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…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.

Barbie Bakery Shop Playset

With Barbie, you can be anything – including a cake shop owner that orders her mother to go get her some customers…

Visit the Kruger Park with 1 of 5 specials at Bush Villas on Kruger

Get ready to make unforgettable memories with family and friends at Bush Villas on Kruger.

Contact reservations@bushvillasonkruger.com, join them on Facebook or Instagram.

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.

Save 10% on Melcura Wound Care

Melcura offers 4 ranges for wound care – from natural honey and silver to hospital care.

  • Use SUSANN10% to get 10% off your next online purchase

Barbie™ Dreamtopia Twinkle Lights Mermaid™ Doll

There is something magical about when a girl meets a Barbie. She can fall so utterly in love with her best friend…

Hydrate, Lift, Firm, Restore with Placecol

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…

Yellow (Red & Black) Frames in South Africa

We spotted this one as we were making our way from the N3 side through the Golden Gate park towards Clarens. I think the background is spectacular!

The Castle in Clarens | Review

We stayed for one night in the middle of the week and spent R1400 for the 4 of us (self catering) – and it was totally worth it!

Thank you for reading – and remember to let me know how your Mother’s Day was on Sunday!

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.

Johannesburg Markets to visit

I’ve rounded up details for some of Joburg’s newest and oldest markets so you can have a fun festive shopping experience before Christmas. READ MORE

A taste of Joburg’s only winery

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

Spier Tasting Room at Indaba

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.

Join the FB group or WhatsApp group now to join us on our next adventure in Jozi.

Voortrekker Monument

Please, someone stop me, because I want to go see the “lewende laer” because… READ MORE

Visit the Eiffel Tower

More good times locked in with the kids in Harties. READ MORE

Upside Down House

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

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…

I also have a new article about where you can find free online courses. Don’t forget about supporting local this year when you shop either – please? If you want to give me a Christmas prezzie, follow me on Instagram or Facebook, it will mean the world to me!

Chasing Happiness

Over the last few weeks I have had to dig deep into myself on the LEMS course with Usha Maharaj – and it wasn’t easy! I am glad that I did… 

Roadmap to a Happier Me Challenge

I would love if you would join me on this challenge – because I know that 2020 was the craziest year for most of us.


STOP CRIME before it happens
Black Friday Specials on Smart Security Cameras & Doorbells

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.


Need a digital marketer, wordsmith or some extra help to get your content out?

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.


Follow Goddess on Instagram

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.

C’mon and follow me on www.instagram.com/goddesscoza


Online courses to help you keep your family safe

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. 

Visit www.ssctraining.co.za for more information.


Toddly

Toddly is a small family business run by a mother, daughter and grandmother team.

Most of the products are handmade by us and then we also have some suppliers for other baby and toddler items

Some handmade items include taggie blankets, activity books, sensory hoops, sensory books, flash cards, ABC cards and educational toys

All of our activity books and flashcards are available in English or Afrikaans.


Advertise

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.

Email adverts@goddess.co.za for more information.

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!

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Upside Down House, South Africa
Upside Down House South Africa

That time we went to an upside Down House…

It didn’t take much to convince hubby to get in my car with the 2 hooligans with snacks…


Little Paris & Eiffel Tower
Little Paris & Eiffel Tower

That time we saw the Eiffel Tower (in Harties)

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.

Please save you money for the sale – IT’S COMING!


Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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.


Have you visited Graceland Eco Estate yet?

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.


Hiking in Fourways

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.

Success is Beautiful with Usha Maharaj

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!

Workshops for parents, teachers & aupairs

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.

A-Z of South African Leather Shoe Makers

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.

Who has heard EISH, THIS JOBURG?

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.

Good morning

It is day 21 of lockdown in South Africa today – I hope you are staying safe! We’ve been in isolation since 15 March… you can read how I felt back on 16 March about our very first day.

Let me know what you and the family are getting up to – and if you want to have your activity photo featured on my Facebook page. Let’s make it fun, photos that make me smile will go into the draw to win a R100 Takealot voucher (I’ll publish details on my blog).

Supporting Local

This is my open invitation for local makers and businesses to advertise for mahala on my channels – because I support local. Please share these to your favourite businesses and makers.

If you don’t know about Graceland Eco Retreat yet… you simply have to find out more about them on www.gracelandeco.co.za. PS they have giraffes named Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, Tennessee, Nashville and Phoenix.

I can tell you that the views are spectacular, because I grew up in that valley you see down in the distance 🙂

Travel: Beyond The Vine

Travel is not allowed right now, but it doesn’t mean we can’t dream about travelling.

In February I hopped on over to Cape Town to have a birthday weekend with my bestie and we went on a wine farm tour with Beyond the Vine. It was so much fun – it definitely beat doing a self-drive just to taste wine.

Matchless Candles up to 70% off sale #ad

This will make a great Mother’s Day gift!

Create that traditional candle glow effectively and efficiently with the flick of a switch. These can be used with any decor and even outside!

How are you keeping your kids busy at home while still working?

I’m tired of being bombarded by download this, do this… while in lockdown. I also get daily lessons from school. I still work full-time. How are you coping?

Remember my Roadmap to a Happier Me Challenge?

I think it is time we restarted the challenge…

Have you heard this about Placecol yet?

This proudly South African beauty brand just turned 40 and you can read all about it here. #PlacecolTurns40

Discover Viveca Jewellery

I don’t have a garden and all I can think about is being outside, hearing people, touching a real plant that isn’t a cactus. I’m just about ready to jump my balcony, scale a fence and make a break for the trees just 50m from my home. In the meantime… I’ve spotted these pieces from Viveca Jewellery on Facebook and thought they were really great pieces. Remember, support local and leave those made in C…. on the shelves.