Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Leading Expert Advice from Curro Online

Advice from the experts

Introducing Mercedes Benz Sign Eau de Parfum

Luxury car-maker and coveted lifestyle brand, Mercedes Benz, has launched Sign Eau de Parfum, a new fragrance for men. Inspired by the iconic Mercedes Benz three-pointed star logo, Sign celebrates man’s success and his ability to enjoy the fruits of his labour. A rallying symbol for the man who is proud of his achievements, Sign is the true signature of success. The man who wears Sign is a rebellious dandy, a trendsetter, and an avant-garde influencer. His fragrance is an emblem of his uniqueness, modernity and ambition. His assertive, often quirky look never goes unnoticed, and reflects his approach to life: Take initiative, stay alert, and become an exceptionally charismatic leader. The Fragrance The fragrance was created by master perfumer Olivier Cresp. It took over a year to develop and was tested worldwide by Firmenich experts before it was brought to market. Mercedes Benz Sign is a fougere oriental eau de parfum that impresses with power and intensity. The top notes reveal the effervescence of cardamom, which blends with pink peppercorn to bring freshness, and to contrast with a more vanilla base. The base notes feature tonka bean and white musk, which play out a warm and sensual score before mingling with cashmere and woody patchouli. Then come bitter grapefruit, crisp apple, and a floral bouquet comprised of aromatic lavender, orange blossom, rose geranium, and —now rare in perfumery— violet leaf absolute, creating a sophisticated balance that Olivier Cresp has refined with zeal. Top notes: Cardamom, Grapefruit, Apple, Pink Peppercorn Middle notes: Lavender, Violet Leaf Absolute, Orange Blossom Base notes: Tonka Beans, Patchouli, Cashmere Woods A few words from Olivier Cresp… “I came across some exceptional raw materials in Guatemala, notably cardamom. When I came back, I wanted to use this green gold in a new creation for men. Sign is a wonderful, multi-faceted fragrance built around this rare spice.” Excellence now has its fragrance: SIGN. The Design Sign is housed in a harmonious and ergonomically-shaped masculine bottle. An intense and elegant deep midnight blue, the bottle and box feature the iconic Mercedes Benz star logo in silver, with bands that extend around the outline of the packaging. This ultra-visible star becomes the emblem of a highly exclusive club for whom success is a signature. Sustainability Mercedes Benz recognizes the importance of preserving our natural environment, and is working towards implementing more sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives. Sign embodies these commitments: the bottle is made with over 40% recycled glass. Meanwhile, the inner that keeps the precious bottle in its box is produced from FSC-certified recycled paper and can be recycled. Another important point is that Mercedes Benz has chosen (in association with Firmenich) two sustainably sourced ingredients to compose its fragrance. A partnership with local farming communities in Guatemala has been established for cardamom, and development partnerships have been signed with Java and Sumatra to obtain exceptionally high quality patchouli. Mercedes Benz Sign Eau de Parfum is available at Dis-Chem: R1795.00 for 100ml. GIFT WITH PURCHASE: Receive a free Mercedes Benz Weekender Bag with the purchase of a 100ml Mercedes Benz Sign Eau de Parfum. Valid while stocks last.

November 27, 2021

Juicy Summer Salads for all Occasions

Summer is here which means more family time spent outdoors braaiing. Eating good food is high on everyone’s agenda, so why not make sure you have a juicy repertoire of salads on the menu to wow the whole family. Whether it’s as a side, a main, or accompanied by a juicy salad dressing, savour the goodness of summer days with these six delicious salad recipes using convenient Rhodes Quality beans, corn, chickpeas, gherkins, beetroot and more. Perfect at home, at work or just kicking back in the sun with your loved ones. Go with Goodness this summer, go with the right food choices for your family, go with Rhodes Quality. Add this grape juice salad dressing to any leafy salad for a sweet and juicy twist. Ingredients: 250 ml (1 cup) Rhodes Quality 100% Red Grape Juice 65 ml red wine vinegar 65 ml honey 65 ml olive oil salt and freshly cracked black pepper Method: In a small bowl, whisk together Rhodes Quality 100% Red Grape Juice, vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Whisk well. Season to taste. Stir before serving. Broccoli and bacon salad with curried mango dressing: a crunchy summer salad with a flavourful dressing. Ingredients: Serves 4 250 ml (1 cup) Rhodes Quality Mango & Orange 100% Fruit Juice 5 ml (1 tsp) Pakco Medium Curry Powder 10 ml (2tsp) Rhodes Quality Apricot Jam 15 ml (1 Tbsp) Dijon Mustard 30 ml (2 Tbsp) apple cider vinegar 15 ml (1 Tbsp) olive oil 15 ml (1 Tbsp) water 1 garlic clove, crushed salt and freshly cracked black pepper Salad 300 g broccoli, washed and chopped 125 ml (½ cup) red onion, finely chopped 125 g (1 packet) streaky bacon, crispy fried and chopped 1 x avocado, seeded and peeled and chopped Method: Place the Rhodes Quality Mango & Orange juice, Pakco Medium Curry Powder and Rhodes Quality Apricot Jam into a blender along with the remaining dressing ingredients. Process until smooth and well blended. Season to taste. Mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over the desired amount of dressing. Toss lightly to mix. Chill until serving. Mixed bean salad with tangy dressing: you can prepare this simple mixed bean salad in just a few minutes. Enjoy as a great braai side or as a nutritious protein-rich lunch. Ingredients: 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Three Bean Mix 1 x 410 g Rhodes Quality Green Beans 30 ml (2 T) lemon juice 5 ml (1 t) Dijon Mustard 80 ml olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely crushed 5 ml (1 t) sugar salt and freshly ground pepper Method: Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until well blended. Season the dressing to taste with the salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside. Pour the Rhodes Quality Three Bean Mix and the Rhodes Quality Green Beans into a large bowl. Add the red onion, red pepper and chopped coriander, and toss to mix. Pour the dressing over the bean salad and stir gently to coat. Crumble the feta cheese into the salad and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve well chilled. Mexican salad with black beans and pepper: A colourful and crunchy Mexican-style braai salad. Give the dressing a chilli kick or leave it plain – it’s completely up to you. Ingredients: 2 x 400 g cans of Rhodes Quality Black Beans 1 red pepper, cut into small dice 1 yellow pepper, cut into small dice red onion, cut into small dice Method: Pour the Rhodes Quality Black Beans out into a colander. Rinse well with cold water until the water runs clear. Leave to stand until the beans are well drained. In a large bowl, gently combine the beans, chopped peppers and onion. To make the dressing, measure out all the ingredients into a medium bowl. Whisk until well blended. Season the dressing to taste. Add enough of the dressing to coat the beans. Season to taste. Stir in the chopped coriander leaves and refrigerate until serving. Beetroot salad with yoghurt dressing: Simple to prepare yoghurt dressing over Rhodes Quality Beetroot slices, a tangy braai salad. Ingredients: 1 x 780 g jar Rhodes Quality Sliced Beetroot 125 ml (½ cup) plain thick yogurt 1 garlic clove, crushed 65 ml (¼ cup) flat-leaf parsley, chopped 65 ml (¼ cup) fresh dill, chopped salt and freshly cracked black pepper Method: Drain the Rhodes Quality Sliced Beetroot, rinse and drain well in a colander. Place the yoghurt, garlic and herbs into a bowl and stir to mix. Season to taste. Place the Beetroot into a bowl, add the dressing and toss to mix. Serve chilled. Black bean and corn Buddha bowl: Packed full of colour and fresh flavour, Buddha Bowls are filling, nutritious and quick to prepare. Ingredients: 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Whole Kernel Corn, drained 1 x 400 g can Rhodes Quality Black Beans, drained and rinsed 1 red onion 2 whole tomatoes Salt and freshly cracked black pepper 30 ml (2 Tbsp.) chopped coriander leaves 500 ml (2 cups) cooked brown rice 1 avocado, peeled and chopped 375 ml (1 cups) grated cheddar cheese 3 spring onions, chopped To serve: Fresh coriander leaves, croutons and herb salad dressing Method: Finely chop the red onion and the tomatoes and mix. Season with salt and pepper and stir in 30 ml (2 Tbsp.) coriander and set aside. Create 4 Buddha Bowls by dividing the rice between four bowls. Add equal amounts of the Rhodes Quality Kernel Corn and Rhodes Quality Black Beans to each bowl. Divide the tomato salsa, chopped avocado between the bowls. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the bowls with the spring onions, coriander leaves and croutons. Serve with the herb salad dressing. For more inspiration packed with wholesome goodness and to find out how to win visit: www.rhodesquality.co.za or on Instagram and Facebook #GoWithG

November 27, 2021

Introducing Mega Construx™ Barbie just in time for Christmas

You can be anything when you help 3 Barbie™ micro-dolls at the Animal Grooming Station. Discover the nurturing world of animal care and play as you build the grooming, feeding and examination stations equipped with roleplay accessories like a brush, water bowl, stethoscopes and more. Working at the Animal Grooming Station is fun when you play with adorable animals like a panda, turtle, koala, sloth and baby sloth. Designed for beginners, this building set is easy to build and offers storytelling play with every step of building. Ideal for Wonder Builders, ages 4 and up Building set include 3 Barbie™ micro-dolls, 5 animals including a panda, turtle, koala, sloth and baby sloth, 97 building bricks with special pieces and accessories, and 3 heart-shaped baseplates Play as you build the grooming, feeding and examining stations that include roleplay accessories like stethoscopes, bathing sink, examining table and more Bricks combine with all Barbie™ and Mega Construx™ building sets, and are compatible with other name brands Ideal for ages 4 and up, this building toy provides build-and-play and storytelling experiences to develop creativity and problem-solving skills Mega Construx™ Barbie®Adventure DreamCamper™ Let your imagination take the lead when you hit the open road in the Adventure DreamCamper™. Cruise into an outdoor adventure and play as you build the pink camper filled with all sorts of accessories and surprises. Explore the wilderness and find the perfect spot to set up for a picnic with accessories like a table, chairs, croissants and more. When it’s time to turn in for the night, create a home away from home by removing the top of the camper, transforming it into a campsite with 2 beds where the 2 Barbie™ micro-dolls can fall asleep under the stars. Designed for beginners, this building set is easy to build and offers storytelling play with every step of building. Ideal for Wonder Builders, ages 5 and up Building set includes 2 Barbie™ micro-dolls, 3 animals, 123 building bricks with special pieces and accessories, and 1 heart-shaped baseplate to build on Buildable camper that transforms into a campsite with 2 beds 6 fashion accessories for customization Bricks combine with all Barbie™ and Mega Construx™ building sets, and are compatible with other name brands Ideal for ages 4 and up, this building toy provides build-and-play and storytelling experiences to develop creativity and problem-solving skills Available from Leading Retail outlets!

November 26, 2021

Reasons why homeschooling could be the smartest way to teach kids in the 20th Century.

