Geek, Glam & Glow

Just  a blog from an OG GeekGirl who also has a passion for all things of beauty. Approaching the world of beauty  in the same way as building an App.

[gadgetblogger]

My (Non-Spoiler) Thoughts on #PolinSeason

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, Bridgerton Season 3 finally graced our screens. Naturally, I binged all four episodes twice within 18 hours of the launch. Okay, I might have sneaked in episode 5 during the special fan viewing on Tudum the night before, but who’s counting?

Overall Thoughts and Book Comparison

Compared to the first two books, this season stays fairly true to the original story. The TV adaptations of key moments from the book were spot on and felt refreshingly progressive for today’s world. Here’s what stood out to me:

Modern Love and Career Balance: It beautifully showcases that women can have it all—love and a thriving career.

Equal Partnership: It emphasizes that a man’s place is to support his wife just as she supports him.

Self-Reliance: Women don’t always need saving; sometimes, they just need unconditional support.

Friendship Goals: Female friendships can flourish without competition, and they’re crucial at any age.

Nature vs. Nurture: People aren’t born mean; it’s often a result of upbringing. While forgiving isn’t easy, time reveals all, and karma eventually catches up.

The Power of Female Friendship: True female friendships are grounding and powerful.

No More Mean Girls: The mean girl trope is stale and needs to end.

Perfect Soundtrack: The music perfectly complemented the scenes.

The Romance Factor

The steamy scenes weren’t as intense as the PR hype suggested, but they were relatable and heartwarming. It’s lovely to see a romance that grows from friendship, showing genuine comfort and love. Of course, I would’ve loved more Polin love scenes—just like we craved more in the Kanthony season.

Colin and Penelope’s Journey

I enjoyed Colin’s struggle to find his way and be the husband he’s meant to be. He’s figuring it out, and it’s endearing to watch. Penelope’s unwavering commitment to her career dreams, without sacrificing them for a man, was a refreshing nod to characters like those in "The Devil Wears Prada."

What I Could Do Without

Lady Tilly. She had too much airtime and a rather pointless storyline. This is where "Queen Charlotte" excels, with its on-point side stories.

Character Development

Watching Penelope and Colin’s growth through the seasons was delightful. Their development and eventual shine were heartwarming. While I wish they had more screen time, we did get the wedding of the century on TV, and that’s enough to keep me content in the Bridgerton universe.

Final Thoughts

If I have to wait another 2-3 years for the next season, I’m not sure if my interest will hold, but only time will tell. For now, I’m satisfied with this beautiful closure.

[gadgetblogger]

Beyond the Filter: Embracing the Fun While Holding Onto Reality

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the best filter of them all?"

Source image: Teenvogue, July 28, 2016

In a world saturated with imagery, filters have made a space of their own. Once a mere term associated with water purification or a coffee-making process, "filter" has taken on a new definition in the era of social media.

History in a Snapshot

Photo editing isn't a millennial invention. Software dedicated to tweaking images has been around long before the dominance of Photoshop. Fast forward to today, and almost every app with a camera feature entices you with a myriad of filter options.

Filters - The Dreaded 'F' Word

Remember the times when filters were just about adding those hilarious bunny ears or quirky noses, making moments memorable with a touch of humor? Those SnapChat memories evoke an image of us not taking ourselves too seriously.

However, as technology evolved, so did the nature of these filters. From playful additions, we ventured into the realm of over-glamorized, often unrealistic portrayals of ourselves. Filters that promised flawless skin, perfect cheekbones, and mesmerizing eyes began to dominate our screens.

The Double-Edged Sword of AR Technology

Advanced Augmented Reality (AR) technology brings promise but also raises genuine concerns. On the one hand, AR offers enhanced user experiences, bringing fantasy to our fingertips. On the other, it's increasingly blurring the lines between reality and digital perfection. This duality poses the question: Are filters fun or are they fostering insecurities?

It's essential to strike a balance. As a tech aficionado, I appreciate the marvels of AR. Yet, it's crucial to remember that filters offer an 'alternate reality,' not an 'actual reality.' The key lies in embracing them for what they are, without letting them redefine our self-worth.

Finding the Silver Lining

Recently, I played around with the new 'Bold Glamour' filter for an Instagram reel, crafting my makeup look for the day. Surprisingly, it wasn't just about the allure. The filter, taking into account my facial features, gave me a latte-hued makeup inspiration. The result? An enhancement that felt right for my face, prompting me to refine my contouring skills.

Is this the future of filters? A tool not to replace but to inspire? To guide beauty routines while respecting individuality?

Concluding Thoughts

Filters can be fantastic if used with awareness. By all means, let's enjoy the digital artistry they offer. But amidst the filter frenzy, let's also champion the authenticity of our unfiltered selves.

Do you see filters as pure fun, or do they impact your perception of beauty? How do you strike a balance? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Remember: Our unfiltered selves are beautiful, and that’s a reality no filter can change.

[gadgetblogger]

The Demystifying Series: Part 1 - Loose/Setting Powders

Your Trusty Guide to The Wonderful World of Face Powders

Hello fabulous readers! Ever felt overwhelmed by the dizzying array of makeup products as you saunter down the beauty aisle? With myriad options, from foundations that promise the moon and stars to mascaras that vow sky-high lashes, it's easy to get lost. And when it comes to deciphering the tips from an array of beauty advisors, well, let's just say it's akin to understanding a new language sometimes.

I've been in those shoes, feeling lost in the maze of beauty. But, since the pandemic, a reignited passion for makeup has led me on a quest for knowledge. Today, I swish through those aisles with purpose and confidence!

Now, let's tackle the topic at hand and dive deep into the mystique world of loose powders.

