PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENT

 

Finally got to saving and uploading a blog post for all my starterFashionistama. BEING A SUPERWOMAN AINT EASY! In my defence I wrote a splendid post on  MY “CHEAP” BEAUTY GEMS but forgot to save it and lost all the work earlier this year,got so discouraged to redo and post it.Apart from now adding student to my life once again and creating and implementing  more business ideas to my name 2018 HAS BEEN PRETTY HECTIC BUT GOT THUS FAR! Hows has your year been so far??? Hope compiled your VISION BOARDS-If you don’t see it every morning you will never be it.


One such venture is the facelift and increasing the activeness of the Blog. I have enlisted a UX pro to make the blog more attractive and functional so watch this space. In effort to also post more often and more exciting things with the primary focus of the blog being finding and sharing bargains for my fellow mamas under #thankmelater (and anybody else cause EVERYONE LOVES BARGAINS) .I will still share on Fashion ,  Beauty, Spirituality and Mommyhood while keeping it as PROUDLY AFRICAN as possible!!!

My next Blog Post after this one as I felt I should keep my starterFashionistamamas in the loop is also for a “competition” for lack of a better word. I’m working to be enlisted as part of 5 bloggers across South Africa to work with the biggest breakfast brands .Exiciting things are brewing  and I can’t wait!!!

Please support me in my quest, tell a friend, colleague and a fellow mama about the blog. I will post more often and make things more exciting in these streets.

Love u lots @starterFashionistama


 

 

2017- The year of trusting GOD

Good evening at starterFashionistamamas!


This post I wrote at the beggining of this year 2017 but only posting it now and we near to the end of 2017.


I felt it was important to share eventhough I'm putting myself out there but felt it would help a mommy out there....so here it goes.


2017 for me has been one of those crazy years that were tough but caused a necessary shifting in my life. This year I feel like I have absolutely no control on alot of matters except through prayer! I'm serious....lol....Its been quiet the tough yet interesting year so far.But what I'm excited about is that this year I have become stronger and more faith filled.I am at a point in my life where I can only but trust the Lord.

A SERIES OF "UNFORTUNATE" EVENTS

I don't know if you have seen this movie , its based on a series of thirteen children's novels by Lemony Snicket (the pen name of American author Daniel Handler), which follows the turbulent lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire after their parents' death in a fire. The children are placed in the custody of a murderous relative, Count Olaf, who attempts to steal their inheritance and, later, orchestrates numerous disasters with the help of his accomplices as the children attempt to flee. As the plot progresses, the Baudelaires gradually confront further mysteries surrounding their family and deep conspiracies involving a secret society known as V.F.D., with connections to both Olaf and their parents.

 IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED IT PLEASE DO....It may be a some what silly borderline stupid movie but there's a important lesson to learn.

 Basically these kids meet a series of bad events but use their talents and giftings to overcome these challenges  and become stronger as a family and most importantly they reach their HAPPILY EVER AFTER! 2017 has been that sort of year for me and my family as well BUT WE STRONGER I BELIEVE, CLOSER AND HAVE OVERCOME ALOT AND ARE A BETTER PLACE!

 1) The year started with the discovery of baby no 3.....I know I'm very fertile...lol. Yep Im now a mommy to 3 under 5 year olds IMAGINE!!! When we found out the news we were so devasted cause we felt we were not ready for baby no 3 -it wasnt in our plans.But despite that we decided to keep our baby and WE FINALLY HAD A BOY!!!So this "cloud" definitely had a silver lining.We are now less fearful and worried and  more excited and trusting the Lord.

Hes birth also is another tesimony on it's own but on 15 August 2017 I gave birth to Tswelopele Thabiso Siele. Our Restoration baby i.e. Progressing the Siele lesika!


2) Started a business as well last year December -it was picking up, had a lot of clients Dec16 -Feb 17 AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT ALL WENT QUITE!This happened after we threw our best kiddies party and registered our company then SILENCE. Our company is called FavourITEvents and we specialise in DIY gift favours, kiddies parties and yummy platters. 