Will the education of today be the education of tomorrow? Educators must reflect upon current practices and policies and identify ways to transform education to address a myriad of challenges in an increasingly complex world. If we are to prepare pre-primary and primary-aged children for their future, we can no longer rely on traditional education models. When we make rethinking education an ongoing part of our improvement process, we allow for changes to take place that supports dynamic new ways to design and deliver quality teaching and learning. Kids who are homeschooled have the same access to online learning, friendships, and extracurricular activities as the typical traditional school student — but without many of the drawbacks, like standardized lesson plans and bullying to name a few. Here are a handful of reasons homeschooling makes sense in 2021. Personalized learning is a strong method of instruction. The core idea of homeschooling is the idea that kids need to learn at the speed, and in the style, most appropriate for them. In the education world, enthusiasts call the approach “personalized learning.” Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are big fans of personalized learning since it tends to use technology as a way to tailor lesson plans to students. Personalized learning is an educational approach that aims to customize learning for each student’s strengths, needs, skills, and interests. Each student gets a learning plan that’s based on what they know and how they learn best. Students can learn more about what they care about. Without formal curricula to guide their education, homeschoolers get the chance to explore a range of topics that might not be normally offered until high school or university. They can study psychology in Grade six, or finance in Grade 9. While many homeschool families focus on English, math, science, and history, education is by no means limited just to those subjects. Flexible time and the opportunity to work at ones’ own pace allow homeschoolers to put their focus on the subjects that interest them most. Social media gives kids a way to form lasting friendships. The most common misconception about homeschoolers is that they lack socialization. Before the internet, there was some truth to the stereotype. But today’s students have just as much opportunity to see kids their own age as those in private or public schools, and often without as much distraction. Homeschoolers still use apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook — which may foster unhealthy and even addictive relationships to tech — but also allow them to meet up with other homeschoolers or those from traditional schools. Students need not deal with cliques or bullying. Homeschoolers don’t deal with all the downsides of being around kids in a toxic school environment. Plenty of critics argue these downsides are good for toughening kids up, but kids who have experienced bullying first-hand more often face symptoms of depression and anxiety, do worse in class, and show up to school less frequently. Homeschooled kids can learn in a more harmonious and trusting environment. Schooling isn’t set apart from the “real world.” Contrary to the name, homeschooling takes place in an actual home only a fraction of the time. A great deal of instruction happens in the ‘outside world’ in real-life situations and amongst peers of varying ages and backgrounds. These experiences have the effect of maturing kids much more quickly and cultivating a trait of open-mindedness. Since kids spend more time around adults in the “real world,” they rarely come to see school as set apart from other aspects of life. Students may achieve more in the long run. Homeschooling makes sense from an achievement point of view. Research suggests homeschooled children tend to do better on standardized tests stick around longer in university, and do better once they’re enrolled. The world is changing around us and education needs to evolve at the same pace. We need to prepare our children to be independent, be problem-solvers, and to be able to adapt to their changing environment.

November 26, 2021

Top Toys and Trends for 2021 Revealed

The Top Toy List features 25 of the season’s hottest toys for kids across all ages It’s great news for kids of all ages with experts in toys, Toys R Us revealing this year’s top toy list featuring 25 must-have toys for the 2021 festive season inspired by the latest toy trends. “We’re so excited to kick off the most magical time of the year with the coolest and most sought-after toys of the season,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us. “The top toys, which include some exclusive releases have been hand-picked by our team of experts and inspired by the latest play patterns making it easier than ever to find something exciting for kids of all ages that every child will love this year, spreading joy and delight to kids of all ages.” Jacoby explains: “A few of the big trends we are seeing in the world of toys which have inspired our top toy must-haves include toy unboxing, outdoor play and creative building, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills toys, sensory play and educational toys that support remote learning dominating the shelves.” Toy unboxing and interactive play sets continue to surprise and delight, with colour reveals, scent crazes and multi-box openings across all types of toys. Products like Rainbocorns Jelly Shake Surprise, Barbie and Hot Wheels Colour Reveal are predicted to feature quite prominently on children’s wish lists. Jacoby says that Fidget toys are very popular right now and the range continues to grow with new colour designs, which come with the added benefits of helping reduce anxiety, stress, and increase motor skills. The pandemic has brought families closer together and with this the trend of family outdoor play emerges. “The Quest Wooden Outdoor Games range offers different options for full family play including Tumble which is exclusive to Toys R Us,” added Jacoby. For Tweens who love nothing more than spending time with their friends while making and capturing memories, the INSTAX Mini 11 Camera brings a retro real-world element into their lifestyle and social media obsession. Dinosaurs are still a firm favourite and are seen across categories and major brands such as Air Blasters, construction vehicles, robots, Power Rangers, Transformers, Nerf, Imaginext to name a few. Jurassic World remains the top brand for Dinosaurs with realistic detail and movement with our top toy being the Jurassic World Stomp and Escape T Rex. Jacoby says that while radio control (RC) toys have always been a desired toy, Toys R Us identified the need for more robust and higher performance RC items, enabling kids of all ages to enjoy them for longer. “The Nexx range is next level now and offers older kids the joy of performance and quality whilst remaining easy to use and ready to run straight out of the box,” she adds. Combined with the launch of the top toys list, Toys R Us has revealed that its ‘Geoffrey’s Big Book of Wonder’ is available in-store nationwide as well as online from today. It is a special 68-page festive season gift guide filled with wondrous toys including something for all ages and budgets with incredible deals. In addition, fifty lucky customers stand a chance to win their share of R25 000 in vouchers and one lucky customer could stand a chance to win their ultimate wish list of the three items valued at R10,000. Simply collect a copy of the Big Book of Wonder, select your top 3 wishes, fill in the entry form at the back of the booklet and post your entry into the box in-store. Alternatively, you can log on to www.toysrus.co.za, and fill in your wish list online. “This year our Christmas wish is that everyone gets to experience a little bit of Toys R Us magic and we hope that South Africans enjoy our festive offering this year,” Jacoby adds. “For those wanting to do their shopping in-store, Geoffrey’s Land of Wonder, where kids never grow up is ready to welcome the whole family.” With the increased demand for online shopping convenience, Toys R Us SA encourages you to get your holiday shopping done early and conveniently online at www.toysrus.co.za. For more information visit the website or follow Toys R Us on Instagram and Facebook #TopToys2021 #TRULandOfWonder #BigBookOfWonder The complete top toy list expected to top children’s 2021 wish lists are: My Garden Baby™ Giggle & Crawl Baby Butterfly™ Doll Assorted Baby Alive Baby Grows Up Happy Caylee Travel Jet & Doll Barnie Extra Doll & Playset Barbie Color Reveal™ Foam Doll Assortment Rainbocorns Jelly Shake Surprise Itty Bitty Prettys Angel High Collectables Angel Dolls Barbie Tie Dye Creation Station Incl Doll n Dresses Playdoh Monster Truck Playset Club Petz-Blu Blu 2.0 LEGO Friends Doggy Day Care 41691 LEGO City Car Transporter 60305 Nexx Stunt Radio Control Superbike 1:6 Scale Transforming Stunt RC Hotwheels Color Reveal 2 Pack Assorted CAT Roarin Rex-cavator Reggies Military Plan Jurassic World Stomp and Escape T Rex Nerf Elite 2.0 Flip 8 Foam Dart Blaster Quest 60pc Giant Wooden Tumble Tower Natural Zingo Move 3.0 6 inch Batmobile Ride on 12v Bubblegum 7” Educational Tablet Instax Mini 11 Camera & Film Bundle Power Kid Educational Laptop French/English

November 25, 2021

It’s easy to put the breaks on premature ageing – with Lamelle Nourish

If you’re savvy about skincare, you’re probably using superstar active ingredients like retinol and alpha hydroxy acids. But what about growth factors? Being a relatively “new kid” on the block, not everybody knows what they are, let alone their amazing benefits. Worse yet, a lot of people still confuse them with stem cells. So, let’s clear up the confusion and get you up to speed with one of the most innovative ways to create a cutting-edge skincare routine. You’ve got mail! Growth factors are essential peptides – long strings of amino acids – found in abundance in your body. Their job is to float around between your cells and relay vital messages like “grow”, “repair”, “rejuvenate”. They do this by attaching to receptors on the surface of your cells. An easier way to look at it is to think of growth factors as being keys and the cell receptors as being little letterboxes with locks on them. When your growth factors meet your cells, they unlock each letterbox and – just like that – their message is delivered. While we’re young, our skin’s “postal system” is going strong. Everybody gets their mail. Cells run at their optimum. As we get older, however, our body’s produce fewer growth factors. Also, your cell’s letterbox locks start to get a little rusty. As a result, fewer important messages get delivered and your skin starts to show it. After all, less cell communication means less cell growth and that means thinner, laxer-looking skin. Growth factors to the rescue In the past, experiencing a dip in growth factors and the resultant visible ageing used to be a lot like watching your hair turn grey – a seemingly inevitable part of getting older. Now, however, thanks to incredible Nobel Prize-winning scientific research, we’ve realised we can replicate growth factors, apply them topically and reap the benefits. We know this because our bestselling Dermaheal range is full of them and they’re serving up dramatic results. As each product in the Dermaheal range contains growth factors, they can all help optimise the communication system between your cells, essentially instructing it to behave like much younger skin. The result is a boom in collagen and elastin creation to help you enjoy firmer, plumper, more youthful-looking skin. Then there’s the healing aspect. One of the growth factors in our Dermaheal range – the very one that inspired its name – is called TGF-Beta3. It’s an incredibly powerful protein that promotes scarless healing. What’s even more incredible is that your skin hasn’t seen it since childhood. It’s only now, thanks to the miracles of modern science, that we can invite your skin to behave as it did in its youth. Where do our growth factors come from? Thanks to decades of research, our bioengineers have been able to create exact replicas of your body’s own growth factors. Does this mean they contain human tissue? Definitely not! Our growth factors are made in a lab from specially selected amino acids that are then modified to be identical to those in your body. They’ve been scientifically proven to be 100% safe and, because they’re bio-identical, your body immediately recognises them so they can get to work immediately. We invite you to reap the rewards Want to experience the incredible rejuvenating power of growth factors for yourself? Like we said, our Dermaheal line is full of them. However, our most popular Dermaheal product is Lamelle Ultra Renewal Cream that contains 50% more growth factors than the other products in this range. It also includes a non-irritating form of wrinkle-busting retinol, hydrating hyaluronic acid fragments and a patented cytokine complex. (The latter is a spectacular inflammation fighter and that’s important because, if left unchecked chronic low-level inflammation leads to inflammageing – skin that ages prematurely. Chronic inflammation also creates the perfect playground for acne to thrive and hyperpigmentation to run wild.) In short, as you’re reading this, your cells’ function is slowly declining. But you don’t have to accept it. Once you harness the power of Dermaheal’s growth factors, a more youthful, radiant complexion will be yours to enjoy!

November 25, 2021

Under the African Sea music album launch

After 30 years in the biz, local ECD educator launches children’s music album Coming soon to Apple Music and in limited hard copy is a collection of original, locally produced songs about the many sea creatures we can find in our African seas. Appropriate for all ages from birth to ten and beyond, Under the African Sea is a swift and pleasant departure from the clamour of today’s one-dimensional kiddies music that so often conspires to drive parents mad. Rather, this soundtrack is one that the whole family can enjoy and one that will lead to informative and educational discussions around sea life in our local oceans. Produced by Bedfordview-based early childhood development expert Petra Scherf, this collection of songs actually came to fruition years ago. “After a morning on the beach with a friend and our children, I was inspired to write a series of songs about the sea life we had observed. I composed the tunes in my head as I jotted down the words and, just like that, I had a beautiful collection of songs that the children at my school have been enjoying ever since.” This year, Scherf was encouraged to professionally lay down the tracks. “I wanted to share this music with all the children of the world to enjoy. Gregory Nottingham from JAZZWORKS produced the most amazing music based on my tunes and, together with Tulla Eckhart (our main vocalist), Gregory made the songs come alive.” Children from Petra’s preschool created the images used as part of the album cover and Studio esse.nr13 pieced it all together to create the under-the-sea inspired artwork. With the album now professionally produced, Scherf is confident that Under the African Sea can be enjoyed by children across South Africa and beyond. It’s the perfect learning tool for teachers and other child-focused groups that use music and song to entertain, stimulate and educate young children. “The album includes instrumental tracks that can be used by music teachers for percussion and movement, for children to sing the songs karaoke-style or for schools to dance and move together,” says Scherf. She adds that the songs include a variety of music-inspired movements and actions like marching, swaying and diving, which helps develop spatial awareness and language skills. Under the African Sea will soon be release in Zulu and Xhosa and is the first to be produced in a series of Africa-inspired albums that will include On an African Farm, In the African Bush and The African Sky and Beyond.

