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Playschool startup achieves government accreditation on top of international funding

Play Sense becomes one of the first programmes of its kind in SA to be registered by the Department of Social Development as demand booms for innovative online and home-based schools The South African edutech startup Play Sense, which recently raised more than R8-million in international investment from an Africa-focused, gender-lensed venture capital fund, has now also become one of the first registered play-focused preschool franchises in the country. The digitally-enabled micro-playschool programme is a first for South Africa and enables teachers to set up their own playschools at home under the Play Sense banner, with its award-winning imaginative play-centred curriculum for preschoolers as its primary drawcard. It has now become one of the first programmes of its kind to be accredited by the Department of Social Development as a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme in terms of the Children’s Act. The business was founded by early childhood expert and author Meg Faure, who also founded the well-known Baby Sense brand, and fellow occupational therapist and educator Lara Schoenfeld, who also founded the successful Nanny ‘n Me franchise. Faure is CEO and Melissa Cumming, previously the MD of ecommerce business Bloomable, is COO. “Our evidence-based curriculum follows the Vygotskian theory of development which says that guided imagination-based play is the best way to equip kids with the core capacities they need to thrive in a changing world, including self-regulation, executive function, creativity, collaboration and learning readiness,” said Faure. “Our accreditation by the department is an important validation of the quality of both our educational programme and the innovative business model that underpins it. We’re excited about expanding the programme across South Africa this year and globally in the near future – and in the process bringing the ECD space into the sharing economy as a solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by children, parents and teachers in the world today. This kind of schooling really is the way of the future.” The Play Sense team raised R8.25-million in early-stage funding from USA-based Enygma Ventures in April. The private investment fund focuses on investing in women-led social impact businesses in Southern Africa. The Africa Trust Group is its local implementation partner. The Play Sense franchise model was founded to provide high quality, cost-effective ECD business opportunities for teachers and qualified caregivers who want to run world-class preschools from homes. The model is designed for groups of up to six children between the ages of two to four to come together to play and learn in a safe home-based environment for three to five days of the week. The franchise stable currently accommodates more than 30 groups in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN and online, but it is gearing to scale to 200 in-home groups and 15 online groups, as well as to have its global expansion playbook bedded down by the end of 2021. The startup successfully pivoted at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa to offer parents and teachers an online learning environment as well. It was this online move that ensured its funding from Enygma, whose investors wanted to see Play Sense scale and roll out its new tech platform in response to the boom in demand for online, independent home-based schools during the pandemic, and empower women entrepreneurs in the process. With the online model, the teacher undergoes the same training but can run an online school for up to 12 families who check in virtually twice a day while teaching their own children at home. “All our teachers are trained in both online and in-home education so that they can adapt as situations change. We just don’t know what 2021 holds, so we have to be flexible,” said Faure. “What makes Play Sense unique is that it is such a cost-effective and scalable model for highly progressive preschool education – something that the market has been asking for and that will empower lots of women who are passionate about ECD to become entrepreneurs who make an impact in their communities. They can now set up schools that offer exceptional education to learners, without the high overheads of a school building because they can use their existing and under-utilised assets, their homes, instead. The fact that they work with a fully developed curriculum and fully equipped starter kit also saves them time and money, and ensures that a specific standard of education can be upheld,” said Faure. The Play Sense curriculum is aligned with UNICEF’s National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Early Learning Developmental Areas (ELDAS), National Early Learning Development Standards (NELDs) and Operational Norms and Standards for preschool education.

January 15, 2021

Global Comparison: SA still one of the most affordable countries to live and work in

Three of South Africa’s major cities rank among the top 20 most affordable cities to live and work in on global scale Despite recent downgrade of South Africa’s economy, costs of living in the country are still among the lowest in the world Global data comparison highlights Canada as a better alternative for South Africans looking to relocate South Africa still one of the most cost effective destinations across the world, according to new research from job search engine Adzuna. Online job aggregator Adzuna, who has a presence in more than 16 countries across the world, recently compared salary data with that of jobs on offer and average rental costs for the world’s most prominent cities. South Arica came in as one of the most affordable destinations to live and work in with Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban all falling under the top 20 countries offering the best value for money as far as rent versus salaries is concerned. Despite its economy being downgraded by Moodys again in recent weeks, South Africans spend anything between 17% and 24% of their salaries on rent. Compared to popular expat destinations like New Zealand (where rental costs can be as high as 58% of the average salary), SA still offers a very affordable general cost of living. Most affordable cities to live and work in According to the latest data released by Adzuna, the city of Palermo in Italy currently offers the most affordable cost of housing. On average, residents of Palermo contribute just 15.1% of their salaries toward their rental expenses every month. The Canadian city of Edmonton, South Africa’s Port Elizabeth, and Calgary (Canada) all offer incredibly competitive costs of accommodation with rent accounting for less than 18% of average salaries. Country City SALARY vs RENT IT Palermo 15,1% CA Edmonton 17,3% ZA Port Elizabeth 17,9% CA Calgary 17,9% AT Vienna 19,1% AU Adelaide 19,2% ZA Pretoria 19,7% AU Perth 19,7% AT Innsbruck 20,2% AT Graz 20,6% IT Torino 20,9% ZA Johannesburg 21,6% UK Birmingham 21,7% AU Brisbane 21,9% FR Toulouse 22,4% AU Melbourne 23,2% NL Eindhoven 24,0% UK Manchester 24,0% ZA Durban 24,2% On the opposite side of the scale, accommodation costs in Salvador (Brazil), Los Angeles (USA), and Fortaleza (Brazil) are among the highest in the world with renters spending as much as 74% of their salaries on rent. Country City SALARY vs RENT RU Moscow 54,5% US San Francisco 56,1% US New York 56,2% PL Warszawa (Warsaw) 57,6% IN Mumbai 66,1% BR Rio de Janeiro 67,8% BR São Paulo 68,9% BR Fortaleza 71,9% US Los Angeles 73,1% BR Salvador 74,2% Jesse Green, country manager for Adzuna South Africa, comments: “It is reassuring to see that SA ranks among the most affordable cities to live and work in. With so many South Africans now considering the idea of immigrating to popular expat destinations like New Zealand or Australia, it’s imperative to consider how one’s living expenses might change once you relocate.” Best paying cities across the world For job seekers looking to relocate with the sole intention of earning a higher salary, Canada, Austria, Australia, and the USA currently offer the best options. However, it is essential to keep in mind that even though some of these cities are the best-paying destinations in the world, other factors such as the cost of living and available jobs play a detrimental role in how much a person is actually able to earn at the end of the day. Country City Av salary EUR CA Edmonton €4 426,67 CA Calgary €5 013,33 AT Vienna €5 218,00 AU Perth €4 565,06 AT Innsbruck €5 150,00 AT Graz €4 293,75 AU Sydney €4 336,90 US Chicago €4 849,60 US San Francisco €5 522,37 US New York €4 335,24 Adzuna compared average salary data in Euros (€) to make the data easy to work with on a global scale. Edmonton, one of the most popular expat cities in Canada, not only offers some of the highest salaries, but it also ranked 2nd in Adzuna’s comparison of salaries versus rent. Even though South Africa provides exceptional value for money as far as accommodation is considered, it didn’t make it into the top 10 in terms of average salaries. Destinations with the most job opportunities South Africa is experiencing one of its highest unemployment figures in decades, which means that SA is not the best country to consider as far as job security and employment opportunities go. Country City City population Vacancies POP vs JOBS FR Toulouse 479 553 9 967 2,08% NL Eindhoven 234 000 5539 2,37% NL Rotterdam 624 000 12942 2,07% NL Utrecht 358 000 10640 2,97% FR Lyon 516 092 24 078 4,67% DE Frankfurt 650 000 13586 2,09% RU Saint Petersburg 5 398 000 114759 2,13% DE Munich 1 260 391 28563 2,27% FR Paris 2 187 526 51 035 2,33% US New York 9 107 525 203442 2,23% France has a much less competitive job market than most other countries, and at the time of writing, Lyon had four jobs on offer for every active job seeker in the city. The higher the percentage of employment opportunities per population, the higher your chances of finding a job within that city. Lyon was the only city in the world that had this many active opportunities on offer. The Netherlands and Germany also tend to offer great employment opportunities with some of their major cities boasting two jobs per active job seeker. Final Thoughts Even though South Africa does not provide the most job opportunities or the highest salaries, it is still one of the most affordable countries to live and work in based on the average cost of living and accommodation expenses. Unlike destinations such as New Zealand’s Auckland and Wellington (where rent is between 45% and 47% of the average salary), South Africans still only spend between 17% and 24% of their income on housing. For South Africans considering the idea of immigration, it might be

January 14, 2021

Its PLAY time!

We hear time and again how critical play is for the healthy development of our children. Play enables children to learn through their senses, to develop their motor skills and to activate their imaginations. This tree analogy helps us to recognise the importance of play, and the difference we can make to our children’s well-being when we are responsive, nurturing parents.

