Susann, Author at Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel

May 17, 2018 5 Mins Read

Dreams Do Come True – Life-Changing Animal Sterilisation Clinic Completed

Animals are a big part of my life. I have 3 cats adopted from various shelters. They are part of my family and we treat them as if they are little humans that love to cuddle. They go for yearly vet check-ups, we had them “fixed” and they have probably travelled more than most cats (because I am so attached to them).

Last week I was contacted about attending the opening of the Woodrock Animal Rescue and Sterilisation Clinic out in Hennops River, but couldn’t attend. However, here is all the information you need.

How can people get involved/donate?

Get a MySchool/MyVillage/MyPlanet card and load them as your beneficiary!
Visit their website, click in the links to the ‘Wish List’, or the’Back-a-Buddy’ page. Click on the links to donate.
There are ways to volunteer.
Keep an eye out for calls-to-action on the Facebook page
You can SMS ‘Dog’ to 40733 to donate R20.

Is this a pro-life shelter? Can people adopt from here?

Woodrock are Proudly pro-life and do not believe in Euthenasia. Every animal deserves a chance: Dogs with open gaping wounds from being knocked down; Dogs that cower that have been slashed with a panga; Burn victims; We take them to shelter and build them up. We put them back together. On rehoming. We ask, “TEACH ME TO BE THE DOG YOU WANT ME TO BE”. We afford all adoptees the luxury of returning a dog that they feel is not a fit. No person that is a Woodrock adoptee is permitted to surrender our animals elsewhere that we have worked so hard at rehabilitating, or to give away to a kill facility! We will drive to the end of the earth to collect an animal in need! Space, Staff and Salaries are forever a concern. But Pro-Life we sure are!

How many staff/volunteers?
Woodrock is proud to have the most incredible volunteers. They call them ‘Woodrock Warriors’. Woodrock asks and in true warrior style they come, do and give. “As poor or as little money as we may have, giving comes in many forms. The most wonderful way of giving is from your heart.”

Woodrock staff totals 20 salaried members – all very dedicated and deserving.

GIVE WITHOUT REMEMBERING AND RECEIVE WITHOUT FORGETTING.

Saturday, 12 May 2018, Hennops River: Through concerted and creative fundraising efforts, Woodrock Animal Rescue was able to the raise R1-million they needed to make their dream of building a state-of-the-art animal sterilisation clinic come true, kickstarted by The Schnauzer Project and Deborah Blane.

In a celebration held this past weekend, the co-founders of the rescue centre, husband and wife team, Estelle and Nicholas Meldau, unveiled the initiative that will go far in helping Woodrock to make a difference to the lives of so many animals. The centre works to educate the surrounding communities about pet care, health and sterilisation, as well as medically treating rescue animals.

Co-founders Nicholas Meldau and Estelle Meldau cut the ribbon to open the facility with Deborah Blane and the lovely Rosabella Catherine Merle Blane the 2nd from Schnauzer Friends South Africa.

Whiskas Brand Manager, Nivashnee Moodley, was in attendance and said “We are proud to be associated with Woodrock Animal Rescue and believe in the benefits of adoption, safe sterilisation, nutritious food and balanced diets.”

“Woodrock do amazing things in their community and have worked incredibly hard to raise funds for this great facility, and we wanted to help create awareness of that,” she adds.

Regarding the Clinic Dream fund, and the work that went into raising the money required to compete phase one of the project, Dean Meldau from Woodrock Animal Rescue said, “We remained focused and kept our eye on the ball. Patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait. Asking is hard, begging is unattractive. But to ask on behalf of the voiceless, to us was essential. If not us, then who?”

Arina Very from MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet hands over a cheque of R500,000 to Dean Meldau from Woodrock Animal Rescue to begin phase 2 of the project.

Whiskas and Pedigree have supported Woodrock through the donation of over 1,400 cases of pet food to Woodrock Animal Rescue in the last two months. To further support the brands’ adoption ethos, the brand will be providing them with Kitten and Puppy Kits to give to families who adopt animals from the centre to make sure that they have all the basics they need to get their new furry family members off to a great start in life.

The Kitten and Puppy kits contain dry and wet food, to support essential balanced feeding, an information pack with anything you might need to know about introducing a new pet to your home to help make the transition of having a new family member a little easier.