What is a Loose Powder? Picture this: A makeup guardian angel. That's your loose powder. It's here to set and perfect your look, ensuring a smooth finish minus the cakiness. Its finely milled texture feels as light as air, seamlessly blending into your skin.

Loose Powder vs. Compact Powder “But aren’t they similar?” you wonder. While both are powders, they serve distinct purposes. Compact powder is your on-the-go companion for quick touch-ups. But when you desire an immaculate, long-lasting finish post makeup application, loose powder is your star player.

Setting Powder vs. Finishing Powder They might sound synonymous, but they're not. If setting powder is the security detail for your makeup, ensuring it stays put, finishing powder is its glam squad, giving you a photo-ready, refined look.

Translucent Powder: The Unsung Hero Here's a shoutout to the often-misunderstood translucent powder. Colorless and mighty, it sets your makeup without adding any hue. Imagine an invisible shield that locks in freshness. And for those curious cats, it’s distinct from baking powder, which is all about crease prevention and long-wear assurance.

What’s the Deal with Colored Powders? For those days when you desire a bit more coverage without piling on products, colored powders come to your rescue. They multitask by providing a hint of color while setting your makeup.

A Little Science: What’s in Face Powders? Curiosity piqued about what goes into these powdery wonders? Here's a quick breakdown:

Talc: A trusty agent to combat that unwanted shine.

Dimethicone: For that dreamy, flawless finish.

Pigments: To sprinkle in a dash of color, courtesy of both mineral and organic variants.

Glycerine: Ensuring the powder doesn’t feel Sahara-dry.

Squalane: A magic potion for a soft-focus finish.

Botanicals: Because nature's touch makes everything better, some powders boast of plant-derived goodness.

Now, armed with all this wisdom, be the queen (or king) of the beauty aisles. Venture forth with confidence and let your makeup be a mirror to your radiant soul!

Up Next in the Series: We'll paint the town red (and pink and coral) as we explore blushes. Stay poised!

Keep shining and glamming! 🌟✨🎨🖌️

[gadgetblogger]

Everything Starts with a Smokey Eye: The Foundation of Makeup Trends

From bold editorial looks to the girl-next-door simplicity, if you dive deep into the essence of most eye makeup trends, you'll find that they all start with a smokey eye. Whether you're scrolling through Instagram, flipping through a fashion magazine, or binge-watching makeup tutorials, the smokey eye is a classic that never fades away.

A Brief History

Linda Cantello, an international makeup artist who was once with Gucci and is now associated with Armani, is often credited with the invention of the modern smokey eye. Linda changed the makeup game in the '80s with her revolutionary technique. Her approach to a smokey eye was to make it look "lived-in"—an intensely shaded, yet artfully messy application with a gradient that beautifully complemented a minimal face makeup look. What sets it apart is the seamless blending of shades, where one color effortlessly transitions into the next, with no harsh lines to give it away.

Breaking the Rules: The True Essence of a Smokey Eye

So, what are the cardinal rules for achieving a perfect smokey eye? Surprisingly, according to Linda Cantello, there are none! Unlike other makeup techniques that often come with a long list of dos and don'ts, a smokey eye is all about the art of diffusion, dimension, and a whole lot of blending. And while most tutorials might recommend sticking to greys and blacks, a smokey eye doesn't have to be restricted to these shades. You can go as colorful as you want—provided it looks sensual and suits your overall look.

Universality of the Smokey Eye

The true beauty of the smokey eye lies in its versatility—it's a one-size-fits-all approach that complements any eye shape. Whether you have almond-shaped eyes, hooded eyes, or even monolids, a well-executed smokey eye can enhance your natural features and make your eyes pop.

A Journey of Self-Discovery: My Own Experience

During the pandemic, as I sought creative avenues that required minimal screen time, my path led me back to makeup, and naturally, to mastering the smokey eye. I began my journey with just an eye pencil (the Feline eye kohl from MAC) and a blending brush (219s brush), casually scribbling along the lower lash line. As I grew more comfortable, I added intensity to the corners or wherever my mood dictated—because, after all, makeup is an expression of mood.

Next, I incorporated a transition eyeshadow to blend things out. This shade acts like a mediator that merges other colors and adds depth. From there, it was a hop, skip, and a jump to using liquid liner to bring out the intensity of the look. Over time, I experimented with various eyeshadow formulas, from mattes to shimmers and creams to liquids, discovering how to layer products to achieve the required dimension.

The Conclusion: Smokey Eye is the Starting Line

What I learned through my journey is that once you master the smokey eye, you've essentially cracked the code to most eye makeup trends. It’s the foundation upon which you can build, layer, and experiment. And while it may look complex, it’s a fairly straightforward technique. Practice indeed makes perfect. So, the next time you're looking to try a new eye makeup trend, remember: it all starts with a smokey eye.

[gadgetblogger]

Spring Cleaning My Makeup: A Fresh Approach to Decluttering, Smart Spending and Sustainable Use

Spring is upon us! A season of renewal and rejuvenation. Traditionally, this has meant a good old spring clean—dusting the cobwebs, refreshing the wardrobe, and decluttering every nook and cranny of our homes. But this year, I'm bringing the spring-cleaning mantra to an often-neglected area: my makeup collection.

Like many of you, I've tried various decluttering methods in the past. I've donated items, sold them online, and yet, all I seem to do is make room for more products I don't necessarily need. Well, no more! I've decided to take a different approach this year, one that's focused not just on decluttering but also on smart spending and sustainable use of my beauty products.

My Game Plan

1. Use it or Lose It

First up, any mascara, eyeliner, or foundation that's less than a quarter full is getting used up. No exceptions. If it's near the end of its life, it's time to give it a proper farewell tour across my face.

