We all have that one family member or friend who just knows how to keep a clean house. It never really matters what time of day you visit them; their home always looks the same, spotless! There are no dishes in the sink, kids toys or clothes randomly popping up or even dust and grime on their surfaces. It almost seems too good to be true considering just how much of a drag cleaning can be, but the truth is it doesn't always have to be this way.


Keeping a tidy home does not always mean having to spend long hours cleaning from top to bottom. In reality, all it takes is simply adopting some good housekeeping habits to help you keep your home in good shape effortlessly. Over time, I realised that keeping my home clean doesn't have to take up a lot of time and effort but simply working smarter to keep the mess at bay. I have put together five of my best daily cleaning habits that have helped me keep my house looking fresh and clean with minimal effort, of course! 





Freshen up your bedroom first thing every morning

While many people might see this as the least essential task in cleaning, something as simple as making the bed does in keeping a space neat and tidy. Making your bed first thing in the morning make the room look and feel cleaner. It also helps you start the day productively, which is likely to be carried out throughout the day. 



Clean as you go

We have all heard this one before, even though we often forget just how important it is. Putting things away immediately after using them or cleaning up even the tiniest messes can be the difference between a tidy home and an unkempt one. Adopting this habit will make your life just a little easier while allowing you to use your time purposefully. For example, when walking from room to room, tidy up while you move along. Pick up the kids' toys and put them back in the toy box when they've forgotten to do so. Wash your plate immediately after eating, or even grab a cloth and your favourite cleaning spray to wipe down your surfaces as you move along. Next time you're in the kitchen waiting for the water in the kettle to boil, grab your cloth and your trusted cleaning product to get a quick clean. For a quick spray on and wipe off clean, try the Handy Andy Kitchen Spray. It is fast-acting and highly effective on daily kitchen dirt, leaving your surfaces hygienically clean in just 10 seconds. 


Don't forget your floors

Floors are the one surface in your home that experience the most traffic, which means they can get quite messy quicker than any other surface in your home. When your floors are clean, it makes your entire house look even more pristine, which is why floors are definitely worth the investment. The cleaning products you use on your floors also matter, so make sure that you invest in quality products that get the job done efficiently. A product like the Handy Andy floor and All-Purpose cleaner is an excellent example of a product worth purchasing for your home. Not only does it clean stubborn dirt on floors and other surfaces around the house while killing 99.9% of germs, but it also leaves a streak-free shine and not to mention the long-lasting fresh fragrance. 


One room at a time

The thought of having to clean various spaces at the same time can often leave you feeling overwhelmed even before you get started. To avoid that daunting feeling you get when it comes to cleaning, try tackling one room at a time. By now, everyone (except for your little ones) in your home should be responsible for cleaning/freshening up their bedrooms in the mornings, leaving the central cleaning for common areas in your home such as the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Dedicate specific days to cleaning certain areas and use a multiple purpose cleaner so that you don't have to go through the hassle of interchanging products based on the room you are focusing on. The country's most trusted multi-purpose cleaner, the Handy Andy cream gets rid of grease and stubborn dirt with ease making it the perfect tool to help you tackle the dirt around various surfaces around your home. Everyone loves a product that gets the job done right in a fraction of the time?  


Have a spot for everything

People who are skilled in keeping their homes tidy tend to have a place for everything. Having a place for everything entails organising and, at times, chucking out the things you might no longer need. Keeping your home tidy daily becomes much easier when you already have it all organised. Put things back in their designated spots immediately after using them, hang up your clothes if they are clean after taking them off or simply throw them into the laundry basket if you feel they need a wash. To take it a step further, try strategically placing storage baskets or containers around the house. Doing this will allow you to chuck those miscellaneous items you find and don't have the time to store away immediately. 


Now there you have it, five daily habits for a clean and tidy home. Hopefully, these tips will motivate you to begin making these minor changes for a spotless home. Remember that adjusting to new habits may take time, so don't be too hard on yourself when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed from trying out these tips. Try out what seems manageable for you, and over time you will instinctively adhere to these tips and maybe develop some of your own. 


