Spirited Mama

Living a SPIRITED life filled with wanderlust, emotions and everything in between

Category: Lifestyle (Page 1 of 3)

Road tripping with kids

Road tripping with kids = Family time and creating memories

As parents, we are always looking for fun and memorable experiences to share with our kids. Road tripping with kids has been our go to adventures for ever. Road tripping never goes out of style and allows you the opportunity to tailor your road trip experience to add your unique style and preferences. It’s the perfect time to spend together as a family, away from our busy lives and just be present with one another.

Road tripping need not be for hours on end. There are so many beautiful places within an hour or three’s drive from us. We’re based in Pretoria by the way. And we are definitely not scared to take on a 12 hour road trip either. Did you know that you could use Sani Car rental in South Africa for your road trips? Majority of our family is based in the Western Cape and spread so far across the provinces that visiting multiple families often turns out to be a road trip with the kids.

But for some the idea of road tripping with kids can seem daunting, so why not start with shorter road trips, closer to home.

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Of course you need to choose some destination, and by this I mean your accommodation. Keep in mind your family’s preferences and interests when choosing your accommodation. Whether is be a game reserve, a small dusty town, a game reserve or even a beach destination, just ensure that you have family-friendly activities and attractions to choose from to keep everyone entertained.

Packing for road tripping with kids

WETWIPES! And more wetwipes. This is a staple in the car. We have learnt, believe me this comes with experience and many road trips with the kids, that packing is crucial. Regardless of the space available, somehow we always have way too much stuff that we take along. I have a checklist on my phone: “Packing for a road trip”, which I have used for almost all of our road trips. The list is not exhaustive but has some essential items that I pack every single road trip with the kids. I always pack the first-aid kit, sunscreen, hats and swimming towels. My Dude also makes sure that the plug in cooler is stocked with drinks and snacks. Someone is always hungry and/or thirsty, especially when you are kilometres away from a convenience store!

Entertainment for road tripping with kids

My kids are 13 years and 6 years old. We don’t promote screen time whilst on a road trip otherwise what was the point in driving on the long open road… Music is crucial. Fortunately, we as parents like *some* of the newer generation music and the kids in turn like *some* of our generation music. This makes putting together a road trip playlist easier as everyone gets to contribute their favourite road trip songs. Many years ago, Dude bought some bird and animal books. Another staple for the road trips. This makes for great entertainment as when the kids ask, “what is that bird/animal?” we refer them to the books to look it up and share the facts and information with the family. Firm favourites are playing “I spy” and counting cars on the road. Mom’s favourite is to play the “silent game”, whereby the winner is the one who goes without saying a word for the longest time 🙂 This is hilarious as none of us actually stay quiet for more than a few minutes at a time!

Scheduled breaks is not negotiable for road tripping with kids

It’s not about the destination but rather the journey, that is the highlight of any road trip. When road tripping with kids, you will understand why scheduled breaks are not negotiable. The scheduled breaks not only allow for some leg stretches and bathroom breaks but affords you an opportunity to choose where to take a break. Perhaps choose a filling station with a play area so that the kids can release their excess energy. Remember they too are excited and hyped up, so they may need a way to burn off that energy.

Explore the local territory on your road trip

Part of the fun on a road trip is to explore the local territory. Be adventurous and try something new. We’re always on the lookout for a padstal (Farmstall) to buy some fresh homemade bread and biscuits! Food is a big deal to me. It’s a no brainer that food is FOOD is a memorable part of the journey. It’s also a great excuse to eat all the ice-cream 🙂

Road tripping with kids is a wonderful way to bond with family, explore new places and create lasting memories. Plan ahead, pack wisely and remember to keep the journey fun and interactive. The road trip is suppose to be enjoyable. FOR EVERYONE. What are you waiting for? Map out a route, pack the car and get ready for some adventures.

Spirited Mama

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Instax mini Link 2 portable smartphone printer heading to South Africa

Instax mini Link 2 portable smartphone printer heading to South Africa

The Link 2 includes InstaxAIR augmented reality effect, allowing users to ‘draw’ images on their prints using the app.

Fujifilm South Africa is proud to announce the latest in the Link range of portable printers – the Instax mini Link 2. The Link 2 follows in the footsteps of 2019’s highly successful Mini Link, offering on-the-spot printing of smartphone photos.

Compact, lightweight and finished with a tonal, striped texture, the Link 2 transfers an image from the user’s smartphone to commence printing in about 15 seconds. It also supports continuous printing and is capable of printing about 100 Instax prints per charge seamlessly via Bluetooth.

Why the Instax mini Link 2?

Draw on prints using unique InstaxAIR

Making use of card-size Instax Mini film, the Link 2 offers a variety of unique functions to ensure photo printing is a social occasion, being the first in the Instax series to feature InstaxAiR.

This augmented reality (AR) effect works through the dedicated Link 2 app and allows users of the Mini Link 2 to add graphics to their prints, including bubbles, petals, neon, spray paint or a glitter look.

By simply holding the Mini Link 2 printer, pressing the feature button on top, and aiming the side LED to draw in the air, what is drawn will then appear on the print preview in-app.

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Once the user is happy with the look, the graphics will appear on the print itself when printed with the Mini Link 2. Users of the InstaxAiR feature can even record a video of the drawing being made and share the moment as a printable QR code that appears on the print – all through the app. The QR code can be scanned by others to view the video, download it, or to share on social media.

Customise Instax prints with Image Modes, Design Frames, Stickers and more

The Instax Mini Link 2 app contains a variety of design elements that can be overlaid onto the selected image for a one-of-a-kind Instax instant print. Users can also use their finger to draw a picture on a photo; select the best artistic filters; or manually adjust brightness, contrast and the saturation of the image. If it’s difficult to choose between images, simply combine up to eight pictures into a single Instax print via the collage feature.

