Let it Be - Word of 2023

Let it Be - The Beatles

My word of the year for 2023 is BEING. 

It's taken a while this year. Last year's joy is such a great word, and I could not think of  a better way to refocus my life. 

I got this quote/song title from my daughter many year's back. She bought it from students on their market day. I love it!

Let it be. 

Be. 

Being. 

Being in the moment.

Catching the joy of NOW!

I am embracing the current moment of now. That is all I have. 

A big gift! Being. 

How do we survive the festive season without getting stressed out? - a question to ChatGPT

Karen December 2022

A simple question, and I am sure the Internet is the virtual sphere full of advice. 

Open AI ChatGPT gave me the perfect answer, and I am copying here. Try a few questions yourself. It's fun, and surprisingly very accurate! 

How do we survive the festive season without getting stressed out?

The festive season can be a stressful time for many people, especially with the added pressure of gift-giving, social obligations, and financial concerns. Here are a few tips that may help you navigate the season with less stress:

1. Set realistic expectations: It's important to remember that the holidays don't have to be perfect. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create the "perfect" holiday experience.
2. Plan ahead: Make a schedule or to-do list and try to stay organized. This can help you stay on top of tasks and reduce stress.
3. Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks and make time for self-care. This can include activities like exercise, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes to relax and unwind.
4. Be mindful of your budget: It's easy to overspend during the holidays, which can lead to financial stress. Make a budget and try to stick to it.
5. Don't overcommit: It's okay to say no to social invitations if you are feeling overwhelmed. It's important to prioritize your own well-being.
6. Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support.

The Path to a Life without Drama - book review of No Drama Zone

Prt Scrn of book cover: No Drama Zone

Eric Thompson send me his "book of wisdom", No Drama Zone How to Life a Drama Free Life, in exchange for an honest review. Life serendipitously always gives you what you are searching for. I do believe it! Thank you, Eric. I got this book while searching for more reading material on leadership. 

This book will be next to me for many years to come. This is also a great gift to friends, family and colleagues. 

No Drama Zone: How to Live a Drama-Free Life - 5 Rules plus 100 Daily Lessons by Eric Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eric Thompson send me a free copy of his book, No Drama Zone 5 Rules + 100 Lessons, in exchange for an honest review.

I am always surprised about how life gives you what you are searching for. I have consistently been reading up about great leadership, and here is some of the best advice collated in one book. This is a book any leader can keep on the desk/bedside table to regularly refer to. These pages holds years of wisdom, some learnt the hard way. But it is not only for leaders or people in managerial positions. It is for everybody who wants to take control of their life. It is a roadmap to a "happy" Life!

I totally believe that we can live life without drama. The book is short, concise and to the point.
I will be coming back for years to remind myself about these snippets of wisdom.

I don't want to share too much, but I love the "Whatever" dance advice for dealing with a bully, and hope I will be able to pluck it out of my arsenal when confronted with a bully. Also, a great coping mechanism to teach our children. Thank you, Eric. I will let you know what happens, because I am planning to use it. ;-)

This book is a great addition to any bookshelf, but keep it on top! Also, a very safe book to give to anyone. This will look good in the festive stocking, or as a corporate gift, or a very personal gift!

Thank you for the life advice, Eric! Much appreciated.

View all my reviews

Baxter is hungry, by Emily Haupt - delightful children's book which gets a 5!

 

Baxter is hungry, by Emily Haupt 

We received this lovely book, Baxter is hungry, through the post. I had to pay import tax, but it was sent in exchange for an honest review. It is totally worth it, as I just know that my grandchild will love the cat Baxter through his wild antics, the colourful illustrations, and his hangry disposition. Thank you, Emily! It is available on Amazon. 

Baxter is Hungry by Emily Haupt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a grandmother I am again looking at all the wonderful children's books that we can read to the little one. I think that giving them the gift of books and reading, is the biggest gift we can give a child.

Emily Haupt sent me her book, Baxter is Hungry, for an honest review. It seems that Baxter is a story based on their own cat, an Omani Mau (Mau means street cat in Arabic).

