In These Stilettos – Page 6 – From High Heels to High Chairs – A South African Parenting and Lifestyle Blog

Nature Box Review – Environmentally Conscious Beauty

Posted on August 18, 2020August 18, 2020 by Rebecca

I love the fact that more and more top hair care and beauty brands are turning to more sustainable ingredients and packaging. The latest beauty range to hit the shelves in South Africa is Nature Box, a hair and body range that promotes more holistic living. With natural ingredients and bright colours, this exciting new brand from Schwarzkopf and Henkel is completely vegan and is made with cold-pressed oils extracted from fruit seeds and nuts.

What are cold-pressed oils?

Cold pressing is the most efficient extraction process, allowing the oil’s essential nutrients to be entirely preserved to deliver the best to the hair and skin. Nature Box products are neither refined nor processed, meaning all their valuable vitamins in the oils, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, are not lost.

Testing the range

The Nature Box range features four different options, and over 18 different products, each addressing a different concern, from oily hair to sensitive skin, you can choose from Avocado, Coconut, Apricot and Almond. They are also free from silicones, artificial colours, sulphates.

I tried out the Avocado range of haircare and body products and here are my thoughts:

Nature Box Avocado Shampoo and Conditioner 385ml {RSP 119.99}

The Shampoo, is formulated from 84% natural ingredients, including antioxidant-rich cold pressed avocado oil, which is meant to repair split ends and restore your hair’s overall condition. I adore the smell and the shampoo lathers up to a nice consistency, which is surprising due to its lack of sulphates. The bottle is a really great size as well and is a convenient shape to travel with.

The conditioner was a win as well, although I did find the smell a little stronger and more “avocadoish” then the shampoo. It does a great job though and conditioned my hair well, without weighing it down. After years of highlights, and curly hair, I need a conditioner with a little more “oomph”, and this delivered.

Nature Box Avocado Shower Gel 385ml {RSP 69.99}

This shower gel is divine! It is pH skin neutral and dermatologically tested. It has a gentle, uplifting scent, and it foams really well. I didn’t find it to be drying or too harsh at all. I loved loved this, and it is priced at an affordable level as well. A definite re purchase from my end.

Nature Box Avocado Body Scrub {RSP 89.99}

This may just be my favourite. I adore this body scrub. Everyone has their own preference, but I prefer a combination of gel with a little bit of scrub and this is just that. Not too harsh, but gentle enough to provide a daily exfoliation.

What I love the most – The brand is committed to sustainable practice and supporting small farmers. 25% of the packaging is made from recycled packaging (this could be a bit more though). Next on my list to try is the almond range, because I am absolutely in love with the pink of the packaging.

Nature Box is now available from Clicks, Checkers, Dis-Chem and Takealot.

**I received the Nature Box Products to review but all opinions are my own.

Instant Pot Lamb Stew

Posted on June 26, 2020June 30, 2020 by Rebecca

When I think of winter comforts, lamb stew features in my top five without a doubt. This classic lamb stew features hearty, healthy ingredients and cooked in the pressure cooker the lamb is tender and flavourful, surround by a rich, deeply flavoured sauce.

As simple as this recipe is, it produces the most incredible stew that the entire family enjoys, from my 1 year old daughter through to my eldest, 6 year old son. I often dish up for them first and then will go in and add a bit of red chilli for my husband and I afterwards.

Ingredients for this Lamb Stew

It contains all the classics, small yellow potatoes, sweet baby carrots, earthy onions and fresh mushrooms (that even my kids don’t mind). Paired with Thyme, Bay Leaf and Fresh Parsley it really is the traditional lamb stew, adjusted to cook in quicker time in my Instant Pot.

