Win tickets to the Mozart Festival - for the whole family

#JIMF2018

The upcoming Johannesburg International Mozart Festival, in it's 10th year, is a musical smorgasbord for the whole family. It will be running from 26 January until 4 February. The Mozart Festival combines classical music concerts of the highest international standards with vital education initiatives and community engagement projects.

There is no better way to introduce our kids to classical music, than this opportunity. We like the fact that some of the events are for free, and some asking only for a donation.  Two readers of this blog can also win family tickets (4 members each) to attend the family concert on 4 February.

The Magic of Emperors Palace Garden of Lights

Emperors Palace kick-starts the festive season with the dazzling Garden of Lights

Christmas Lights! There's nothing that kick starts the festive season better than Christmas Lights! Emperor's Palace has switched on their magic Garden of Lights for the tenth time this year.

Best of all! You spread kindness by going! The proceeds from the R25 entrance fee will be donated to The Cancer Association of South Africa, and the Peermont Childrens and Education Trusts. Children under two go in for free, and a family of five only pays R100.

This is the first time we saw the Garden of Lights! It is well worth the drive to Emperors Palace if you are not staying nearby! The Garden of Lights was switched on on Thursday night, and the night was perfect at the Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel gardens. The rain gave us a little break to have a wonderful unforgettable experience!

Emperors Palace sunset

WIN family tickets to Disney Cinderella Kids

Disney Cinderella Kids

The classic fairy tale being told at Peoples Theatre. 

"Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and denied a chance to go to the royal ball. With a little help from her mice friends – and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother – Cinderella’s dreams come true. She goes to the ball, meets the Prince and falls in love!"

The recommendation is that Disney Cinderella Kids as a must-see for the holidays. It is such an enjoyable show for the whole family!

The Fairy Godmother with Cinderella and The Prince

Kaylan Sabbadin, a Trinity College and Tshwane University of Technology graduate (National Diploma in Musical Theatre), plays the title role. She comes from Port Elizabeth and has been trained in singing, dance and drama. Sabbadin hopes to finish her masters in drama.

The Prince is played by Thokozani Jiyane, a versatile performing artist who received his training at the Tshwane University of Technology in Musical Theatre where he featured in Legally Blonde and 9 to 5 The Musical. Most recently he was featured in Mr Popper’s Penguins as Admiral Drake, Delivery Man and Doc Hopper.

Cinderella is “terrorised” by her two stepsisters – Genevieve Olivier (theatre credits include George's Marvellous Medicine and Pippi Longstocking - The Musical) and Tanja Franszen (a student from the School of Creative Arts in Sydney, Australia, and who has theatre credits including Perdekoop and Hoedemoles).

The stepmother and Fairy Godmother are played by Alida Senekal, who portrays the character of Petro Bam in Afrikaans soapie Binnelanders. She has featured in The Legend of King Arthur, The Enchanted Forest, Othello, The Crucible, Animal Farm, Romeo & Juliet, The 3 Musketeers pantomime, Into the Woods and Pippie Langkous at National Children’s Theatre. Her voice can also currently be heard on the programme In Die Bed Met Bibi on VIA TV.

The actors portray their characters so well that it is most enjoyable to everybody watching, not only the children. I can recommend this as a great family outing for the holidays!

 WIN

Two sets of 4 tickets each is up for grabs on the blog! Date and time to be arranged with Buz Publicity!

The rules of the giveaway:

1. Mandatory: Leave a comment on the blog telling me why you would like to see this production with your family? Include your email in the comment to be able to get hold of you.

The following 4 steps will count as extra entries:
2. Visit Peoples Theatre on Facebook, and leave me a comment to tell my that you have done it.
3. Follow Peoples_Theatre on Twitter, and leave me a comment to tell me that you have done it.
4. Visit MomAgain@40 on Facebook, and leave me a comment to tell me that you have done it.
5. Follow @karentoittoit on Twitter, and leave me a comment to tell me that you have done it.

6. This competition will run from today and will end on Friday 16 June at 12 pm. The winner will be drawn via Random.org and will be announced here and on MomAgain@40 Facebook Page.
7. This competition is open to readers who will be able to get to the Peoples Theatre in Johannesburg using their own transport.
8. The prize is not transferable.
9. If you have won here in the past 3 months you will not be eligible to win this competition.

Enjoy the Show!

Congratulations to Aidan and Marcelle for winning a set of 4 tickets each!
The email is on the way.

Disney Cinderella Kids is a must-see at the Peoples Theatre

"So this is love – Cinderella dances her way to the People’s Theatre this holiday season!"

Disney Cinderella Kids, the most magical, theatrical show for the little ones (and the Big Ones)! We got an invite to opening night of Disney Cinderella Kids on Friday night.

This is definitely a show for the whole family! The story and characters are a delight!