January 14, 2021

Coping with stress while waiting for your matric exam results

You’ve written your final paper and now the long wait for the results begins. This is true for thousands of learners, especially the Class of 2020 who have finished their final exams on 15 December. Whilst most matriculates are celebrating the end of more than a decade of studying, others are nervous, anxious or afraid whilst waiting in anticipation for their final Matric Results to be released in January. Home Education Provider, Brainline, says many students struggle with the idea of disappointing their family and friends. ‘At this point you have done everything possible to ensure success; all the late night study sessions, extra classes and missed social events have to be worth the sacrifice. However, there’s about a month to get through before you know whether you’ve made the grade and those weeks can be even more stressful than the entire year that preceded it,’ says Liezel Bruwer, Brainline Mentor Bruwer says the build-up to the results can prove too much for many. ‘So many matriculants are worried about low results, a missed distinction or not getting enough points to further their studies. Newspapers are gearing up to publish all the matric results nationwide and all eyes are on the matrics, which makes the process very overwhelming and creates a lot of anticipation waiting for the dreaded unknown results,’ Bruwer explains. Bruwer has a number of tips for both students and parents during these coming weeks leading up to receiving the final results: For students: Over the next few weeks, try to occupy your time by catching up on lost sleep, exercise, eat well, take up a new hobby or a holiday job, get ready for the festive season, have fun and think about your future options. Remember that success looks different for everyone. It does not need to mean all ‘A’s’. If you are working towards a goal for yourself, you are on the right path. Talk about your fears and feelings with your parents or trusted advisor. The most important thing is to remain calm. Once you have received your report, take a deep breath, and don’t let a bad grade or two hold you back. If you did not receive the report you wanted, it may feel like the end of the world, however, it is important to remember that some of the world’s most successful people experienced setbacks. For parents: There are many ways to cope after receiving the results, parents need to be there for their children before and after exam result. Offer support and make an effort to show them that it is not the end and that there is so much that can be done after a bad result, missed distinction or points too low for University exemption. As a parent, one needs to validate a child on the importance of trying again, or striving to do better. We can only learn from our downfalls. Stay calm Plan the discussion Sit down together as a family, without distractions. Let your child share their thoughts, comments and worries Help to rephrase complaints and end up with more positive outlook ‘It is also important that student and parent work together to set goals, identify areas to focus on and to track future progress. Learners must also know that failing matric isn’t the end of the road. They can apply for remarking, write supplementary exams or redo matric via a college,’ Bruwer says.

January 13, 2021

The Importance of Catrobatkidz – ages 2 to 6

Infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers grow quickly, both physically and cognitively. During these childhood years they develop the physical skills needed for their adult lives. Physical development experiences and activities are one of the prime areas of learning and development, influencing changes in the child’s brain and gross and fine motor skills. Therefore, it is very important that children are given the opportunities to be active and interactive to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Catrobatkidz programme is jammed packed full of all the essential building blocks covering all the important physical skill areas that children need to master. Physical changes Children begin to lose their baby fat, or chubbiness, from around three years old. Toddlers soon acquire the leaner, more athletic look associated with childhood. Brain development The brain is comprised of two halves, the right and left cerebral hemispheres. Specifically, language, writing, logic, and mathematical skills seem to be located in the left hemisphere, while creativity, fantasy, artistic, and musical skills seem to be located in the right hemisphere. Although the hemispheres may have separate functions, these brain masses almost always coordinate their functions and work together. Motor skills Motor skills are physical abilities or capacities. Gross motor skills, which include running, jumping, hopping, turning, skipping, throwing, balancing, and dancing, involve the use of large bodily movements. Fine motor skills, which include drawing, writing, and tying shoelaces, involve the use of small bodily movements. Both gross and fine motor skills develop and are refined during early childhood. How Children Learn 1. Observe the behaviour in others. 2. Form a mental image of the behaviour. 3. Imitate the behaviour. 4. Practice the behaviour. 5. Be motivated to repeat the behaviour. The Catrobatkidz programme is designed to teach children physical skills and improve brain integration while having fun. Where do you Want Your Catrobatkidz? ON TV @School @Home There is really nothing else quite like Catrobatkidz, please let your child exercise, learn, laugh and grow in self-confidence with us.

January 12, 2021

Chicco Seat4Fix Car Seat

The stunning Chicco Seat4Fix Group 0/1/2/3 infant car seat provides complete seating for your little one during all four stages – from birth up to 36 kg. It enables comfortable and secured seating in the rear (0-18 kg) and front-facing position, thanks to its rotating base, making going from baby to big kid one easy step. A durable shell equipped with an additional removable Side Safety System ensures exceptional protection in a case of the side impact and the recline feature with 3 available positions offers maximum support and comfort during long trips. Seat 4 Fix is outfitted with soft padded headrest and a 5-point harness, which adjust simultaneously. as well as an additional removable mini cushion to embrace little passengers in a snug hug. Harness and cushion can be easily detached and hide away while your child grows enough to use a 3-point vehicle seat belt. The belt positioner in the 2/3 Group provides the best lap belt settings to protect the child’s abdominals. This car seat offers safer, easier and faster installation with Isofix system and top tether strap. It can be also fitted with a 3-point car belt, which makes this seat more versatile in use. The only car seat you will ever need – the Chicco Seat4Fix is without a doubt one of the best all-rounders in the car seat market. As well as being beautiful to look at in a beautiful Graphite colouring, it is economical and has a full year guarantee. The Seat4Fix is available now at leading retailers including Baby City, Baby Club by Clicks, Takealot, Loot, Babanino, Baby Boom and The Kid Zone. Prices vary per retailer.

January 11, 2021

Effective job-hunting: 5 Tips to help you up your ante

Did you know that there are at least 100 people with the same skills, education, and experience you have? All of them are looking for jobs too. Differentiating and making yourself stand out to employers will probably always be a challenge, but there are ways in which you can be more effective at job hunting. Follow Adzuna’s tips to make yourself more appealing to recruiters, hiring manager, and companies out there! Job-hunting strategies everyone should be using Deploy some enthusiasm The first thing you need to do is get excited about the idea of landing a new job. And to do that, you’ll need to shoot for something you’re passionate about. Perhaps its time to take on some bigger responsibilities so you can apply for a more senior role. Not all of us can make a living by doing what we love. But we can try and grow towards something we’re interested in rather than going with the flow. When you’re passionate about your career, you’ll have the power to influence people and further develop your career. If this means you have to make a few big changes, do them ASAP so you can start working towards the job of your dreams. Stay up to date with industry news The internet enables every one of us to stay updated and in tune with global news and industry developments. If you’re set on starting fresh in a new sector, start researching the conversations that are hot topics in that industry. Staying updated will help you learn the lingo of the trade and make it easier for you to adapt to your new role. By speaking the industry’s language, you’ll make a better first impression during initial interviews. It’ll also boost your confidence, and confidence is one of the key factors for bagging a job! Sort out your online presence Social media can make or break your job-hunting efforts. You have to ensure that your online presence highlights your best aspects and showcases your skills and experience. You also have to optimize your profiles, especially your LinkedIn account, for SEO – search engine optimization. Hiring managers search for certain types and concepts on LinkedIn, so make sure you refine your profile to match keywords related to your industry. Final thoughts Effective job-hunting isn’t just centered around landing a job. It’s about finding the right fit, applying at the right time, and ensuring your online presence is just right. It’s about highlighting yourself as the kind of candidate you’d want to hire. Ready to start searching for your ideal role? Browse Adzuna’s listings today!

January 7, 2021

9 signs you may have Postpartum depression

Also known as Postnatal depression, this condition can often be mistaken for something referred to as the ‘ Baby Blues ’. Both of these conditions involve feeling depressed, horrible mood swings and start a few days after giving birth. The difference between Baby Blues and Postpartum depression As a new mom , the combination of a lifestyle change, lack of sleep and rapidly fluctuatinghormones can result in the Baby Blues within two weeks of giving birth. However, these feelings should start to go away after around two weeks – when your body starts to adjust as do your hormones. It is important to be kind to yourself during this time. Although many women have gone through labour and birth, it does not make the process easy. Feeling out of sorts, overwhelmed and down are understandable. Sometimes Baby Blues turns into something more, and that is something that you need to look out for. Symptoms of postpartum depression According to the American Psychiatric Association, here is a basic checklist to watch out for: Sadness Fatigue, or a decrease of energy Impaired concentration and decision making The inability to feel pleasure A tendency to blame yourself, to feel guilty or worthless Sleep disturbances Agitation or restlessness Appetite disturbances or weight loss Recurring thoughts of self-harm If you read through this list and found yourself identifying with a few or all of these symptoms -it is very possible that you have Postpartum Depression . Again, this is a physical condition that is treatable. It is not your fault and you are not a bad mother for having it. In fact, between 10 to 15% of mothers worldwide suffer from Postnatal depression , with many more in countries with higher poverty levels. Without intervention, Postnatal depression can last for years. Getting help Regardless of your personal support system, there are support structures out there that can help you through this difficult time. If your Postnatal depression is compromising your ability to look after your child, or you have any thoughts of self-harm, it is important to know that there is something you can do if you reach out to the right places. The following organisations offer assistance, and are trained to help you. Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline 0800 70 80 90 SADAG Mental Health Line 011 234 4837 Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 You can also speak to your GP, Gynaecologist or midwife about what you are feeling. Joining a support group, or a mother and child class can help with feelings of isolation – you will be surprised how many other mom’s may be going through the same thing as you.

