Clover and PinkDrive Join Forces in Successful Breast Cancer Fundraising Handover
In a triumphant collaboration for breast cancer awareness campaign, Clover X Pink Drive joined forces to raise funds for the “Pink for Purpose” Campaign. This campaign involved the special edition packaging of some of Clover’s beloved dairy products, raising a commendable amount of R400 000.00 during the month of October.
Clover and PinkDrive partnered up for the rebranding of some of Clover’s most loved dairy products to limited edition pink packaging to raise awareness for breast cancer as well as educate and encourage the public to get tested for early detection of this disease.
Noelene Kotschan, CEO and Founder of PinkDrive, has emphasised the urgency of early detection through screening to improve breast cancer survival rates.
In South Africa, breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer among women, yet the survival rate lingers at a mere 40%. In higher-income countries, the survival rate soars to 70%. The disparity is stark, which is why screening for early detection is imperative; it can help save lives.
A tour around the unit
The Mobile Health Units travel across South Africa, taking much needed health services to citizens without access to reasonable healthcare who reside in areas where health services do not reach. The mobile unit is pretty impressive and serves state of the art healthcare.
We got to look up close and personal with the 3D mammography machine which is more accurate in detecting breast cancer. The R3.8 million device is housed in PinkDrive’s mobile truck that travels through to help save lives. It is incredible that a machine like this has travelled to the most remote places in South Africa.
The Mobile Unit
Exam Room for patients
The success of the “Pink for Purpose” campaign not only highlights the commendable efforts of PinkDrive during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but also emphasises the positive impact that collaborative efforts can have in the fight against cancer.
Prolonging a life
Founder and CEO of the organisation, Noelene Kotschan, says that this machine makes it easy to spot minor abnormalities that may be hidden in a traditional 2D mammogram. It is more accurate in detecting breast cancer, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
The machine can produce 3-dimensional images of the breast tissue, showing the radiologist a clear vision of the breast tissue layer by layer.
Unfortunately, this game-changing machine is unavailable in public health facilities but Gauteng residents can access the technology via this mobile truck. Public hospital facilities utilise 2-dimensional mammography technology, which relies on X-Ray technology to produce images that are used to detect signs of breast cancer.
How you can help
If you can and are willing, Pink Drive has multiple ways to continue to help these angels help others. You can read more about it here.
Thank you to the Clover X PinkDrive team for having us!
In the South of France over 20 years ago, Panier des Sens, a brand of natural resources was born. Under the shade of cypress trees and mimosas, the founder Jerome Lambruschini, combined his love for the region and typical south of France lifestyle to create a committed brand of natural cosmetics.
Inspired by the natural resources of France and old Mediterranean know-how, the company creates perfumes, soaps, luxurious creams and oils as well as candles and home fragrances – all of which magnify the beauty of Provence.
Over the years Panier des Sens has developed its product with master soap makers from Marseille and master parfumers from Grasse utilising their artisanal skills and unique know-how.
The natural and vegan formulas are designed and conceived in Provence, always encouraging short circuits and local partnerships. These natural and organic products have rich textures and delicate fragrances all carefully formulated and constantly reworked offering a minimum of 95% ingredients of natural origin.
Panier des Sens is always working towards a greener future working with farmers who cultivate using sustainable farming methods and using eco-design packaging that is 100% recycled and recyclable.
Experience the magic of christmas
Decorate a place setting or hang on your tree, these delightful little gifts are a great surprise for your guests and are enriched with active ingredients from Provence. An affordable gift that combines the joy of giving with the pleasure of decorating your tree.
“Instilling the spirit of Christmas, the collection evokes feelings of nostalgia and the comforts of home and nature. The scents envelop you like a warm hug and the packaging is beautifully designed as only Panier des Sens can do. Affordable yet indulgent, perfect gifts to yourself or a loved one!” Limited edition Christmas scented candles light up year-end celebrations with a 100% cotton wick, 55 hour burn time, reusable glass containers and fragrances developed in Grasse.
Sweet Madeleine: freshly baked madeleine cake, bursting with the aromas of almond, citrus and vanilla-caramel take you on a mouth-watering trip down memory lane.
Enchanted Forest: Under a starry sky, step inside and let the magic of Christmas whisk you away over the hills to the enchanted forest. Woody amber notes with a hint of smoke conjure a mysterious and mystical atmosphere.