May 10, 2018 3 Mins Read

Life is unpredictable, but I’ve squeezed from it what I could already

I don’t think I have a long life ahead of me – and I’m just being realistic about it. The human body can only take that much abuse before it rebels and I know that my efforts to have my own kids and a decade of bilharzia (and the poison to kill it) will one day come back to haunt me.

However, joke is on destiny, because I already live as if every day may be my last day. I have seen the world. I have loved and lost. I have shed tears of sadness and happiness. I have squeezed the last bit of sunshine from every day. I have lived a life that I could never even dream of. I made the impossible, possible and had you.

I can’t leave anything to chance or just hope for the best – it’s not in my nature. From now until your 15^th birthday you will have frivolous things that will make you happy for a short time. They will end up forgotten and move to new homes eventually. Your 16^th birthday have been taken care of. Like me, you will receive you first pearls on this very important birthday. You probably won’t wear it until you are much older, because it is such an old lady type of jewellery – but I promise you, one day when you are older you will understand and appreciate it.

Before the next big chapter in your life…

On your 18^th birthday, whether I’m here or not, you will receive a gift that you can cherish for the rest of your life. I hope to be able to buy each charm and let you assemble your bracelet in any order you see fit. It will give you time to reflect on why I bought each charm and maybe it will inspire you to find the beauty in life – because when I was that age I didn’t see much in the dark.

When you turn 21 you don’t need a party…

Instead of having fun for 1 night, rather go somewhere exotic. Follow in my footsteps across continents, borders and islands. Do a tour of Ireland – it will change the way you see everything – it is after all part of your heritage. You should also feel at home in a few other countries – just learn a bit of the languages before you go.

I hope that I get to see you find and build a life that will make you happy – that would be first prize. But if I’m not here anymore, know that you were wanted more than anything in this world and you will never really be alone.

May 9, 2018 2 Mins Read

A dream toddler room

Kiss them quick before they grow up! Little girls won’t be little for long, let them love Barbie pink while they still can…

We are getting to the stage where we are almost moving Lexa out of her cot… and can you guess which theme her room will have?

I have been walking through the shops the last few weeks to see what is out there for toddler rooms. I looked at mermaids, other cartoon characters, wildlife and more neutral bedding and I realised that this is my chance to create a room that I would’ve wanted as a kid.

We have bought two ¾ duvet inners and the pillows – still looking at single beds and mattresses. The plan is either 2 separate single beds or single stack beds with ¾ duvets so it is a nice big cosy blanket. Plus it is going to be pink… with Barbie.

I have eyeballed some Barbie goodies from Mr Price Home but first want to find the perfect duvet covers. The Barbie fleece blanket and Barbie heart cushion is on my list.

Makro has Barbie duvet sets, Barbie heart pillow and fleece blanket. I like the duvets, but I have a couple of months to look around still.

What else is in store for toddler Lexa?

Off the top of my head, she will upgrade to her Barbie toothbrushes, a Barbie brush and all the goodies that belong on her tiny little vanity table. She definitely still need Barbie PJs, a Barbie backpack for all our travels and a Barbie hat. (I probably would’ve gone out to buy her all the Barbie goodies for Reunion, but I am trying to get extra work done before we go.) She already has the day clothes 🙂

I really hope that my love for Barbie won’t drive Lexa away from my favouritest doll in the world. Just ask my nieces, I don’t buy any other dolls… not for birthdays or Christmas.

PS. If you haven’t yet seen the new Barbie ice cream… it is a yummy strawberry flavour and available from most Ola freezers.

May 8, 2018 2 Mins Read

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

I know there are some last minute gift shoppers out there, so I’m going to share some ideas that you can order today still and get in time for the weekend (hopefully). Mostly they won’t break the bank either 🙂

BaoCare Radiance

Help your mom (or yourself) to have a softer skin. I have used it for over 3 weeks and I can see the difference. My skin is literally glowing and less wrinkly. I still have a full post in my drafts about my experience with this Baobab, Jojoba & Pomegranate product all the way from Limpopo. (Retails at R182)

Find a stockist or buy online here.

Don’t be shy to add a make-up bag or something else from the range to your shopping – when you support them, you support local people.

