The Little Guru

Author: Nicole – The Little Guru

Converse Renew Labs

Converse expands its sustainable outreach with the introduction of Renew Labs. A project led by Converse All Stars to fuel sustainable innovation.

A commitment to renew and refresh your previously loved All Stars. The introduction of Renew Labs invites customers to collaborate and contribute to Converse’s mission to create more sustainable and innovative
ways while extending their product life. Renew Labs will provide Converse consumers a premium service, where they
are able to revive their previously loved Converse sneakers, from quick clean offerings to rubber sole lining repairs and color customization. The pop-up allows consumers to learn more about Converses’ Renew product offering
while spotlighting local sustainable artisans, seamstresses and cobblers.

In addition to the activation space in South Africa, Converse All Stars launched a Renew Labs virtual store on the pacific garbage patch that contains 80MM tons of plastic spread over 1.6MM Square Kilometers, with the aim of closing it down ASAP by donating the proceeds to remove the plastic waste it stands on. The virtual store features a collection of new sustainable prototypes created by the All Stars as part of Renew Labs.

Visitors who make the (digital) pilgrimage to the Renew Labs store have the opportunity to get their hands on some very special one-off samples and WIP prototypes. Created by the Converse All-Stars who experiment with environmentally friendlier dyeing techniques. Imagine Chucks decorated in AirInk that recycles carbon exhaust into deep black ink. Or glow-in-the-dark paint extracted from naturally occurring Escherichia coli (aka E. coli) microbes.

Converse Renew Labs will be available in Johannesburg, at Sandton City Centre Court from 30 April to 2 May 2021.

April 30, 2021
Defy Grey with John Frieda

It was a hot summer’s night. “M” and I slumped on the couch catching up on our TV series. Feeling the cool breeze coming in from the front door, my long brunette hair glides like silk onto my face obstructing my vision. The laziness has taken full force as I ask “M” to gently stroke my hair away. He leans up close, moves my hair away and continues to glide my locks back. I slowly melt into the couch feeling total relaxation. Suddenly, I feel “M” searching my hair as If he had discovered gold. My heart quickens as I can sense he found something that was not welcomed on my head. I swiftly look up at him and in a calm and gentle voice, he says: “You have grey hair babe”.

I have always considered myself lucky in the sense that my brother and I inherited “good genes” from my dad. My pops is 75 years old and he looks 60. People almost always say we look younger than we really are and I ain’t complaining about it, but it seems my fountain of youth is running dry. I’m getting older and turning grey.

To Colour or Not to Colour…

Your first visible grey hair is a rite of passage and a gentle reminder that you are getting older, wiser and embracing a new chapter in your life. Like our scars and wrinkles, grey hairs are a symbol of a life well-lived. But of course, even though some may choose to embrace their grey hairs, others defy them. John Frieda premium haircare brand has broadened its line of hair care products to include the latest in hair management – the DEFY GREY Brunette Blending 3-Step System comprised of Shampoo, Conditioner and Blow-Dry Foam.

Having dark hair brown, almost black hair, these silver strands will stick out like a sore thumb. As of late, my hair has been falling out by the handfuls. I don’t think colouring my hair will make the situation better. So keeping that in mind, I couldn’t be more grateful for this haircare pack landing on my beauty desk to trial.

Defy the Grey with John Frieda…

DEFY GREY Brunette Blending Shampoo gradually infuses brunette tones to blend away first greys. Designed to be used daily, the Shampoo contains unique direct dye technology, which deposits an instant layer of colour onto the hair strand. These camouflage grey strands without that unnatural opacity that you get from permanent dyes.

DEFY GREY Brunette Blending Conditioner designed to be used alongside the daily shampoo. Defy Grey Brunette Blending Conditioner works on the surface of the hair to add depth and richness to the grey strands. This results in a veil of colour which blends seamlessly with a wide range of natural brunette tones.

