You know that feeling when you stumble onto the perfect product or service or show? And you want to tell people about it, because sharing is caring, and the people should know. Welcome to all the things we loved this month, a monthly series where we share all the random little things we couldn’t get enough of.
#1 Cleaning Clinic
recommended by Zissy
Earlier this year I rented a Cleaning Clinic for 2 days. The 2 days were spent deep cleaning every single surface in our home – carpets, tiles, upholstery and mattresses. It came with a carpet cleaner, upholstery cleaner and hard floor cleaner, including all cleaning solutions. It’s a mission and hard work, but the resulting ultra clean feeling the house had after, made it worth it. We’ve had a bad experience with a professional carpet cleaning company, so I’d rather rent out equipment and do the work myself. It’s also more convenient as you’re able to go deep and clean every part of your home without worrying about strangers in your space. As far as I know there’s no company that’ll offer a deep mattress clean, and after doing it once, it is a must – those are dust factories.
The vacuum part of the clinic cleans both carpets and upholstery. It does a pretty good job of removing stains from carpets and suctions out every little bit of dust (and sand, don’t ask) out of your carpets. I also used it on upholstered chairs and probably most satisfying and horrifying – mattresses. I’ve vacuumed my mattress with a regular vacuum cleaner but never with a cleaning clinic and the dust that comes out is shocking.
It is equal parts satisfying and horrifying watching water go from clear to brown as you clean your home. It’s not something you need to do often, but as a yearly deep clean – this is the best and most cost-effective solution to cleaning. You can hire them from multiple stores (Spar and Mica rent them); but just make sure you have all the correct parts and cleaning products – I had to go back three times to get everything I needed. Lastly, as part of the rental package I also got the hard surface tile cleaner which did a good job but wasn’t as incredible as the vacuum and upholstery cleaners, so I’d recommend the carpet cleaner over that one if you only want to get one.
Find out where your nearest rental is here, they also deliver (R219 – R520 depending on the package you choose)
#2 Tee Shirts for Change Recycled White Tee
recommended by Zissy
When Tshirts for Change posted they’d be bringing out new recycled tees in plain white and black, I patiently waited to purchase as soon as they hit their online store. The tshirts are made from recycled material (one shirt is the equivalent of 2 plastic bottles) and are simple but perfect. They’re a soft material and relaxed fit. Size down if you’re getting them, as they have a unisex and roomier cut. White Tees often don’t last before losing their pristine, so buying ones that are made using recycled material makes me feel better. I also love the concept behind Tshirts for change and that for every shirt you buy, they give 50% of the proceeds to charity. You can get this shirt in white or black or with a logo. Look out for the green recycling label which shows which items are made from recycled materials.
Get it here (R275)
#3 OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray
recommended by Zissy
I’m a wash and go type of person and style my hair very rarely. It’s naturally wavy and air dries well enough to not need to use hair dryers, straighteners or curlers on a regular basis. But depending on the climate it can get frizzy and slightly puffy. I found this in Feige’s hair station and decided to use it, after I watched my hairdresser use a sea salt spray on my hair for more texture. A few spritzes on damp hair and my hair dries into perfectly non frizzy beach waves. It smells divine and doesn’t leave your hair feeling like there’s product in it. Feige got hers from Amazon.
Get it here (USD7.38)
#4 Sneaker Shack
recommended by Zissy
I love white sneakers, but white anything seems to be a magnet for dirt. I’ve tried a million methods to washing white sneakers myself, but I’m always left with those yellow stains. I sent my white Supergas to Sneaker Shack and loved the service and customer service. It’s simple, you drop off your shoes, choose which cleaning option you want and leave. They sms you updates to let you know when they’re ready to collect (24-48 hours). Mine came back looking brand new. It’s not something I’d do for every pair, but for the sneakers in your closet that you love, it’s a great option to have them properly cleaned when they get ruined. They don’t take cash, so make sure you have a card with you.
Find your nearest store here (R180-R260 depending on service)
#5 Simple truth peanut butter
recommended by Zissy
Have we put peanut butter on a monthly love list before? Yes. But we’re professional peanut butter tasters and this is the best priced pure peanut butter. Its ingredient list is one item long – peanuts – Which is a rarity with peanut butters (most have added oils, sugars and more). It’s also under R30. It tastes like you roasted peanuts and blended them yourself. My preferred way of having this is on a piece of toast with a sprinkle of salt (it’s salt free) and some creamed honey. Heaven.
