Goodbye 2018 |
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Monday, 31 December 2018
Sunday, 30 December 2018
Escape with Last Secret Chamber by Phil Philips
Friday, 28 December 2018
Summer of rest
Tuesday, 18 December 2018
Miss Fine end-of-year question review
Miss Fine |
Mon asked her a few questions, and I wrote it down as is. Thank you for the honest answers. We learn more from you, than you from us.
Monday, 17 December 2018
The boy who cried Ninja - Take the kids
THE BOY WHO CRIED NINJA By Alex LatimerAdapted and directed by JENINE COLLOCOTTwith TARYN BENNETT, JAMES CAIRNS and TONI MORKELDesigned by ALISTAIR FINDLAYOriginal Score by SUE GREALYPuppets by ANDY JONES
The Boy who cried Ninja - Alexa Latimer |
The boy who cried Ninja is a story with a subtle lesson about honesty.
In the show, Tim witnesses some strange happenings around his house, but no one believes his explanations. In fact, no matter what Tim says, his parents just punish him with chores. To save himself, he hatches a clever plan to expose the truth. Will it work, or will Tim have to spend the rest of his life raking the yard?
The boy who cried Ninja - Contagious Theatre: Throwing balls into theatre |
The show is bubbling with humour from start to finish, and keeps children and parents laughing out loud. Taryn Bennett is superb in the role of Tim. We love how she makes Tim come alive with all the mannerisms of a lively boy.
Bookings can be made through Computicket or can be made by calling the theatre on 011 883-8606.The boy who cried ninja, by Alex Latimer - still on until 22 December. We had such a great time this afternoon 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) December 15, 2018
Well done @ContagiousStory #theboywhocriedninja#contagioustheatre#theatreonthesquaresandton#alexlatimer#thingstodowithchildren pic.twitter.com/mKOOAi0gLl
It's only the last few days, and this show is so special! Please take the kids.
Disclaimer: We got tickets to attend the show on Saturday
Friday, 14 December 2018
Nestlé NESPRAY Fortigrow: Nutrition for school going children [WIN]
Nestlé NESPRAY Fortigrow |
The statistics in South Africa are alarming: One in four children under the age of three in Gauteng‚ Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape suffer from malnutrition and, among many other disadvantages, will not be physically or mentally equipped to benefit from school. Nestlé has stepped in to address this serious need in our society:
“To nourish growing minds, we focus on providing our future leaders with brain support, immune support and growth builders,” said Adedoja Ekeruche, Business Executive Officer - Dairy at NESTLÉ. “To do this, we work with the farmers and nutritional scientists to not only standardise the milk that goes into the NESPRAY full milk powder, but the milk powder itself, so every sip of every glass has the same nutritional value. A large part of that lies in supporting our farmers deliver to world-class standards and practices.”
The Nestlé approach is multi-dimensional; from the farmer to the community, for the best quality product.
Thursday, 13 December 2018
More Disney fun with Disney Princess
Disney Princess fun |
Hasbro, Disney and ToysRUs have partnered together for a once-in-a-lifetime prize:
Purchase any participating stickered Disney Princess or Disney Frozen product from Toys R Us stores nationwide, between 1 December 2018 and 31 January 2019, and stand a chance to win a family trip of a lifetime that includes a seven night Caribbean cruise on board the “Disney Fantasy” Cruise Ship, disembarking from Florida USA. The offer includes exciting meet and greets with the Disney Princesses, Disney on-aboard entertainment (West End quality shows), ocean view accommodation and so much more Disney adventure.
Monday, 10 December 2018
Fourways Mall with Santa Live heats up the Christmas spirit
Elf at Fourways Mall |
Video Chat with Santa - Fourways Mall |
Miss Fine Skype call to Santa at the North Pole |
See the Santa Live call on my Instagram Stories: Santa Fourways
Fourways Mall has a number of festive activities. Bring the kids.
