Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel
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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.

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

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

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

 

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Education is Power

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela!

Richards Bay, 23 April 2018 – Hosted by JB Marks Education Trust Fund, the 7th prestigious Career Exhibition in South Africa is taking place today and tomorrow in Richards Bay, Kwazulu-Natal at the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation to form part of giving the SA youth a better chance at a bright future with knowledge and resources.

Media Release: Education is Power

As JB Marks Education Trust Fund, the ethos is to give the youth some fighting chance as future leaders who are fully capable of changing the economic and social status of South Africa through exposure to information and opportunities available at the JB Marks Career Exhibition. Ultimately, we aim to inspire and motivate.

As we celebrate the 21st anniversary of “Education is power”, the Annual Career Exhibition is an initiative that the Trust Fund takes great pride in because it has been designed essentially as a platform to plough back into the community. For this reason, these Career Exhibitions always target areas that have the least access to resources and opportunities.

“Information is power, and the best way to empower our people is to arm them with knowledge and resources.  Moreover, this is a platform that will enable learners in and around Richards Bay to be in a position to make the best possible choices about not only what to study post Matric, but also which industries to pursue post tertiary. This will go a long way towards minimising career challenges faced in the country; and subsequently contribute positively to the state of the nation’s economy and growth,” said JB Marks Education Trust Fund Board member, Simphiwe Nanise.

As we celebrate our 21st Anniversary, we believe that there is no better way to celebrate this milestone than with an event that will have such a positive impact on the great community of Richards Bay.

“As the Department of Basic Education in KZN, we are profoundly proud to be the beneficiaries of an initiative of this magnitude, especially one that focuses on empowering learners through education and well-needed information regarding their future careers – this are the kinds of interventions we need in our communities, to the JB Marks Education Trust Fund, I say – well done and continue to do the good work” says Dr. Ngogi Mahaye, Head of Ministry.

“We remain objective in ensuring all students who access this education trust are making a contribution towards the upliftment of the lives of our members and society in general – ultimately education is the most powerful weapon.” Concludes Sekanka

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How did they know I stepped out of the office?

I don’t know why, but each time I go out of the office for a meeting one of my clients have an emergency. It’s like they can sense that I will be muting my phone – because I haven’t had anyone call me all week with any issues (other than the 2 days I literally stopped at the meeting venues).

It’s strange to think that I last worked at an office more than a year ago. I sometimes miss the coffee times or the long walk to Woolworths on the other side of Sandton City. I miss my colleagues even if all of them have moved on to other companies. I miss joking around and slacking off the days that I didn’t feel like working.

… don’t get me wrong, I still slack off some days to go have a coffee or indulge in a day of shopping – but what’s the fun in sneaking around from yourself?

So anyway, just because I mentioned the 2 days of meetings I want to show you something from my cupboard that I like to wear out… on my feet and arm 🙂

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It’s a home spa heaven at my place – thanks to Matsimela!

I’m literally buggered. I was sick for just over 2 weeks in March with bronchitis but I worked right through it all, because that’s what you do. Then we went off to Salt Rock so hubby could go help his mom on the South Coast to sort out his dad’s belongings. I took my mom along, but with being weakened from being sick, the humidity and the kid it really took a toll on me.

When I got back to Joburg a package from Matsimela was waiting for me and I almost burst out crying from being thankful. I actually just thought that there must be someone out there that felt the vibes I was sending out.

So, what was in the box…

Matsimela Sandalwood and Vanilla Homespa products

Bunny soaps that smell like delicious “tameletjie” or really nice toffee. I could barely believe that it was just a soap. When you lather it up in your hands it is just to die for.

Matsimela Bunny

An amazing palm soap in Vanilla and Sandalwood. Showering that first day with this bar of soap was like a mini relaxing spa. It’s like having a delicious luxury that I don’t have to share with anyone – and I love it!

Matsimela Sandalwood and Vanilla Homespa products

I have written so many times about Matsimela’s bath soaks – and not just about the ones they’ve sent, but also the ones I buy. It’s a little tub of heaven that you can just drag out (of your secret hiding place) and pour into a nice bath for a bit of relaxation. I have given so many of these little tubs away as gifts as they are simply divine and won’t break the bank.

The new one is also Vanilla Sandalwood Kalahari Bath Soak and believe me when I say that you need to try it.

 

Matsimela Sandalwood and Vanilla Homespa products

If by now you still haven’t gotten your hands on Matsimela products, visit www.matsimelaonline.com and spoil yourself – or drop a hint with hubby, family or friends that you need to be spoilt asap! What I like about Matsimela is that you have so much choice and every single product just smells soooooo good

Matsimela products on spoon

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Big chores made easy this Easter with CHUX®

The Easter holidays are around the corner and usually means cooking up a feast, enjoying time with family and friends and hopefully taking a break. Along with the celebrations and festivities, mess is an inevitable part… and we have the perfect helper for you – CHUX®. New to South Africa, CHUX®, a leading global cleaning brand, helps make the big chores smaller.