We as family know "hangry", and can so much relate to Baxter, who is always hungry. The book is an absolute joy, and can't wait to read it, again and again, to my granddaughter. Of course, the book would not have had the same impact if not for the illustrations. It is absolutely gorgeous. Hugo L Cuellar makes Baxter come alive. He is also responsible for the cover of the coloring book, Baxter is Dreaming.

It is extremely important to have pets in the house, and to learn our kids about looking properly after them. This book teaches also about the antics and peculiarities of cats. It is good to know what our pets are all about.

Well done for capturing Baxter so well, Emily Haupt, as well as Hugo L. Cuellar. I could frame each and every page of this book.

This is a joy for your child's bookshelf!

View all my reviews

The Messages: A Memoir, by Dawn Kohler - it's a 5

The Messages: A Memoir - Dawn Kohler. This is a jewel of a book. Especially for moms who have to deal with "monsters" from their past. To be able to be more fully present with their children. Dawn Kohler sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

The Messages: A Memoir by Dawn Kohler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dawn Kholer sent me a complimentary pdf copy, in exchange for an honest review.
I read her book within two days, which is a good indication of how much I wanted to get to the next page turner, and the interesting revelations.
The spiritual messages is not new, as people around the world receive the same messages, but it adds to the authenticity and truthfulness of the message.
She shares painful recollections from her childhood, and how she had to overcome it via therapy, and changes in her own life. While she and her husband had their own business, and three children who wanted attention. She was lucky that she could just focus on herself while her husband gave her the space to heal. Also, it shows the resilience of children, how they understood, and grew up to healthy adults with whom she kept a close relationship. She could heal to be the best mother possible! It is one of the biggest messages from this book; we need to address the past to be able to be fully available in our relationships.
It is not always easy addressing the past, especially if the past shows that the parental figures in your life let you down, and committed the ultimate horror. I admire the strength and resilience being shown. Thank you for sharing, Dawn! You rock!
You won't be able to put this book down.

View all my reviews

Turning Red - a movie of teenage angst, but also great joy (Review)

Turning Red (The Walt Disney Company)

Disney Pixar celebrate teens and their big feelings with new movie Turning Red - In theatres from Friday, 11 March 2022

Miss Fine and I watched Turning Red this previous weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed the awkwardness of the teen years being explored in the change of Mei Lee to a literal big red panda. We had such a smile at the mother Ming running around when she thought her daughter had her first period, and the total embarrassment of Mei Lee by all of this. Especially when Ming turned up at school. Another "smother" at work, big time!

Year 3 in a pandemic

You go, Girl!

Pandemic Year 3: Even now, we regularly forget our masks when running out of the house. Most of the times we have a back-up in the car or a bag. I told my youngest today that she will be telling her children about the pandemic she lived though one day. She told me not to worry, she is not planning to have any children... Okay! 😆 

So, I have to put down some memories for future generations. 😉

The husband had Covid in December. Part of the fourth wave. He had his jabs, so it was very mild. The worst was the inconvenience, and having to cancel plans and isolate. I tested negative in the same time, even while colleagues also tested positive. The inconvenience is the worst! We were lucky that we were all fine. 

The eldest is pregnant with her first girl, and we are all very excited! These are stressful times to have a baby. But, also very precious. She lost her first baby through miscarriage, and now we are even more excited (and scared) to meet this rainbow girl. She is much-loved already. Grandmother mode is loading! 

Also just for keep-sakes: We thought  and said it was a girl before my daughter got confirmation, and we were right! 👶

Schools are back, and Miss Fine has been slowly but surely getting used to High School. The teen phase is tough. For her! And for us! 😖 They have been back in class full-time, and full classes since the beginning of the year. The parents are also invited to meetings, and except for masks that dangle underneath our chins (the heat and suffocating), everything is going ahead full-steam. 😏

I am walking around with a constant fear of the sky falling on my head. I think most people feel like this, as the pandemic, and recent world events are taking a toll... One day I will laugh at this, but today I do not feel like laughing. But I will continue to search for joy each day!

How is 2022 treating you?