Disney Cinderella Kids - Cinderella with her stepmom and stepsisters
Cinderella Kaylan Sabbadin with her ugly stepsisters - Genevieve Olivier and Tanja Sranszen and her step mother Alida Senekal

We saw a production of Disney Cinderella Kids - also at the Peoples Theatre - three years back when Little Miss celebrated her fifth birthday! It was a blast then, but I think this show is even better! There's a different spin on the classic tale and I can't decide between who makes us laugh the most; the two mean sisters or the little mice?

Luckily Cinderella still lands the Prince!

Kaylan Sabbadin as Cinderella and Thokozani Jiyane as Prince Charming  

“The timeless fairy tale is set to become a new audience favourite in Disney’s Cinderella Kids, an adaptation of the treasured animated film that will charm its way into your heart and remind audiences that A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes and really can come true,” said Jill Girard & Keith Smith, who add this production of Cinderella Kids to their 25-year repertoire.

There is nothing as exciting as waiting for the curtains to rise...

Ready with the right SnapChat filter: "Princess"

Photo-op with Cinderella

The cutest actors/mouses ever!

Cinderella Kids will run at the People’s Theatre from 5 June - 30 July.
There are two shows daily at 09:00 and 11:00 during school times, and 10:30 and 14:30 on Saturdays and public holidays, certain government school holidays and certain Sundays.
Tickets are R130 per person and bookings can be made through WebTickets, or by calling Peoples Theatre on 011 403 1563/2340 or emailing them at info@peoplestheatre.co.za

Peoples Theatre
Twitter: Peoples Teatre #CinderellaKids

Dog Heaven at Walkhaven

We found a Dog Heaven at Walkhaven on Sunday! We are always searching for places in the outdoors that does not cost an arm and a leg. Places that cater for the whole family. What a treat to be able to bring along your dogs as well!

The dogs roam free and they are all well-behaved. Except for our little "monster" that we had to keep on a leash... But she did leave a little bit more calm after all the running around!

Our pavement special "screamed" (there's no better word for it! as all our nerves are shot driving with her!) all the way to Walkhaven. (I think she thinks we are taking her to the vet! Or maybe she can't handle the excitement? Who knows!)

Our old boy, Benji, took it all in his stride, and while missing a few steps and strides, we think he had a lovely time. We even took him off his leash, and he could not be bothered by other dogs sniffing his behind. (The same can't be said for the other anxious one!)

We told Benji several times he can go to the light! (A family joke, because he is OLD, and the regular foul-smelling pees in the house is a huge irritation!) To die while walking in Walkhaven must also be like missing a step crossing over into Dog Heaven! He would carry on walking in the fields...!  But as long as he still catches the snacks with such ease, he must be okay!

Walkhaven is in the Muldersdrift area, right next to the Cradle of Humankind. There are braai and picnic facilities on the premises, as well as a great outdoor restaurant at The Dog Box Grill. We had the burgers as they were on special, but the pizzas look great as well!

Adults pay R35 and children and students R20 for entrance for the day. (Not bad!)

I was there as well! ;-)

Photos from our visit to The James Hall Museum of Transport

We had a public holiday in South Africa yesterday. It was Human Rights Day. The City of Johannesburg opened their museum facilities for free for the day. (Yes, we have to pay to visit our museums here!)

We decided to visit the James Hall Museum of Transport, because we had only seen it when we went past there with The Jozi Red Bus. We thoroughly enjoyed the outing, and saw much more than expected. It is worth the outing, and the little ones enjoy looking at the different rides!

The pamphlet says The James Hall Museum of Transport is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. It was established by the late Jimmie Hall together with the City of Johannesburg in 1964.

And of course I have to include the Mobile Library from Johannesburg. It still has the books on the shelves. Awesome!

I have been spamming my Instagram feed with  more photos.

What did you do with your public holiday?

Fantasy of Light - mark it for a family outing that's worth it!

The family attended the Fantasy of Light last night, a "magnificent extravaganza of lights, music and exceptional local- and international talent at The Waterfall Park, located at the Mall of Africa."

Fantasy of Light 2016

The spiel:

A majestic, nine-meter-high set by Juan Boshoff, 104 colourful costumes, 22km of twinkling fairy lights, a giant stage, an acre of captivating festive ornaments with cheerful lighting, a unique 160m waterfall of cascading lights.  Add to this world-class concert and you have a dazzling experience like never before.
The ambience set by the original festive music composed by the internationally acclaimed composer, Brendan Jury and music producer Bernadette Vercellino, creates the perfect backdrop to a humoristic fantasy with a gripping story line and characters that will conquer your heart straight away. Outstanding choreography by Weslee Lauder and cheerful outfits by Delene Holt, Heidi du Toit from Hollywood Costumes and Mercedes de Bruyn, gives life to this pantomime-brainchild of one of our most famous actresses and directors Lizz Meiring, along with renowned designer Juan Boshoff and producer Rudi Kesting from Production Projects.  A very talented cast complements this high-quality production, which will leave audiences wanting for more.
This festive spectacular offers a fun-filled, once in a lifetime experience for young and old. Shows will guests will be amazed by a 70 minute show, transporting them to a gripping wonderland full of holiday cheer. Tickets can be booked through Computicket at R120 per adult entry, while kids under eighteen years of age and seniors will only pay R80.