Gingerbread: Indulge in the heart-warming aroma of gingerbread. An explosion of spices and vanilla notes create a festive a cosy atmosphere.
Using centuries of artisanal know-how and traditional methods, combining sophisticated formulations that not only benefit the skin but highly developed and evolved fragrances and essential oils that nurture the mind. Utilising sustainable farming methods, and presenting itself in beautifully curated eco-packaging, Panier des Sens is brand that looks to the past while caring for our future.
see our latest post on instagram about the #PanierdesSensAfrica event that we attended.
Sorbet Salon, a leading professional beauty brand, hosted its Skin Week event and we were lucky enough to attend the Sorbet Hello Me Skin Week. In partnership with top skincare brands like Dermalogica, DMK, Exuviance, and Environ, media influencers, bloggers, and celebrities received an exclusive skin care experience. If I could, I would of attended all the days, but I’m pretty chuffed that I attend the Environ one. It was an absolute treat!
We were treated to some healthy refreshments that included shots of Collagen from Mother Kind and Be Bright. Collagen that enhances the glow from within. Hand massages, mini manicures and a photobooth kept us busy while we waited for our Environ Facial treatment.
Skin Scan
The skin treatments began with a 20-minute skin scan test to evaluate the skin from the deepest layers. We then got to sit back and relax with the Environ Facial. If I told you that the last time I had a facial was over 5 years ago, you would think I was kidding. But I’m not. It’s been a long time and that facial was exactly what my skin needed. It was an absolute treat! A skin masterclass was later conducted by skincare therapists, who had the us all fully immersed in a skin education session that had me wanting to buy all the Environ Products on the market.
Environ Cool Peel Facial
We got treated to an Environ cool peel facial which is a safe non-invasive skin peeling system. This treatment helps refine, revive and brighten the skin. The high-tech dual electro sonic DF facial, stimulates the skin to deliver significantly more essential nutrients to where the skin need them most.
The Sorbet Group really outdid themselves by showing us that they are more than just a salon for Mani’s and Pedi’s. They are an institute that offers high quality skincare brands at your fingertips. Expert therapist to educate us on the skincare brands available to suit our skincare needs.
Thank you for the most splendid morning Sorbet Group and Environ!
Looking forward to my skincare journey ahead.
Check out our Instagram page for a glimpse at the event!
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.
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.
I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening of the newly revamped Arthur Kaplan in Full Bloom event at Fourways Mall a few weeks back!
Can I just say that It. Is. GORGEOUS!
The home of luxury jewellery and watches, Arthur Kaplan has earned their reputation as a quality jeweller for over the last 40 years. The legacy of founder Arthur Kaplan lives on in the beautiful pieces of jewellery thier customers take home.
In Full Bloom
The Story of Arthur Kaplan…
At the age of 18, Arthur Norman Kaplan (1928-1997) entered the family business, a jewellery store which his grandfather, Henry Balzham, established in Pretoria in 1889. It seems that Arthur was destined to inherit a passion for jewellery, one which stemmed all the way back from his great uncle, who was known to be the personal jeweller of Paul Kruger.
Arthur Kaplan Event- Fourways Mall
After 15 years of learning the family business, Arthur Kaplan decided to open his own jewellery store. In 1973, he opened the first store in Pretoria and the Arthur Kaplan brand was born.
Over time Arthur Kaplan expanded the stores across South Africa. Arthur quickly earned a reputation for personal service that has since become synonymous with the name.
The Arthur Kaplan brand soon became renowned as a trusted destination for diamond engagement rings.
1st class experience..
The lovely ladies and gents for AK welcomed and took us on a personal tour around the store giving a brief introduction to each of the stunning collections they have on offer!
Precious GemsSignature Engagement RingsThe Gorgeous Earings I got in my Gift Bag- Lucky Gal I am!
It was such a lovely event with lot’s of “ooo’s” and “aaah’s” Be sure to visit Arthur Kaplan at Fourways Mall Shopping Centre in full bloom. You wont regret it!
I just love meeting energetic, enthusiastic women. They make me excited about the possibilities in my own life and truly inspire individuals like myself to go above and beyond. The Cosmetics Chef, Conny Oberrauter, is one of those ladies.