November 24, 2021

Empower yourself with NEW Kiss/Impress at home manicures

Women empowerment plays a very significant role in our ever-changing world. Normalizing such acts envokes an internal spark in a woman and fuels her drive as she manifests her dreams, then shares her light with other women so they can all thrive together in today’s society. This is what KISS is all about – a top-quality brand that is set on empowering women, allowing them to work on their confidence, beauty, and makeup from the comfort of their own home. Kiss allows women to express their individualities, while simultaneously empowering their self-image. Taking time and money into consideration, particularly in the hard times of the COVID-19 pandemic, KISS allows luxuries such as beautiful nails to remain possible. Nothing should stop women from looking and feeling their best, and with KISS, you always will! Impress Nails by KISS is a press-on manicure set that has ultimately revolutionized the beauty industry, allowing women to forget about expensive nail salons but still experience the same, high-quality manicure for a fraction of the price. Living in a world that is so fast paced and has limited time, people don’t have time to do their nails and book tedious nail appointments. Impress nails are not only cheaper, but instead of spending two hours sitting at a salon, a glamourous manicure is now only minutes away. Simply press on each false nail of your choice and you’re ready to go! Perfect for the busy lifestyle of working women and parents! Although these nails are less expensive and much quicker to apply, this at-home manicure looks as good, if not better than any nail salon. Take your beauty into your own hands, quite literally, with Impress Nails’ popular ranges. Their products include the Impress Design collection and the Impress Colour Collection, both containing PureFit technology for easy and comfortable fitting. The Impress Design Nail Collection (R189.95) is an innovative press-on manicure set, coming in environmentally friendly packaging; even the ink printing is biodegradable. They’re not only safe for the environment but also completely safe for your hands too. Impress Design nails are slim, comfortable, and easily applied on top of natural nails, making them feel like your own! Coming in an array of light, more nude colors, these trendy nails are chic, convenient, and classy, all at once. If you’re looking for a bold look, Impress Colour press-on manicures (R139.95) also contain Super Hold technology, making these gorgeous nails feels almost exactly like your own! With 10 different colours to choose from, you’re only a few minutes away from a stunning, top-quality look. Be it red and bold, white and classy, or pretty and pink, these colourful nails will impress (pun intended) anyone who sees them! No glue, no drying, and no damage. If press-on nails are not for you, KISS further supplies Salon Dip Kits, that give you a complete salon experience right from your own home. Imagine the quality, strength, and beauty of an acrylic nail set, yet this time your manicure is gentler and safer on the nails, without any UV light or harsh, unpleasant odor. Kiss Salon Dip Colour System (R499.95) KISS eyelashes, another quick and easy beauty product that saves time and money, without skimping on quality. KISS magnetic lashes are completely smudge-free as well as water-resistant and have been dermatologically tested for consumer safety and satisfaction. Another beautiful beauty product that you can apply yourself at home, a gorgeous eyelash makeover has never been easier! (Magnetic Eyelash Kits – R380.00, Magnetic Lashes – from R200.00, Magnetic Liner – R250.00) You can purchase the KISS products at Clicks and Dis-Chem pharmacies as well as online at www.clicks.co.za, www.dischem.co.za and www.yooper.co.za

November 24, 2021

The perfect spring hair care routine for blonde hair

Spring time is the most popular time of the year to go blonde, and with good reason. Blonde hair is light, fresh and fun; the epitome of the season. But with great hair, comes great responsibility. While blondes require blonde-specific hair care products all year round, the warmer weather, sea water and harsher UV rays we typically associate with spring mean your blonde locks need some extra TLC to look their best. When it comes to Blondes, there are many factors that you may not know which can affect your hair colour and condition specifically in the summertime. Did you know that the sun can change its colour? Blonde hair is prone to brassiness (the term we use to describe warmer pigments in the hair), which occurs when shades of silver or platinum blonde turn yellowish, or shades of golden blonde take on a reddish tinge. Blonde hair is also vulnerable to colour fade. The sea water and salt content of pools can increase the brassiness as well and sometimes in rare cases make your blonde a greenish colour when it is not properly cared for. Spring is the perfect time to give your blonde a proper intensive hair care regime boost: Purple is the colour of your new bestie! Purple hair care products are every blonde girl’s best friend. Purple is the colour opposite yellow on the colour wheel, which means purple and yellow cancel each other out. The purple pigment can thus neutralise brassy and yellow tones in the hair by colour-correcting it. Remember if you’re Blonde – sulphate-free is the remedy Sulphates are responsible for the nice foamy lather we associate with soaps, shampoos and household cleaning products. While sulphates help to effectively remove dirt and impurities, they can be very harsh and drying on the hair, leading to damage and dehydration. They are also known to strip the hair of colour. To protect your hair’s moisture content, strength and colour, invest in a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. Try the newly launched Marc Anthony Complete Color CarePurple Shampoo (R179.95) and Conditioner (R179.95) for Blondes & Highlights. Formulated with violet pigments, this duo helps neutralise unwanted brassy tones, while nourishing and providing a boost of moisture to your blonde locks. Try a bonding treatment Hair that gets lightened (be it full colour or highlights), will benefit from a bonding treatment or sealer. For an effective home bonding treatment, try Marc Anthony Colour Bond Instant Colour Sealer (R179.95). It locks in your colour, adds shine and prevents colour fade while maintaining vibrancy. The innovation of the Colour Bond Color Sealer seals the cuticles to lock in moisture, ensuring healthier, stronger hair. Shower with cool water Rinsing your hair with cool water is better for your colour as it closes the cuticle cells and helps preserve hair colour. It also helps lock in moisture and ensures the cuticle lie more smoothly, making your hair look shinier. Protect your blonde from chlorine It’s no myth – chlorine found in swimming pools can give blonde hair a green tinge! Plus, it strips hair of moisture. Prevent it by dousing your hair with fresh water before hitting the pool. Your hair will soak up the fresh water, and will be near saturation by the time it hits the chlorinated water. Shampoo and condition your hair immediately after your swim to undo any damage. Creightons Sunshine Blonde Extra Moisturising Shampoo (R99.95) and Conditioner (R99.95) contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and sunscreens to help protect and enhance your colour. Add some hydration Dryness is a common blonde hair problem, and soaring temperatures certainly don’t help to alleviate it. Be sure to treat your hair to hydrating masks and treatments regularly. Umberto Giannini Grow Mask Hemp, Coconut & Shea (R) is perfect for dry, damaged and chemically treated hair with added coconut, hemp and shea to strengthen and condition hair. For an intensive shot of hydration, try Marc Anthony Hydra Lock Moisture Recharge Conditioning Treatment (R69.99). It offers hair a burst of deep moisture thanks to a blend of avocado oil, grapeseed oil and hydrolysed quinoa that not only hydrates hair from within the cuticle, but also invisibly protects it. Prevent breakage One of the most common causes of blonde hair breakage, is from the damage done to lightened hair by heat styling (rather than damage from the hair colouring process itself). Lower the temperature of your flat iron, curling iron or hairdryer to the lowest setting possible, and try not to use them every day. And a heat protection mist is a non-negotiable! Hask Argan Oil 5-in-1 Leave-in Spray Conditioner (R190.00) is a multi-purpose argan oil spray that restores dry and damaged hair while offering thermal protection.

November 24, 2021

Soothing done right with the world-famous Chicco Physio teat selection on pacifiers

Trusted by doctors, orthodontists and parents for over 63 years, Chicco is a world-famous Italian brand that produces only the best quality pacifiers that align with your babies oral growth and development. The Chicco Physio teat is designed to allow breathing to be the most important factor in a child’s soothing process. Naturally opening up airways, the teat sits comfortably in the child’s palette to avoid moving around and saliva build up. With various sizes available, the Physio teat starts at the smallest size possible with the Physio Micro range of pacifiers. Perfect for even premature babies, this micro teat is the start of the series and the perfect start to a child’s soothing process. As the child grows, the Physio Air teat is slightly larger, with cute fashion buttons and various options available in terms of age and gender. Holes on the pacifier plate allow air between the skin to avoid dummy rash. Luminous versions of the Physio Air are available for night time dummy loss without waking the child. The most popular of the Physio teats belongs to the Physio Soft pacifier range. With colours ranging from nude to pink, purple, blue and green, the Physio Soft is a one-piece silicone dummy with appropriate airholes to avoid dummy face rash. They go up in age groups from newborn and are perfect for those face sleeping moments without leaving harsh marks or hurting little faces. Whatever Physio teat you choose to begin your child’s soothing journey, you will be guaranteed a world-class pacifier with orthodontic approval. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 24, 2021

HeronBridge College launches High Performance Centre and Swimming Academy

As a commitment to the school’s investment into sports and sports development, HeronBridge College officially opened its High Performance Centre and Swimming Academy on Friday, in partnership with Gauteng Aquatics and USN. Starting with Pre-Prep children, HeronBridge will be working closely with Gauteng Aquatics and Learn to Swim, to teach swimming from an early age. “It is so important to build swimming confidence in South Africa” said Anton Jordaan, Gauteng Aquatics President, at the launch on Friday. “It is from here that the basic building blocks for swimming athletes are built.” Talking of confidence, a group of HeronBridge swimmers were treated to a training workshop on Friday by Rocco Meiring, SA Olympic Swim Coach and coach to Olympic gold medalist Tatjana Schoenmaker. As mental ability is crucially linked to physical ability, Rocco took the students through Tatjana’s journey of making it to the Olympics and the passion, sacrifice and determination that was required to do so. Another crucial building block to high performance is nutrition, and HeronBridge is very excited to have USN on board as partners in school sports nutrition. “Sport is becoming more and more professional at a school level” said Heinrich Hurter, USN Sport Nutrition and Training Specialist, “conditioning, recovery, psychology, and (the often overlooked) nutrition are the key pillars to building high-performance athletes. It is vitally important to educate before you supplement.” “The launch of the High Performance Centre is a great leap in taking HeronBridge’s sport programmes to the next level” said Ofentse Moeng, Head of Co-Curricular Development and Vision in the College. “With the caliber of coaches that we have on our faculty, many of whom are internationally and nationally accredited, as well as our new partners, we can only grow from strength to strength.”

