The Little Guru

Author: Nicole – The Little Guru

How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts with Cetaphil

Are you suffering from “Maskne“? The not-so-luxurious term to enter the Covid-19 world. Cetaphil is here to help fight face mask breakouts with these nifty tips & products!

So, you made or bought your face mask and have been diligently wearing it for the past couple of months. Now, out of the blue, you’re experiencing breakouts in strange new spots.

You’re likely dealing with “maskne”, the latest not-so-luxurious term to enter the world of COVID-19. As the name suggests, Maskne, is acne that results from wearing a face mask or dermatologically known as acne mechanica. This type of acne is commonly triggered by sweat, friction, and pressure on the skin. Casing inflammation, red rashes, and tiny cluster pimples!

Luckily, you can make some easy adjustments to your skincare routine to combat mask breakouts and soothe irritation. A leader in gentle skincare products, Cetaphil, shares some tips to help take care of your skin while wearing a mask.

Choose a Soft Breathable Mask

Cloth face masks can now be easily purchased from a variety of places online or home-made. It is recommended to use a mask with three layers, selecting a non-woven (or similar) fabric with strong filtering capability as the middle layer, and the accompanying inner and outer layers for comfort, structure, and some additional protection.

Remember to wash re-usable masks regularly as they are prone to collect dirt, oils, bacteria, and germs, which may exacerbate skin problems. The Department of Health has discouraged the public from using the N-95 masks, as these have been reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

Include a Gentle Skin Cleanser into Your Skincare Routine

Select a skin cleanser like the Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser. A mild, non-irritating, non-drying gentle skin cleanser for even the most sensitive skin. This gentle skin cleanser can be used without water. If you have irritated or sensitive skin, gently swipe a cotton round with the cleanser over your skin.

Create a Skincare Barrier by Using a Moisturiser

After your daily morning exercise and post-cleansing, apply a moisturizer like the Cetaphil® Daily Hydrating Lotion. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid ( The type of acids we love) provides instant hydration. Maintaining the skins protective barrier which helps to protect skin from dryness.

Don’t Forget your Sun Protection Factor, Even in the Colder Months!

Although half of our face is covered by our face masks, it is still important to apply an SPF daily as some of the skin is exposed to the harmful sun rays when going for morning walks. Opt for a non-comedogenic and oil-free option as they work to decrease excess oil that can clog pores and lead to acne.

Keep in Contact with your Dermatologist

If you are concerned about the health of your skin or keep experiencing skin breakouts, keep in contact with your dermatologist. Some dermatologists are offering a Telehealth solution because it’s a great way in which they distribute health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies.

Want to know more about Cetaphil products?

Read more here and here.

Find Cetaphil in South Africa
Available from Dischem, Clicks, and leading pharmacies nationwide.

June 25, 2020
How Our Spaces Have Changed…

In these crazy times, many of us are still working from the comfort of our homes. With us now spending more hours in our homes, we should focus on embracing the flexibility of our spaces. For me at least, I cant help but think, how our spaces have changed so much! Kim Williams believes that creating different spaces to experience, will support mental and physical health. You can read more about Kim Williams here.

Home Sanctuary Tips

Talented Kim Williams offers us tips on how to create your own home health sanctuary:

1. Convert your lesser-used areas into a shared wellness and exercise space. The space should be designed to create an environment that fosters both your physical and mental health. Both to retreat to and to exercise in.

2. Remember to create spaces that allow you to pause, meditate and recharge. As we seek to make our homes more functional for our changing needs, we must remember to section off spaces. Specifically dedicate to allow focus and to be grateful for our good health.

3. Be mindful of how you use technology in your wellness routine. Technology has evolved to include a wide array of useful health apps. From guided meditation to CrossFit instruction. After the pandemic, we will no doubt see technologies evolve and grow so that we won’t have to touch any devices or equipment, to further to assist us with exercising in our home environment.

4. Bring the outside in wherever you can. Studies have shown that being surrounded by even the smallest amount of nature has a positive impact on our psyche. A calming effect on our environment and a welcome addition to our oxygen supply. Certain plants can even filter odours which is very useful in a home gym.

5. Reduce, reuse and recycle is not only good for the environment but your wallet too. Repurposing more of what you have is essentail! Looking for sustainable ways to improve your living environments will make sure you are following the latest design trends. A personal stamp to put into tour interior too!