 Business is still quiet for now but we are still hopeful.I believe God will Favour It and things will be back on board once more. Praying real hard for this venture-all support will be appreciated.
3) Trouble in paradise...We also faced a challenge in our family life (I choose not to talk too much about right now ) but for those who personally know me very well,it was a very trialing time.But out of this our family is stronger , we have a better prayer life and all round relationship.

 I believe all the things that happened this year were part of Gods plan to return me to the heart of worship. My life was off course and the trials did indeed MAKE ME STRONGER.I see what the Words means when it states ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE-Romans 8 v 28


So sister be encouraged the worst is necessary in the journey to the best!Trials make as better and shape us to become the best we possible. 


2017 I thank you!!!


  As we getting to closing of the year I look forward to a brighter future not only for the blog (exciting times ahead) but for my life as whole and this journey of being the spiritual ,powerful,wise and oh so beautiful and fashionable starterFashionistamama I know I'm destined to be.Heres to 2017 the year of trusting God!!!

 P.S-Started a You Tube Channel so please stay posted for more info xoxo @starterfashionistamama

 SEPTEMBER 2016' IN LIVING COLOUR!!!

I have to say this has been the best Spring in my life to date. Not only did my big sisi GET HITCHED * happy dance but I also finally lost all the baby weight I've been struggling with over the years from baby number 2013 to until recently.

In June I finally got tired of being overweight and started eating right and EXERCISING !!!No crash dieting but healthy life style changes and it worked!!! Yes my sister's wedding was the pushing factor but I'm loving being able to wear some of my pre-baby clothes, I feel alot comfy in my body and happy and most importantly healthy so this is how my life will be from now on.

This post is just a flash back on the September that simply was SOOOOO GREAT for me....@starterFASHIONISTAMAMA''s SEPTEMBER IN LIVING COLOUR (nothing serious just a fun post with pictures, pictures and more pictures.)


FINALLY WEIGHTLOSS!!! PRE Rere weight 77KGS...Not where I want to be but at a very very happy place.

My sisters wedding on the 10th September 2016 was absolutely beautiful!!! Finally God bound this beautiful blended family ,I pray for them and ask God to CONTINUALLY BLESS AND STRENGTHEN their love!!!

MEET THE SIZWE &  REFILWE MKHIZES
                                                                      

                                                                   THE WEDDING







I can preach a 2 hour sermon on God's faithfulness and kindness when i think of my sisters journey, how God made all things work together for good on this day and throughout the planning process and all but for now I ll just say it was beautiful all by His grace and Father AM READY for my event management business- I see we can do it !!! #HeavenlyUnions


BTW The shower was also planned by urs truly.....


HIGH TEA INSPIRED THEME




And me and my sisters from other mothers finally got to go on an EPIC GIRLS TRIP to Durban. My childhood friends and I have managed to maintain our friendships throughout the years and finally we had our first well deserved weekend away.Not only did it bring our friendship to another level BUT IT WAS OH SO FUN #EpicGirlsTrip2016- The 1st of Many!!!






MY SEPTEMBER IN LIVING COLOUR....Loved every moment of it.Thank u Lord!!!

WINTER BEAUTY GEMS

         @starterFASHIONISTMA's WINTER BEAUTY GEMS 


As promised I m going to share with you these gems I have recently added to mine and the girls winter beauty regime  (by recent I mean from June....I can't believe I didn't blog for a whole month:-( so sorry ) . 
Every lady is continuously working on having their best hair and skin possible....RIGHT! Winter is a very harsh time for both your skin and hair and extra precaution has to be taken to look after those two areas during this season and am totally in love with how well these products have treated our skins  this winter and hair.


 1. I am totally crushing on the Johnson's Baby Protect Range. It smells heavenly and feels super subtle on the skin. I have even stolen it once or twice to use during my mommy-alone-time-baths. It literally feels like you washing the babies body with honey and milk.....NO JOKES!!! The ingredients include honey,rooibos and green tea extracts. My girls smell fresh , clean and are also protected cause the product is formulated to fight germs and dirt especially for toddlers.. My favourite winter buy but will be buying this body wash right through to spring time and summer.


