled, so I usually wear big hats to the beach and pool – and even out to the park.

I’ve seen Emthunzini Hats around and what makes them special is that they are UPF50+ and endorsed by CANSA. I love the Capeline in beige (even if it is polyester).

Bamboo Sunglasses

Sunglasses I have a pair a day for 2 weeks but… I would love to add a bamboo pair. This pair from ThisGuy caught my eye… and they promise to plant 10 trees for each pair sold!

Keep on wanderlusting

When you travel you have to have a great shoe! I have a few shoes (and bags) from Tsonga in my collection already, but my feet wants these Venge leather sandals in rose cayak so bad!

 

 

CHRISTMAS EPISODES

Premiere episodes
Monday 3rd to Wednesday 5th December at 16:30

Christmas has arrived on Disney Junior! Between Monday 3rd and Thursday 6th December we have premiere Christmas episodes of some of our top shows at 16:30.

The Lion Guard are in a festive mood this December, with a Christmas episode on Monday 3rd December at 16:30. In the episode entitled Timon and Pumbaa’s Christmas Bunga enlists the Lion Guard to help give Timon and Pumbaa a real Christmas.

Then on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th December at 16:30 Vampirina also joins in the fun with two festive episodes entitled Nanpire and Grandpop the Great and There’s Snowplace Like Home. In the first story Nanpire and Grandpop the Great visit for the Blood Moon Festival, meet the Peeplesons and learn to embrace human traditions and food. In the second story Vee is disappointed there’s no snow, so Demi casts a spell – but the snow only falls on her house and it must be reversed before people notice!

That adorable couple Goldie and Bear also return to Disney Junior this month with a premiere Christmas episode on Thursday 6th December at 16:30 as well as premiere episodes on weekends throughout December at 08:00.

In the special festive themed full length episode entitled WinterChime Day on Thursday 6th December at 16:30, when Big Bad’s schemes threaten to ruin WinterChime Day, Goldie and Bear must leap into action to save the snowy holiday.

Premiere episodes of Goldie and Bear air on weekends throughout December at 08:00 and on Thursday 6th December at 16:30.

PJ. MASKS

Specials
Weekdays from 17th December to 4th January 2019 at 08:00

Fans of P. J. Masks will love out newly created specials, which combine episodes of the show with a specific theme. (Weekdays from 17th December to 4th January 2019 at 08:00)

The themes covered include Vehicles, Pets, Outdoor Adventure, Friendship and Team Work.

P J Masks specials air on weekdays from 17th December to 4th January 2019 at 08:00 and 15:00.

South Africa is a nation of outdoorsy, braai-loving people. Nothing makes us happier than sitting next to some form of water (fishing, pool, the sea) and basking in the sun – add to that a something sizzling on the coals – and we are good. However, what we add onto our food is what can make it even better…

I discovered Kalahari Salt on a trip to the Kalahari a few years ago. Driving along you could see white pyramids edged against a blue-blue sky. There was no signage, no tourist invites – but I looked into it anyway, because natural equals a better product.

“What can I say? We’re movers and shakers by nature!”
Samantha Skyring, CEO of Oryx Desert Salt

Here are a few fun facts about Oryx Desert Salt:

  1. This Kalahari mined salt is sustainable, renewable and sourced from an ancient pristine source.
  2. It is 100% pure crystal-white salt.
  3. Oryx Desert Salt is sundried, unrefined with no additives.
  4. It contains essential minerals and trace minerals.
  5. You can get your Oryx Desert Salt in cotton bags, refill boxes to fill your grinder again, gift packs and salt pots.
  6. The newest addition to the family is the mini travel shakers. These are 10 gram shakers are perfect to pop into your picnic basket, lunch boxes or even in your handbag. Currently they are available from selected Cape Union Mart stores, delis, Spar stores and Big Blue stores nationwide.

Oryx Desert Salt

I know that there are people that cut out salt, but I’m not one of them as I know that it helps to regulate my (low) blood pressure. I believe that with all things in life that if you use it in moderation…

The woman behind the salt

Samantha Skyring, the CEO of Oryx Desert Salt, trekked 120km over the Namib Desert in July 2000. She saw the beauty in a barren desert, Oryx gazelle etched against the skyline and discovered something amazing…

Her brand creation journey included learning about the Oryx who could go for lengthy periods without water, but cannot survive without a lick of salt. Hence, her Kalahari salt brand rose from the Kalahari as Oryx Desert Salt.