Finally, when printing users can choose between two image colour modes – Instax-Rich Mode for deep, enhanced colours or Instax-Natural Mode for a more original look.

In addition to smartphone compatibility, the Mini Link 2 is also compatible with the Fujifilm X-S10 mirrorless digital camera, allowing photographers to send their images directly from the camera to the printer. Other Fujifilm digital camera users can use the Fujifilm Camera Remote app to transfer image data directly to the Link 2’s app to produce prints.

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The Instax mini Link 2 printer will be offered in Soft Pink, Clay White and Space Blue, and is expected to be available in South Africa at the end August 2022. The Link 2 is set to retail for a suggested R2 799 incl. VAT.

New Spray Art film introduced

Accompanying the launch of the Mini Link 2 will be the new Instax Mini Spray Art instant film, featuring a colourful rainbow spray design that reflects light. It’s the perfect complement to the Mini Link 2’s InstaxAiR feature, making any image pop with added colour.

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This new film variety is also expected to be available in August, for a recommended R180 incl. VAT.

Are you an Instax fan yet?

Spirited Mama

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zipzap; zipzapcircus; socialcircus; moya; #circus; empowerment; #dogood; #makeadifference; #localislekker; circusinspiration

MOYA LIVE! The new show by Zip Zap Circus on stage at the Teatro @ Montecasino

Zip Zap Circus brings you MOYA LIVE on stage at the Teatro @ Montecasino

Don’t stay alone in the dark at home, the Teatro at Montecasino is where the lights stay on.

Fresh from receiving standing ovations at the National Arts Festival, MOYA, the live show of the Zip Zap professional performing company, will travel to Johannesburg for a limited run at The Teatro at Montecasino from 4 to 7 August 2022 for 6 shows only, before the cast travels to Europe for a 3-month contract in France.

Don’t know what to expect, watch the MOYA trailer HERE

Prepare to be spellbound by this contemporary circus show, rooted in South African culture, and seen through the eyes of our youth. MOYA celebrates both unity and diversity, through its unique and artistic interpretation. The show highlights what Zip Zap Circus ultimately stands for: diversity, social cohesion, and empowerment through the circus arts.

 

It has been a long journey for the cast of MOYA. Even though the show was conceptualised in 2019 to tour internationally, plans were placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the concept was re-imagined as a movie. MOYA, the award-winning acrobatic art film, was released in 2021 to huge acclaim, and won several international awards. MOYA, the live show, was performed on stage for the first time in February 2022.

 

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The cast shared their excitement about being able to perform to live audiences and being able to travel. They are all looking forward to enthralling audiences at The Teatro at Montecasino.

Ticket and show details for MOYA LIVE at the Teatro @ Montecasino

Exciting news is that Early Bird Specials have been introduced for MOYA show tickets as follows:

  • Not so early bird (18-24 July 2022): 15% discount
  • Sleeping Bird (25-31 July 2022): 10% discount
  • From 1 August 2022: Regular Prices Apply

 

The show will run from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th August 2022.

Bookings for the performances are now open and are available at Quicket, with ticket prices ranging from R190-R290. Depending on the time when you book the relevant discount will apply.

The show runs for 1h15 with no interval.

 

MOYA Live is proudly supported by the National Arts Council, the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, the Embassy of Switzerland, Cav’ Platform a project of the Goethe-Institut, TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa, and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).

 

Véronique Haller, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland shared the following, “Not only are we supporting the arts through our association with Zip Zap Circus; we are also contributing to the creation of employment opportunities for the youth in South Africa,”

We are excited to continue our support of Zip Zap Circus who continues to demonstrate the possibilities of experimental circus performance through an innovative approach to circus arts,” Sophie Boulé, Cultural Attaché and Deputy Director of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).

zipzap; zipzapcircus; socialcircus; moya; #circus; empowerment; #dogood; #makeadifference; #localislekker; circusinspiration

The Teatro at Montecasino Performance Dates:
Thursday, 4th August               20h00
Friday, 5th August                    20h00
Saturday, 6th August               14h00 and 20h00
Sunday, 7th August                 11h00 and 14h00

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Scenes from MOYA. Photographs taken by Joan Ward

Are you ready for MOYA LIVE at the Teatro @ Montecasino? 

Spirited Mama

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Annual Johannesburg International Comedy Festival returns with more laughs and good times

The Annual Johannesburg International Comedy Festival returns with more laughs and good times: 9 Shows over 4 days, with more than 30 comedians 

It’s official! The much-anticipated Johannesburg International Comedy Festival (JICF) returns with another mouth-watering feast of comedy over four hilariously jam-packed days, promising to be one of the biggest celebrations of funny on the continent for 2020!

The largest independent international comedy festival in Africa, JICF, rolls out its fourth edition with over 30 local, continental and international comedians taking over The Mandela, Lesedi and Space.com Theatres at the Joburg Theatre precinct in Braamfontein, from Wednesday, 15 April to Saturday, 18 April 2020.

Audiences looking forward to great comedy from the best comedians that Africa and the globe have to offer or just wanting to experience a fun night out on the town are in for a massive treat this year.

Once again, South Africa will be strongly represented by some of its funniest men and women proudly flying the flag up high at this year’s edition. The Mzansi contingent for the 2020 instalment includes Jason Goliath, Celeste Ntuli, Mpho Popps, Kagiso Lediga, Joey Rasdien, Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, Tats Nkonzo, Rob van Vuuren, Robby Collins, Mojak Lehoko, Yaaseen Barnes, Thabiso Mhlongo, Lindy Johnson, Ebenaezer Dibakwane amongst others to be confirmed in due course.

