Pampers enables us to make a difference.

In celebration of National Children’s Day in South Africa, Pampers is celebrating single parents who bravely navigated lockdown parenting with little to no support. 40% of parents in South Africa are single moms. Though the last year has been challenging for most parents, it has been undoubtedly more so for single parents who spent months isolated from family, friends, and childcare facilities that would form part of their support system.  

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This campaign, called #MamaUyindlovu, highlights the unique struggles and triumphs of renowned singer, Busisiwe “Cici” Thwala as she experienced motherhood for the first time during the COVID-19 related lockdowns. She also recognizes how she left no stone unturned to ensure her baby was safe and thriving developmentally during the height of the pandemic, despite the isolation.  

Pampers exists to celebrate and support parents to give babies the brightest beginnings in spite of these unprecedented times. Children’s Day presents the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate single moms, who are bringing up the next generation. Despite the challenges, all parents are showing incredible resilience and are giving their little ones a great foundation because of their active involvement and investment in their child’s development.  

Committed to making a meaningful difference and stepping up as a #Forceforgood, Pampers has pledged to donate towards early childhood learning scholarships by partnering up with SmartStart. SmartStart is an early learning social franchise that boasts over 6000 sites across South Africa. This is part of Pampers’ efforts to support the happy and healthy development of little ones as they continue their journey of discovery in our post-lockdown world. 

“Early learning is critical for a child’s future success. Yet many children from disadvantaged communities cannot access quality early learning due to economic barriers. We’re excited to be partnering with Pampers to grow access to our quality early learning programmes through early learning scholarships. We believe this kind of support is essential to parents during these times.” said Samantha Maasdorp, Network Strategist Lead at SmartStart.  

The partnership with SmartStart aims to support South African moms by providing early learning opportunities for their little ones during national lockdowns, especially single moms. 

Pampers is calling on all local communities to join in saluting single moms and supporting the right of all children to access quality early education this Children’s Day.  

“Through National Children’s Day we are presented with a unique opportunity to come alongside parents, as a brand, to support the holistic development of children by creating greater access to the critical development resources they need to have a brighter future,” concludes Oyebanjo Damilola, Pampers Brand Director.  

How You’ve Helped Cotton On Foundation Provide Quality Schooling To Ethekwini Primary Students.

Many of you will know that over the past year I have worked a lot with Cotton On & Cotton On Kids. At first, I was just excited and honoured to be recognized by and working with a brand I loved so much. But as time went by, I learnt a few more things about this well known and loved international clothing brand – things I wasn’t aware of before, and many of you will probably be learning something new today by reading this too.

A few years ago, I volunteered as a teacher in a creche in our local township. After having taught in a few other private schools, I thought there would be a huge culture shock. Truth is, the months spent in this creche was where I truly found myself – found happiness. This is where my heart was – knowing I could somehow make a small impact on the lives of these kids who came from so little yet came to school daily with such a desire to learn. You’re probably wondering where I’m going with this. Keep reading.

 

If you live in South Africa, chances are you know and love Cotton On as much as I do. The baby & kids clothing either leaves me wishing I had another baby – or leaves me bankrupt because I buy everything I’d buy for my own baby for friends who have had babies. Their range for adults is always changing, and they’re so good at keeping with the trends. My point is, if you’ve ever shopped there, you’ll recall daydreaming while waiting to pay at the till area, and picking up the various cute, quirky and colourful merch as you approach the counter. The bottles of water, little packs of tissues, hair bands, bracelets, tins of mints, tote bags and cute little badges. You’ve either thought or said out loud to your friend – how cute is this? But I bet you had no idea how much of an impact it would make.

 

A few weeks ago, I flew up to Durban with the Cotton On Foundation as a Cotton On Ambassador along with a few other SA based influencers, journalists and press. Little did I know what I was in for. It was a two-day fieldtrip with a jam-packed itinerary – their intention being to share with us what they have managed to achieve for the impoverished community of KwaMashu already, which included 1200 educational places in the school that Cotton On Foundation has built – eThekwini Primary School. If you’re following me on Instagram, you would have seen various stories I posted over those two days, but I’m excited to share more with you.

A few of the students from Ethekwini Primary School, KwaMashu proudly standing in front of their new & improved school.

I’ve never felt so overcome with emotion, yet seeing all of these kids thriving in their new school was just about too much for my heart to handle. But what moved me even more was knowing that so many of youare the reason that Cotton On Foundation can do this for these children. Did you even know that when purchasing the Cotton On Foundation merch I mentioned above, the ones that you look at and comment on – 100% of the proceeds from those exact items go to Cotton On Foundation – meaning that it goes towards building schools for these kids. And what excited me and continues to excite me is that we can continue to make the change by making that simple choice to support Cotton On Foundation when shopping at Cotton On stores.