6. Hand-crafted items are synonymous with high quality and there is tremendous satisfaction in crafting something from scratch. As we make more with our hands and become more mindful of the special opportunity for the sentimentality handcrafted items give us, we should expect to see crafts and hand-made products appearing more.

Kim Creates Her Own Wellness Space…

Images by Get Published/Kim Williams

In her new wellness space, Kim has walked the walk and worked with items she already had. A ladder makes for a stylish Scandinavian-inspired blanket holder and a scented candle engages your sense of smell, creating a spa-like atmosphere.

Plants from Kim’s garden dangle from the ceiling and peacefully sway in the breeze, adding height and dimension to the space. Old baskets make for quaint storage for towels.

Soft furnishings from other spaces in her home, such as cushions and an old picture from a past holiday home, finish off her space as if they had been made for it.

Spaces Changed Forever…

How we look at our spaces has changed forever. The psychological impact of the Coronavirus on our lives has forced us to look at our homes very differently.

It has helped us pin down exactly what we want from our spaces. Our limited access to the outside world has inspired our creativity and pushed us towards a minimalist mindset in the most unlikely and pleasantly surprising ways.

Most of all, the COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us more appreciative and protective of our good health, and there is no better way to sustain it than to exercise both body and soul in the beautiful, personal, safe space of your home.

Be sure to follow Kim Williams for more decor inspo! Follow Kim on Facebook and Instagram

June 10, 2020
Healthy Hair Habits You Should Adopt!
It is officially winter here in Johannesburg and man our winters really are cold! The chill feels like it get’s into your bones! It also means that the beanies and scarfs come out! Now if you are a long hair gal like me, this just means that knotyted hair days are ahead of us!

As we all know, John Frieda is my go-to haircare brand and they have offered some amazing healthy hair habits to adopt keep your beautiful locks, well beautiful.

Image by Mala Media

Healthy Habits to Adopt ASAP!

1. Brush your hair before you step into the shower
Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage, so take the time to detangle your strands before jumping into the shower. Not only does it allow you to brush the knots out of your hair when it is dry but also it distributes the natural oils from your scalp to the ends of your hair. A paddle brush is the ideal tool to use or a soft bristle brush.

-I use my tangle teaser for this step!

2. Turn down the temperature of your shower
As appealing as a steamy hot shower may sound, taking a ‘super-hot’ shower can damage your skin and hair. The desired temperature should be enough to deep clean dirt and grime in your hair but be careful that it’s not too hot that it causes irritation.

-I really love hot showers though…

3. Use conditioner with care
Conditioner is like moisturiser, but for your hair. Using it helps to keep your hair hydrated and protected against potential damage. A R5 coin-size drop of conditioner is plenty for most textures and lengths. Using too much conditioner can weigh down your hair, especially if your strands are ultrafine.

-Definately guilty of useing more than I should and only apply it to the ends of my hair as I have oily roots.

4. Consider hair masks or Deep Conditioners
Hair masks are a deep conditioning treatment that help to heal, moisture and nourish damaged hair. Some hair masks or deep conditioners may even improve the health of your scalp and boost the strength of your hair. It is recommended to use hair masks or deep conditioners once a week or as desired/required by your hair type and lifestyle.

-John Frieda has brought out two new hair masks which are just incredible! You can read more about the launch here.

5. Eat a balanced diet
As tempting as it is to keep opening the fridge and indulge in your lockdown snacks, an unhealthy diet can result in sudden hair loss. When you don’t get the correct vitamins, minerals and wholesome nutrients, it can lead to a loss of hair. Good sources of hair food: berries, spinach, and avocados, along with anything else rich in vitamins C and E which will help boost collagen production, resulting in stronger strands.

-My staple has been smashed avo and toast, so Im doing good so far!