How to make this easy lamb stew

Season your trimmed lamb pieces with flour, garlic salt, pepper and a little paprika. Toss to combine all the flour and ensure every piece of lamb is covered.
Switch on your Instant Pot to Saute and gently brown the lamb on all sides. Remove the lamb.
Gently saute the onions along with the garlic until soft. The original recipe calls for wine, however we don’t drink alcohol, so I substituted this with some balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pot. Add in the thickly sliced mushrooms and brown.
Return the lamb to the pot, along with the baby carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, 4 cups of stock, 1 TBSP tomato paste, salt and pepper.
Make sure the potatoes are covered with liquid.
Place lid on and set to sealing. Select “Stew” function and choose a 30 minute cook time.
Once the time is up, do a natural release for about 5 minutes and then manually release. Open the lid and check the consistency. When making stews and curries in the instant pot, you usually have to saute it up a bit for the sauce to thicken. I also added in one heaped teaspoon of corn flour, mixed with a little water to thicken the sauce.
Serve with either Crusty Bread or a soft, fluffy mash dependent on your preference.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Lamb Stew

This classic lamb stew is a firm family favourite. It has hearty, wholesome ingredients and cooked in your pressure cooker, the lamb is melt in your mouth tender.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time45 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: English

Keyword: Classic lamb Stew, Instant Pot Lamb Stew, Lamb Stew, Lamb Stew Recipe

Servings: 5 people

Author: Rebecca

Equipment

Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

700 grams Stewing Lamb (bone on) (If using boneless you need about 500g)
1 medium Onion Diced
1 packet baby carrots
5-6 small baby yellow potatoes
Half a packet of button mushrooms thickly sliced
1/4 cup Flour
Salt, pepper, paprika to season
Handful Thyme
2 Bay Leaves
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 TBSP Tomato paste
Balsamic Vinegar to deglaze
4 cups Beef stock
Fresh Parsley to garnish

Instructions

Season your trimmed lamb pieces with flour, garlic salt, pepper and a little paprika. Toss to combine all the flour and ensure every piece of lamb is covered.
Switch on your Instant Pot to Saute and gently brown the lamb on all sides. Remove the lamb.
Gently saute the onions along with the garlic until soft.
The original recipe calls for wine, however we don't drink alcohol, so I substituted this with some balsamic vinegar to de-glaze the pot.
Add in the thickly sliced mushrooms and brown.
Return the lamb to the pot, along with the baby carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, 4 cups of stock, 1 TBSP tomato paste, salt and pepper.Make sure the potatoes are covered with liquid.
Place lid on and set to sealing. Select "Stew" function and choose a 30 minute cook time.
Once the time is up, do a natural release for about 5 minutes and then manually release. Open the lid and check the consistency.
When making stews and curries in the instant pot, you usually have to saute it up a bit for the sauce to thicken. I also added in one heaped teaspoon of corn flour, mixed with a little water to thicken the sauce.Serve with either Crusty Bread or a soft, fluffy mash dependent on your preference.

Do breakfast “with heart” with Jungle Crunchalots

Posted on June 24, 2020June 24, 2020 by Rebecca

Are you a “breakfast” kind of family? My kids take after me with their love for cereal – the boys literally go to sleep planning what cereal they will have the next day. I used to have fights with my parents as a child because every night I would want cereal for supper!

As I have become a parent myself, I have realised and witnessed first-hand, how important a balanced breakfast is. It replenishes your body with a supply of essential nutrients and keeps your little one’s energy levels up throughout the day. I have seen a direct correlation in my son’s moods if I give him a typical “sugary” cereal versus a more wholesome one. As a result, I have recently started to pay much closer attention to the ingredients and nutritional benefits of my breakfast cereals I’m buying.

Have you looked at the cereal aisle lately? There are literally a million options; many of which claim to be healthy when they’re not. How do you know which healthy breakfast cereals taste good? Words like “whole grain”, “all natural” and “sugar free” are thrown around, but which is best?