November 23, 2021

10 Reasons Why You Should Use Caribbeantan

Allowing for an effortless self-tan process, Caribbeantan has been helping people all over the world to achieve a beautiful and bronzed tan with their extensive range of self-tan products and application methods. Using only the highest quality and safest ingredients for their revolutionary self-tan formula, it’s no wonder Caribbeantan is the no. 1 self-tan brand in South Africa. Don’t put yourself through another summer of hopeless and harmful tanning in the sun. Step into the new summer season with golden, sun-kissed confidence with our top 10 reasons why you should be using Caribbeantan: 1. Cruelty-free and FDA approved Take a stand against the inhumane practice of animal testing with Caribbeantan. By choosing animal cruelty-free products, you are helping to prevent the death and suffering of animals all over the world. Caribbeantan’s self-tan products are all animal cruelty-free, which means you can self-tan with ease, knowing that the expertly-designed Caribbeantan range was not tested on animals. Not only are they cruelty-free but also 100% free from parabens. Caribbeantan only uses FDA approved ingredients that are safe on the skin and won’t cause adverse allergic reactions. To top it off, Caribbeantan products are also safe for the environment due to the incorporation of an eco-friendly DHA into their self-tan formula. Self-tan with a clean conscience knowing that no animals nor the environment were harmed in the process whilst gracing your body with Caribbeantan’s natural and healthy self-tan formula. 2. Proudly South African Caribbeantan is the no. 1 selling self-tan range in South Africa and to top it off, 100% proudly South African with all their products produced right in the heart of Cape Town! Established in 2003, Caribbeantan entered South Africa’s shores as the first professional spray tan. After years of winning awards and dominating the tanning industry, Caribbeantan soon became a household favourite in the hearts of many South Africans. Did you know that Caribbeantan also supports local and sources local ingredients for their product range such as the luscious Cinnamon & Coconut Skin Smoothing Exfolia? It’s no wonder Caribbeantan has maintained their distinguished status in the South African beauty industry for so many years. 3. All skin types welcome There’s a product suited to your skin type, need and desired tan level with Caribbeantan’s extensive range of self-tanners. Simply consult the easy Caribbeantan Pro Skin Type Guide to help you select the best-suited product for your skin type with their three specially-formulated self-tan shades. From fair skin (Type A), medium complexions (Type B) to dark complexions (Type C), Caribbeantan’s skin guide will direct you to the right product for your skin shade ensuring a natural, golden tan. Goodbye to the infamous orange tan and hello beautiful, bronzed goddess! 4. Diverse range of products your skin will love Easily maintain your tan with Caribbeantan’s delectable Cinnamon and Coconut Skin Smoothing Exfolia and their Hydrating Milk and Honey Body Butter. Not only will these products help you to achieve a flawless tan, your skin will be transformed into a soft, nourished and glowing canvas. The rich Milk and Honey Body Butter will keep your skin supple, hydrated, and also consists of anti-ageing properties to keep wrinkles at bay. The natural sugar exfoliators in the Cinnamon and Coconut Exfolia will banish dead skin whilst restoring moisture with its added Jojoba oil. Did you know that Caribbeantan products are also rich in powerful antioxidants such as cranberry seed extract? Present in the Caribbeantan Tinted Body Bronzer Shimmer Cream and Instant Body Bronzer Lotion, these powerful antioxidants will boost collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity. This versatile range will not only help you achieve your desired tan but will maintain the health and integrity of your skin, all at the same time! 5. A flawless, even tan #goodbyestreaks Caribbeantan prides itself on high-quality ingredients and products. With their FDA approved and safe blend of ingredients in their winning formula, Caribbeantan ensures an even, streak-free tan that is long-lasting and natural in tone. This is made possible with the eco-certified DHA (Dihydroxyacetone: natural sugar cane derivative) and Erythrulose, which both work according to your skin type. This revolutionary formula interacts with dead cells by causing a chemical reaction that produces a natural tan. No more patchy elbows and knees, streaks or an orange tan. Caribbeantan’s carefully-curated range such as their Bronzing Mousse, Tanning Spritzer, and Tan In A Can, are known to produce a flawless and natural tan when applied in gentle, circular motions using the velvety-smooth Caribbeantan Self-Tan Application Mitt. Their additional body range also helps prep the skin pre-tan for long-lasting results such as the Milk and Honey Hydrating Body Butter that transforms the skin into a smooth, blank canvas for an effortless self-tan application. With Caribbeantan, streaks, patches and stains are now a thing of the past! 6. Best added accessory to a special occasion With Caribbeantan’s high-quality blend of ingredients and extensive range, you can have sun-kissed skin all year round or simply for when the occasion calls. Whether it be your wedding, matric dance, a special luncheon or even a music festival, their products are quick, safe and easy to use and are guaranteed to give you a flawless, natural tan even if you are a beginner. Simply choose between a gradual or instant self-tanner and locate your perfect shade using the skin guide. Then decide between a mousse, aerosol spray or spritzer before you get your tan on! With their various products and application methods, whether you need a gradual tan leading up to an event or an instant boost of colour on the day, you are guaranteed to have heads turning everywhere you go, no matter the time of year! 7. Instant confidence boost Caribbeantan’s innovative range eliminates all the mess, fuss and disasters of self-tanning whilst being easy on the budget. With their instant to gradual tanners, various application methods and extensive tanning guides available online, you can self-tan like a pro in the comfort of your home. Caribbeantan works with all skin types and ensures a natural and rich in colour tan, free from streaks, patches and the dreaded orange tone. Achieve gratifying

November 23, 2021

Wingu Academy’s online art auction raises R30 000 for Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Canine Conservation Unit

Wingu Academy, online homeschooling curricula provider, raised an amazing R30 000 during a nail-biting one-hour live art auction on Thursday night, 7 October via Zoom. All the money raised will be donated by Wingu Academy towards Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Anti-poaching Canine Conservation Unit. This initiative by EWT provides trained detection and tracking canines to the conservation sector to support well-structured security plans. This benefits not only rhinos, but also other species that are targeted by poachers including elephants, pangolins and lions. The overarching aim of this project is to ensure that Conservation Canines are strategically placed across South Africa’s private, provincial and national parks and are contributing to the protection of our wildlife. Wingu learners and teachers created their masterpieces from a variety of recycled material, during September in celebration of Heritage Month. The overall winning art piece, a beautiful mirror was created by Wingu learner, Michaela-Lee Pretorius, and is called “Reflection of the monsters we have become”. Artworks varied from interpretations including rhinos, fish, a protea, the Voortrekker Monument and even a living tree made of moss and flowers, to capture our beautiful heritage. EWT extended an invitation to all participating artists to enjoy seeing the canines in action at their Conservation Training Centre. “We are blown away by the generosity of Wingu Academy, all the bidders and of course all the hard work by these talented artists that made this event unforgettable,” says Dr Andrew Taylor who manages EWT’s Wildlife in Trade Programme. Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy, says: “Wingu Academy is immensely proud of all our artists and supporters who made this event possible. What a wonderful showcase of the difference creativity and innovation can make, and all that in aid of an extremely worthy cause; protecting our wildlife for generations to come.”

November 23, 2021

Inflammaging and how Lamelle can help you beat it

We’ve all experienced inflammation, from the ache of a sprained ankle to the sting of a bad sunburn. While it can feel unpleasant, short-term inflammation is actually a good thing as it produces inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that trigger an even greater inflammatory response) that tell your body it’s time to get busy healing. Still, in the long term, inflammation isn’t your friend. In fact, if an injury repeatedly occurs to the same area, it eventually won’t heal as well and can result in scarring or abnormal healing. Interestingly, inflammation has the same effect on our skin. Short term, it can help you heal an injury, be it a pimple or a cut. Chronic inflammation, however, causes a chain of events that can damage your skin’s collagen – among other things – and accelerate the aging process. This is what’s known as “inflammaging”. Worse yet, this type of chronic inflammation isn’t even caused by a visible injury. The triggers include “every day”, often unavoidable things like UV rays and free-radicals. Fight that fire! Clearly, none of us are immune to the effects inflammaging but we can protect ourselves in ways that mitigate the damage. One is to invest in skincare that contains potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants. This is why Lamelle products are formulated using some of the most potent and proven, including the super antioxidant Pycnogenol. Now, remember how we mentioned cytokines? You should know that not all of them are “fire starters”. You get many different types and, while some can trigger inflammation, others do a brilliant job of deactivating it. Thus, you’ll find a patented complex of the latter in our anti-aging Dermaheal collection. Interestingly, preventing accelerated aging isn’t just the only reason you’d want to keep inflammation in check. Chronic inflammation also encourages hyperpigmentation and creates the ideal environment for acne to thrive. Other ways to prevent inflammaging While anti-inflammatory active ingredients are a great way to mitigate inflammaging, it’s not your only defense. One of the biggest triggers of inflammation is still unprotected sun exposure. This is why it’s vital to applying a sunscreen every time you set foot outdoors, our favourite being Lamelle Helase 50+. It protects you from the full spectrum of light and contains that potent, inflammation-busting antioxidant we mentioned earlier, Pycnogenol. It then takes thing a step further by addressing any damage that’s already occurred using photolyase. A powerful DNA-repairing enzyme that occurs naturally in animals and plants, photolyase can seek out and correct dangerous DNA kinks (known as “dimers”) that can lead to the mutations responsible for skin cancer. Remember, it’s never too late As with just about everything in life, the prevention of inflammaging is better than cure. But what if it’s too late? What if you’re already dealing with the resultant premature aging that includes fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness? In this case, you’ll be glad to know it’s never too late to take action. Lamelle’s Dermaheal range contains growth factors that help reverse the damage caused by inflammaging by optimizing the communication between your cells, instructing your skin to behave as though it were much younger. This encourages the creation of skin-firming collagen and elastin. You can also consider Lamelle in-office treatments such as peels and collagen-induction therapy (CIT) that can remove old, damaged tissue and encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue. The bottom line Ultimately, it’s very difficult to avoid the triggers of inflammaging. They’re literally everywhere – from free-radicals borne in the air to the sunlight streaming through your window. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t protect ourselves from their effects with powerful inflammation-fighting products such as those we’re proud to create at Lamelle Research Laboratories. Also, it’s never too late to start correcting the effects. Simply chat to a highly-skilled Lamelle skincare therapist who can help you prevent as well as treat so you can enjoy healthier, younger-looking skin for longer. www.lamelle.co.za

November 22, 2021

You thought playing an interactive online game was safe? Think again

FYI play it safe often gets messages from parents. Some of these are really shocking and others educational for all of us. As we are in this digital parenting world together, we wanted to share a story that should be a question to all of us – do we really know what’s happening in the apps our children are using? Are the apps that we think innocent, really in the clear? “My daughter was 12-years old and started getting WhatsApp messages from a complete stranger. The worst part of this was that he knew her name and her age. It dawned on me that he knew which school she attended and who her friends were. I was so relieved when she had the courage and felt she could reach out to me when she received the first explicit message he sent to her. From what we could gather, he was in his early 20s. She showed me the message and immediately blocked him,” the concerned mother wrote to us. “At that time she was obviously scared and said that she didn’t know him, and that he appeared out of nowhere. What my motherly investigation, through some relaxed conversations over a couple of days showed, was different. My daughter and I started playing a word spelling online game. I thought this was an amazing way to expand her vocabulary and as you didn’t have to complete a game within a specific timeframe, which makes it easy to keep a continuous game going,” she continues. “What transpired was that, while waiting for me to play, she was matched with a random stranger for a game of scrabble and he started chatting to her in the game chat. I never realized that such an innocent game would be used for grooming. Over a period of time she eventually gave him her name, her WhatsApp number and some other personal information. I was shocked…” Another lesson learnt. The fact is that predators are lurking everywhere. Even in apps that may seem innocent. Setting up parental controls and age restrictions on our children’s devices are not enough. Fortunately, this mom now has installed FYI play it safe on her child’s device and has the comfort that, from this point forward, the text in all her child’s apps will be monitored. The innocent and the seemingly innocent apps. FYI play it safe is not a parental control app, but rather an app that gives you the information of what is really going on in your children’s digital lives. It sends parents alerts when their children are exposed to or show signs of cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or when they engage in adult content such as pornography, sexting or drugs. FYI play it safe is the one app no parent should be without. Download the app at www.fyiplayitsafe.com and follow the easy three-step sign-up process to start your free 7-day trial.

