Category: interesting people

Oh So Pretty things for Christmas

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So I have this friend, Lana who I interviewed HERE she is awesome and we get along swimmingly even if we only see each other every time the moon collides with Jupiter and three wolves howl in unison (that often) She has started a business called Oh So Pretty, which features the cutest stationary and décor items and I thought her products would be perfect for my local Christmas gift series 🙂
 
Here is what she does followed by what she says:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a graphic designer in real life. The rest of the time I like to make things – often randomly experimenting with things I always wondered if they really can / would work.

Where does your business name come from?I am not sure, really. A friend listened me through a bunch of options until it finally popped. I always liked the word pretty. (Pronounced: pruh-dee)

How did it come about?
Actually I major in event stationery 🙂 I have a passion for theme parties and weddings! I recently got the opportunity to exhibit at the Pop Shoppe in PE, which kind of forced me to step out of my comfort zone. Although I have always loved traditional art mediums, I honestly enjoy making things other than just a flat surfaced painting or drawing. I also enjoy taking a break away from my computer, since I spend 3/4 of the time I am awake in front of it.
How do you decide on products?It is difficult to – for the first time in a very long time – make something you feel like making. I am used to listening to people who explains what they need and want and adapting that. So right now I just do whatever pops up in my mind.
Do you design yourself?Yes. A couple of the things at the Christmas in the Home expo are from my sisters though.
Where do you draw inspiration from?My sisters are a major source of inspiration. I also like browsing Pinterest taking tiny elements of, say five pictures, and mush them all together…and people. I am fascinated by different personality types.
 
How long does it take to finish one?If it is a set of something, the first one always take the longest. But as soon as you decide what works (and you master the art of tying a bow so the printed side shows the right way) it goes quicker. The designing of printed things take up quite a bit of time, but then it becomes someone else’s job to print and cut it, so it evens it out quite well.
What to you is a job well done?If it does not sell and I would not mind to keep it in my own house.
 
What are your dreams for your business?I would love to do only event stationery one day and have an online shop for all the things I make in between.

 

 

Where can people get hold of you?

I am quite big on social media (https://www.facebook.com/OhSoPrettyStationery) and have a website (which is still in progress) www.oh-so-pretty.co.za
I am also exhibiting at the Pop Shoppe in Main Road,Walmer.

Interview surrounded by Caffeine and Fairydust :)

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Thursdays are talk to interesting people days (about blogs or products) and it doesn’t get much more interesting than a fashion designing suburban working mom covered in tattoos…You know pregnant, with a 4-year-old running around while running a business and so cool you wish she’d ask you to sit with her during lunch…yes THAT interesting. I love Maz from Caffeine and Fairydust ‘s wit and passion for things. She has agreed to answer some questions for me, so today I’m cool by association

-Tell us a little about your family…

I am married to my crazy skateboarding & craft beer loving husband who is my best friend and greatest love – together we have a gorgeous almost 4-year old girl named Mikayla Rose and I am currently pregnant with our little boy who is due on the 19th of December! We have two rescue cats – Rhino and Green Pepper and a rat named Tinkerbell. 

 

-What do you do when not  blogging?

I am a Fashion Designer working with companies such as Truworths, Foschini, Queenspark and Poetry, I also do some Textile and Graphic design when I have the time. At the moment I am loving being a full time mommy on maternity leave. I have also recently started selling unique vintage furniture, home decor, art and jewelry sourced/made by my talented mom! You can have a look here – https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Vita-%C3%A8-Bella/305776452961056 

I am also playing with the idea of maybe starting a kids clothing range, but we will see….

 

-What made you decide to blog?

I have always enjoyed writing as a sort of therapeutic relief, blogging is something I have always wanted to try. Cindy from 3Kids 2Dogs 1Old House greatly inspired me – I love her writing!

 

-What was your concept behind the blog?

O gosh… Chaos. I am not quite sure myself. It is sort of a journal for my family documenting my pregnancy and life as a mom in general. I am just telling my stories and giving my opinions – if it helps someone or if anyone can relate to my posts that’s great! I am no expert and I try not to give advice as I believe every single persons’ situation is different. I write about what I believe in and enjoy – which is my family, good food, fun things to do, fair treatment of animals, promoting cruelty-free products, etc.

 

– Where does blog name come from?