I am a HUGE superhero fan. If you had to ask me what movies I watched this year 80% of them were Superhero related. It helps that my hubby also shares this interest! If you want to win a DC Superhero prize, get to this post to enter J

When Prima Toys said hey, we are bringing in more DC Superhero stuff would you like to see it? There was pretty much nothing I would not have dropped to get a peek, after all my favourite Superhero of all time is from the DC Universe. She is a founding member of the Justice League and she first appeared back in 1941. She is Princess Diana of Themyscira, Daughter of Hippolyta, Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman.

I love DC Superheroes’ storylines and now I can start Lexa on her path to becoming a fan too with an amazing range of toys. Everything in the range encourages imaginative play and it’s all about the superhero universe filled with super powers, fun and hours of play

WIN YOUR OWN DC GAME HERE.

There are stretch figurines, ooshies, mash ems and an assortment of dress up costumes for fun role play this festive season!

Mini Toddler dolls for Girls

Lexa loves mini figurines! She was lucky enough to get a Harley Quinn… who apparently is friends with Lexa’s cat figures.

These miniature DC Super Hero figurines stand 7,5cm tall. They are super cute and great for any fan to unleash their inner Hero! There are 6 DC Super Hero girls’ collectible figures in the collection, including Bumble Bee, Cat Woman, Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Super Girl.

Dress Up

Don’t tell anyone, but Lexa already has more Superhero clothes than most of her friends… but you can never have too much of a good thing! She can now save the day as Supergirl in her party time costume! These affordable costumes are available for ages 3 to 6 years.

You might be wondering why Lexa isn’t modelling the shirt… When she knows I want to take a photo of her in something new she runs. All I get is a moving blur.

If however you want to take it a step further and let your kid be the Superhero, the DC Classic Costumes are just the thing. Head to toe your little hero can become their superhero.

Let’s talk puzzles

This is a real treat! Sitting at the table building a DC Superhero puzzle with Lexa. I know she is a little small for this, but she tries.

I love puzzles for kids as it helps with developing basic skills and it’s a whole lot of fun getting to spend time with Lexa.

The Justice League which consists of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash is an amazing team of superheroes that will save the world from an assault of catastrophic proportions. These superheroes all have very distinct colours – which makes the 100 piece puzzle a little easier to build.


The DC Superhero Girls puzzle is absolutely a treat! (Strong girls that can do amazing things.) The superhero girls are in high school and have to deal with all the awkwardness of growing up. This is a great gift if you have girls that love superheroes.

My nieces got wind of this Justice League pencil case in my possession and I’m sure they will be asking if one of them can have it… I think I should keep it for me!

I don’t know what is cool for the kids these days but if I was a kid I would’ve wanted it – because who doesn’t want the Justice League in your suitcase?

Then you can also look forward to a whole bunch of other DC goodies – and I want them all!

Mini Stretch Justice League figurines

I have a stretch Superman and when I want to relax a little, he stretches in all directions.

The Mini Stretch Justice League Figures are just some of the fantastic toys available in the Stretch range.  Each toy can stretch up to 5 times its original size, it then slowly shapes back, ready to be pulled and twisted all over again.

Justice League Ooshies

I like to call them pencil squishies because they are soft pencil toppers – and there are 40 of them to collect! These are great as advent calendar gifts or back to school bribes at RSP of R49.99.

Justice League Mash’ems

Squish them and squash them for hours of Mash’ems  fun. These collectible characters are ideal for ages three years and up.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

Premiere episodes
Daily until Friday 7th December at 17:15 

Season three of hit series Stuck in the Middle continues this month, with premiere episodes until Friday 7th December at 17:15.

This fun-filled show centres round the Diaz family and is told from the point-of-view of Harley, an engineering whiz who uses her inventions to navigate life as the middle child in a family of seven kids. Her overlooked status proves to be both a blessing and a curse as she manoeuvres her way through the everyday antics that come with being part of a big family.

In a special festive episode, entitled Stuck in a Christmas Road Trip (Monday 3rd December at 17:15) the family flies to Florida for the festive season, but bad weather leads to a diversion. They rent a bus, then realise a much loved doll is missing. While retrieving it the bus breaks down and the family ends up stranded at a remote campsite with no phones, money or cards. Is Christmas ruined?

Premiere episodes of Stuck in the Middle air daily until Friday 7th December at 17:15 on Disney Channel.