This past week, South Africa's favourite health and wellness brand, Faithful To Nature took us through a beauty journey for their Clean Beauty Week. Built around the celebration of ethical, sustainable and clean beauty products, Faithful To Nature presented a curated collection of products as well as tips and insights on how to enhance your skincare regime. One of the highlights of the week, was an awesome live featuring Sibongile Mafu, Robyn Smithand Atlantic Dermatology as they explored the ingredients that make up the perfect morning, evening and weekly skincare routines. 



As an activist brand, The Body Shop’s mission is to fight for a fairer and more beautiful world. To create a positive change in the world, we must start by creating a positive change within. In that way, The Body Shop calls for people around the world to rise with self-love, especially in a society that promotes self-doubt and insecurity. We believe that self-love goes beyond feeling good about yourself. 


Self-love is about appreciating yourself, it’s about self-acceptance and giving yourself permission to grow into who you really are.



A first-of-its-kind global self-love* report by The Body Shop International found that South Africa scored seven points higher than the global average, ranking 5th out of 21 participating countries with a score of 60 out of 100. However, South African women scored three points lower (58) than South African men (61). The report identifies a self-love crisis for women around the world, with 1 in 2 women feeling more self-doubt than self-love, and 60 percent wishing they had more respect for themselves.


The Body Shop Global Self Love Index was commissioned to inform a long-term commitment from The Body Shop to always use its voice to build self-esteem. As a result, The Body Shop is launching a global movement called the “Self-Love Uprising”, with the aim to spread one million acts of self-love in one year, to create more love and positive change in the world.





South Korea, Saudi Arabia and France rank lowest for self-love, whereas Denmark, Australia, and the United States rank the highest. Designed by The Body Shop and leading market research firm Ipsos, the study ran between November and December 2020 with over 22,000 people in 21 different countries. 


Further key findings of The Self Love Index in South Africa include:


  • There is a connection between social media usage and self-love scores, however in South Africa it is the inverse of the relationship seen in other countries. In South Africa, the greater the use of social media, the higher the self-love score is likely to be. Those who use social media for more than two hours a day have a Self-Love Index score of 60 out of 100, compared to a score of 58 among those who use social media 1-2 hours a day.

  • Men have a greater sense of self-love (61) than women (58).

  • Self-love increases with age, with those aged 65 years and over having the highest score (64). Those aged 35-44 years distort the trend with 35% of them in the lowest 25% of the Self-Love scores.

  • People who are single have lower self-love

  • Those living in the Eastern region of South Africa have a slightly higher self-love score than other areas of the country.

  • People from minority groups are more likely to have a low self-love score, with an index of 58 compared to 62 among those not in minority groups, though the difference is not as great as seen in many other countries; 38% of those who are gay, lesbian or bisexual are in the lowest 25% of self-love scores.

  • Economic status impacts self-love, with 40% of those who are unemployed and 36% of those who are not financially comfortable being in the lowest 25% of self-love scores.



    Where do you fall on the spectrum of self love? It's definitely something to reflect on.





Coastal living taken to the next level - that's how I would best describe Salta Sibaya. Think living in a stunning coastal home with shopping experiences on your doorstep, adventure zones, fitness spaces and entertainment areas for the whole family. This is unlike anything KZN has seen before and takes the convenience and allure of of a vibrant mixed use community to new heights.

Salta Sibaya, Sibaya Coast District, KwaZulu-Natal-Natal, KZN North Coast, Life By Asha Singh


If you're like me, ice cream is your absolute staple during these hot summer days. Heck, sometimes even more than one a day!

Luxury ice-cream brand, Magnum has introduced an exciting addition to their product range which is set to take “me-time” to another level this summer. 

New Magnum Pints invites you to “make an appointment” with pleasure

It's that time of year again where all the couples on instagram seem to compete for "most romantic Valentines Day" spent in luxurious destinations, with captions that adorns more hearts than a cardiac hospital and soppy messages that the rest of us just double tap without reading and scroll past. *Sigh*

Sounds pitiful right? Lol, JK.  We're all lowkey jealous, let's be honest. 