November 22, 2021

8 Tips To Support Your Teenager Making Their College Decision

Leaving high school to pursue higher education is a big decision in a teen’s life. There is a lot of anxiety around finding the perfect program at the right college. Your teen will need support from you through the process, and it can be difficult to understand how to help them and know what support they need. Here are the 8 best tips to offer the most beneficial support you can during this stressful period. 1.Be supportive of their decision. This goes without saying, but it’s worth repeating. Whatever your teenager decides, they need to feel like you are on their side and will have their back, even if you don’t necessarily agree with their choice. If you want to help your teenager make the best decision possible, then supporting them 100% is the most basic thing you can do as a parent. 2.Ask for advice Encourage your child to talk to their school guidance counsellors about your teen’s after high school plans. They can offer your teenager good advice on what colleges to consider applying for as well as financial aid and scholarships. This is part of their job, so talking to them is important to helping narrow down your college options. 3.Plan for future priorities As a parent, the end goal of studying at college is for your teenager to have decent career opportunities. It can be difficult for your teen to plan and decide what path is right, with all the choice that will surround them at school. Help them explore the different career options they have within their current choice of major and see what is available. 4.Allow for your child to grow and change. College is a time of major growth and development for your teen. It can be hard to let your child and change but it’s a necessary part of growing up and supporting their growth and change is important to your evolving relationship with your child. Allow for big changes to happen and be their anchor and safe space to come back to when things feel overwhelming. Plan ahead for these changes with your teen before they leave for college. Try choosing a college that is more flexible about things like changing your major. 5.Talk about finances for college. College is without a doubt expensive, so it’s important to talk about the affordability of college with your teen, in detail about how they will afford their studies. If your child needs to rely on part-time work to help pay, then tell them so. If they will need loans and scholarships to afford University, then discuss the options and pick the one that fits the best for everyone. 6.Help them find the college that fits their personality. College isn’t only about the academic side, it’s also about the location and study environment. If your teenager is active and outgoing, sending them to a small school in the country could adversely affect their studies and mood. When considering a university, remember to consider their personality and temperament and factor that in when choosing a college. 7.Don’t pester or nag your teen. It’s tempting to want to know all the details about your teen’s impending college decision. Trying to pressure a commitment or decision will only add more stress and tension to your relationship. While it’s important to help them stay on track, remember to encourage not take charge and tell them what they are doing. They will thank you for the freedom you gave them and the endless support you provided in a very stressful time, rather than pestering them and nagging them decide. 8.Visit the college After you have narrowed it down to a few choices, it’s best to plan a visit to the final contenders and see first-hand how living and studying there would be for your teen. These are the 8 best tips for helping support your teen in deciding on college. These tips will help the transition go smoothly and reduce stress.

November 22, 2021

BIG NEWS FOR LITTLE ONES

UCOOK has teamed up with Kath Megaw, one of South Africa’s leading Paediatric Dieticians, to create a range of frozen kids’ meals. The new UCOOK Frozen Kids range launches with six meals and two pizza options with more to come, each boasting the promise of No-Nonsense Goodness to ensure that children get the required quantities of essential vitamins and minerals from a large quantity of hidden vegetables in every dish. The meals are suitable for children from the toddler to pre-teen years. South Africa’s favourite meal-kit delivery company moved into the frozen meals category in October 2020 with a range of UCOOK Craft Meals, aimed at offering convenience to time-pressed customers. With this new expansion into the frozen kids category, UCOOK plans to make their customers’ lives easier than ever before. Kath Megaw says that as the mother of an ex-fussy eater, she inherently understands the concerns that parents of picky or fussy eaters face. “Making sure that your child eats a balanced diet and consumes the required amount of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals can be difficult and lead to stressful mealtimes,” says Megaw. “Now you can rest assured that your child is eating a healthy balanced meal, which means saving time on dinner-time battles and having to prepare a number of different options.” No-Nonsense Goodness is UCOOK’s promise to parents that their kids will get the benefits of nutritious ingredients crucial for development without compromising on the flavour they love. The UCOOK range has no added preservatives, sugars, sweeteners, artificial colourants or flavours and no added MSG. Each meal has a specially crafted blend of hidden vegetables, with some meals consisting of up to 74% fruits and vegetables. Each meal has an added bespoke Vitamin B pre-mix (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and Folic Acid) to boost the vitamin content. Sarah Hewitt, head of new product development at UCOOK, says that nutrition and immunity are directly related, and in a climate where both topics are particularly high on the consumer agenda, healthy eating is an imperative for all family members. “Following the launch of our range of baby foods, and then the UCOOK Frozen Craft Meals range, it occurred to us that to best serve the needs of our primary consumer, we needed to provide a solution for family members of all ages.” “We’re thrilled to work alongside Kath once again and bring these delicious meals to life as part of the UCOOK range of products,” says Hewitt. Megaw says that she’s often asked about the freezing process and how it affects meals. “Blast freezing preserves all the nutrients in the meal until such time as you choose to heat it up. Following the correct reheating instructions on the pack will ensure that there is no mineral loss or diminishing of the delicious flavours.” The new UCOOK Kids Frozen range launches with the following meals: UCOOK Kids Mac & Cheese UCOOK Kids Beef Lasagne UCOOK Kids Beef Rump Bites & Root Veg Mash UCOOK Kids Chicken & Broccoli Bake UCOOK Kids Mushroom Bites & Root Veggie Mash UCOOK Kids Spaghetti Bolognese UCOOK Kids Double Cheese Mini Pizzas UCOOK Kids Bacon and Cheese Mini Pizzas To explore the range and order your first taste, visit www.ucook.co.za.

November 22, 2021

Feminine self-care gift ideas for every budget

Looking for the perfect gift for your mom, sister or bestie? Why not treat her to some of her favourite beauty products, or surprise her with a pamper product that’s new on the market? After a year of lockdown and loadshedding, we could all do with some me-time, and a gift of great quality skincare, body care, hair care or makeup is sure to get her in the festive spirit. After all, we could all do with a bit of extra self-care! No matter what your budget, we’ve got a beauty gift idea she’ll love. Festive fragrance Everyone loves a fragrance, right? Mercedes Benz For Her Eau de Toilette (R1245.00 for 60ml) is the perfect summer scent. Floral, fresh and fruity, it’s versatile, and is suitable for anything from a day in the office to drinks with the girls. Top notes include mandarin, black currant and pear, while white flowers take centre stage at the heart, and sandalwood and musk complete the scent at the base. This season, there’s an exciting gift with purchase promotion: purchase any Mercedes Benz for Women Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum and you get a complimentary Swarovski necklace. Looking for something light and fresh? Curls in Bloom Perfume (R99.95) has a light and nourishing formula that delicately scents the hair with notes of green apples, lily of the valley and sandalwood. This multi-purpose product also helps fight frizz, leaving hair soft, nourished and beautifully scented. Home mani Painting one’s nails is an art, and unfortunately one that most women do not have the time or patience for. If she loves a beautiful manicure but is time-poor or tends to smudge her nail colour, a set of high quality press-on nails makes a fantastic gift. Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails (from R140.00) have an ultra-smooth finish with an amazing gel effect. With two ways to wear, whether you glue them on or use the mega-adhesive tabs, they’ll stay put for up to a week, and they’re available in a variety of colours and patterns. Kiss Impress Press-On Manicure, available in two ranges: Colour (R139.95; solid colours in every season’s hottest shades) and Design (R149.95; subtle but striking nail art designs including glitter and patterns), offers a gel look with a super comfortable fit. Plus, no glue is needed, you just press on and go, making them ultra-convenient. Nourishing skincare Skincare is a fantastic gift, no matter what the occasion. In case you haven’t heard, cult favourite skincare brand Nip+Fab has just launched in SA! Why not spoil her with a little something from the range? Nip+Fab Vitamin C Serum Fix (R295.00) contains a powerhouse of antioxidants to brighten and refresh the skin, while protecting it against free radicals and other environmental aggressors. The Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (R379.95) are fantastic for travel (and a little birdie told us Kylie Jenner’s a fan!). Soaked in 2.8% exfoliating glycolic acid, they help to retexture and resurface the skin, leaving it even and glowing. Another brand new skincare launch in SA is the UK-favourite Creightons cruelty-free skincare range. They have something for everyone, no matter what your skin concerns. We recommend the Creightons H2O Boost Hydrating Serum (R179.95) to combat moisture loss and boost the skin with hyaluronic acid during the warmer months. For a targeted treatment, why not try the Creightons Vitamin C 2% Bright Eye Serum(R115.95)? It works to reduce dark circles and revive the skin around the eyes. Bootylicious body care Our bodies are more exposed during summer, which means we need to take extra care to protect our skin from the sun. We know that sun tanning is no longer an option (no matter how resilient you think your skin may be!), so an easy-to-use self-tan product is a great way to secure a sun kissed glow. If she’s new to the self-tan game, we recommend the fool proof St Moriz Golden Glow Moisturiser (R150.00), which is applied daily, like a lotion, to gradually build a natural glow. If she’s a more experience self-tanner, why not spoil her with St Moriz’s Fast, Medium or Dark Tan Mousse (R150.00) It offers a golden tan with a professional finish. No streaks or orange look in sight! No trip to the beach (or anywhere, really) is complete without a broad-spectrum sunscreen. And we all know that Piz Buin is the leader of the pack! No beach bag is complete without the Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lipstick SPF30 (R54.95), an ultra-affordable, high-quality balm that protects and hydrates the lips. The Piz Buin SPF30 Sun Lotion (R180.95) comes with advanced UVA/UVB filters to protect the skin from the sun and is enriched with antioxidants to prevent premature skin ageing. If she has sensitive skin, go for the Piz Buin Allergy SPF50 Lotion (R229.95). It has been clinically proven to protect sensitive skin from the sun while increasing your skin’s tolerance towards it. Party-ready makeup While life hasn’t gone back to “normal” just yet, this festive season is looking to be a lot more festive than last year’s, and staff functions, weddings and social get-togethers have already been scheduled. Now is a great time to spoil her with some new makeup. The newly-launched wet n wild Big Poppa Mascara (R154.95) is the perfect stocking filler for any makeup lover. It promises a dramatic volumizing and lengthening formula in intense black, for long, luscious lashes. Another fab find is the newly-reformulated wet n wild Color Icon 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes (R169.95). They feature an improved, richly pigmented and buttery-smooth vegan formula in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. Complete her makeup toolkit with a great quality makeup brush set. The perfect complement to the new wet n wild eye makeup is the Real Techniques Everyday Essential Eye Set (R499.99). With seven new brushes and a metal lash separator, this kit has your every possible eye makeup need covered. The Real Techniques Everyday Essential Set (R599.99) is a must-have brush kit that allows you to achieve a flawless everyday look with ultimate convenience. This set includes four brushes and a sponge to cover every need, from foundation to eyeshadow. Indulgent hair care “I have too many hair masks,” said no one, ever! A weekly hair mask is essential to replenish moisture, hydrate, nourish and soften