Get it from Checkers (R26.99)
#6 Foam Rolling
recommended by Zissy
I’ve made an effort to spend time after workouts stretching and foam rolling – it really helps with recovery. I’ve had this Go Fit foam roller for years and I like that it’s so small – both lengthways and widthways which makes it perfect for foam rolling my calves and my tightest spot, my hips. Its narrow size means I get it right in the tight spot of my hips and can easily press down and roll. It’s also small and light enough to travel with – and has a hole in the middle that you can stuff with items to save packing space.
I can’t find the exact one but this is similar (R499)
#7 American Ninja Warrior
recommended by Feige
When I feel like watching a few minutes of a show instead of committing to a full episode, I’ve been choosing ANW. It’s incredibly entertaining but more so inspiring. Watching incredible athletes power, launch, lift and swing themselves through insane obstacle courses in record times is just what you need to stay motivated to workout in winter.
Watch on Hulu or Youtube
#8 Cannaco CBD Lip Balm in Alpha Mint
recommended by Zissy
I was given this a few months back and it has become my go to lip balm. It comes in a cute silver tin and has a thick consistency that doesn’t seem to melt even when I leave it in my pocket. It also has a matte finish, which allows you to get the moisturisation of a lip balm without the shine. The flavour is mint and smells exactly like their Alpha Mint CBD oil. According to their website, CBD may help regenerate cells, meaning you get extra smooth, healthy lips. It also has omega oils and fatty acids, perfect for chapped lips. I use it daily and it barely looks like I’ve made a dent in it.
Get it here (R54.90)
#9 Mango Belt Bag
recommended by Zissy
I am thrilled that belt bags have returned and are less fanny pack and more fashion. I got this recently for travelling and am now using it almost daily. For travel it’s the best thing, as you can keep your passport and money close to you but easy to access. It’s also a great bag to have when touring as it keeps your hands free and your belongings secure. The back zip is secure and fits money and cards, while the front is roomy enough to keep a passport, phone, lip balm and tissues – everything you need at a moment’s notice.
Get it here (R449)
#10 Coffee Walnut Nakd Bar
recommended by Feige
It’s no secret that we love Nakd Bars. They’re made up just with fruits and nuts and are great travel and general snacking options. They’re also insanely delicious. They recently launched two new flavours; salted caramel and this coffee walnut bar and although we thought that Salted caramel would come out on top, this flavour blew us away. It might actually be my all time favourite.
Also good to know is that they are Wheat and Gluten free, Dairy free, Vegan friendly, Kosher Approved, Low in saturated fats, Free from added sugar and GM Free.
Find a stockist here (R20-22)
#11 Heat Holders Thermal Leggings
recommended by Zissy
Every winter I look for thermal layers that are warm, comfortable and thin enough that you can use them as a base layer without the need to sit around in bulky layers but still be warm. These Thermal Leggings are my third thermal legging purchase and the best. They’re super comfortable, have a good fit and most importantly have a flat elastic waist that doesn’t feel like it’s pinching your guts. They’re slightly fluffy inside but still thin enough to wear under jeans. They’re more of an old school legging in that they won’t pass the bend and snap test and honestly shouldn’t be worn as a pant, unless you’re at home, in which case you do you. If you are wearing them out the house wear a top that very comfortably passes your bottom. And top tip: Wash them inside out to prevent the outside from bubbling.
Get them here (R199.95)
#12 Mac Face and Body Foundation
recommended by Feige
When I went on a search for natural looking foundation 3 years ago, Mac Face and body was one of the foundations that came out tops. I shelved it for a while, but this year I have been using it non-stop. It is incredibly natural and lightweight. It has a very sheer coverage but just smooths and brightens up your face, blurring imperfections and it gives the best dewy glow. It’s a fantastic everyday option and for the days where you need a bit of extra coverage, I tap concealer over the bad spots.
It comes in 13 shades, but because it is so sheer each shade covers a wider range.
Get it here (R485 for 50ml – feels like one bottle lasts forever)