2. The Forgotten Stars

We all have those products that get lost at the back of the drawer. I'm pulling out 3-5 items that I rarely use and making a conscious effort to incorporate them into my looks. It could be a bold lipstick, an eyeshadow palette, or even a pair of false lashes that I bought on a whim.

3. Blend and Switch

I'll be alternating between my beauty blenders/sponges and brushes. Not only does this keep things interesting, but it's also a good way to ensure all my tools are being used and cared for equally.

4. The Colour-Story Test

Before any new eyeshadow palette moves from my wishlist to the checkout cart, I'll compare its color story to palettes I already own. I've realized that my impulsive buys often have more to do with appealing packaging or the thrill of something new rather than the colors themselves. Dupe checker sites like Temptalia are excellent for checking out the details of most makeup items and in some instances can recommend posssible dupes.

5. Double Duty

Why buy a new blush when a lipstick in a similar shade could do the trick? I'm going all-in on multi-use makeup items this year.

6. Refresh, Don't Replace

I'll be experimenting with mixing mediums like fix+ or micellar water to give a second life to my eyeshadows, converting them into eyeliners, for example.

7. Skin Care Commitment

Any opened skincare products will be used up by the end of the year, as their shelf life is typically much shorter than makeup.

8. Ingredient Checklist

Before replenishing my skincare, I'll make sure the specific active ingredient isn't already present in another product I'm currently using. Sites like Inci are great for looking up skincare ingredient composion and meanings of an ingredient.

9. Full-Body Beauty

If a face cream doesn’t work well for my face, it's getting used on my body. Waste not, want not!

10. The Last Drop

Nearly depleted foundations will be mixed with moisturizers to create a DIY tinted moisturizer.

The Self-Care Fund

What am I doing with all the money I'm saving? It's going into a "self-care fund." By Christmas, I should have a nice little nest egg saved up for some high-quality, limited-edition items that will truly bring joy to my makeup routine.

Over to You

So there you have it—my intentional, more mindful approach to spring cleaning my makeup collection. I'd love to hear your strategies for decluttering and smart spending. After all, beauty is not just about looking good; it's about feeling good, inside and out.

Happy spring cleaning! 🌸💄✨

[gadgetblogger]

Creating my perfect canvas: My personal guide to choosing a Foundation

This is my 7th attempt at writing this post so here we go, lucky number 7 🤞

When I started my makeup journey almost 18 months ago, it was quite an information overload experience – some of it quite overwhelming and intimidating if I am being brutally honest. However as I took this up as a past time during the pandemic which turned into a hobby I approached the learning path as I would have done for anything else :

Understanding the basics

Seeing how things are applied in the real world by analysing case studies (in the case of makeup/beauty , the portfolio of Makeup Professionals are the case studies, in the form of all sorts of digital content such as YouTube videos, IG reels and lives, TikTok videos, blog posts, books and even digital TV like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc).

Customising everything to my client needs.

Of course I had the most difficult client of all (ok second most difficult, first most difficult is my 14yo daughter) : MYSELF

Understanding the basics : The Requirements Checklist

As mentioned I am not your typical beauty blogger or influencer. I actually don’t even think of myself as an influencer, however all of my friends and network peers have branded me as one, because they blame me for influencing them into purchasing beauty items, be it from a specific brand or a specific product, or even just trying out a new makeup technique. So I guess I will take that as a compliment in the nicest possible way.

So back to basics – as a geek , sorry for throwing in the word requirements but I don’t think there is a better word really, and this is where I find my world of beauty and tech collide.

A foundation is just like any other product, it needs to solve a problem that adds some form of value to the customer (who is ME)

It is important to remember this because buying a foundation in 2022 is not the same as buying a foundation in 1997 (when I purchased my first foundation). Have you been to a beauty department lately? The choice of foundation is not just a choice of 1 or two types anymore, liquid foundation especially has almost every type of formula and finish available these days with more being added all the time. The world of foundation is no more only MATTE, like it was in 1997 (Thank Goodness) . The evolution of foundation has improved dramatically with different textures, finishes, skincare benefits, not to mention all the different shade ranges to be inclusive (though as someone with a medium skin tone with a cool undertone of Indian descent, I can honestly say there are still not enough shade ranges available but the choice now is much better than in 1997).

The requirements checklist I ask myself when it comes to a foundation:

What is the primary goal of using a foundation ?

What sort of coverage do I want?

What sort of finish do I feel like today – this is usually determined by my mood?

And that’s really it.

But how does one answer these questions ? ( I can mind read too 😂)

Let me give you some of my answers to a few scenarios/ use cases

Scenario 1 : I had a terrible night’s sleep and look and feel like crap (maybe a slight exaggeration but it’s how I feel at the moment and I need to fake it well because I need to own the next meeting I am in – or at least pretend to be excited)

What is the primary goal of using a foundation ?

 My skin looks dull, I need to add some life back into it so that it looks fresh and maybe some radiance would be nice.

2. What sort of coverage do I want?

Medium to full, I have some pores and blemishes that are bugging me.

3.What sort of finish do I feel like today – this is usually determined by my mood?

I’m on edge and need to be taken seriously so I feel like I need matte today, but not too matte, perhaps a glowy-matte or something with a velvet finish.

Now that I have understood the purpose of the foundation, let me evaluate my options.

Evaluating my foundation options

Choice is a wonderful thing ( provided it doesn’t cause choice paralysis 🤓)

The good news is that addressing those three simple questions in the checklist, choice paralysis is minimised somewhat. I say somewhat because there is still tons to choose from which can be intimating or overwhelming to some who merely just want a foundation.