November 20, 2021

How Homeschool prepares Kids For The Real World

A common concern when it comes to homeschooling is whether kids will be ready to navigate the ‘real world’ when it comes time to enter it. People who are uninformed about homeschooling, as well as people who are interested in homeschool as an educational alternative, and even homeschoolers themselves might wonder how they can ensure their kids are ‘real-world ready after being schooled from home. This is a real and smart question to ask if you are considering homeschooling your child. “Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.” We believe homeschool is great preparation for life as an adult and here are some of the reasons why: They are Independent – Because homeschoolers need to become responsible for their education more than if they were in a traditional school they become able to take over their education more and more. They can decide which topics they want to pursue and which activities they want to engage in. Homeschooling prepares kids to work independently and gives them the ability to make decisions and work toward their own goals. Keep in mind, the evidence consistently shows that qualities employers desire (if the goal is to work for someone else) hardly ever include test scores or the ability to memorize facts, etc. It’s almost always about character, communication skills, and the ability to solve problems–all most easily learned in the real world, where children are free to satisfy their curiosities and find solutions, an amazing trait the Creator gave us all when we were born. Even most highly specialized jobs provide on-the-job training, requiring the capacity for learning, not a specific set of facts already learned (which most students forget anyway). They have a better idea of what they want – Learning from home is so appealing as it provides children with the ability (and time) to explore all of the topics available to them. This is especially true when parents allow the curriculum to be guided by, or at least partially guided by their child’s interests. Homeschool allows for a greater amount of time to be spent on topics that your child is interested in as they can work from anywhere and at any time. Your child can dig deep into the subjects that they find fascinating. In a traditional school, this happens so much later. Homeschool students might be more confident about the direction they would like to take once they graduate from high school. Developed Life Skills – Another amazing thing about homeschool is that since you and your child have more control over your own curriculum you can include subjects and activities that normally would not be offered in traditional schools. For example, you can teach them how to balance a checkbook, how to develop a budget, how to grow a garden, how to change a tire on their car, how to change the oil in their car, and even how to start a business. You could even have a curriculum that includes a specific focus on life skills. So not only does homeschooling offer more flexibility with curriculum, but homeschooling prepares kids for living on their own. They are Highly Socialized – One common misconception is that homeschooled kids across the board lack socialization. This is untrue. Although it does depend a great deal on the parent and child, homeschoolers have a wide variety of opportunities to socialize. Homeschooled kids are not confined to a single classroom in a single building for 5-8 hours a day. Rather than being limited to interactions with children their own age and most often from their own neighborhood, homeschool children can spend part of their day meeting and interact with children and peers of all ages, through extracurricular and sports activities, as well as with adults. This environment is much more similar to “the real world” than a traditional school setting. So in reality, homeschooling prepares kids better for interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds.

November 19, 2021

MAKING CHANGE TIME STRESS-FREE

There’s nothing more upsetting than seeing your little one unhappy, and even if you know they absolutely HAVE to have their nappy changed – you might still dread that moment because you know how much they hate it. And we know, it’s no walk in the park for you either – but the both of you just have to get through it and renappy as stress-free as you can. Here are our top tips on making change time as stress-free as possible. Why do some babies hate having their nappy changed? First of all… why do babies not like having their nappies changed? They get to lie down and be basically pampered for a good portion of their day – adults pay good money for that. If you baby is fussy or crying during their nappy change, it might have something to do with these reasons: They might be cold! Especially in the colder months, having your bare skin exposed to the cold air is something that no one is a fan of. They could be thinking of other things… like food. If you have food on the brain and someone is starting up a whole different task, you’d be pissed too. You might be going too fast. We know you want to get it over with and you might think speeding up the process will make it better for your baby, but your baby is probably used to slow and gentle movements. They don’t enjoy being handled. Especially in older babies, you might find they want to be in control of their movements more and more and nappy changing doesn’t really allow for much exploring. They could have a rash. If your baby has nappy rash, it could make change time a lot more uncomfortable for them. Nappy changing tips for stress-free changing Distract your baby and make them laugh Never underestimate the power of distraction. Thanks to their super short attention spans, it’s pretty easy to divert your little one’s focus or make them giggle. Pick up something around the home that makes an interesting sound and dangle it in front of your baby when doing their nappy up. You can use anything from your car keys to some tissue paper to take full advantage of your little one’s curiosity! Warm the wet wipes. If there’s one thing babies truly despise, it’s a cold wipe, and we can’t blame them! Nobody likes the shock of something cold against their skin, especially when that skin is super sensitive. A wipe warmer is an awesome investment that will make changing time MUCH more pleasant for your baby. Or you should just stick them in a sanitized container to warm up on their own. This simple, yet genius idea makes those wipes feel soothingly warm against your baby’s skin – they might even start to enjoy having their nappy changed! Encourage your baby to help Your little one might actually enjoy joining in with their parent’s daily chores, instead of simply lying back or wriggling around and trying to escape! As they get a little older, you can encourage them to lie down on their own, raise their legs up, or pull the wipes out of the packet themselves. They might even start to do it automatically at change times (which is a little less work for you, too!) Helpful products for changing time Tommee Tippee Nappy Disposal Bins Tommee Tippee  Twist & Click Nappy Disposal Bin is super functional, ultra-discreet and can hold a surprising amount of nappies! Its clever Twist and Click technology wraps each individual nappy, keeping the odours and germs at bay. It can hold up to 28 standard-sized nappies at once, meaning there’ll be fewer trips to the outside bin (yay!).   But how does it work?   It’s quite simple, actually. All you have to do is place the nappy in the bin and close the lid. The lid naturally pushes the nappy through the built-in plunger, which wraps it in our bio-based nappy bin refills. No fuss, clean hands, fresh home!  Tommee Tippee Nappy Bin Refills Tommee Tippee nappy bin refills are antibacterial, and are made from bio-based, recyclable and sustainably-sourced GREENFILM™. This makes them some of the greenest refills on the market (and some of the most hygienic!). Working in perfect harmony with our Twist & Click Nappy Disposal Bin, our refills make the whole process of nappy disposal quicker and more hygienic.   Tommee Tippee offer a fabulous selection of multipack deals so you can stock up without hurting your pockets. You know you’ll go through them eventually, so this one’s a no-brainer!   Nappy Change Caddy Having all the tools you need in one place is the key to success when it comes to nappy changing. The Tommee Tippee portable nappy change caddy is the perfect, space-saving solution for changing your baby with ease. Here are some of it’s great features:   Its multiple compartments allow you to store all of your nappy changing essentials in one place.  It can store up to 50 nappies (yes – 50!!).  Its sturdy, clip-on hooks make it perfect for travel. It’ll easily latch onto your changing table, keeping everything you need within arm’s reach.   It has a simple, stylish and discreet design.   You can fold it away when you’re finished with it – ideal for lovers of all things space-saving!  

November 19, 2021

Creativity meets fun during family game night!

Can you draw a rose with your nose or a trout with you snout? Give your family a whiff of game-night excitement that’s not to be sneezed with Pencil Nose. In Pencil Nose you will attempt just that. In this hilarious family and party game, players don a special set of glasses with a marker for a nose and attempt to sketch out words from a prompt card while their teammates try and correctly guess the word they are sketching. Pencil nose is great for players as young as 8 and stimulates coordination, creativity and communication skills. As a bonus, nothing makes for better family bonding time than. As Pencil nose is also played in teams you can play with large groups of players at a time, each team member taking a turn to try their nose at some sketching. Will your team be the first to score 7 points and win the game? Pencil Nose includes an erasable drawing board, two pairs of pencil nose glasses, erasable marker, eraser, a sand timer and 90 object cards with some uniquely South African objects listed on the cards to make Pencil Nose a truly lekker game! If you have a nose for fun, then Pencil Nose is a must to keep the entire family entertained this festive season. Available from Toy Kingdom, Hamleys, C.N.A. Takealot.com, EveryShop and other fine retail stores.

November 19, 2021

Is it time to talk to your man about his fertility?

Many couples want to have a baby and making that happen seems simple enough. But sometimes it isn’t. In this case, wanting may turn into a deep yearning. So much so that a quick scroll through social media, a place where so many share their new baby joy, could feel like walking through a minefield of painful emotions. If you’re one of the many women currently in the yearning place – it’s estimated that 10 to 12% of couples struggling with infertility – chances are you’ll be aware of the stigma. Many people, after becoming aware of your difficulties in becoming pregnant will just assume the problem lies with you. Thing is, infertility is just as often a male condition as it is a female one – with men accounting for up to 50% of the problem. Still, in this case, there’s good news. Often, the cause for a lack of fertility in men is sub-optimal sperm health, something that’s perfectly treatable. But here’s the kicker. Many men don’t like to talk about it. Men are also a lot less likely than women to seek out treatment for it. A lot of this has to do with social conditioning. Harmful notions like “boys don’t cry” and “it’s just a flesh wound – pull yourself together and get on with it” have seen millions of men endure treatable conditions they don’t have to – and lacklustre sperm health is one of them. Win the fight against free radicals! You might not realise it, but one of the biggest threats to the health of your partner’s sperm is the oxidative stress caused by cell-damaging free radicals. Worse yet, these unstable atoms are everywhere – in the air we breathe thanks to big city pollution and cigarette smoke and even in our food due to pesticides and chemicals used for processing. These can wreak havoc on your partner’s sperm, damaging the head as well as the tail, making it difficult to implant as well as swim. In fact, it can even damage the precious DNA it carries! As we said, modern living makes completely avoiding free radicals incredibly difficult but there are lots of things your partner can do to limit their destruction. One of the best is to change the way they eat, saying no to processed foods and yes to delicious antioxidant-rich meals that include nutrient dense superfoods. Spinach, for example, is a great source of folic acid that may reduce the number of abnormal cells in sperm. They’ll also want to get more exercise and make an effort to reduce their stress levels. Another way they could dramatically boost their sperm health is by using a proven male fertility supplement like Prelox. A proven solution backed by science Filling up your plate with antioxidant-rich foods is great advice for anybody, but if you’re looking for something scientifically proven to improve sperm health, you’ll want to know about Pycnogenol. A potent antioxidant, it’s the superstar active in Prelox, created by Lamelle Research Laboratories, and proven to deliver significant improvements in male fertility with no side effects. One double-blind clinical trial revealed that, after taking Prelox for just one month, men generated 93% more healthy, normally-formed sperm with a 55,5% improvement in motility. Aside from packing a powerful free radical-neutralising punch, Prelox also contains the amino acid L-Arginine that boosts the creation of endothelial nitric oxide (e-NOS), something that can dramatically enhance the health of your partner’s sperm. It’s time to talk If you and your partner have been silently struggling to conceive, perhaps it’s time to talk – to each other as well as to your doctor. Infertility is a very common condition that could be affecting either one of you. Fortunately, if poor quality sperm is the problem, this could be resolved with Prelox. It’s clinically proven to make a dramatic improvement and very easy to purchase without a prescription from all major pharmacies or via https://www.lamellepharmaceuticals.co.za/. Perhaps it’s all you need to make the difference that can change your life?