DEFY GREY Brunette Blending Blow Dry Foam colour depositing foam helps blend away grey hairs to reveal the beautiful brunette colour. The foam offers a longer-term result by creating a durable colour gradually inside the grey hair strand. The colourants in the foam create a natural brunette colour from within the hair strand itself.

Why we love it…

This range is the most genuine way to embrace your changing hair colour and allow you full control over your natural look. As the range seems best suited to less grey hair, where strands are more isolated and peppered rather than patchy. It definitely works and allows you to embrace those silver strands and I think I’m going to do just that. For someone who is hesitant to start dying my whole head of hair, I think this is the perfect solution.

Where to Buy it…

The DEFY GREY Brunette Blending 3-Step System range is available exclusively at Clicks stores nationwide.

Here’s to embracing the grey! Read more here about JF Haircare range

April 9, 2021
We talking Everything Tea!

Finding more ways to incorporate tea into my day has been the inspiration behind this post. I have been a tea lover for the longest time and today we talking about everything tea! I was thrilled when Everything Tea wanted to send over some of their loose Tea’s to try. Being down and out for a week, it was the perfect opportunity to really sit and enjoy the blends of goodness and practicing good tea meditation.

What’s in the Box?

The lovely team over at Everything Tea, asked which tea’s I wanted to try. There is sooo much to choose from but I settled on the Birthday Cake, B(l)eauty Sleep, and the Glow tea blend They went above and beyond and included a beautiful cup with a tea diffuser and delicious honey with a honey dipper.

So.. What’s the Tea?

Birthday Cake Rooibos -Sweet, bold, and delicious. Guys, it’s just so yum! I love rooibos tea and with sprinkles added to the mix, it just makes it even tastier! It really is a sweet sensation and perfect to curb any sweet cravings!

B(l)eauty Sleep-Having a restful and peaceful sleep can be quite a challenge for most people. If you are struggling to fall asleep, then B(I)eauty Sleep blend is the perfect match for you. Packed with soothing ingredients like Butterfly Pea, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Valerian Root, this blend chills you out to the max! As someone who suffers from night terrors, this blend has certainly helped minimize them in a substantial way. The taste of the blend itself is unique and takes a bit of getting used to but the benefits of it have been incredible!

Glow Tea- Revitalize your skin and body with Glow tea blend, specifically formulated with skin beautifying botanicals. If you are a fan of green tea, then you will love this blend. The smell itself is so therapeutic.

Overall Thoughts

If you are a tea lover like I am, then I think you will honestly take your taste buds on a journey with all the delicious blends that Everything Tea has to offer. They too have beautiful gift sets that would be the perfect gift for any tea lover!

Click here to shop!

*TradeExchange

March 18, 2021
The Sad Truth…

Life lately has been good, considering everything that’s happening in the world. Until someone asks you that one question you dread…”When are you guys having kids?” Then my world turns into a black hole and the sad truth kicks in all over again…

It’s been a little over a year and a half that we started our very short-lived surrogacy journey. To be quite frank, the guilt still lives with me to this day. I don’t think it’s something that will ever go away and it will probably stay in my heart forever.

Lately, I catch myself wondering what our future would’ve looked like with a child in it. Is that absolutely crazy to still be thinking this way after a year? Is this me still grieving the loss of a chance at motherhood?

Christmas Traditions…

Every year without fail, our long time group of close friends meets up for a celebratory dinner, just before the Christmas rush. It’s become a treasured tradition that I hope will stay for many years to come. The funny thing that happens at our get-togethers is that someone always lands up being pregnant. It’s happened every year and it’s wonderful!

There was a moment during that dinner that the girls really opened up to each other. The excitement of the new little additions to the group, the sadness of loss that some of our friends endured, and the hope that they will have a chance to grow their family was all shared within our circle. I sat in awe as I listened to my girlfriend’s share their highs and lows and couldn’t help but think how incredibly strong women are.