It’s just as easy to pop into Cotton On when you find yourself craving a bottle of water instead of heading into a grocery store. They’re currently at 3 in 5 customers purchasing a Cotton On Foundation product, can you imagine what 5 in 5 would do for our communities?

What really hit home with me while reflecting back on those two days was knowing how important and vital not only good education is, but just education in general. Yet so many kids don’t even have the option. They are born into a world of poverty – living in a community that is faced with violence and unemployment. A world that becomes a vicious cycle if nobody gives them a peak into what their world could potentially be. Providing these children with the opportunity to change this life they have come from – to create a future for themselves with hard work, determination, dedicated teachers and the knowledge of nutrition that they can take home with them, which enables them to have a healthy mind, healthy body and food in their little tummies, as many of them only get this one meal a day which is prepared for them by the Nutrition Mission at their school.

As journalist, Lauren Hartzenberg from Bizcommunity.com explains, “The Foundation is focused on empowering youth through the delivery of quality educational projects that assist in breaking the cycle of poverty. “We know that our responsibility goes far beyond selling clothes. The Foundation was set up to both fundraise and oversee education projects in under-resourced regions,” explains Tara Stretch, South Africa manager of the Cotton On Foundation.” I’d love for you to read her full article here, which will give you a good view into all that the Foundation has done and continues to do: https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/348/197929.html

I loved being shown around the school, seeing all of these children happily learning in their brand new classrooms. The heat and humidity of KwaZulu Natal is something most people comment on, and their previous schooling conditions resulted in them learning beneath the trees in the blazing hot sun. Their new facilities allow them to learn in spacious classrooms. They have also added on 37 new ablution facilities.

The Foundation believes in working with the schools and on their projects over a period of time, and providing them with the knowledge and facilities they require in order to ensure that what they do can be maintained. They don’t just hand over the money and leave. The Foundation fully commit themselves, and provide additional training to the teachers, and members of the community are invited to the Foundation’s education-based Nutrition Mission Programme. They teach the community how to prepare healthy, nutrient packed meals that will keep their families healthy at an affordable cost. It also teaches them about common health problems in their community – something that is so vital for them to be educated on, as so many of their kids are kept home because they are unwell from being malnourished.

The Foundation also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle at the school through the fully equipped playgrounds they have built. These playgrounds are a space that they encourage learners to utilize as a safe space before and after school. A space that the older kids can eat their lunch in and chat, and the younger kids can play in. It encourages the learners to keep active and to just hang out. This will keep them out of trouble, and for many of them, is a better place to spend after school hours at rather than being at home.

I could go on forever, but the message I am trying to get across to you is this – most of us are where we are today, as adults, because of the education we were provided with. I am in no way saying that our lives were perfect – but we can simply read this article because we are educated. We were given an opportunity to learn.

Reading this, you’ll have had a little glimpse into just how much Cotton On Foundation has done for eThekwini Primary School – for KwaMashu as a community. What I haven’t even mentioned is that the Foundation also officially announced Dr JL Dube High School (just a few km away from eThekwini Primary School) as their second school project in South Africa. That means another 1200 children being given a life changing opportunity to be educated in a wonderful schooling environment. All of this can happen because of that bottle of water you chose to buy. That cute tote bag you oohed over. That pack of tissues you bought to add to a gift. It’s so simple to do your part, and to help change the lives of these kids in OUR community. Help them expand past just KZN, they are so hungry to help communities nationwide, and with your help, they will.

If you’d like to know more about the Foundation – feel free to pop me an email at onemodernmom@hotmail.comor ask by commenting on this article. Alternatively, you can read more about their projects here: https://www.cottononfoundation.org

You can also shop these items online now: SHOP NOW!

 

 

 

A Magical Day – Create Your Day Party.

As a busy mom, as birthdays approach I find myself wondering how I’ll make all of my sons birthday dreams a reality. Luckily, my sons expectations weren’t through the roof this year, and he simply and very confidently explained that all he really wanted was a Bear Grylls Adventure Party with a few of his friends.

Me being me, my imagination runs WILD, and I find myself overcomplicating things. I see everything through photographs, and become a bit of a perfectionist. Thankfully, I am an overly organized person at times, so I plan ahead. I recall visualizing exactly how I imagined the party, and my heart sort of dropped as I wasn’t sure how I’d find the things I needed to bring those thoughts to life.