Fourways Mall |
Breakfast at M&B at Fourways |
Miss Fine with a Christmas Cracker |
Thanks, Santa! |
Thursday, 6 December 2018
The Greatest Christmas at Menlyn - on our bucket list
We are not so lucky to be able to go away this December. The budget is non-existent. Fortunately there is a lot going on in Gauteng. We still like to do things that are festive and family orientated. If it is "free" even more so!
Menlyn Park in Pretoria has launched their Greatest Christmas at Menlyn campaign on Saturday with a Carols in the Sky show. It was fantastic! I wish I knew how grand it would be, so I could have told you before the time. *Sorry*
See my Instastory for some of the magic. Conductors Tim Roberts and Unathi Malunga were fantastic together with the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra. Then there was Zanzi Afrirca and Brandon October as soloists. The Ndlovu Youth Choir was the cherry on top. Excellent! Excellent! Next year make sure you attend as well.
First ever The Greatest Christmas Carols In The Sky @MenlynSA #MenlynSky#CarolsInTheSky#ChristmasAtMenlyn pic.twitter.com/BXeWMBH95e- Karen from the Roof (@karentoittoit) December 1, 2018
Ed Sheeran Shape of You in Zulu The Ndlovu Youth Choir #ChristmasatMenlyn #MenlynSky #CarolsintheSky: https://t.co/naguuYdXtO via— iloveza (@ilovezacom) December 2, 2018
Fortunately Menlyn has a whole programme running until 23 December.
Santa Visits
Meet up with Santa at Mini Cavendish Court from 9am - 7pm.We got our photo. Santa is friendly and he doesn't mind posing for hundreds of photos every day. He wanted to know what Miss Fine wants for Christmas. She doesn't want to tell us, but we have a good idea.
Zip Zap Circus
Zip Zap Circus - CC Menlyn |
Every day at 3 pm and 7 pm at Cavendish Court.
We missed the launch tonight *crying*, but this is definitely on our list for December.
The Zip Zap Circus is a social circus that was founded in Cape Town in 1992, with the aim to inspire young people and help build a new culture of peaceful coexistence in South Africa.
Working with a diverse community of children from all backgrounds, Zip Zap helps kids to ‘dare to dream’ and learn to make those dreams a reality.
Menlyn is raising funds for the Topsy Foundation, which empower rural communities infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. You are welcome to give a donation at Menlyn or online.
See you at Menlyn?
What more is happening in Pretoria this holiday?
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
Disney Mickey The True Original Festive giveaway
Disney Africa have been celebrating Mickey the True Original for about 3 months now. The campaign joins the global festivities honouring 9 decades of Mickey Mouse, his heritage, personality and status as a pop-culture icon. On 18 November 2018 it marked 90 years since Mickey's first appearance in Steamboat Willie .
Mickey has been popping up everywhere, with loads of branded products, engaging content and events that embrace Mickey’s impact on the past, present and future. We spotted this Disney Mickey tree at Menlyn Mall in Pretoria on Saturday evening.
Disney Mickey Christmas Tree for charity at Christmas at Menlyn Mall |
“Binding generations together more than any other animated character, Mickey Mouse is the “True Original” who reminds people of all ages of the benefits of laughter, optimism and hope,” says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “With his universal appeal and ability to emotionally connect with generations all over the world, no other character quite occupies a similar space in the hearts and minds of a global fan base and we are thrilled to be sharing these local festivities.”To continue with the celebrations, Disney Africa has made available one Disney Mickey Festive Hamper for one lucky reader of this blog.
Disney Mickey Festive Giveaway
Disney Mickey Mouse plush toy |
Mickey Mouse Funko POP! |
One lucky reader will win a Mickey Mouse Funko POP! figurine and a Mickey Mouse 43cm plush toy. The value is R750. (Would love this myself as well! *cue green with envy*)
To be eligible to win:
- Please comment below and tell me where you have seen the Disney Mickey campaign in South Africa?
- For an extra entry, share this on social media. Tell me in a separate comment where you have shared.
Shareable link: https://ctt.ac/ZcX8G
- This competition will run for a week, until Tuesday 11 December 2018 at 12 pm. The lucky winner will be drawn via Random.org.
- This competition is only open to South African residents.