This month, The Capital Hotel & Apartments embraces the #LoveUnderLockdown so that no lockdown formed against us can prosper. You can book a romantic staycation and experience a uniquely amazing and luxurious Valentine's Day whilst still staying safe and making the most of some one-on-one time with your bae

I was lucky enough to get to experience their romantic February package at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria and was absolutely blown away by what was probably the most spectacular Valentine's I've had ever. But don't take my word for it - check out the insanely beautiful set up!




AWARD WINNING UK CELEBRITY HAIRDRESSER ANDREW BARTON LAUNCHES HAIRCARE BRAND IN SOUTH AFRICA.



It's not everyday that a celebrity hairdresser whose client list includes Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue develops a haircare range at a fraction of the price of professional haircare products.

A new year is upon us and, if you're like me, you're in full spring cleaning mode to start the year on a good (And fresh) note

To think, a few years ago we were kids without a care in the world and now fast forward a few years and our exciting weekend plans involve cleaning the floors and washing clothes. Funny enough, something I assumed to be as simple as cleaning your floors actually require a lot thought to be put into - and not just buying any random floor product and mopping up the whole house.


Last year Uber and Uber Eats hosted their inaugural Tech For Safety summit, and this year they're back again on 22 October, hosting their second annual summit with a focus on technology-driven innovative solutions. In true 2020 spirit, the summit is being held virtually which means anyone can join in! But wait, what's in it for us? 

 When we think of "treat yourself" what comes to mind is face masks, champagne and massages but I for one believe wash-day should be a whole pamper session too. If you have curly hair you're probably already accustomed to wash-day being a whole occasion that you have to schedule out in your diary. But instead of it being something you dread (Washing my hair takes at least 3-4 hours out of my day) make it something to look forward to.

Head & Shoulders is one of those OG brands that take me back to childhood, and this time they've come up with a new premium and feminine range, Head & Shoulders Supreme infused with Argan oil. Without compromising their anti-dandruff technology, Supreme is more conditioning and nourishing than ever thanks to the added Argan oil and micro hair nourishers.

 

  Face maskcheck - New Uber Technology that helps confirm drivers are wearing a face mask

This push notification, along with a few others, came up on my phone over the last few days from my Uber app. And just in time too, now that alcohol is back on sale I need a girls night with some cocktails and that means I need Uber to the rescue.

Cellphone? Check. Wallet? Check. Keys? Check. Facemask? Oh shoot!

Life By Asha Singh wearing a sequins COVID-19 fabric mask

Who would have thought our 2020 New Year's resolution of travel would be limited to walks in the backyard and trips to Woolworths. No tropical nights in Bali or the Contiki we've been saving up for. Not even that long weekend trip to Cape Town seemed realistic a couple months ago (And for the most part, doesn't even feel realistic now, 6 months into lockdown!) 

As featured on the prestigious lifestyle TV series Top Billing, Antbear Eco lodge truly lives up to its expectations!

The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to professional model Julia Peterson.

South African model Julia Peterson



1. Who is your female role model/woman who inspired you and that you look up to?

My mom is the most selfless woman I’ve ever met in my life. She’s my biggest critic and most definitely my biggest supporter. She’s always pushing me to go beyond my limits. The older I get the more I realize she’s my best friend who will always have my back.

2. Do you find that there is a lot of girl on girl hate in the modelling industry?

I haven’t really experienced girl on girl hate in the modelling industry. The friendships I’ve made with some of the girls started when I first joined the industry at 16 years old. It’s more of a sisterhood where we celebrate each other and develop more meaningful relationships outside the industry . This modelling world can be tough so it’s great that we can all relate and support and encourage one another.

3. What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is how you make other people feel about themselves. It’s about uplifting and empowering another woman instead of tearing each other down. There are so many beautiful people in this world but what stands out for me is character, humility and having a heart full of gold.