November 19, 2021

Be Natural, Be Beautiful, Be You (Blemish Free) with Cruelty-free Products this Summer

Bright and lively with Pure Pink Grapefruit Creightons cruelty-free Pink Grapefruit range is aimed at cleansing and purifying your skin, acting as a natural alternative for clearing away blemishes and achieving a brighter skin at the start of each day. Creightons Pink Grapefruit Daily Face Scrub (RSP R 69.95) offers active ingredients to gently exfoliate, helping to unclog pores, remove dirt and excess oil that builds up leaving your skin feeling clean and cared for with a noticeably brighter complexion. Grapefruit is an energetic skincare ingredient, containing anti-oxidants that add radiance to your skin and reduces any redness, swelling or inflammation. Boosted Beauty with Refreshing H2O Containing Hyaluronic acid, a highly demanded skincare ingredient, the Creightons H2O Boost range gives a complete hydrating skincare routine that moisturises and freshens the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule that binds to water, trapping it in the skin and keeping your face fully hydrated. This allows for the skin to achieve that full, plump and glowing appeal. The H2O Boost Hydrating serum (RSP R179.95) combats moisture loss, especially when out and about during the hotter summer months. Containing the key ingredient of Hyaluronic Acid as well as Marine Algae, this hydrating serum is excellent for toning and revitalising your skin. Sun Safe Vitamin C Superfruits This superfruit ingredient is becoming increasingly more popular in the skincare industry, boasting a large variety of benefits for happier and healthier skin. Creightons Skin Radiance Moisturiser (RSP R89.95) is a moisturising, lightweight lotion to soothe and care for blemish-prone skin without clogging pores or being too heavy on your pores. When you use a purely plant-based product on your skin, you will experience how Vitamin C not only brightens your skin, but also protects against UV damage, and helps prevent signs of ageing by assisting in the skin’s regeneration process. Vitamin C also inhibits melanin production, meaning it reduces pigmentation and evens out your skin tone. Enriched with many superfruits that contain Vitamin C, including orange, pineapple and papaya, the Skin Radiance Moisturiser leaves your skin refreshed, renewed and soft to the touch. Creightons Vitamin C 2% Bright Eye Serum (RSP R115.95) contains the same beneficial ingredients and works to reduce dark circles under the eyes, getting rid of that tired look that our busy lifestyles can so often cause. Soothing Salicylic Acid for Complexion This trending ingredient is proven to fight blemishes appearing on the skin, especially from friction caused by material against the skin, something we experience everyday now due to mask wearing protocols and the pandemic. Salicylic Acid is beneficial in penetrating your skin and acts as an exfoliator, clearing any dirt or oil from the pores. Creightons Salicylic Acid Range is dermatologically tested to soothe problematic skin, promoting clearer skin tone every day. The all natural, cruelty-free Salicylic Foaming Cleanser (RSP R75.95) works to absorb excess oil and clear skin irritations, with its combined ingredients of Kaolin Clay with great anti-bacterial properties, and Lactic Acids which reduce the appearance of pores. Their Exfoliating Tonic also works to maintain clearer skin with Niacinamide acting to improve uneven skin tone and texture and leave your complexion brighter, clearer and more radiant than ever before. When looking for eco-friendly beauty this summer, consider choosing to be a cruelty-free shopper with an alternative beauty brand that is verified to offer you the double benefit of spreading kindness to animals and at the same time avoid the harsh chemicals found in other beauty products. Creightons products are never tested on animals during production. Creightons is available at Dis-Chem stores.

November 18, 2021

Parent Sense disrupts babyhood in the best way

Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming the latest newborn into your family, the early parenting period can be downright confounding. On top of the lack of sleep and the rigours of truly 24/7 attendance, from the get-go, each new baby has its distinct character, which takes time to get to know. This is where Parent Sense can help. A proudly South African platform and app created by Meg Faure, childcare expert and best-selling parenting author, Parent Sense offers innovative, science-based tech-enabled parenting. Recently shortlisted as a finalist for the UK App of the Year at the UK App Awards 2021, Parent Sense provides a holistic framework for baby care, helps you accurately track and analyse your baby’s sleep and feeding patterns and is packed with know-how and sage advice to get you safely through this unique minefield disguised by sweet baby smells and cute gurgles. Chereen, mom to 8-month-old twin boys and an 8-year-old boy avidly uses Parent Sense to manage the complexity that comes with juggling twin routines. In a chat with Meg on social media, Chereen shares that her twins have completely different temperaments and sensory personalities. Despite their differences, she has used the app to successfully get them into a predictable feeding and sleeping routine. Both boys are now sleeping through the night, and everyone is more rested and relaxed. For many parents, caring for a new baby presents some lonely, exhausting and confusing times. This can sap much of the joy out of the first precious months of life, impact on bonding and undermine a parent’s confidence. As they turn for advice, they then find an overwhelming mass of parenting content, much of it, of dubious quality, and it can be challenging and time-consuming to find trusted sources. As all parents know, the last thing you need when you’ve got a babe in arms is more more demands on your scarce time. The Parent Sense app provides the support and trusted advice you need in your hands, accessible anytime and anywhere. Just as many of us in this data-driven age use apps to track our own fitness and health, Parent Sense enables you to track your new baby’s data to make informed parenting decisions or to share with healthcare professionals. Parents also receive a weekly Baby Digest mailer that summarises their baby’s tracked sleep and feed trends, as well as any health or development milestones. A platform feature which parents will greatly appreciate is the innovative Parent Sense baby sensory personality quiz developed by Meg Faure and available on the app’s website. This fast tracks your understanding of the unique being you have brought into the world and empowers you to adapt your parenting style to meet your baby’s particular needs. Faure says, “Babies simply don’t have the communication capabilities that we as adults rely on for understanding. Instead, they are experiencing the world through their senses. Identifying your baby’s sensory personality helps you to know and understand them better. Your baby’s sensory personality drives sleep and feeding behaviours and impacts on developmental pace and successful weaning.” “Identifying your baby’s sensory personality empowers you to adapt your parenting to meeting their unique needs. You can tailor the home environment and routines to meet your baby’s preferences which leads to a calmer baby and a more peaceful family life. Having access to the Parent Sense app, helps to take the guesswork out of the parenting choices and decisions that you are making, putting you in the position of well-informed control,” concluded Faure. There are four sensory personalities; Sensitive, Slow to warm up, Settled and Social Butterfly. These archetypes are based on how a baby or toddle reacts to sensory information in their environment. Some have low thresholds for sensory input and are easily overwhelmed by sights, sounds, smells and tastes; while others may get grumpy because there’s not enough that’s new and exciting happening around them. Knowing where your baby fits gives you an essential understanding of how best to care for them. This knowledge is real power for parents who can otherwise feel inadequate and even helpless at a time when they really need to be confident that they are capable. Faure says, “Parent Sense empowers parents by bringing the expertise you need right into your pocket, available on your device whenever you need to draw on expert support. It’s what parents have always longed for, and it is really exciting to see new parents now downloading the app and doing their parent journeys differently, more effectively and more joyfully.” Download the Parent Sense app here

November 18, 2021

THE STATE OF SOUTH AFRICANS’ MENTAL HEALTH- And what we wish our pre-pandemic selves had known

Financial stress is taking a heavy toll on South Africans, with about 54% unable to make their money stretch to month-end. It is impacting their own mental health, along with constant worry about the health of their loved ones. These findings in a recent Sanlam survey conducted by Ova to You, highlights the imperative to focus on factors within our control – in particular the need to make the best possible financial decisions in very trying circumstances. The study was conducted amongst 1200 South Africans as part of Sanlam’s campaign – Letters to My Pre-Covid-19 Self and it asks people to reflect on what they wish they’d known or done prior to the pandemic. Farzana Botha, Segment Solutions Manager at Sanlam Savings, says, “We’ve all gone through this major life event together and it’s changed many of us in profound ways. We can’t underestimate the toll it’s taken on our mental health. We’re likely to keep seeing the impact of this for years to come. The survey showed that above anything else, most people wish their former selves had saved more. It really brought home the impact money has had as a stressor on mental wellbeing.” Here are some of the key findings from the survey, showing how South Africans are feeling and what they wish they could write to their pre-pandemic selves: Financial stress has reportedly had the most major impact on people’s mental wellbeing: A whopping 57% of participants cited financial stress as having a huge effect on mental wellbeing. This was followed by worry about their own and loved ones’ health (44%), and all the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic (38%). Financial stress hit young people the hardest: Those aged 18-24 were most mentally impacted by financial stress – and younger women were the hardest hit of all. Older people more concerned about the state of the nation: Interestingly, older individuals were more worried about the economy and state of South Africa. They were also more impacted by the negativity of the news. Loss and grief impacted all ages, equally: 24% of people cited loss and grief as having a mental impact; 22% said isolation and loneliness. Childcare and family stresses most felt by women: The 20% of people who listed childcare and family responsibilities as having a mental toll were, predictably, less likely to be male and usually more likely to be aged between 25 and 39. In a country where 41.8% of households are female headed (Stats SA: 2019) and close to 70% of black children live without biological fathers at home, this is unsurprising and shows the severe stress many women are feeling. It was clear that the pandemic made many rethink their physical and mental wellbeing. During Covid-19: 21% of people went on prescription medication to help with stress and anxiety 21% invested in online and physical exercise options, like a gym membership or yoga 12% sought counselling or therapy Others went on health supplements and turned to natural remedies, along with meditation and mindfulness About 35% of respondents said they always make time for self-care (self-care was undefined). Most of these were younger men with an income of less than R10 000 a month. Close to 59% said they make time when they can (likely to be older: 40+ years), and 6.7% said they never make time. In terms of what they’d write to their pre-pandemic selves about what they’ve learned about wellbeing, some of the responses were: “That everyone is susceptible to any manner of mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression. I’ve learned to seek psychological assistance in the form of therapy to assist me in managing anxiety in these trying times.” – Male, 30-39 years old, Gauteng, HHI R30k+ “I’ve learned that I must start taking my mental health seriously and avoid anything that could affect it.” – Female, 18-24 years old, North West, HHI Less than R10k Overall, most people wanted to tell their pre-Covid-19 selves to ‘take time to enjoy the simple things in life and the moments with loved ones’, as well as to ‘manage your finances better and start an emergency fund’. Botha says, “We thank everyone who participated in the survey for being so open and honest. It takes tremendous courage to be so vulnerable. It’s clear many of us are going through so much right now and we need to create a culture where people feel comfortable talking about what they’re experiencing. “It’s also obvious that financial stress is having a huge toll. Sanlam is committed to helping people live with confidence. As part of this, we aspire to empower South Africans to have the knowledge necessary to go after their goals and make smart money decisions to live their best lives. We are here to help you make the right decisions for yourself and your family. “We have many advisers and tools on hand to help you come up with an achievable, holistic plan. We’re here for you. It’s never too late to turn a situation around. You’re not alone.”

November 18, 2021

WHY ONLINE LEARNING POWERS INDIVIDUALISED LEARNING

Many of us parents experience frustrations with the schooling system on behalf of our children. Sometimes, our child is being left behind as the class moves on before they have mastered a learning milestone. Sometimes, our child is bored and acting out because the class isn’t moving on yet, and they are ready. This is because in traditional classroom learning, educators teach to the middle and they are simply, practically, not able to round up all the children on the same page at every time. We can intervene, and we can demand that our child’s learning needs to be individualised, but the entire, conventional education system does not enable this. We all learn somewhat differently; and our capacities to listen, understand and engage with information ebb and flow from time to time, no matter how structured our learning environment. Just because a teacher stood up in class and gave a lesson doesn’t mean that all the children learned. Learning deficits can be costly in multiple ways. They can have long-lasting effects, derailing our child’s positive experience of their education, impacting on their identity and their self-confidence. If it’s not you, it’s more than likely that you do know someone whose life has been inadvertently shaped by the idea: ‘I couldn’t do this… or follow that path… because at school, I was never any good at Maths.’ Mark Anderson, Koa Academy Principal says, “We all know that individualised learning is the game-changer. School leaders, teachers and parents have all known this for a long time. It’s a transformation that has to happen in school systems across the world, and it is turning out that technology is an enabler of this change.” The advantage of online learning is that children can engage with content at their own pace, and they can access global content in formats that best suit their learning style, creating an individualised learning pathway. Anderson says, “At Koa Academy, children are highly engaged with their teachers in small Pods of eight learners. This is the structure that promotes socio-emotional learning and high engagement in our school community. However, our children are also accessing global educational content and proceeding at their own pace. They have an individualised dashboard, visible to their teacher and parents, that tracks their content engagement and learning progress. They are on unique learning pathways in a tech-powered learning environment that enables both structure and individualization.” Discover Koa Academy here