6. Healthy scalp leads to healthy locks

Make a smart shampoo and conditioner choice: A healthy scalp is perhaps the most important component of a healthy head of hair. Therefore, it is vital to choose the correct shampoo & conditioner best suited to your hair needs.
1. Shampoo and conditioner for Fine hair – Fine hair generally lacks volume, has little bounce, and appears soft and limp. A suitable hair care product for fine hair is a volumising shampoo and conditioner that contains structure-enhancing additives such as proteins and polymers. These ingredients build up the hair and make it appear stronger.
2. Shampoo and conditioner for Dry Hair – Dry hair has a brittle texture to touch, and split ends may be visible when you look in the mirror. A suitable shampoo and conditioner for dry hair is one that has moisture additives, as dry hair requires more moisture than protein, as too much protein can make the hair become hard and brittle.
3. Shampoo and conditioner for Damaged Hair – Damaged hair has a rough texture, dull shine, split ends and lacks moisture. A suitable shampoo and conditioner is one that has a good balance of moisture and protein, with protein being the key ingredient as this strengthens the bonds and helps prevent further damage.
4. Preserve moisture. Many common scalp problems arise from dry skin or are exacerbated by dehydrated tissue. When you shower or bath, avoid exposing your scalp to hot water whenever possible. Instead, use lukewarm water for rinsing. A useful tip: It is recommended to not wash your hair everyday but rather every second or third day. Also, invest in a good shampoo and conditioner. Purchasing talcum powder which absorbs any excess moisture from the root area will be good too! (be sure to brush this out after application).
Hope you all adopt some healthy hair habits this winter!

Want some more reviews on John Frieda Haircare products? Read them here
May 27, 2020
Get Your Home Workspace Right during Lockdown
The shutdown hasnt been easy. Sitting on level 4 in South Africa, we’re still getting used to spending so much time at home with our families, and many, working from home during extended lockdown.

My hands have been itching to upgrade our multifunctional room to create the ideal working space during this time. I came across the incredible Kim Williams, an interior creative and human behavioural specialist, that gives tips and tricks on great design and that it is more than just simple aesthetics.

Beautiful, functional, clean spaces have a profoundly positive impact on our psychological wellbeing. In a time where our mental health may be taking strain, Kim’s insights on how you can get your home workspace right during lockdown is invaluable.

Who is Kim Williams?

An entrepreneur and well-respected local interior creative based in Cape Town, Kim Williams, working across décor, design and interior architecture. Kim’s first-hand experience of the importance of well-functioning, energising interiors became the cornerstone of her own blueprint called the Pure Design Innovation ID. It involves a process of extracting what people want and need from their interior spaces. Kim developed this Blueprint to guarantee a focus on the client – what they want – and matching this with their unique personal style.

Three Elements Kim Recommends We Consider:
- What your space needs to do on a physical level. Who you will be sharing space with, what equipment you will need such as Wi-Fi and plugs for devices, where the space can be and how big it needs to be.
- Consider the invisible factors of shared space such as ambient noise from other people in the house and how profoundly it affects your concentration and ability to work.
- Our freedom to step out of our workspace when we need a break is limited, so it is important to create multiple work zones in the home to allow you to move between the spaces when you need a change of scenery.
Get Your Home Workspace Right during Lockdown with Kim’s top tips!

Kim’s Practical Top 10 Tips for a Productive and Functional Home-Office Space:
- Organise your space. No matter the size of your home, how you arrange it will directly impact its functionality. The way you organise your space will also differ depending on what you need that space to be at different times of the day.
- Keep your space tidy. Set it out every morning and take it down every evening to solidify the feeling of a beginning and end of your workday.
- At the end of your workday evaluate and reflect on how your space served your work, how you experienced a specific space and how you moved around the space depending on the task. Certain spaces can be associated with different mindsets and it is important to adjust what is not working.
- Schedule your use of space.
- Allocate time for specific activities. Psychologically it aids in creating a sense of discipline and routine which is key to productively working from home.
- Create a work tray for all your work tools. In a small apartment trays can be used as desks and allow you to easily move around your home for that much-needed change of scenery and they are an easy way to keep your space organized and clean.
- Dressing tables are a great size and can be moved into your dedicated workspace and used as a desk.
- Create different spaces within your home office. The ability to move to different areas assists in the thought process and allows you to rest when you take your regular breaks.
- Make the environment an attractive space to be in. Playing music, putting flowers and natural elements inside or even using different ornaments in your office all help create ambience which helps you to associate the space positively in your mind and in turn increase your productivity.
- Light and temperature have a massive impact on us, and it has been proven that if you sit in a small dark area, it brings your body temperature and mood down. So setting up your space where you can look out of a window has a significantly positive impact on your sense of wellbeing.
Energy, flow and function have long been at the core of excellent interior design. The Lockdown presents us with a fantastic opportunity to embrace the fluidity and flexibility that simple and elegant design can bring to our home spaces.

