Latest news with #IOLLifestyle
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Fathers Day gift ideas: Dad's online shopping habits might solve your Father's Day dilemma
Dad's online shopping habits can guide you on gifts he truly wants. Every year, Father's Day rolls around and with it, the same old questions: Does he really need another braai apron? Should I buy him socks again? And if you ask him, he'll say what he always says: "All I want is to spend time with my family." But let's be honest, there's a good chance he's already got a wishlist brewing online. In fact, a recent survey revealed something many of us didn't expect - around 42% of South Africa's online consumers are men aged 35 to 64. That's right: Dad might be browsing and adding things to his virtual basket more often than you are. So, if you're stuck on what to buy him, the answer might just lie in his recent online cart. Platforms like Temu are making it easier (and cheaper) for dads to shop directly from suppliers, and it's not just for essentials. We're talking golf accessories, cool kitchen gadgets, fitness gear, home tools, and even the occasional grooming device. So, what does this mean for Father's Day shopping? A lot, actually. It's time to skip the cliché gifts and get him something he actually wants - the kind of gift he's probably already been eyeing online. Gadgets Dads love their tech – and gadgets consistently rank high in their online purchases. Think wireless earbuds, mini projectors, handheld massagers, or even a digital meat thermometer for the braai. The key? Choose something fun, practical, and preferably with a USB cable. Gifting smarter, not bigger The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune. According to the same survey, 46% of shoppers using Temu saved more than half their shopping budget, and nearly 40% buy something monthly. That means you can still spoil dad with thoughtful, useful gifts, without maxing out your card. Whether he admits it or not, your dad has a wishlist. And thanks to his secret online shopping habit, we finally have a better idea of what he actually wants. This Father's Day, peek into the patterns, browse the trending gadgets – and give him something that'll make him say, 'How did you know?' (Just don't tell him you checked his basket.) IOL Lifestyle
IOL News
10-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Caught between broccoli battles and cupcake chaos: Life as a Type C mother
Being a Type C parent involves the humorous realities of trying to keep it all together. I like to think of myself as a Type C parent – which is basically code for "I'm trying really hard, but things don't always go according to plan' - and I'm okay with that... mostly. It's that sweet spot between the highly organised Type A parents - you know the ones with children who eat broccoli for snacks without complaining and the laid-back Type B crew, whose kids wear pyjamas to the mall and have never heard of a bedtime. As a mother of twin daughters - one who is on the autism spectrum - every day is a fine balance of managing chaos and embracing it. Like the time when they were 4 years old and I took them to a five-star hotel in the V&A Waterfront. The invitation said "kiddie-friendly high tea", and in my head, I imagined Instagrammable moments of my girls nibbling on cucumber sandwiches in floral dresses. The reality? They flat-out refused to wear shoes, let me brush their hair, or wear anything remotely matching. We walked through the marbled foyer and sat next to a mother with a little girl in patent leather shoes and a coordinating bow, alongside everyone else's daughters who were dressed in their Sunday best. One of the other mothers was clearly mortified and commented; "They aren't wearing shoes", to which I responded; "Fortunately they changed out of their swimming costumes". My two wild ones, with bright pink lipstick smeared across their lips were first in line for the cakes – by which I mean 'in' the cakes. But you know what? They had the time of their lives. And honestly, so did I, once I'd accepted we were now 'those people' to everyone else in the room. That, in a nutshell, is Type C parenting. We try to show up on time, but sometimes with a yoghurt-smeared child and no shoes. We want them to eat healthy, but we also don't mind a biscuit bribe. We care deeply, but not always conventionally. I do admire the Type A parents with their meal-prep charts, coordinated craft kits, and ironed uniforms. And I've got a soft spot for the Type Bs, who float through parenting like chilled yogis, unfazed by mess or mayhem. But Type Cs? We're the middle ground. We're the ones Googling 'how to make spinach taste like pizza' while hiding in the pantry with a KitKat. Being a Type C parent means you're constantly adjusting and juggling expectations, trying to figure out if 15 minutes of screen time is really that bad if it means you can drink your coffee while it's still hot. It's trial and error. And then trial again, with slightly more error. Often we laugh instead of yell, when we lean into the imperfection of the moment, when we whisper "me too" to another flustered mum in the supermarket. So here's to us Type Cs – the parents who pack organic snacks but forget the water bottles, who know their limits, and don't always get it right – but keep showing up anyway, shoeless and all. IOL Lifestyle
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Winter fashion essentials for moms and toddlers from 'The Mommy Club' star Her Majesty