Matsimela Home Spa Products

It’s not just bath salts and bath bombs. When you look at their website you will discover their little secret – they actually have amazing products that are affordable.
Yes, this is some of my own personal stash – after it was raided multiple times by family. The big tubs in the back… that is my dirty little secret to being relaxed.

If you can’t make it to a Matsimela retail store, buy it online.

They also have a promo with a free rose gold bag if you buy any of the Mother’s Day gift sets. Prices on the website start at around R55 and gift sets from R250. This will inspire you a little:

Light a candle, make a room smell pretty

I posted a while ago about what is on my desk and you would’ve spotted a Shearer Candle (Tropical Watermelon, R340).

However, I picked up something from www.thewhimsicalwhippet.co.za that I fell in love with the first time I saw it, a diffuser from Stoneglow. It has the message “And so the Adventure Begins” on and smells very sweet (sweet rose and pink proscecco). This costs R460, but prices start from around R130 for something smaller but just as fragrant. For your own mom, or yourself, you will find something that is perfect.

May 7, 2018 5 Mins Read

Medicine safety: what you should know

Johannesburg, 3 May, 2018 – Modern pharmaceuticals have delivered almost miraculous improvements in healthcare over the past hundred years; but unless patients store and take their medicines as prescribed, they won’t get the intended benefits from them, warns Novartis.

Common mistakes made when taking medicines include taking the wrong dose, not finishing prescribed courses, and failing to follow the doctor or pharmacist’s instructions¹. These mistakes limit the effectiveness of the course of treatment, and worse, can actually set back your treatment^2,3.

“Many people don’t realise why it is important to carefully follow instructions in terms of storing, taking and even disposing of medicines,” says Dr Nicola Lister, Chief Scientific Officer & Medical Director, Novartis Southern Africa. “But medicines are carefully researched and formulated chemical compounds, and in order for them to be effective, they have to be taken as directed.”

For your safety and the best possible outcomes:

Take medicines exactly as directed. Finish prescribed courses, and don’t skip medicines or reduce your dosage when you’re on chronic medication. “Many patients stop taking medicines when they feel better,” says Lister, “but courses of medicines are prescribed for good reason, and should not be interrupted or simply stopped.”
Take medicines at the right times. Medicines are carefully formulated to be absorbed in certain ways and remain active in the body for certain lengths of time. So if a prescription directs you to take medicine three times a day, it is important to space the doses 8 hours apart and not just take the medicine at random times throughout the day, to ensure the medicine works as intended.
Follow the food directions. There are good reasons why a prescription might direct you to take medicines with or after food, so it is important to follow the instructions. “Some medicines can be harsh on the stomach, and some depend on certain pH levels for absorption; so it is important to follow directions on when and how to take medicines,” says Lister.
Store medicines as directed on the packaging or package insert. “Most medicines are best stored in cool, dry spaces, while some require refrigeration. Storing them in warm or humid areas can degrade them, reducing their effectiveness,” says Lister. Medicines should not be stored in steamy bathrooms, hot cars, or even in a bedside table drawer exposed to warm sunlight. Medicines should always be stored out of reach of children.
Be aware of potential medicine interactions. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medication you’re already taking. Compounds such as complementary medicines and vitamins can affect medication. “Even something as simple as grapefruit juice affects many medications, therefore it’s important to tell your healthcare provider what you’re already taking,” says Lister.
Never share prescription medication. Medicines are prescribed with a variety of factors in mind; including the condition being treated, the patient’s medical history and interactions the medicine might have with other treatments the patient is taking. Sharing prescription medicines with friends is dangerous.
Look out for side effects. “It’s important to read the package insert on medicines and be aware of potential adverse effects. Should you feel suddenly unwell or develop new symptoms after taking medicine, stop taking the medicine and contact your healthcare professional immediately,” says Lister.
Dispose of eye drops after 30 days. Eye drops are sterile, and are exposed to contamination once opened, therefore they need to be discarded a month after opening them or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Dispose of medicines responsibly. “All medicines have expiry dates, after which they lose efficacy and must be disposed of. But they should not simply be thrown out or flushed down the toilet,” says Lister, “they should be taken to a pharmacy to be disposed of correctly.”

Medicines are formulated for efficacy and patient safety, but the patient plays an important role in ensuring that medicines work as intended. By discussing your treatment with your doctor and pharmacist, reading the package insert and following the prescription carefully, you can help ensure the success of your treatment.