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Continental acts confirmed thus far are African giants Salvado (Uganda) and Alfred Kainga (Zimbabwe) who are set to impress Johannesburg audiences with their unique Afrocentric style of comedy.

Over the next few weeks, more shows and international comedy talents will be added to the festival line-up with every indication of another bumper comedy extravaganza in store.

“I am excited to reveal that the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival is back with a bang this year. We are thrilled to bring over 30 of the most exciting acts in SA, the continent and the globe to Johannesburg for a few days of exceptional comedy and memorable fun. We are looking to build on the successes of the previous editions and provide our audiences with another novel and unforgettable comedy experience,” says Takunda Bimha, Founder and Director for JICF.

“We are excited to collaborate with this year’s edition of the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival. Our role is to amplify a great offering the festival has to offer to millions of South Africans. Through this partnership,SABC 2 will be broadcasting the Johannesburg International Comedy festival stand up offering comprising of the best from the previous editions  which will take place every Saturday, over four weeks starting from the 11th of April 2020. Through this partnership, premium comedy content will now be accessible to a wider audience, elevating the JICF to new heights.  SABC 2 is now a channel where JICF belongs.” – Dichaba Phalatse, SABC TV Network Marketing Manager.

JICF proudly brought to you by SABC2 in partnership with Department of Arts & Culture and Savanna.

The current line-up of festival shows to look forward to are:

  • THIS IS SATAFRIKA

Wednesday, 15th April 2020
Mandela Theatre

19:30pm

R250

Proudly brought to you by Kagiso Lediga, the grand opening show of the Festival will feature comedians, celebrities, pastors and other interesting Mzansi personalities. This show will be a comedy extravaganza of epic proportions and a hilarious take on all the funny goings on in South Africa today.

  • TRIGGERED

Thursday, 16th April 2020
Lesedi Theatre
19:30pm

R200

 

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Joey Rasdien

 

 

 

 

 

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Lindy Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosted by Joey Rasdien featuring Lindy Johnson and international comedians (to be announced soon), these hilarious comedians have got some things to get off their chests. Expect them to bring the heat to the stage! Do not bring your mother-in-law along to this show….or maybe do!

 

  • TRENDING COMICS

Friday, 17th April 2020
Lesedi Theatre
19:30pm

R200

Hosted by Mpho Popps featuring Ebenaezer Dibakwane and a variety of  international comedians. These comedians are tearing it up on the streets right now! Don’t miss this show as you are guaranteed laughs for days and a damn good night out!

 

  • STAND UP AFRICA

Saturday, 18th April 2020
Lesedi Theatre

18:00pm

R200

Hosted by Tats Nkonzo featuring Thabiso Mhlongo, Salvado (Uganda), Alfred Kainga (Zimbabwe) as well as a number of continental comedians. Dubbed as a festival favourite, we bring you yet another mouth-watering line up showcasing some of the continent’s finest comedians. Loudly and proudly African we Stan!

 

  • JICF ALL STARS

Saturday, 18th April 2020
Mandela Theatre

20:00pm

R250

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Jason Goliath

 

 

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Yaseen Barnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosted by Jason Goliath featuring Celeste Ntuli, Rob van Vuuren, Yaaseen Barnes and various international comedians to be announced soon. JICF All Stars is a specially curated line-up of the finest local and international headlining comedians that will be a fitting climax to this year’s festival. Fans can expect this to be a comedy show of the year contender!

 

  • ONE NIGHT STANDS – Get up-close-and-personal with some of your favourite Mzansi comedians and their shows at this year’s festival: with more to be announced, the following have already been confirmed


Mojak Lehoko: presents Mojak & Friends

Space.Com Theatre

Saturday 18 April 2020 at 15.00pm


Chester Missing & Conrad Koch: How To End Racism

Lesedi Theatre

Saturday 18 April 2020 at 16:00pm

 

Robby Collins: Iyeza

Space.Com Theatre
Saturday 18 April 2020 at 16:30pm

The age restriction for all comedy shows is 16 years old.

“Our programming strategy for the past three festivals has proven to be a winning formula that’s landed well with our audiences. We are aiming for more of the same, if not even better this year. Particularly, I’m very proud of the local contingent that’s on our bill which combines some of the biggest names in South African comedy with the hottest comedy talent that’s coming out of the local scene today. With the array of world class continental and international talent that we will be announcing soon, this promises to be a truly vintage year for the Festival,” Bimha concludes.

The Johannesburg International Comedy Festival takes place at the Joburg Theatre, from Wednesday15 April to Saturday18 April 2020. For more information on the various show times, line-ups and comedians, visit www.jicf.co.za or www.webtickets.co.za . Tickets range from R150 to R250 and are now also available at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.

With a variety to choose from, which comedian(s) are you most excited to see?

Spirited Mama

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P.S. Remember the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”… In a world of busyness, we can all do with some good old laughter!

ABOUT JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL COMEDY SHOW

Established in 2015, the Johannesburg International Comedy Festival has become one of the biggest celebrations of stand-up comedy on the continent. It showcases the very best in local and international comedy talent performing to thousands of fans in multiple shows across the different venues at the world-class Joburg Theatre. The festival continues to have a strong working partnership with one of the biggest properties in Europe, the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland which turns 31 this year!

 #JICF #FunnyAF

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Paul Slabolepszy’s Suddenly The Storm returns to MonteCasino

Paul Slabolepszy’s Suddenly The Storm returns for an explosive season at Montecasino

 Suddenly the Storm, Paul Slabolepszy’s highly acclaimed award-winning play, returns for a limited three-week season at The Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from 12th – 29th March.

Launched initially to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, Suddenly The Storm had its World Premiere at the Barney Simon at Jozi’s’s Market Theatre on the 7th June 2016. A season at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town as well as Durban’s Playhouse followed, where the play continued running to capacity audiences and nightly standing ovations.

