Summer time … and the living’s so easy…
A colourful cultural kaleidoscope
We are so in love with these Shwe Shwe Picnic Blankets made by Jo Yeatman. Inspired by the colourful cultural kaleidoscope of KZN during the COVID-19 lockdown, Jo’s love of the outdoors inspired her to reinvent simple pleasures … like a picnic in the garden. Of course, she needed a beautiful bright picnic blanket to set the scene. The idea was to turn an ordinary experience into something extraordinary. The vibrant colours of local Shwe Shwe cotton prints were the natural choice for the inner fabric, while the outer layer of each blanket is waterproof. Soft quilted inner padding adds comfort. The picnic blankets cost R590, measure 140cm x 180cm, fold into a lightweight easy to carry roll and are machine washable. Details: Order online from FB: Annie’s Shop or contact Jo on 082 787 1511 or Annie on 082 854 4754 or email [email protected]
Summer braai, anywhere!
Not everyone has the perfect home or garden for a traditional outdoor braai. If you don’t, then we may have found something to life your spirits and improve your social status: Grills of Japan. How divine are these! With their range of Hibachi or Konro table top grills suited to all pockets and tastes, you can enjoy an effortless braai in the comfort of your lounge or dining room if you choose. These compact grills come in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes and are easily portable, which also makes them ideal for camping trips, ticking yet another box for our outdoor nation. For fuel, Grills of Japan offers a specially processed charcoal called Binchōtan which is especially good for apartment grilling as there is no smoke or smell, but you can use any kind of charcoal, preferably a natural charcoal made without chemicals. Details: The Hibachi or Konro Table Grills are priced from R1150 and you can buy them online at www.grillsofjapan.com
The ultimate journal
So it’s about that time of year when we start looking for gift ideas and hunting for next year’s nicest looking journals! We’re loving the Life.rsa – the ultimate diary/ journal/planner for busy women, regardless of whether you’re a stay at home mom or a businesswoman. Created by local personal trainer, wife and mom, Jolynne de Beer, Life.rsa has not only awoken her creative side again, but ours too! After watching her best friend, a mom who runs three businesses, juggle notepads and diaries to organise her life, Jolynne decided to make the ultimate journal. It’s loaded with monthly planners, weekly planners, a page for each day, monthly workout and budget planners, weekly meal planners, separate notepads for notes and shopping, and monthly tab and other special stickers – all enveloped in a beautiful cover (made out of recycled paper) that comes in different colour options. At R650 (exclusive of postage) you’ll love drawing, designing and filling this diary with love from beginning to end. Details: 084 507 6677, [email protected], FB: Life.rsa or IG: @life.rsa
Small business, big impact
Created by Leigh Tobin, an award-winning marketer with a passion for empowering local business, the Best Little Guide is a convenient new online platform to help you discover locally made products and services. The drive to support small businesses isn’t necessarily new, but given the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on many local brands and businesses, Leigh saw a heightened sense of urgency to this cause, and so she created the Best Little Guide. What started as a simple listing page has quickly evolved into a bustling portal with more than 500 small South African brands and businesses, and is growing daily. Showcasing a wide range of categories that encompass things like fashion, fitness, kids and food to name a few, the Best Little Guide offers businesses and customers alike a curated, comprehensive and ever-updated catalogue of local talent. Details: FB: Best Little Guide or IG: @bestlittleguide, www.bestlittleguide.com
#shoplocalza
Born in a tiny kitchen in Northern China by South African expat, avid traveller and skin care enthusiast, Anele Msweli, Mare & Itis Shoppe is a simple and quirky lifestyle brand that focuses on using natural ingredients that are sustainably packaged. Initially launched as a travel website to illustrate how easy it was to travel on a budget, Mare & Itis Shoppe has evolved to include a splash of all things aesthetic – lifestyle and design. Since her return to SA, Anele now dedicates her time to learning, crafting and producing everything right here in Durbs. Mare & Itis Shoppe is inspired by all-things-natural. Products are non-toxic, eco-conscious and made from plant based ingredients with none of the baddies. The range is priced from R45 to R260 and is endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty. Details: www.mareanditis.shop
