Category: Lifestyle

  • Trends for 2022 Interior Design

    Trends for 2022 Interior Design

    Home Trends for 2022 interior design have shifted to reflect our new practices. Practices of holding the home at the centre of our lives. We have created spaces that are sanctuaries for our souls to rest and recharge and spaces where we can express important aspects of ourselves that make us so unique.

    Creative behavioural strategist Kim Williams shares her top insights into the trends for 2022

    Kim Williams 2022 Trends
    Kim Williams Design_ Claire Photography

    Seeking refuge

    Our need to find refuge has translated into creating more spaces to recharge. The rise of the DIY industry when looking at home improvement also speaks to our need to be mindful.

    Aspects like designing spaces for privacy and using touchless technology will dominate 2022. Creating zones in our home spaces, workspaces and public spaces will become essential to living in line with our new consciousness surrounding our health.

    The return of natural textures that help us self-soothe and connect will continue to rise in 2022. As with the emergence of the fourth wave, we continue to create new opportunities in our spaces that facilitate new ways of connection until a return to more social human connection can be made.

    KW 2022 Trends

    Nostalgia

    Over 2021, this materialised as bringing in smaller elements of nostalgia such as items associated with happy holidays, personal history or icons of decades past that we shared a fondness for.

    The return of colour and expression in our spaces over 2022 will likely continue to operate off of nostalgic inspiration. In furniture, for example, we expect to see more rounded objects and repurposing of pieces from the ’70s and ’80s. An element many of us find comfort in the midst of so much uncertainty.

    Comfort trends 2022
    Reading nook by Nikki Brandmark

    Connection to Nature

    Over 2022 we will bring nature into nearly every element of our homes in new intentional ways. In our furniture we will have greater mindfulness of the sustainability with which it is made and our need to tread lightly on the planet will eventually assimilate into the core ideals of South African design as it has begun to do in Europe.

    The return of the local product to our spaces in fabrics and items. Partially influenced by the transport issues due to Covid, and partially our wanting to create more meaning in our spaces – and create community and social economy to keep small businesses going.

    Sustainable living 2022 trends
    Biophilia Sustainable living room makeover by Koala Furniture

    Meaningful Living

    Mindful living is about real healing, feeding our souls. Layering of emotion into our spaces to create spaces to rejuvenate and be more spiritual. Becoming much more focused on our spirituality and try to find meaning in our surroundings by deepening our spaces.

    The purpose of refreshing our space is to feed our energy. Designing spaces intentionally helps us preserve our energy and create richer spaces in which to thrive.

    For more Insights and other reads from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design.

  • Online Store Gem- Natural Options

    Online Store Gem- Natural Options

    We have discovered yet another wholesome online gem! Introducing  Online Store Gem – Natural Options.

    Their mission is to make wholesome living easy by offering a warm, intuitive digital and real life shopping experience. Priding themselves on selling natural products that are good for the wellbeing of the consumer while treading lightly in our environment.

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    Natural Goodness

    Focusing on natural products, Natural Options online store have incredible products. These include Baby & Kids, Beauty, Health, Organic Food and even a few plastic free products. The options are endless.

    The Kindness Co.

    We got to experience the Natural Options store by purchasing some goodies of our own to try. New to the store, a all natural brand caught my eye. It gave me such Boss Babe- Jessica Alba’s very own natural beauty line, The Honest Co. vibes. I just had to try it.

    The Kindness Co™, is 100% proudly South African, offering a complete range of unique and organically certified essential oil based products. The plant and oil ingredients used are Certified Halaal, Kosher and USDA Organic to ensure absolute quality and results.

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    This  hypoallergenic product range is 100% toxin free. Manufactured and bottled in South Africa’s very own Cape Town. All components are locally sourced & manufactured in South Africa (bottles, lids, labelling and packaging) also ensuring that the bottles and lids are 100% recyclable. Many of the essential oils and plant extracts used are extracted locally in South Africa from plants grown around our beautiful country.

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    We Love It!

    The products are just beautiful! Being a fan of essential oils, I can see myself really enjoying these products in the long run. The fragrance is fresh and the products are so beautiful on the skin. My favourites though are the body wash and the breath easy mask sanitiser. I even bought the doggy shampoo for my pups and they absolutely love it! It left their coat so silky soft. This brand deserves SO much hype because they are just so lovely!

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    At Your Service

    Natural Options customer service rocks! The website is so easy to navigate and the delivery service is incredible! There is truly nothing bad to say about the service because it was exceptional.