The play walked away with three Naledi AwardsBest New South African Script (Paul Slabolepszy), Best Theatre Set Design (Greg, King) and Best Lighting Design (Wesley France) as well as a Fleur Du Cap Award in Cape Town for Greg King’s Set Design.

Suddenly The Storm has been described as one of the most powerful South African plays since the birth of Democracy.

Set in contemporary South Africa, the play poses the question of whether the wounds of the past can ever really be healed.

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Suddenly The Storm, a South African play

Suddenly The Storm features Renate Stuurman (as Namhla), Charmaine Weir-Smith (as Shanell) and Paul Slabolepszy (as Dwayne). Bobby Heaney directs.

The nail-biting story takes place in Johannesburg’s East Rand at the home of an ageing former policeman Dwayne Combrink and his much younger wife Shanell.

Combative, volatile, constantly on the verge of exploding, Dwayne and Shanell Combrink are two halves of a white South African working-class couple, living an uneasy truce as they struggle with the day-to-day trials of scraping together a living and dreaming competing dreams.

Beneath Dwayne’s angry, violent exterior lies the heartbreak that governs his attitude to life. Dwayne is a man in mourning. Shanell believes his current level of despair was sparked by the death of his childhood friend and recent work partner, Jonas, but the source of his mourning and anger lies much further back.

When the elegant and self-contained Namhla Gumede, born on 16 June 1976, arrives on their doorstep seeking answers to questions that have remained buried for 40 years, Dwayne and Shanell finally discover the truth.

What begins as a smouldering dark comedy, suddenly turns into a roller-coaster ride of startling revelations, of rage and recrimination, before the storm finally breaks.

This is theatre that throws up a whirlwind of mixed emotions – greed, love, loss and healing – touching on distinctly South African topics that make this country so rich and rewarding for those who can brave its storms.

The experience and proven track record of both Slabolepszy and Heaney coming together once again creates the perfect storm of talent – powerful acting, inspired writing and incisive direction – promising to make this production a truly memorable event.

Slabolepszy has never flinched from facing the harder truths. He uses the tool of story-telling to excavate underlying seams of racism, self-hatred, insecurity.

Says Director, Bobby Heaney; “Paul has the ability of making people laugh but then feel sick to the stomach when all is laid bare, yet it’s filled with hope, something we all need in these uncertain times.”

He continues;  “It’s a terribly moving play and the message of optimism comes at a time when we are all foundering. While it’s a very real play, so utterly real, it’s highly entertaining.”

Slabolepszy adds; “There are so many stories in South Africa, yet to be told. Suddenly The Storm is a story, a play, that springs from the heartland and it will always be relevant because it explores issues that are seldom visited beyond the walls of that sacred space which is The Theatre. Warm and uplifting, the play doesn’t shy away from the hurts and injustices of the past and looks at what we are as a nation; where we have come from and where we could go when love and compassion become the values that guide us”.

Paul Slabolepszy needs no introduction; award-winning actor, playwright, screenwriter and director, he’s done it all over an illustrious career spanning 50 years.

He has written more than thirty-five plays as well as radio, television and film scripts.

His many plays include Saturday Night at the Palace; Mooi Street Moves, Boo to the Moon, Making like America, Smallholding, Braait Laaities, Pale Natives, My Low-Fat Almost Italian Wedding, the multi-award-winning The Return of Elvis du Pisanie and Heel Against the Head (with the inimitable Bill Flynn as Tjokkie)

Says Jaco van Rensburg, Executive Producer of VR Theatrical; “What a privilege to be working with industry giants such as Paul Slab and Bobby Heaney.  Reviving this award-winning play is a dream come true for young theatre makers such as Wessel and I.  Presenting new work is hard in South Africa, but we deem this important in a growing industry such as ours.  We can’t wait to share this powerful play with Joburg audiences!”

Suddenly The Storm runs at The Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from Thursday 12th March – Sunday 29th March.

Performances are Tuesdays – Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 16h00 & 20h00 and Sundays at 15h00.

Ticket Prices range from R100 – R240 and Bookings can be made through Computicket .

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES

Suddenly The Storm is part of the 2020 School Curriculum, and the play is being mounted with this in mind.

Schools making block bookings of 10 or more, qualify for great group discounts and can arrange for an after-show Q & A with the cast, answering questions about the play as well as explaining the nuts-and-bolts of how a play is written.

Should your school wish to be a part of this exciting opportunity, contact Geraldine at Geraldine@montetheatre.co.za for more information on the great school rates and discounts.

Suddenly the Storm is published by Wits University Press and is available at Exclusive Books and other bookstores.

SPECIAL Q & A PERFORMANCES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

On Saturday 21st and 28th March after the 16h00 performances, Paul and the cast will remain on stage for an audience Q&A / Talk-Back session to answer any and all questions the audience members might have about the play, the industry and the like.

The wealth of knowledge and experience by these renowned performers will be an unforgettable experience, so book soon to avoid disappointment. These two shows are set to be quick sell-outs!

Have you seen Suddenly The Storm?

Spirited Mama

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FRY’s 100% plant-based and vegan friendly pizza & artisinal sausages launched in South Africa.

100% plant-based and vegan friendly pizza launched in South Africa.
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The Fry Family Food Co. leaders in the plant-based food category, have just launched their new artisan, stone-baked vegan pizzas. These are the first pizzas produced by the brand and are 100% plant-based.

“Pizza is a new journey for us and we are very proud of this new range,” says Tammy Fry, International Marketing Manager of The Fry Family Food Co., “These pizzas are proof that there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between taste and healthy plant-based foods.”

