Behind The Scenes December 2023 Plus Giveaway

December 2023 buzzed with activity as we celebrated two family birthdays, the end of the school year, and the magic of Christmas. Amidst the chaos, I savoured cherished moments and burst with pride at my kids’ fantastic academic achievements.

***Disclosure -The links in this post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link.***

Tough Year

As the year drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on its challenges, realising the profound weight it carried. It was a year marked by profound losses, each leaving a massive void. I mourned the passing of my dearest friend of 38 years (and mother of my godson), a close friend’s husband, my brother-in-law’s father, and my uncle, all within an incredibly short time span. These losses cast a shadow over months already laden with difficulty. The distress of my children undergoing their first surgical procedures weighed heavily. The emotional toll intertwined with the financial strain, depleting our medical savings for the year, adding to  the year’s hardships.

Despite the hardships of this challenging year, there were also moments of triumph worth celebrating. I successfully completed a University of Cape Town course in SEO through GetSmarter, achieving a94% pass mark. This accomplishment not only enriches my blog but has also opened doors to freelance opportunities. I’ve already started working with my first client and hope to take on a few more clients this year, boosting my income.

Additionally, my children excelled academically, bringing immense pride with their remarkable performance at school.

December Birthdays

In December, we celebrated two significant milestones in our family. My son had his 10th birthday, marking a decade of cherished moments and growth. We also celebrated the 5th birthday of my father-in-law.

Relaxed Festive Season And Christmas

Throughout my lifetime, Christmas has been synonymous with a grand feast featuring a lavish roast lamb lunch—a tradition passed down through generations. From my grandmother’s kitchen to my mother’s, and then to mine, this meal held deep sentimental value. However, amidst the challenges of this particularly tough year, I made a the decision to shift gears. Instead of the usual elaborate preparations, I opted for a more laid-back approach. On Christmas Eve, I prepared potato salad and pasta salad, surprising my husband with a “tag, you’re it” approach – giving  him braai meat and firelighters and giving him the task of preparing the food. The result? A remarkably relaxed Christmas day with minimal effort on my part, yet brimming with joy for everyone involved. This newfound ease has convinced me that a low-key celebration is the way forward for future Christmases.

 

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Happy Event Body Oil

Towards the end of year, I received Happy Event’s latest body oil as a gift, and it has truly delighted me! This product works wonders in moisturising my dry-prone skin, leaving it feeling nourished and supple. I shared my experience in a detailed review on my blog with a giveaway where you could win one for yourself. Don’t miss out—head over to read the review and participate in the giveaway for a chance to experience this fantastic body oil first-hand.

 

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Got My First Sewing Machine!

I’ve always wanted to acquire sewing skills, and finally, at the age of 44, I’m getting the chance to delve into it! My mother recently purchased the Brother JK17B sewing machine for us to share, and I must say, it’s a stunning piece of equipment. After browsing through tutorials on Youtube, I’m excited as it seems remarkably user-friendly. Soon, I’ll embark on my initial projects. I’ll begin with modest tasks: patching up a tear in one of my dresses (thanks to my clumsiness), crafting scrunchies, and fashioning covers for our dining room chair seat cushions. I couldn’t locate suitable ones with detachable covers and ties to secure them in place. With any luck, I’ll swiftly grasp the techniques and progress to creating my own dresses and leggings—my favourite wardrobe essentials—and sew some items for my children.

Coupon Codes And Competitions

I’ve got a few competitions running on my blog, you can check them out here. I’ve also got some discount codes from companies that you can access here. You can also access both these pages from my website’s main menu.

Win The January 2024 #KaboutjieTopFan Hamper

The January 2024 hamper for the #KaboutjieTopFan competition includes the following items:

• Beyerskloof pinotage
• Ferrero Rocher chocolate
• Foam bath

Steps To Follow To Enter This Giveaway

Make sure to follow both steps below to enter this giveaway. The more you engage the better your chances of being chosen as my #KaboutjieTopFan for this month.

1. Enter Your Details Into The Form Below
2. Engage on Kaboutjie website

• Comment on this blog post
• Comment on at least one other blog post - the more blog posts you comment on the better your chances of winning!

This competition is open for residents of South Africa and Terms and Conditions apply.

The winner will be announced on our competitions page - this competition is open from:

This Competition Is Closed For Entries

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