    Discount Code:

    The Lovely team was kind enough to offer my readers a 20% discount online! Use code LITTLE20 at check out to get 20% off!

    If you are looking for a unique online store that has incredible natural products, then you will find all you need at Natural Options. Happy Shopping!

  • Black Friday Deals with King-Online

    Black Friday Deals with King-Online

    Newly discovered online health shop, King Online, has incredible Black Friday Deals you do not want to miss out on! 

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    About King-Online

    King-Online is a health and wellness store with over 3000 products. They sell vitamins and supplements, health
    foods, home diagnostic tests, natural beauty products, vegan and organic products. They are primarily an online
    store and offer nationwide delivery throughout South Africa.

    King Online Black Friday Deals

    What makes King Online different:

    1. Excellent Customer Service: The kind that you can reach out to and speak to a real person at any time. I was kindly gifted with a voucher to shop to my hearts content and man, oh man, that I did. The King Online Team  called to let me know my order was received but was out of stock on a certain product. They had quickly sourced an alternative for me and added to my parcel. Such Gems!

    2. Fast delivery: When they say they offer lightning fast delivery in the JHB area, they mean it. My parcel arrived the very next day. But don’t worry, they are working on doing this for other areas aswell.

    3. FNB Exclusive Discounts: As an FNB Wellness partner, the team offer exclusive discounts every month to FNB
    clients. To receive the discount, simply log into the FNB App and find the discount code in the Nav>
    Wellness Offers section. For the Black Friday Week Sale, FNB Clients receive a further 5% on top on the BF Sale!

    Being a Joburg’er is Lekker

    For customers in the Johannesburg area, you get free delivery for orders over R400 and free delivery to other
    areas for orders over R1000. Isn’t that so lekker?

    Black Friday Deals with King-Online

    Black Friday Deals with King-Online are running from 22-28 November 2021

    Brands like Solgar, Solal, Harvest Table  Collagen to name a few, that will be on sale at up to 60% OFF. Massive deals that you do not want to miss out on! 

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    Shop for all your vitamins, Health Foods and Beauty care online with King Online

    Happy BLACK FRIDAY Shopping!

     

     

     

  • Stand Out with Zoodle!

    Who doesn’t love a statement piece when it comes to phone case and smartwatch accessories? Say hello to Zoodle, a one stop shop where you can shop all things Designer Macbook cases & Smart Watch Straps for every occasion. What better way than to stand out with Zoodle!

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    Easy Shopping

    Zoodle offers a range of awesome accessories. These include Macbook cases, phone covers, straps for Apple, Fitbit , Garmin and Huawei smart watches to name a few. The site is super easy to navigate on as everything is clearly indicated in the menu bar.

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    The Products

    This local store offers unique products! I had been searching for a new Fitbit Strap for my Versa 2 for the longest time and Zoodle came to my rescue. Another product that stood out for me was the Eco-friendly phone covers. Plain, simple phone covers that are earth friendly. I will be upgrading my phone soon, hopefully, and will definitely consider snagging one of these for sure.

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    5 Star Customer Service

    You guys… When I tell you that their service is 5 star- I mean it! I was short on time and needed my items fast. I had placed my order and left a note asking if they could overnight my order. They did! The lovely team even called me to confirm that the items I ordered were indeed the right ones and that it would be shipped asap. I couldn’t be happier and the items are spot on!

    Quality Items = Quality Price

    I found the products to be super affordable. I have shopped around for a while now and no one came close to Zoodle’s competitive and affordable prices. So glad I found my strap for my smart watch!

    Overall, Zoodle is bound to have something awesome for you to buy! With quality services and unique products you will truly stand out with Zoodle!

    Head over to their Facebook and Instagram pages for more.

    Shop Tech and Phone accessories here.

    Happy Shopping!

    *Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post*
  • Three LEE Styles to Shop This Spring

    The iconic denim maker, Lee, is giving you three LEE Styles to shop this spring to find your perfect fit, with new colorways of the Lee Eddie Jeans, Luke Jeans, and Detroit Jeans for men.

    Lee Jeans Styles to shop this Spring

     

    Eddie Jeans: combines a new, updated regular fit with premium denim in finishes that will have you looking and feeling your best. One of Lee’s best-selling jean has authentic 5 pocket styling and a traditional fit. Sitting at the waist and is straight through the seat, thigh, and leg to maintain a clean and classic silhouette.

    Eddie Jeans

    Retailing from R479.97, The Lee Eddie Jeans are available in 4 colours.  Gin Gin Fuzz, Indigo Dark, Blue Ray, and Grey.

    Luke Jeans: The truly modern fit, merges a slim fit with tapered jeans. Cool and contemporary, Luke comes with a mid-rise waist and a zip fly. Cut slim through the thigh, they taper down to a narrow leg opening.

    Luke Jeans

    Retailing from R799.95, the colourway Luke Jeans is made using stretch denim which makes it comfortable for your everyday wear.

    Detroit Jeans: Made from a sturdy, stretch material and finished with contrast stitching, these are long-term jeans. Perfect for at home or out-of-town adventures.

    Detroit Jeans

    Retailing from R749.95, these 5-pocket Detroit jeans have a regular fit and a straight leg, distressed back pockets, and a zipper fly.

    Visit Thedrop.co.za to shop your three LEE Styles this Spring. Read more fashion articles here.

  • Converse x John Elliott

    With a tactile rework of the archival Skidgrip, Converse x John Elliott creates a beautifully imperfect blend of vintage-inspired colour and texture.

    The acclaimed menswear designer gives timeless casual style a vintage-inspired look. Featured in two distinct tones, this tactile rework of the archival Skidgrip creates a beautifully imperfect combination of texture and colour.

    Converse X John Elliott

    The details (John Elliott Skidgrip rework)

    John Elliott reimagines archival Converse style with a tactile Skidgrip rework. Known for elevating street staples through unique textile approaches, the menswear designer replicates the striking imperfection of aged patina with a meticulously flocked canvas. Textured green and brown tones flow across the upper in organic patterns, adding unexpected vibrance to the clean and timeless silhouette. A vintage-inspired look and feel—on an archival classic that never gets old.

    Converse Collab

    • Limited-edition low-top sneaker from menswear designer John Elliott
    • Flocked canvas upper crafted with two-stage printing process—echoing the texture and colour of aged patina
    • Nickel lace eyelets
    • Signature smooth midsole
    • Herringbone outsole
    • Cobranded sockliner
    • Second pop colour lace included

    Converse

    Converse debuted the silhouette — then referred to as the CVO – as a tennis and basketball sneaker way back in 1910. Decades later, it was renamed the Skidgrip in the 1960s. After Converse enhanced the rubber traction of the shoe. Fast forward to 2020, Converse reintroduced the sneaker with a 30-degree sloped midsole and double layer soft collar to improve stance, comfort, and overall style.

    John Elliott- The Designer

    What We’re Saying: John Elliott’s relationship with Nike has seemingly spawned a partnership with Converse. For his impending collaboration, the designer has reimagined one of the brand’s oldest silhouettes, the Skidgrip, largely drawing from his childhood in California.

    “I discovered the Skidgrip like any kid in California through skating early in my childhood,” Elliott said. “It’s a silhouette that’s iconic. As a skate shoe, it was instantly recognizable. The Skidgrip is an important shoe in culture for skate and in representing California.”

    The Converse x John Elliott Skidgrip is available online at www.converse.co.za, Shelflife and DTC Sandton from Thursday, 19 August 2021. Price Range: R1 799.00. Read more here.

     

  • Winter Design Insights with Kim Williams

    Today we are featuring winter design insights with Kim Williams. Having the right fireplace in your home can bring an elemental warmth that not only heats your home but comforts the soul. Choosing which fireplace will work best for your needs will depend on aesthetics, the ambience and the size size of the space.

    With the help of Kim Williams, she shares her top insights on selecting the perfect heating solution.

    Kim Williams Heating

    Aesthetics and Ambiance

    Fire brings such energy into a space because it represents passion. With so many options from gas-oil hybrids, to ergonomic pellet fireplaces, there is sure to be one that fits your ideal aesthetic. Considering the style and ambience you want to create will determine which option will work best for you.

    Go high quality

    The final fireplace you choose should fit with your lifestyle requirements . The longevity of your design choice is also paramount on both essential materials such as fire bricks and in terms of style. I always recommend clients go for what they truly love, not just what is on-trend because fireplaces are expensive to repair or replace.

    Winter Insights with Kim Williams

    Size up your space

    There are many experts whose main focus is understanding the science behind space and airflow, and how sunlight and energy interact in a space.

    Follow the sun

    The sun is often overlooked when home builders collaborate with architects and yet light is the most fundamental factor. Having a sunny space will make an enormous difference. If you are buying a home that doesn’t get a lot of sun, before installing heating systems, try to open it up with windows or skylights. The sun will always be the most efficient way to heat a home because after all, it is free.

    Keep it connected

    If a home is cold we tend to retreat to the warm embrace of our duvets rather than gathering in a communal area. A fireplace creates a warm social hub and the perfect ambience to bond as a family. When building your fireplace, consider how space will be used and use furniture that makes it easy to gather safely around the fire and facilitates being together.

    Remember all the elements in the room

    Making a space warm is also psychological. By considering elements such as the floors, wall coverings, lighting, colour and textures you can make even the darkest room feel cosy. To find balance among all these elements I often look to nature and incorporate earth, air, water and fire. Vibrant plants in open spaces infuse a home with life and cool ocean blues make the perfect inky backdrop for warm colours and earthy tones. Lush rugs and dim candles as well as rich wallpaper also help to add psychological warmth and insulation.

    Heating Solutions

    Take the fun Outside

    Using your outdoor space with the kind of weather we have in South Africa is also very much an option. With us spending much more time outdoors we are seeing a huge resurgence of the fire pit. I personally love them and adore how versatile they can be – from a simple cost effective metal pit to grand sunken landscaped arenas there really is something for every budget. If a fire is not your preference, or perhaps you have a smaller courtyard garden, outdoor heaters are a lovely alternative.

    Coldness can make us retreat into our spaces to cocoon away from the harshness of the world. Building a fireplace is so much more than a heating solution, it is a way to draw us together to find comfort in the bonds we share with family and help us revive our souls after the haste and confusion of a busy day.

     

    For more tips from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram

     

  • Skin Care Advice I Would Give to My Younger Self

    If only I was given skincare advice at an early age. I remember when I was 13, I used my very first, glittery eyeshadow. My mom wasn’t really big on makeup and had very select items in her dresser. She was though, very good with her skincare and I remember that she would display her Oil of Olay on the dressing table. I remember sneaking some of the “golden skincare” every now and again just to feel the silkiness on my skin. If only I discovered it sooner, I think my skin would be even better today.

    There are a few things I wish I did more of. Take the advice! I wish I could go back in time and do things a little differently.

    1. Do not bake in the sun and wear the SPF.

    I think this is the most important of all. Back then, I was big into sports at school. I did running, netball, hockey, I loved it! What I also loved, looking back on photos was how tanned I was and then the thought occurred, I never ever wore SPF.   Now, I wear AT LEAST SPF 30 rain or shine. Yes, rays peak through the clouds. I learned when I got laser removal. I am not saying become a vampire but, you’ve got to protect your skin from the harsh rays at least during the peak hours of 12-3.

    tanning too much

    2. Pay attention to your neck and décolletage.

    Yes, I moisturized my face. I even put on eye cream from my early 20’s but did I pay attention to the connected areas…nope. Nothing gives your age away more than chest wrinkles. While you are at it, slap on that sunscreen there too.

    getting old
    3. Start Retinoids now.
    Don’t wait until you start to see wrinkles, start BEFORE you do. Early prevention is key. Read about a great range here and here.

    skincare advise

    4. Stop overwashing your face.

    A little oil will not make you have a breakout for Pete’s sake. Stop scrubbing your face the way you do burnt cheese off your late-night toasted cheese plate.

    5. Do not wax excess hair on your face.

    Being the Mediterranean, I had/have a mustache. I waxed it so much it affected my skin. Starting waxing at a young age really takes a toll on the skin later in life. I started laser hair removal in my early twenties and it’s the best money spent. It is not as expensive as you think. It pays itself off if you compare it to all of the waxing appointments over the years.

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    6. Eat healthy.
    You are what you eat and consuming foods with chemicals and too much sugar WILL affect your skin. Look I’m no saint- I drink coke every day but everything in moderation. 

    7. Limit drinking alcohol.
    We all know this is dehydrating to the skin. Save it for when you are over 50 with college kids and bills…but follow it with tons of water at least.

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    8. Don’t stress it.
    Stress can really affect your skin. Everything always works out in the end.

    Copy of Peachpuff Brush Stroke Photography Logo

  • 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.

    Converse Renew Labs

    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.

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    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.

     

  • 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
    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
    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- TLG Blog
    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.

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    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. 

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    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

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    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.