With a Recommended Retail Price of R89.99, the range includes two delicious varieties. The Smoky BBQ style pizza is perfect for entertaining friends on a ‘Fryday’ night. It’s topped with Fry’s marinated Chicken-Style Strips, roasted red onion and grilled peppers. The Mediterranean pizza offers an authentic taste of Italy and is made with sliced cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, black olives and Fry’s Chicken-Style Strips rubbed with Italian herbs. Both varieties are non-GM and dairy free.

Explains Tammy, “Our pizzas are crafted in Italy and the sourdough base is hand stretched and leavened for 24 hours, then wood fired to create an unforgettable taste experience. They are also a wonderfully convenient way for people to bring more plant-based eating into their daily lives – they are delicious and so easy to prepare.”

 

Artisinal sausages!

Aside from the new pizzas, the company also launched a new range of artisanal sausages. There are two delicious flavours in the new range – the Wood Smoked Breakfast Bangers (smoked to perfection and seasoned with Fry’s secret spice blend) and the Artisan Mediterranean Sausages (seasoned with sweet rosemary, garlic and green olives).

“The quintessential Fry’s sausage has always been a corner stone of our product range, and was one of the first products that Wally Fry made in our kitchen all those years ago. We have gently expanded the range over the years, but these two new artisanal flavours are going to take our sausage offering to the next level. The flavours took a while to perfect as we were looking for something very specific, but our innovation team have nailed it and the Wood Smoked Breakfast Bangers and Artisan Mediterranean Sausages are truly delicious,” says Tammy.

Adds Tammy, “There are loads of brand-new versatile and yummy sausage recipes on our website that we created especially for the new additions. Now there is no reason to feel deprived when you swap your meat sausage for a much healthier plant-based one. All the recipes are available in our new sausage cookbook ‘Fry’s with a bang’ which you can download here for free.”

The recommended retail price for the new sausages is R37.99.

The Fry Family Food Co. are online at:

https://www.fryfamilyfood.com/za/

https://www.instagram.com/frysfamily/

https://www.facebook.com/TheFryFamilyFoodCo/

Have you tried the NEW Fry’s Pizza and artisinal sausages yet?

Those pizzas! Yummm!!! A firm favourite all round in the Spirited Household is the Wood Smoked Mediterranean Sausages!

Spirited Mama

x

**Disclaimer: We were gifted these products without any expectations. 

 

spirited_mama_benny_bushwacker_voss_comedian_conversationist_monte_casino_live_shows_entertainment_productions_on_stage_pretoria_atterbury_theatre

Benny Bushwhacker: Human Nature heads to PRETORIA for one night only!

Starrring BEN VOSS

Written by John van de Ruit (SPUD)

Directed by Janice Honeyman

Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Wednesday 13 November 2019

 

If you missed seeing Benny Bushwhacker – Human Nature, like I did, during the Joburg season in October, don’t despair, Ben Voss returns to Gauteng for ONE NIGHT ONLY at The Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria on Wednesday 13 November at 20h00.

Benny Bushwhacker aka Ben Voss continues his successful national tour of his brand-new, one-man-show and will soon be in Pretoria to delight Gauteng audiences once again.

 

Pretoria audiences loved Ben’s previous shows, including Bend it Like Beauty and Beauty and the BEE and will remember him as Beauty on the Jacaranda 94.2 breakfast show. Audiences get the chance to see this award-winning actor, comedian, writer and producer back on stage in his brand new show!

Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature kick-started a fabulous tour when it won two Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival Makhanda in Grahamstown – the very first staging of the show.

The Republic of South Africa proudly welcomes home Benny Bushwhacker (aka Ben Voss), the world’s funniest conservationist. The legend returns to share what it takes to survive the African bush … and for the African bush to survive.

 

The genial South African, who recently trended worldwide for banging heads with swashbuckling British survivalist Bear Grylls, is touring South Africa’s theatres and festivals with an hilarious yet sobering look at the collision between man and environment.

For somebody who has spent more time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than a hibernating Arctic wood frog, Benny Bushwhacker brings untainted humanity and delicious humour to his performance that will have you laughing out loud and wondering why, when it comes to the bush, the most uncommon human trait is common sense.

Whether it be his opinion on how to spot a know-it-all in Kruger, or the relative chances of his estranged wife, Brenda, replacing the buffalo in the Big 5, Benny delivers time and again with his unique sense of humour and classic bush logic.

spirited_mama_benny_bushwacker_voss_comedian_conversationist_monte_casino_live_shows_entertainment_productions_on_stage_pretoria_atterbury_theatre

Benny Bushwhacker’s stories and experiences have been translated from bush to page by his unofficial biographer, John van de Ruit, (of Spud fame) and directed from page to stage by the lioness of theatre, Janice Honeyman.

 

When asked about the project, Director Janice Honeyman said:

“I have worked with Ben before and have always enjoyed it. He’s a good actor, and a thinking actor. His Mamba series impressed me, so I chose to direct his alter ego, Beauty Ramapelepele. Ben then worked with me last year on the Snow White Pantomime as Evil Queen Hildagonda, in which he was fantastic. The opportunity to work with him again as Benny Bushwhacker is great fun. The concerns of the content are very close to my heart and putting it into a less didactic, preachy context feels good for me.”

 

 

Writer of the piece, John van de Ruit, expressed his involvement thus;

“Ben and I have been friends and collaborators for over twenty years. In that time, I have had the best seat in the house to witness his talent and versatility as a comedic actor. He has the unique ability to capture reality and extremity, often simultaneously, with hilarious consequences. It does help that he was born with a rubber face, a razor-sharp mind and the body of Frankenstein. This made him the perfect fit for Benny Bushwhacker, a celebrity conservationist with a big heart and little education to speak of.”