However, start using the analogy of a cell phone. Is it ever easy to just buy a simple cell phone these days. NO! There are things to consider such as : budget, space, compatibility with other devices, choice of apps, access to the operating system, etc. Choice is always the result of something that is constantly evolving, so why should a foundation be treated any different?  Changing that mindset will certainly help the process be less overwhelming – trust me! ☺️

So let's recap my requirements

Today I need a foundation that brings life into my dull skin, adding a bit of freshness and glow that gives a medium to full overage with a velvet or soft matte finish.

Thanks to my newfound makeup knowledge, I am super fussy with my requirements these days (you know they say knowledge is power, well if my case knowledge means i just buy more stuff to have more options 😁) .

The best choice would be a liquid foundation. I could also do a powder but if freshness is also needed, then I would need to spend more time on my skin prep and time is what I am running low of.

Scenario 2 : It’s really hot today, I really need something lightweight that is not going to melt off my skin. Would like some radiance

Tinted moisturiser or water-based foundation or sheer

Scenario 3 : I have an event to attend and really need to look my best. I want to glow but I need this foundation to be long lasting, with minimal touch ups and be photographed

Long wearing liquid or powder

Now you are probably wondering, how am I making the decision on whether liquid, or powder etc. I need to do another post diving deeper into that topic but for now, her is an overview of the different foundation types (most of which are related or dependent on knowing your skin type).

Shade matching is also a topic on its own as science comes into play (yay I get to talk geek).

. For now, here is a simple and useful list that I have come across that addresses some popular foundation types.

source: https://fabbon.com/articles/makeup/how-to-choose-foundation-for-your-skin-type

And there you have it. Hope it makes a bit of sense without creating too much info overload, and helps you with your foundation choices.

Foundation is quite a complex topic and there is alot of knowledge I have gained which I would love to share with you, but this is a blog post, not a novel, so TBC 😊

Keep glowing while embracing your inner geek (there's a geek in all of us)

[gadgetblogger]

Why Hello! It has been a minute, hasn't it :)

Hiya!!! I'm back.

You are probably wondering, err. who are you ? And back from where? We had no idea you were even around 🤪

Fair point, so let me start with a quick intro / refresher / update and then let me fly with this because I've been bursting to do this for over a year now but my old friend procrastinator keeps visiting.

I'm Lynette, middle aged (45 for another 2 months), tech entrepreneur, mother of 2 teenagers, part time lecturer and most recently a beauty influencer.

YES, you read correctly! Let me explain a bit more which will give you some insight into where I am even going with this blog (that I happened to start over 11 years ago...like how many Tumblr blogs do you see these days, proof that I am one of the OG's of blogging)

Q. So you are a Tech Entrepreneur ? When you started this blog, you just worked in IT or tech right?

A. That is correct. I've been in the tech industry for over 25 years now. About 8 years ago, the company I was at closed down and at the time, there just wasn't a role for me anywhere that got me excited. I had been with this company for over 3 years and cultivated an amazing role for myself as Head of Mobile Apps, Strategy and User Experience but it was more than just a role or a job - it was everything that I loved doing when I was away from my kids. So much so that blogging became a thing of the past.

So 8 years ago I decided if I can't find the role I want, I'll just start up a digital consultancy create it - which I did and I've been going for 8 years.

Starting your own tech company wasn't just working at a tech company anymore - i was and still am the sales person, support person, social media manager, head of PR, head of people, amongst actually creating cool app experiences.

Q. Great, but where does the lecturing fit in?

A. Working in the digital space and breaking boundaries in the app space got me somewhat noticed especially as I was one of the few women doing it, and a woman of colour too. I got approached by various tertiary institutions to product course content for their digital modules a year after I was on my own (yes I was facilitating online learning years before it become the new norm).

A year prior to the pandemic I did take up a contract position at a local university to drive and lead social innovation. It was a lovely thing to do from a personal perspective and to give back the knowledge I had gained over the years to help the youths of this country become employable.

Q. That sounds amazing and hectic, don't you also have kids of your own ? And where does the makeup and beauty stuff come in?

A. Yes i do have two kids and they are teens now, so not as dependent on me as they were when I started this blog. Parenting two teenagers in this modern world is interesting 🤨

The beauty stuff actually came in towards the end of year 1 of the pandemic, back in 2020 , around Black Friday. I remember the date well because it started a crazy makeup addiction. A few months after I decided that I will not buy anymore makeup until I learn how to use it properly. (another thing to fuel that addiction)

I attended numerous Zoom and Instagram live classes in the evenings learning from industry experts globally and challenging myself to create makeup looks and to wear colours I never dreamt of wearing.

At the same time I also decided to become my own skincare therapist (during lockdown those special spa and massage moments became extinct). I've always been passionate about skincare and good skincare practices, thanks to my mother but now with my new found knowledge of makeup, i found I really enjoyed merging those two worlds and getting to understand myself a-lot better and practicing self-care.

Q. Wow, from tech girl to beauty..... and the point of resurrecting this blog is....?

A. To share my love for beauty with everyone so that they can be inspired to try out something new too. Also to connect with people who also have a love for beauty.

I'm 45, I'm not exactly the what the beauty industry displays on their IG feeds but that doesn't stop me from loving taking care of my skin and now experimenting with colour on my face.

There is something empowering when you are able to look into a mirror and like the image you see, with or without makeup on and it took me a while to get to that place. I loved makeup before I took up makeup artistry as a hobby but I was certainly never comfortable wearing a bright red lipstick or glitter eyes. Also if there was an event, I never felt confident or wonderful about myself doing my own makeup, unless I got a pro to do it for me - which wasn't always possible.