When we were asked if we wanted to review “Jungle Crunchalots” I jumped at the chance, knowing that my cereal monster would love to try them out. Any cereal that contains Vitamins A, BI, B2, B6, B12 and Niacin, calcium and iron as well as dietary fibre is a winner for me. The Jungle Crunchalots cereal comes in all the favourite flavours – strawberry, honey and chocolate flavor and has 32% less sugar*. But would they like it?

Firstly, my kids were excited about the brightly coloured packaging. They were instantly drawn to “Oaty Cerealot” and his crew of monsters and of course my younger son wanted to try the chocolate flavor first, while mama wanted strawberry. One of the things my son loves the most is that the cereal stays “crunchy”. He often stops eating his breakfast when the cereal gets soft and soggy but Jungle Crunchalots remain solid and crunchy a lot longer.

Most bought cereals fall into the unhealthy category because they’re heavily processed or full of added sugar and additives, and this means they simply aren’t what I would consider a quality breakfast for your body. I love the fact that Jungle Crunchalots is made from oats and are high in Vitamin B, Iron and fibre. In addition to being a convenient source of nutrients and tasty start to each morning, by adding in yoghurt or milk it contributes to a portion of your daily calcium needs. Chuck in some fruit and you have a completely balanced breakfast.

One of the biggest benefits for me is the fact that Jungle Crunchalots has less sugar than any other cereal, at less than 1 teaspoon per serving, this is a HUGE advantage for me with my little sugar monster over here! Crunchalots also came in the top 3 cereals when profiled with the Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM).

Safe to say, I’m adding Crunchalots to our monthly shopping list and will certainly be repurchasing them for our breakfasts from now on.

*Disclaimer – This post was sponsored by Jungle Crunchalots, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wacky Box SA – Everything you need to entertain your kids, in one box

Posted on June 23, 2020June 22, 2020 by Rebecca

Lets see how many times you have googled “activities to stimulate my child” this lockdown… 2, 3, 4? As a blogger who focuses a large portion of her writing on activities for children, I have certainly noticed a huge increase in requests for ideas since COVID changed our world. Yet I still find myself at a loss from time to time at what to do. Working from home during this time has also left me with less quality time with my kids (believe it or not), because I am always trying to juggle between the two. I wasn’t finding the time to prep activities for them or to think in advance of things to do, not to mention my craft supplies were dwindling at a rapid rate.

Enter Wacky Box SA. The Wacky Box is brought to you by the Educational Box Company, and it aims to provide support, promote and empower parents in South Africa, giving them the ability and opportunity to spend quality time with their kids, despite their busy lives. Every Wacky Box is jammed packed with activities and follows a different theme for the month. The activities are tried and tested for each age group, and it comes with a detailed instruction booklet for parents, highlighting the benefits of each activity, as well as ways to step it up. The activities inspire both fine and gross motor skills, sensory play as well as arts and music. The box is designed to be completely used up, if fact, even the box and packaging are used as part of the activities.
Our boxes were themed for “senses”, so we had activities such as sticky jelly play, drawing on sandpaper, “listening” by creating shakers, making binoculars, physical movement and of course music themed activities. We even had cinnamon scented oats!

Double it up

My boys are pretty close together in age, so most of the time, I need activities that will engage both of them. One of the things I love the most about Wacky Box is that you can double up your box for siblings for just R110 extra. No more fighting over who gets to do what activity, now they can both do exactly the same thing.

At a time where we are at home more, Wacky Box has been a lifesaver. I haven’t had to think of themes, everything is provided for you, every piece of tape, piece of paper and inch of glue. The boys particularly enjoyed the physical activities, the ping pong ball races and spider climbing. It also prompted “out of the box” thinking (excuse the pun), letting us get creative by drawing on sandpaper to experience different textures. Another aspect I appreciated is that a lot of the materials in the two boxes (we got 4-6 years and 1-2 years) were actually the same. It was just the way the activities were executed that were different. Take the oats for example, For baby they were more of a sensory experience picking up and scooping, filling containers etc, whilst the boys used them to create art. This is a huge benefit when your little one wants to copy her big brothers all the time!