'The Mommy Club' star Happy Simelane in conversation with IOL shared her winter essentials. Picture: Instagram/_happysimelane The weather has gotten chillier, many are grabbing their coats and moving their jerseys to the front of their wardrobes as winter trickles in. 'The Mommy Club' reality TV star Her Majesty, attended the Ackermans Winter Fashion launch and spoke to IOL Lifestyle about her winter essentials. Real name Happy Simelane, Her Majesty is on Mzansi screens on season three of Showmax reality show 'The Mommy Club'. The reunion currently has her fans and viewers locked in. Dressed in the season's hottest colour burgundy, Her Majesty attended the event dressed in an outfit that was laid back but well put together, with her boots matching her sweater. A big warm scarf is a must for Her Majesty so that she can easily wrap it around her neck. Socks are a must, 'I hate cold feet,' she shares. Adding that coats and furs are staples for slaying winter.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Embrace winter with these skincare tips for glowing skin and alluring scents
Social media sensation Kamo WW, real name Kamohelo Pule at the Chance Eau Splendide fragrance pop-up launch. Picture: Supplied/RageInc Productions. Image: Supplied/RageInc Productions. As the temperatures drop and the air gets drier, your skin and senses deserve a little extra TLC. Winter has a way of stealing moisture from the skin and dulling that usual glow, but it doesn't have to. This season, it's all about restoring radiance and wrapping yourself in warmth, starting with two essentials: the new Vaseline Cera-Glow range and the timeless Chanel Chance perfume. Skin First: Lock In That Winter Glow Dry, flaky skin is one of winter's most unwelcome guests. That's where the new Vaseline Cera-Glow range steps in. Vaseline ambassador actress Linda Mtoba at the launch of the Cera-Glow range. Picture: Supplied Image: Supplied Infused with ceramides and Vaseline Jelly, this range is designed to deeply hydrate while strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. Unlike heavier winter creams that can feel greasy, Cera-Glow absorbs beautifully and leaves your skin soft, supple, and luminous. Instead of just bringing the viral Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Gel Oil to Mzansi, they have made one specifically for South African skin. Containing replenishing oil and natural oils (Vit E and almond oil) for soft and radiant skin. In addition, it is uniquely powered by pro-ceramides for a stronger skin barrier and a healthy glow. It's the perfect daily dose of glow your winter skin craves and the subtle, clean scent means it won't clash with your signature fragrance. Fragrance Finish Once your skin is moisturised, don't forget the finishing touch: a spritz of Chanel Chance. This elegant, floral fragrance adds a playful sophistication to your winter beauty routine. The new Chanel Chance Eau Splendide is the perfect winter scent to have anyone wanting to leave a lasting impression. Taking care of your skin in winter is a must. Picture: FreePik Image: FreePik With notes of pink pepper, jasmine, and patchouli, Chanel Chance is vibrant but not overpowering, making it ideal for those who love to smell good without being too loud. "The scent lingers gently on scarves and sweaters, leaving a trail of allure wherever you go," said Olivier Polge Chanel In-House Perfumer-Creator "The original idea behind Chance was a state of mind that we interpreted in very different styles. A new colour in the Chance palette. After pink, green, yellow and orange comes purple. The shade of magic and lightness tinged with mystery and nobility. Rebellious energy conceals depth and dazzling power behind its capers. This new creation by Polge is a marvel of paradoxes. Pro Tip: For a longer-lasting fragrance, apply your fragrance to your pulse points right after moisturising. Hydrated skin holds the scent better, so this combo is more than just a luxury, it's smart layering. IOL Lifestyle
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: Loved ones celebrate life through song and dance at a funeral
Friends and family sing and dance at a funeral. Image: TikTok screenshot Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. While funerals are often solemn occasions filled with grief and reflection, they can also be a time to celebrate the life of the person who has passed. In some cases, guided by the wishes of the deceased or their family, the tone shifts from mourning to joy, honouring their memory in a more uplifting way. It's not unusual for people to request a cheerful farewell, asking their loved ones to celebrate rather than grieve. A recent example from the United Kingdom has captured this spirit. A video showing mourners dancing and singing at a funeral has gone viral on TikTok. With over six million views, the clip has touched hearts worldwide and highlighted how many people choose to honour life with joy instead of sorrow. Staunton Funeral Service offered a glimpse into the funeral when they posted the video on their TikTok account. Captioned, 'This one's for you Lauren. Hope you heard them all singing their hearts out loud and proud. Rest Easy,' you can see that the church is filled. This is often a sign that the deceased was popular and loved by many. In the comment section, a family member shared, 'My cousin Lauren, whose funeral this is, died a week before her 40th birthday. I'm so glad she got the celebration she deserved! She was so loved! She had a heart of gold! RIP my cuz! Love you always.' The video shows a point in the ceremony where most of the people there start to sing and dance to Whitney Houston's hit song 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody.' While many people joyously sang along in unison to the upbeat tune, one could see some wiping their tears away, and family members at the front of the church embracing and consoling each other. Over 12,000 people took to the comment section of the post, expressing how the video impacted them. 'Lauren's energy had to be unmatchable because I'm here in Argentina dancing and singing for her. RIP Lauren, please sing it to my grandma Esme if you find her,' responded one person. Another wrote, 'If there's any possibility that departed souls can be aware of their own funerals, Lauren's loved ones 100% got her attention with this! IOL Lifestyle