- If you have won on this blog in the previous 3 months, you will not be eligible for this competition.
Congratulations to Susann Deysel. You are the lucky winner of the Mickey Mouse Funo Pop! and Mickey Mouse plush toy. Please send me your contact details?
Thanks to Disney Africa and Entourage Media for gifting this to one lucky reader.
Monday, 3 December 2018
A Christmas tradition: The Garden of Lights at Emperor's Palace
"Garden of Lights" - pose with the Garden Princess |
Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, Olaf, the Magical Fairy, the Gingerbread Man... There's too many of our favourite characters, but they are all there. It's all magical!
Santas Village at the Garden of Lights |
Magical carriage at The Garden of Lights at Emperor's Palace |
The Garden of Lights |
The parentals were there |
We got our Christmas photo as well.
Family Christmas photo at The Garden of Lights last night @emperors_palace #ChristmasPhoto #FamilyPhoto#FatherChristmas #MrsKlaus #SantaKlaus#GardenOfLights#emperorspalace #FestiveSpirit#ChristmasSpirit https://t.co/9TRcLeUVcP pic.twitter.com/smeM6Ygm01— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) November 29, 2018
You won't be disappointed in visiting this year. This is the 11th Annual Garden of Lights at Emperors Palace, and there are a few surprises. (Hint: It gets better each year)
The Garden of Lights is on from 30 November until 9 January 2019, from 19H00-22H00 daily.
It should be on your bucket list for the holidays.
Disclaimer: We got tickets to attend the opening night.
Friday, 30 November 2018
DC Comics Animated Memory Match Game - WIN
DC Comics Animated Memory Match Game - CC Prima Toys |
Perfect for the Festive Season. This DC Memory Match Game is ideal for family time. It forms part of the Prima Toys DC Campaign for summer and the festive season. DC Superhero fans, boys and girls, will love this as a gift.
The DC Comics Animated Memory Match Game is ideal for ages 3 plus and can be played with 2 or more players. The game features Wonder Woman, the Flash, Superman and more.
The game is valued at RSP R99.99 and available from retailers and toy stores. Easy on the budget and super cool as gift for boys and girls and the whole family.
Prima Toys has made available one of these for a give-away here.
Harley Quin |
WIN A DC COMICS JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED MEMORY MATCH GAME
- Comment below with the DC Superhero your child loves the most?
- This competition will run for a week, until Friday 7 December 2018 at 12 pm. The winner will be drawn via Random.org.
- This competition is only open to South African residents.
- If you have won on this blog in the previous 3 months, you will not be eligible for this competition.
Congratulations to
Aidan Kew.
Related post
DC Superhero Toys for Boys and Girls - Great for gifts
Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Wordless about life
I haven't done a Wordless Wednesday in quite a while. Nowadays I have no words. Life is hard, and I don't know what to say about it. It's a Word-less Wednesday here, with a couple of words to remind me about this difficult time.
Hopefully I will come back here in a couple of months and tell myself that it wasn't that bad. Just keep on going. Life will sort itself.
That's the thing about social media. We can post a picture here, but it is not a true reflection of our lives.
I leave this picture here from our stay at Kwenyani Guest farm, taken two weeks back after attending a wedding in the Bush. It was such a tranquil place to stay over for the night. I can highly recommend it.
Hopefully I will come back here in a couple of months and tell myself that it wasn't that bad. Just keep on going. Life will sort itself.
That's the thing about social media. We can post a picture here, but it is not a true reflection of our lives.
I leave this picture here from our stay at Kwenyani Guest farm, taken two weeks back after attending a wedding in the Bush. It was such a tranquil place to stay over for the night. I can highly recommend it.
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
Gift idea for the whole family - FUNKO POPS [WIN]
It's the Season of Giving, the season of spoiling your loved ones. It's sometimes so difficult to get something different and special for those close to you. That's why I love the idea of gifting a special Funko Pop to each of your family members. How cool!! It also won't break the bank especially when the budget is tight this year.