101 DALMATIAN STREET

Sneak peek
Friday 14th December at 08:30

The new year will see the premiere of an exciting new series on Disney Channel, 101 Dalmatian Street. In December there’s a chance for viewers to have a sneak peek at this delightful new show. (Friday 14th December at 08:30 and then throughout the month)

Disney Channel’s 101 Dalmatian Street is an original animated series inspired by Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel and Walt Disney’s 1961 film One Hundred and One Dalmatians. The new series is set in 21st Century London, and follows the adventures on mum Delilah, dad Doug and eldest siblings Dolly and Dylan, not forgetting their 97 younger brothers and sisters!

The sneak peek of 101 Dalmatian Street airs for the first time on Friday 14th December at 08:30.

THAT’S SO RAVEN

Programming event
Daily from 17th December to 26th January 2018 at 16:00 and 16:25 

Fans of current hit series Raven’s Home will be delighted to hear that this month on Disney Channel there’s a chance to see the original series that started it all – That’s So Raven, which first aired 15 years ago. We will be airing every episode ever, from 17th December to 26th January 2018 at 16:00 and 16:25.

Raven is an ordinary teenager, except for one thing – she’s psychic! That ought to be a great help with the usual teen trials and traumas, but the opposite seems to be true. Whenever she has a premonition and tries to change the future, it always seems to go horribly wrong… In the first episode, The Smell of Victory, (Monday 17th December at 16:00) for a science project Raven is partnered with Ben, who’s very bright but has a body odour problem and is nicknamed Stinky. She tries to get out of it, but realises he is a really nice guy, so instead has a word with him about showering more often.

Every episode ever of That’s So Raven airs from Monday 17th December to Saturday 26th January 2018 with episodes at 16:00 and 16:25.

DISNEY CHANNEL YEARBOOK 2018

Programming event
Daily from 13th December at 08:05 to 11:00

Join us this holiday on Disney Channel to celebrate a magical year. We look back at some of the best loved series with favourite episodes every morning from 13th December at 08:05 to 11:00.

Top shows featured in this festive feast of entertainment include Raven’s Home, Bunk’d and Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir.

Look back at 2018 and celebrate some of our best shows every morning from 13th December at 08:05 to 11:00 on Disney Channel.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE

Premiere episodes
Star Wars Resistance, our new animated series that takes place prior to the events of The Force Awakens, continues this month with further premiere episodes.

After being recruited by Poe Dameron to join the Resistance and spy on the First Order, hotshot pilot Kazuda “Kaz” Xiono finds himself in over his head when he and BB-8 are stationed aboard a large aircraft refuelling station called the Colossus. He struggles to keep his cover as a mechanic and comically gets entangled with ace racers, marauding pirates, and the mysterious owner of the Colossus. His investigation will take him ever closer to discovering what the First Order has planned for the galaxy.

Premiere episodes air Saturdays, starting 1 December at 09:30am

PHINEAS AND FERB’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Programming event
Daily from 10th December between 19:00 and 21:00

This December join Phineas, Ferb and friends for three weeks of fun at Phineas and Ferb’s Christmas Party, from 10th December between 19:00 and 21:00.

Every day we have back-to-back episodes of top shows including Baymax’s adventures in Big Hero 6; fun with our mischievous trio Hewey, Dewey and Louie from DuckTales; and old favourites Milo Murphy’s Law and Star Vs the Forces of Evil. There is also a chance to see new faces who joined our XD family this year with episodes of Space Chickens In Space and Big City Greens.

Phineas and Ferb’s Christmas Party airs from 10th December between 19:00 and 21:00.

MARVEL SPIDER-MAN

Season two premiere episodes
Weekends until 16th December at 08:00

Peter Parker returns to Horizon High as the second season of the new animated series featuring his adventures as Spider-Man continues this month. (Weekends until 16th December at 08:00)

Peter must continue to navigate the trials and tribulations of life at school and at home, as well as his duties as a super-hero, in this great new season.

In the first of these premiere episodes Venom Returns (Saturday 1st December at 08:00) Spidey is two steps behind as Venom kidnaps people important to Peter Parker. As he holds his victims prisoner in the Horizon Lab, Venom demands a face-off with Spidey.

BTVP episodes of Marvel Spider-Man season two air at weekends until 16th December at 08:00.

DUCKTALES

Premiere episodes
Saturdays until 8th December at 09:00

Our delightful series DuckTales, a modern re-working of the iconic series, continues this month with episodes throughout December, on Saturdays until 8th December at 09:00.

Huey, Dewey and Louie, along with Mrs. Beakley’s granddaughter, Webby, discover long-kept family secrets from Scrooge’s epic past, sending the family on escapades around the world!

