How to have a garden Christmas

Celebrate Christmas in your garden, enjoying all the joy a South African summer has to offer.

Choose a spot in your garden where you can either comfortably place an umbrella or ideally where a tree has enough of its branches overlapping your table.  The tree or the umbrella needs to provide shade from the midday sun and a place to hang your lanterns and decorations for the evening.

Chamdor Faktry sales have an amazing assortment of ribbons and trained staff to help you find exactly what you are looking for.  We chose ribbons that stuck to the colour scheme of our Christmas lunch table, which were silver, white, green and earth.  We also used hemp from their collection for the tablecloth.  I loved the natural colour and texture of the fabric and it can be bought and used for just about anything, (wedding dresses included).  Chamdor Faktry Sales sell the hemp for around R129.95 p/m.  Please consult our directory pages for your closest shop.

Cut and tie your different coloured ribbons to your lanterns and chosen Christmas decorations and then hang at varying heights from the branches or umbrella.  We used apples as decorations for each plate and cored the centre.  Put a little lemon juice on the apple to stop them going brown and place a tea light candle in the centre.  The Garden Shop in Broadacres has beautiful flowers still in their trays and all we did was wrap a ribbon around the tray and use some of the other ribbons to scatter over the live flowers.  They have since been planted and I am sure that they will bring us great joy in memory of lunch for many years to come. 

For the centrepiece, we used a glass bowl that we already had, used pine cones from the garden, Christmas baubles, tinsel and apples.  Use a little oil to shine your apples for the best impact.  Hydrangeas from the garden were added for the final touches.  Silver goblets that have been around for decades were used for the table but wine glasses would work just as well.

ALWAYS try and compliment your surroundings with colours that appear naturally around your table.

Our ladies were lucky enough to receive gift bags with goodies in them from all of our Eco Christmas shopping suppliers.  We had a fantastic time and the ladies were introduced to what it means to live Eco, what with all the amazing products and services available to us, its never been easier.  Then it came time to go for Sangria at the Throbbing Strawberry in Douglasdale, Johannesburg.  The Throbbing Strawberry is a fabulous outdoor venue with great food and an awesome vibe, with yummy sangria and mojitos.  Fabulous fun was had by all.

Thank you so much to all of the GREEN COMPANIES that supplied products for the day.

1.                  Tierhoek Organics             www.tierhoekorganics.co.za

2.                  Pure Beginnings                www.purebeginnings.co.za

3.                  Recharge your feet             www.rechargeyourlife.co.za

4.                  African Organics               www.africanorganics.co.za

5.                  Meadowsweet                    www.meadowsweet.co.za

6.                  Grow a Tree                      www.growatree.co.za

7.                  I’m Green                         www.intelligentmarketing.co.za

8.                  Chamdor Faktry Sales       www.chamdor.co.za

9.                  The Garden Shop              www.thegardenshop.co.za

10.             Live out Loud

11.             Green Spa Guide               www.organicspa.co.za

12.             Inthusiasm make up          www.inthusiasm.co.za

13.             Organic Aqua                   www.organicaqua.co.za

14.             Ladybird Red                   www.laibach.co.za

15.             Ecoco                              www.ecoco.co.za

16.             Macaroon                        www.macaroon.co.za

17.             Crystal Print                    www.crystalprint.co.za

18.             Bloublommetjieskloof        www.bloublommetjieskloof.co.za

19.             Earthnlove                      www.earthnlove.co.za

20.             The Victorian Garden       www.thevictoriangarden.co.za

21.             Good for the Ground         www.goodfortheground.co.za

22.             Soy Lites                          www.soylites.co.za

23.             Bio Oil                            www.biooil.co.za

I hope that you have an INCREDIBLE Christmas and New Year and that for those who do not live in South Africa and have never experienced a South African Christmas, you will visit our glorious shores soon.