2022 Word: Joy

 

Karen 2022

2022. The first month is gone, dusted already! I need to grab hold of the reigns for this year, or it will go by as quickly as last year. 

I loved last year's word: Patience. I helped me so much to keep me grounded and sane. We were waiting and wanting for so many things to happen, but we had to adjust and wait. "Patience" kept me going. 

It looks like things are going to start to happen this year. I was planning to choose "resilience" as my word of the year, but realized resilience comes with patience. I am resilient as can be! I can do this! 

With patience also came the idea of being in the moment. Grabbing that tiny glimmers of hope and joy in each single moment. Joy was my word for 2014, but this year I am reclaiming it! There is so much joy to be found in every day, in every single moment. Taking step by step we will get there. 

Five things that's giving me JOY right now:

1. Things are going back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic kept us stuck in so many ways. Fingers crossed!

2. My daughter is having a daughter in the middle of the year. It is so exciting, and I can't wait to be a grandma.

3. My youngest, Miss Fine, has started with high school, and she is really finding her groove. I love her personality and the lovely person she is! I love our talks. We can learn so much from the young ones, and she helps with a reality check every now and again.

4. It seems something is going to start happening with our long-term plans. Fingers crossed.

5. Love my life with my family. Love that we can do life together. I am thankful to them every single day. 

What is your word for 2022? 

What kind of day will it be? - Lisa & Ryland Goines-Taylor - BOOK REVIEW

What kind of day will it be? - book cover (screen print)

Lisa Goines-Taylor, a mother to a beautiful girl called Ryland, has written the most uplifting book for little ones. What kind of day will it be? Her everyday experiences as a mother, watching her daughter grow and learn life lessons, have inspired her to write a book on life, growth, empowerment, and self-confidence for children:

This book resonates so much with me. I know of a specific person who tends to unravel with anything that is not right each day. And regularly proclaiming that this is her worst day ever! 😬

This book, What kind of day will it be? should be one of the most important things we can teach our kids. We can make a choice each day about what kind of day it will be! With a "can-do attitude", although life can throw you some curve balls, you can decide and make each day a great one!

This book can be used as a positive mantra each day. Buy for the little pessimists and glass-of-half-full persons, but also for everybody to learn how to have a better day each day.

I don't want to share too much of the beautiful illustrations by Rachel Rodrigues, but each page is a delight. 

The age group is from 4 - 7 years, but a smaller child, as well as older children will enjoy the uplifting message. This book is also a reminder to myself. What kind of day will it be? 

This is a great gift for all little ones.

Disclaimer: Lisa Goines-Taylor contacted me via email, and notified me when there was a free Kindle option available a little while back. Thank you!

Year 2 in a pandemic

2021 Family photo (Patrick Pretorius)

It has been interesting times. We have now been living through a pandemic for one year and seven months. Masks, temperature checks and sanitizing are still part of our daily routines. But, we are still forgetting our masks when going out of the gate. At this stage we don't hear about people getting sick and dying around us. There are talks about a fourth wave, but we are hopeful we are not going to see it...

The pandemic put our plans on hold now for nearly two years. But, we have been lucky here in South Africa. After the previous lock-down of Level 3, we have been relatively unscathed. School and work have been going on as close to normal as possible.

We both got our jabs, and Miss Fine is getting hers next week.

I have been working in a new job since April. I am still doing my old job, while taking on managerial duties. With no extra pay and on a very low scale code. I decided to take on the challenge for personal growth, but at this stage I don't think it is worth it. The prospects are not good. This past week I was thinking about my previous life. I went to see the psychologist who was seeing my X at the time. I asked her how much time I must give him, and what I can do with my anger. She told me to give him a year, and ran on the treadmill each day. I did give him a year, and I did ran. But each day when I went home, he was still there and I was still angry at him. In the end I had to extract myself out of the situation to safe myself... The same with the job. I can only motivate myself so much, and ran/walk so far, but I still have to come back to the same circumstances each day. This is not sustainable.  