Conny Oberrauter- The Cosmetic Chef
I had a chance to chat to her briefly and she gave me a bit of a history on how she became the Cosmetic Chef! She’s been in cosmetic research and development for over 20 years and is a qualified Cosmetic Chemist. After years of working in cosmetics companies and later opening her own consultancy, she’s branches out and has written and self-published an amazing book that shares her insider knowledge of the industry.
High-End Cosmetics In Your Kitchen
Conny has shared her gift with us in her stunning book with all her recipes that can be made in our kitchens, but just because they are easy to make, it doesn’t mean they don’t work, and haven’t been intensively researched. 20 years in the industry, I think she knows what she is talking about!
We Made Our Own Serum
The event was hosted at the Miele showroom that will honestly leave you ‘ooo-ing’ and ‘aaa-ing’ at every turn! We were lead into the kitchen where the stage was set for us to ‘cook’ up a storm! A true Cosmetic Chef experience awaited.
Welcome drinks!It was a good cuppa!
Conny introduced us into a world where cosmetics dont need to cost a fortune and that most of the ingredients that we used to make our own Serum is actually used in top quality skin brands. Can you believe that we actually pay for the branding and packing of the product instead of the product itself, purley because it doesnt cost that much to make the skincare product! MIND.BLOWN.
After the introductions and insightful info, we put on our aprons and got started on making our own serums! We got grouped with 5 ladies per table and were guided through the whole process. It reminded a little of school days, sitting in Biology class, doing all sorts of experiments. It was so much fun and incredibly easy because everything is pre-measured.
The magic ingredients for the serum!Candid moments!All inspiring woman in one room!Got to meet the lovely ladies- Suanne Mulder & Zaakira from Princess of Jozi Blog
Is the Serum Good?
I have been using the Serum in the evenings before bed for extra hydration for about a week now and my skin is loving it! I went a bit heavy on the Rose Gernium Oil, so it does tingle the nose, but otherwise the product is fantastic! Suprisingly, my skin hasnt broken out at all! (touch wood)*
Usually with us sensitive skin types anything new applied to the skin, the skin breaks out but I’m happy to report that it’s been behaving so far. WIN!
Why You Need This Book
It gives you Perspective The Cosmetic Chef specialises in formulating natural, organic products. The right amount of a certain something for your skin and hair that you made in your own kitchen. I think thats pretty wonderful!
Conny goes into detail about why we actually do need safe preservatives in our products and that natural doesn’t always equal better. Yes, we want to avoid harmful synthetic chemicals on our skins, but we don’t want to substitute synthetic with non-renewable natural ingredients that damage the environment.
It’s a Money Saver! Times are getting tough out there- I know. The economy is under huge pressure and sometimes we feel a little guilty about spending a lot of money on skin products because let’s face it, that sh*t is expensive. So in comes Conny with her magical recipes that will help your bank account.
DIY Gifting A homemade gift is so meaningful and the fact that it’s an all natural product, even better! You can read about other DIY craft ideas here.
Got my very own signed copy!
More Info Please
So the stunning book offers 50 recipes that you can make in your own kitchen, but if you are someone like me that is a bit hesitant, then why not opt for a Ready-To- Go Kit and create your own magic in a bottle?
This was probably the most exciting event I attended this year! Exciting because we got to be part of a movement to help preserve and protect our beloved Rhinos.
Statistics show that in 2017 an average of 3 Rhinos were killed per day, per day! So, for me, this wasn’t just another event, it was something bigger. This was witnessing our beautiful #BabyRhino grow up in it’s habitat. This was allowing the Baby Rhino grow up with a mother and not in an Orphanage. This was witnessing nature at it’s finest. It was something quite special.
How do you celebrate the arrival of a truly precious baby? With a birth notice in the newspaper, of course, and a gender reveal party. Obviously, it’s not practical to scan a rhino mother before her baby is born, so the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind had to wait a little longer than usual to make the announcement – but on November 17, the world discovered that a little girl has joined the herd.
This is good news, because it means that the new arrival will get to live out the rest of her days at the reserve. Male calves have to be translocated when they reach maturity, both to avoid aggression by the dominant bull, as well as the risk of inbreeding.
We were all treated to a game drive, where we were lucky enough to see mom and baby rhino! On route to Mama and Baby Rhino we got to see some of the reserve’s other residents, sable antelope, zebra, eland, roan antelope and black wildebeest.
There they are beautiful #BabyRhino and Mama!
