Paperless Post - Review

Paperless Post card

You've got mail...

We have moved away from invitations through the mail. The recent wedding invitations and Save-the-Date notifications was all done through email and WhatsApp notifications. Our Post Office in South Africa is also not dependable at all! I wish I knew about Paperless Post before this, but NOW I can start planning/designing for the next big event. Miss Fine will be celebrating her 10th and The Man will be celebrating his 50th in a few year's time.

I designed two invitations through Paperless Post in half an hour. There are so many choices to select that it was not even necessary to bring in my own designs or photos. (Which are also options that are allowed)..

I designed the birthday invite for Miss Fine. When you get the card in your inbox, it opens up (moving image of card out of envelope) into a card, with the details, RSVP option and map on the same page. I did some screen prints, but it does not give the full experience. You have to see the options available on the website to appreciate it.
(The birthday details on the cards are only for example purposes)

Paperless Post Birthday invite

Paperless Post invite details on same page as the Birthday Card

Paperless Post Guest list that is automatically updated

The 50th invite was designed on a Flyer. It looks like the next BIG THING, as the flyer includes a moving image. It is seriously cool! The link can be shared to email or to Facebook. Great for an event invite!

Paperless Post 50th invite (the man with the radio is moving in the original)

Paperless Post Birthday invite feedback

You also get immediate notifications in your inbox when you preview, and sent the invitations. With each RSVP there is also a notification. There is a "postbox" on the Paperless Post website, which you can view and look at the RSVP's. The flyers can be managed with a link that is sent, and you can also keep track of the invites and RSVP's.

Paperless Post comes at a cost, but it seems you can get very far with the "coins".

This was a very satisfying experience. Everything is in place, and it seems they have thought of everything with the designs. It's nice to tick this off as quickly as possible when planning that next big event.

Watch out for my next invite!

Disclaimer: I was given bonus coins to review this experience.

BOS Sport TEAM UP School Challenge 2K18 [WIN]

#BOSSport #TeamUP

                                                                                                                         *Sponsored                                                                                                                                  

BOS Sport has a great new sports drink with less of the negatives that we usually associate with sports drinks. We already love BOS Ice Tea because of the rooibos ingredient. To celebrate the new BOS Sport, they are running a TEAM UP with BOS Sport competition. If you are part of a school sports team, no matter what sport, this is a great initiative. R50K in prizes are up for the winning teams and their schools. Registration is already open, so Go BOS!
(See below for details)

BOS Sport

BOS Sport contains organic rooibos, less sugar, zero colourants and essential electrolytes. Rooibos is a natural carrier of essential electrolytes (magnesium, potassium and sodium) for optimal rehydration, and is also rich in antioxidants to boost circulation and fight inflammation, helping heal damaged muscle tissue. BOS Sport is colourant-free and comes in a variety of great tasting flavours including; Blueberry, Lemon Lime, Mandarin Orange and Red Berry.

Netball U/10 D (photo cred: Deb)

Miss Fine's Netball U10/D team of the previous semester was such a great team. They only lost 2 of their games. The most important was the camaraderie they had with the teacher and between themselves. Being part of a sports team is one of the biggest learning experiences our children are exposed to. They learn about life, sportsmanship, team dynamics, friendship and having someone's  back. I hope she will get the same team dynamics next year. In the meantime, I am also going to sign up her team.

May the best teams win!

Why you would want an Instax SQ6 Square

#InstaxSQ6SA

Fujifilm launched their Instax SQUARE SQ6 camera in South Africa last week. It's available in stores and online. We got to play at the launch (see my photos on Instagram), and we got an Instax Mini 9 to take home. The Instax SQ6 Square is still on my Christmas list, because it offers just so much more than the mini. The square size of the prints are a winner!

We all have our photos on our phones, but the printing of an instant memory adds that extra special moment we are able to capture in time. I am thinking of birthday parties, and special events where we want to have that extra reminder. The possibilities with flatlays and special photos for bloggers and content creators are endless...

Instax SQ6

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GET THE INSTAX SQ6 SQUARE:

• The Instax SQ6 Square is easy to use.

• It delivers 1x1 square printing on the spot, within 3 minutes.

• The 1x1 ratio is popular on social media sites. The square gives it plenty of room to capture the scene.

• It is stylish and hip to have it and to use it. (Joneses, look out!)

• It is available in 3 colours: Blush Gold, Graphite Grey and Pearl White.

• SQ6 includes Automatic Exposure Control. The high-performance flash calculates the surrounding brightness and adjusts shutter speed to capture both the subject and background with clarity. Low light conditions are not a problem.