With all the out-pour of emotions, I sat there thinking, all my friends are or are going to be mom’s, except me.

As terrible as it sounds, the thought and reality of it made me feel like an outcast.

Rise of Emotions…

The evening ended and we all said our goodbyes. Silence filled the car ride home and I knew exactly how M was feeling. I wasn’t alone. M was feeling like an outcast too. It sucks. BIG time. It feels like as soon as we get to a good place there is something that reminds us that we can’t have a baby of our own. A constant reality check.

Now please hear me out… This isn’t a pity party post. I don’t want our friends with kiddos, or anyone for that matter, “tip-toe” around us when it comes to the topic of kids. We love kiddos and want to share the joy of them with you. This is a post where raw emotions are shared because out there somewhere, I believe so many people are going through the same thing and if anything more women should be opened about their struggles.

The Sad Truth…

The sad truth is that I think M and I will always feel this way. We will always be faced with the question of “When are you guys having kids?” or “Time is ticking”. It’s exhausting and annoying at times but it’s our reality. As difficult as it is, we will find a way to adapt to this reality. I don’t doubt that it will be an “easy fix” but I know it will make us even stronger as a couple.

Here’s hoping it will get easier…

February 24, 2021
SKIN Functional Daily Moisturiser Review

The SKIN Functional brand has launched a new daily moisturizer to their incredible range and I am super impressed, to say the least. The SKIN Functional Daily Moisturiser Review is here!

Who is SKIN Functional?

SKIN Functional has a range of products formulated using optimal concentrations of effective and trusted ingredients to restore and maintain skin’s ideal functioning. A brand that I SWEAR by because its products is effective and result-driven. Each product contains ingredients that have earned the right to be there, leaving no room for redundancy.

SF Daily Moisturiser Ingredients:

Black Ginseng & ATP complex. Black Ginseng is a strong anti-oxidant. It has the ability to protect skin by reducing the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It has collagen-boosting effects, to enhance collagen production in the skin and rebuild it.

The ATP complex is to ensure the skin is working at its best with optimal cell functioning. This gives our skin “energy” to function and repair damaged skin cells. At the delicate age of 32, these ingredients are perfect for pre-mature aging skins.

How We Use It:

SKIN Functional has some incredible active serums. I have been loving using the Multi-Tasking Fixer prior to my moisturizer application. Dewy, glowing, hydrated skin! I talk more about their serums here.

Our Review:

Absolutely loving it. I love that you can use it morning and night, this makes your routine less complicated and some just more effective. This tube of magic goes for R290 which I think is fantastic. Overall an elegant and effective moisturizer.

I encourage you to fall in love with your skin and love the skin you are in. What better time than in the month of love to give the gift of skincare. Go on and fall in love with you!

A massive thank you to the SF Team and Mantra Publicity – You guys are gems!

February 18, 2021
Top Decor Trends for 2021

Nothing excites me more than decor! I have always had a love for it and tend to spruce up my home every so often. As we start the new year, I thought we could look at top decor trends for 2021 with a designer I have grown to love- Kim Williams.

True innovation often begins by looking to the past for inspiration. Few people know this as well as Cape Town-based interior creative and behavioral specialist, Kim Williams. Kim believes that only by reflecting on our design influences, can we ground our individual styles and lay the foundation for true innovation.

Top design trends to take from 2020 and how they are likely to evolve in 2021:

Biophilia

Bringing nature into our spaces provides us with a kind of visual comfort. The concept of biophilia embraces connecting with nature on all levels, from organic materials to earthy tones and colours. Natural elements permeate our spaces as we try to recreate a connection with nature.

Isola Design Studio – Image courtesy ITALIANBARK + SOMA

Modern Retro

The modern retro style has lush elements, like gold taps and classic patterns, that make spaces timelessly stylish and classic. More than that, the new modern retro puts an interesting twist on the idea of vintage as it draws inspiration from more recent decades. The beauty of the old has evolved; we see the use of pattern and the return of velvet and classical elements of retro being presented in a modern way.