I have no idea, my mind works in weird ways. It just came to me… It’s the same when I design ranges/garments. Sometimes I dream about them, sometimes it just pops in my head…

 

-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?

No, I have always been very open about my life. I don’t really care if people know what my secrets are. I am proud of my life and what I’ve achieved. I have been through quite a journey and I have much to share still!

 

-Do you ever worry that your child will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?”

I am always very cautious about the pictures I share or what I post when it comes to my little one, so not really. Obviously when she is older I will have to respect her privacy and be even more careful about what I write.

 

-Does your family read your blog?

Yes, my husband and my mom are my biggest fans!

 

-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?

So much! Currently I am running a series that promotes products that do not test on animals – I really wish more people will care about this. It is absolutely senseless to support a brand that still mutilates and terrorize animals in order to do their research when you have so many alternatives. I also want people to be a bit more open-minded and realize that even though I am tattooed and a little bit eccentric – I am still just a person with feelings like everyone else. I also love it when people respond to my posts so happy that they are not the only ones going through something similar to me.

 

-What do you think about the blogging culture in South Africa?

I am very new at this, but one thing I have notice and absolutely love is how supportive all the Mommy bloggers are of each other. It warms my heart! ♥

 

-What do you think makes for a “good blog”

I guess that is different for every person, I personally like blogs that are honoust and to the point. I enjoy a more relaxed style of writing. 

 

-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world

By the response and interaction from the readers on your actual articles. To me stats don’t mean much.

 

 
xoxo

Maz

Caffeine and Fairydust

Fun interview with PE’s own Barbie :)

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You know how I said I would be giving some Christmas ideas over the next couple of weeks?
Well I started with Love My Home and the super cute onsies last week…and this week I have a bit of a treat in the form of an interview with Barbie… You know so you can have Barbie at your Christmas party, duh
Allow me to explain myself…Barbie In The Bay is a great local service where Nelson Mandela Bay children can invite Barbie to come and play with them on their birthday. It’s such a cute concept I just had to chat to Kelly Rose, our very own Barbie

 
 
 
 
Tell us about yourself and family

I am an outgoing, friendly mother of 2 daughters. A 3-year-old and 18-month-old, who keep me very busyJ  I love the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.  I run my church’s Moms Group, as well as being a Sunday School teacher.  I am a stay at home mom, but also have a side-line business Rose Events in which I do party planning; I especially love children’s parties.  And of course, I am BarbieJ        

 
What do you offer?

I offer three packages all based on a 2 hour party, but I am willing to tailor them to suit people’s needs.  My first package, I come dressed as the preferred Barbie character and interact with the children, ie play the games with them, have photos with them.  In my second package, I come dressed as the preferred Barbie character and interact with the children as well as either face paint or do manicures depending on the age of the children and what the parents request.  In my third package, I come dressed as the preferred Barbie character, interact with the children, do bubbles, face paint or manicures, balloon animals, treasure hunt, and then depending on the party and the children I read a Barbie story to them. 

 
How well has the concept been received thus far

Pretty well actually! I have been hired for quite a few parties already for little girls ranging in age from 2 upwards.  And I even have bookings in January and was recently asked for a booking in April 2015!  The girls at the parties love Barbie and Barbie loves spending time with themJ

 
How did the idea come about?

Haha!  It came about quite by chance actually and I owe my friend a big thank you for that!  She was having a Barbie party for her daughter’s 4th birthday and wanted a real Barbie to be there, so she asked me!  I’m the kind of person who wants to try do things properly and well, so I prepared some bubble wands, a story, manicures and the children loved it!  I even had a little boy have his nails painted blue by Barbie!  I then had moms at the party ask me for my details so they could hire me for their children’s parties.  I went home and googled Barbie in Port Elizabeth and found that Johannesburg and Cape Town both have their own Barbies, but not Port Elizabeth.  So I went from there, and now Port Elizabeth has its own Barbie.

 
Are you a Barbie fan yourself?

Yes I am!  I grew up with lots of Barbie and Ken dolls, and used to play for hours with them.  I had the house, the pool, the car, etc.  I definitely am a real Barbie girlJ

 
Do you still have a collection?

The ones that I do still have now belong to my 3 year old daughter who is crazy about Barbie.

 

Since they love, Barbie, what do they think about having Barbie for a mom?