In the first of these new episodes, The Other Bin of Scrooge McDuck (Saturday 1st December at 09:00) Lena uses Webby to infiltrate the vault where Scrooge keeps all his most dangerous artifacts, but is Lena finally fed up with Magica’s manipulations?

Premiere episodes of DuckTales air on Saturdays until 8th December at 09:00 on Disney XD.

BEST OF XD

Programming event
31st December to 6th January 2019 from 09:00 to 13:00

New Year’s Eve sees the start of a very special holiday treat – a programming event showcasing the best of XD programming. (31st December to 6th January 2019 from 09:00 to 13:00)

Shows featured include Marvel Spider-Man, Big Hero 6, Big City Greens, Milo Murphy’s Law, Star Vs the Forces of Evil, Space Chickens In Space, DuckTales, Furiki Wheels and Star Wars Resistance.

Don’t miss The Best of XD which airs on 31st December to 6th January 2019 from 09:00 to 13:00.

XD TOP 10 COUNTDOWN

Programming event
New Year’s Eve – 31st December from 14:00 to 23:50

Count down to the New Year with episodes of our most popular shows on New Year’s Eve, 31st December, between 14:00 to 23:50.

Shows involved are Marvel Spider-Man, Penn Zero, Star Vs the Forces fo Evil, Milo Murphy’s Law,  Big City Greens,  Gravity Falls, Big Hero 6,  DuckTales,  Lab Rats and Phineas & Ferb.

Welcome 2019 with our action and fun-packed Top 10 Countdown on New Year’s Eve, 31st December, between 14:00 to 23:50.

Who doesn’t love to win a little something for the holidays? If it features everyone’s favourite DC Comics Superheroes it is even cooler! Spend 2 minutes and enter this competition to WIN a DC Comics Animated Memory Match Game.

WIN a DC Comics Animated Memory Match Game

The DC Comics Animated memory Match Game is ideal for ages 3 plus and can be played with 2 or more players. The game feature Wonder Woman, the Flash, Superman and more.

Read my blog post on Monday and let me know who you or your little one’s favourite DC Superhero is. For extra entries follow the Rafflecopter widget steps below.

WINNER: Shakira Khan

a Rafflecopter giveaway

T&Cs

  • Competition closes midnight 9 December 2018.
  • Prize is sponsored by Prima Toys.
  • Prize consists of a DC Comics Animated Memory Match Game.
  • Only completed entries will count.
  • The competition is open to all fans of Goddess, who are Residents of South Africa and over the age of 18.
  • By entering the competition, you are deemed to have read and accepted these terms and conditions. All entry instructions form part of these terms and conditions.
  • If the winner is chosen and there are noted irregularities (i.e. the email address or person does not exist, is not delivered to a person, or is forwarded to a person with a different identity etc.) the winner will be disqualified and a new winner will be drawn.
  • Any entries received after the closing date will be invalid. Goddess accepts no responsibility for any errors of any other kind which may restrict or delay the sending or receipt of an entry, or for delayed or lost entries.
  • If we are unable to contact a prize winner, we reserve the right to pick another.
  • All entries will be examined and the prize shall be awarded to the winner selected at random by Goddess from all eligible participants who have correctly entered the prize draw in accordance with entry instructions. No correspondence will be entered into.
  • The winners will be notified via Facebook and/or Instagram, and the prizes will be issued as soon as possible.
  • The winner has 48 hours to respond after the winner announcement.
  • The prize will be delivered via courier.
  • Prizes are not redeemable for cash.
  • Goddess reserve the right to cancel or change the promotion at any time and will endeavour to give you advance notice of any such change or withdrawal. However, in some cases, advance notice may not be possible.
If you are dreaming of being in Paris this festive season, but won’t be getting on a plane… I have some good news for you!
Nespresso has just launched the new Limited Edition Variations inspired by Parisian Gourmandise. The Variations coffees centre on the sweet treats synonymous with the festive season, and are inspired by the traditional flavours of Parisian patisseries including Macaron and Praline. These quintessentially French flavours will instantly transport you to a Parisian cafe from the first sip. These Variations boast two unique flavour creations and, in true French fashion, include a Paris Black espresso coffee that caters to those preferring coffee in its pure taste.
 
