…and suddenly it got very cold and I don’t want to switch on my little fan heater for fear of bringing down the whole Eskom network. You know what I’m talking about!
We recently played Barbie Bakery owners and I had to go round up some customers from the Chelsea, barbie and Ken dolls around the house.
Where did this year go? I had a minor meltdown on TikTok about taking on a degree via Unisa – and just not having the time or the will after their many system breakdowns.
In this newsletter I share some travel news, including our stay at the Castle in Clarens, where to find those yellow frames – and of course the latest Barbie mermaid and skincare products.
Save on Mid-Week Stays at Bush Villas on Kruger
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 was R2,550 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗥𝟭,𝟵𝟵𝟬
𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 was R3,200 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗥𝟮,𝟰𝟵𝟱
Valid until 30 June 2022
Contact reservations@bushvillasonkruger.com, join them on Facebook or Instagram.
Do I worry about my face aging? I most certainly do. I study any overnight wrinkles and pay extra attention to them in an effort to disappear them. Here are some of my product secrets…
Who had a BIG sigh of relief after the family meeting last night? I don’t think anyone would have appreciated anyone standing between us and a holiday that we have needed since all of this started – right?
We are staying home this Christmas. We still have too much to do and well, the house is a black hole for money (I’m not complaining, I’m just broke). Please cheer me up and tell me about your amazing holiday plans!
Bush Villas on Kruger Special
Book a a Luxury Villa for R2550 (was R3200) per night for up to 6 guests for stays during 16-20 December 2021. R450 for extra adults and R200 for extra children in the larger villas.
Plus they have some space for stays from 29 December.
Contact reservations@bushvillasonkruger.com, join them on Facebook or Instagram.
If you still don’t know about Gerakaris Family Wine 🍷🍷🍷 in Joburg… here is your reminder that we have a winery in our fair city. After the grapes arrive they are put through the process right here where you can also book a wine tasting. READ MORE
I went home with #2 and a slab of chocolate because I want to relive this experience many more times. The experience is comparable to what you would get in Cape Town 🍷🍷🍷 READ MORE
Sunrise Society
Sunrise Society, a social club, had its first meet for a delicious chocolate and wine pairing at the Tasting Room @ Indaba Hotel. We were a small group, but seeing friendly faces over a beautiful glass of wine was a welcome sight after 2 years of no socials.
Don’t even get me started about walking upstairs – or is it downstairs up???READ MORE
Hello Barbie Fashionista
Guess who was so excited when a Barbie Fashionista house was delivered? Me! Then the kids saw it and now I can just look at them play with it.
Even more Barbie news! Barbie Mega Constux has hit the shelves and I spent all last week building the sets I was sent. Look out for my Instagram Stories and highlights plus the post later this week.
Give me some JAN yum
I recently discovered Jan’s free recipes – and now I am obsessed. I want to try the 12 pap recipes (because pap). VISIT JAN
Fujifilm is proud to introduce the Instax Mini 40 instant camera, the new entry-level camera in the ever-growing Instax line-up. The Mini 40 embraces the old-school look-and-feel of film cameras thanks to its all-black leatherette body combined with a classic silver frame.
Despite its retro looks, the Mini 40 incorporates the latest technology, as found on Instax’s Mini 11 and Square SQ1 instant cameras released last year.
No worries with Automatic Exposure
With the ‘Automatic Exposure’ function, for example, the Mini 40 automatically optimises the shutter speed, flash output and other settings according to the overall shooting conditions. This allows for balanced prints that are correctly exposed in both bright outdoor and low-light indoor environments.
Users can also activate the ‘Selfie mode’ for taking selfies and close-up shots. The mode is initiated by pulling out the front edge of the camera’s lens after powering it on, making sure that any image taken from close up (30 cm – 50 cm) is in focus.
The Mini 40 is powered by two AA-batteries (included), and with a weight of only 330g (without batteries, strap and film) the camera is extremely portable. As an additional accessory and to compliment the camera’s style, Instax is releasing a stylish black camera case with stitching detail and a shoulder strap. Safely tucked into the case, the Mini 40 is ready for any picnic, party or road trip.