All my love,

Faye

ECO Christmas presents

Mindy Gledhill - Anchor

My Eco Wedding in Africa: Mindy Gledhill - Album - Anchor

My Eco Wedding in Africa: Mindy Gledhill - Album - Anchor

Mindy Gledhill - Album - Anchor

Mohop Shoes - Sent by the Gods

I love shoes and I am a self confessed shoeaholic, like most women.  Mohop shoes are my new fetish.  I love their versatility, possibilities and their adaptability when it comes to complimenting your wardrobe.  Comfort and style were never words you could use together until Mohop arrived on the scene.  Best of all they are eco friendly and are made in a worker friendly environment.   

Mohop Shoes are here to revolutionise the way we see shoes.  For those of you, like me, who cannot get enough of shoes, Mohop have been sent by the Gods.

The possibilities for these shoes are endless and all it takes is some creativity and some ribbon.  There are various ways to tie the ribbon too, so it will never look like you are wearing the same pair of shoes twice.

In terms of weddings, these shoes have blown me away.  You can choose any colour ribbon you like and you will have a one of a kind wedding shoe that will not collect dust in your cupboard after your wedding.  You can also match your bridesmaid’s dresses with a ribbon of your choice and have your maid of honour tie her Mohop shoes in a different way.  They will love you for it as it will be a gift that keeps changing and giving for years to come.  The potential is truly limitless when it comes to these gorgeous, genius shoes. 

They are eco friendly and made in Chicago by Annie Mohaupt, an architect by trade.  Finally, they are available in South Africa, through me.  If you are interested in purchasing these shoes, please contact me at myecowedding@telkomsa.net. 

Mohop shoes have also been featured in these magazines throughout the world:-  

7 reasons why everyone loves Mohop:-

Our shoes are just as beautiful on the foot as they are on the shelf.

Soft ribbon uppers and an ergonomically carved footbed render the shoes unbelievably comfortable.

Changing the ribbon tie is as easy as lacing a tennis shoe.

Its as easy to create a personalised look to match an individuals style and wardrobe.

The shoes allow a custom fit for a wide variety of  foot shapes.

Ethically produced, our "green" footwear contains no animal products and is manufactured in a worker friendly environment.

Packaged with 7 ribbon ties , the sandals provide literally hundreds of styles in one. Great value

Earthnlove Delicious new products

Earthnlove Mustard Soak & Detox – Mustard Bath is a centuries-old remedy for tired and stressed muscles, joint pain, congestion and fatigue. It is known for its stimulating, warming and cleansing qualities. Earthnlove Mustard Soak & Detox contains Mustard Seed, Epsom Salt, pink Himalayan Rock Salt, which contains 84 Earth Salt minerals; and Essential Oils renowned for their anti-inflammatory and anti-acidic properties. These include Wintergreen Leaf, Buchu, Bergamot and Lemon. Together these ingredients result in a potent formulation crafted to assist with detoxification and relief from aches, pains and muscle stress.

Details on the pure essential oils found in this product:

Wintergreen Leaf (Gaultheria Procumbens) is used for relieving muscle and joint discomfort, arthritis, poor circulation, rheumatism, tendonitis, muscle cramp and inflammation.

Buchu (Agothosma Betulina) possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, detoxifying and disinfectant properties. It is known to assist with treating acidic conditions and to help repair wounds, bruises and muscle sprains.

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is acknowledged to assist with eliminating toxins and infection. This essential oil is often used for active, tense and depressed people as it is a natural relaxant.

Lemon (Citrus Limonum) assists in counteracting acidity and is a good tonic; it is excellent for gout, arthritis and rheumatism.

Earthnlove Rejuvenating Soak & Detox - contains 84 Earth Salt minerals and Essential Oils renowned for their rejuvenating properties. In today’s world, with its environmental and work stresses, your body and skin are under constant strain. Earthnlove have drawn upon ancient wisdom to formulate this therapeutic bath soak product. Earth Salts, such as Epsom Salt and pink Himalayan Rock Salt; and Essential Oils have been used for centuries to help replace vital minerals and aid with revitalisation of the skin and the system. They are acknowledged to be a natural way to relieve stress, skin problems and to draw toxins from the body.