 

van de Ruit continues;

“Historically, Ben Voss and I have collaborated on both scripting and performance, but this time we have made a deliberate decision to separate ourselves into writer and actor. This means I won’t steal Benny’s favourite lines on stage, and he won’t tamper with my favourite lines in the script. I think that’s called collaborative uncoupling. It’s been a terrific time developing the idea of Benny Bushwhacker with Ben Voss, although of late it’s been rather difficult to tell the pair apart.”

 

While touring South Africa, Benny Bushwhacker is raising awareness and Moola for the Lebombo Leopard – Human Conflict Survey. And while leopards are not known to change their spots, through this initiative, Benny will try to help humans to do so.

 

Ben Voss states; “I am closely involved with the Lebombo Leopard Human Conflict Survey in Mkuze, Northern Zululand. A big part of this project is to raise money to set cameras to monitor leopard movement in the area after two children were taken by these cats on the reserve boundary. My interest is not so much conserving pristine bush, as conserving the line between humans and nature. These boundaries are critical. As a roving species, Leopard are under constant threat from humans, and communities are under threat from Leopard. So this conflict seemed like a “natural” fit for my show. I care about nature, I care about humans and if the leopard is to survive we are going to have to create more green spaces, and keep communities healthy and happy.

 

Voss continues; “The theme of the show is even based around saving the leopard and there are donation boxes for the project at every show. Every single cent in those boxes goes towards the initiative. At the moment we are raising on average R1000 a show and I have nearly 100 shows this year. So R100 000 is my target!”

 

Book your seats soon for this wonderful look at life on the wild side, because, like the rhinos of Africa, you never know if you will get the chance to see it again.

Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature is on stage at The Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria for ONE NIGHT ONLY on Wednesday 13 November at 20h00.

Ticket prices are R140 – R160

Bookings are via iTickets by calling 086 1000 291 or online at https://itickets.co.za/events/427342

The duration of the show is 65 minutes with no interval.

There’s no Age Restriction (although there’s “No Under 3’s” for the comfort of other patrons)

 

Check out www.benvoss.co.za for general information or to click through on booking links to the various venues around the country.

National Tour Dates of Benny Bushwhacker still coming up:

Hexagon Theatre, Pietermaritzburg, 4 – 9 November

Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria, 13 November

Somerset West Playhouse, 15 – 16 November

Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, 10 December – 18 January 2020

Pretoria, are you ready for Benny Bushwhacker?

Spirited Mama

x

 

 

spirited_mama_benny_bushwacker_voss_comedian_conversationist_monte_casino_live_shows_entertainment_productions_on_stage

Benny Bushwacker: Human Nature on stage at Monte Casino

BENNY BUSHWHACKER: Human Nature

Starring BEN VOSS
Written by John van de Ruit (SPUD)
Directed by Janice Honeyman

Already that is enough information to get you hooked 🙂

 

Benny Bushwhacker, aka Ben Voss, continues his successful national tour of his brand-new, one-man-show and will soon be heading to Gauteng to delight Joburg and Pretoria audiences.

Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature will be on stage at The Studio Theatre at Montecasino from Thursday, 3rd – Sunday, 20th October for a strictly limited season.

Joburg audiences loved Ben’s previous shows, including Green Mamba, Black Mamba, Mamba Republic, Bend it Like Beauty and Beauty and the BEE to name but a few. Now they get to see the chance to see this award winning actor, comedian, writer and producer back on stage in his brand new show!

Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature kick-started a fabulous tour when it won two Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival Makhanda in Grahamstown – the very first staging of the show.

The Republic of South Africa proudly welcomes home Benny Bushwhacker (aka Ben Voss), the world’s funniest conservationist. The legend returns to share what it takes to survive the African bush … and for the African bush to survive.

 

The genial South African, who recently trended worldwide for banging heads with swashbuckling British survivalist Bear Grylls, is touring South Africa’s theatres and festivals with an hilarious yet sobering look at the collision between man and environment.

 

For somebody who has spent more time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than a hibernating Arctic wood frog, Benny Bushwhacker brings untainted humanity and delicious humour to his performance that will have you laughing out loud and wondering why, when it comes to the bush, the most uncommon human trait is common sense.

spirited_mama_benny_bushwacker_voss_comedian_conversationist_monte_casino_live_shows_entertainment_productions_on_stage

 

Whether it be his opinion on how to spot a know-it-all in Kruger, or the relative chances of his estranged wife, Brenda, replacing the buffalo in the Big 5, Benny delivers time and again with his unique sense of humour and classic bush logic.

 

Benny Bushwhacker’s stories and experiences have been translated from bush to page by his unofficial biographer, John van de Ruit, (of Spud fame) and directed from page to stage by the lioness of theatre, Janice Honeyman.

When asked about the project, Director Janice Honeyman said:

“I have worked with Ben before and have always enjoyed it. He’s a good actor, and a thinking actor. His Mamba series impressed me, so I chose to direct his alter ego, Beauty Ramapelepele. Ben then worked with me last year on the Snow White Pantomime as Evil Queen Hildagonda, in which he was fantastic. The opportunity to work with him again as Benny Bushwhacker is great fun. The concerns of the content are very close to my heart and putting it into a less didactic, preachy context feels good for me.”

 

Writer of the piece, John van de Ruit, expressed his involvement thus;

“Ben and I have been friends and collaborators for over twenty years. In that time, I have had the best seat in the house to witness his talent and versatility as a comedic actor. He has the unique ability to capture reality and extremity, often simultaneously, with hilarious consequences. It does help that he was born with a rubber face, a razor-sharp mind and the body of Frankenstein. This made him the perfect fit for Benny Bushwhacker, a celebrity conservationist with a big heart and little education to speak of.”