Ready for Contact
As can be gathered from the name, the Mini 40 uses Fujifilm’s Mini film, which provides a photo picture size of 62 x 46mm. The film packs are easy to load, with the camera able to print a beautiful photo in about 90 seconds.
Part of the fun of the Instax range is the wide variety of film types available for prints. Alongside the Mini 40, Fujifilm is introducing a new Mini-format film named “Contact Sheet”. The stylised black border design imitates a contact sheet, traditionally developed by film photographers in photographic dark rooms. The Contact Sheet film pack contains ten prints and can be used in all Instax Mini cameras.
Price and availability
Instax fans need not wait long, since the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 instant camera will be available in South Africa on 21 April 2021, set to retail for R1 399 incl. VAT. Photographers looking for the Contact Sheet film pack can find it in stores or online on the same day, selling for a recommended R169 incl. VAT.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Fujifilm Instax believes that this day of love should be about creating memories together. And what better way to ensure memories are shared than having an Instax instant camera present on the day, or perhaps as a present for the day?
With this in mind, we offer a few suggestions for a Valentine’s Day filled with shared memories.
An amazing Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Valentine’s Camera Bundle
Reasons to love: Looking for that perfect gift for Valentine’s Day? Instax has you covered with a bundle you just can’t help but love. Conveniently packaged, you receive an Instax Mini 11 camera, a carry case, four packs of Mini film and two Mini photo frames. It’s a beautiful gift for a special day and at a great price.
Cost: R1749, available online or in select retail stores.
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1
Reasons to love: The latest camera from Instax, the SQ1 is the easiest way to get into capturing classic Square shaped photos. Not only is the SQ1 extremely easy to use, but it has been redesigned for better auto-exposure and selfies. Plus, with a range of accessories, it is sure to fit your loved one’s lifestyle.
Cost: R1999, available online or in select retail stores.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link printer
Reasons to love: The Instax Mini Link offers the perfect way to print those beautiful memories stored on a smartphone. It’s easy to set up through the app and offers a number of interesting extras, including “Match Test” mode which scores your compatibility with a friend or someone extra special.
Cost: R1899, available online or in select retail stores.
New Instax Mini and Square film
Reasons to love: When printing memories, there’s no reason to only stick with the regular white borders for your photos. Instax offers a range of interesting film types on the Mini side, including Pink Lemonade, Shiny Star, Candy Pop or Confetti, while Square prints look amazing in a Black frame.
Cost: Starting at R155 (pack of 10) for Instax Mini film, and R179 (pack of 10) for Instax Square film.
49 days to Christmas! I don’t know about you, but this year with all its upsidedowness has just flown by. It feels like just yesterday it was March.
Christmas and holidays come with something that we don’t like to talk about, more crime. With the added pressure the lockdown has added on our economy it has pushed up criminal activity and as a mom I am now even more careful than ever before. In this newsletter I have 2 pieces that you have to take note of…
Ring Africa’s home security offerings utilise HD cameras that connect to your smartphone via the Ring App. Ring has now unveiled plans to extend their Black Friday Deals for the entire month of November. This month save up to R1000 on various Ring devices and watch over your office, house, kids, pets, gate, boundary walls and more whether you’re at home or away.
Available through Takealot, Builders Warehouse, iStore, Incredible Connection and Leroy Merlin.
In a world where you have to connect with customers through your digital footprints, you need marketing strategies that work. Our services include content marketing strategies, content writing, content scheduling, social media management, newsletter management, webmaster services and studying reports to see what really works for your business.
Find out more, contact Susann via email susann@geekmedia.co.za. You can also refer someone and earn a commission to earn something extra for the holidays.
Some seriously amazing things are happening in squares over on Instagram – and I want you to feel inspired about this little country of ours, family and discover beautiful things with us.
As a South African, we live with crime on a daily basis – never knowing when it will hit closer to home. We all know someone who has become a victim of violent crimes such as carjackings, home invasions, kidnapping, murders or rapes – and somehow you would want to keep your family safe.