Toddler Play

I jumped at the chance to get a box for my daughter, who is 14 months old. I find myself at a loss of things to do with her, as everything requires supervision, and she isn’t “old enough” for crafts yet. She is at a bit of an “in between phase”, always wanting to do what her big brothers do. We dug animals out of jelly, painted with bells on a brush to add another learning element (I loved this idea) and even reused our box to learn the concept to enhance fine motor skills. It’s been a treat to sit down with her and allowing her to discover new things.

How does it work?

You an order your monthly subscription at just R380 per month, with a different theme chosen for each month. Simply select your appropriate age group and everything is delivered to your door! There are also once off boxes available as well as gifting options. Delivery across South Africa is free.

For more information visit the Wacky Box website, and follow them on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Giveaway:

We will be gifting one lucky parent with a 4 month subscription to WackyBox , worth R1520.

To enter:

Like and follow both In these stilettos and Wacky Box SA on Facebook and Instagram .
Share this article so more people can find out about this awesome service!

For another chance to win head on over to Mommalikeme to enter!

Winner will be announced on 30 June 2020 and the chosen individual must have a child aged between 5 months and 6 years old.

** Disclaimer ** This article was written in collaboration with Wacky Box, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Father Day Gift Guide 2020

Posted on June 18, 2020June 18, 2020 by Rebecca

Every year I find myself stumbling over what to get my husband and dad for Fathers Day. I’m sad to say for the last few years I haven’t been able to spend Father’s Day with my dad, but I hope he knows just how much I love him.

If you’re looking for something different to spoil the men in your life with this year, here are my ultimate choices to show Dad he’s Rad ! (See what I did there?)

From top left:

These gorgeous 100% genuine leather wallets from Journey Leather. They have a full range of products including toiletry bags. RSP: From R520

If you are going big, you HAVE to check out Lego’s latest masterpiece. Lego Creator Expert has a model of the Manchester United Football Stadium to keep dad’s busy while they wait for the Premier League to come back on! At R4,499.99 its a little pricier then your normal gift but so worth it!

For the golfer dad’s out there why not add in a little style, while giving back to a great cause?
Goodbye Malaria is a social benefit organization that fights against Malaria, in Southern Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique. All online sale proceeds go towards the eradication of malaria. Golf t-shirt: R350 – Shorts: R350.00 – Baseball cap: R200

Has lockdown got you fighting for TV space? Enjoy the home console gaming experience on the go and, even without access to a TV. Nintendo Switch fits around your lifestyle. Enjoy classic games like Super Mario Brothers, which is perfect to teach the kids!

LINDT Excellence features the likes of 70% Dark, 85% Dark, Mint Intense, Orange Intense and Sea Salt flavours in 100g tablets (RRP: R49.99; the 90% and 99% RRP R54.99). Flavours vary from intense through to sweet, with many combinations proving to be unexpectedly delicious and indulgent. Why not set dad up with a pairing? Jack Black, Cappucino, Rooibos tea – Lindt pairs well with so many things.

This Garmin Approach is the perfect tool for measuring your yardage for shots from anywhere on the course you’re playing. It’s compact and clips on and would be the perfect addition for any Golf loving dad.

For the foodie dad, Le Creuset is a special treat! They have launched the super stylish “matte black” range which fits in seamlessly to any kitchen. Shop Matte Black and exciting new Father’s Day promotions, including Cast Iron Grill pans, online or in store at www. lecreuset.co.za from 1st June 2020.

Who says fitness watches can’t be stylish? This Garmin Vivoactive Watch, from takealot is the perfect gift. It has interface with Android phones and all the latest gadgets with heart rate monitors.

Every dad needs in introduction to DIY work, this cordless drill from Leroy Merlin is the perfect starter tool. At only R389 its perfectly priced to spoil dad with this weekend.