For whatever life CHUX® at you!

CHUX® Heavy Duty Scourer Scrubs have a tough scourer for difficult kitchen cleaning jobs such as scrubbing away baked on dirt and grime from pots and pans. The unique angled shape is great for reaching deep into corners and hard to clean areas plus makes it comfortable to hold, while you’re scrubbing grime away and washing the dishes. The convenient hang hole feature allows the scourer to be stored easily by hanging it on to kitchen taps. This allows the kitchen scrub to dry quickly, keeping it hygienically ready to use.

CHUX® Heavy Duty Scourer Scrub Tips

  • Cleaning non-sensitive dishes
  • Cleaning ovens and microwaves
  • Remove baked on dirt and grime on baking trays

Enjoy a fabulous Easter and invite CHUX® into your home, for whatever life ‘chux’ at you!

For more information on CHUX® visit www.facebook.com/ChuxSA. CHUX® can be found at selected Spar stores nationwide.

Big chores made easy this Easter with CHUX®

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A day in the life of a work-from-home mom

I don’t like doing personal posts. I jealously guard over my privacy – and I’ve been like that since forever. Sometimes I will have too much Afrikoa chocolate and feel “more optimistic” and then write a post that gives glimpses into my life.

It has been a year since I left the corporate world. When I was part of that world I didn’t realise just how much it affected my well-being. Now, reflecting back on that I was blinded by my drive to succeed and chase numbers.

This week I bought cups, plates and a sweetie dish for my office. I also stocked my office cupboard with snacks. Last month I dyed my hair pink – something that my corporate contract didn’t allow for. I’ve made my home work space the creative space that I need to be happy – and I get to spend the whole day with my cats. Don’t get me wrong, I spend a lot more time working, but I choose the hours that I’m more productive and have time to do the things that I love.

I have to admit, it’s not always roses when you work from home. A teething toddler who has the nasty habit of howling at the top of her lungs after each nap makes for interesting times. Or husband coming home early and literally waltzing by like a tornado with a flurry of words… The worst however is when you get sick, there is nobody to call or stand in for you – it is all on you.

But then I can thank my stars that I don’t have to sit in traffic to Sandton anymore and wasting 2 hours of my life a day in a car.

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Italian Baby Products Leaders Return With The Latest Model Stroller For 2018, The Foppapedretti Bikini

For over 70 years Foppapedretti has been synonymous with quality, function and safety – and this year sees the Italian-based company releasing their brand new stroller/car seat combo into the world of baby travel gear – the Foppapedretti Bikini.

With world-famous travel gear products such as the 3-Chic and the Piuleggero already in the SA market through Prima Baby, the Bikini answers the modern woman’s request for convenience, trend and quality, whilst still maintaining the compact combo-style approach to travel gear systems.

Foppapedretti Bikini

And the Bikini offers just that:

  • Stroller seat/carry cot combo
  • Chassis
  • Car Seat
  • Diaper Bag

Also included in this beautiful combo is a foot muff, storage basket, rain cover, reversible options for the seats and all the adjustability to keep baby at ultimate comfort levels.

ABOUT FOPPAPEDRETTI –  A DELIGHTFUL STORY

Foppapedretti was formed 70 years ago by the Italian Ezio Foppa Pedretti – a young man with a fierce passion for wood.

It was 1945, and Ezio was spending all his time dedicating to crafting children’s toys from off-cuts of wood from his uncle’s factory.  By 1946, the determined young carpenter had enrolled the help of his sister, brother and mother and started up the Foppapedretti Toy Factory.

The rest is history as the company grew from strength to strength, expanding to embrace other materials and aspects of a child’s development, yet they are still today one of the leading makers in authentic wooden toy products.

See more of their story at https://www.foppapedretti.it/it.

The Bikini is available is a powerful grey and a funky green at www.takealot.com, www.loot.com, www.purplepepperz.com, www.sosobabies.co.za, www.thebabyzone.co.za, Hamleys stores and selected Kids Emporium stores.

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Picnic-style Family Holiday Fun with OUMA

With Easter fast approaching, planning a last-minute family breakaway might prove to be a challenging task. Fortunately, there is still plenty to do for those who decide to keep things local instead. Picnics are a great and affordable way to spend the summer holidays outdoors with the family, and also offer the opportunity to bring along some of your most loved and convenient treats, such as OUMA Rusks.

“The Easter holiday season is a great way for loved ones to get some extra bonding time in, and partake in activities that they, due to their busy schedules or friends and family living far away, normally would not have a chance to do during the year. Picnics accommodate every generation, you can incorporate various games and packing everyone’s favourite nibbles,” says explains OUMA Brand Manager, Lonwabo Thinta.

For generations, OUMA have been South Africa’s most loved rusks and they have hand-picked five picnic spots where people can “Dip ‘n OUMA” with their loved-ones, for an unforgettable family holiday outing:

This 36 hectare tract of land is fed by the Sandspruit River that winds through a series of landscaped lawns, indigenous vegetation, walkways and benches. The park provides a green lung in an otherwise built up residential part of the city, giving local residents in the high-density area an escape that offers a space for reflection, relaxation and picnics.