I still love getting pros to do my makeup, but it's become a nice to have. Learning and perfecting my techniques daily, while also acquiring product knowledge has empowered me to be in complete control of my appearance and appreciate my beauty and flaws. Reaching this level of confidence has definitely made me better at handling whatever life throws at me. Of course life is never easy, but at least I can do it with a killer smokey-eye and a bold red lip now. ☺️

That's all folks! If you are still reading this, I adore you 😘

Join me daily, sometimes maybe twice or more as I talk and share about my passions which will include :

a bit of Glam - Makeup and all things of beauty to me at the moment

a bit of Geek - Hey, what do you expect, I am also in tech after all

a whole lot of Glow - When you passionate about what you do, your inner glow will always be there

Welcome back to MysTechBlog also known as Geek, Glam and Glow. 🤓💄

Here is my look of the day, which is 90sInspired.

[gadgetblogger]

A review of online shopping for essentials during #Covid19SA

We are currently in lockdown mode in SA and are only allowed to shop for essential items during this period. This list is available from a government website and gets revised as needed, however in a nut-shell, we are allowed to shop for food, toiletries, baby essentials (like nappies), pet food and vitamins/supplements (from my current understanding). 

As a shopaholic of note (more for gadgets and games), my attention is now focused on shopping online for the above-mentioned items as we are encouraged to practice social distancing and staying at home – so for those of us who are fortunate enough to have online shopping facilities available, this is my current review of the online sites and apps that have been amazing. I’ve also listed a few that I’ve received great feedback on from my industry peers (through experience). I will update this list and my customer and user experiences during the lockdown period but thought it’s useful to share in the interim.

Personally, tried by my peers and I: 

Sixy60 app from Checkers – Available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store

Currently in a pilot/test phase in limited areas. 

As per Memeburn, the following stores are linked to the Sixty60 app in Jhb and CT only: 

For Cape Town: 

Durbanville

Willowbridge 

Okavango Crossing,

Rondebosch

Kloof Street

Sea Point. 

For Johannesburg it’s just these two Sandton areas: 

Melrose

Bryanston

Fortunately I am able to use this regularly so can give a thorough personal review of my customer experience.

Pros 

You are able to order your basic essentials from an easy to use interface.

Same day delivery

You are able to track the status of your order and most importantly what items will be sent to you. (LOVE this feature) 

 If items are out of stock you receive a push notification so that you are not left with surprises when your delivery arrives. 

 If you request substitutions, you can see what your item is substituted with as your order is being packed (another awesome feature)

 You can also request to be called before a substitution is made (I’ve not requested this) 

Currently you get free delivery until the 17 April 2020 (with no minimum spend) to help ease the burden of lockdown, then a planned delivery fee of R35 will be introduced (as per latest email communication)

Cons 

Due to the high demand and pilot phase, you may not always be able to use the app , it all depends on the time of day you access the app. 

You cannot browse the store and add items to your basket before the shop opens (I guess that makes sense as the stock is dependent on supply chain management) 

You get charged 15% higher than your basket value to allow for substitutions (this is called a reservation amount), however you only get billed for the amount of the goods that arrive . So you will get the costs reversed for the higher amount. It does mean you need to monitor your bank account though to ensure reversals take place (a bit like the Uber model) , and reversals can take between 2-7 days (dependent on your bank).

Other 

Overall a great experience should you be able to get a slot. I will definitely be using this post #Covid19SA for my basics such as milk, bread, eggs , cereals (and even Nutella for my chocoholic daughter) as it does help with the time factor. 

 ** Still to verify if FNB customers qualify for the same eBucks rewards as you do when shopping in-store at Checkers

Pick ‘n Pay Online  - available on your desktop and apps available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store

This has been around for a while and I have used the website in the past for water purchases during water restriction time and have revisited it during lockdown.  I have not been able to log onto the mobile app for a while and must admit I’ve not even tried to log on recently as I prefer to shopping on their website. 

Pros

Available for almost the entire catalogue of the store which is available for browsing even if slots are unavailable 

You can shop on your desktop (my preference) or on the apps (I’ve not tested this yet)

 You can earn and use Smart Shopper points (their loyalty program) and vouchers.

You can request substitutions for your items.

You can book an available time-slot for delivery 

You can request collect direct for specific stores, where you order from a list of items from a particular store (as listed on their website) and arrange payment and collection with the store(new service as of last week which I’ve not tried out ) 

Cons 

During this lockdown, there is limited availability of time slots available 

When shopping your items are not reserved in your basket like other stores, so there is a good chance a popular item will be sold by the time you want to checkout (even though you have 3 hrs to shop)

No notifications of what goes out of stock until your order arrives (so it’s difficult to plan to get your milk if that does not arrive) 

Orders seldom arrive on time but they do arrive on the day you have ordered (at least for me they have) 

R60 delivery fee irrespective of the order total 

Clicks - available on the Web only

This has been around for about 2 years now (I think) and I have used it in the past for specific online promotions. I’ve revisited it now during lockdown.

Pros 

Available for almost the entire catalogue of the store which is available for browsing 

You can shop on your desktop

 You can earn and use your Clicks ClubCard points and vouchers. 

Recently became an eBucks partner 

Communication is good when it comes to delayed delivery times 

 You can request a click and collect (order and pay online and collect at a designated store for R15 or free for orders over R150 that allows for collection store) 

 Cons 

During this lockdown, deliveries can take a few days longer (this is communicated by the brand to the customer) 

Stock seems to be in smaller supply than supermarkets for toiletries. 

No order tracking and cannot order get the counter medication delivered

Delivery costs are free with a minimum spend of R450, otherwise it is R60 for delivery.

Yuppiechef - available on the web only

Pros 

Essential items from the catalogue available for shipping during lockdown (this is particularly useful for baking ingredients as flour availability seems to fluctuate in stores). 

You can earn and use your eBucks as they are an partner 

Communication is excellent when it comes to delayed delivery times 

You can track your order online at a high level. 