2. ALL THINGS MORINGA. I got the PURE MIRACLE MORINGA soap and body lotion, from a herbal african store close to work and I'm absolutely sold. I bought the soap when I had a period where I was breaking out quiet often and now  my skin is looking and feeling all sorts of beautiful.The soap is treating my face quiet well and has a natural skin lightening effect (hides)...lol.. FOR THE LOVE OF YELLOW BONENESS! The body lotion is so thick and creamy and keeps my skin moisturized well during winter's harsh weather .I'm totally impressed considering how cheap the products are-R55 for a months supply!!! Did I tell you about the benefits of Moringa as well ,its even been dubbed a miracle plant : 





3. Physician Formula make up products 

Physician Formula products are make up products made by a real Dr. who formulated products for his wife who had allergies every time she used make up.The products are hypo-allergic but oh so pretty. I love the shimmer of the products . I bought a pallet that can be used as eye shadow, blush and contouring.The product I bought is called Shimmer Strips ;great product but mainly use it as an eye shadow but the one time I used all over the face it had a very glamorous look ...not for every day make up though.Will definitely use it again  when I go to a glitz and glam evemy again.




4. Black Jamaican Castor Oil


This product I bought cause of all of my fellow South African naturals raving about it.I can't review it as yet but I've heard good things and am expecting such from it. Using it to treat my  and the girl's edges and I also use it to seal in moisture on our hair after washing it. Am also on the #90daycastoroilchallenge(see Facebook) and #earthysaprotectivestyling (see Instagram @earthysa ) challenge as well.


Also totally crushing on Earthy SA products as well but not just in winter...they are really helping us in this natural hair journey throughout the season's, hence I didn't mention them as winter gems they are All Season Natural Hair Gems!

RAISING QUEENS


Good day mommies:-)


Another Monday in the year 2016....another late and not so frequent post (hides) ....but Most importantly another good insight into motherhood and all the blessings and challenges it brings along.

I just love being a young mom!! Along with all the joys and challenges it brings-IT IS TRULY A GOD GIVEN OPPORTUNITY!!!

Anyway the purpose of this post is to encourage moms ,especially moms raising daughters (I'm not being bias, I have just unfortunately not being blessed with my own son as yet so don't really have the relevant experience...yet...lol) hence the title of the post


RAISING QUEENS 

Me and my mom








My daughters and their mom


It is so nice raising a daughter especially as a young mom cause all the challenges, trials and insecurities face by young woman are still fresh in your mind. This is an opportunity afforded to you to ensure your daughters don't have to repeat your same mistakes and an opportunity to mould them into even better women then you are right now.I believe that if we as woman and mothers fufill our role properly each generation of woman will be better than the previous.

5 PRAYERS FOR  AND WAYS THAT I'M MOLDING MY LITTLE PRINCESSES INTO QUEENS:


1- Have an open relationship with your daughters

Often in our  African community, parents are very strict to such an extent that you can't speak about certain things with your parentals. I remember growing up and I was never allowed to speak about boyfriends, dating and absolutely not sex with my parents especially not my mom. There were certain things she never even mentioned to us  until after I got married.

I believe that having an open relationship with your parents especially your mommy as a young girl will  help you make wiser choices in your relationships and also I believe that you won't easily be sub-come to peer-pressure and being mislead by friends, which is why I have started building a very open relationship with my daughters. I want them to think of telling me first when they have their first crush; are contemplating their first kiss and any other advice they are looking for.....I WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT MOMMY IS HERE ,SHE KNOWS AND SHE WILL GUIDE ME BEST!


2- Embrace their natural beauty and how God created them

 A way I have started doing this for my daughters is by deciding to grow their hair naturally. They were also actually also the reason why I cut my hair and decided to grow it naturally myself as well. They are also the reason why I am also embarking on a healthier body and lifestyle as well.

RERE's crown...so proud of my lil girl fully natural ,full and healthy hair

I don't have anything against weaves and people who prefer them as I once also did and like they say different strokes for different folks.And even if my daughters decided to relax their hair and make it straight in the future I would be ok with it, if it will make them happy. But in a society where we are constantly encouraged to look like someone else , A society where african beauty is being portrayed  as being light skinned, with straight long hair , a thin waist and a big booty- I want my daughter's to love themselves they way God made them. I suffered and still do sometimes still suffer low self confidence and self image issues; I want to ensure that my daughters never feel they are not pretty enough ,thin enough or good enough! I tell them everyday they are beautiful and good girls! I want them to be proud of being African, Tswana/Ndebele, South African but most importantly I WANT THEM TO BE PROUD OF JUST BEING THEMSELVES.