Kim Williams Design

Nostalgic Design

One of Kim’s most recognizable design signatures is creating an experience with nostalgic items. This helps you can induce emotion, enhance productivity, or imbue a sense of relaxation.

Kim Williams Design

Metallics

How beautiful were the metallics of last year? Golds, coppers, and silvers all glistening and adding glam to our spaces. 2020 undoubtedly saw metals take off, especially here in South Africa, and some noticeable trends include black taps and coloured sanitaryware. 2021 is sure to continue to incorporate metallics into our more modern spaces.

New Minimalism

At the beginning of the lockdown in 2020, there was an intense decluttering process many of us went through and our need to have less stuff and have more space. Minimalism is built on sustainable, intentional living and an emotional relationship with your home. However, new minimalism is not sparse like its predecessor, but rather about reducing the number of material things we have down to what we really need.

Matteo Nunziati – Architect – Image courtesy ITALIANBARK + SOMA

Maximalism

Ironically, in 2020 we also saw the emergence of minimalisms polar opposite, maximalism. This style uses every element of our space as an opportunity to make a statement or grab our attention. Kim believes that this is because as individuals we are becoming more appreciative of our personal styles rather than simply following other’s choices. You can read more about maximalism here

Seletti Studio Maison and Objet 2020 – ITALIANBARK + SOMA

Trending

Looking back, the trends that stand out for Kim in 2020 from a design perspective were intertwined with our need to reconnect with nature and to find comfort in our homes and workspaces. I for one absolutely love the Biophilia trend and hope it stays for a very long time!

For more about Kim Williams and to sign-up for her blog here

Follow Kim on Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design.

January 22, 2021
5 Reasons to Give Tooth Powder a Go!

If you’re wondering about the latest tooth powder trend, here’s why you may like to consider including powders in your daily oral care routine. We are sharing 5 reasons to give tooth powder a go!

Ivohealth is on a mission to source and supply the best oral care products from around the world. And with this, they have. A proudly South African brand Olgani Natural Oral Care and their new range of tooth powders.

A Natural Approach to Oral Care…

Natural ingredients including sea salt, charcoal, and even cocoa are growing in popularity when it comes to oral care. This is due to their wide-ranging health benefits.

The sea salt in particular has a host of benefits. This includes keeping oral microbiota in balance, alkalizing the oral cavity, and neutralizing acids. These tooth powders contain non-abrasive blends of botanical and natural minerals. These amazing ingredients work together to promote optimal dental health.

The Tooth Powders…

The Olgani Sage & Wintergreen All Natural Toothpowder helps to prevent plaque and cavities,
freshen the breath and prevent periodontal disease. It contains green tea to strengthen the gum tissue. Licorice to prevent cavities. Ginkgo Biloba to improve blood circulation in the gums. Olive leaf to control bacterial and viral infections. Goldenseal to control fungal infections and rice flour to polish the tooth enamel.

The Olgani Charcoal & Cocoa All Natural Toothpowder whitens the tooth enamel, prevents
sensitivity and supports gum tissue. Its ingredients include charcoal and turmeric to whiten the teeth, licorice to prevent cavities, coffee oil to improve blood flow in the gum tissue and vitamin E to support the gum tissue.
It also contains echinacea to stimulate the immune system, cocoa to improve mineral absorption
into the teeth and a blend of essential oils to prevent bad breath.

Here are 5 Reasons to Give Tooth Powder a Go:

1.Plaque-removal – Used correctly, toothpowders are highly effective at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis

2.Whiter teeth – tooth powders have been shown to remove stains effectively

3.Planet-friendly – Olgani tooth powders come in a zero-waste glass jar and recyclable lid

4.Edible ingredients – made exclusively with natural, health-boosting ingredients that are good enough to eat

5. No nasties – Made without any additives like foaming agents or sweeteners

Our View:

I was very intrigued by these two little jars, but they really did surprise me, in a good way! It has a very unique taste. Not like your ordinary, sweetish toothpaste, so don’t expect a burst of flavour. The consistency of the tooth powders waters down and doesn’t foam at all. But I can honestly say that my teeth have never felt cleaner. My teeth feel super polished and it has even taken off stains from a few of my teeth.