Emmarentia Dam and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Visitors can enjoy the various special gardens and the main arboretum, which houses family groupings of plants and trees from South Africa and the rest of the world. Pick a spot on the tranquil lawn next to the dam and enjoy an escape from the city life with your family.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

This garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. This 36-hectare garden is famous for their Sunday Sunset Concerts.

This gorgeous park is set on a former pineapple plantation that has been transformed into an enchanting rose garden. It is host to over 200 rose species and an impressive 600 rosebushes that transform the garden into a fairy-tale during their bloom from September to November.

Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre, Alberton

This spot promises a day of adventure and fun for the entire family. Start the day with a round of putt-putt, then have a look at the farm animals, take a ride on the steam train or tractor and end the adventure with a relaxed family picnic surrounded by tranquil natural wetlands, large trees and gardens.

Take advantage of the warm temperatures, sunny skies and break from work responsibilities this holiday season by packing your favourite OUMA Rusks in your basket and relish in some quality family picnic time.

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Buying a new family car…

We recently bought a new car… and it was a huge decision as both hubby and I have paid off our cars. Plus we had to decide which of us would give up their car…

The big sedan with the 160 000km that is great for his meetings or my very economical Chevrolet Spark that only has 30 000km on the clock. Car 1 costs a lot to service and if anything breaks… $$$. Car 2 General Motors abandoned South Africa, but services and parts are cheap – but it is compact.

We found a company that wanted replace some of their car fleet and… I sold my beloved candy apple Spark. Yay for us that we got a good price 🙂

In our household we share all costs 50/50 so whatever I got for my car hubby matched – giving us a nice deposit and a wider choice of vehicle.

Hubby researched all the cars in the price bracket we were comfortable with and we both agreed on the ones we would test drive.

Our family car had to:

  • Have a higher ground clearance for getting up the mountain when we visit my parents
  • High enough so we can see more in the Kruger National Park
  • Can fit 5 people with Lexa strapped into her seat
  • Must be able to fit my 3 black cats + 2 children in the back
  • Have boot space for days
  • Have park assist
  • Must have cruise control for those long drives to Salt Rock
  • Must be a well-supported brand in South Africa (after GM, we didn’t want to go through that again)

Then we test drove cars…

We tested a few SUVs including the Kia Sportage, Hyundai, Toyota’s Rav, Nissan and Renault Duster.

We settled on a car that we both liked but instead of buying 1 model up, we added the one thing we both wanted, a rear-view camera that is connected to the mirror. Next model up was 60k more and had a camera and seat setting thing extra – having the camera installed cost 6k… Quite a saving. Plus we got a 25k discount.

Can you guess which car we chose as our family car? PS the park assist camera helped me to reverse park between a car and a tree and just 5cm from a wall!

So here are my tips before even visiting any showrooms:

  1. Know what you will have as a deposit
  2. If you are trading in your car, get one or 2 evaluations and quotes
  3. Work out how much you actually can afford per month
  4. Find out from the bank how much you would qualify for if you have to finance it
  5. Identify the cars that will suit your family’s lifestyle and requirements
  6. Research them online – read reviews (nobody wants to buy a car that spontaneously combusts… just saying)
  7. Then go for a day of test drives
  8. Ask the sales person if there aren’t any discounts they could organise
  9. …and for $%^$%^% never buy a car with a balloon payment

Rather test drive a car more than once before finalising the transaction. Nothing is worse than regretting buying a car and being stuck with it. After all, cars aren’t investments but rather what will take you on holiday, to work and getting the kids from school.

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Move on over, domestic goddess in the making

I am not a domestic goddess and if I’m being honest, I probably will never win any awards for cooking or cleaning. However, I like to do my best when I do venture into hubby’s domain.

Chux

I recently got a few cleaning goodies from CHUX to try out and this is what I thought…

Lexa is at the stage where she thinks it’s funny to walk around and spit water everywhere. If she can flood a table… that is even better. Unfortunately, I have a lot of nice wooden pieces… So I tried out the absorbent cloth and it just sucked it all up. I just hung it up outside and it dried in the sun.

Chux Absorbent Cloth - South African Blogger

What I really liked was that they had different scourers and that it was colour coded. The green scourers, heavy duty, is perfect for those tough baked on dirt and grime. The blue non-scratch scourers can even be used on non-stick cookware – and the packet says they are dishwasher friendly!

Chux Scourers - South African Blogger

Something that is quite nice about Chux scourers is that they are angled, letting you get into corners.

The CHUX magic eraser impressed me most… We had crayon marks on the wall and I thought why not – if it gets worse I will paint over it anyway. Kid you not, this little sponge took it right off (and I have tried with cloths before). Just add water to sponge and make marks disappear.

Chux Magic Eraser

I’m not sure what the pricing is on the shelves, but I was really impressed – plus I didn’t scratch hubby’s non-stick frying pans (which is always a bonus).

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