I have started to give myself a pep talk each day with motivational quotes on Insta. It helps to search for the positive in each day. Barbie has been an inspiration the past week.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karen Du Toit (@karentoittoit)

We got a beautiful Barbie press drop last week. The Barbie Fashionista range is so inspiring. I got an incredulous reply on Instagram that they can't believe I am a livelong Barbie fan. I did tell the story before of us never having a real Barbie when we grew up. We had a cheaper version of her, and we (my sister and I) always envied our friends with the real Barbies. Barbie is now available in all shapes, sizes, careers and abilities. I am even more impressed with Barbie, and love that I can share her with my girls. And why can't I keep on playing? We are never too old! 😉

We have a warm summer weekend ahead, and braai is on the weekend calendar.

I love this time of year; summer, December holidays and festivity vibes. THis is my best time of the year.

Lola the Buhund and the Empty Sky - book review

Lola the Buhund and the Empty Sky - Elbot Carman

I am a very slow reader. Sorry, Booktasters. But luckily, when a book grabs me, I have to read it till the very end. It takes long, only a few passages each night, but we finally gets there. This book helped me immensely to escape the daily stress of living. Nothing like a great fantasy to start your journey into dreamland. I give Lola the Buhund and the Empty Sky, by Elbot Carman, 5/5. 

Thank you for the opportunity!

Lola the Buhund and the Empty Sky by Elbot Carman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review via Booktasters and the author, Elbot Carman. Thank you so much, I am most of the time pleasantly surprised with the above average content that I am able to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was great to go on such a journey with the characters in the story. A talking and wise dog, Lola the Buhund, and a talking rooster? So possible in the context of this fantasy. Where did the sky, the sun, the moon and the stars disappear to?

It was a great adventure, with the human, a carpenter, and a musician, who joins them on their quest. It takes a while to get into the atmosphere and space of the book, but the suspense and wonder of the milieu keeps you reading. What is happening, and what is going to happen? Where's the light? We get the answers in the end. Just keep reading!

This book is fantastic escapism, and a fantasy that's worth getting immersed in.

Can't wait to read the next book.





View all my reviews

Apples to Apples is the wildest game - perfect for crazy times

 

Apples to Apples card game

                                                                                                               Sponsored

Mattel's APPLES to APPLES™ is the best game for family or friends game nights! It's fun! It's easy! And it is a laugh every time you put down your card. Even the Tween thinks it is cool! 

Which one of the red cards would fit the best with the green card dealt by the Judge? You have to convince him/her. It's all fun! The rules says it's for four to ten players, but we played while being only two or three. It still is a hoot a minute! 

Apples to Apples deck of cards

Apples to Apples is the wild, award-winning card and party game that provides instant fun for four to ten players! It's as easy as “comparing apples to apples”... just open the box, deal the cards, and you're ready to play! Select the card from your hand that you think is best described by a card played by the judge. If the judge picks your card, you win that round. APPLES to APPLES™ is perfect for any get together with family and friends! The Party Box Tin comes complete with over 1,000 cards. Designed for 4 to 10 players, ages 12 years and up. - Mattel

Instax Mini 40 - retro gadget takes great photos

Instax Mini 40 with Contact Sheet Instant photos

"The Instax Mini 40 embraces the old-school look-and-feel of film cameras, combined with all the latest Instax features such as Selfie Mode and Auto Exposure."

We had the Instax Mini 40 camera for a week to test out. We were pleasantly surprised with the clarity of the photos, especially since it's an entry-level camera. We would recommend this one especially when you want to start your journey with instant photography. At a retail price of R1399 it is totally worth it. 

We give it a 5/5 for being one of the best when you are searching for the instant gratification of an immediate photo in hand which is also of great quality!

Instax Mini 40 

Perfect word for 2021: Patience

 

I struggled to come up with a word for 2021. My word, grab, for 2020 did not really pan out that well. We were in survival mode, and our plans got shifted quite a bit...

This year is same-same, but this year we know what we are in for. 

I was told last week to have patience. (I need to work on my emotional EQ.) I could have gone on the defensive, but I realised this is exactly the perfect advice for me in these times. I need patience, I must practise patience and I need to show patience to the people around me.