Cons 

Stock availability is still in its teething phase – which is understandable as Yuppiechef is new to focusing purely on food items and everyone seems to  have  similar supply chain issues. 

There is a chance things may take longer to arrive than anticipated so as a consumer you need to monitor your order dashboard. 

Delivery costs are free with a minimum spend of R500, otherwise it is R60 for delivery.

Tried by  my trusted Peers (not me as ye but plan to should the need arise) 

The Bottles App - available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

This is a partner app of Pick ‘n Pay that delivers essential items (it was originally Pick ‘n Pay’s bottle store app and has changed its catalogue to essential items during lockdown). 

Pros

You are able to order your basic essentials from an easy to use interface.

Same day delivery.

You are able to track the status of your order and most importantly what items will be sent to you. 

 If items are out of stock you receive a push notification so that you are not left with surprises when your delivery arrives

Can order easter eggs this week! :)

Cons

 Limited availability to areas it can deliver to (more limited that pick ‘n pay) 

Due to the high demand and pilot phase, you may not always be able to use the app and the app only 

You cannot browse the store and add items to your basket before the shop opens (I guess that makes sense as the stock is dependent on supply chain management)

R60 delivery fee for all orders (R45 delivery fee and R15 service fee)

OneCart available on the Web, Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

This is really a proper personal shopper, on-demand grocery app.  The unique selling proposition of this particular service is that you can shop at multiples shops at a time (shops currently include Woolworth, Pick ‘n Pay, Clicks, DisChem and Food Lovers Market - more stores coming soon) for different items. Think about going to a mall and being able to go to multiple shops to do your shopping. 

Pros 

Convenient in that you can shop at multiple stores and the items per store are neatly organised in one dashboard view with a individual tab for each store.

You can earn your loyalty points per store, you do however need to provide your loyalty numbers before checkout.

You choose your time-slot.

Order arrives within 2 hrs from your time-slot

You can opt to allow your OneCart personal shopper to make substitutions for you or request them to call you before making substitutions.

 Cons 

Stock availability is dependent on what is available in store at the time the one cart personal shopper arrives. 

Limited time-slots available,

 This is a premium service so there is a concierge fee per store and a delivery cost , so costs do vary.

Additional available shopping services that have not yet been tried (by either my peers or myself) but have good overall reviews on Facebook and Twitter: 

Wellness Warehouse – Available on the Web.

I used the Wellness Warehouse Website for purchasing items during pre-lockdown and it was great so hopefully the same user experience continues. They are now delivering essential items (dry goods). 

Delivery costs are free with a minimum spend of R400, otherwise it is R50 for delivery.

Faithful to Nature -  Available on the Web 

I used the website for purchasing items during pre-lockdown and it was great so hopefully the same user experience continues. They are now delivering essential items and in Cape Town only, fresh fruit and vegetables.  They have also partnered with NGO  FoodForward SA and for every fruit/vegetable box ordered, they will donate a meal to  FoodForward SA. Details are on the website for the qualifying items.

Delivery costs are free with a minimum spend of R400, otherwise it is R50 for delivery.

Woolworths - available on the Web,  Google Play Store and Apple App Store 

One of the pioneers in the online food shopping space in SA, unfortunately I’ve been unable to use them as they have extremely limited availability (my friends and peers have had the same issue). The first available slot was a month ahead for me. I have also never shopped online at Woolies before so I cannot comment on the customer experience

Takealot -  available on the Web, Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

I am a regular Takealot shopper however have not used them during lockdown. They had some teething issues with their online catalogue for essential items and just started recently delivering during lockdown (essential items only)  

Delivery fees start from R60 onwards, depending on the option chosen for purchases under R450. A minimum of R450 spend qualifies for free delivery on the standard delivery option.

I personally don’t plan on using the following services anytime in the foreseeable future but thought it is worth giving then a mention so informed choices can be made as these are two somewhat niche offerings one offering bulk buying and the other...not quite sure yet ;) 

Makro - available on the Web

I’ve never shopped online at Makro. The have limited stock available online. 

Delivery fees are dependent on the product and a minimum fee of R55 applies, however there is a current promotion running for R50 per delivery. You  can opt to collect at your order at selected service stations and fast food chains for a cheaper price in secure lockers. See their Website for more details.

NetFlorist - available on the Web

Started delivering fresh fruit and vegetables, however they are pre-packed boxes and it’s not clear what you will be receiving.  

Prices for both goods and delivery are extremely , clearly this is targeted at the higher income bracket starting at R299 for a small box and R89.95 for delivery (limited areas for delivery). 

Hope this list was helpful to you. It will be updated as I discover new online services or receive feedback from my peers worth sharing.

Disclaimer: Delivery prices, minimum spend for free delivery and online/app features mentioned are as per the brand’s digital offerings as of the 6 April 2020 and should be used as a guideline only. Check brand’s website for current promotional offers and app updates or your email communications if you are subscribed to them.

[gadgetblogger]

The Dyson Supersonic -  Just an expensive gadget that dries hair or is it more?

I’ve been a fan of Dyson brand since I bought my first Dyson vacuum cleaner14 years ago (and it’s still going strong) while living in the UK. When I heard about the rumours that they were going into the personal grooming industry by reinventing the hairdryer, I was most certainly  intrigued. Then I heard a bit more and the rumours proved to be true 3 years ago, as after 50 months and 103 engineers and Fifty million pounds in the making , the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer was finally launched with a pretty hefty price tag (I guess not surprising for something that took over 50 million pounds to create) – you can read about it’s engineering story here .