 

While touring South Africa, Benny Bushwhacker is raising awareness and Moola for the Lebombo Leopard – Human Conflict Survey. And while leopards are not known to change their spots, through this initiative, Benny will try to help humans to do so.

 

Ben Voss states; “I am closely involved with the Lebombo Leopard Human Conflict Survey in Mkuze, Northern Zululand. A big part of this project is to raise money to set cameras to monitor leopard movement in the area after two children were taken by these cats on the reserve boundary. My interest is not so much conserving pristine bush, as conserving the line between humans and nature. These boundaries are critical. As a roving species, Leopard are under constant threat from humans, and communities are under threat from Leopard. So this conflict seemed like a “natural” fit for my show. I care about nature, I care about humans and if the leopard is to survive we are going to have to create more green spaces, and keep communities healthy and happy.

Voss continues; “The theme of the show is even based around saving the leopard and there are donation boxes for the project at every show. Every single cent in those boxes goes towards the initiative. At the moment we are raising on average R1000 a show and I have nearly 100 shows this year. So R100 000 is my target!”

Book your seats soon for this wonderful look at life on the wild side, because, like the rhinos of Africa, you never know if you will get the chance to see it again.

Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature is on stage at The Studio Theatre @ Montecasino from Thursday 3rd – Sunday 20th October.

Performances are Wednesdays – Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 16h00 & 20h00 and Sundays at 15h00.

Ticket prices are R130 – R180 and bookings are through Computicket.

The duration of the show is 65 minutes with no interval.

There’s no Age Restriction (although there’s “No Under 3’s” for the comfort of other patrons)

Check out www.benvoss.co.za for general information or to click through on booking links to the various venues around the country.

Follow Benny Bushwhacker on Social Media:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/BennyBushwhacker

 

For those Pretoria residents not able to make the excursion to Jozi, there will also be a one-night-only opportunity for Pretoria audiences to see the show at Atterbury Theatre on Wednesday 13th November at 20h00.

Ticket Prices are R140 – R160. Bookings are via iTickets.

 

Spirited Mama

x

 

spirited_mama_homemakers_expo_lifestyle_interior_design_living_space_home_renovations_decor_times_square_pretoria

A home is a reflection of its people + WIN tickets to the Pretoria HOMEMAKERS Expo

**Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, the views and opinions expressed are my own. Some information was supplied by HomemakersOnline to give the reader an better understanding of what to expect.  All images supplied by HomemakersOnline**

A reflection of its people

I’m sure that you can relate to the saying, “Home is where the heart is…” But here’s one to think about, “a home is a reflection of its people“. My home is my sanctuary, my safe place. My happy place. I’m a sucker for spending time at home. Home is where I’m happiest. My home definitely is a reflection of my spirited family. From our small passage like kitchen, p.s. our home is older than us 🙂 and we are still doing renovations , to our neat and tidy, well after the kids go to bed and before they wake up in the morning it’s very neat and tidy, living areas in our home.

Our home is not picture perfect. We have some DIY projects that are still in the pipeline. Even some that have been started but not completed. But this is our home. This is us. This house that we call a home is a reflection of US.

 Today’s home is a reflection of its people, gone is the need to look like the Joneses.  Our homes are authentically us, stripped of pretence.  Product transparency is also a growing trend; we shop with a higher conscience focusing on wellness and sustainability, wanting to know the person or story behind our purchase.

This year the Pretoria HOMEMAKERS Expo  brings you the stories and the best products in home improvement.  The Expo is where you can come face-to-face with the craftspeople or knowledgeable experts who provide visitors with the best understanding of the product.

The show helps to expand dialogue between homeowners and suppliers. It offers unique ways for you to see, touch, feel and compare products and services.

spirited_mama_homemakers_expo_lifestyle_interior_design_living_space_home_renovations_decor_times_square_pretoria

Raw Comfort

The 2019 theme of Raw Comfort, embraces perfect imperfections, and through various talks and demonstrations we will show you how to get in touch with a more organic world.

Show features for Pretoria Expo include:

  • Jacaranda FM, broacasting live from the Expo.
  • Raw Workshop – Proudly brought to you by World of Decorative Concrete. Think of it sort of like craftsmen showing off their products of trade.
  • Thrive for Good Theatre with Izelle Hoffman – Healthy Lifestyle Expert and Chef, Izelle Hoffman as she cooks up her most delicious, everyday, healthy dishes. The Thrive for Good theatre promises to be a hub of excitement, surprising culinary ideas and truly good food.
  • Thrive for Good Challenge – Teams of home chefs and families go head-to-head to cook the most inventive, delectable and most importantly healthy dishes. Inspired by Izelle Hoffman and Thrive for Good, contestants will have to bring their best to win the ultimate prize of a tailor-made, hardcover, 50 recipe cookbook personally created for them by Izelle Hoffman. This challenge will allow healthy home chefs to show off their skills while learning a few tips and tricks from Izelle Hoffman as they cook.
  • Java and Script Cafe – Enjoy a break while sitting down with a new book and sipping on a cup of freshly brewed coffee in this special restaurant area. Browse through the Exclusive Books bookshelves and take a book or two home to indulge in later.
  • Designer Spaces Challenge – Proudly Sponsored by Paint Master. Be inspired by authentic design styles of the world. Local interior designers have been given the challenge to create a space inspired by their favourite country. From Japanese-style offices to Scandanavian-style bedrooms,  this demo space will show off what the designers have created. Best of all, it gives you a chance to get expert advice on how you can recreate the style in your own home.
  • Colour Cube – Be inspired to add a new colour to your life at Colour Cube brought to you by Paint Master. As a third-generation, proudly South African, premium paint manufacturer and contractor, the team will be on hand to give you technical advice, assistance and quotes, all free of charge. Bring your ideas, designs and questions to Colour Cube brought to you by Paint Master where you can sit down with a professional or walk through the Colour Cube house to help bring your ideas to life. From preparation to finishing touches for indoor and outdoor painting, you are guaranteed to walk away with a wealth of inspiration and expert advice.
  • Truly Artisan – Meet designers and find must-have décor products including textiles, crafts, ceramics, art and furniture currently trending for your home.
  • D’Vine Life – Families, friends and food-loving fanatics can whet their appetites to their hearts’ content at the HOMEMAKERS Food Market. Delightful delicacies await those with a passion for varying cuisine!
  • D’Vine Style – a brand new addition to Pretoria HOMEMAKERS Expo. Celebrating South African fashion, D’vine Style is a hub of bespoke clothing, fashion and textiles.