After the game drive, Jessica Khupe, brand manager of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve cut the adorable rhino-themed cake to reveal… pink! She also handed over a cheque for R20,000 to The Rhino Orphanage, which takes care of rhino babies who are not fortunate to have mothers.
It was such an amazing experience to see the new #BabyRhino! It’s new home is absolutely beautiful and totally worth a visit! Check out thier page here
Thank you Pink Vanilla & Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve for having us!
There’s a new centre on the block: Kyalami Corner. Nestled in the heart of the established equestrian community, a luxurious centre is stabling a retail offering second to none. There is a strong equestrian theme throughout the centre that celebrates and acknowledges Kyalami’s equestrian heritage.
Second year running, we got invited to attend the Horse of The Season 2018 event where proud horse owners showcased thier majestic beauties as they trotted their way to the top and competed for the prestigious title being Kyalami Corner Horse-of-the-Season 2018.
South African Lipizzaners
The competition kicked off by master of ceremonies Bennum Master of Ceremonies that introduced the crowd to the wonderful South African Lipizzaners that opened the ceremony and provided us with a brief history of where it all started. Nicole from The EARTH Centre – SARDA Gauteng, told us a bit more about what they do and how they are helping those in need and giving people hope- I urge you to check out there page, they really are doing amazing things!
1st Runner Up!
2nd Runner up!
Contestant
The Winner of the Horse of the Season 2018 and Ambassador for Kyalami Corner!
We spotted some local celebrity Bloggers too: Natasha from Fit Like Mummy and Genevieve from Passports and Perignon (I was seriously star struck when I met her! I am such a fan!)
Natasha: Fit Like Mummy
Genevieve- Passports and Perignon
Overall it was a fantastic event showcasing a beautiful centre and of course the majestic horses! Congratulations Kelly O’Connor and Hera for winning this year’s Horse of the Season!
To my delight I had received a pretty invitation in my inbox to attend an event at the Skin Renewal Institute Bedfordview . I love attending events that can influence our daily life in a big way and the team at the Renewal Institute did just that.
It was Detox Day at the Renewal Institute and we were welcomed with pure delight. The clinic itself is gorgeous. It’s crisp white interior and delicate chandeliers adds a touch of elegance to the room and make you feel a bit like royalty before heading in for your treatment. The clinic is managed by doctors who are experienced in Anti-Ageing, Aesthetic and Integrative Medicine. They are supported by a staff of qualified and experienced technicians, nurses and therapists who provide a wide range of treatments to clients.
The space was filled with all things healthy! From fruit diffused water jugs to fresh fruit kebabs, freshly baked muffins and yummy nutritiously packed breakfast bowls!
This Bowl was insanely good and healthy!
We were introduced to Dr Pierce Van Tonder, Resident Doctor at the Institute, who gave us a tour and introduced us to the start of what would be our Detox Journey. We headed over to the Kombucha Table and handed a glass to taste. Kombucha is, in short, fermented tea that is bursting with pure natural antioxidants to help detoxify the body.
Kombucha is made from a live culture, “Symbiotic”. During the fermentation process, it produces substances to help the body maintain good health and fight various ailments. Products of the fermentation are Glucuronic Acid, Lactic Acid, Usimic Acid, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, Digestive enzymes, Amino-acids and Antioxidants.
Glucuronic Acid contained in the tea binds the toxins in such a way that they cannot be re-absorbed into the body. Glucuronic acid acts against harmful substances deposited in the body, rendering them water soluble where they are passed through the kidneys and eliminated through the urine.
Usimic acid is a substance with strong anti-bacterial properties and has partial anti-viral effects.Lactic acid found in Komucha in it’s most potent form – L-lactic(+). Lactic acid is essential for the digestive system.
Many people who regularly drink Kombucha tea have found tremendous relief from a wide range of diseases and ailments. Kombucha’s ability to work ‘with’ your body which boosts your own natural defense system. Being a Pro-biotic, Kombucha will help strengthen your immune system and ability to fight sickness.
With modern living comes poor diet and an increase in harmful substances in our bodies. I think we are all guilty of it and Kombucha has made it so easy for us to get our bodies back to their full potential. Starting with half a glass in the morning, it boosts the bodies immune for the day ahead.
The actual taste of the tea tastes almost like a draught beer or an Iron Brew, so it actually does not taste that bad and really do-able to your morning routine. It’s totally safe to have even if you are on chronic medication so I’ll definitely be getting me some Kombucha! For now they are exclusively sold at the Renewal Institute in Bedfordview or contact them for an order here.