We were early, but enjoyed hanging around and looking at the lights. There's food and sweets and loads of photo opportunities, even with Santa! The lights were even better when it got really dark, and I should have gotten more photos later on... (*kicking myself*)

Huts with sweets and goodies at the venue

Princesses!

Three Elves looking on

My vegetarian sliders that was available at the venue 

We watched the sunset from here, which was awesome

A word of caution. There are many light toys for sale, and the kids will nag you! We said "No" to Little Miss! But guess what? Dad's resolve did not stay strong...!

Little Miss with her light sword

The show was awesome, and the little ones love it. It is a bit late, because the Show only starts at 8 pm! But Little Miss did not want to move until the very last note! The kids enjoy the larger-than-life characters, and the adults enjoy the humour especially! Our favourite was the Snow-person!
(We wanted to go earlier, to miss some of the traffic going out of the parkade! But luckily the traffic was not too bad!)

The Fantasy of Lights continues until 24 December.
It is a great family outing!


Facebook Fantasy of Light
Twitter Waterfall Park
Instagram:@fantasyoflight2016


Disclaimer: We got tickets to attend the VIP evening last night!

Win tickets to a pre-screening of The Secret Life of Pets at Ster-Kinekor this Saturday

Celebrate Heritage Day with pre-release screenings of The Secret Life of Pets at Ster-Kinekor this Saturday. This looks like a definite winner for a family outing at the movies!

"Set inside a Manhattan apartment building, a terrier named Max finds his status as favourite pet in jeopardy when his owner adopts a giant, sloppy and careless mongrel called Duke. After being dragged into the city and caught by Animal Control, they're sent to the pound, where they're recruited into an army of lost pets by a bunny named Snowball."
Starring voices of: Ellie Kemper, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart
Directed by:  Chris Renaud, Yarrow Cheney
Produced by:  Janet Healy

Here is a short trailer for you to watch and get a glimpse at all the exciting adventures ahead:
The Secret Life of Pets - Ster-Kinekor

We have 4 tickets to be won. It would be great for a family still undecided what to do on Saturday 24 September. This is a nationwide pre-screening, so winners can attend at any of their local Ster-Kinekor theatres.

The pre-screening times available for viewing on the Saturday as per follows:
9:15        11:30     14:00     17:00     19:30     22:00

To win 4 tickets:
1. Please comment below and tell me which pet in the movie trailer best describe your pet while you are away from home?
2. Please leave your email address and nearest Ster-Kinekor cinema in South Africa. (Check out the drop-down menu on Ster-Kinekor's website)

The winner will be announced on Thursday 22 September at 9 am SAST.
This give-away is only open to a South African reader who is able to get to the Ster-Kinekor theatre by own transport.


Congratulations!

The winner through Random.org: Charne Ayres!
I will forward your details! Enjoy the movie!

Decorex 2016 - One day is not enough!

One day is not enough to catch everything that is in store at Decorex Johannesburg.
It is a true décor and design inspiration of ideas!

There are seven halls and over 22 000sqm of exhibition space showcasing the latest décor and design trends, products and services.
The theme: ‘Take it Home, Make it Home’

Africa’s premier décor, design and lifestyle exhibition promises something for everyone looking to renovate, restore, build or decorate. Running alongside the show, which takes place from 5 to 9 August at the
Gallagher Convention Centre, is the perennially popular 100% Design South Africa, a draw-card exhibition that provides a unique platform for leading local and international design names to present a carefully curated mix of top-drawer products.

I tried to catch some of the inspiration on SnapChat (@karentoittoit) , but it will be gone in in a few hours.

Here are some of our photos:

Decorex 2016 will still be on tomorrow!

For more inspiration:


Decorex Facebook
Decorex Twitter
Decorex Instagram


Disclaimer: We received tickets to attend the show!

Our first Parkrun

Delta Parkrun

We finally did our first Parkrun. I have been listening for weeks to a very passionate runner who sometimes runs the Parkrun twice in one go!

The Parkruns are a great way to get exercise in the fresh country, while being safe and getting feedback each week about the progress of your own exercise.
I did not realise that it's a worldwide event happening each Saturday, but it's definitely worth checking out when going to another part of the country or world!

Even Little Miss enjoyed it, and wanted to run for most of it!
We will be doing it more regularly from now on! (And I won't dress like the Michelin Man! ;-) It gets hot very quickly!)