It will be the most fun to choose that special Funko Pop that fits perfectly with each family member. It requires a bit of knowledge and some detective work to find out what they would love the most. The range is extensive; from football players, Game of Thrones, Marvel Superheroes, Disney princesses, DC Superheroes... There's even Sandy Olsson from Grease. She is sooo cute! These collectables will definitely awaken the spirit of starting your own collection.
Funko Pops - CC Gammatek |
Thursday, 22 November 2018
DC Superhero Toys for Boys and Girls - Great for gifts
DC Superhero Toys |
#Sponsored
Superheroes are great for imagination and role-play. What little kid (and older kids) does not like a story where we know the hero always saves the day. The hero overcome his inner demons and slay the outer enemies as well. Prima Toys has launched their DC Superhero Campaign, making sure South African fans are not left behind.
It's not a surprise that although DC comics have been around since the 1930s, it still continues to mesmerise and excite fans of all ages, children especially!
“The new range of DC products are going to thrill fans of Superman, Batman, the Flash, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn, to name a few. There are stretch figurines, ooshies, mash ems and an assortment of dress up costumes for fun role play,” says Chiquita Patrizi spokesperson for Prima Toys.We love the characters from the DC Comics universe in their battle to save the world!
“Everything in the range encourages imaginative play – it’s all about the super hero universe where it’s all about super powers, fun and hours of play,” continues Patrizi.
The following DC Superhero Toys are great for gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
DC Superhero Toys
Mini Toddler dolls for Girls
DC Superhero Mini Toddler Dolls (credit Prima Toys) |
The miniature DC Super Hero figurines stand 7,5cm tall. There are 6 DC Super Hero girls’ collectible figures in the collection, including Bumble Bee, Cat Woman, Wonder Woman, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Super Girl.
RSP: R89.99
DC Superhero Bumblebee to the rescue |
Mini Stretch Justice league figurines
The Stretch range are super cool. There are now mini Justice League figurines available. Each toy can stretch up to 5 times its original size. It slowly shapes back, ready to be pulled and twisted all over again. Miss Fine has been constantly stretching her large Stretch. I see her taking it to school and packing it in when we go out. It definitely addresses some sensory issues as well.
RSP: R199.99
— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) August 22, 2017
Dress Up DC Classic and Party Time Costumes
DC Superhero Superman costume (credit Prima Toys) |
RSP: R499.99
DC Superhero Harlequin costume |
The DC Party time costumes and assorted head bands and masks provide the opportunity for children to play as their favourite superhero. I wish I knew of these when we were searching for a spidergirl outfit a few years back. Costumes are available in sizes 3 to 6 years.
RSP: R169.99
Justice League Ooshies
DC Comics Ooshie (credit Prima Toys) |
RSP: R49.99
Justice League Mash’ems
DC Superhero Mash'ems (credit Prima Toys) |
RSP: R69.99
These toys are available from all major toy retailers.
We recommend this for all superhero girls and boys. You won't make a mistake adding this to your Christmas wishlist for the kids.
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Tips for parents for Grade 4 Exams
Miss Fine |
I was really worried about these last exams. We did not prepare as much as we would love. Notice the "we" as the parents were still greatly involved in the process of learning. We both stepped in, and tried to help. It is not always easy when you try to help, and the recipient of the help knows better most of the times.
Amazingly, Miss Fine found her groove. It helps that she gets to stay at school (we don't have any other choice). She summarizes her subjects at school, and then we are able to check her knowledge at night. We are so impressed with her!
Here I was dreading this week, and when I pick her up I hear that she has gone through her work at least once! *Happy dance!*
I am so proud and so relieved!
Grade 4 was difficult! But she made it!
I have picked up some tips on how to cope as parents when helping a Grade 4 preparing for exams.
6 Tips on how to survive Grade 4 exams
For parents of Grade 4 learners
- The earlier you start, the better. If you have difficulty in convincing them to start early, don't sweat it. The work can be done in
twoone day. - Help, but also take a step away. They are supposed to start doing it on their own.
- Take turns as parents to help. It keeps frustration at bay.
- We set some goals. Do a page, and then we give you something/a surprise to do. Such as exercises, or jumping on the trampoline. (This really worked)
- Pull up your own exam papers for them to complete. It gives you insight in how much they know, and helps them to feel better about an upcoming subject.
