5 TIPS FOR CLEANING AND TAKING CARE OF YOUR FLOORS

To think, a few years ago we were kids without a care in the world and now fast forward a few years and our exciting weekend plans involve cleaning the floors and washing clothes. Funny enough, something I assumed to be as simple as cleaning your floors actually require a lot thought to be put into - and not just buying any random floor product and mopping up the whole house.

YOUR GUIDE TO UBER'S TECH FOR SAFETY SUMMIT 2020 #TECH4SAFETY

Last year Uber and Uber Eats hosted their inaugural Tech For Safety summit, and this year they're back again on 22 October, hosting their second annual summit with a focus on technology-driven innovative solutions. In true 2020 spirit, the summit is being held virtually which means anyone can join in! But wait, what's in it for us? 

HOW TO MAKE WASHDAY A WHOLE TREAT YOURSELF OCCASION WITH HEAD & SHOULDERS SUPREME

 When we think of "treat yourself" what comes to mind is face masks, champagne and massages but I for one believe wash-day should be a whole pamper session too. If you have curly hair you're probably already accustomed to wash-day being a whole occasion that you have to schedule out in your diary. But instead of it being something you dread (Washing my hair takes at least 3-4 hours out of my day) make it something to look forward to.

INTRODUCING HEAD & SHOULDERS SUPREME RANGE (PLUS GIVEAWAY!)

Head & Shoulders is one of those OG brands that take me back to childhood, and this time they've come up with a new premium and feminine range, Head & Shoulders Supreme infused with Argan oil. Without compromising their anti-dandruff technology, Supreme is more conditioning and nourishing than ever thanks to the added Argan oil and micro hair nourishers.

IS IT STILL SAFE TO UBER DURING COVID-19? #RideSafeWithUber

 

  Face maskcheck - New Uber Technology that helps confirm drivers are wearing a face mask

This push notification, along with a few others, came up on my phone over the last few days from my Uber app. And just in time too, now that alcohol is back on sale I need a girls night with some cocktails and that means I need Uber to the rescue.

HOW TO PREVENT MASKNE (MASK ACNE) - SKIN CARE WHILE WEARING A COVID-19 MASK

Cellphone? Check. Wallet? Check. Keys? Check. Facemask? Oh shoot!

A GUIDE TO FLYING DURING COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA

Who would have thought our 2020 New Year's resolution of travel would be limited to walks in the backyard and trips to Woolworths. No tropical nights in Bali or the Contiki we've been saving up for. Not even that long weekend trip to Cape Town seemed realistic a couple months ago (And for the most part, doesn't even feel realistic now, 6 months into lockdown!) 

Antbear Eco lodge – A Drakensburg Accommodation near Giants Castle

As featured on the prestigious lifestyle TV series Top Billing, Antbear Eco lodge truly lives up to its expectations!

GIRL BOSS INTERVIEW WITH JULIA PETERSON

The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to professional model Julia Peterson.

1. Who is your female role model/woman who inspired you and that you look up to?

My mom is the most selfless woman I’ve ever met in my life. She’s my biggest critic and most definitely my biggest supporter. She’s always pushing me to go beyond my limits. The older I get the more I realize she’s my best friend who will always have my back.

2. Do you find that there is a lot of girl on girl hate in the modelling industry?

I haven’t really experienced girl on girl hate in the modelling industry. The friendships I’ve made with some of the girls started when I first joined the industry at 16 years old. It’s more of a sisterhood where we celebrate each other and develop more meaningful relationships outside the industry . This modelling world can be tough so it’s great that we can all relate and support and encourage one another.

3. What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is how you make other people feel about themselves. It’s about uplifting and empowering another woman instead of tearing each other down. There are so many beautiful people in this world but what stands out for me is character, humility and having a heart full of gold.

4. Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I’m passionate about women empowerment. Supporting and uplifting women to be their best selves. This world is cruel enough. Just as our faces differ so do our challenges, so I feel it’s important that we stand with one another and authentically and fiercely love one another. Imagine if we did that, what a beautiful world we would live in.

5. Tell us about your journey into modelling?

Growing up I was insecure about being tall and skinny. I was very shy so my mom enrolled me into modelling classes at 16. After successfully completing the courses I was chosen to be a professional model with Models International and since then doors have opened and I understand now how my insecurities back then and my uniqueness propelled me into my God-Given destiny today. It’s being a beautiful journey so far.

6. What was your favourite campaign that you've shot so far?

My favorite campaign would definitely be the Playtex Perfect Fit Campaign because it uses it’s platform to empower women and they celebrate the beauty of all women no matter what shape and size they are. Being apart of the journey with them so far has been so liberating and empowering.

7. What advice do you have for girls that want to get into the modelling industry?

My advice is to stay true to who you are and what you stand for. The modelling industry can make or break you so it’s important to know who you are and stand for something, because if you stand for nothing you will fall for anything. A lot of girls look at other people on social media and want to compete and copy, but my advice is to stay in your lane. God has an amazing purpose and plan that only you can fulfill.