While I was super impressed with the reviews and the tech behind it (it has a digital motor, called the V9 that does most of the work and is the smallest and lightest digital motor yet, which spins at an insane rate of 15,000rpm – comparable to a F1 CAR ENGINE!!!.) I still didn’t think paying close to R7K (at the time of launch) was worth the price for something that (that I thought of at the time)  just dries hair and does nothing else…until this year.

So I Caved and got one

I’ve got long hair and reached a point this year where I simply got fed up of spending almost 25-30 mins doing an average job of drying my hair and worse about 45 mins to dry my 11yo daughter Hannah’s hair (she want’s Rapunzel’s hair) so I finally saved up and decided to get a Supersonic 6 months ago (when there was a special on) and due to popular request, here is my personal views of using what I honestly consider the best grooming gadget since the GHD in 2001.

What’s in the box

It all starts with the packaging Honestly unboxing a Supersonic gives you the same experience as unboxing an Apple product, I can’t describe it but if you are an Apple Fan Girl like me, you will know what I mean 😜

The dryer comes with an extremely long, heavy duty cord which is about 2.7m which Dyson describes this cord as “salon length”.

There’s a diffuser cone for managing curly hair and creating volume, two styling nozzles (a smoothing nozzle and a styling concentrator) that attach with magnets (how cool is that!), a rubber mat for placing the dryer on, and a string loop for hanging. All of nozzle attachments, including the diffuser snap on with strong magnets, making attaching and detaching them super easy.

So there are plenty of reviews out there, what is it like in action, well here is how it’s worked for both me and Hannah

FACT: It truly is Fast drying

Most reviewers have said “At its highest speed and heat settings the Supersonic is one of the fastest hair dryers available – some testers say that it can dry hair in half the usual time.”

Pre Supersonic Days Well I have fairly longish hair and washing and conditioning aside (which takes me a good 15-20 mins alone) it usually takes me just over 25-30 mins to blow-dry my hair, thereafter another 15 mins to straighten if I wanted it to look like I bothered to make an effort. 

Post Supersonic Days The first time I used to Supersonic. I specifically timed the drying time, and using it on the highest setting, it took 8 mins! 8!!! That’s almost a 1/3 of my usual drying time. The second time I used it, it was cut to 7 mins. The third time,  I decided to use experiment with the attachments. I used using the smoothing nozzle I found my drying time took 10 mins and it eliminated the need for me to use my straighteners after. Using the diffuser I found it helped creating the volume that I was able ever able to get by a salon professional.My hair also still looked nearly as smooth  and volumised the next day too.

On Extra-long hair Pre Supersonic Days After a few uses on my hair I thought it was time to put the Supersonic to the test on Hannah’s hair. Usually the washing and drying process for her hair takes at least 3-4 hrs of my time with the drying time taking at least 45 mins with lots of stopping and starting , due to the hairdryer getting  too hot and Hannah complaining that her head gets too hot and me being afraid of too much heat burning her hair.

Post Supersonic Days Using the supersonic on Hannah’s hair on its fastest setting took 12 mins max and there was not a complaint about getting her hair getting too hot. Using the smoother, took an extra 4 mins and even Hannah said there is no need for a straightener anymore.

Less Heat and Healthier Hair

Using the supersonic I don’t really use as much hair styling products anymore and our hair just feels so much healthier, smoother and shinier. It’s obviously your choice about using styling products but in the past, I found there was no real cure for split ends and since using the Dyson, my stylist finds that I don’t really have as many split ends as I used to. For Hannah’s hair though as it does take a few mins longer and I’m extra protective of her, I just spray on a detangling spray as she has finer hair than me that tangles very easily.

Hannah’s favourite part of using the dryer on hair is that she feels her hair does not feel like it’s burning anymore like the old dryer, whether I dry her hair for 10 mins or 15 (when I use the smoothing nozzel)

I definitely see a glow and natural shine to both of our hair that proves the point Dyson makes “Unlike some others, the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer measures air temperature 20 times a second and regulates the heat. This prevents extreme heat damage, to help protect your hair's natural shine.”

I can see that this is potentially going to save women a lot of heat damage and split ends.

Noise Level

Many people have been asking me about this and quite honestly while it may not be as silent as people expect it to be, it is by far the least noisy hairdryers I’ve ever heard. We can certainly still dry our hair and listen to our favourite music, be it Ed Sheeran (for me) or BlackPink (for Hannah obvs) on at our usual decibel audio levels ☺️

Perfect for Travelling

The Supersonic is compact and lightweight (560g without attachments), compared to models that can weigh over 1kg and the fact that I can now go on a business meeting and wash dry and style my hair in 15 mins or less, is definitely a more cost effective option if I think cost/hr as I can spend more time on my work than time (which equates to money) drying my hair.

My Final Verdict

As sceptical as I was about the initial hefty price tag , after 6 months of owning this hairdryer, I can certainly say that owning a Dyson Supersonic is a bit like owning an Apple product , its essentially a top quality product at a premium price.

However taking into consideration the time saving factor (whether you are a new mum with barely any time to yourself or an entrepreneur always on the go, or simply someone who has gotten fed up of spending over 2 hrs drying and styling their hair),  and overall healthiness of both mine and especially my daughter’s hair , this was certainly a (hopefully) long term investment for us.

If this is something on your bucket list to get, I would recommend saving up and getting one as it certainly does more than just dry hair. It has been a while since a personal grooming tool has impressed me, the last was my GHD that I also saved up and purchased in 2001 with my first UK Christmas bonus back in my 20s (soon after it was released) and even though I’m a little late on acquiring the Dyson Supersonic, it is most definitely the gadget that has impressed me more than anything else since that 2001 GHD purchase.