January 7, 2021

The month of love with kids & some date night glam

The festive season is behind us and we are focusing on conquering those new year’s resolutions. Now it’s time to focus on the month of love. It’s always a little different with kids and for so long Valentine’s Day has always been about celebrating it with your romantic partner, but when you are parents, there are so many adorable ways to celebrate with the biggest love of all…our kids. They are always coming home from school with the cutest little cards and gifts that they’ve made themselves. They always make us feel so special, so why not celebrate the day by showing them how extra loved they are. Here are a few budget friendly “safe” ways to do so: Choose a section in your home & let them decorate it. Cut out hearts on coloured paper and thread string through it to hang it up. Let them draw Valentine’s Day pictures and stick it up in that section. I promise, they will feel very proud to see their handy work up for all to admire. Dressing in red might seem cheesy, but for them it’s dress up day and time to partake in all the little festivities at school. Let them pick out their own red and white outfits the night before. I can almost guarantee you that there won’t be any complaints to go to school that morning. In the morning cut their sandwiches in heart shapes and only give them red snacks. Stick little love notes in their lunch box and all around the house for them to find; it’s also a great Valentine’s Day game to play. Let’s see how many love notes you can find and then receive that amount of little heart sweets or chocolates. Spend the weekend before or an evening in the week baking cookies together for them to take to school to hand out to their friends and teacher and include a card from them. If your kids are anything like mine, they love taking little gifts for their teachers and friends. On Valentine’s Day, you could plan to have a special early movie night with them and watch their favourite movie. Make popcorn and hot chocolate and just snuggle up on the couch in a bubble of love. Lastly, remember to take lots of pictures. Nothing fancy, just to document the day and make special memories you can look back on. On the other hand, if you are planning a late date night with your partner once the kids have gone to bed, then here’s some quick and easy date night glam tips to make you look awake and put together: Apply orange or peach concealer under the eyes before foundation to conceal and neutralize darkness or blueness. The CATRICE Cosmetics colour correcting concealer works perfectly for this. Apply yellow concealer over the orange or peach concealer as it acts as an eye brightener and helps you look more awake. Mix your favourite foundation with your daily moisturizer and apply it all over your face for a dewier finish – less is more. For a quicker and easier brow method, simply apply a brow mascara to fill out your brows and make it more defined. I love the CATRICE Cosmetics Brow Colorist Mascara as it also tints your brows. Whip out your bronzer and apply bronzer in the crease of your eye to define it. Use the same bronzer to carve out the cheekbones, use along the forehead, sweep it under the jawline and down the sides of nose. This will help warm up and sculpt the face. I am obsessed with the CATRICE Cosmetics 3 Step Contour Palette. Dab some blush on the apples of the cheek and across the nose area. I love the CATRICE Cosmetics Blush Box; there are a variety of shades to choose from. A lick or 2 of mascara on the eyelashes (top & bottom). Tip: curl your upper eyelashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara to really open the eyes and make those eyelashes pop. I love the CATRICE Cosmetics Glam & Doll Waterproof Mascara. CATRICE also has a great eyelash curler. For that instant radiant glow, apply highlighter on your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, inner corners of your eyes, under the brow bone and on the centre of the chin. This will really accentuate your features. The CATRICE Cosmetics High Glow Highlighter is great. Finish off with a lip pencil to line the lips. Fill your lips in with your favourite lip colour and add a dash of gloss to the cupids bow for that pouty lip finish. If you are feeling brave, why not try a sultry red lip. The CATRICE Cosmetics Demi Matt Lipstick in shade number 60 is the most beautiful red which will suit all skin tones. Lastly, do not forget your skin. Use the Caribbeantan Body Shimmer to create that flawless glowing skin for your special night. I love to mix in a little baby oil at night for that extra glow.

January 6, 2021

Raising Kids With 21st Century Skills

Going to camp is more than just an adventure away from home. Camp is an investment in your child’s character, personal growth, skill sets, and future. In our time of rapid development of artificial intelligence and a booming digital world, it has become of utmost importance to teach and implement 21st-century skills in our children. The outcome of putting 21st-century skills into practice results in key competencies that are preparation for workforce training programs, careers, and socializing, just to name a few. With the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, our next generation is will be well equipped for the new age of flying cars. When children come to Sugar Bay, we want them to leave with a greater sense of personal efficiency, a broader outlook on life, and skills to succeed in the world. Here are some of the 21st-century skills we practice at Sugar Bay. Critical thinking Creativity Communication Social skills Flexibility Productivity Accountability With these skills, kids should be conditioned to constant learning and approach life as self-sufficient human beings. Let’s take a look at the benefits of practicing some of our 21st-century skills. Relating to others Children need to grow into social beings. When they relate to others, they have the capacity to form and maintain relationships resulting in them building a foundation of how they function in society. It is a key component in being mentally healthy and having a positive sense of wellbeing. As the old adage goes: the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. Flexibility The world is capable of changing at a moment’s notice, more so in different careers and industries. Proving that flexibility is important as nothing is guaranteed. Children need to gradually learn how to maneuver through the change that will be constant throughout their lives. Or know how to react to it at the very least. With this skill, your child will have adaptive qualities they need to keep up in the ever-changing world. Critical thinking This skill empowers children to see different concepts in a different light, leading to innovation and growth. From their academia to baking a birthday cake, critical thinking is essential to improvement. It’s the mechanism that weeds out problems and finds solutions, assisting kids to ‘figure things out for themselves’ without a teacher or parent. What 21st-century skill is your child developing? Visit our website to view our upcoming themed holiday camps. Wondering what our holiday camps are all about? Visit our YouTube channel to view our playlists that feature all our highlights.

January 5, 2021

A Star is Born

As we ring in 2021 with no end in sight yet to the Covid-19 pandemic that has forever changed our world, it’s worth taking a look at how Wrapistry has evolved to help couples – and their loved ones – celebrate their most important moments. Wrapistry is a local online registry and gift store aimed at making happy couples (and their guests) even happier by creating the ultimate registry experience. They’ve already proven themselves market leaders in the wedding gift registry space and now they’ve evolved, just like the couples they help celebrate do, by creating baby registries to welcome new bundles of joy to the world. “Weddings are just one part of a couple’s journey together. We want to be a part of every chapter. So, it makes sense for reimagining the baby registry to be our next adventure,” comments CEO, Jed Shein. Brick-and-mortar shopping has quite rightly developed into the click-and-mortar variety: you order online and have it delivered to your home. Wrapistry uses design and technology combined with exceptional customer service to help couples – and their loved ones – browse through a curated selection of everything that new parents and the new arrival may need. Couples can choose from an amazing range of products. From stylish cots and sleek strollers to everyday essentials (think cutlery sets and vests), Wrapistry has created the ultimate baby registry. Plus, new, beautiful items are added to the online store each week. Let’s face it, traditional gift registries don’t leave much room for creativity. With Wrapistry, though, couples can ask for what they actually want. They can register for gifts and cash funds – all in one place – so their loved ones have options. And when they really desire a big-ticket item (a baby stroller or bassinet, for example), simply turn on group gifting and give guests the opportunity to contribute what they can. No stress, no hassle and no fuss of keeping tallies of who gave what – Wrapistry does that all for you. “Creating a gift registry should be one of the most fun experiences,” says co-founders Pat Berman and Linda Shein. Family and friends may not always be able to celebrate a baby’s arrival in person during a pandemic, and that makes giving them the option of gifting something special that they know the couple chose themselves so much more special. For the couple, the Wrapistry team is on hand to help. The team has learnt much over the years: from the most popular gifts to the average amount people spend. Answer a few questions and they’ll recommend how many gifts to add to the registry, based on price point and category. This way not only will the new parents get a variety of items, but also accommodate different budgets. Each Wrapistry registry includes: The option to play around with photos, background images and customise the welcome message. Notifications every time guests shop the registry. Free delivery. Plus, the option to choose when to have gifts delivered. Free exchanges before closing the registry. A 10% registry completion discount. Support for the couple and their guests. Visit wrapistry.shop today to create the perfect registry for the new chapter you’re about to enter as parents.

January 5, 2021

Chicco Sirio Car Seat

The Sirio is the brand new car seat from Chicco that will take care of your baby’s travel needs from birth to 25kgs. Starting in a rear-facing position, the seat is installed with seat belts. As the child grows, the seat rotates to face the world, and Isofix installation clicks into place to safely keep the seat attached to the car. With a mini cushion for extra snug fits on even the smallest of newborns, the seat then gradually grows with your child, extending upwards and outwards alongside them. Based on the model of the legendary Chicco car seat Seat Up 012, the Sirio takes all the best features and enhances them with extra comfort and style. Baby can recline and relax in 3 positions while parents can rest in the knowledge they have given their child the safest option on the road. Covers are removable and washable. The Seat4Fix is available now at leading retailers including Baby City, Baby Club by Clicks, Takealot, Loot, Babanino, Baby Boom and The Kid Zone. Prices vary per retailer.

January 4, 2021

Considering a gap year? Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know

The popularity of gap year programs has been on a steady rise in South Africa, and it’s not only popular with graduates any longer, but professionals are also leveraging the power of these ‘sabbaticals’ as well. Whether you’re planning on taking on an Au Pair job in the UK or a TEFL program in Asia, the opportunities for living and working abroad are virtually endless. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the benefits of taking a gap year, the disadvantages that may come from taking a year off, and finally, discuss what you should be focusing on during your gap year experience. What are the benefits of taking a gap year? According to the American Gap Association, taking a gap year can be beneficial to your career. When you take some time off to re-centre yourself, you’re better able to concentrate on your interests and hobbies, which also helps boost that inspirational mindset you’ll need to develop your career in the long run. Because you’re not just loafing around – but actually working – during your gap year, you’ll get to add some valuable experience to your CV, which might boost your chances of getting employed once you get back home. According to US Gap’s data and statistics, students that take a gap year before they enter the workforce gain a lot of valuable life experience, something which their non-gap counterparts might not have. Since they spend most of their time travelling during their gap year, students tend to mature much faster, find their independence, and learn responsibility much sooner in life when compared to students that enter the workforce straight after graduating. If you’re considering the idea of taking a gap year, you’ll probably find that you’ll be developing new skills at a fast-paced rate since you’ll be challenged on a daily basis while working and living abroad. Not only does a gap year provide you with the opportunity to meet new friends, but it also helps connect you with others, boosting your networking skills. What are the drawbacks of taking a gap year? Obviously, one of the first and most noteworthy disadvantages of gap years is that they are often accompanied by homesickness. Missing your loved ones back home is one of the most significant drawbacks of the gap year experience, and for some, taking a full year off from their studies or their careers can seem like yet another massive risk. Gap years aren’t exactly the best option for individuals that prefer more structured routines. What to do with your gap year? A lot of students (and professionals) that consider gap years aren’t sure about where they need to start looking for gap year jobs. The good news is that there are plenty of great opportunities out there; you just need to find one that meets your personal needs and interests. You could try teaching English in Asia, or perhaps the idea of becoming an Au Pair in Italy or America sounds more appealing to you. Maybe you’re a world traveller who prefers the finer things in life, in which case a job onboard a luxury yacht might be your ideal fit. Australia is where you should be looking to find a job if you feel up for the challenge of an agricultural career, but if the Outback isn’t your ideal scene; you might also want to consider the USA or New Zealand for farming jobs. Are you considering the idea of going into the hospitality industry after your gap year? Why not take up a gap-year job in the USA or Mauritius, which are well-known for their impeccable offerings across their hospitality sectors. This post should have cleared up any fog that might have been clouding your mind as far as gap years go. Now that you know the basics of taking a gap year, all that’s left for you to do is to find an opportunity that matches your preferences and then, it’s time to embark on a working holiday you’ll never forget!