I get that this won’t be for everyone, but I urge you to try it. It will honestly leave your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner. Super impressed and have definitely considered moving over to tooth powders once my toothpastes are done with.

Olgani toothpowders are now available at selected Dis-Chem stores! You’ll also find them at Faithful-to-Nature, Wellness Warehouse and many health shops aswell

Give Olgani a go – you may be pleasantly surprised at how clean your mouth will feel.

January 7, 2021
BE YOU with Curaprox

A fun new product landed on our beauty desk and we just had to share it! The new BE YOU Curaprox Toothpastes!

The BE YOU Toothpaste is designed to take the “Boring out of Brushing’ with funky colors and exciting flavours! Made in Switzerland, Curaprox is a Gentle Whitening Toothpaste with amazing benefits.

Curaprox toothpaste comes in six zesty flavours:

Rising Star – Grapefruit & Bergamot
Pure happiness -Peach + Apricot
Candy lover -Sweet Watermelon
Challenger -Gin Tonic + Persimmon
Daydreamer -Blackberry + Liquorice
Explorer -Apple + Aloe Vera

Long-lasting freshness. Gentle, natural whitening and a new dimension in oral health.

WHY WE LOVE CURAPROX:

STAY FRESH FOR HOURS

Power balls with extra menthol for long-lasting fresh breath. Power bubbles in the toothpaste give you a refreshing and long-lasting blast of menthol.

HERBAL HEALING

Beautiful herbs and natural ingredients – including extracts of echinacea, bitter orange, devil’s claw and Indian pennywort. This nourishes the tissue that lines your mouth and helps to stop inflammation.

WHITE MAGIC

Glucose oxidase sounds a bit scary. But it’s actually a natural enzyme that whitens your teeth gently – without bleaching agents. This takes care of your tooth enamel and gums at the same time. Magic. Gentle, natural, whitening – enzymatically

What is this enzyme?

It’s a protein that starts a metabolic process. Glucose oxidase in the mouth leads to the formation of oxygen… which in turn, leads to gentle whitening.

Two highly-desirable side effects of Glucose Oxidase:

Firstly… the glucose oxidase transforms into hydrogen peroxide in saliva which directly combats bacteria.

Secondly… It activates the lactoperoxidase system of the saliva. This also has an antibacterial – as well as an antiviral and antifungal.

We have been absolutely loving these funky tubes of toothpaste and we know you will too!

When shopping online at www.curaprox.co.za for every online purchase of over R250.00, you will receive a FREE BE YOU toothpaste!

Happy Shopping!

December 1, 2020
10 Important things you should know about chronic illness

I’ve written this article that has 10 Important things you should know about chronic illness to help educate those who want to learn about chronic illness. I want to spread awareness so that friends, family, employers, coworkers, and healthcare professionals can better understand chronic illness. My hope is that an increase in awareness will help strengthen relationships, reduce misunderstandings, and improve support systems for those with chronic illness.

10 Important things you should know about chronic illness

1. Nobody WANTS To Feel Sick

We don’t choose to feel sick. It happens! So if I cancel last minute, it’s because I really don’t feel well and it’s not just an excuse.

2. Many Doctors Don’t Understand Chronic Illness

Patients often have to spend precious time searching for a doctor who understands their illness and provides appropriate treatment options while their symptoms potentially worsen.

3. Being Unable To Work Is NOT a Vacation

We are struggling every day to do simple tasks: getting out of bed, getting dressed, making a meal, bathing, etc. Being sick is hard work.