South African model Julia Peterson


4. Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I’m passionate about women empowerment. Supporting and uplifting women to be their best selves. This world is cruel enough. Just as our faces differ so do our challenges, so I feel it’s important that we stand with one another and authentically and fiercely love one another. Imagine if we did that, what a beautiful world we would live in.

5. Tell us about your journey into modelling?

Growing up I was insecure about being tall and skinny. I was very shy so my mom enrolled me into modelling classes at 16. After successfully completing the courses I was chosen to be a professional model with Models International and since then doors have opened and I understand now how my insecurities back then and my uniqueness propelled me into my God-Given destiny today. It’s being a beautiful journey so far.

6. What was your favourite campaign that you've shot so far?

My favorite campaign would definitely be the Playtex Perfect Fit Campaign because it uses it’s platform to empower women and they celebrate the beauty of all women no matter what shape and size they are. Being apart of the journey with them so far has been so liberating and empowering.

South African model Julia Peterson during Playtex campaign


7. What advice do you have for girls that want to get into the modelling industry?

My advice is to stay true to who you are and what you stand for. The modelling industry can make or break you so it’s important to know who you are and stand for something, because if you stand for nothing you will fall for anything. A lot of girls look at other people on social media and want to compete and copy, but my advice is to stay in your lane. God has an amazing purpose and plan that only you can fulfill.

8. Tell us about your Miss SA journey - what do you wish you knew then?

Being a finalist for Miss South Africa is one of my favorite achievements. It opened so many doors and I’ve made beautiful friendships during the journey. I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself and I had more faith in me. As much as the experience was amazing and life changing it was also challenging. I wish my mindset was stronger and I loved myself more fiercely during the competition. It’s natural for us women to compare ourselves to other women. I understand now that I’m enough and I will always be enough.

Miss SA finalist Julia Peterson, Durban South Africa


9. What's next for you?

2020 is a selfish year for me. I’m focusing on self-love, self-care, getting to know who ‘Julia’ is and doing things that empower me as a woman. I strongly believe that if I pour into myself more, will I be able to pour into others more abundantly. 2020 I will still be pushing in the modelling industry, focusing on empowering young girls  through workshops and discover new adventures to embark on .

10. Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I’m a fun, loving, warm down to earth person. I love laughing and having fun. Don’t let the heels and makeup fool you, I enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and cycling are my favorite ways to keep fit. I enjoy watching Bollywood movies (I always wanted to be a Bollywood actress ðŸ˜‚) I also love traveling and meeting new people.

12. If you could give your 13 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice to my 13 year old self: Your uniqueness is beautiful. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are amazing just the way you are. Embrace it!

Girl Boss interview with South African model Julia Peterson


12. Lastly, where can we find you? 





With all the negativity and negative impacts during this pandemic, I thought why not find the light at the end of the tunnel and find the good and positivity. Lockdown sucks and difinitely brought to the surface a lot of issues in our society - property, hunger, unemployment and just plain sadness, isolation and a general sense of cabin fever for even the most privileged. We want things to go bad to "normal". But were things that good to begin with? As I'm sure you've heard, a phrase that's stuck with me lately, is why not create a new "normal"? A normal that's obviously a multitude better than the pandemic but also better than pre-pandemic life. I'm definitely not trying to undermine the struggles that people are going through but overall, lets think of this as a do over, and come out of it stronger than before.


To start off and to inspire you to hopefully ignite a sense of optimism in you, I'm going to highlight some of the people and brands stepping up and playing their part for the better of humanity :)




I've been at a cross roads recently in terms of my consumer habits. I want to align myself with and spend on money things I believe in - particularly eco-conscious while supporting local. I thought I'd introduce you to some of the products that fit the bill. These aren't necessarily reviews just a little introduction so that you know what's out there and so together we can support businesses and products that make a difference and each become conscious consumers. :)
Why does it somehow feel like we skipped straight from summer to the middle of winter? I went from barely remembering to put on lotion to having to put on 101 products on my skin to keep it hydrated and feeling moisturised