This is the perfect word to embrace when things are stuck and not moving as fast as you want them to. I was saying too much: "This is not acceptable!" 

Patience, my dear, you will get there! 😁

Try it! 

It works! 

Downtime Shift, by Robert Holding - Interesting AI concepts

Downtime Shift

Love this science fiction novel. Thanks, again, to Booktasters, for expanding my horizons and for great reading pleasures. My review is up on GoodReads. 

Downtime Shift by Robert Holding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you, Booktasters and Robert Holding, for a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. Sorry that it took me so long to read, but it's not a reflection on the content.
I thoroughly loved reading this book, and has already started to read the next follow-up, Infinity Shift. (Thanks, Robert Holding, for sending it as well). It is good escapism in these uncertain times.
I got a glimpse into time travel, an omnipotent AI called EYE and different societies and the ways they live. "Earthers" and "Spacers", and a choice in the way of living. The EYE resetting society, and manipulating it, creating Fork Time... Shifties following their prime directive, or going against it. All interesting concepts that keeps you bound until the very last page.
I would have loved to learn more about the heroine, Evelyn. About her time before Downtime, and also her time with the Spacers. More character development are welcomed for Evelyn and Stan. I would also have loved to read more about Spacers and the societies in space.
For Science Fiction lovers, there are some interesting concepts to wrap you head around.
I give this book 5/5 for the interesting storyline and keeping me hooked until the last page. I want to read more!

View all my reviews

Shallow Pig Cottage near Parys - great breakaway

Shallow Pig Cottage - Koedoesfontein

We haven't gone away for quite a while. We had the camping weekend last year at Sondela, but mostly we had been staying home. It's still a pandemic all around, and in South Africa we are not getting the vaccinations just yet.

I was going down the rabbit hole of places to stay on the Internet, and found Shallow Pig Cottage on Booking.Com. I have already made my next booking as well, as there are quite a few good deals and great places to stay. 

We love Shallow Pig Cottage. It is near Parys, but it is the most quaint cottage on a farm, with everything that you need to stay for days and days. Each morning hubby went and fetch our eggs from the nearby hens on the farm. We braaied and looked at the view for hours and hours. Miss Fine was also very happy with her wi-fi that was sufficient to keep her going. She even entertained herself with mud building, and searching for rocks. 

Shallow Pig Cottage - farm 

We drove through and into Parys on Friday and Saturday. We went over Easter Weekend, which was not a good idea, because the place was too busy. Next time we will only spend time on the farm. We were so disappointed with Venterskroon Inn and the Dog & Fig Brewery. Both were not at all catered for the the guests, and we had to go even though we would have loved to stay. Luckily we found LiewerKoffi (based on a recommendation) when we arrived in Parys, and the next day we had a lovely lunch at Cherry On Top. 

Vredefort Dome Information Centre

We made the bumpy trip to the Vredefort Dome information centre. The previous time we were there, it was with the Voortrekkers at Venterskroon in the Vredefort Dome, and we wanted to show Miss Fine the significance of this place which is the largest verified crater on earth. 

The cottage was more than we could have hoped for. There was the cosiest beds, purified water on tap, wood to braai, and for the indoor fire-place in the cottage. The bathroom has a lovely view. There is a worker on the farm, but we never saw him, except when he went to open and close the chickens in the barn. We had the place all to ourselves.

Miss Fine enjoying herself at Shallow Pig Cottage

Our host was extremely friendly, and made sure we had the best stay. Thanks, Warrin!

Car key gnomes? Yes, exactly - Book review

Car key gnomes and other household pests - Miciah Dodge (print screen)

"A book of charming, silly poems of mischievous household faeries; paired with the enchanting, vibrant artwork they deserve!"

 

We now have names for those mysterious things that happens in a home, especially when kids are around. 

Car key gnomes and other household pests. When you see the cover of a book, and start flipping through it, and each page is a treasure... That's what this book is! I WANT IT as a coffee table exhibit, and I know any child (of any age), would love to browse through it. Miciah Dodge, the author, who is the dad of the boys who gave him the idea, sent me a pdf copy of the book.