December 23, 2020

Working and pregnancy – when to stop and how much is enough

As an expecting mom with a career you may be wondering when the best time would be to stop working and how you can stay comfy and productive when you are still in the workplace. Morning sickness, back pain, frequent bathroom breaks and other pregnancy related symptoms can make working as you used to a more challenging task for you. It’s important that you calculate the risks that your job could possibly have to you and your baby. For instance if you are working with chemicals, heavy metals or radiation you’ll need to either stop working or take extra precautions. Heavy lifting or labour intensive jobs and lots of travel for work are also jobs that’ll become more difficult as your pregnancy progresses. Desk work and computer work are generally regarded as safe, whereas jobs that require lots of standing will become more difficult in later pregnancy. Dealing with work and pregnancy Working can be stressful without having a growing baby in your belly. The physical and emotional changes that you experience can make meeting your body’s and workplaces’s demands a challenging task. However, some moms with healthy pregnancies are able to work almost until they go into labour, how much you can do will depend on your pregnancy. Morning sickness is something many moms have to deal with. There are ways you can help manage nausea at work. Avoiding dining areas, packing mouthwash and a toothbrush and packing in soothing lemon and ginger are all things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Eating and drinking little and often can also help keep the nausea at bay. Be sure to dress comfortably, and try to take frequent breaks and walks, as this’ll also help you stay more comfortable. What rights am I entitled to as an expecting mom in South Africa? As a pregnant employee, you are probably wondering what rights you’re entitled to. It is a good idea to inform your employee as soon as you can, so that your employer can manage the situation as best as they can (for both of you) – they are required by law to maintain a work environment that is safe for their employees. As an expecting mom, you will be glad to hear that you’re well protected under South African law – you may not be discriminated against or dismissed due to your pregnancy. You also have the right to four consecutive months unpaid maternity leave, anytime from four weeks before your expected birth date. Unfortunately employees are not obligated to pay you during this period, however, your job will be kept open for you until your return to work after maternity leave.

December 21, 2020

Travel tips during Covid-19

With the increasing number of local Covid-19 cases – over 10 000 in the past 24 hours – we need to be mindful that the pandemic is not on vacation. The statistics are worrying. South Africans need to shake off their Covid-fatigue and get back to making informed choices about their wellbeing and adhering to the protocols: Wear a mask when you leave your home, sanitise and socially distance – if we want to flatten the second wave curve, especially over the holiday season. We have also been asked to remember the 3 Cs: Avoid crowds, confined spaces and close contact. Bonitas Medical Fund, says, ‘Internationally many countries are reinforcing lockdown rules as the cases spiral, with reports too of coronavirus symptoms changing. Some medical practitioners are also saying the second wave is even more dangerous than the first. ‘Over the past month, within our membership community, we have seen an increase in the number of tests, the percentage of positive results, people requiring treatment and those being hospitalised. Through our free virtual consultations we have noted an increase in non-members consulting with doctors around the pandemic, with our call centre load having also increased.’ Here are some tips for travel during the festive season whether within our borders, to neighbouring states or abroad. Medical aid card Remember to carry your medical aid card and details with you. In the case of an emergency, it will streamline the process of getting care quickly or being admitted to hospital. Bonitas also advises that you put the Covid-19 emergency hotline (0800 029 999) or call centre number (0860 002 108) into your mobile phone so it is at hand. Virtual consultations Bonitas continues to offer free virtual consultations to all South Africans – not just its members – until 31 December 2020. If you are on holiday and concerned about your health, download the Bonitas Virtual Care App and make an appointment. The doctor will engage with you in a virtual video consultation wherever you are. The consultation includes any medical issue, Covid-19 or unrelated and advice on the most clinically appropriate steps for further care. These consults are available 24/7. Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise Pack your own soap and sanitiser. The hospitality industry has stringent health and safety protocols in place and most establishments have enhanced their deep cleaning regimes. However, it is still recommended that you keep your sanitiser with you always. If you are taking a road trip, make sure you have waterless soap and sanitiser in the car and limit your pit stops without compromising on taking the necessary rest breaks. Perhaps pack a picnic, to avoid crowded fast food outlets and restaurants on the main routes. Travelling internationally Remember that if you are leaving the country and crossing a border you will need to produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test and will also complete a travel health questionnaire. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has warned South Africans travelling abroad to make sure they know what the respective countries’ Covid-19 protocols are to avoid being stranded – various countries have different protocols and some have also introduced new stricter lockdown measures. She has urged travellers to familiarise themselves with the immigration and health entry requirements of the country they are visiting, as well as South Africa’s re-entry health requirement upon their return. If you are uncertain, contact the local embassy for clarification or the Department of Health. Alert your medical aid It is important that you notify your medical aid scheme ahead of any international travel. Firstly, to check what medical conditions will be covered and, secondly to activate the international medical travel cover. Travel insurance policies Medical expenses that you might encounter when travelling in Africa or other international destinations can be prohibitively expensive. To avoid having your holiday and finances totally ruined, look at what your current medical aid scheme offers in terms of medical travel cover and, if necessary, top this up with additional travel insurance. Carry your policies Travel insurance policies give detailed information about what to do in an emergency situation and have international call centres to assist you. Make sure everyone in the family has these numbers handy. The claiming process Most medical insurance requires an invoice as well as the proof of payment or receipt in order for them to reimburse you. Make sure you are familiar with the claim process. ‘One thing 2020 has taught us, is that life is unpredictable. And although additional, tougher lockdown regulations were recently announced in an effort to curb the second wave of Covid-19 infections, the burden of responsibility remains with each and every one of us,’ says Bonitas. ‘There are real concerns around the current rate of transmission, not only in South Africa but globally. In order to minimise your risks and to stay healthy and safe these holidays we all need to do our bit and stick to the protocols.’

December 18, 2020

How to combat hair loss and increase hair growth

Many of us get startled by the amount of hair in our hairbrushes, but in reality, most of us have absolutely nothing to worry about. The average person loses about 100 hairs per day. These hairs grow back, and with constant hair loss and regrowth, daily shedding isn’t noticeable at all. However, when these hairs do not grow back, or when a person experiences shedding that far exceeds 100 hairs per day, they are believed to be experiencing hair loss. Earlier this year, John Hopkins Medicine reported that almost half of African women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. This is a staggering statistic, which has led to a lot of research and investigation as to why hair loss is so prevalent. There are various reasons as to why you may suffer from hair loss, and some are more complicated to treat than others. Genetics Certain types of hair loss is genetic, and unfortunately there is very little (or nothing) that can be done about it. This is commonly known as alopecia areata and female pattern hair loss. Lifestyle Did you know that stress and an unhealthy diet can lead to hair loss? Many women report experiencing hair loss during severely stressful periods of their lives. Luckily, in most cases, hair grows back after the stressful period ends. Many illnesses and medical conditions can also lead to hair loss. Tension hairstyles Have you heard of the term ‘traction alopecia’? Traction alopecia refers to a type of hair loss that occurs when the hair is repeatedly pulled at. This can result from high-tension hairstyles such as braids and dreadlocks, and is also prevalent among women who use chemicals to treat or straighten their hair. The South African Hair Foundation explains: Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by tight braiding or pulling on the hair, and is temporary if the traction is short term but becomes permanent with prolonged trauma. Usually the situation that we see is a bald area at the very front of the hairline, and this is commonly seen in African woman where the hair has been tightly braided. (https://www.sahairfoundation.co.za/woman_hairloss.htm) The chronic pulling of the hair associated with high tension hairstyles may cause too much tension and traction on the hair follicles, which may cause them to permanently dislodge from the scalp. While there are some instances in which medical intervention may be necessary, there are many things that can be done to avoid hair loss from happening, and to help hair grow back. Lead a healthy lifestyle A healthy lifestyle is essential for a healthy body that functions optimally. Low levels of iron and vitamin D may contribute to hair loss, so it’s important to maintain sufficient levels of those nutrients, even if by means of supplementation. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid processed foods as much as possible. Reconsider your hairstyle If you wear your hair in a high tension style, it might be time to reconsider. Ask your hairstylist to create looser braids or dreads to prevent traction alopecia, and try to remove your braids every couple of months and alternate them with other styles. Minimise heat styling and if you want to relax your hair, make sure that this treatment is done by a professional. If you start to experience hair loss, avoid relaxers completely. Invest in a healthy hair care routine Using the right hair care products go a long way in assisting a healthy scalp and hair growth as well as strengthening the hair. When selecting your hair care products, be sure to find treatments that not only protect and nourish your hair, but also your scalp. The Perfect Hair’s Grow on the Go range is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to improve the health of their scalp and encourage healthy hair growth. The Perfect Hair Grow on the Go Hairline Repair (R129.99) is a nourishing growth serum that promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp. It contains coconut and grapeseed oils, which deliver moisture to your scalp and hair. The Perfect Hair Grow on the Go Treatment Hair Growth Oil (R149.99) provides intense treatment for a dry scalp and stimulates hair growth. Cantu’s Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil (R159.95) is another great option. This oil conditions and soothes the scalp while moisturising strands and promoting healthy growth. Made with pure shea butter, tea tree and jojoba oil to replace vital oils revealing stronger, healthier hair with a natural shine while conditioning the scalp. Crème of Nature’s Argan Oil Perfect 7™ (RSP R199, 95) is a 7-in-1 miracle leave-in treatment mask for beautiful, healthy hair with shine. This product is perfect for all hair textures, giving hair instant health and beauty, while reducing the need for multiple hair care products. This innovative rich, creamy formula contains both Argan Oil and conditioning agents such as Pro-Vitamin B-5, Silk Amino Acids so you can achieve shinier, smoother and silkier hair. 7 Amazing Benefits: Detangles and conditions Heat protection Breakage defense Controls frizz Moisturises dry hair Prevents split ends Adds Exotic Shine™ Replenish moisture, strengthen hair to prevent breakage, and tame and control frizz and tangles with Crème of Nature’s Moisture Replenish & Strength Hair Mask (R199.95) infused with Pure Honey, Certified Natural Coconut Oil and Shea Butter.