8. Tell us about your Miss SA journey - what do you wish you knew then?

Being a finalist for Miss South Africa is one of my favorite achievements. It opened so many doors and I’ve made beautiful friendships during the journey. I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself and I had more faith in me. As much as the experience was amazing and life changing it was also challenging. I wish my mindset was stronger and I loved myself more fiercely during the competition. It’s natural for us women to compare ourselves to other women. I understand now that I’m enough and I will always be enough.

9. What's next for you?

2020 is a selfish year for me. I’m focusing on self-love, self-care, getting to know who ‘Julia’ is and doing things that empower me as a woman. I strongly believe that if I pour into myself more, will I be able to pour into others more abundantly. 2020 I will still be pushing in the modelling industry, focusing on empowering young girls  through workshops and discover new adventures to embark on .

10. Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I’m a fun, loving, warm down to earth person. I love laughing and having fun. Don’t let the heels and makeup fool you, I enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and cycling are my favorite ways to keep fit. I enjoy watching Bollywood movies (I always wanted to be a Bollywood actress ) I also love traveling and meeting new people.

12. If you could give your 13 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice to my 13 year old self: Your uniqueness is beautiful. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are amazing just the way you are. Embrace it!

12. Lastly, where can we find you? 

Instagram: juliapetersen1  https://www.instagram.com/juliapetersen1/

Facebook: Julia Petersen https://www.facebook.com/julia.petersen.142

GIVING BACK IN THE TIME OF COVID19 CRISIS - HOW UBER EATS, NEDERBURG & MASTERCARD HAVE AND HOW YOU CAN TOO

With all the negativity and negative impacts during this pandemic, I thought why not find the light at the end of the tunnel and find the good and positivity. Lockdown sucks and difinitely brought to the surface a lot of issues in our society - property, hunger, unemployment and just plain sadness, isolation and a general sense of cabin fever for even the most privileged. We want things to go bad to "normal". But were things that good to begin with? As I'm sure you've heard, a phrase that's stuck with me lately, is why not create a new "normal"? A normal that's obviously a multitude better than the pandemic but also better than pre-pandemic life. I'm definitely not trying to undermine the struggles that people are going through but overall, lets think of this as a do over, and come out of it stronger than before.


To start off and to inspire you to hopefully ignite a sense of optimism in you, I'm going to highlight some of the people and brands stepping up and playing their part for the better of humanity :)

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN: PLASTIC FREE, WATER FREE AND CRUELTY FREE WITH ZERO BAR SHAMPOO & BODYWASH

I've been at a cross roads recently in terms of my consumer habits. I want to align myself with and spend on money things I believe in - particularly eco-conscious while supporting local. I thought I'd introduce you to some of the products that fit the bill. These aren't necessarily reviews just a little introduction so that you know what's out there and so together we can support businesses and products that make a difference and each become conscious consumers. :)

BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID AND BEATING DEHYDRATED SKIN IN WINTER WITH NIMUE

Why does it somehow feel like we skipped straight from summer to the middle of winter? I went from barely remembering to put on lotion to having to put on 101 products on my skin to keep it hydrated and feeling moisturised. 

Luckily right before lockdown, Nimue sent me their new Smart Rehydration range, which admittedly at the time I didn't really think I needed because my skin felt pretty hydrated. Fast forward 3 months, it's become such a staple. Even more so now that I know how absolutely essential hyaluronic acid is - think of it as collagen's first cousin (And with the attention collagen has been getting lately, it's crazy that hyaluronic acid hasn't been getting much attention at all)

STAYING PRODUCTIVE DURING COVID 19 AND LOGITECH PEBBLE M350 WIRELESS MOUSE REVIEW

Most of us are practicing social distancing by staying in and working from home, and while the idea of that sounds great, we're slowly realising it really isn't that easy. Whether your employer gave you the thumbs up to work from your couch or you have this as time off work but still don't want to vegetate, it's possible to make extra productive use of this time. 

P.S This post is in partnership with Logitech and I review their Logitech M350 Wireless Mouse at the end so stick around for that! It's been an awesome addition to my laptop accessories and helped me still be able to work from my laptop comfortably wherever I am - whether I'm on the move (Pre-covid19) or working from my bed.

3 VALENTINES DINNER IDEAS WITH UBER EATS

While the idea of a romantic Valentine's Day dinner at our favourite restaurant sounds amazing, the reality is most likely a loud and crowded (More than likely filled to capacity) restaurant with less than stellar service and highly unlikely to come at a competitive price tag.  

You don't have to be an introvert or party pooper to want to spend Valentine's Day indoors. If anything, you're in for an even better time spending the 14th of February in. 

While I've never been much of a Valentine's Day person, this year I have someone extra special to spend it with and I want to make the most of quality time together. Going to a crowded restaurant filled with couples and instagrammable heart-shaped decor just to spend half the night documenting it on IG stories just for clout (Cue the "7 billion smiles and yours is my favourite" caption). While that's hella mainstream and basic, it's definitely not me. My love language is quality time and the idea of spending quality time with the people I love is something I prioritise. Notice I say "quality time" and not just "time"? 