4. Chronic Illness Can Trigger Many Emotions

Chronic illness itself can change the biochemical makeup of the mood control center in the brain. This can lead to depression and/or anxiety, which I think, comes with every illness.

5. The Symptoms of Chronic Illness Are Very Complex

The symptoms experienced by those with chronic illness vary depending on the illness. This can be extreme fatigue, pain, headaches, brain fog, nausea, and dizziness.

6. The Chronic Illness Fatigue Is Much More Than Being Tired

Fatigue is a common symptom in chronic illness. Dreaded fatigue can be easily triggered by simple daily activities or by more elaborate events such as holidays. It can take days, weeks, or even months to recover.

7. Brain Fog Is Extremely Frustrating

Brain fog is frustrating because it is a difficult symptom to describe. A cognitive dysfunction common in chronic illness. Those with brain fog often know what they want to say, but can’t find the thoughts or words to communicate it.

8. There Is a Greater Risk of Dangerous Infections

The immune system in those with chronic illness may be overactive and instead of attacking infections, the chronic illness immune system wastes time and energy fighting the body’s own organs, joints, nerves, and muscles. A minor cold in a healthy person could progress to a dangerous infection in someone with chronic illness.

9. Sensitivity to Smells Is Common

Certain smells including perfumes, colognes, cleaning agents, and smoke can trigger headaches, brain fog, nausea, and other symptoms in those with chronic illness.

10. It Takes a Lot of Effort to Manage Chronic Illness

Having a chronic illness is hard! Making sure we get adequate rest, avoid trigger foods, take medications at the correct times. It is understandable that sometimes we just want to just “take the day off”.

You can make a big difference in the lives of those with chronic illness by learning more about their symptoms and approaching them with compassion and support. Gaining an understanding of chronic illness will help make these conditions less “invisible.”

November 23, 2020
Hair Rehab

Hair Rehab – Want to know how you can Rehabilitate Your Hair?

Uncover the hair of your dreams, with a few easy tips!

This gentle approach begins with allowing our hair to heal; letting mother nature take the metaphorical brush and breaking our cycle of chemical dependency. This will begin the rehabilitation process.

How do you know if your hair needs rehabilitation?

Just like our skin, our hair will display signs of aging and damage if we mistreat it. Dullness, build-up, dry scalp, dandruff, oiliness, hair loss, and sensitivity are all common side effects of long-term chemical dependency.

These symptoms can be caused by a wide variety of sources. These include a build-up of silicone on the hair shaft, pH imbalance, a nutrient deficiency in the body, a medical condition, or physical reactions to the chemicals in your hair products.

Paying attention to your body and taking a minimalist approach to products and styling will give your hair time to find its natural equilibrium again. Everyone’s hair is already uniquely beautiful. It simply needs time to recover.

What is the Hair Rehab process?

Awareness

First, you need to detox from all the chemicals you come into daily contact with. Everything you use including shampoos, conditioners, oils, silicones, heat-protectors, and even bubble baths will have an impact on your hair.

Deep Cleanse

Give your hair a helping hand with a deep cleanse that will remove any chemical build-up and expose the natural state of your hair. Check out the John Frieda Hydrate hair masque- It is incredible!

Deep Nourish

Natural nourishing treatments like oils, masks and conditioners that contain botanical elements will help your hair look and feel loved.

Take Care of The Cuticle Layer

All hair has a cuticle layer that must be nurtured and understood for happy, healthy hair. Sealing the cuticle locks in moisture and protects the keratin in the hair from exposure. This also improves the texture of your hair and prolong your colour.

Limit Your Chemical Exposure

Actively replacing unhealthy hair habits with a ‘less is more’ approach to heat and chemicals, helps the care you put into your hair shine through in your confidence.

To unveil your inner goddess will take time so be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to adjust and recover. You are already beautiful, and your ideal hair is waiting for you, it’s only a few simple steps away.

November 19, 2020