Each page consists of an hilarious poem of the mysterious reasons why something disappears, mishaps or mess in the house. These "pests" have the most insightful names: Car-key Gnomes, Sock Goblins, the Forgetting Fairy, the Stink Boggle, Brownie, Messy-room Sprites, Shoe Leprechaun, Knotty Pixies, Eraser Elf...  They have the ability to become household names in homes across the world, because we all deal with these "fairies". 

The art work by Danie Plott is stunning. Three-dimensional clay figurines are placed in real-life household settings. They are the stars who make the poems come to life. I don't want to share more of the beautiful art work, as it deserves to have the book in hand. Check out the website for the art: Car key Gnomes Book.

I love everything about the book, except the font being used. It makes it a bit difficult to read. Maybe it will be different with the hard copy in hand?  

I still give it 5/5. It is beautiful, and funny, and an art work to keep!

I have joined to be notified when the Kickstarter project Car key gnomes and other household pests starts. Please do the same. This book needs to get out in the world!

Thanks, Miciah Dodge, for a copy of the book! I hope we see it soon. 

Back to a new normal - Covid times update

It is going very well with this clan! 

It's 2021 and the Virus is still with us. But the numbers are coming down every day, and the roll-out of the vaccines has started in South Africa. We know of people who died, and people who is still in ICU with Covid... Our immediate family is all safe and still healthy! But we are all wearing our masks, and things are looking up! We are more than surviving this!

The schools opened with a bang. It was a whole month later than previous years, but it is back to every day school for all the students. It was quite shock to our systems. 🤯For some reason, we missed the memo about every day. We thought the schools would continue the same as last year. One day in, one day work at home...

Miss Fine loved it at home, and would have happily continued like this. Luckily, Grade 7 turns out to being a great year. Miss Fine enjoys being part of the seniors at school, and they had a two-day leadership workshop with fellow students this past weekend. She got sunburnt quite bad, because it was held outdoors, but they had a ball. Miss Fine signed up to everything that's happening again at school. There's netball and Revue. There's also Voortrekkers (scouts), which apparently is going to be a busy year for the Grade 7's. Hopefully camps can start again? They are doing it a bit differently (because Covid) this year, but thankfully things are opening up with enthusiasm. 

The peer group is now definitely the focus, and what they do and think and dress are the bomb. We do not get viewed by the same regard of reference. It's all okay.😉 I love this stage! 

I am constantly in awe of Miss Fine and her friends. They are such awesome and beautiful human beings. (I should tell them that more often.) They still get excited about life and things, and happily shares it with us. Of course she thinks she knows better, but it's okay. Sometimes, I really learn new things!😜

I am still not sure about my word for the year? "Survival" doesn't really cut it! I need a more positive focus!

I have a job interview tomorrow. Hold thumbs. It is stressful times. 😁

What's happening with you?

Instax SQUARE SQ1 - review

Instax Square SQ1

FUJIFILM South Africa launched the Instax SQUARE SQ1 instant camera in October 2020, which is a welcome addition for fans of instant square film. FUJIFILM designed the SQ1 to make photography as user-friendly as possible, with new Automatic Exposure and One-Touch Selfie Mode features.

We got a Terracotta Orange Instax SQ1 instant camera to review for two weeks. We kept it a bit longer to cover Valentine's weekend, as it seemed like the perfect companion for our special Instax Valentine's plans. The instant memories added an extra special touch to special times. 

Special Valentine's Day with Instax Square SQ1

See what features we like, and why we think it is the perfect accessory for a selfie creative...

Planning a special Instax Valentine's Day

"A Special Valentine’s Day with Instax"

It's Valentine's weekend. We have the Instax Square SQ1 that we are busy reviewing. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to capture all the special memories with family and loved ones. I look forward to Valentine's Day, and I love all the Instax products. Nothing beats the instant gratification of a keepsake photo in hand! We have a special weekend planned with friends and family. All outside, because it's glorious summer, and very safe! (Take that, Covid!) 

Fujifilm Instax has some awesome suggestions on how to make Valentine's Day even more special.