• The selfie mirror makes it easy to capture a selfie.

• Macro mode and landscape mode are available.

• Group photos are made easier with a built-in timer, as well as a tripod socket.

• The Double Exposure mode allows to capture an artistic shot with two images in the same print.

• 3 Flash filters (orange, purple and green) are also available.

Miss Fine loves the Instax Mini 9 (which print a credit card size) already. We have had to set up ground rules with regards taking photos and printing it. I have selected my colour of choice for the Instax SQ6 (take note, Hubby), and it's on top of my Christmas wishlist for 2018.

My colour of choice: “Blush gold” 🔥 #InstaxSQ6SA
Note this @driesdutoit 😜#XmasWishlist2018#InstaxSquare#MakingMemoriesForALifetime#FlatlayInspo https://t.co/raLg7IvQY0 pic.twitter.com/URRbq6K0By

— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) August 23, 2018

The Fujifilm Instax retails for a suggested R1999. Fujifilm instax SQUARE film can be purchased in packs of ten or 20, and is now available in not only white but also black frame borders (which looks super cool).

Now I've got an extra item on my monthly budget: Fujifilm Instant Film. (It's not cheap, but we NEED it now *tongue out*)


For more information, visit www.instaxsa.co.za.

Brows on fleek at the Brow Bar

The Brow Bar entrance

My eyebrows is going grey and I can't keep on plucking the grey out. (My way of dealing with it!) I have been colouring it in, but by the end of the day it is gone. We have been walking past the Brow Bar in Clearwater (West Rand, Gauteng, ZA) forever. The Wedding was the perfect occasion to test it out. I sponsored the Eldest, who went to a Brow Bar in Melrose Arch. I tested out The Brow Bar nearer to home, and found that they had moved location to the business park next to the Mall. (That's a plus for me as I hate going into a mall nowadays with the parking fees... It feels like a total barrier having to drive into those huge parking bays, or is it just me?)

Mid-year update - Miss Fine

"Sharp!"

Miss Fine had to take a back-step these past few months. It was only wedding stuff and preparations, and the whole budget went into it. The Wedding was the best party ever, and it was all worth it! Miss Fine had a ball of a time. She complained before the wedding that she would not know what to do with herself and that she would be bored. This was not the case. She was a perfect flower-girl, and she enjoyed manning the photo booth with her friends. She also danced the night away! Everybody commented on how confident and big she is.

The 21st of each month used to be my monthly update when she was small. This blog is all about keeping track about how she is growing into the person she has become. I did an update after the first Grade 4 exams, which went very well. We only had feedback from the teacher after the holidays. The teacher said that Miss Fine is her perfect example of kids that really do well, although they are so young for their grade. This validated our decision to put her in Grade 1 when we did. (This is what moms do: Worry about what you do and don't do, and each year we worry AGAIN!) "Phew!"

Marie Stopes New Healthcare Centre in Springs

Marie Stopes South Africa

Marie Stopes South Africa Enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for women in the community.

It's Women's month in August. We have just celebrated Women's Day last week in South Africa. Miss Fine just asked me last week if Women's Day and Mother's Day are the same. Women's Day in South Africa are celebrated because strong women stood up and marched against injustices. We honour them and we want to be like them. We have come a long way, but there's still so many injustices that needs to be addressed. One of them is giving women equality, dignity and freedom of choice. That's why I love what Marie Stopes South Africa is doing.

Marie Stopes SA

On Wednesday 22 August, Marie Stopes will be opening a brand new centre in Springs, in the Springs Mall. Marie Stopes have centres across South Africa to provide quality, affordable and comprehensive services. They do not judge, but help with safe and reliable services.

Top 10 Midlife Parenting blogs in 2018

Awarded Top 10 Midlife Parenting Blog

MomAgain@40 has been named as one of the Top 10 Midlife Parenting Blogs by Feedspot. That is such a honour. Thanks you so much!

What makes it more special is that the ranking is based on search and social metrics:

Blogs that are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high-quality information.

These blogs are ranked based on following criteria

    Google reputation and Google search ranking
    Influence and popularity on Facebook, twitter and other social media sites
    Quality and consistency of posts.
    Feedspot’s editorial team and expert review

Is Midlife Parenting still a thing? You tend to forget when you are in the midst of parenting. Because parenting at any age is still parenting. But yes, some of our peers are in different life stages than we are, and some are even taking the plunge as we are making ready for a next life phase. Midlife parenting comes with it's own set of challenges.