December 18, 2020

“Dad, do you have a spare R1.5m for me?”

As a parent, one of the best gifts you can give your child is a solid education but do you have any idea about how much it will cost to fund this education down the line and can you start setting aside money for it? Here is a quick example using the OUTvest Education Calculator, which is a popular tool with forward-thinking parents who want to ensure that they have set something aside for when their children need it. If you have a child today and you want them to start a 4-year University degree on the 1st of January 2041, you will need to have saved up R1 586 000 to fund this degree. The assumptions here would be that you would start with a lumpsum of R10 000 and inflation was running at about 6%. It is also working on the assumption that you would not be setting aside any money for residence and your child would be living at home. When you start seeing numbers like R1.5m, it can be incredibly daunting but a key message when it comes to saving is that compounding is one of the most powerful forces around and real wealth gets built when you stick to a plan. Let’s break it down and assume that you start with R10 000. You will need to save roughly R1483 per month up-front. If we assume that you will be generating an average investment return each year and you will be increasing your monthly premium by 7% per annum in line with inflation, suddenly R1.5m doesn’t seem that far away. The problem with theoretical calculations like this is that life invariably gets in the way and keeping up monthly contributions may not always be practical and this is where the OUTvest team have something quite novel to bring to young parents in the form of its Crowdvest functionality. The Crowdvest offering allows people to contribute toward specific savings goals that other people have started. Taking advantage of the power of the crowd, you can then have friends and family contribute toward your savings goals and share the responsibility of helping your child get ready for university. Giving your child the gift of a high quality education is one of the best ways you can set them up for success in the future and adopting a structured plan will take a big number like R1.5m and break it down into a bite-sized goal. OUTvest is an authorised FSP. All investments are exposed to risk, not guaranteed and dependent on the performance of the underlying assets. The examples used are for illustrative purposes only and depend on various factors. T’s & C’s apply.

December 18, 2020

7 Inspiring career podcasts you need to check out ASAP

We all love a good podcast. They’re entertaining and often serve as great ways of productively passing the time on your morning commute to the office. Here are some of the best career podcasts that offer free job advice; perfect for keeping you motivated and inspired to fine-tune your skills. A roundup of the best career podcasts Get What You Want If you’re a woman in the world of business, we highly suggest this podcast hosted by Baroness Karren Brady. Karren frequently interviews influential women in the world of business, and her guests include the likes of Dame Helena Morrissey as well as Jo Malone. Hearing the stories of how these women overcame challenges to get to where they are is truly inspiring. Switch, Pivot, Quit For employees considering a career shift, Switch, Pivot, Quit offers useful advice on making the transition between job as smooth as possible. Switching from working as a publicist to an author takes serious commitment, and the show’s host, Ahviana Angel, knows what it takes. Safe for Work In need of some advice on staying positive in the workplace? Liz Dolan, the former head of marketing at Nike and contributor to The Wall Street Journal, shares weekly snippets of advice on various issues like office gossip and exit interviews. The Future of Work Jacob Morgan, a futurologist, is the host of this podcast that identifies what we should expect from the future of work. The host invites new business leaders and HR experts every week to share their insights on how we can all start future-proofing our careers. Squiggly Careers With career-coaches Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper at the lead of this podcast, Squiggly Careers aims to help its subscribers have happier careers. They share their abundance of tips and tricks that’ll help you take control of your career and make better choices going forward. Ctrl Alt Delete As the title might imply, this is one of those career podcasts more focused on all things digital. If you’re employed in the tech sector and need some fresh inspiration, Emma Gannon and her variety of guests will help set the inspirational stage for you. Eat Sleep Work Repeat This podcast is focused on helping us all make our work environments better. The hosts of the show talk to experts in each episode with the aim of identifying ways to drive change in workplace culture. Need some more inspiring career advice? Adzuna, an online job aggregator, not only lists all the online job ads in one place, but they also offer weekly career advice aimed at helping South Africans make the most of their professional lives.

December 18, 2020

WORKATION: 5 tips for working while on holiday

Can you imagine working whilst on holiday? The idea seems absolutely ludicrous but this year, working on holiday may be unavoidable. COVID-19 has hit both employees and employers hard and so the likelihood of most of us having to work over the festive season is a reality we are going to have to face. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, says COVID-19 has given us the gift of being able to work remotely, thus making room for much-needed flexibility, especially over December. “You do not have to be confined to the four walls of your dining room whilst your kids run riot this festive season! Instead, you can book a holiday and choose to work from some of South Africa’s most beautiful spots and be surrounded by nature or have a sea view — the choice is completely yours. After all, if you’re going to work this holiday, why not make it the best of it,” Lamont adds. Lamont also offers these 5 tips for working from your hotel or resort: 1. Ensure there is reliable WiFi: Although free access to the internet has become a standard feature at most travel destinations, there may be limitations on daily usage. If you’re planning to work whilst on holiday, it’s best to check with the resort or hotel whether the WiFi is uncapped and if not, ensure that you are aware of the extra costs. Alternatively, consider purchasing data for your mobile phone or modem so that you can effectively work while on holiday. 2. Check on activities and child care: One of the benefits of spending time away from home, is to reconnect with your family but now, you will have to ensure you make time for work and play. Younger children may need childcare so that you can work, take part in activities without them or spend time with your partner. Before you book your holiday, make sure that your chosen resort has provision to look after the little ones. Also, make sure to check the schedule so that you can plan all your activities accordingly. For the older children, ensure that your destination has ample activities like horse riding, walking trails or paintball to keep them busy. 3. Choose places with great views: Working over the festive season is not ideal, but a view might make it worth your while and keep you inspired. The last thing you want when on holiday is to be stuck in a hotel overlooking the next building. Do some research before making a final decision on where to go so that you can secure the right room or chalet. 4. Schedule non-negotiable family time: Work has a way of taking over our lives, but we need a different kind of discipline to ensure that we still spend time resting and of course, bonding with our families. As hard as it may be to stay away from the emails and deadlines, you can set a daily alarm to remind you to stop working for an hour or two and ensure to spend allocated time with your loved ones. They will appreciate it, and you will return to your workstation more refreshed after enjoying a break. 5. Enjoy at least one activity by yourself: You don’t want to feel like you need a holiday from your holiday. One trick you can try is to book some activities alone or with your partner, like a round of golf or a spa treatment. You will have the chance to recoup, even if it’s for a short while. “Don’t let the idea of working through the holiday season get you down. With some preparation, you can still enjoy some much-needed downtime and end off the work year on a good note,” Lamont concludes.

December 17, 2020

Weaning your baby with Vital Baby

Weaning your baby may seem like a daunting experience but there’s no need to worry. Meal times should be fun affairs. With a little preparation and patience you’ll find it as rewarding as your baby will. . When should I start weaning? You will need to think about weaning your baby off breast or infant milk after around 6 months. There are no hard and fast rules as to when you should start but it is generally agreed at 26 weeks your baby will start to need additional nourishment from that provided by just breast or infant milk alone. Of course it will differ from child to child, but should not be left any later than 8 months or you may hamper your baby’s development of normal eating and chewing behaviour. Solid foods should not normally be introduced to your baby before 17 weeks. If you do need to introduce foods before this time, avoid wheat, gluten, eggs, fish and shellfish, liver, citrus fruits, soft and unpasteurised cheeses. How will I know? As with many cases during weaning, let your baby tell you if he’s ready. All babies are different, but there are three clear signs which, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods along side breastmilk or infant formula. They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady. They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves. They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths. What will I need? The vital baby NOURISH power suction bowl has been designed with powerful super suction and scooped sides to help prevent tipping and spills! This baby feeding bowl sticks to your baby’s highchair or kitchen table and has been proven to have the strongest suction pad. Simply place it on a table or baby’s highchair tray and twist for less mealtime mess! The Vital Baby NOURISH Power Suction Bowl(R124.99) When it’s time to wean your baby, the Vital Baby® NOURISH™ start weaning spoons are perfect for your baby. Designed for the 1st stage of weaning, the spoons have a narrow soft tip that is designed to fit easily into baby’s mouth. They are shallow to allow for small amounts of food only, to ease them gently into their weaning journey. Vital Baby® NOURISH™ start weaning spoons 5pk (R69,36) Vital Baby products are available at: Clicks, Babies R Us, Baby City and online at Babies Africa, Loot and Takealot. Learn more about Vital Baby on www.vitalbaby.co.za or follow them on social media @vitalbabysa.