After we had settled in and finished our Kombucha shots, Dr Pierce Van Tonder started the morning with a little Meditation with us all. It was so beautiful as it filled the room with so much positive energy, everyone was super Zen after that!
We were then introduced to Tanya from Metagenics and she guided us with the importance of Metabolic Detoxification. She went on to explain that over a course of a lifetime, we will be exposed to thousands of foreign compounds that can enter our bodies through food we eat, the air we breathe and directly through our skin. To make matters worse, many of us have substituted healthy meals with a poor diet that significantly lacks nutritional value to fuel the body’s detoxifying capacity which in turn, contribute to our bodies accumulation of toxins or toxicity! Makes sense right?
Metagenics UltraClear Plus Supplement and AdvaClear Supplement is the way to go for Metabolic Detoxification. A combination of supplements that work in conjunction to detox your liver in the most natural way possible. The UltraClear Plus is designed to provide advanced , low-allergy potential nutritional support for metabolic detoxification capacity and the AdvaClear will provide a full spectrum of micro nutrients and phytonutrients that target the various aspects of detoxification and ensure a balanced, safe and effective process.
So the team from Metagenics have created a powerhouse formula to help our body fight against toxins and get rid of it from our bodies. Tanya was kind enough to make us a sample of the UltraClear Plus support for Metabolic Detoxification to try , not the tastiest, definitely mix it with your smoothie. This detox is so different from all those generic ones that we find online, in health books, etc because here they putting nutrients back into your body- the right ones.
This day and age, it’s all about convenient foods because who has time to cook a healthy meal these days. I think we all need a detox once in a while to reboot our system to get back on track and restore the energy levels.
Being a chronic patient it did make me a bit nervous as to weather me doing a detox would be a good idea. I chatted to Tanya after the presentation and she advised that it is such a versatile program that any chronic patient/person can do the detox at their own pace. It definitely gave me a sense of relief because It’s something that I can do without having any risk involved with regards to my meds- Winning!
All in all, It was a day of learning about what’s good for your body and what is needed to keep it in good condition. I urge you to contact and research about Metagenics as I know it can help so many people. I still haven’t done the detox myself as yet, but trust that you will hear about it when I do.
If you have questions about it, contact Renewal Institute for more info, they are such a great bunch and I’m sure will be happy to help! Contact them here
Lately I have been obsessing about skin care products and how I can get my skin looking the best that it can. I never believed people when they said that the minute you hit the age of 30, everything goes downhill from there.
Well, look who is knocking on 30 years young this year and who’s starting to notice a few not so good things! Pff.. yip, yours truly, ME!
Apart from dreading looking in the mirror every morning to notice another fine line or sagging around the mouth, which kinda reminds me of a droopy dog – exhibit A below, I wake up groaning about sore feet, aches and pains.
So in search of products to keep me feeling young, I have discovered Milk Solutions Beauty! A Locally made product (which I love) which has been specifically formulated to address the everyday exposure of the skin of the hands and feet to some of the harshest and most visibly damaging environmental elements.
Combining traditional and non-traditional beauty ingredients with advanced scientific technologies and processes, each Milk Solutions product has been developed to deliver effective, visible results that actively address the variety of hand, feet and nail concerns experienced by women of different ages, ethnicity and lifestyles.
Samantha Sizwe Qeja was kind enough to have a meet and greet with me at the gorgeous MS Glam Nail Bar and treated us to a Milk Solutions Pedi!
Pamper session time!
Jessica Nail Polish exclusive to Ms Glam Nail Bar
We were spoilt rotten by the lovely ladies and I did an extra bit of spoiling for myself on purchasing the mini-me range from Milk Solutions which I will be reviewing on the blog soon.
Milk Solutions Milk and Honey Range
Milk Solutions Fruit Range
Spoiler alert! The Milk Solutions range is AMAZING so far and my skin is loving it! I cannot wait to share with you the final results (I’m giving myself a week of product use to give it a fair chance)
There is just prettiness all round!
How cool is this chair!
If you are in need of a little Me-Time then book yourself a treatment at the gorgeous Ms Glam Nail Bar– the service is fantastic, the salon is so so pretty and the products are amazing.
Info below:
117 11th Street
Parkmore, Gauteng, South Africa 2196
011 784 0376
Hours 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM