The Little Guru

Category: Lifestyle

5 Reasons to Give Tooth Powder a Go!

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

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

A Natural Approach to Oral Care…

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

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

The Tooth Powders…

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

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

Here are 5 Reasons to Give Tooth Powder a Go:

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

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

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

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

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

Our View:

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

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

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

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

January 7, 2021
BE YOU with Curaprox

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

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

Curaprox toothpaste comes in six zesty flavours:

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

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

WHY WE LOVE CURAPROX:

STAY FRESH FOR HOURS

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

HERBAL HEALING

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

WHITE MAGIC

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

What is this enzyme?

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

Two highly-desirable side effects of Glucose Oxidase:

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

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

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

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

Happy Shopping!

December 1, 2020
Fashion Handbook SA- Online Designer Directory

Big Names Sign on with Fashion Handbook SA Online Designer Directory.

Fashion Handbook South Africa (FHB SA) recently created their online Designer Directory. By signing up for the best contemporary fashion brands, they are aiming to help boost South Africa’s local economy.

A Fashion First

Proudly serving as a destination and point of discovery for the best in local fashion – that South Africa has to offer. Fashion Handbook SA is the first to create a comprehensive online fashion directory – one that is remarkably different from its past versions in print. Earlier this year the owner and publisher, Leanne Tlhagoane, made the decision to focus FHB SA’s efforts on the digital side of the business – naturally culminating in the shift towards creating and developing the newer digital offering.

Leanne Tlhagoane – Publisher of Fashion Handbook: South Africa- Image by Obakeng Molepe

“Fashion Handbook South Africa is about amplifying fashion voices and brands, growing community and contributing to the development of a more unified and supportive fashion industry,” says Tlhagoane. It’s also a source of information and inspiration intent on offering access to a diversified pool of talented South African fashion creatives.

The cream of SA’s fashion-crop has flocked to the directory to sign on and form part of this accredited fashion community!

Designer Dialogue

Mzukisi Mbane

“For me, I feel like this directory is becoming the African designer Bible we never had. The idea of creating a space where one can find all / most of South Africa’s noted fashion designers. Working towards the dream I have for the future of African fashion. A dream where all of us create a united front to fight for our rightful place on a global scale.”- Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint.

Image courtesy of Imprint

Image courtesy of Imprint

Isabel de Villiers
”It’s such an honor to be included in the Designer Directory along with all my peers, making waves in the creative world.’’ – Isabel de Villiers of Isabel de Villiers Clothing

Image courtesy of Isabel de Villiers Clothing

Jacques Bam
“I really think that the Fashion Handbook SA directory stands as a symbol for the overwhelming sense of community that we as the South African fashion industry have. Not only is it pushing our names into the public realm, but really it helps us to all work collectively. To build our industry, recognizing that there is power in banding together instead of walking separately. I am honored to form part of this directory and I cannot wait to see what this directory will do for us all.” – Jacques Bam of The Bam Collective.

Image courtesy of The Bam Collective

Shoppers can use the Designer Directory as a single point of discovery for local fashion. Each designers’ details are housed on the site. A link to their website where consumers can conveniently get information, connect, and shop.

Listed Designers

The comprehensive Designer Directory list can be found online at Fashion Handbook SA

A few more of the listed designers…

African Style Story
Ezokhetho
House of Lucent
Judith Atelier
Matsidiso
Moraka Interiors
Pichulik
Plasticity
The Bam Collective
Tshepo Jeans

In anticipation of the SAFW show happening on the 23 October 2020, I am beyond excited to see one of our favourite designers House of Lucent showcase their new designs!

House of Lucent- SAFW 2019 Winner

For more info on the hottest designers in SA:

Instagram | fashionhandbooksa

Twitter | SAFashionBook

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Looking for international suppliers? We spotted these green bridesmaid dresses and it is absolutely stunning!

Check out Style Aisle UK for more details!

October 13, 2020
Making an Entrance…

Our favourite Interior creator & behavioural specialist, Kim Williams, is making an entrance! Kim shares that every great space begins by having an understanding of how people use their spaces & how design can help them get more use from it.

Entrance halls are not only for grand Hollywood mansions, but they also offer us a beautiful space to express and introduce the unique identity of our home, as we welcome guests.

Aside from the opportunity for a functional space to store everyday items, entrance halls have gained importance as space to safely sanitize before interacting with our families.

As SA is slowly easing “out” of the chaos, a global shift back towards entertaining guests in our home spaces has come back to life. Having a space to welcome guests creates a sense of excitement. Space and a feeling of welcoming warmth.

I am obsessed with benches and would definitely be on the hunt for one for my own home!

Here is what Kim recommends when designing an Entrance:

Function

Functionality is not only about what you add into space, but more about how well space fulfils your needs. Also, the personality of your family is extremely important. Everyone’s behaviour and needs in their space are different, therefore design must be developed around your unique requirements.

Form

The overall style of the house should guide your design choices. There may also be elements that you cannot change, such as walls, windows, and natural light, or you may want to highlight an antique front door.

Flow

As our spaces get smaller, it is more important than ever that we think about how we create flow with our design choices. How we work with natural light or use of colour. Pieces of art and furniture are more than objects in a home, they add to the flow, overall look, and impression you want to experience in the home.

Old & New

The integration between the old and the new is by far Kim’s forte. By using items that you already treasure creates an emotional connection with your space, gives sentimental significance. It also safeguards your design from being too trend orientated.

Entrance halls have made their grand return to the design scene and are a great way to sweep guests off their feet. Introduce our home’s unique style and organize our everyday essential items.

We are doing a slight home reno and might use this opportunity to spruce up my entrance space! I will definitely be using these tips from Kim!

October 5, 2020
What’s New on the Designer Lanscape…

So what’s new on the designer landscape? Local Fashion Design House: Danielle Frylinck – Launches their ‘Soft Wearing’ Spring Collection

Danielle Frylinck’s Spring 2020 Capsule Collection.

This impactful designer has been creating and crafting fashion to fit the female form since 2016. No stranger to the industry – Danielle Frylinck’s garments have walked the runways and clothed fashionable bodies – for years. In addition to their online portal, the local brand recently launched their flagship store, situated in Parkhurst – Johannesburg.

A peek at the range is a must for the visual palette. Comfortable sense of effortless style – emphasised through key colours and distinctive prints. Natural fabrics, striking tones and simple silhouettes make for a style that easily integrates into one’s wardrobe.

‘Spring 2020 offers you a soft wearing collection made from mostly natural fibres. Comfort is key with a twist to still give you the feeling of ‘dressing up’.

A small capsule collection of pieces that are easy to mix and match with pieces in your current wardrobe. Signature Bowie dresses that can be dressed up or down and linen pieces in clean, crisp lines.’ – mentions Frylinck.

The range boasts a fresh spin on classic styles that have proven successful in the modern-day women’s wardrobe. This paired with local flair and Danielle Frylinck’s steadfast delivery of perfectly tailored pieces.

Here are our favourites:

Linen Mari Blazer

Billie Skirt

Kwi Tee

We look forward to watching yet another season of this ethical designer’s fashion-sprinkle on the streets (and unmapped roads) of Southern Africa.

September 17, 2020
Chin Breakouts? You could be suffering from Maskne…

I was the lucky few teens that had good skin for the majority of the time. I never suffered from acne or really bad breakouts. As of late, my chin has been breaking out, TERRIBLY! I put it down to stress due to these crazy COVID times, but in actual fact, it’s Maskne!

Everyone’s new accessory is a face mask for the protection of others and ourselves, and with this comes a new skin concern being Acne. You could be suffering from Maskne!

Masks can trap in humidity, dirt, oil, and sweat if you are not cleaning them properly or you are reusing them for long periods of time. Wearing a mask has made me realize how bad your breath can really get too, Ew.

When oil and debris clog the pores, this causes pimples. Any friction and irritation from the mask can push bacteria into your skin or even create micro-tears, which allow for easier entry of bacteria and dirt and can lead to further inflammation.

With a great skincare routine, you can definitely avoid the maskne. Just keep your skin clean twice a day so that you remove excess oil and clogged pores. And always, ALWAYS wash your masks in hot water and soap!

If you are looking for a lightweight and easy skincare product, then you should definitely check out the Cetaphil Range. You can read more about it here.

A lightweight skin care regime that will keep your skin clean. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin!

Get Masked

These gorgeous masks are THE most beautiful masks I have ever worn! They are so comfortable and have a wire inside to curve around your nose for that snug fit. The best part is, they are custom made to your measurements!

Support local- You can get in touch with Sandy from Masked Designs

September 1, 2020
JHB’s Hidden Gem- Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop

There is something quite special about finding a little haven that just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside. As much as I want to keep this little haven a secret, it’s too special not to share. Let me introduce you to Jhb’s Hidden Gem- Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop.

Not many people know this, but I have been captivated by the Holocaust. Many years ago I watched a film called “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”, since then I have been hooked on searching and reading stories about the survivors of the Holocaust.

Issy’s is Something Special…

Issy’s is managed by Courtneigh Bernstein, who opened the shop in memory of her grandfather, as well as in honour of all survivors of genocide. Courtneigh’s grandfather, Israel Gurwicz, was a Holocaust survivor.

I briefly got to meet and chat with Courtneigh, granddaughter and owner of Issy. The loveliest person you will ever meet!

Israel Gurwicz was born in Vilna to Bluma and Moshe-Hirsch. In 1941, the family was forced into the Ghetto. Issy’s brother Allan escaped and hid with Tonia Pietryk, their Polish governess. His mother and sister Deborah were murdered in the Ponary Forest and his father was murdered in Dachau. Issy escaped and found his way to Tonia’s house where he hid with his brother until their liberation by the Red Army. Tonia was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for her bravery. After the war Issy and Allan immigrated to South Africa.

Goosebump moment right?

Good Food, Good Vibe

Looking out onto a little courtyard, it’s on the ground floor of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Forest Town. It’s a quiet little coffee shop, that really is the perfect oasis to spend the morning. I loved how peaceful it was – it’s a place where you can take a deep breath, and just be.

Along with coffee, good coffee as said by my M, you can have bagels and sandwiches, and there are a few things for sale, like books and jewellery. The books on sale, in particular, grabbed my attention. Of course I bought one, who are we kidding here…

I bought, The Holocaust.

The crew who work there are the perfect combination of humble & friendly . Lucky, who is Issy’s front man, welcomed us with open arms and chatted to us about all the locally made gifts in store. This humble man went on to tell us that even though it has been tough (due to Coronavirus) he is still able to look after his family by the local communities support. This is why I love supporting local, it’s important because places and people as good as these, will still be around. They deserve to be!

Lucky- Hardworking & Humble guy!

The Holocaust and Genocide Centre will be re-opening on the 1st of September 2020. I cannot wait to experience it with a good old cuppa in hand.

Many may think that the centre would be a bit of a downer, but dont. Let it be a space where you go on a historical journey. I for one, cant wait.

More Info

Jhb’s Hidden Gem-Issy’s Coffee and Gift Shop can be found inside the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, 1 Duncombe Rd, Forest Town (just off Jan Smuts Avenue and opposite The Westcliff). – Open Mon to Fri, 9am–4:30pm; Sun and public holidays 9am–3pm.

Read more lifestyle content here.

August 24, 2020
We Got to Interview Kim Williams + Giveaway!

If you haven’t been introduced to Cape Town’s most stylish Interior Designer, you can read more about Kim Williams Design here and here

We had the pleasure of interviewing Kim and asked her some questions around interiors and home workspaces.

Kim Williams Interview

1. Change has definitely invaded the homes of many due to the pandemic and I wholeheartedly believe that change is good for the soul. Have you made any changes in your own workspace at home?
I created a pause area outside of my workspace as well as a wellness/exercise space. My office and studio is on my premises but with all of us working from home, we needed extra spaces to retreat to.

2. What would be your 3 “key” items for a small workspace?
Natural light, a comfortable and good-looking chair, as well as storage to put up and take down in your workspace to keep the space clutter-free.

3. Absolutely love that the nature trend is back! What plants have you included in your wellness space?
Me too! I think it’s going to take off even more. I have a combination of faux and real plants. Faux ferns and aloes where I do not get natural light and then hanging silver satin pathos plants in the corner of the space.

4. Colour does play a big roll in our overall mood, what would the best colour scheme be for the ideal gym or workspace area?
Ideally, you want to start with the floor – a vinyl floor will work well given you can wipe it off, and it will be cool in summer and warm in winter. This is the first prize. It really adds warmth and light.

Then you have to consider how you are using the space. If you are only using it as a traditional gym then energetic colours such as red, orange, bright colours work well. In my case, I combined a retreat (spot to escape to), yoga space, sauna, and exercise so I used pastel blue and green, combined with darker shades of green, a spot of pastel yellow, grey and white. I wanted to create a sense of serenity and connect with nature given the kind of exercise we would be doing in the space. I think in most homes these spaces will have to double up in function so you have to consider colours that will work across this.

5. What is your favourite spot in your home at the moment?
The corner couch in our PJ lounge. I have a winter fur in the space, and relaxing there with a G & T watching the sunset is my best at the moment.

6. What is an absolute “NO NO’ for a wellness space?
Clutter, white bulbs used in lighting, bright energetic colours.

7. What has been the highlight of your career to date?
The freedom I have right now in my business to choose the work I want to do. That is a great moment.

Kim not only is an Interior Designer but a behaviour strategist as well! Talk about fierce females!

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Win with Kim Williams Design!

On the subject of fierce females, The TLG Blog and Kim Williams Design have collaborated to give one of our lucky readers a gorgeous set of cushions!

Win this set of Gorgeous Cushions by Kim Williams Design

All you have to do is head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages to check out the giveaway details!

Get Entering and Good luck!

July 8, 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
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