References

Factors affecting therapeutic compliance: A review from the patient’s perspective. Jing Jin, Grant Edward Sklar, Vernon Min Sen Oh, and Shu Chuen Li https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503662/. Accessed 24/04/2018
Sabaté E, editor. Adherence to long-term therapies: evidence for action. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003.
Sanson-Fisher R, Bowman J, Armstrong S. Factors affecting nonadherence with antibiotics. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 1992;15:103S–109S. [PubMed]

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit https://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartis
For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library
For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com

May 4, 2018 5 Mins Read

City slicker travels: Why we got a Thule roof box

Giving a major shout-out to the Thule Partners at Fourways Crossing in Jozi for awesome service. Plus getting us the space we need so we can do roadtrips!

In April we packed 3 adults, 1 toddler and 3 cats into the Kia Sportage. Hubby and I took very little luggage but Lexa… well, she takes up quite a bit of space. The cats were split across 2 carriers with 1 set going in the back and one on the backseat between Lexa and I – with snacks toppled all over my feet.

It was the most uncomfortable 7 hour drive ever.

When we got back to Jozi it was time to call it like it is – we need more space to pack stuff for holidays. The Kruger Park camping holidays we want to do will stay a dream if we can’t make or find space.

A trailer was out because we do not have that many parking spaces and no garage. Plus I’m not sure I would be able to reverse a trailer either. The only solution… a roof box.

We looked at both companies that sell roof boxes and then we went to the Thule shop at Fourways Crossing in Johannesburg…

We strolled into Thule looking all tired-af and dishevelled – because that is how real people look the next day after a 7 hour drive, a screaming toddler (6 hours of screaming) and being pushed in a tiny corner with no space for feet. I knew the minute we walked in that we would be going home with a roof box – I just didn’t know which size or colour yet.

The owner slid out the first box from its shelf and I could see hubby’s eyes get that glint that warns me I am about to spend lots of money. When the lid came off the box I could see hubby measuring how many suitcases he could fit. When the slightly smaller Thule roof box came out he was already talking about how it would look on top of the car.

And there I was, the voice of reason asking for pricing… with quotes in my inbox I wanted to sleep on it, weigh the pros and cons. Hubby however was obsessing about which Thule roof box would look the best on the Kia – the 440l or the 400l.

2 days later, only because hubby went to the office, we were back at Thule in Fourways Crossing.

The guys at Thule quickly fitted the roof bars and finally hubby could see which roof box looks better on the car. They marched out with the 2 Thule roof boxes we were interested in and fitted them both on the roof so we could have chance to see for ourselves how it would look. It was a good thing too, because it showed us how easy it would be to do it all ourselves.

We walked side to side and looked at both. We uhmed and ah-ed and chose the one that looked the best on our family car. The lines of the 400l worked perfectly with our car and within 15 minutes everything was fitted and I’ve paid – and drove off into the sunset 🙂

We’ve already taken it up the mountains in Limpopo!

The first weekend getaway with our Thule roof box was in beautiful Limpopo. All our luggage was on top and a family heirloom piece of furniture in the boot – and when we came back the boot was full of fresh products from the market.

…and I’m going to say this, when the roof box is off, my car looks sexy-af sporty with the roof rack. Now I feel that the car reflects me.

Thule Roof Box - South African Travel Blogger and Mommy Blogger — In the box, Lexa’s camp cot and her big Lou Harvey bag – plus 2 cabin size suitcases will fit in and then some.

What makes the Thule roof boxes so special?

The boxes come in a glossy black or a matte grey finish – in a few different sizes. The shape of the boxes lets the wind just quietly whizz past it and you wouldn’t even feel the difference driving. Plus they told us they also rent out the Thule boxes and recently sold a 10 year old one (it was still on the shop floor) and that thing looked good.

Now for the best part… you can open your roof box from driver or passenger side! So if you get parked in next to a tree or someone that decided they want to cozy up to your car, just go to the other side.

So when you want to take it off or put it back on it is so super easy, my hubby did it all on his own! You open the lid after popping it on the roof, tighten the “screws” and done. The plastic, locks and clips are really durable – but if anything goes crack! it has a warranty.