Details on the pure essential oils found in this product:

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) is renowned for its powerful curative properties; it is acknowledged to be of great value in skincare with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. This essential oil has skin balancing and toning properties and is excellent for all skin types. Rose Geranium is also reputed to be very effective in detoxifying the system.

Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) is acknowledged to be a valuable essential oil for the relief of fluid retention, cellulite and other conditions where toxins are not effectively eliminated. It is reputed to be a diuretic, a detoxifier and a stimulant to the lymphatic system.

Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeaodora) is known to have excellent cellular stimulation and tissue regeneration properties making it a valuable essential oil for mature, dull, dry and oily skin.

Wedding Invitations and Stationery

Tel: 031 209 4464

Fax: 086 695 8169

Cell: 082 417 4668

Website: www.crystalprintsa.co.za

Blog: www.crystalprint.blogspot.com (All the latest wedding stationery trends)

Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/crystalprint

We are now on Facebook: www.facebook.com/crystalprintweddings (become a fan of our page and receive exclusive info and specials on wedding stationery)

Alice in Wonderland

I have been so enthralled in Alice in Wonderland bridal shower theme that like Alice I have been stuck in a fantasy world for too long.  Being frivolous and having fun are just one of the joys of having a bridal shower and the Alice in Wonderland theme incorporates that reckless abandon of your last night as a single woman.

Before you even begin to consider using this theme for your bridal shower or hen’s party make sure that you have the use of one of your friend’s gardens or you have a garden of your own.  Trees are integral and create fabulous natural hanging spaces.  If you would like to use a venue make sure that the venue has a garden and a space inside.  Outdoors is always best but sometimes the rain can come along to spoil all your hard work.  Always have a plan B at the same venue.

For the invitations use clocks, rabbits, teapots, small bottles or slices of cake with the invitations on the inside of the labels with either “eat me” or “drink me” on the front.  Use clocks with words like “don’t be late for a very important date.” Also if you would like guests to wear crazy hats use the following wording “The Mad Hatter and the Bride invite you to wear or create a fun hat for this special occasion.”

Your table should be decorated with teapots, cups, saucers, cakes and loads of tea time treats.  If you would like to serve alcohol, Pimms and lemonade are perfect for this occasion; you could even add fruit or cucumber.  Place little bottles with a drink me label and tiny pieces of cake with eat me labels attached or you could simply place little squares next to the teapots or the pieces of cake.  Your tablecloth should be white and the brides chair should be a wingback that you have borrowed or from your own home.  You can use different style chairs or the same around the table.  A great idea that I found on Martha Stewarts site is too glue together teacups and saucers together to make cake stands.  Meringues, cupcakes, sandwiches, petit fours, pies and savoury treats should be spread haphazardly around the table.  Pick flowers from the garden or seasonal flowers and place in the teapots or cups.  Hang bunting above the table in the trees above (remember to keep the colours pastel and soft).  From the trees you could also hang a mirror, a large clock and an empty frame.  The empty frame is a stunning place to take photographs so that the bride can remember her special day.  Dressing the bride up is incredibly easy and a pretty summer dress will do the trick. 

Alice in Wonderland is a traditionally British theme which is very easy to emulate but if you would like to bring in aspects of Africa, here are some ideas:

Use African Daisies,hydrangeas or sunflowers in the teapots or place a daisy on the linen napkins. 

Use guinea fowl feathers and beaded place mats. 

Serve dishes like milk tart, koeksisters, scones, soetkoekies and savoury biscuits with marmite and biltong shreds.

Amarula cream is also a great addition to the drinks table.

Rich reds, yellows and oranges can be used for bunting and the occasional patch on the tablecloth.

As usual I have spent hours and even days looking for the best inspirational pictures that I could find on the internet.  If you are still stuck and need advice, you can contact me at myecowedding@telkomsa.net.

Loads of love

Faye

Glorious South African Beach Weddings

I think the extreme cold has brought on a longing for summer and lazy days on a gorgeous South African beach somewhere.  It is for this reason that I have been inspired to give a few tips on having a beach wedding in South Africa.