Now spending Valentines Day indoors with your significant other doesn't have to be boring at all either. We're talking movie nights, games night with some board game classics like Monopoly (Even make it a double date with your favourite couple-besties), or even go all out and light some candles and music and have a romantic candlelit dinner (Who says you can't still make it a 3-course meal?!)

For me, the question definitely isn't whether to have a romantic dinner in with Uber Eats or not; the real question is what to order when I do. There are so many options and here are just some suggestions:

1. CHANNEL THE ROMANTIC ITALIAN WITH A PIZZA NIGHT

Mi Amore! No one does romance as the Italians do. And no one does food as they do either so you can't go wrong with a pizza. Pizza is a very safe option because who doesn't like pizza? Although make sure to clarify your S/O's preference - pineapples on pizza or nah? Plus, with the app’s allergy filter, you can be sure that you’re getting the allergy-friendly food your body loves, ensuring that your day isn’t ruined by a trip to the ER. 

Some pizza places on Uber Eats:

Durban:

Olive & Oil Glenwood,

Lupa  Osteria Florida Road,

Panarottis  Musgrave

Johannesburg:

Roman's  Pizza Park Station,

Mimmos  Braamfontein,

Pizza  Hut Fordsburg

Cape Town:

Col'Cacchio  Foreshore,

NY  Slice Pizza Kloof,

Debonairs  Pizza Cape Town CBD 

2. AIN'T NO CHEAT DAY - KEEP IT HEALTHY

It's only February so hopefully most of us are still on track with our fitness goals? No? Well, it's never too late even if you've strayed and had one too many pizzas already this year. While you can make Valentine's Day your cheat day, you can also still enjoy the occasion while sticking to your diet. The app has partnered with Discovery to provide you with Vitality approved meals, so you get to reach your goals and earn some points! 

Some healthier options on Uber Eats:

Durban:

Kauai  Musgave Centre,

Afros  Chicken Florida Road

Johannesburg:

Salvation  Deli aka Three Marys,

The  Leopard +,  

Cape Town:

The  Sunshine Food Sprouting Co Vegan Cafe,

The  Poke Co

3. HOT AND SPICY - I'M TALKING ABOUT THE FOOD

I know Indian food isn't everyone’s cup of chai (Get it? Chai as in tea?). But there's something so satisfying about a hot plate of biryani or butter chicken that just makes it the perfect comfort food for quality time with bae. Just make sure your significant other can handle the heat.

Some Indian food options on Uber Eats:

Durban:

Kebabish  Tikka Florida Road,

My  Diners North Beach

Johannesburg:

Taste  of India Fordsburg,

Ruching  Indian Restaurant

Cape Town:

Food  Inn India Long Street,

Eastern  Food Bazaar 

BONUS:

4. TAKE ME SOMEWHERE UNIQUE AND EXOTIC

Surprise your significant other with something different - why not try out a foreign cuisine you both love or explore one you haven't tried before? It's a way to keep things interesting and maybe even have a new first-time experience together.

Durban:

Flamin'  Wok 

Johannesburg:

Turkish  Kebab House Mayfair,

Kashif's  Fusion Food, 

Cape Town:

Tortilla  Modern Mexican CBD,

Nuri  Sushi Factory CBD,

Best  of Asia Gardens

#HAIRGOALS - JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE RANGE & MIRACLE DROPS TREATMENT

One of the things I've wanted to do this year is take better care of my hair. For the past 5-ish years I've coloured my hair at least 10 different colours and iron my hair literally every day. While I'm still working on cutting down on the heat, I've noticed my hair become more manageable lately and I'm sure part of that is thanks to incorporating John Frieda products into my routine (Another part is probably due to eating better, soaking my hair in coconut oil once a week and going for a much shorter haircut)

LATE MINUTE GUIDE TO VALENTINES DAY - UNIQUE VALENTINES DAY IDEAS 2020

Last year I did a post on Galentines Day (My all time fave fake holiday!) and while I'm still planning on having an epic Galentines on the 13th of Feb, I figured this year I'll be less of a grinch and celebrate the day after too - which just happens to be another holiday you may or may not have heard of, VALENTINES DAY!

GIRL BOSS INTERVIEW WITH KAJAL MAHARAJ

The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Kajal Maharaj, actress, model, entrepreneur and co-founder of Beauty & MUA squad SA.

SOUTH AFRICAN BRANDS TO SUPPORT IN 2020

"When you buy from a small business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay mortgage and a student pay for college."

I'm sure you've come across this quote somewhere, and I can't think of it being more relevant than it is right now. Where's the local is lekker spirit?

In South Africa supporting local is even more important because these businesses give our economy a much needed push and employ locals so that they have more cash money to support themselves and their families.

This year I wanted to prioritise supporting small to medium businesses.

STYLE INSPO: TIMBERLAND AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 COLLECTION

With the goal of powerful storytelling at its core, the collection features both new groupings as well as renewed styles that reflect the current appetite for chunkier and more stylized footwear. The look of the women’s collection is directed decidedly forward. Trendy details and of-the-moment colours and treatments define this season’s offerings.