It’s actually very funny, but my daughters don’t know that Barbie is their mother!  I have the thickest false lashes and dress up quite a bit so they haven’t recognised me yet.  I even “visited” my daughters at home and got told to please leave!  My 3 year old loves seeing Barbie at parties but was very uncomfortable having Barbie visit her at home!

 

What is the most memorable time you have had as Barbie?

I would have to say a recent party I did for a four year old little girl.  I got to not only be Barbie at her party, but also plan the whole party under my other company Rose Events, as she was coming down from Zambia.  I usually get hired to either be Barbie at a party or plan the party as the planner, so it was so nice to have a very pink Barbie themed party and be able to show her everything that had been prepared for her while being Barbie at the same time.    

 

Any chance of doing Disney princesses or are you strictly a Barbie girl?

 Haha!  As one of my dresses is ice blue, I have been asked quite a number of times if I can be Elsa from Frozen.  I haven’t totally decided, so would possibly consider doing them, but I would need to try alter my look a little as the little girls of PE are getting to know my face as Barbie.

 

How can people contact you?

roseeventssa@gmail.com
Barbie in the bay on facebook

Cool things for Christmas: For the littlest ones @ Love My Home

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I’ve put the interviews with blogging moms on the back burner for now (while I discover new exciting blogs to tell you guys about)  Instead I’m starting a “Cool things for Christmas” list where I will chat about cool local products and services and interview the women behind these products, because I love entrepreneurship that’s why 🙂

My first products are these one of a kind onsies by Love My Home….
 Lauren, the owner, does lots of other things too, but the onsies REALLY got my attention, probably because of all the babies being added to our family tree…


TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I am a 30 something woman, I work from home and I love it! I resigned from my job at the end of February this year and haven’t looked back since. I wanted to be doing something more creative and following my bliss, while still giving me a chance to be a housewife and future mom.I have always been creative and this was the correct career move for me.
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS CALLED:
My business is called “Love my Home” I got the name from my initials (Lauren Marlene Hewitt) I also joked that if one day I need help my husband Mark could help me too.
WHY KIDS CLOTHES:
I was initially going to do more home items (table runners, place mats etc) but the kids and baby items have been more in demand and those items have started to take off. I also wanted to things that you don’t find in the mainline shops.
DO YOU DESIGN IT YOURSELF:
Some of the designs I do myself, others are existing pattern pieces I change to make it more my own.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM:
I use Pinterest, Google images I also try to find items that are currently trending, I like to do designs that I would wear myself, baby items aren’t all about bunnies and duckies any more.

WHAT TO YOU IS A JOB WELL DONE:
To me a job well done is seeing people using/ wearing items I have made and having happy customers and repeat customers.

WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS FOR YOUR BUSINESS:
My dream is to continue running my business from home, and when I have kids to slow down a bit, but still be able to work from home while raising them. We’ll see how that goes.

CHRISTMAS GIFT ITEMS I SELL:
I make felt toy items for toddlers and babies, I am working on a Christmas onesie range – “my first Christmas 2014” for moms  and there are home items that can be custom made.

If you want to contact Lauren, and you know you wanna . . . go here:

https://www.facebook.com/lovemyhomeshop or
lovemyhomeshop@gmail.com

*Let me know if you know of a local product I could feature 🙂

 

Experience life with Cassie and her ladybug

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Today I’m featuring Cassie from Life with a Ladybug. She is mom to the cutest little girl!!! They makes me want to have a little girl and then Aidan tosses something in something and I think nah one is enough, hehe. I love her wit and honesty and often check in to see how she’s doing 🙂 you can too over HERE!