Grasshopper has a full range of options for the dad in your life, whether he is running around town all day, or seated at a desk. The winter Grasshoppers range includes a style for everyone including the “brown rugger”, the Grasshopper take on the classic Chelsea boot. Available online via Bolton Shoes or visit the Grasshopper site for more information.

Got a dad that’s addicted to Cooking shows? This flavour injector is such an awesome foodie tool, simply pour flavourful stock or marinade into the syringe, attach the correct sized nozzle, and inject the flavour into the body of the meat. (I may just go by myself one).

I think this may just top all gifts, get your garage organised with Garage Guys. Garage Guys are the leaders in cost effective garage shelving. They create custom shelving solutions to fit your garage style and needs.

Build 11 awesome LEGO machines with this awesome activity kit. Machines that whirl, flip, punch and cruise! Including: a gravity-powered car, a boxing robot, a claw, a catapult, a spin-o-vision, a ghost mobile car, a rollin’ T-Rex, a whirling fan, a mixing machine, a micro movie maker and a gravity-drop coaster. Available from Takealot.com

If you are looking for the perfect starter toolkit, this it it! Tool set DEXTER 40 pieces bi materials comes with all the tools you need to keep your home in tip top shape. Available from Leroy Merlin

Garmin Watch, from takealot

20 ways to clean with Chemico Paste

Posted on June 16, 2020June 16, 2020 by Rebecca

There are very few cleaning products that can claim to get into everything, from floors and grout in tiles to jewellery, patios, ovens and extractor fans.

You’ve watched my Instagram stories on my cleaning hacks and most of the time I end up resorting to my trusty Chemico Paste.

South Africa’s answer to “The Pink Stuff”, which has gained cult status thanks to the endorsement of Mrs Hinch, this cleaning miracle tackles Saucepans, braai’s, ceramic tiles, glass, rust, sinks, garden furniture are just some of the varied assortment of household items and surfaces it can be used on.

It is a mildly abrasive cream cleaner that can be used to remove stains, grease and grime leaving surfaces shining like new.

How to use Chemico Paste

Depending on what you are cleaning, it is as easy as getting a damp sponge or cloth, dip into your Chemico scraping up some onto your cloth. The texture is quite thick so it will stay on the sponge.

Test on a small area of what you are cleaning first, just to make sure the paste does not damage what you are cleaning. It is not recommended for plastic surfaces, fabrics or acrylic surfaces . Rub in small circles until the marks have gone. On tougher stains you may want to rub Chemico Paste into the stain before leaving it for an hour or so before wiping off.

So what can you use Chemico on?

1. Your Oven

One of the best places to use Chemico is on your Oven. It is mildly abrasive so it does most of the hard work for you in getting rid of grease, burnt on food and grime. I use it for my oven deep cleans. Add a bit of water to a sponge rub it in the oven and let is sit for a while, put in a bit of elbow grease and your oven will sparkle like it is brand new! It will also restore your oven racks to their former glory removing all signs of grease.

2. Extractor Fan

I literally could not finish cleaning my extractor fan without my Chemico, I had to stop halfway and go and get some more because nothing else removed the stuck on grease like this paste does.

3. Kitchen Sink

Is your Kitchen Sink stainless steel? Do a test on a small part of your sink. Chemico does a great job at restoring your dull sink. Wipe it down with the Paste and buff it back to life!

4. Stove Top

Whether its a glass top or gas burners, Chemico Paste works wonders on your stove. It actually seems to buff out any small scratch marks on my glass stove top.

5. Deep Fryer and Air Fryer

Nothing removes tough grease like Chemico. I tackled my Air Fryer this weekend and used it on the tray as well as inside.

6. Tiles and Grout

I did a test on this using 4 different types of cleaners, and nothing got my grout as clean as Chemico. From bathroom tiles to flooring, apply to the tiles and use an old toothbrush to work it in. It removes any discolouration and mould.

7. Glass

Is your glass looking a little worse for wear or water stained?
Chemico can actually transform water-marked glass in no time. Buff the paste onto the glass with a sponge and then leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off to reveal a beautiful finish.