This lockdown is a chance for us to connect more deeply with ourselves and our needs as professionals. A chance for us to be more conscious of how we set up our workspaces to have a positive effect on our productivity and psychological wellbeing.

Follow Kim for some insane interior inspiration an: @kim_williams_design
May 12, 2020
John Frieda Launch and Review!

FINALLY! So I am here to talk about the John Frieda Launch and Review the John Frieda Range!

John Frieda Product Launch Event

I was invited to attend the launch of the new John Frieda products a few weeks back. Best believe I was super excited to attend as I have really fallen in love with the brand.

The launch was held at the gorgeous Jackson’s Real Food Market, a place that is bursting with wholesome good food. They have beautiful fresh, organic produce, fresh farm dairy and all sorts of great products . A family run business that just oozes wholesomeness.

Amazing Breakfast at Jacksons

Sticking to the theme of organic, John Frieda has launched a line of products that is going towards the more natural ingredients route. We were introduced to the Hydrate & Recharge and Detox and Repair products.

HYDRATE & RECHARGE RANGE

Hydrate & Recharge (Shampoo, Conditioner & Masque Retails for R119.95 )

The John Frieda Hydrate & Recharge collection quenches thirsty, lifeless hair with a surge of powerful moisture. Infused with nutrient-rich drops containing monoi oil and keratin, this innovative formulation acts as a moisture reservoir in your hair fiber, enabling hair to better restore water molecules inside it. This ensures hydration from within and a recharged look from the outside.

Our Review:

The range smells SO good. True to its description, the product gives your hair the hydration boost that it needs and helps restore it. The hair masque is just the perfect addition to give your hair that extra love. I have used the masque twice and my hair just LOVES it!

DETOX & REPAIR RANGE

Detox & Repair (Retails for R119.95)

The Detox & Repair range has been formulated with nourishing avocado oil and green tea. Furthermore, it contains a potent combination of vitamins A, B and E as well as concentrated antioxidants and is designed to restore hair moisture and softness, leaving you with instantly healthier, shinier hair that’s easier to style. This range comes with a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and a heat protection product!

Our Review:

At most, I try to wash my hair every 3rd day, so finding something that doesn’t make my hair look gross after a day is hard to come by. Apart from the stunning Detox and Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, I was incredibly impressed by the heat and protect spray! I was really surprised at how well it worked for my hair.

It’s a super quick addition to my minimal blow-dry routine – just a few all-over sprays and I’m ready to brush and dry. It feels light on my hair, it smells really pleasant (without being over-powering), and really de-tangled my frizz and helped smooth it out!

I’ve been using it for a few weeks and I could tell the difference the ONE time I forgot to spray it on. I’m VERY happy with this spray and plan on continuing to use it in my hair care routine!

IT WAS UNREAL

Image taken by Mala Media

What an incredible day! A morning learning about the new products, meeting some BIG TIME influencers that I have been following for ages and really just enjoying great food. So proud and honored to have been apart of it!

Thank you John Frieda and Mala Media for a stunning morning out!

You can purchase these stunning products from selected Clicks stores.

April 2, 2020
AfriCamps White Elephant Safari Boutique Glamping!
“M” really knows the way to my heart. Anything that has the word “elephant” in it, I’m there! So my “M” planned the most stunning 4×4 holiday that was nothing short of thrilling adventure, beautiful wildlife and much needed R&R.This year, we promised to do alot of local traveling and so our 4×4 journey consisted of a few overnight stays in the most beautiful settings, one of which I am so excited to share with you guys today! Our first stop of our 4×4 trip was at the AfriCamps White Elephant Safari in Pongola and what a treat it was!

Scenic Views

A “boutique” camping experience with all the feeling of the outdoors combined with the luxury you want on a vacation. AfriCamp tents are based in the Pongola Game Reserve and is known to be the worlds second-oldest private reserve and the oldest in Africa, dating back to 1894. The game reserve is home to an abundent amount of wildlife like buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, 12 different antelope species, and over 350 bird species. Expect to have warthogs and Nyala’s walking freely around your tents grazing and some even enjoying the shade underneath!

Our home

Our Retreat

Arriving at out camp site, I couldn’t help but gasp at the prettiness of the tent. I fell in love with the “simple living” outlay and the pop of mint colour in the kithen- (I love the colour mint). The entire set up is just perfect in every sense of it.