So how can you get your hands on one of these amazing Thule roof boxes?

Pull up your car close to the Thule shop in Fourways Crossing (by Wimpy) and say that you’ve read about them on my blog… and that you really want one but really would like a little discount. And don’t stop at roof racks, boxes and bicycle carriers – look at the strollers and backpacks… suitcases. I think I became a fan-girl and now have visions of myself carrying amazing luggage on my travels too.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThuleFourways
Email: richard@sportandcargo.co.za
Tel: +27 11 465 9763

This btw is not a sponsored post. I just really love my Thule roof box so much that I wanted to share this with other city slickers that also have space issues.

May 2, 2018 5 Mins Read

Difrax S-bottle – no colic, more bonding (WIN)

So here we go, the S-bottle from Difrax… Lexa has been testing a Difrax S-bottle out for almost 2 weeks and it has now become her bottle she prefers when having cartoon or reading time.

Here is Lexa, after I chased her all over the livingroom, with her pink Difrax S-bottle. She is a little runner and sometimes when the camera comes out she pulls funny-bugger moves on me.

I am also going to be packing it for our upcoming trip to Reunion Island – for the plane. It will be Lexa’s first time in the sky and I want to make sure that she is calm and comfortable. Plus who knows what the pressure in the plane might do to her normal bottles. I am actually also that confident that the anti-colic valve (read about it below) on this awesome bottle might make the difference that will spare the rest of the passengers’ ears.

This bottle is quite unique and has won several awards – plus it is the number 1 bottle in the Netherlands – so you know there must be something special about it.

Anti-colic

This is a biggie… The unique S-bottle reduces the risk of colic and allows baby to drink easily and comfortably. The valve system ensures a constant flow of air from the bottom of the S-bottle, without causing a vacuum. The air enters and stays in the bottom of the S-bottle and does not mix with the milk. This reduces the risk of colic, burping and vomiting.

It’s like the MacGyver of bottles

The bottle cap of the Difrax S-bottle is a measuring cup – 30ml and 50ml.
The bottle teats are BPA-free, odourless, tasteless with no risk of latex allergies. A teat for each phase of development is also available.
The body is ergonomic. Which means no vertical bottle between you and baby, allowing for more eye contact.
The anti-colic valve provides a constant, regular flow of milk and prevents stomach and intestinal cramps, reflux, burping and colic.
The bottom is detachable, easy to fill with formula milk or cubes of frozen milk.
The innovative S-bottle warmer heats baby milk to the ideal breastfeeding temperature of 37°C within 3 minutes.

Choosing the right Difrax S-bottle

The Difrax S-bottle comes in 4 sizes and 2 designs: Natural (170 ml and 250 ml) and Wide (200 ml and 310 ml). The Natural S-bottle is easy to hold and is quickly adapted by your baby. The Wide S-bottle is easy to fill with formula milk or ice cubes of frozen breast milk.

The Difrax S-bottle 170 ml is mostly used during the initial period.
Then parents change over to the Difrax S-bottle 250 ml (the most popular size).
The Difrax S-bottle 310 ml is the next step and ideal for milk porridge.

Win your very own Difrax S-bottle!

I have 2 Difrax S-bottles to give away – so I have decided to split the prize and add 2 brand new Fill n Squeeze bags to each bottle and spoil 2 moms who is expecting or have ‘littlies’.

To enter is simple

Like facebook.com/goddesscoza, www.facebook.com/primababysa and www.facebook.com/difraxsouthafrica
Tag 2 mommies on Facebook that could do with the MacGyver of baby bottles, the Difrax S-bottle.
Check out the video that will be posted on Facebook tomorrow morning (3 May 2018) and tell me the colour you prefer. (Which blue)
Age of your ‘littlie’.
Let me know in the comments of this blog post that you have liked the pages, tagged 2 mommies, age of baby and which bottle you would want to win.
For good measure subscribe to this blog to receive notifications of new posts via email.