December 17, 2020

Summer safety tips for parents

Most accidents that put children in the emergency room during the summer and festive season are preventable, says leading paediatrician and Paed-IQ BabyLine CEO Dr Iqbal Karbanee. “Unfortunately, many common and fun family activities during the summer months can quickly take a turn for the worst and end in injury. Others can have lasting and traumatic consequences for families,” says Karbanee. Examples of such activities include a trip to the beach or the local swimming pool (drowning), a home-based braai where there is a wood fire or paraffin burner that can fall over and cause a fire (burn wounds), or even bicycle or scooter rides (traffic accidents). The ChildSafe Initiative in South Africa suggests that 80% of child injuries occur in or around the home and while many children are hospitalised, hundreds more end up visiting the emergency room and thousands more go to clinics and doctors. Karbanee says that it is difficult to count the cost of treating preventable accidents in children, whether as once-off hospital visits or the longer-term costs of prolonged treatment and rehabilitation. It can cost up to as R500,000 when skin grafting or plastic surgery is required, which can be as a result of a burn. The Child Gauge Report 2019 suggests that more than 8,000 children die every year as a result of injuries. About 5,000 of these are accidental or unintentional, with leading causes being road traffic injuries, burns and drownings. Globally, it is estimated that one million families lose a child to a preventable injury every year. “Reducing the number of preventable accidents is therefore a healthcare priority that should be observed by all parents and caregivers, especially during the summer months,” says Karbanee. Below Karbanee discusses the top summer risks that are preventable and how parents can keep their children safe. 1. Trampolines are great ways for kids to use up excess energy, but they are simply too dangerous. Children’s bones are still developing and experiencing an injury whether through a broken or fractured bone can set them back developmentally. Serious injuries related to the brain or spine can occur. If you are gifting your child or children a trampoline over the festive season, or if you already have a trampoline at home, there are ways you can lessen the risks associated with the equipment. Always make sure there is adult supervision and only one child at a time should be on the trampoline. No children under the age of six should be allowed to jump and it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that strict rules are enforced. 2. Shopping centres, amusement parks or even the beach are fun outings for families to enjoy. However, it can be easy for a parent to be separated from a child especially if these places are busy. Make sure you and your child have a plan should they become separated from you and how they can look for help. Older children should be able to memorise your cell number. 3. Drownings are known as silent killers because children are unable to shout for help and they are amongst the most common preventable accidents that can happen in seconds. A drowning can happen in a few centimetres of water. Life jackets are a must if you want to boat, canoe, jet ski, SUP with your kids or even just spend time near a body of water. Never leave a child unattended near water and consider hiring a lifeguard to keep watch over the kids in the pool if you are having a gathering or party with several children in attendance. 4. Dog bites are a major cause of preventable traumatic injury in children. Too often what starts as a peaceful or exciting family day out turns into a horror story involving a dog attack, with the victims mostly being children who can sustain severe injuries. Teach your children to not go near a dog who is off leash or without a muzzle, and to not put their face close to the dog’s, even if it is a trusted family pet. If the dog runs up to the child or a family on the beach or elsewhere, children should not reach out to pat the dog, even if it looks cute. 5. Wood fires are common in South Africa during summer. They are dangerous to children if unattended, as children are naturally curious and may want to see what happens when they throw things in the fire. The smoke also poses a danger to young respiratory systems as they are still developing, even more so if the children suffer from asthma or allergies. Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child’s reach and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. It may seem obvious, but never leave children unsupervised with candles, paraffin burners or outdoor wood fires. Always ensure children are in the company of trustworthy responsible caregivers and ensure paraffin stoves are out of reach and on safe work areas. If an accident does happen, never apply any butter or other food onto a burn. 6. Playgrounds and parks are good to get kids to play outdoors, but be careful of hot slides and poorly maintained equipment that may have rusty nails or sharp hooks. Hot equipment can burn bodies and sharp objects can tear skin, which may require tetanus shots. Also remember to put sunscreen on your child of no less than SPF 50 when spending time outdoors. The CANSA association of South Africa suggests that exposure to UV radiation received as a child increases the risk of melanoma later in life. 7. Bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheelie toys are fun for children but should not used near moving traffic. Traffic-related accidents are amongst the highest preventable accidents for children. Protective gear like helmets or shin or knee pads can go a long way in preventing injuries, whether only scrapes and bruises or more severe. If you live in a neighbourhood that does not have a bike line where kids are less at risk, then make the effort to go

December 16, 2020

Guide on how to express breast milk

One of the beautiful things about breastfeeding is that breastfeeding is a relationship between you and your baby. Breast feeding is not only about nutrition but also bonding and getting to know eat other. The dynamics and how you feed can change overtime as both of you grow in your knowledge of breastfeeding and of each other. Breastfeeding is so intimate that your experience will be so different from other mothers. And that can be so beautiful! Mothers need to talk about their breastfeeding experiences because although there may be a similar themes all the moms have their own unique story. There are so many ways to breast feed a baby. Did you know that over 85% of breast-feeding mothers also express their breast milk? There are so many reasons for mothers wanting the express like prematurity, separation from baby, illness, pain, low milk supply, fast letdown or even engorgement. Some mothers see this as their ideal feeding method while other mothers have had to raise up to a challenge and finding a way in which they still can provide breast milk for their little one. As an exclusive pumper (while my babies were in NICU) and then a part time pumper (while learning how to breastfeed and then later going back to work), I can say that expressing is a wonderful way to still supply breast milk to your baby but that it is also a lot of work. The time it takes to express plus the sterilisation of the equipment is valuable time for any mother. My private goal for breastfeeding my children was the “standard” 6 months exclusive and 2 years or longer. I can confidently say that without the initial expressing and then part time expressing, I would never have reached my goals. As I mentioned earlier expressing breast milk takes time and effort. Here are some hacks to help you make the most of your time: Learn how to hand express. This is an important skill that all breast-feeding moms need to know. You just never know when you will need it. Use the correct pump for your needs and affordability. Find a good quality double electric pump that can help you to express in less time with higher milk out comes. This may be the defining reason for being successful or not The key to a good milk supply is emptying of your breast. If you are exclusively pumping, you need to remove your breastmilk as often as your baby would have fed. This can be 8 or more times a day. Massage and use warmth before you start expressing to help with your let down and milk supply. If using a breast pump, you can use hands on expressing and finish with hand expression. This way you are able to completely empty your breasts which helps with increasing your milk supply. Store your breast milk safely. If you are planning to continue to breastfeed once you go back to work, inform your company before you go on maternity leave. If they do not have a room and policies to help you with breastfeeding this will allow them time to find a space that is appropriate for you. Ask them for the policy on breastfeeding and enquire about your two 30-minute breastfeeding break that you will be taking in order to express for your baby. Here are some tips on how to practically express for your baby while at work Step 1: Build a stash You only really need to start to store up a supply of breast milk about 2-4 weeks before you go back to work. You can expect to express the following amounts: If you are expressing in between feeds while direct feeding expect to express about half a feed. If you are expressing to replace a direct feed expect to express a full feed Women have different storage capacities so some women will be able to express more than what is expected. All women are different and try not to compare yourself with others. For some great storage solution have a look at the Ameda store n pour storage bags and bottles Step 2: Find your work expression spot Make it as comfortable as possible for you. Check to see if you can lock the door, or bring a sign for the door that indicates that you are expressing and that you should not be disturbed Step 3: Make the place clean and hygienic as possible If needed clean the surfaces. Wash your hands before your start expressing. Bring sterilised equipment to the office. This way you can avoid the need to sterilise at work. Step 4: Prepare for expressing Use a few minutes to disconnect from the hustle and stress of work. Focus on your baby, you can even watch a short video or look at pictures of your child. Use heat pads and/or massage your breast to help with the let-down. Step 5: Express your milk Express in your preferred method. Step 6: Store your milk safely Once you have finished, store your breast milk into the contain that you will be freezing it in. Make sure it is closed tightly and will not leak during transportation. Depending on the facilities that you have at your workplace. You can store your milk in a fridge or cooler bag with ice packs for the rest of the day. Once you are home you can freeze or get the milk ready for the next day. Remember to label the bottle with baby’s name and date of expression so that you can identify your milk and how old it is. Step 7: Clean up Make sure that you leave the area clean and ready for the next mom to use. Step 8: Prepare for the next day Once you are home wash and sterilise your equipment. Once your equipment is dry pack it away ready for you to take to work. This way you are less likely to forget it

December 16, 2020

How to up your computer skills even if you’re 40+

Google seems like a word cemented into the modern vocabulary, but not everyone is as savvy with tech terms (or usage of the actual tech) as Bill Gates, the guy that founded Google. The truth is that older employees, in particular, might feel left behind by their lack of computer skills. In almost all sectors and industries, computer literacy as an absolute must-have for office staff all the way from receptionists to top executives. While most of the workforce has embraced the computer revolution, some haven’t acquired these skills yet. But the good news is that computer skills are easier to pick up than you think. Computers are also more user-friendly these days and training is widely available. Also, you don’t need to become a computer pro in order to thrive in the modern office environment. How to improve your computer skills Get over you fear The first point of action should be to get rid of the fear factor. Your attitude toward acquiring skills can quickly become a stumbling block. Keep in mind that keeping your skills updated and relevant is your OWN responsibility. Nobody is going to pave the way for you. If you want to make it in the modern workforce, you’ll have to ensure you’re staying as proactive as possible. Understand the skills you’ll need If you want to work on your computer skills, you should focus on basic computer skills like navigating file systems and menus. You also want to get comfortable with Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Essential internet skills like web browsing, searching, and email will also do you a world of good. Get started on the right foot One of the best ways to get started is by sitting down with a friend or family member and using their computer to test which skills you have and which ones you need to work on. You can also make use of community colleges or learning centres if you’re battling with gaining access to a computer. Once you begin to learn, the key to success lies in continued practise. Let the world know about your new skills You really have to think about obtaining experience and work samples. You can start volunteering at your church or community organisation. Do some data capturing or help with their monthly newsletter. This will help boost your confidence and give you that experience to showcase on your resume. Improving your computer skills won’t necessarily see you changing jobs to something like a programmer, but it can significantly benefit your career by proving that you’re resilient and adaptable.

December 16, 2020

Plunge into the adventure of a lifetime!