Over 3,000 subscribers receive this newsletter and it’ll only cost you from R250 for the rest of the year to place an advert. This newsletter also gets shared on my blog.
You can also sponsor a blog post or social media post to my audience.
This article will be updated on a regular basis. I want the victims of farm murders and farm attacks in South Africa to be remembered. They were someone’s son, daughter, sister, mother, father, grandparent or friend.
Brendin Horner was tied to a pole and stabbed in 2020, he was 21.
Glen & Vida Rafferty were 63 and 60 respectively. They were shot in their house along with their dog in 2020.
Raymond Papapavlou was 28 in 2020 when his bullet-riddled body was found in a room.
Gerrit Stander was 38 years old in 2020 when he was shot and killed. They broke into the family’s house on a farm.
Chantel Kershaw was 44 in 2020 when she was strangled to death in front of her mother. She was also sexually assaulted.
Waldi (64) and Cynthia (53) van Zyl were tortured on their smallholding in 2020. The men used a grinder to cut Waldi’s leg, snapping some of his arteries. Cynthia’s nose was pinched in a vice grip and twisted.
Joubert Conradie was shot and killed on his farm. He was taken from his 2 children and wife at the age of 47 in 2017.
Read more about Farm Murders & Farm Attacks in South Africa
There are lists of names all over the internet of victims
Next week is Spring and it feels like I’ve missed most of the year. I don’t remember seeing the the leaves turn in Autumn or frost on my car’s roof. I do however remember the fun road trips we’ve had the last couple of months.
Johannesburg Perfume Sale Dates 2020
I have no news yet that I can share – but it’s coming soon! The 1 fragrance sale that usually happens in Marlboro is coming people, I repeat, IT’S COMING! Get ready, make sure you are following my Facebook page or subscribed to my newsletter. Scroll for more info…Subscribe to the newsletter!
I like to use “Paris is always a good idea” by Audrey Hepburn for this occasion – but is it still a good idea if it is Little Paris in North West province?
Have you heard that I plan, manage and write so you don’t have to curate your social media content? If you would like to find out more just pop susann@geekmedia.co.za an email.
Seriously, why haven’t you followed me on Instagram yet? I think you might enjoy seeing South Africa through my little family’s eyes. C’mon, follow my Instagram account now.
Now for something a little more serious… Did you know that hijackings and home invasions increased from last year? There are now an online courses that will teach you how to act during these situations. Visit www.ssctraining.co.za for more information.
It’s official, I got confirmation that the fragrance sale is going online in 2020! I don’t have the launch date as yet, but… as soon as I have it, you will know too.
I know that you have been waiting to hear news and that the social distancing and limit on people at a venue has thrown all our bargain hunting and shopping plans in the wind.
Rietvlei was one of my favourite nature reserves discovered during lockdown level 3. It has an abundance of wildlife, lots of roads to drive and of course… very affordable.
At Graceland Eco Retreat you will meet giraffes named Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa Marie and their children born on the farm named, Tennessee, Nashville and Phoenix. There are also Kudu, Impala, Klipspringer, Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck and more that you may catch a glimpse of whilst hiking.
Rietfontein’s hike is about 2,2km with a moderate first 1km but then over some treacherous terrain up a koppie – and I had to carry the little one the last 1km up the koppie…
I just wanted to check in on you. I know I don’t know (many of) you personally, but this is extraordinary times where we should be checking in on our neighbours, family and friends.
It’s been a tough few months with the kids at home, hustling like a mad boss while having my husband at home… every.single.minute.of.the.day. I am thankful to have kept busy with work and helping my clients get back on track now that all of them are trading again.
I recently also signed a new client, Usha Maharaj. She is a coach, mentor and speaker whose Youtube channel and website carries a message that more women should hear this Women’s Month.
This Women’s Month Usha is offering a free 90 minute session to recharge your passion for success. Jump on this opportunity and be inspired! This inspiring FREE 90 minute session is scheduled for 29 August 2020 at 11 am via Zoom. Seats are limited, so register now!