- Give the responsibility back to the kid to learn. They may surprise you.
You are so fine!
Photo at Kwenyani Guest house this past weekend. We attended a wedding in Roodeplaat on Saturday.
Friday, 16 November 2018
Child's Farm for the whole family
Child's Farm |
We got five of the products through a blog drop. The Child's Farm bubble bath, hair & body wash, moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner. We used the products for the whole family, and they are now on our shopping list. The hair products is so soft, and we do not struggle with combing the hair afterwards. The other day somebody asked me about Miss Fine and her scalp that she is always scratching. She struggles with eczema. We realised that the scratching has stopped. *Happy dance!* We are so glad we found this!
We uses the moisturiser as an all-rounder in the bathroom. I have to test more on Miss Fine's toes for the eczema, but it definitely helps to have it nearby when her toes flares up from the eczema.
The product is clinically tested, and has got the Leaping Bunny award. It is the most trusted cruelty free certification for non-animal tested cosmetics & personal care products. It is awarded by animal protection organisation Cruelty Free International. They definitely get extra points for this!!
Have you tried the products yet?
Updated: Child's Farm is also available at Baby City in South Africa.
Monday, 12 November 2018
My weekend was better than yours
"Smile!" |
It is such a lovely outing for the whole family.
Such a great day at Riversands Farm Village #CCKiddies#CyclingGirl#947KiddiesRide#AboutSaturday#AboutTheWeekend https://t.co/r07l5NeuX7 pic.twitter.com/QkJABLlAIL— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) November 11, 2018
She will maybe be able to do next year's ride as well, and then we can do the family ride the following year.Telkom 974 Kiddies ride- Great family outing!#CCKiddies pic.twitter.com/sH2gWIQJTM— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) November 10, 2018
Miss Fine at the Kiddies Ride #CCKiddies |
Who was there?
Was your weekend better than mine? :-)
Sunday, 11 November 2018
daughters, by Stuart Land - Book review
daughters, by Stuart Land - Review on Good Reads |
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. Since the moment I started reading, I wanted find out more and why this was happening. Virgin daughters getting pregnant worldwide, changing the story of human survival... I cannot say more, as I do not want to spoil the story-line for future readers. I love a good SciFi story, and this story ticks all the boxes. The story are made even more plausible by the use of biological science throughout. It is well-researched. The well-rounded characters also adds to the allure of the story. I would definitely recommend this story for a movie script.
Well done, Stuart Land!
Disclaimer: I got this book for free through a suggestion by Booktasters on Twitter, with the undertaking that I do a review afterwards. I even changed my review from 4.5 to 5 when I read the end of the story. You'll know when you read the end of the story.
View all my reviews
Friday, 9 November 2018
Consciously connecting with nature - With Sunlight inspiration
#InspiredByNature |
Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid launched their Sunlight Extra range by treating us to a day of natural inspiration at Shepstone Gardens. We had a wedding at this lovely venue a few years back, and it still is a favourite spot in my books.
There is so much inspiration from nature, and these are my 5 take-away notes. How do we bring Nature back into our lives?
Monday, 5 November 2018
Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR at Peoples Theatre - WOW!
Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR #BeautyBeastJR |
Miss Fine asked for the first time about the kids playing in the show. How do they get to be there? They are such wonderful actors already, and inspires her immensely. I had to tell her about the auditions, but hopefully she forgets to ask again (*thumbs crossed*). It looks like they have so much fun on stage, but I am thinking about all the repetition and hard work and getting the children there...
MomAgain@40 clan at People's Theatre |
Miss Fine waiting for the show to start at People's Theatre |
Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR will be on until 24 December. It will be great for an exam reliever or a great holiday outing in December.
Final bow at Disney's Beauty and the Beast |
Related:
Upbeat Annie JR at Peoples Theatre
Beneath African Skies at the Peoples Theatre
Disclaimer: We got tickets to attend the show on Friday night. Thanks, Peoples Theatre and Buz Publicity