Is your child finished with school and not sure what is next? Don’t settle for traditional academics, take your child’s learning to the next level. Our programs are open to over 17-year-olds, high school graduates, gap year students, university students and graduates, or anyone taking a breather between careers. Men and women. No prior experience necessary. No fitness level necessary. Under the guidance of professional mentors, your child will gain a new perspective on life and learn how to create a future filled with excitement, adventure and purpose. Our programs include several internationally recognised certifications. Some of the certifications we offer: EFR First Aid Qualification, Surf Lifesaving Qualification, SAMSA Skipper Qualification and PADI Scuba Qualification. It’s going to cover all the stuff you wish you were taught in school but never were. Visit www.sugarbay.world for more information. Are you confident in towing a skier? Could you install your own washing machine? Have you ever welded a braai stand? Repaired your own surfboard? Or wired a light fitting? More than 95% of people contract other people to do these tasks. Our 11 month Gap Year Odyssey program and 3-month MasterClass program will teach you all these skills and hundreds more through hands-on workshops. These essential skills will be invaluable for the rest of your life. You will be left with confidence in your ability to make a plan and not have to rely on someone else. Join us for one of the following programs starting January 2021: Gap Year Odyssey – 11 Months Expand your career development through hands-on experience in a range of different fields, all in one practical program. The Gap Year Odyssey is our flagship program and runs for 11 months. The program incorporates the foundation training from the MasterClass adding a wealth of additional information and practical experience. Get Fit. Get Sweaty. Be Challenged. Work hard. Play harder. This wilderness year will be like no other. Leave the academy with certifications, networking contacts, and a better idea as to what you want to do in life. Exclusively to the Gap Year Odyssey program, you will receive R10 000 seed capital after completion of the course to help you kickstart your career. During term breaks, you will have the option to earn money working as a counselor at Sugar Bay. You are also free to use these off times to travel and explore the beautiful and culturally rich South Africa. The shorter MasterClass can be extended into the Gap Year Odyssey program for an in-depth and enriching global gap year. Some of the certifications we offer: EFR First Aid Qualification, Surf Lifesaving Qualification, SAMSA Skipper Qualification and PADI Scuba Qualification. MasterClass – 3 Months A condensed version of our flagship program, Gap Year Odessey. Expand your career development through hands-on experience in a range of different fields, all in one practical program. Under the guidance of professional mentors, you will gain a new perspective on life and learn how to create a future filled with excitement, adventure, and purpose. This course serves as a solid platform for future success, both personally and professionally. Travel, explore, and go on the ultimate adventure. It is freeing and exhilarating, and at the end of your journey, your most important discoveries may be about yourself and how to interact with the world around you. Indigo Warrior Course – 1 Week The Indigo Warrior Course (previously known as our CIT course) is a unique certification program specifically designed for teenagers who want to spend one-week learning new life skills and challenging themselves. They need to be mentally mature, physically capable and personally committed to completing the 7-day course and examinations. This is a one-week course that is currently scheduled to run four times a year, one per holiday season. If the participant shows exceptional promise during the Indigo Warrior Course they may be invited to attend the Counselor Teacher Training Course in that subsequent week. Visit www.sugarbay.worldor email us academy@sugarbay.co.za for more information.

December 15, 2020

GIVE THE GIFT OF STORIES THIS FESTIVE SEASON WITH NAL’IBALI

“Reading and sharing stories with children is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. Not only does it help to develop children’s literacy skills, but it also fires up those parts of the brain concerned with imagination, emotion and movement. Ultimately, it helps to create the neural circuits that enable sophisticated thinking and reasoning, helping children to do well at school.” – Yandiswa Xhakaza, Nal’ibali CEO. This festive season, Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has teamed up with CNA stores to bring the much-loved children stories they are well-known for to the retail market in a limited-edition box set. This exciting set features four volumes, each containing five stories like Sisanda’s Gift by Gcina Mhlophe and The Farmer and his Family by Shasha Seakamela. It will be available in all 11 official languages of South Africa for the low price of R90,95 per set in select CNA stores from December. Nal’ibali believes in the power of stories to not only entertain but to stir up dreams and hope for children. Every child deserves the chance to have regular access to inspiring stories. When children are regularly exposed to great and well-told stories in languages they understand, they are motivated to learn to read and write themselves. And children who regularly read for pleasure perform better in the classroom, across all subjects, regardless of their socio-economic standing. Unfortunately, many children miss out on this opportunity to fall in love with books and reading. Inaccessibility, affordability and availability of books and stories are the key barriers. Nal’ibali strives to overcome these through the provision of free stories on wide-reaching platforms like radio and its popular bilingual newspaper supplement which it distributes to its network of reading club and literacy partners nationwide and the public through its partnership with popular newspapers. This partnership with CNA stores will enable Nal’ibali to continue providing access to free stories for fun reading, as all the proceeds from the purchases will go back into the organisation to create more much-needed multilingual children’s stories. “We are inviting caregivers to support us on this venture by giving the gift of stories this festive season, through purchasing the limited-edition box set. On the one hand, families will be able to enjoy affordable stories from well-sourced South African authors and illustrators. While at the same time children across the country will have the opportunity to access free stories through the money raised from the proceeds,” says Yandiswa Xhakaza, Nal’ibali CEO. For more information about the Nal’ibali campaign and its limited-edition book boxset, or to see a list of participating CNA stores, visit www.nalibali.org.

December 11, 2020

How to foster resilience in children

Our children have been through a very tough year having to deal with unforeseen circumstances and having to adapt to many changes in their daily lives – without any preparation for it. In this final article for the year, we will be looking at how to build resilience in our children as 2021 is bound to bring another set of changes and unforeseen circumstances. Also read: Homeschooling in 2021? Here’s how to prepare What is resilience? Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. Ourselves and our children have certainly experienced much stress, and possibly adversity, this year. Simultaneously, it has also been an excellent opportunity to teach resilience. How to teach resilience But how do we start teaching our children to develop this vital characteristic? Teaching resilience begins from a young age when our children are toddlers, and the feeling of frustration can become a common one for them. From learning to walk to wanting to be able to express themselves and do things that they struggle with, the early experiences of resilience-building are already being laid down. Imagine if every time our toddler was trying to walk and fell and could not get up again, we picked him up and carried him? Eventually, we would have a child who would have delayed motor development. The first steps of teaching resilience come with our ability, as parents, to withstand our children’s frustration and not dive in to help them when they are struggling with something. We can give gentle cues and advice, but one of the core building blocks of developing resilience is for our children to feel a sense of competence and mastery. This ranges from the physical experience of being able to do things to the most important – the mental and emotional aspects of dealing with frustration, delayed gratification and the complicated emotions of disappointment, anxiety, and anger. Real-life resilience Two of the clearest examples of resilience I have experienced was with my daughter’s friend. She did gymnastics with my daughter, and in gymnastics, one does not automatically graduate to the next class but gets invited to it depending on the child’s performance level. This little girl did not get the invitation/promotion. Instead of complaining and moaning about the teachers and throwing a tantrum, she just said that she would have to practise her cartwheels and somersaults to be invited next time. That is emotional resilience. The following year, this same little girl was put into a different class from her friends with a teacher she did not particularly like and again her response was that it was an opportunity to make new friends and see if she could find aspects of the teacher that she did like. What a stunning example of resilience and emotional maturity. Also read: There’s more to life than academic achievement Resilience vs emotional regulation It is clear to see that resilience and emotional regulation go hand in hand. We have all spotted the following children on the playground: the one who has a meltdown if he does not win in a game, the child who cries non-stop before having to be on stage in a concert, and the child who has a tantrum if his needs are not immediately met. None of these behaviours is appropriate and results in negative social consequences. Therefore, it is clear to see that emotional regulation is a skill that goes hand in hand with resilience. Emotional regulation is a term generally used to describe a person’s ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience effectively. It refers to the ability to control the difficult and unwelcome feelings of frustration, anxiety, anger, and so on in an appropriate way. Resilience role models As parents, we need to be aware of how we model resilience and emotional regulation to our children. If we are calm and contained when a problem situation arises, this is an excellent example for our children. Similarly, when our children are experiencing frustration or difficult emotions, teaching them resilience skills puts them in a position of ‘can do’ versus the feeling of being overwhelmed and powerless. Resilience skills can include: deep breathing to calm down, calmly talking about the situation to gain some detachment and perspective on it, breaking the problem down into manageable pieces, and coaching them through the steps they can take to deal with the situation. This can apply to anything they are struggling with, e.g., an argument with a friend, a problem with homework, etc. It also vitally teaches problem-solving skills for the future. The business tool of SWOT analysis is useful here as resilience is all about turning a weakness into a strength and a threat into an opportunity – for growth, change and adopting a new approach. Power of resilience Resilience doesn’t mean that a person won’t ever experience difficulty or distress. People who have suffered significant adversity or trauma in their lives naturally experience emotional pain and stress. However, resilience involves behaviours, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed. This is the power of resilience. So, whenever our children complain and are heading for a meltdown, we can always point out the resilience-building tools they have at their disposal. The year has already been an excellent lesson in resilience – our children never thought they would have to do online schooling, experience lockdown, wear masks whenever they were out, be isolated from social activity, and so on. Yet they have all adapted and managed mostly very well. Another core resilience builder is accepting that change is a part of life and as Charles Darwin famously said, “It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change”. If we don’t adapt, we die. So, the next time our children (and ourselves) are complaining, struggling with frustration, remember to breathe and think about what we can do instead of surrendering

December 11, 2020

Game for some danger pay? Here are SA’s most dangerous jobs

You’d think that some of SA’s most dangerous jobs would be along the lines of healthcare workers and pretty much anything requiring you to work with crowds thanks to the global COVID19 panic. Perhaps the current viral situation does make jobs in healthcare a little riskier, but today, we’re not focusing on the healthcare sector For some brave souls in the county, fear is part of the job description. Some South Africans go to great heights, crawl through tight spaces, and even see imminent death as a normal day-to-day thing. Adzuna recently hunted down the bravest of the brave and took a more in-depth look at just what makes their jobs so scary SA’s most dangerous job countdown Construction workers Occupational Care South Africa states that two construction workers are killed every week. They also say that anecdotal evidence points to the fact that workers don’t adhere to safety standards, and that is the cause of 80% of all accidents in the sector. Wind turbine technicians We can’t imagine how scaling crazy high structures daily could ever be compared to an office job. South Africa is always striving to clean up its carbon footprint, which means we have a lot more wind turbines in place compared to 5 years ago. Obviously, this also increases the demand for brave souls willing to maintain those structures. Jobs in adventure tourism Any kind of job in the adventure tourism sector ensures a continual adrenaline rush, but they’re also absolutely terrifying. From bungy jumping to skydiving (can we mention pothole dodging?) and even ostrich racing, SA’s adventure tourism sector is growing. Paramedics and Policemen Paramedics and emergency response personnel put their lives at risk by entering hazardous areas and situations, all for the sake of saving the lives of others. You probably heard about the number of incidents that took place in the Western Cape involving criminal attacks on paramedics not too long ago. Members of SAPS are also in constant danger, whether they realise it or not. In 2017, SAPS released a statement saying: “The fact that our members are attacked in the line of duty, serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges our officers are faced with daily to ensure that South Africans are, and feel, safe.” Mining South Africa is well known for its rich mineral resources like diamonds, gold, platinum and chromium. Our country is also very reliant on those natural resources, and yes, the people that mine them. Mining is, and probably always will be, one of SA’s most dangerous jobs. The workplace is scary, to say the least, and yet, there are thousands of people employed in the sector. Maybe it’s an exciting thing, but we’re glad we’re not at risk of entrapment, inhalation of toxic gasses, or even vessels exploding under pressure.