Tell us a little about your family…

My family is a little one, there is one 30 something adult human, one  Two year old Ladybug and one eight year old Furbaby.  We a girls only house and love every minute of it!
-What do you do when not blogging?
When Im not blogging Im juggling between being an HR Manager, a Correspondence Student, a Cook, a Cleaner, a Mom, an Toddler’s Entertainer,  a Guider, the Good Cop the Bad Cop, a Wannabe Runner, a DIY Enthusiast, a Sister and a Friend, all while honing my skills on becoming a future Super Hero.
-What made you decide to blog?
I have family scattered all over the world, from the far South in New Zealand to way up North in Alaska (at the moment).  My started during my pregnancy and it was a single platform where I could keep everyone updated.
–What was your concept behind the blog?
It changed a little over the last few years, originally it was to keep everyone updated, then it became therapeutic and then suddenly people started reading it.  Now its basically a platform where I can let people in to what its like being a single parent, and what its like in our world, while keeping the family updated as to what’s happening.
-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?
I took the decision that I was never going to blog very personal things about our life, about us.  As a result, I blog under my nickname given to me by my sister at the age of 2 and I don’t use Ladybug’s real name.  I also don’t let in personal information like what school she is at, where I work or where we live.  There are some things that are meant to be for us only.
-Do you ever worry that your child will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?”?
My answer would be “ Aren’t you lucky I didn’t tell them about that time when you…..” 
I do worry, but it all boils down to how personal you want to get.
-Does your family read your blog?
If they don’t I know where they live!! They love reading up on our adventures and misadventures.
-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?
Years and years of blackmail material to flash on a screen at Ladybugs 21st! 
My blog is personal, I write about our life, what is relevant to us.  Along the way I have inspired, touched and reached people I never thought I would which is awesome.  But it really is an online memory bank for us to go through later in life.  If I inspire just 1 random stranger who is struggling through something that I have struggled with and I can show them that its OK that you can get through it, then I have achieved more than I ever dreamed of achieving.
-What do you think about the blogging culture in South Africa?
I think there are allot of people that are “bloggers” then there are the real bloggers.  Kudos to those that have made blogging awesome and to those that want to blog to get free stuff shame on you. 
-What do you think makes for a “good blog”
Honesty, uniqueness and being differently like everyone else.  I enjoy blogs where someone is writing from their heart if it’s a personal blog, someone that has taken the time out to actually write honestly about something.
-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world

Im a small fry in the big bad blog world.   I blog because I enjoy it so I will never really “compete” in the blog world.

Of princesses and zombies…

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One of my favourite blogs is Confessions of a  Zombie Mom, written by Melanie Blignaut. Not only is she funny and her daughters adorable! She is also very spiritual and gives great practical advice you can actually use, like how to plan a party on a budget and not to flinch when your daughter want’s to trade you in for a cartoon character…here is what Melanie had to say 🙂 

Tell us a little about your family…
I met my husband, Jacques, 14 years ago when we both studied drama at Wits. He’s an actor and I’m more of a behind-the-scenes girl. We’ve been married for five years and have two daughters. Angie (aka Poppet) is four and Emmy (aka Pixie) is two. Both are chatterboxes and have an endless supply of energy, so our house is never quiet! They are also both obsessed with Frozen, Tinker Bell and the Disney princesses. We have a male cat, Napoleon, so Jacques doesn’t have to feel so outnumbered.

-What do you do when not blogging?
I teach drama at several preschools in my area and I’m currently helping two preschools with their end-of-year concerts. Jacques and I run the drama ministry at our church, so I’m always in a state of pre-production for one project or another. Angie is at school half-day, so my afternoons are spent with my girls. Our days usually involve dressing up or doing crafts.

-What made you decide to blog?
I started blogging partly as a way to stay sane, and partly to share what is going on in my life with friends who live overseas.

-What was your concept behind your two blogs?
Confessions of a Zombie Mom is meant to be a humourous look at parenting. I figured that it’s either laugh about it, or cry. Wind in a Letterbox is a more personal blog. I share more deeply about my experience as a wife and mother, and how I try to teach my girls about Jesus. My hope is that I can encourage other moms who are in a similar stage of life.

-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?
I try not to think too much about it, although I do get a bit taken aback when someone comments in real life about something I’ve posted on the blog or on my Facebook page.

-Do you ever worry that your kids will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?” 
I don’t share anything that I think may be embarrassing for the girls. I hope that when they are older they will enjoy looking back over my blog posts and reading about themselves as children. If they ever tell me to take a post down, then I will.

-Does your family read your blog?
Yes.

-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?
To make people smile, to show moms they’re not alone in their experiences and struggles, to encourage people.

-What do you think about the blogging culture in South Africa?
I’ve connected with some lovely people, but I also get the impression that some circles are quite clique-y and hard to get into.

-What do you think makes for a “good blog”
I like reading about personal experiences or posts that encourage/challenge my thinking. I tend to avoid sites that are review-heavy.

-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world
I think if people are reading and responding, whether it’s by liking the post or commenting, then I’m doing something right.