Here is you cheat sheet on the answers I need, copy, paste and complete:

Tagged some people/shared:
I watched the video and want the ____ blue bottle
I have liked all 3 Facebook pages

T&Cs

These prizes were sponsored by Prima Baby and Difrax South Africa.
Only entries completed on both Facebook and Goddess.co.za blog post will count and stand a chance to win.
The free prize draw is open to all fans of Goddess, who are Residents of South Africa and over the age of 18.
By entering the prize draw, 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, email or phone call, and the prizes will be issued as soon as possible.
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.
Prize: 1 x Difrax S-bottle and 2 x Fill n Squeeze bags for 2 moms (2 prizes in total)
Competition closes 25 May 2018.

May 1, 2018 2 Mins Read

Travel Tips: Book your own trip online

It sucks that the Rand is such a volatile currency and just when you think, OK I’m going to do it, it tanks. Then you have to go back and talk to the travel agents again to see if there isn’t some special or other trip you could afford.

Well, to be honest I don’t use travel agents anymore. I make my own amazing holidays happen by doing all the work myself and using a few websites to get the cheapest flights and accommodation.

Check www.flightfactory.co.za to find and compare flights. You can even search multi city flights. Plus, book your flights online. It is not just for local flights either!

Accommodation… well, this is where it gets interesting. AirBnB has extra charges compared to Booking.com. It really comes down to after you’ve added all the costs, found spaces in the right places which site would work for you. I prefer Booking.com and even have the app on my phone with my itinerary and details of all the places I’ve booked.

Forex – sigh, you can only buy from 60 days before your trip. Subscribe to your bank’s forex newsletter and stay on top of the exchange rates. Some destinations it is easier to just take your credit card or a currency card, but other destinations like Zanzibar and the Maldives you need cash for the smaller informal transactions.

Anyway, I am finalising my list of things to do, places to go on Reunion Island and know that it is going to be epic!

April 30, 2018 1 Min Read

Basecamp Johannesburg – a co-working space in Linden

I love working from home. I don’t have to put on make-up or take a shower until I am ready or delivered some urgent work to a client. Sometimes however, the hooligan who is now entering her terrible two’s literally behaves and screams like a hooligan. It drives me insane.

This is me hard at work and showing off my obsession with the Jozi skyline.

View this post on Instagram

Had a day out at a co-working space out in Linden. No hooligan for the day! #coworkingspace #basecampjoburg #linden #jozigram #joziblogger #girlbossdiaries iaries

A post shared by Goddess Blog by Susann Deysel (@goddesscoza) on Apr 26, 2018 at 7:29am PDT

Last week I got to spend the day at BASECAMP Johannesburg in Linden – away from the usual home office noise that include the hooligan and Thursday grass cutting in the complex.

When you walk in, you don’t feel like it is one of those dingy offices with no personality – aikona! It has a definite industrial/Scandi feel to it. You can definitely feel that business is serious for those calling it their permanent office base (nogals with their name on their desks).

What’s awesome about BASECAMP:

you can book a permanent desk
spacious desks with nice office chairs
free Wi-Fi
boardroom that you can book
safe as you enter/exit the gate by security code
nice and clean
watercooler 🙂
off-street parking
and within walking distance of shops

Freelance copywriter, social media manager and website manager - South African Mommy Blogger

April 27, 2018 2 Mins Read

I went to Kamersvol and all I got was a churro

Soon after arriving at Kamersvol this year I realised that I seriously disliked the slow walking women (and no, not all of them were old) that hover in front of the doors – uhming and ahing whether to go in. It irritated me so much that I would skip a room just to have to come back when the door was free to use. I call this phenomenon situational unawareness.

However, the local makers and their wares… as per usual excellent. I was so happy to see Peppertree Bags there – since they only moved my favourite local brand, Design Team, to Cape Town. Can you hear my sour grapes bursting? I was tempted to buy a bit of jewellery but in the end the ‘door crowd’ made me turn around on my heels. I was also looking for a nice little black number but my vision didn’t quite meet with what was on the rails.

This year the venue was actually in a safer area plus no street parking in town – which was a huge plus. The St David’s Marist College Inanda also had lots of big trees and enough shade for sun-averse people like me.

Seriously though, when I get irritated I want to eat and when I end up in a queue to get to food it irritates me more and then I want to leave. Luckily on my way out my eye caught Paquinos Churros and I bought some. One because I’m irritated and another because I really love churros.

PS. I own a few Peppertree bags – so I will probably support them forever because they make the most amazing bags but my heart is very sore to no longer have my sale highlight of the year, the Design Team warehouse sale.