November 18, 2021

Sixty SA schools to get sustainable food gardens from Rhodes Quality

Rhodes Quality has launched a new initiative in partnership with social enterprise, Reel Gardening called Grow with Goodness, with the aim of growing sustainable food gardens for sixty South African schools. Each time you buy a Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice over the summer period, you will be helping Rhodes Quality feed local vulnerable communities and most specifically hungry children. “We are very excited to kick-off the summer with such a meaningful initiative and that’s why we’ve partnered with Reel Gardening to help us grow school gardens filled with goodness this summer,” says Tamara Patel, Brand Manager for Rhodes Quality at RFG. “ The future of South Africa depends on the seeds we sow and the kindness we show today.” “A portion of this summer’s juice sales will be funding the growth of community gardens at sixty schools around the country,” she explains. “We’re working hard to assist vulnerable communities and feed hungry children and we’re asking all South Africans to join us as we plant gardens around South Africa.” “South Africa’s deteriorating food security issues have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, roughly 11% of our population are suffering from hunger,” Patel says. “With this initiative we are hoping to grow South Africa with goodness.” “Our new summer brand campaign is centred around ‘go with goodness’ which effectively means that we want to provide fresh, wholesome nutrition to as many schools as possible,” she explains. “Our 100% fruit juices make it easier for you and your family to go with goodness everyday while helping our local communities grow with goodness too.” Patel explains that it’s really easy to get involved, “Add any one litre Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice to your shopping cart in stores around South Africa and our team will do the rest.” “Good food is imperative for children’s growth, nourishing their tummies and minds is so important to make sure the children of South Africa grow up strong by eating good, wholesome food,” she says. “What’s more with our partnership with Reel gardens the children will also learn about planting and growing produce in an accessible, sustainable and fun way.” “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help us bring this initiative to life, a business started by Claire Reid at age of 16 has grown into an innovative, award-winning social enterprise that delivers a real planting revolution with a focus on getting people grounded,” Patel says. “Since their inception they have reached almost 3,000 schools and communities, and we look forward to our journey with them.” “Growing food not only impacts a person’s ability to take control of their food security,” says Reel Gardening founder, Claire Reid. “It has a myriad of other benefits, including instilling a connection to nature, responsibility, patience, relaxation and problem solving. Whether a few pots on your windowsill or a whole veggie patch in the garden, the process of growing food will improve your quality of life.” “Our delicious range of 100% fruit juices aren’t the only source of goodness,” she adds. “Goodness is also found in the hearts of communities that work together to keep tummies full, join us to help communities continue to grow.” How it works: It all starts with you buying any 1L Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice. Reel Gardens then visit 60 schools around the country and deliver everything needed to start a wholesome vegetable garden. Volunteers and teachers are trained to care for the garden. From planting to harvest, school children can get involved in and excited about the process Schools are now ready to tend their gardens, watch goodness grow and reap the nutritious rewards! For more information visit the website: https://rhodesquality.com/growwithgoodness/ or Facebook and Instagram #GROWWITHGOODNESS

November 17, 2021

Keep little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Bracelets and Anti Mosquito Clip-ons

Summer brings lots of fun, warm nights and days spent in nature – unfortunately, it also comes with insects. Keep your little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Bracelets and Clip-ons and get the gentlest, most natural solution to all-round cover. Made with naturally effective ingredients such as Citronella and Lemongrass to provide a gentle perfumed repellent that does not affect a babies delicate skin, slip on a bracelet in a variety of colours, wear it in ponytails or opt for the clip-on repellent which works on strollers, prams and t-shirts with ease. Unlike most mosquito repellents the Chicco Anti-Mosquito range leaves a great smelling, natural fragrance, reminding you that every time you protect your baby you are doing the least possible harm to their gentle skin. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 17, 2021

Medical aids can’t bear the brunt of hospital increases

Hospital admissions are one of the biggest cost drivers for any private medical scheme which is why the tariffs are under review and negotiated annually by Bonitas Medical Fund. If no agreement is reached, medical aid members will bear the brunt of high co-payments. According to Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund, hospital admissions account for half of the Scheme’s annual claims cost. ‘Last year due to the pandemic, hospital admissions and the utilisation of other medical aid benefits fell to record lows. However, the 2021 claims’ experience has shown that a lot of services, particularly the day-to-day benefits and several hospital admission categories, are already close to 2019 levels. Since the start of the pandemic Bonitas has spent more than R2,7bn on COVID-19 related costs, of which R1,73bn pertain to 2021 year-to-date. More than 80% of these COVID-19 costs relate to hospitalisation. Non-COVID utilisation patterns are almost back to typical levels and, since June this year, overall claim ratios have returned to pre-COVID levels. Schemes are therefore not generating the same level of short-term surpluses in 2021 as was seen in 2020. ‘We anticipate that during 2022, utilisation is going to go back to where it was in 2019 or even higher. Which is why it is critical that schemes, such as Bonitas and hospital groups, through an annual negotiation process agree fair and equitable tariff charges, to ensure the lowest possible increases in the interest of members. This will not only help keep costs down but also ensure quality and affordable healthcare for current and future members, while maintaining the sustainability of schemes. We must acknowledge that over the last three years concerted efforts have been made by hospital groups to support and keep tariffs low. However, there are still significant opportunities to drive healthcare cost down. ‘We know that all sectors had been hard hit by the pandemic and the poor economic outlook in this country. Healthcare and medical schemes are no exception. However, we need to remain mindful that key to the survival of the private medical aid industry is its members. If hospital costs balloon above CPI, so will membership premiums, which will result in medical aid becoming unaffordable. We are appealing to all our service providers, including hospital groups, not to pass their costs on to schemes and, by extension, to members. The pandemic saw healthcare facilities and healthcare providers intensify their efforts to ensure that South Africans received the appropriate care for Covid-19 as far as possible. And while their efforts have been lauded, consumers have had to contend with tough conditions as well. Moving into 2022 There are major concerns about 2022 utilisation levels, notably due to the risk of an increased burden of disease due to gaps in care that may have arisen during the pandemic, which is no fault of any party. We anticipate an elective procedure claims catch-up after so many were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 during national lockdowns. Other areas of concern include the unknown impact of long-haul COVID as well as new or more expensive COVID-19 treatment costs, including booster vaccines, which may emerge, All stakeholders in the healthcare value chain need to be prudent in managing their costs of doing business. The intention of negotiated hospital tariffs is to reach an agreement that supports sustainability of the healthcare ecosystem and, ultimately, members. The issue comes when there is no agreement reached and members may have to pay in the difference between what the hospitals charge versus what the scheme is able to pay. We try to avoid such a situation so as not to have a negative member impact, but if parties are unreasonable in their demands, this situation may arise.’ To assist our members and reduce the effect of significant contribution increases for 2022, Bonitas used R600m of its reserves to keep increases as low as possible. Contribution increases were kept below 5% for both 2021 and 2022 despite underlying claims expenditure increasing by a significantly higher margin. Bonitas’ medium-term objective is to sustain solvency levels above the statutory minimum of 25% and to make strategic decisions about current reserves in the interests of its members. This while facing significant uncertainty, especially in terms of the cost and prolonged impact of COVID-19, non-COVID-19 utilisation and roll-out of vaccines. All non-healthcare costs are capped below CPI for 2022. However, if healthcare providers and hospital groups do not negotiate favourable tariffs for the year ahead, it results in higher increases in the long run, for all patients and unnecessary out of pocket costs. The benefits of negotiations Negotiations resulted in a 3.1% saving in 2021 terms – these savings could exceed R200 million in 2021 – while in 2020 strategic purchasing yielded hospital negotiation savings of R346 million. These savings contribute to a lower contribution increase. The impact of failed negotiations However, when the costs of doing business is passed on to schemes and, by extension, customers – or medical aid members – things become complicated, especially where tariff increases agreements cannot be reached. In these instances, there are two possible scenarios: A scheme pays what it deems to be a reasonable rate and the hospital bills its rate. This means the member would be required to pay in the shortfall on the account unless the hospital decides to override the difference A scheme excludes the hospital from on its network and actively discourages a member from using this hospital. The member may need to pay a deductible or co-payment if they choose to be admitted at this facility unless the hospital decides to override the difference. ‘Neither of these situations is a favourable outcome,’ says Callakoppen. ‘Which is why reaching a workable middle ground on hospital cost/tariffs is imperative.’

November 17, 2021

Prevent and treat the signs of ageing with Lamelle’s professional peels  

When last did you treat your skin to a good peel? Many are under the impression that peels are the kind of treatment you’d only invest in once severe pigmentation or deep lines have set in. However, Lamelle has a peel for every skin type, concern and age. While they’ll all essentially exfoliate to reveal fresher, healthy-looking skin, the type of acid used has a slightly different “speciality”. To explain, let’s first get you up to speed on two of the most popular acids and how they can help you create your most glowing complexion yet. Choose your weapons When it comes to alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), the two most commonly used in skincare are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both of them are completely natural but the former is derived from sugarcane and the latter from milk. From a molecular point of view, glycolic acid is a lot smaller than lactic acid so it can penetrate deep into your skin for a more intensive treatment. It also has the added benefit of stimulating your skin to create more collagen and elastin making it a good choice for anyone concerned with fine lines and wrinkling. As far as lactic acid goes, it’s also a great way to get your glow on. However, as its molecules aren’t as tiny as glycolic acid’s, they won’t penetrate as deeply. This means you’ll still get to reap the rewards of exfoliation but, as the peel is slightly more superficial, it’s a lot less irritating. Also, as lactic acid is a lot more hydrating than glycolic acid, it’s a good choice for anyone with a dry or sensitive skin type. Get your glow on Now that you know more about AHA types and how they work, it’s easy to see why we use lactic acid in our very popular Lacti-Firm peel. It involves just five minutes of “tingling” before being neutralised and wiped away by an experienced Lamelle therapist or doctor, depending on the strength of the peel you choose. It’s a great way to get rid of the dry, dead skin cells that can dull and clog your complexion and the milder of the two doesn’t come with any downtime. This way, you could easily schedule it on your lunch break and then pop straight back to the office, with nobody being any the wiser that you’d just had a peel. You could also reapply your make-up straight afterwards and will immediately notice that your skin feels much smoother to the touch and looks more hydrated and plumper. On the subject of moisture, just remember that you should keep your skin hydrated after a peel to avoid any dryness or tightness in the days that follow. Even more importantly, don’t set foot outside without sunscreen. Any peel, even a mild one, will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. We suggest Lamelle Helase 50+, one of the world’s most innovative sunscreens. Treat the signs of ageing If you’re wanting a deeper peel that can address all the signs of ageing, you’ll want to know all about our Alpha Peel. It makes use of glycolic acid and is available in different strengths that can be adjusted to suit your skin’s condition. As it penetrates more deeply, it’ll tingle a bit more than a Lacti-Firm peel, but this only lasts five minutes and, if anything, is slightly uncomfortable, not painful. Immediately afterwards, your skin might be a little flushed and sensitive, but this settles fast. By the time you’ve waved goodbye to your therapist, your skin will be more radiant than red and feel fabulously smooth. Only a few days later, depending on the strength of the peel, you might notice your skin feels a little tight, looks a bit drier and possibly flakes. But don’t worry, this is fleeting and gives way to a more radiant, more youthful-looking complexion. Again, hydrating and wearing sunscreen is essential, but our very knowledgeable therapists will ensure you know everything you need to out proper aftercare. The bottom line Whether you want to prevent or treat the signs of ageing, Lamelle has a peel to help you do it. Simply pop in to any clinic offering our treatments* and you’ll find a highly skilled therapist who can recommend the type and strength that can serve up the very best results for your skin. Find a skin care professional near you visit: www.lamelle.co.za

November 17, 2021

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