1. Go to the beach that you want to get married at and make sure that it won’t be crowded with people, if you live overseas, use a wedding planner to help you find one. 
2. Get hold of tide charts if you are planning your wedding yourself.  The last thing you need is the tide coming in and guests clambering to grab their goods while you say your vows.
3. You will also need a permit to use the beach.  This can be arranged at the local municipality.
4. Send a message in a bottle invitation.
5. Make sure that the location isn’t so remote that your guests will have to walk for miles to get there.  Also make sure that there are restrooms close by.  These will more often than not be public and probably not look wedding ready.  Think about dressing them up with flowers, nice smelling soaps and hand towels. Rolled up face cloths in a basket are great for this purpose.  The real biggie here is to make sure there is toilet paper.  You can purchase recycled paper toilet rolls online from South African manufacturers. (EarthnLove make great hand soaps and creams.)
6. South Africa has fabulous beach front bed and breakfast hotels and lodges. They would help arrange your wedding ceremony and the the reception would be at their premises with views of the sea.
7. Renting a tent or making a make shift cover from the sun for your guests is imperative.  The South African sun can be very strong. 
8. Rent chairs from a local rental company.  Hang buckets with flowers from chairs down the aisle.
9. You can also use cushions for your guests to sit on.  This is comfortable but not a great option if you have elderly people attending your wedding.
10. At the entrance to the beach, put flip flops in bags for your guests.  Place another basket and recommend that your guests place their own shoes in the bags and then the basket to collect when they leave.  There is nothing worse than getting sand in your shoes.
11. A beach wedding generally means a picnic reception but this does not always have to be the case.  There are fabulous caterers that can assist you with a menu and set up. 
12. Never try and compete with your surroundings.  Use the colour of the beach and the ocean in your décor.

Thanks for stopping by.

Faye

MAGICAL MOMENTS NON PROFIT ORGANISATION

 “There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference.  And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future.”

[Excerpt from The Starfish Story by Loren C Eiseley]

An image of Susan's home and belongings.

Couples who have been living together for many years before their wedding or who are entering their second marriages have all the kitchen and household equipment they could want.  In these situations and in the spirit of what is green asking gifts to donate to a charity of your choice is a great and eco idea.  It is always advisable, however to explore, relate and understand the charity that you choose.  Magical Moments is a non-profit organisation that I love.  I had the pleasure of joining Ilana and Bianca of Magical Moments in December last year, where they enlisted the help of volunteers to scrapbook a page and photograph of each child and their magical moments.  As I arrived I was immediately given a crown, some glitter for my cheeks and a choice of envelopes.  Initially I felt rather silly in a room of women I had never met, all wearing crowns and glitter but soon realised that this charity was about making a moment magical.  Everyone was there for the same reason, to capture a child’s magical moment in a memory of hearts, stars and wishes.  Glitter and crowns were therefore imperative to help you really feel how that little girl’s life had changed for that day.

The children in these photographs had broad smiles across their faces, princess dresses, crowns, glitter and cupcakes.  All the things that we take for granted.  I chose to advise you on this charity, because similarly a wedding is a day of smiles, princess dresses, crowns, glitter and cupcakes.  If you could enrich one little girls life for one day, to give her the moment that you are about to have, you would have put a smile on an angels face.

8 August 2009

To Magical Moments

Dearest Ilana and the Magical Moments

I am so excited to say to you that you are so wonderful. Thank you so much for what you are doing in our lives.  When I see my self in the photo album, I don't know how I can express my Joy.  The blankets you gave to the children in my sanctuary brought warmth to the children.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The photos created a memory that will last forever.  On behalf of every child in my Sanctuary I thank you.  I appreciate your generosity and your love.  I promise to extend this love you've shown me to nations.

I will always love you.

With lots of love.

Salem

Salem's Sanctuary

[10 year old girl] 

 

  

Magical Moments, a registered, non-profit charitable organisation “Proudly created, with love in South Africa”, reaches out to abused, abandoned, disadvantaged, impoverished, neglected, orphaned, underprivileged and vulnerable children in the greater Johannesburg region, of all cultures, race and religion – “rainbow children”.