Luckily right before lockdown, Nimue sent me their new Smart Rehydration range, which admittedly at the time I didn't really think I needed because my skin felt pretty hydrated. Fast forward 3 months, it's become such a staple. Even more so now that I know how absolutely essential hyaluronic acid is - think of it as collagen's first cousin (And with the attention collagen has been getting lately, it's crazy that hyaluronic acid hasn't been getting much attention at all)


Nimue online Hyaluronic acid serum for skin best hyaluronic acid serum

Most of us are practicing social distancing by staying in and working from home, and while the idea of that sounds great, we're slowly realising it really isn't that easy. Whether your employer gave you the thumbs up to work from your couch or you have this as time off work but still don't want to vegetate, it's possible to make extra productive use of this time. 

P.S This post is in partnership with Logitech and I review their Logitech M350 Wireless Mouse at the end so stick around for that! It's been an awesome addition to my laptop accessories and helped me still be able to work from my laptop comfortably wherever I am - whether I'm on the move (Pre-covid19) or working from my bed.


While the idea of a romantic Valentine's Day dinner at our favourite restaurant sounds amazing, the reality is most likely a loud and crowded (More than likely filled to capacity) restaurant with less than stellar service and highly unlikely to come at a competitive price tag.  
You don't have to be an introvert or party pooper to want to spend Valentine's Day indoors. If anything, you're in for an even better time spending the 14th of February in. 




While I've never been much of a Valentine's Day person, this year I have someone extra special to spend it with and I want to make the most of quality time together. Going to a crowded restaurant filled with couples and instagrammable heart-shaped decor just to spend half the night documenting it on IG stories just for clout (Cue the "7 billion smiles and yours is my favourite" caption). While that's hella mainstream and basic, it's definitely not me. My love language is quality time and the idea of spending quality time with the people I love is something I prioritise. Notice I say "quality time" and not just "time"? 

Now spending Valentines Day indoors with your significant other doesn't have to be boring at all either. We're talking movie nights, games night with some board game classics like Monopoly (Even make it a double date with your favourite couple-besties), or even go all out and light some candles and music and have a romantic candlelit dinner (Who says you can't still make it a 3-course meal?!)

For me, the question definitely isn't whether to have a romantic dinner in with Uber Eats or not; the real question is what to order when I do. There are so many options and here are just some suggestions:

1. CHANNEL THE ROMANTIC ITALIAN WITH A PIZZA NIGHT



Mi Amore! No one does romance as the Italians do. And no one does food as they do either so you can't go wrong with a pizza. Pizza is a very safe option because who doesn't like pizza? Although make sure to clarify your S/O's preference - pineapples on pizza or nah? Plus, with the app’s allergy filter, you can be sure that you’re getting the allergy-friendly food your body loves, ensuring that your day isn’t ruined by a trip to the ER. 

Some pizza places on Uber Eats:

Durban:

Johannesburg:

Cape Town:

2. AIN'T NO CHEAT DAY - KEEP IT HEALTHY


It's only February so hopefully most of us are still on track with our fitness goals? No? Well, it's never too late even if you've strayed and had one too many pizzas already this year. While you can make Valentine's Day your cheat day, you can also still enjoy the occasion while sticking to your diet. The app has partnered with Discovery to provide you with Vitality approved meals, so you get to reach your goals and earn some points! 

Some healthier options on Uber Eats:

Durban:

Johannesburg:

Cape Town:

3. HOT AND SPICY - I'M TALKING ABOUT THE FOOD


I know Indian food isn't everyone’s cup of chai (Get it? Chai as in tea?). But there's something so satisfying about a hot plate of biryani or butter chicken that just makes it the perfect comfort food for quality time with bae. Just make sure your significant other can handle the heat.

Some Indian food options on Uber Eats:

Durban:

Johannesburg:

Cape Town:

BONUS:

4. TAKE ME SOMEWHERE UNIQUE AND EXOTIC


Surprise your significant other with something different - why not try out a foreign cuisine you both love or explore one you haven't tried before? It's a way to keep things interesting and maybe even have a new first-time experience together.

Durban:

Johannesburg:

Cape Town:







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