And then, it all just happened. I somehow came across Create Your Day Party on Instagram. I realized she was based in Cape Town, and I knew that this was exactly where I needed to be. I contacted her to find out how we could use one of her existing themed boxes in order for it to still work within the Bear Grylls theme my son had set in his mind.

Before I knew it, the box overflowing with wild adventure had been delivered, and oh my heart, I don’t even have the words to express how content and relieved I was. This box had everything I needed and more. The decor, the activities, and more!

Inside your Wild Adventure box you will find:

• Party decorations: bear plates, leaf napkins, cups and paper straws, cake toppers, garland ‘Adventure Awaits’ balloons, confetti, party bags.
• Their inspirational guidebook full of tips and tricks, activities and a shopping list – which is basically like a printed out version of Pinterest.
• Paper animal ears for all little adventurers, 1 ‘Billy the Bear’ mask and face paint.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt list, including 1 magnifying glass and a bag of toy insects.
• DIY slingshot set for all kids.
• Personalised digital ‘Wild Adventure’ invitation.
• Printable ‘Wild Adventure’ colouring picture.
• Short video clip of the storyline.

The kids had the time of their lives! Give me the decor and idea challenge and I’ll throw you a beautiful party. Give me entertainment for 10 kids under the age of 5, and I’ll send them to Disneyland. Just kidding. But in all honesty, that part isn’t my forte’ which really gives me added stress when planning my sons party. Thankfully Create Your Day came to my rescue, and with using the guideline, I managed to keep the kids entertained for the duration of the party. We made slingshots, they hunted down the bear, they spent loads of time on their scavenger hunt in our own garden, and they just loved the independence and freedom it gave them. Some working in groups and some pottering around the garden on their own.

The decor was just exquisite! Apart from the beautiful environmentally friendly balloon garland done by Cape Town Balloons, everything else came from the box and complimented the theme and the party to perfection. I had a houseful of ‘wild animals’ roaming around the house, cake smeared over the faces and dirt on their hands from taking their Scavenger Hunt so seriously.

The parents raved about such a visually beautiful and interactive party. What I love is that you aren’t limited to a Wild Adventure party if you use Create Your Day. You can also choose from the following:

– Let’s Go Glamping
– Silly Circus
– Superhero
– Tea Party
– Tropical Fiesta

And even within those themes, you can really make it whatever you want it to be. I found that going this route was an affordable and convenient option. Because you aren’t having to drive around back and forth to find everything you need yourself, as well as having to buy in specific quantities, the Create Your Day option was the best I could have done, and honestly, I’m not sure I’ll be able to go back to what I did for previous years.

I honestly didn’t know we had such exclusive and high end products available to us for parties in South Africa. But thanks to owner, Willemijn, a Dutchie living in Cape Town – mom to three kids – she brought her European standard with her.

This will be a party that won’t be forgotten by our family or my little birthday boy.

Supplier List: 

Decor & Party Box & Kids Accessories: Create Your Day
Balloon Garland: Cape Town Balloon
Photography: Kindred Kind
Cake: Sweet Lionheart
Letterboard: Fable Lifestyle & Baby
Ceramic Fox: Calico Ceramics

Warriors Of Hope – The Beautiful Initiative by Keedo.

I was recently asked to work on a campaign with Keedo. I’m sure that by now, you’re all well aware how much I love the local brand – I love them for their beautiful, childlike designs. In a world where we so often dress kids way beyond their years, Keedo brings us back down to earth. Their garments beg to be played and explored in.

And just as I thought that my love for Keedo couldn’t get any deeper – they launched their Loenix Warriors of Hope collection. Talk about a beautiful range. For many of us, having a child with cancer is unfathomable. Yet, for the other percentage, you may have walked the journey with a child of your own whose tiny body has had to fight off cancer. You may have been the shoulder to cry on for a friend whose child has been fighting cancer. Or you, yourself may be a cancer survivor. Either way, their aim is for whoever reads this blog post to feel uplifted and inspired. See the beauty in the words – in the range, and let it move you.

This collection has been inspired by the little soldiers across the world who are up against the invisible enemy. To those who face a beast that is daunting even to adults. However, what Keedo is trying to show us is that as difficult as it is to watch the disease break down the little solders’ walls of safety, to witness the feats and tribulations that parents face – instead of turning their faces away, rather wipe the tears from their faces and open your eyes to the beauty that can be found along this dark path.