3. For them to live life purely and  godly

 I started my Christian walk seriously when I was 18 after having gone through quiet a few relationships and stuff. My biggest pray is to raise my daughters in  the ways of the Lord. Give them a Christian foundation , there is a scripture that says Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22 v 6).l'm sure I've mentioned the scripture before cause its one of my favorites.

My biggest pray for daughter's is that they love and desire the ways of the Lord from their young age till Jesus comes ; this will guide their decisions and their lives in the right direction... This is my biggest pray!!!                                                                                            
Photo cred: family.wikinut.com


4. You don't have to kiss a frog/frogs to find your prince

Unlike fairy tales,you don't have to kiss a frog to get your prince. When I think of the relationships we go through (some of them totally unnecessary and a total waste of time ) ,I pray and hope my daughters don't go through such drama in their lives. I want them to grow and focus on loving themselves sincerely and fully before embarking on relationships. I want them to focus on God and He'll provide them with a suitable companion. I know I cannot live their lives for them but I will surely tell them of my past bad experiences and guide them that relationships and dating should be left for later....lol.....much later in life!!!

Photo cred: Disney's The  princess and the frog

5. Education + Passion 
We must invest more in our kids education. There are so many educational tools these days e.g.My Smart Kids , Brain Boosters , educational toys, videos etc. Lets invest in the growth of the desire to learn in our kids. Contrary to what people believe nowadays , education is still very important and its importance cannot be understated in life. Yes their are some people  that are rich without degrees and qualification but a learned mind reasons better , knows more... and and and.....EDUCATION IS STILL KEY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE! 

Passion and loving what they do is also important especially when choosing a career and I will let my girls choose careers that are in line with what they love.Which is why I also want to hone their talents especially in dancing for Rere. With Lelo (my youngest)  I'm still discovering what she really likes as she is at that stage where she mostly copies her older sister. lol.


Those are my parenting tips, goals and dreams for raising my daughters.Hope you have as much fun reading this post as I did writing and most importantly that it helps you in journey of raising your queen, queens or even prince.


What are you biggest prayers and dreams for your children? 



P.S. Sorry for the not so great quality of my  family pics will invest in good camera soon


LETS RAISE THEM TO BE QUEENS-BEAUTIFUL,SPIRITUAL, INDEPENDENT, NATURING AND PROUD OF THEIR HERITAGE !!!


HAPPY MOMMY MONDAY 

XOXO

signing out ....@starterFASHIONISTAMA'

A QUICK REVIEW....EMPTIES!!!

                                                Empties


My second post this week.....doing good Hlaku! Working on my lack consistency...check!!!

This is gonna be a short post, a quick review of my empties.Threw the bottles out immediately after taking the pics.

The products I will be reviewing are Kinky Girls with Wild Curls Sulfate Free Shampoo by Marc Anthony and Sanex Kids Body Wash and Foam Bath.




Kinky Girls with Wild Curls Sulfate Free Shampoo

I bought this shampoo soon after I cut my hair and started my natural hair journey. I have a very curly hair texture ( I think 4 C) very coilly .When I cut  my hair I was (still am) obsessed with having my curls showing as much as possible ala Solange.

Solange Knowles -She was definitely my hair inspiration when I decided to cut.
Photo Cred-Pinterest

So when I was in Dischem buying baby things in October 2015,I saw this shampoo and the words KINKY,CURLS and MARC ANTHONY spoke to me and I just had to buy it. I love how the shampoo smells (AMAZING) and secondly  I loved all the yummy oils for hair it contains; Argan oil, coconut oil and avocado oil! Its also colour safe cause you know I love me some coloured hair-so that was also great!The shampoo however also has the other not so nice things especially for natural african hair (parabens etc) so I found that it did dry my hair a bit. I think its more for Caucasian hair so I wouldn't buy it again. I do however give Marc Anthony a thums up for the smell (so yummy),great ingredients i.e. oils and also the shampoo lasted for the 3 months + so it went a long way!I am only buying shampoo now again since last year Oct/Nov and I wash at least once a week so yeah. 

