Falls, bumps, bruises and skinned knees

childhood encompasses falls bumps bruises skinned knees

My daughters, Lea and Mika rolled off the bed at 5 and 6 months old, respectively. Both incidences happened on my watch when I just turned my back for a split second. The sound of the fall was so loud that my husband who was standing in the kitchen could hear it.

Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking as it happened twice with two different babies. Oh wait; I wasn’t thinking because I was trying to juggle multiple things at once.  It was an accident but the guilt – oh the guilt ate me up.  Thank goodness both of them turned out fine with no concussions or broken bones. (more…)


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12 Reasons I Love Winter

12 reasons I love winter

It is mid-July and we are in the heart of winter. I must admit that I am finding it extremely difficult to get out of bed in the morning. My warm bed just seems so inviting compared to the grey and freezing weather outside. Despite the cold and rainy weather; winter is my favourite season – probably because I was born in June. One of the 12 reasons I love winter so much is the cosy comforts that comes with it.

Also if you know me, you will know that I don’t find it delightful to go out and drive anywhere at night time during winter. Therefore I don’t over-commit myself with social events that is scheduled in the evening as I prefer staying indoors. Winter allows me to slow down and in the process restores my mind, body and soul.  After all that is why it is called the Hibernation season. (more…)


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Press Release: SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES KIDSCON 2019

press release South Africa wedomes kidscon 2019

COMIC CON Africa welcomes first kid-focused convention in Africa – KIDSCON!

The highly anticipated Comic Con Africa 2019 welcomes the youngest member of the family to its spectacular four day offering; KidsCon! Get ready for the most exciting family-friendly, kids-oriented convention! As the first and entirely Kid focused convention in Africa; KidsCon is taking the term ‘fun and games’ to the next level by empowering kids to be expressive and embrace their individuality. (more…)


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Vindoux Guest Farm: A charming little treasure

vindoux guest farm charming little treasure

With the majestic Saronsberg Mountains as the picturesque backdrop; you will find Vindoux Guest Farm, a charming little treasure.  Located just 5km from the main road of the small town of Tulbagh and a 90 minute drive from Cape Town.

If you are looking for peace and tranquillity; this family-owned guest farm is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. A working farm owned by Roy and Irene Ashurst; their son, Thomas Ashurst, daughter, Sophie du Toit and her husband, Driaan du Toit. Vindoux is approximately 22 hectares and boasts fruit orchards, vineyards and an organic vegetable garden. Here the family also produce their own craft beer and gin as well as fynbos infused beauty products which you will find in the luxurious onsite day spa. Find out more about these products in my review on the spa. (more…)


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Rejuvenating Experience at Vindoux Day Spa

rejuvenating experience vindoux day spa

If you are looking for a rejuvenating experience then you need to visit Vindoux Day Spa.  During our stay at Vindoux Guest Farm, I was spoiled with a complimentary pamper session at Vindoux’s Day Spa. It was exactly what I needed to unwind and de-stress.

Owned by Sophie du Toit; it provides the perfect atmosphere for total mental and physical rejuvenation.  Located on the premises of the guest farm it offers patrons as well as outside visitors a unique spa experience. (more…)


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The ripple effect of grief

ripple effect of grief

It has been eleven weeks since my father passed away. The phone calls and messages have stopped. No more flowers, cards and visits.  In fact, life has returned to normal as if nothing happened. However, my father’s death did happen which caused a ripple effect of grief.

Life as I’ve known it before 6 April 2019 will never be the same again.  Removing one person from a family unit which has always been a supportive structure; changes the entire dynamics. Although our family structure is not falling apart; the foundation has slight cracks. Perhaps those who don’t have that kind of unit won’t understand. (more…)


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Book Review: Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted

book review disrupt yourself or be disrupted

Nobody likes to be disrupted. In fact it is an unwelcome occurrence that can derail one’s life completely. It causes pain, feelings of rejection and failure. And only when this disruption occurs we either fall apart or start seeking change to start afresh. This is exactly what my latest book review is about.  Nicky Verd’s book Disrupt Yourself or be Disrupted addresses the fundamentals needed to reinvent and disrupt yourself in order to stay abreast in a technological driven world. (more…)


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DIY Project: Old School Desk Revamp

diy project old school desk revamp

We picked up two old school desks a few years ago. Dumped in the trash when they were rebuilding one of the schools in our neighbourhood.  After giving it a good clean up and varnish we placed it in our daughters’ rooms.  Which served a good purpose.  Fast forward 10 years later and my eldest daughter, Lea has outgrown her desk. Initially I was going to get rid of it as it looked a bit distressed.  At the end I decided not to chuck it as there are certain things my family and I just hold onto. It crossed my mind to do a DIY project and give this old school desk a revamp but never got so far to actually doing it. (more…)


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When that head lice note comes home from school

school lice note

Just when you think things are running smoothly, then – BAM – you receive that head lice note from school. Which reads like this “please note that we have a suspected lice outbreak at school and so we would like to suggest that you check your child’s hair and treat if necessary.”  Instead of being calm and handling the situation like an adult should; all hell breaks loose.

Look I’m not oblivious to the fact that kids bring bugs home when they attend school.  I can handle it but what I can’t handle is the idea of lice crawling on my child’s head. Like seriously, the thought of it makes me squirm and itch. Touch wood; my kids have never had lice but I freak out and transform into a germaphobe when I receive these notes from school. (more…)


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My father’s life encapsulated – A Heartfelt Eulogy

fathers life encapsulated heartfelt eulogy

How do you completely capture 71 years of someone’s life in a Eulogy? When I think of my dad and want to encapsulate his life in one word; then “humble” comes to mind.

On 6 April 2019, my dad passed away. His death was sudden and it caught us off guard. And I know that  death is part of life – it is guaranteed and unavoidable; yet for those left behind it is something that you remain physically and mentally unprepared for.

Writing his eulogy was heart wrenching as I couldn’t get myself to refer to him in the past tense. And as much as it was an honour and privilege to deliver his eulogy; it was at the same time extremely difficult for me to utter those words.

I was approached by many to share what I said at my dad’s funeral in a blog post. Apprehensive at first to write it down as this was something that was private and only shared with friends and family. But then it hit me – that my dad’s life was a gift to us. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather and that his life story should be celebrated and shared with others.

I am still going through the grieving process and some days are easier than others. I have my moments when I just let out. It is a process that will take time and everyone handles it differently. You will never truly understand grief until you lose someone very close to you.  However, typing this post brought a sense of calm over me.

Herewith I’m sharing this eulogy with you in remembrance of my dad. For privacy reasons, I have omitted the personal information from this version. (more…)


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