8. Outdoor Furniture

Get rid of mould, rust, and grime from outdoor furniture by giving it a clean with Chemico Paste. Just remember, it’s best suited to metal furniture, not plastic.

9. Braai Stand

If you are looking for a place to test the miracle wonders of this cleaning product, then this is the place to start. Covered in scorch marks and build up, braai’s are a tough place to start. Rub it into the grill racks and leave it to sit for a bit, rub it off to restore the true colour of your braai.

10. Pots and Pans

Are the base of your pans looking a bit unsightly and brown at the base?Massage on Chemico Paste with a little bit of time and scrubbing, they’ll be sparkling again.

11. Rust

Chemico Paste works a dream onto rusty tools, taps, and anything else that could use a little loving care. As a mild abrasive, it’s not recommended to use it on shiny stainless steel .

12. Remove Limescale

Clean limescale off shower heads, taps and kettles with ease. Just be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly after you’ve cleaned.

13. Stained Work Surfaces

If you have wooden or Melamine work tops, stain build up from grease and spices can occur. Just rub the stain with some of the paste and your counters will look as good as new.

14. Trainers

Chemico Paste works fantastically on white trainers in need of some love. Just rub the paste onto the soles and edges and wipe off to look brand new.

15. Tyres

If you are looking for the best way to shine up your rims then this is it 🙂 Goodbye brake dust, hello super shiny mags 🙂 Chemico works wonders on your wheels.

16. Bicycles

My Husband decided to pull out his old bike again and safe to say after collecting dust for the last 4 years it needed a good wipe down. I turned straight to Chemico to bring the wheels and the frame back to life.

17. Toilets

You heard me, your toilet. I was battling with hard water stains down the back of my toilet bowl and it was driving me nuts! I tried the bicarb and vinegar hacks and nothing worked, until I used Chemico. You can check it out on my Instagram highlights, but I actually laughed at how easily it came off.

18. Shower

From your plug hole, to your taps and shower glass, Chemico will help to remove any limescale build up.

19. Toaster

Chemico works brilliantly on the top and outside parts of your toaster. Just be careful to not get too much water inside your toaster.

20. Window frames and window sills

It will get rid of any rust, mould or grime build up in a flash!

Some Notes:

Always test on an inconspicuous area before trying on a new surface.
Be gentle when applying – the abrasive paste can scratch surfaces.
Always wait for your surfaces to cool down first, do not use it on a warm surface..
Don’t use it on plastic, acrylic or highly polished stainless steel.
Not recommended for use on fabrics

Instant Pot Potato And Leek Soup

Posted on June 11, 2020June 11, 2020 by Rebecca

This classic potato leek soup has been adapted to the Instant Pot. With the potato and leeks cooked under pressure, your favourite wholesome soup is cooked in record time for a smooth and creamy soup, perfect for a starter or lunch time meal.

Leeks are probably one of the most underutilised vegetables but can add a lot of depth and flavor to any dish. This wholesome soup has the most basic ingredients but soothes the soul with its earthy, classic flavours. It’s one of my absolute best and is perfect for the cold weather.

How to make Instant Pot potato and leek soup

Prep your potatoes and leeks.
Sauté the leeks in butter for 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic, followed by the stock, potatoes, and thyme.
Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, and then do a natural pressure release.
Blend the soup until it’s smooth (I used an immersion blender).
Season as needed and enjoy!

Vegan Friendly Option

I use butter to Saute my leeks and add in cream at the end for an extra touch of decadence, but you don’t have to do this. This soup is a perfect vegan recipe .

Print Recipe

Instant Pot Potato And Leek Soup

A classic, creamy potato and leek soup adapted to a pressure cooker.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time22 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Soup

Keyword: Potato and Leek Soup, Pressure Cooker Soups, Soup, Wholesome Soup

Servings: 4 people

Author: Rebecca