She continues to explain that somewhere there is a warrior creating butterflies from the cracks on the ceiling of the oncology ward. Another warrior is painting the most beautiful, colourful masterpieces. The lesson to learn is that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times. This collection is a tribute to all of the brave little warriors who refuse to let the beast win. Even when it takes its tolls on their bodies, their bold hearts proclaim a battle cry of laughter. They are the Warriors of Hope and their mission is to open the eyes of the World.

These deeply moving experiences resulted in the Warriors of Hope range which you’ll find in Keedo stores countrywide. The designs incorporate both the dark times faced by children suffering from cancer, and the bright, unbreakable spirits of these little soldiers. Incorporating dark colours, stripes, colourful polka dots, and yellow cancer pom-poms, the pinnacle of the design is the artwork of the children and the way they bring colour to their world. The designs illustrate the contrast between children who suffer internally, but still wipe their parents tears and make each other laugh in oncology wards across the globe.

This collection is truly beautiful! It was designed to spread the hope that these children wish to share with us. The intention isn’t to make you feel sad, but rather to make way for the future generation. A generation that chooses to see beauty in every situation. They do not allow anything to steal their joy.

I feel honoured to have been asked to spread the word for this incredible initiative. I love how Keedo has decided to speak so much positivity, honesty and reality through the Warriors of Hope collection. I also appreciated how they have a special place for this collection in their stores. Really creating a space for it to stand out – they have created unique tags for the garments and have informative posters in the stores that will share insight on what the different styles mean. As you can imagine, every single item is stunning! And of course, the purpose behind it all just makes it even better.

Please pop into your nearest Keedo and see the Warriors of Hope collection for yourself. Educate your kids – don’t be afraid of them knowing about children their age and younger who are fighting cancer. Allow them to be thankful for their health. And enable them to be sensitive and caring for those surrounding them who are walking this frightening journey with so much positivity and hope in their hearts.

 

If you purchase any of the garments – don’t just buy it for what it looks like, but have your kids understand the meaning behind it. Please do tag me if you buy any of the garments – I’d love to see which one you chose and hear your thoughts on this beautiful collection too. The collection caters for kids from newborn – 6 years.  In light of Mandela Day, I am encouraging YOU to donate to the Warriors of Hope campaign online www.keedo.co.za or at any Keedo store nationwide. Allow this range to help you see the light in dark times.

Not sure where your nearest Keedo is? No problem – simply click here to see the full list of stores countrywide. https://www.keedo.co.za/storelocator

A Girls Weekend at Shiraz Estate Guest House.

Being the type of person that I am, I wanted to organize a girls weekend away with my bridal party. With only a few months left until the wedding, it was time to go on a little roadtrip with the girls to just relax and enjoy the calm before all of the craziness hit.

When looking for the perfect spot – I knew that I wanted a place that had beautiful interior, as well as an outdoor area that would work for entertaining. When I stumbled upon Shiraz Estate Guest House in Riebeek-Kasteel, I immediately knew it was exactly where we needed to be.

We booked months in advance, and as I told Kristine, the owner of Shiraz about my plan to put together a special surprise for my bridal party, she was so open to allowing me to create a beautiful space outside for them. That being said, Shiraz is the perfect getaway for a bachelorette or birthday weekend.

After an incredibly busy few months, the four of us were excited and relieved to finally be on the road after work. We arrived that evening, and were appreciative to have found such a wonderful place so close to Cape Town.

We were greeted by Kristine and shown around the gorgeous house.  And although it was late, it didn’t take long for us to settle in and to feel ‘at home’. A bottle of champagne was awaiting our arrival, and we took full advantage of our first child-free night and it being beneath the moonlit sky outside by the pool. It was so great having the feeling of not bothering anybody even though we got reasonably late and without even realizing, we were only climbing into our bed around 3am!

Arriving at night meant that we couldn’t quite make sense of our surroundings, so it was such a wonderful surprise when taking our first look outside when we awoke. The weaver birds singing and working hard was really something special, and although they’re loud, it was actually one of the highlights of our stay. That sweet sound of birds singing happily truly is something unique.

We made good use of the Nespresso machine, and enjoyed the rusks left for us in our room. I loved that we shared the ‘family room’ which has a main bedroom, twin beds, little dining area and en-suite bathroom. This was perfect for the four of us sharing, and although we had all of the space in the remainder of the house, it was nice to have some down time in our suite.

That first morning, we decided to have a slow morning, and enjoyed breakfast under the garden gazebo. We were blessed with beautiful weather and took full advantage of it! It was amazing having full access to all of the crockery and cutlery that we needed. Two of the girls then headed into town for coffee, while two of us set up the little surprise for my bridal party.