The tents have adequate space and can accommodate 5 people in two small rooms – one queen and the other a queen and a single bunk above it. Linen and bath towels are provided and the bathroom is neat and spacious with a shower, toilet and hand basin. Its always good bringing your own towels so that you can enjoy the outside hot tub – It was the highlight of our stay! Boutique Glamping at it’s finest!

Activities @ AfriCamps

AfriCamps has the most amazing activities to do. Even though we only did 2 of the few with the limited time that we had, it was still so incredibly stunning.

The activities include:
- Elephant Research Project
- Elephant Safari Boat Cruise
- Safari Game Drive
- Pongola River Safari Boar Cruise
- Guided Bush Walk
- Fishing and Boat Hire
- Black Rhino Project
- Hot Tubbing
We opted for the river safari cruise on day 2 of our stay and what we saw was incredible! White Elephant Safaris is the only lodge in South Africa to offer Kariba-like, water-based safari activities, how cool! On our cruise we saw a variety of birds species, crocodile, hippo, variety of buck, giraffes and even rhinos! No elephants, unfortunately. But none-the-less, we got some pretty wicked shots.

Hippo Spotting

Look how cute this little fella is!

Crocodile splashing!

Embracing Nature

“M” & I are total nature lovers and we got to see and experience some of natures best! There is nothing quite like waking up at the crack of dawn and unzipping the doors to crisp air and the beauty that surrounds us. We are so lucky to live in a country like we do and experience nature at it’s wildest. Nothing quite beats it.

AfriCamps truly is such a wonderful experience that everyone should do at least once! We will definately be trying out the others around South Africa! For more info on AfriCamps, check them out here.

______________________________________________________________________________

Follow us as we continue our 4×4 adventure to Kosi Bay and Sodwana Bay where we got up close and personal with Elephants named Rachel and Rambo, witnessing turtle hatchlings and finding a hidden gem in Kosi Bay!

Till then!

xx
March 2, 2020
Crossroads…

“Incoming Call — Suretha -Vitalab”

The day had finally come where we got the news of our genetic testing. We approached the crossroads quicker than I expected. I starred at my screen for a while before I answered. I have suddenly developed a fear of answering my phone every time it rings. Suretha informed me that the results were in and that she wanted to meet with us to discuss the findings.

Between my limited time to get away from work and my husband’s busy schedule, we didn’t have an opportunity to meet with the Genetic Counseller and settled with getting the news over the phone.

“Hi Nicole, I’m sad that we couldn’t meet but here are your results. The results unfortunately came back negative”

Now many people were confused by our reaction when we told them that the genetic testing came back negative- meaning they couldn’t pick up the PH gene. In their eyes, it meant that we were all in the clear and that we can move forward with the surrogacy plan.

Not so much…

I remember telling my sister-in-law “S” about the results and all I could remember was her big beautiful eyes lighting up and a huge smile spreading across her face before I stopped it and said that it’s not such good news. Call me a kill-joy if you will but it wasn’t the news we wanted. You see, in my eyes, it meant that we had a much more difficult decision to make. We were definitely facing crossroads.

Do we go forward with the surrogacy plan and take the risk or don’t we?

Consulting with family and friends made a huge impact in our decision because in reality, it helped us process it. Two occasions really stuck out most for me through this whole ordeal that for me, made me more accepting of our decision.

We often meet up with our long time couple besties and I was eager to share the news with them. We told them that the results were negative and again, delight filled their faces. I remember the look of confusion when we didn’t share the same excitement. I played out the scenario for them.

Say we decide to go with the surrogacy and our child does in fact inherit Pulmonary Hypertension. A flood of fears wash over me just thinking about it.

Facts are facts…

At first, I would feel responsible because it is, in fact, my bad gene that I have passed down.

Secondly, the fear of finding suitable treatment for PH in South Africa is very disheartening. When I was diagnosed in 2006 I was given 3 months to live. Without treatment I would unlikely see the light of day. Treatment is South Africa for PH was unknown which made me jet off to the United States to find it. I count my lucky stars that I get to share my story with you today and this wonderful journey that I’m on.

Thirdly, to not only put my husband through the ordeal of dealing with a rare illness but to put my parents, my in-laws and the rest of my family through it all over again. It just doesn’t seem fair to us as new parents and to that beautiful child that didn’t ask to be sick. Silence filled the room after my closing argument and then they said, you never know what God’s plan will be.