Here we have just had the wedding of our eldest daughter, and this afternoon I have to run around for the youngest. The school choir have to be at a different school at 15:45. Don't the teachers think of the working parents? Rant over. It was a choice to be a midlife parent. So here we go... We are doing this! :-)

Check out all the cool Midlife Parenting blogs, such as:
- Motherhood Later / Midlife Parenting
- Over 40 and Mum to One
- MidlifeMamma

Thanks so much for the award. 

The Wedding was the best party ever!

#HnK #JacobsTroue - Patrick Pretorius Photography

Our Wedding of the Year was finally on Wednesday last week. We could not have picked a better day. It was summer in Brits. The Eldest got married to her soul buddy, the same guy she got engaged to a year ago. She still likes him a year later. ;-) They worked hard to accomplish this wedding, but it was all worth it!

Wedded couple - Patrick Pretorius Photography

As mother of the bride I enjoyed the whole day. There were a few tears, but not much. It was just one big happy party! I shared a few photos on Instagram about the wedding: #JacobsTroue. We were so grateful for everybody who took the time off to celebrate the day with us. I think it was the best wedding ever! Of course! ;-)

Miss Fine the Flower-girl - Patrick Pretorius Photography

All the hard work of making the wedding decorations paid off. The rustic wedding theme looked amazing. I will be sharing some more in later posts.

I am so happy that my daughter is happy! She is having the time of her life!

The wedding couple also entertained us immensely on their wedding day. They danced and danced.
This is from a screenshot from one of their dance creations. That was so clever and entertaining, you two! We are impressed and think you just lifted the bar for upcoming weddings.

#JacobsTroue #HnK

All our blessings are with you!
May you have wedded bliss always!

Matsimela Baobab Seed Sugar Scrub sorts Eczema

Matsimela Baobab Seed Range

We made a great discovery during the winter. Miss Fine struggles with eczema on her toes. It's always dry, scratchy and breaks open in sores underneath when walking barefoot. Which she loves to do, and mostly can't. The winter is better, because she is wearing shoes, but summer is around the corner again... Miss Fine used my Matsimela Baobab Seed Kalahari Sugar Scrub a while ago, and we haven't looked back!

My eczema sufferer is so impressed with this Baobab Seed Kalahari Sugar Scrub @matsimelahomspa #MatsimelaHomeSpa
She has been using this the past 3 nights on her toes, and it is soft and the skin not peeling off as usual 👌🏻👌🏻#MatsimelaBMW#EczemaSol… https://t.co/rFtEnTRkHn pic.twitter.com/8x44gS3Irs

— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) July 25, 2018

I am using my Matsimela products very sparingly. It is such a treat that I want to savour it for as long as possible. I only allowed her a little bit of the scrub to use when she asked me one night. We immediately saw the difference. The scrub leaves a lovely oily layer on the skin. The dryness and flakiness are gone on the spot. You don't even need a body cream after that. The fact that the products are natural and  free from harsh chemicals and preservatives, makes it a wonderful product to use for eczema. The baobab seed also has wonderful healing properties, and I think that adds to the wonderful results we got.

We have found the solution to her eczema! Now the Matsimela Baobab Seed Sugar Scrub will be on our monthly list. It's R85.50 in the online shop. That's a score!

Check out Matsimela's Women's Month contribution: By purchasing any Baobab Seed product, R2 will be donated to Miss Earth SA.

 Try this, and let me know if you have the same results?


Disclaimer: This is not sponsored. I got the Matsimela Baobab Seed Scrub in a blogger meetup, but bought the Matsimela Baobab Body Butter myself.

One week to go - The Wedding

MomAgain@40 clan

We have one week left, before our Eldest move out of the house. The Wedding is near. I am going to be M.O.B. The excitement levels are exponentially increasing. There is nothing like a wedding. We can't wait!

I am so glad everything worked out in the end. We did not know how we could afford a wedding, but somehow it all came together. This has been a very tough year. With lots of luck, blessings from friends and crafts all is ready to go. The Eldest is counting down each day. My sister and her husband is already here from London to celebrate their big day.

I feel a bit sad that the Eldest is moving out of the house. Permanently. This is the last week she is going to be around. The last week that we are going to ask, Are you eating here tonight? It is going to be strange to not have her around. I am sad. She is such a lovely person to have around. We will definitely miss her, and Miss Fine especially. She loved to have her around in the evenings. Even the dog stands in front of her door and cry in the evenings when she is not at home.

We are going to miss you! But we are so glad you found your special partner to share your life with! That is the best any parent could wish for their children. I know we will always be your parents, and we will always be involved with your life. You will happily drive off in the sunset, but life will unfold to the next chapter.

We will be here!