The decadence and delight of each of these three Nespresso Variations coffees are captured by their packaging, uniquely designed by a renowned international interior designer, India Mahdavi. Based in Paris, Mahdavi has created some of the world’s most iconic modern spaces including The Gallery at Sketch in London, Jean François Piège in Paris and APT in New York. Treating each creation as though it is a couture piece, Mahdavi’s influence on the Nespresso Variations is evident in the range’s pastel hues and playful designs. She has created a collection fit for the most discerning of coffee and design aficionados.
Mahdavi on the collaboration: “I sought to bring a oneiric dimension to Nespresso ’s world in which these new capsules appear as imaginary delights, floating like sweet clouds in the sky. In distancing itself from various graphic codes, Nespresso speaks to the senses – celebrating taste under all its aspects, ranging from sight to touch via smell, with subtly sweet aromas. I wanted to add a hint of reverie, offering delightful capsules for the eyes to relish and to then fly away in each and everyone’s imagination.”
 
Each of the Variations have been based on the Nespresso Livanto coffee blend which consists of pure Arabica from Southern and Central America. It is well-balanced with roasted caramelised note providing roundness and balance in the finished coffees
Nespresso Variations Macaron 
A harmonious combination of cereal notes and a subtle and sweet almond flavour, emblematic of the macaron pastry.
Intensity: 6
Serving size: Espresso (40ml)
 
Nespresso Variations Praline 
This flavoured espresso pairs the roundness of Livanto’s base with a delicate roasted hazelnut flavour, enhanced by a touch of caramel sweetness. A harmonious blend reminiscent of a praliné dessert.
Intensity: 6
Serving size: Espresso (40ml)
Nespresso Paris Black 
A very aromatic blend of Arabicas, emboldened by Robusta. It displays notes of cereal and nuts in a syrupy texture, combined with spicy and woody tones.
Intensity: 9 Serving size:
Espresso (40ml)

“Ek sal jou enkels kinkel” dis ‘n lyn uit Sy klink soos lente, ‘n Afrikaanse rolprent wat ek gisteraand op Showmax gekyk het. Dit was so ‘n pragtige storie. Ek weet nie hoe ek dit nie al vroeer gekyk het nie, want dis al in 2016 gemaak!

Sy klink soos lente is ‘n liefdesstorie. Ben, ‘n werktuigkundige, ontmoet Linda, ‘n suksesvolle exec, by ‘n stil kroeg. Hy herken haar as sy baas se dogter en toe sy vra wat hy doen antwoord hy – “ek’s in ‘n band”. Hulle flankeer ‘n bietjie en hy belowe hy sal leeus stoei vir haar ensovoorts…

Ek herken van die “pick-up lines” en daardie eerste ontmoeting in die kroeg het gemaak dat ek fliek gekyk het.

Afrikaanse rolprente is anders as Hollywood-rolprente. Die karakters is meer onskuldig, liefdesstories is soet, mooi en ruk aan jou hartsnare. Die karakters ontvou soos blomme en die taal rol soos heuning van hul tonge af.

Ek is getroud met ‘n regte egte Ier wat nie juis my taal kan praat nie, maar selfs hy geniet Afrikaanse rolprente. Pad na jou hart was sy eerste nie-Schuster fliek en selfs hy het dit geniet.

Ek dink ek gaan ‘n punt darvan maak om al die Afrikaanse rolprente te kyk – soos toe ek nog ‘n kind was!Ek gaan nie resensensies begin skryf nie maar eerder my liefde vir Afrikaans deel.

Whether you are an expectant, new or returning parent, this is the event for you!

260 exhibits, expert advice, nappy change and breastfeeding rooms, kids entertainment and not-to-be missed expo specials, there’s so much to look forward to at this expo!

Bring the kids along to see South Africa’s favourite purple dinosaur, Barney, live on stage with a brand-new opening act.  Your toddlers can also drop off their Christmas wish lists directly with Santa Claus at Santa’s Grotto and spend time in the story corner listening to some of their favourite classic tales brought to life.

Expectant moms can also enter the Pampers Premium Care Baby on Board competition where they can stand the chance to win a pregnancy starter pack valued at over R 100 000! And there is also a chance for 1 family of 4 to walk away with tickets to the Kids Cruise happening from 8 – 11 February 2019 valued at R25 000.

The Joburg Summer edition of the expo kicks off 29 November till 2 December at the Ticketpro Dome. Doors open from 09h00 – 18h00 from Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 09h00-17h00 on Sunday. Visitors can be part of the magic by purchasing their tickets online www.ticketpro.co.za or at the door.

For information on the event and to remain up to date on all the specials and offering visit www.mamamagic.co.za or follow MamaMagic on social media #MamaMagic on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.