Sanex Kids Body Wash and Foam Bath

I was looking for a picture with happy smiling kids bathing with soft foam all around them before I started this review  cause this is exactly what I think of when I think of the Sanex Kids Bodywash/Foam Bath.I absolutely love this product!!! Its hypo allergic , smells nice (I'm  a bit of a smell fanatic) and also a head to toe wash-it didn't irritate my little Lelo's eyes even when we were washing her hair with it. I am searching high and low for this product - I have to get my hands on it again. TWO BIG THUMBS UP!!!

 BONUS EMPTY 

 Lol ...this product finished on my way to work (I know it's bad to drive and apply make up but doing my brows with product was quick easy and nice and safe while driving*hides). I loved this product but now I have to throw it away cause it really is empty. (I kept it for way too long eventhough it was finished). This product helped me when I couldn't get my brows right with eye pencils and concealer (when I was a learner make up user).I will forever be grateful... (cues church music and grabs tissue) but now its time to say good bye for I am no longer a learner but more advanced now.

OK.....JOKES ASIDE. This Brow set by MAC is great for a lightly defining your eyebrows. It lasted me awhile as well, I think I bought it Dec 2014 if I'm not exaggerating. Lastly its by MAC so you know its proper! I will not buy it again although I loved it solely because due to me now being able to do my brows ,very well I might add, with a eye pencil ,I no longer need it. I am currently using a pencil I got from Signature but  I think I will buy their eye pencil next just to try it- I'm sure I won't be disappointed!



Please leave your comments below,if you have used any of these products. And please please share and advice which shampoo I should get next for my natural hair.

Thank you for reading and hope these reviews will be useful to you :-)

MYsmartkids review......Invest in their futures

Good day STARTER fashionista mamas


My first post of April 2016. I have sooooo much to share so I should be able to post every week of April. Consistency is clearly one of my weak points - NOTE TO SELF-FIX IT!


So today for Mommy Monday I would like to review MYsmartkid
It is a play and learn programme  for kids from 0-6 years.I was somehow (don't ask me how...lol ) fortunate to get this box as a gift for the girls and I'M SOLD!!! I have heard about the programme before but now that I have  encountered it first hand- I am definitely subscribing!

The benefits of the programme as per their website https://www.mysmartkid.com/ are as follows:

  - Help your child reach important milestones
- A Smartbox with toys, activities and expert advice delivered to your child every 2 months
-  TWO free Welcome gifts when you join!
- Tailored to your child's age and 6 key developmental areas
- Exclusive resources and Member discounts on online products


The box I got was for age 2-3 so I can actually subscribe for one child and they can share because they in the same age bracket. Yaaay!Two for the price of one for me!!!

 But if your kids fall under different age  brackets I advice you invest and subscribe for each child, its really an investment in your child's future I believe .Unless you can ensure the toys are preserved and kept safe for the younger sibling.

 How  often do we buy the "cool toys' i.e. Sofia the First, Frozen, Minnie Mouse (these are my girls' favorites) and other Disney themed toys that create A WHOLE LOT OF  brand obsession at their tender young age and hardly focus on key learning areas of our kids that will help them reach their milestones.Don't get me wrong I'm not against Disney and am sure one of their toys once in awhile won't cause any harm but it was really refreshing getting toys that I know were not only fun but are also building key learning areas like sensory,problem solving and social skills .The girls were also still very keen to open the box and play with the toys.
Look how excited and interested the girls were when we opened the MYsmartkid box

 The box we got had Hand Puppets , Play dough including shape cutter and a roller (which Rere is holding in her hands) and 12 piece puzzle (which she slept next too and even nearly went to creche this morning).

 The nicest part is the parents guide that points out key learning objectives that can be achieved by the toys and also advises parents how to aid the playing and learning process. 

 This is a great idea (big ups to whoever with it) and ideal in molding happy and bright kids. It is also budget friendly (less than R400 bi-monthly) and I am thoroughly impressed by this product as whole i.e. packaging,delivery options and its contents. I give it an absolute double thumbs up!!!

 Please head to their website to find out more and hopefully you will also invest in this product for your kids future.


Kindly comment and share your experiences with MYsmartkid if you also part of the programme.
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