Riebeek-Kasteel is a tiny little town with some of the best coffee shops, restaurants and galleries! If you come up for a few nights, there is definitely no shortage of things to do. You can actually walk there from Shiraz, it’s a beautiful, peaceful and quick walk up the road. However, it’s also just far enough to feel that you’re secluded.

Kristine and the other two ladies from Shiraz were amazing while I was setting up – they were super helpful and helped get the outdoor area perfected. I was initially a bit worried about feeling that I was being an inconvenience, but they were excited for me, and never once made me feel that I was putting them out. This really made the entire event that much more special and it all turned out beautifully.

It was great having a space as beautiful as this to create what I was envisioning, and the fact that I didn’t need to bring any additional things like plates, knives and forks, etc along was so appreciated and helpful.

Overall, Shiraz feels like a home away from home. It’s perfect for families when booking out the whole house – there’s loads of space for playing in the garden, swimming and braaing. We’ll definitely be back with a group before too long!

I was so excited to have found such a gem so close to home, and especially one that so well suited our aesthetic and décor standards. Kristine and her family have created such a beautiful space – one that isn’t easy to find in the Western Cape. They stay on the same property in a separate home, however, they’re only at the house when needed, and certainly understand the meaning of hospitality!

But, Lauren from Lauren McCreath touches on all of the juicy décor details below:

Shiraz boasts the best of simplicity and luxury. The lovely Norwegian owners have showcased their take on an AfroScandi aesthetic. Beautiful, simple and clean lines inspired by their heritage, combines with an African ethic, creating a sophisticated and stylish guesthouse in Riebeek Kasteel.

The renovated homestead has been rejuvenated to its former glory. The love they have put into creating the beautiful guest house is felt around every corner.

The traditional architecture of the home with terracotta tiles, large open fireplace and areas of exposed original stonework, smartly framed and showcased, pays homage to the Cape vernacular of the homestead.

The combination of beautiful traditional African fabrics, local artworks and woven wares combined with bespoke and Scandi inspired furniture pieces punctuates the crisp interiors, creating a warm and inviting ambiance in which to relax .

Organic elements are combined with a gentle muted color palette which creates a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

The locally made bespoke furniture, has a distinct Scandinavian feel.

Individual pieces sourced from Ikea and Danish company Muuto bring authentic Scandi style, and, combined with classic pieces sourced from local artisans such as Pederson and Lennard and Sacs in Woodstock, is balanced and considered. The owners have perfected the look and feel of minimalist design with ease and flair.

The upstairs loft bedrooms boast large en-suite bathrooms. The King sized beds with custom made headboards which reference local “riempie” furniture, are beautifully dressed in crisp white linen. Stylish, simple Muuto pendant lights complete the look. Carefully placed plants create an organic link to the gorgeous outdoor spaces.

The reed ceiling veranda has an inviting comfy sofa, providing a perfect spot to watch the abundance of bird life in the palm filled garden, whilst dining tables and chairs provide a relaxing place to enjoy meals.

The symmetry and balance of the inky blue pool and its pool house are a feast for the eyes, and provide an idyllic and tranquil area to unwind.

Comfy African print cushions brighten the bench seating in the pool house… a perfect area in which to enjoy long leisurely meals, celebrations or sundowners.

Shiraz is a warm and welcoming reflection of the detail and care of the AfroScandi aesthetic of the wonderful owners and the perfect destination for those wanting to enjoy peace and tranquility in a beautiful setting.

Book it out as a 6-Bedroom Villa:

From September, the guest house will only be able to rented out as a whole house. It is also super affordable when dividing the total price per night by the amount of people. This is something we’d totally make use of! We love the idea of booking out the entire guest house as a self-catering holiday house!

Get a group of friends together, pack your bags, and have a relaxing few nights in Riebeek-Kasteel. The house sleeps up to 14 guests in 5 double rooms with king size beds (beds can also be made into twin upon request) and 1 Quadruple Suite. All rooms are en-suite, have air-con or fan and a coffee & tea station with a Nespresso machine. Relax in the tranquil garden with pool, sun loungers, garden gazebo (perfect for entertaining – which is what we used it for), and braai facililities. Enjoy meals together in the dining room with a fireplace, or outside on the shaded stoep or in the garden gazebo. The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas stove and with all the necessary crockery, pots & pans and utensils for self-catering. Located in a gated complex with plenty of off-street parking.

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Make your booking now. And follow them on Instagram to keep up with the latest news and any specials as time goes on!