December 10, 2020

Money-free and off-screen; Play Sense is taking families on a Playcation

Parents have had a rough year. National lockdown left moms and dads without the support of childcare or play schools, leaving parents to find ways to keep their toddlers stimulated and learning. Now with holidays fast approaching and localised lockdown on the cards for a number of regions throughout the country, families are once again advised to practice more rigorous physical distancing. We’ll be on the look-out for great ideas to keep our children engaged that enable us to also relax and have some fun, especially when it comes to our busy toddlers. Early Childhood Development innovator, Meg Faure, who is a best-selling author and co-founder of Play Sense, reminds us parents that play is the intense work that toddlers do. “It’s through their daily play that they are moving forward to tick those developmental milestones such as the gross and fine motor skills, and attaining language, while also making progress in developing vital ‘super sensory’ capacities such as creativity and imagination, problem-solving, emotional intelligence and collaboration, amongst others,” she says. Activities and games that ignite these ‘super senses’ are deeply absorbing for 2 to 4-year olds, and Meg recommends four fun, money-free ways that parents can keep their little ones not just occupied over the holidays, but actively developing and learning in the best ways: Get outdoors into nature – the summer holiday is the ideal time for being outdoors and physically active every day. Playing in gardens, walking on beaches, in mountains and forests, at your child’s comfortable pace, allows plenty of stimulating time to stop, look, discover and explore Build and construct activities – from playing with blocks to putting up tents and creating forts, these sorts of projects engage little ones in solving problems and collaborating in a team or partnership Make believe games – a box of pretend play items such as feeding bottles, spoons and sippy cups, as well as clothing items such as hats and socks or old handbags, phones and glasses can be a treasure trove that enables your child to test out their understanding of roles, interactions and life through play Join the four-week online Play Sense Playcation – access a wide range of easy-to-use, fun activities across four different themes. Registration is free and the program, which runs from 10 December 2020 to 11 January 2021, has been developed by occupational therapists to nurture essential skills in 2 to 4-year olds. You’ll be part of a holiday community with opportunities to upload videos of your activities to the website and chances to win prizes Head of Curriculum and co-founder of Play Sense, Lara Schoenfeld, says: “We know parents have had a hard year trying to work and keep their little ones busy, this is a way to spend quality time with your toddler where all the ideas and planning is done for you. Children learn best through play and our Playcation gives moms and dads the reassurance that while it’s lots of fun, it’s also stimulating your little one’s development. We’re excited to offer this Playcation as much needed support for parents at the end of a challenging year.” Interested parents are invited to sign up for the Playcation here: www.playsense.org/playcation Registration is free and closes on 22 December.

December 10, 2020

Your 2020 beauty and grooming festive gift guide

It’s been a challenging year, and for most of us, December could not come soon enough. Swimming, hiking, braai’ng and beach days after a long year of work and stress is just what’s needed to recharge one’s batteries. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that South Africans are resourceful. For many people, the nationwide lockdown and shopping restrictions meant coming to the realisation that we actually need far less than we think we do. And with that in mind, we’re rethinking the way we buy gifts this festive season. Have you ever bought someone a gift out of desperation after trawling aisle after aisle, unable to find anything suitable? Or maybe you (like so many others!) have a drawer in the house filled with unused gifts? This year, we should all be thinking practically. Instead of the ornament your mom may or may not like, or the powertool you’ve never heard your husband say he needs, why not select practical gifts that you know your loved ones will use? While we may be celebrating a little differently this year, one thing is certain: it’s possible to spoil your friends and family with some well-deserved pampering and grooming products, without breaking the bank. Here’s our guide to finding the perfect beauty or grooming gift this festive season. Women Many of us have been working from home this year, and socialising took a back seat. For some of us this meant taking a break from wearing makeup, doing our hair and dressing up. But now, as we approach the festive season, it’s the perfect opportunity to get back into our usual beauty routines. Why not treat a special lady in your life to some beautiful new makeup, beauty tools or hair care? We recommend: Eco Tools 5 Piece Starter Kit (R255.00) – the perfect all-in-one makeup brush kit. wet n wild Hello Halo Blushlighter (R99.00) for a luminous glow; wet n wild Megalast Matte and Shine Finish Lipsticks (R99.00) for long-lasting lip colour (these make fabulous stocking fillers, by the way!) and wet n wild Prime Focus Primer Serum (R99.00) for a flawless canvas. Pretty By Flormar Nail Enamels (R29.95) are fun and affordable, and make great gifts! For eye-catching lashes, we recommend Pretty By Flormar Waterproof Lengthening Mascara (R99.00). Their Baked Blushes (R149.95) are gorgeous and also make a stunning gift. Kiss Impress Nails are the answer to a beautiful, long-lasting manicure when you don’t get to a salon. With so many different designs to choose from, it’s easy to find something for everyone. Real Techniques Miracle Makeup Sponge (R140.00) is the number one sponge for smooth foundation application. Available as a single sponge or a set of 4 mini sponges, they can be used with liquid or cream foundation. The 3-in-1 multifunctional Mini Miracle Complexion Sponges (R159.95) leaves skin with a smooth and natural-looking finish and is perfect for travel or on-the-go touch-ups. For the lady who loves a glowy tan, how about a spoil from new self-tan brand St Moriz? The St Moriz Gradual Tanning Lotion (R119.95) and St Moriz Golden Glow Tanning Moisturiser (R119.95) are easy to use and offer a beautiful sun-kissed glow without the sun! Australian Gold’s Bronzing Intensifier Dry Oil Spray (R259.95) fragranced with the signature Cocoa Dreams scent contains immediate bronzers designed to provide dark colour and smooth skin. If you’re looking for an instant glow but want to ensure that your skin is protected from skin aging and sunburn, a broad spectrum sunscreen is perfect as it protects you from both harmful UVA and UVB rays. We recommend Australian Gold’s SPF 15 Sunscreen Lotion with Instant Bronzer (R249.95). Men If you want to give the man in your life something you know he will use and enjoy, grooming products are the perfect solution. Clubman grooming products make it possible to have a barber-quality shaving experience at home. For the man who rocks a beard or moustache, we recommend Clubman 3 Piece Beard Gift Set (R399.95). The set contains a Clubman 2-in-1 Beard Conditioner and Face Moisturizer, Beard Oil and Beard Balm. For men who shave, we recommend Clubman Shave Oil (R149.95) and Clubman After Shave Lotion (R199.95). Did you know that Cantu has a fantastic men’s grooming range? Cantu Men’s Cleansing Scrub (R129.99) and Cantu Men’s Soothing Serum (R129.99) make great gifts for the festive season. They also have hair care products specifically designed for men, such as the Cantu Men Styling Pomade (R129.99) and Cantu Men Deep Treatment Masque (R59.99). Teens Teenagers are notoriously difficult to shop for, because their definition of what’s trendy and cool, may very well differ from ours. One thing that never goes out of fashion, and that teenage girls can never get enough of, is fun and quirky beauty products. For trendy and affordable makeup she’ll love, we recommend the new wet n wild Megalast Stained Glass Lip Glosses (R99.95) – available in a variety of summery shades, these glosses leave lips with a stained look. wet n wild Single Glitter Eyeshadows (R99.00) are on-trend and make great stocking fillers, while the wet n wild’s Bretman Rock limited edition makeup collection has teens all over the world enthralled. Dare to live the life you’ve dreamed with COLAB’s Dreamer Dry Shampoo (R79.95). Give hair an instant heavenly fix while softly scenting tresses with delicate notes of cotton and musk. Now doesn’t this sound dreamy? Time to let your hair gets it glam on with COLAB’s Glam Dry Shampoo (R79.95). This dry shampoo brings a touch of luxury to your daily routine. It’s also perfect for adding texture and grip to hair you want to braid or style. Glam Dry Shampoo leaves hair fragranced with sensual Sandalwood and Cassis for a totally luxe vibe. Glide through tangles without pain, split ends and breakage with the Wet Brush Go Green Detangler (R300.00), an innovative, biodegradable brush with exclusive, pain-free bristles that lets you do good for both your hair and the planet. This revolutionary, eco-friendly brush boasts a unique design that is unrivalled in flexibility. OmniFlex™ technology contours to the shape of your scalp for superior comfort, which makes for a truly personal brushing experience. The whole family Still stuck on finding someone the perfect gift? Why not get them some great quality skincare, sun care

December 10, 2020

South African skincare brand for little humans | Nunuki

With the holidays around the corner and many of us planning to spend more time outdoors, South African skincare brand, Nunuki® for little humans, is a must. The Nunuki® skincare range is made up of six skincare products formulated specially for babies and children in South Africa’s climate, dermatologically tested and approved, and CANSA endorsed. From Lello’s Protecting SPF30 Sunscreen that protects against the harsh South African sun to Maxi’s Pesky Bug Cream with Citronella and Lemongrass to safely keep the mozzies at bay while hydrating and moisturising young skin, the Nunuki range is made with love, and backed by science. Get your Lello’s Protecting Sunscreen 30SPF 150ml and Maxi’s Pesky Bug Cream 150ml as a summer bundle for just R190 online atNunuki®

December 9, 2020

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