Now, I understand that we cannot control what happens in life and illnesses that may lurk in the near future. Cancer seems to be invading homes that are too close for comfort these days. In our case, knowing and living through PH, It’s just something I don’t think I want to risk.

Does that make me selfishly cautious or aggressively stupid for thinking that this terrible PH disease MIGHT be inherited by my unborn child? That MIGHT has a pretty big percentage attached to it and it scares the life out of me.

Family matters…

The 2nd occasion was when we told M’s cousin Tals about the news. Now keep in mind that when M and I started dating, M had gone through the whole ordeal of my illness with me. So Tals, from the very beginning of our relationship said that she would be our surrogate for when the time came. From the very beginning she understood.

Recalling the night we told her, we were at a 21st and M had shared the news with her briefly. I was on the way to the ladies room when she caught up to me and hooked her arm in mine and said, “I heard the news, its ok”

Shaking uncontrollably there I was, telling that one person that had be cheering for us from the very start, that it just wasn’t in the cards for us. There we stood, in the bathroom crying in each other’s arms. Tals hugged me and said that her only wish for us was to experience the joy that children bring and that if we ever considered adopting that the crazy Coutinho family would love that child as if it were their own and welcome him/her with open arms.

How did we get so lucky to have a loving, selfless family like we do?

The road we took…

We hit a crossroad and we had to make a decision. We opted not to move forward with the surrogacy as the risk is just too great. I have no doubt that the road ahead will be hard.

There are things that I will always ask myself through this healing process. The wonder of what our baby would have looked like? Would I have been a good mother? Would my health get in the way of me taking care of a child?

For now, we will never know.

God’s plan for me has brought some really dark times and equally rewarding ones. I have faith that God is guiding us through this path and I know something bigger is waiting for us. It’s all about timing. Maybe we weren’t meant to be parents in this life and maybe that’s ok. Everything happens for a reason, I’m a big believer in that.

It is hard to come to terms that we will never hold the title of “Mama” & “Dada” but we have beautiful nieces and nephews who will enrich our lives and somewhat fill that hole. I for one, am determined to be the best Aunty/Godmother they could possibly have and that for me, is title enough.

February 19, 2020
#FreshBreathCheck With IvoHealth!
Did you know that February is National Fresh Breath Month?

During February’s National Fresh Breath Month, Sunstar GUM is equipping you with quality oral care tools to super-power your oral hygiene routine for that #FreshBreathCheck. Oral hygiene is extremely important as an unhealthy mouth may increase your risk of serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke and poorly controlled diabetes.

I love being part of a campaign that not only educates myself and others, but pays it forward to those in need. By taking a simple test you will be helping someone in need!

Simply take the #FreshBreathCheck test here and see how your breath scores. You could win a year of oral hygiene treatments and a Sunstar GUM oral care hamper valued at over R2, 500! When you enter, Sunstar GUM will donate a toothbrush on your behalf to the Dental Wellness Trust, , a charity organisation that reaches around 15, 000 children in low-income areas of South Africa with vital oral care skills. You can learn more about this awesome organisatioin here.

Dr Linda Greenwall- Dentals Wellness Trust Founder

I was gifted this amazing pack to get my oral hygiene on track! Im super excited to try the Sunstar range and nifty gadgets like the Tongue Cleaner and Red-Cote Disclosing Tablets!

Super-Power Oral Hygiene Tools
- Sunstar GUM ActiVital Sonic Toothbrush (R259)
- GUM Original White toothpaste (R65)
- Expanding Floss (R54)
- GUM Soft-Picks Advanced (R99)
- Easy-Flossers (R59)
- Sunstar GUM Dual Action Tongue Cleaner (R60)
- GUM Original White mouth rinse (R99)
- GUM Red-Cote Disclosing Tablets (R50)
Thank you @IvoHealth for equipping me with the tools that I need for better oral hygiene. For the month of February, I will be sharing my oral health journey with Sunstar GUM! Check out our Instagram to follow our journey!