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General Info

Show dates:   24 – 26 May 2019 at the Sun Arena, Times Square, Menlyn

Friday 10h00 – 19h00
Saturday 09h00 – 18h00
Sunday 09h00 – 18h00

Entrance fee:

R80 Adults
R50 Pensioners
R20 Scholars

Where to find HomemakersOnline:

Twitter – @SAHomemakers

Facebook – www.facebook.com/HOMEMAKERSonline

Instagram – HOMEMAKERS_Expo

 

Want to WIN tickets to visit the HomeMakers Expo?

I have x10 double tickets up for grabs. Find the giveaway links on my social media platforms:

  1. Instagram @spiritedmamablog
  2. Facebook @spiritedmama1
  3. Twitter @spirited_mama1

Good luck!

Spirited Mama

x

T’s & C’s

**Competition closes Sunday 19 May 2019. Winners will be announced on my social media accounts by 21 May 2019.
Open to South African residents only.
Winners will be randomly selected. 
No correspondence will be entered into once a winner is selected. I reserve the right to disqualify invalid entries. **

 

spirited_mama_meat_free_flexitarian_lifestyle_choices_options_veg_plant_based_proteins_healthy_easy_meals_vegetarian_products

Why MEAT FREE Mondays didn’t work for us + being flexitarian with Fry’s

*This is NOT a sponsored post! However, the products in my feature image was a gift from Fry’s Family Food Co when we attended their family braai day.*

Meat free Monday didn’t work

Meat free Monday never worked for us… The reason is very simple – Sunday leftovers 🙂 We grew up having a huge Sunday lunch with roast and curry and veg and and and… Was your family big on Sunday lunch? Even if it was just the household, consisting of four family members, there would still be enough food to feed an army. Long after Dude and I set up our home together, we carried on with this tradition. Even though it was just the TWO of us…

I soon grew tired of making a feast for two people and the pressure of racing home after the church service to get lunch ready by 12, no I lie we ate at 1pm in our house, was just too much! I opted to start a NEW tradition, and Sunday Dinner was born for us 🙂 Fast forward life and throw in two kids, who are ALWAYS hungry, and we are back to making Sunday Lunch. But on a smaller scale. Mama aint got time to slave for hours and my offspring devours hours of hard work within minutes!

A few years back we opted to go meat free during the Lent period. The shortened version according to Wikipedia – Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday.

This was a major challenge because now we needed to find alternatives to meat! I’m NOT a big lover of red meat but my husband and kids are. The recent addition, currently two years old, definitely takes after his father here by being a meat eater.

And this is how we discovered Fry’s products

Now being new to this no meat eating schedule, it was challenging to make food that actually looked edible. My husband would look at a dish and say “where’s the meat?” I could live off veggies though! So for forty + days we ate meat free meals. Every Single Day. By the time the Lent period was done, my husband was at the end of his tether. Needless to say we have given up random things over the last couple of years. But having gone through that first meat free stint, I was hooked.

We’ve been using Fry’s products for a few years already. Man have they upped their game! They have new and interesting products. That Kasha, aka cereal, is life for my kids. Let’s not forget the ICE-CREAM. Go find it today!

I’ve tried to incorporate it into our weekly schedule. We tried Meat Free Monday! At first it worked, but after a while it was cramping our Sunday leftover style and we failed dismally. So I devised a plan. A trial for this Spirited Family. No meat on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if you can manage two days a week 🙂

Tuesdays and Thursdays are meat free days in our house. Even visitors have to adapt. Alternately, just bring your own food when you’re visiting if you don’t like our schedule.

So instead of conforming to societal norms…and you know how much I despise being put in a box- I created our norm. It doesn’t always work out but it is yielding magnificent results. For me though. I can feel my body perform optimally when it is being nourished. This might sound strange BUT my body doesn’t like me if I have too much red meat. I can have fish all the time, chicken in moderation because who in the world only eats chicken. So the combination of adding a little meat every now and then with all the meat free varieties available is working for me.

And there is a term for this lifestyle…I’m a FLEXITARIAN

My family indulges my lifestyle by simply eating what is on offer BUT these days they are loving the meals. One particular product, the Fry’s chicken style nuggets! I’ve had countless arguments over the fact that it IS a plant based nugget. There is NO chicken in there. It just tastes THAT good!

Have you tried the Fry’s chicken style nuggets?

On another note, the Fry’s products are very quick and easy to prepare. As we use them regularly, we’re experimenting with different cooking methods/adding sauces/condiments.

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Change your mindset…. It is NOT meat, so be open to new possibilities.

We are NOT vegetarian and neither are we vegan. We just made a conscious decision to incorporate small changes into our lifestyle to becoming a healthier family. A more plant based approach to a healthier lifestyle. We’ve made small changes and set some realistic goals.

Verdict from Dude – we’re moving in the right direction with our meat free meals.

Listen to your body! It knows what YOU need!

Spirited Mama

x

P.S. watch the video below if you want to find out how Fry’s Family Food Co came into existence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYUSNkeSDqk

 

 

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