Today is also the start of an online Autism Workshop Series with Amazing Therapy & Remedial Academy in Randburg. The owner, Ilse, will be sharing tips and learnings from owning an autism school and having a daughter with autism. Get all the information here.
The truth about a made in South Africa anything is that it will outlast made in China every single time.
This month I also finally have time to work on my own 2 brands. Keep an eye out on www.geekimedia.co.za and of course www.livingoursunshine.com. This month I also offer a 20% discount for all women owned businesses who sign up for one of my SLAs to write and manage for their social media, blogs or newsletters. Get in touch via susann@geekmedia.co.za or 0829445083.
A-Z of South African Handbag Makers This is the most read article on my blog since it was published on 11 July. The picture of this article is one of my favourite South African handbags in my collection. It is made by IY Apparel in KZN.9 Pins to help you fall in love with South Africa I have 2 projects that I’m furiously working on. I’m quite excited about them as they are both about tourism and South Africa. In the meantime, I want you to start falling in love with our country.
LESEDI Kids Fashion LESEDI was first dreamt about 5 years ago in the bustling streets of Mumbai by Harsha Prag.5 Cats in guest relations (aka Hospitality Cats, South Africa) I love cats! I’m the one walking through a strange city snapping pics of cats while my husband laughs. In this article you’ll meet 5 of South Africa’s felines that “work” in hospitality.
Joburg is my city. I arrived here with my old red Opel, my childhood bed and small-town clothes with big dreams. I had to navigate the city with a map book! Read 20 cool facts about Johannesburg here.
Also just a reminder, if you want to read a bit in Afrikaans, visit www.hartskos.co.za.
FUJIFILM South Africa is proud to announce the launch of the instax mini 11, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2017’s best-selling mini 9. The mini 11 instant camera provides on-the-spot photo printing and comes with a number of features never seen before on instax mini cameras.
New features for better photos
The new instax mini 11 is the first entry-level model to feature the ‘Automatic Exposure’ function, providing better-looking photos in darker lighting conditions. Here the camera automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimising the shutter speed and flash output according to the surrounding brightness. The result is less flash ‘blowout’ indoors, with both the subject and background now correctly exposed.
Another feature that makes taking instax photos easier than ever before is the Selfie Mode, which is ideal for both selfies and close-ups photos. On the previous instax mini 9 camera, an adapter needed to be placed on the lens for selfies. On the new mini 11, the Selfie Mode can be activated by simply pulling out the front-end edge of the lens after powering the camera on.
Users will see the “Selfie On” mark on the edge of the lens, with the mini 11 now able to take photos at a closer focussing distance, around 30-50cm away. They can also conveniently frame their selfie by checking the little mirror panel on the side of the lens for composition.
Even more fun than before
The instax mini 11’s rounder, softer and compact style builds on the popular design of its mini 9 predecessor. The mini 11 is actually smaller in size than its older sister, making it easier to carry around, also weighing a bit less at 293g (without batteries, strap, and film). All said, it’s a fun looking camera, with contrasting design elements on the mini 11 achieved by using a different material around the lens from the rest of the camera body.
Those looking to customise their mini 11 can do so via two included accessories – a glow in the dark button and a jewel button which can be placed on top of the shutter button. There’s also a colour coded strap included in the box which fits around the wrist.
Powering the mini 11 are two AA-size alkaline batteries (included), able to provide enough battery life for 100 exposures. Talking of which, the mini 11 is just as quick to print out your photos, with an instax mini print ready in about 90 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.
Price and Availability
To capture a photo and see it develop instantly remains a satisfying experience. But being able to give that print to a friend or a loved one is what instax instant photography is all about – don’t just take, give!
The FUJIFILM instax mini 11 is coming to South Africa in five pale tone colours, namely Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White and Lilac Purple. The camera will be available locally in select retail stores and online starting mid-July 2020, retailing for R1 199 (incl.VAT), or as a kit with one pack of instax film (10 prints) for R1 349 (incl. VAT).
Fans of the instax will be happy to know that it will come with a range of accessories, including new camera cases and photo albums.