Sunstar GUM is recommended by dental professionals around the world and available from selected Checkers, Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, SPAR as well as dentists and pharmacies.
February 4, 2020
Aloe Unique Skincare in Review

There is no hiding that I have become utterly obsessed with all things skincare. I am always reading up and looking for new products to try and share my experiences with my readers. My obsession comes with fine lines and wrinkles that I have noticed. Along with a bit of pigmentation and broken vessels on my cheeks (due to chronic medication) which drives me nuts! I have grown quite self-conscious and really do envy those gals with flawless skin. Regardless of my petty woes, I am excited to share a new product that I have been testing out for the past few weeks! It’s local, the packaging is gorgeous and it’s pretty well priced- Introducing Aloe Unique Skincare

Aloe Unique brings you a range of skin care treatments containing the powerful active ingredients of the Aloe Ferox plant. Containing almost twice as many amino acids as Aloe Vera, Aloe Ferox is ideal for skin care as it has been scientifically proven to penetrate the skin to the deepest layer. The Aloe Ferox plant is rich in amino acids, with the powerful agent Aloin, as well as polysaccharides and other plant metabolites so it contributes to a soft and smooth skin that is hydrated, nourished and rejuvenated.

I had purchased the combo skin set as there was a few products I wanted to try out and they were having a really great special. The Skin Set included a Gentle Face Wash (150ml), Clarifying Facial Toner (150ml), Aloe & Honey Gel Mask (75ml), Age Defying Serum (30ml), Essential Day Cream (50ml), Essential Night Cream (50ml).

Let’s get this Aloe Unique Review started..

Aloe & Honey Gel Mask (Retails for R119)

There is nothing better than smoothing a gel mask on your face after a long day and man, this mask has to be my favourite out of the skin set. Let’s be real though, who doesn’t love a good mask?

The soothing gel mask instantly energizes and smooths dull, tired skin. With a super-hydrating blend of anti-oxidants, this Aloe Ferox-based formula reboots and replenishes healthy function in fatigued skin, improving texture and creating a more radiant, youthful appearance. This mask can also be used on all skin types. It’s really great for sensitive skin gals too! If there’s one product you need to try from the Aloe Unique skin care line, it’s this one!

Gentle Facial Wash (Retails for R99)

I don’t generally do ‘Gel’ face washes as they are quite harsh on my skin and dry’s it out completely. I was pleasantly surprised though by how gentle this facewash actually is! The clear, light liquid foaming wash is packed with Vitamin E and hydrating glycerin, which also has Aloe Ferox-based formula that removes pollutants without over-drying or depleting skin’s protective oils. It really does leave your skin calmed, clarified and radiant.

Clarifying Facial Toner (Retails for R99)

This is a tricky one for me as I have a love/hate relationship with this toner. On the first try, I spritz (LOVE that it’s a Spritz on product) some on a cotton pad and wiped it on one half of my face. It left my skin burning on the apples of my cheeks which I immediately washed off with water. I decided to let me skin ease into the products and gave the toner another try a few days later. After I had double cleansed my face that evening, I opted to try the toner again and to my relief, it soothed and nourished my skin instead of burning it.

I do think it’s a great product though with amazing properties like powerful anti-oxidants, Witch Hazel and anti-irritant Allantoin hydrates.

Age Defying Serum (Retails for R299)

A do-it-all serum that is VERY well priced and that ticks most skin concerns.

The serum focuses on hyperpigmentation & ageing, so it’s a reall goodie. It contains a potent concentration of antioxidants (Vitamins A & C), high levels of Aloe Ferox leaf extract and borage oil. It works to prevent and reverse the appearance of wrinkles, lines and hyperpigmentation. It’s light weight formula is perfect with a refresher texture that absorbs quickly. I use it in the evenings, before I apply my night moisturiser which I absolutely love.

Essential Day Cream (Retails for R119) & Essential Night Cream (Retails for R134)

Ultra-light, non-greasy moisturiser that hydrates the skin. This sentence really sums up what the day and night moisturiser is all about. Loaded with Vitamins E and C and Glycerin, it’s packed with skin loving ingredients . This non-greasy Aloe Ferox-based formula locks in moisture for lasting hydration and helps fight damaging free radicals.

You will honestly wake up to firm, rested and radiant skin. Initially, I thought that it would leave my skin greasy as the formula is quite thick. To my surprise, it didnt! My skin soaked it up and left it feeling soft and supple. This product is a real budget beauty!

If you are a lover of Aloe Vera and are keen try these stunning local products, learn more about the Aloe Unique range here.

I will be taking these fab products along with me on our roadtrip to Kosi Bay! Be sure to follow my insta stories for some on-the-go skincare tips!