Most of these children come from severely financially disadvantaged backgrounds and many experience extreme trauma and difficulty through poverty, neglect, abuse and being orphaned or abandoned. We give the children a chance to escape from the world that they come from and live in – a chance to play, to laugh, to have fun, to indulge, to celebrate, to be children and for a magical moment, to forget.

Since March 2004, we have touched the lives of over 22 000 children through enchanting excursions, tantalizing treats and astonishing activities, focusing predominantly on children aged 2 to 12 years of age.

OUR MAGICAL CHILDREN

We bring magic to various organisations, some that may not be registered, do not receive any funding and who do not have a network of support. Many of the day care centres, crèches or places of safety are situated in the back rooms of someone’s home or in shacks in squatter camps. We have treated toddlers living in a prison, incarcerated with their mothers or who live on a dumping site.

There are children living in the most dire circumstances and environments, left to fend for themselves, exposed to alcoholism, sexual and drug abuse, neglect, ignorance, poverty, illiteracy, apathy and other social ills. These are children “living with life threatening diseases” – forsaken. These children are also deserving of dreams and wishes. “Just because you live in the gutter, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look up at the stars”.

SHINING STAR FOUNDATION

Inspired by Salem, a 10 year old girl from Hillbrow, we established an initiative called Shining Star Foundation. This is an education scholarship for a child under the age of 12 who shines brightly. Our first beneficiary is Salem who commenced high school in 2010 at the age of 11 years. We will assist with her school fees, uniform, stationery and school requirements providing that she honours her commitment to the scholarship criteria of achieving 80% in all subjects at school. Donations towards this initiative will go towards uplifting future bright stars.

HOW YOU CAN ADD MAGIC

1. Funding for basic administration costs in order to continue operating the organisation. There are insufficient funds to pay stipends or salaries.
2. Financial donations to fulfil wishes, treats and outings.
3. Assistance in creating awareness about Magical Moments.
4. Sponsorship of Marketing/PR initiatives e.g. branding, newsletter/email design and via community and mainstream media.
5. Sponsor a Magical Moment event as part of your CSI/Pay it Forward gesture.
6. Sponsorship of outings by suppliers of venues, child appropriate environments and entertainers i.e. party venues, activity centres, theatres, restaurants, face painting artists, jumping castles, movies, magicians, transport etc.
7. Sponsorship of child appropriate gifts i.e. crayons, pencils, colouring books, blowing bubbles, balls, toys, puzzles, books etc.
8. Donation for or sponsorship of T-shirts branded with Magical Moments for children and worn as uniforms for fairies.

HELP FILL THE COOKIE JAR - MAKE A DONATION

BANK STANDARD BANK

BRANCH SANDTON CITY

BRANCH CODE 018105

TYPE OF ACCOUNT SAVINGS

ACCOUNT HOLDER MAGICAL MOMENTS

ACCOUNT NUMBER 407 600 876

SWIFT NUMBER SBZA ZA JJ

FOR THE RECORD

Magical Moments is registered as a Non-Profit Organisation N.P.O. 051-318 and Public Benefit Organisation P.B.O. 930 026 251. Donations are exempt from tax according to Section 18A of the Income Tax Act 1962. The organisation is audited and Financial Statements are submitted annually to the Department of Social Development.

We endeavour to make a difference in the lives of the special children whose lives we touch – creating childhood memories, making children’s wishes come true – enriching their spirit with hope, love and joy – “A Celebration of the Niceties in Life”.

T : 083 324 0320

F: 086 671 3562

dreamtime@mweb.co.za

P O Box 78517, SANDTON, 2146

www.magicalmoments.co.za

Registered as a Non-Profit Organisation – N.P.O. 051-318

Public Benefit Organisation P.B.O. 930 026 251

“Celebrating the niceties in life and not only the necessities”

FOREST FINDER

For further information and a visual insight into Magical Moments, please take a stroll and browse through our website www.magicalmoments.co.za to share in the magic that we create or contact Fairy godmother & Chief Operating Fairy, Ilana Friedman on info@magicalmoments.co.za or 083 324 0320.

With love, hugs and kisses and magical wishes.