January 14, 2020
It’s all in the Genes…

I have had my fair share of Dr visits throughout my teenage life, but walking into the Vitalab Office to meet with a fertility Dr, was very new territory. Realisation set in, in that moment for me. We were on the road to starting a family.

After many discussions and research with my long time GP, I booked to see Dr Gobertz. I cannot express how incredibly amazing this Dr was. From the moment we walked in, it was an instant warmth of a bubble that he creates for you.

The conversation started with us telling Dr G about my chronic illness and how our next best option would be surrogacy, but M and I had a dark cloud hanging over us being, what are the chances that our child would inherit my bad gene being Pulmonary Hypertension?

Luckily for us technology has advanced in wonderful ways where were can do certain tests to see if we can pick up the bad gene and have it taken out. Amazing right..? but in the back of our minds, wouldn’t that be interfering with Mother Nature?

My husband’s motto in life is that you shouldn’t mess with 2 things: Mother Nature and Mother-in-laws. So when we asked Dr G that exact question of whether or not it’s the right thing to have an embryo altered, I couldn’t help but feel that I was blindsiding her and that she would punish us one way or another.

It Get’s Technical…

Dr G talked us through the next step, being genetic testing and referred us to a Genetic Counsellor. Our appointment ended with a big hug for now from Dr G.

I was feeling optimistic.

Fast forward to 2 weeks later, we finally met with the genetic counsellor. It was insightful, fascinating and emotional. It really felt like a couples counselling session because even though the questions were simple, I couldn’t help but feel immense guilt wash over me. I laughed and cried all at once. All I kept wondering was that I know Im the bad gene here, why do we need to do a test to prove it?

It was alot of information to take in so the video below will give you a great understanding of where we at in terms of ‘X’ and ‘Y’ genes. You can learn more here.

As I am the only one in my entire family that has Pulmonary Hypertension, it is very difficult to determine whether our child would be a carrier of the disease or if it will be inherited as I have been diagnosed with the disease at a young age with no other history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUQ2-n3h5LM

More than 80% of baby’s that are born with a bad gene, are born to parents with no family history of any illness. As I am the affected ‘mother’ the risk increases in a very big way!

Our genetic counsellor went on to tell us that she had been researching statistics and found that the pick-up rate of gene changes in individuals without a family history and PH is unfortunately lower than those with a family history. If we were to go forward with the genetic testing the test would only have a 25% chance of picking up a gene. Only 25%.

This test covers the most common genetic causes of PAH. Pathogenic variants in BMPR2 account for up to 75% of familial PAH cases and 25% of simplex PAH cases (i.e., a single occurrence of PAH in a family). The remaining genes on this test panel account for a rare or unknown proportion of PAH. Adding preliminary evidence genes will not increase the clinical sensitivity of the test at this time.

In all honesty, I did’nt register the statistical number when she said the words. I didnt process that there was only a 25% chance that they would find the gene. Looking back now, I cant help but knock myself on the head telling myself that “Well.. duh Nicole, of course it would be low, because if it was higher, that would mean that there would be cure for Pulmonary Hypertension.” I was floating in my happy bubble, cant you tell…

Percentage Talk

Suretha, the Genetic Counsellor went on to say that chances of our baby being a carrier would be 50-65% which she explained that , yes, it’s a high percentage but a carrier of an illness can stay dormant forever BUT, in other cases, the child can be a carrier and years later the illness comes out far worse than the affected ‘mother’- My bubble started to deflate.

With kind eyes, Suretha asked if we would still like to do the genetic testing. I glanced at my husband for re-assurance and said of course we would. He smiled so sweetly and said ok. My little bubble of happiness burst right there and then. I realised what was happening. My husband knew all this time what the words meant the minute she said them. He knew that she was telling us that the chances of us having a healthy baby was minimal.

The test in itself is a simple saliva test, that get’s packed neatly in a box and shipped to the USA. Costing +-R3000, this test could determine the outcome good or bad for many couples planning for a future family. For us, it seemed our future of having a family was slipping further and further away.

We walked out of the building hand in hand. No words shared between us until we reached the car. I felt like a failure as a partner, a wife and as a friend. We sat for a while and my husband went on to say: “Whatever happens, whether good or bad, the results will help another family” Tears filled my eyes and I just hugged him.

Both feeling utterly defeated, all we can do is wait to see what the results bring us.

For me, all optimism is gone.

December 11, 2019