[gadgetblogger]

In South Africa, the month of August is usually dedicated to celebrating achievements by Women .  On Tuesday this week I was invited by the Expresso Show  (SA’s leading morning show on TV) to chat about my achievements in the tech industry to date and was interviewed by Graeme Richards. I’ve done a fair amount of interviews over the last few years (not that many on live TV though, but must admit I really loved this interview). Thank you Expresso Show for having me and Graeme for a fabulous interview.

Facebook | @expressoshow.sabc3 | https://www.facebook.com/expressoshow... Twitter | @expressoshow | https://twitter.com/expressoshow Instagram | @expressoshow | https://www.instagram.com/expressoshow Pinterest | @expressomorning | https://www.pinterest.com/expressomor... Snapchat | @expressoshow | https://www.snapchat.com Website | http://www.expressoshow.com

[gadgetblogger]

A Style and Colour Analysis Consultation with Styld

A few weeks ago in collaboration with Women in Tech ZA, I produced and executed a really great tech and digital conference  in Gauteng, that has been warmly received with the overall feedback of being “both educational and inspirational”.  This event was also held in Cape Town a month before the Gauteng one. Should you wish to to read more about these events and the speakers go to : http://usefulandbeautiful.co.za/events/ 

This was no ordinary conference, it consisted of a line-up of 16 females (all executioners in their fields of expertise) and we managed to collaborate with some amazing prize sponsorship partners, such as Samsonite, Estee Lauder SA, TRACE, MultiChoice, Elemis, to just name a few - who treated both our speakers and delegates on the day.

One of those sponsors was a local startup called Styld - which is South Africa’s first fully personalised online personal styling service, that was founded by a busy professional Keshni Morar,  for busy professionals (who was basically our entire target audience for the event so it was the perfect collaboration). Keshni kindly sponsored a styling and colour consultation for each of the 16 Gauteng Speakers worth R2500 each and a delegate prize of a R100 voucher for each of the 120 delegates whom attended the conference. As a speaker at the event, I was fortunate enough to have been gifted with one of these R2500 consultations services and as a super busy professional from Cape Town (Styld’s consultation services are only available in Gauteng for now), I was super eager to try this service out while I was still in the area.

So here is a brief account of what that service entailed and how it has left me feeling a bit more confident in my day to day life style, both as a busy professional and to be honest as a mum too.

Step 1: Trust and a warm atmosphere We were greeted by Keshni  and her consultants at her intimate studio in Centurion. The moment you walk you, you can’t help but feel a warm homely atmosphere (unlike a mall environment which can sometimes feel quite clinical).

Step 2: Getting Measured Probably the least favourite part of the experience, (but it turned into quite possibly the part that enabled giving me the most confidence boost I’ve been craving for many years), is getting your measurements taken. This does require trust and Keshni’s warm connection with people definitely shines through. As a not so new mum anymore (my kids are 13 and 11), I have had to resolve to the fact that the size 6-8 I once was pre baby days is unlikely to return and that I need to make peace with that and still be happy with myself and what I wear every day,  especially when out in public - which is part of the package of being a business woman and entrepreneur – networking is key. I did provide my basic measurements beforehand but Keshni went in a bit more depth with conversations on what areas of my body I am least confident about and what would make me feel more comfortable in “hiding” those areas. Unfortunately Cinderella’s  Fairy Godmother wasn’t an option :)

Step 3: Experimenting with garments of different colours that are not quite what you would pick off the rail. Keshni pre-selected a few items for me based on her meeting me the day before so she had an idea of my skin tone and sizing.I must admit  my initial reactions, from seeing what she had picked out made me quite nervous, it did concern me ever so slightly (and that’s putting it mildly), because the colours she chose was definitely out of my comfort zone which I would NEVER pick of a rail. Even as a digital diva, I am still a traditional shopper who prefers going into physical stores for clothing rather than using ecommerce platforms. Surprisingly though I found myself letting go and trusting in the choices and in some ways falling in love with the image of myself that I was seeing in the mirror (which rarely happens these days)

Step 4: The colour analysis This was very new to me , I’ve never had a colour analysis before and given my ethic background have always been advised by many that I am a warm tone. This process was most likely the most interesting part of the consultation for me and took the most amount of time as I was draped with a white cloth and various hues (all quite similar ) was placed on  this white drape while i looked into a mirror focusing on specific facial features.  Some colours definitely made me look brighter and happier white others (that I thought was my safety ones) made feel look quite tired and definitely highlighted those dreaded dark circles around my eyes (I was wearing the bare minimum makeup on that day – certainly not any concealer). By the end of this exercise it definitely left me with lots of food for thought as a 40 something who honestly just wants an easier life  when it comes to clothing choices. Even though Steve Jobs is one of my icons, I don’t wish to be a like him and wear the same outfit every day – as a woman, I enjoy embracing my femininity so I am this point where a few classic pieces that I can mix and match and look glam at any occasion, be it a client meeting, a conference presentation or simply a school meeting would make my life a lot easier. I’m most certainly done with the experimentation of the latest trends and colours, I want to be able to pull out an item of clothing from my cupboard or choose an item of a certain colour should I go shopping and be comfortable that it will just work on me, and after having this colour analysis session, I found that goal was well achieved  - and it turns out after this exercise, I’m not warm as preciously advised, but cool and muted :)

Step 5: The execution Meeting Kershni and treating myself to this consultation - something to be honest  I had never for one, would have found the time to do, and secondly would have found it difficult to  justify the cost but this has certainly opened my mind to being adventurous with colour, style and it has certainly given me a confidence boost that I needed (especially after a few traumatic personal recent events). But after the experience, I actually see it as a personal investment in myself.

While I was tempted to purchase all of the outfits she had picked out for me, I left with just four items, 3 garments and the colour swatch (that is personalised for my unique skin tone) as I think that will be something that will be valuable to me for the rest of my life.

And most recently I appeared on the Expresso show and decided to wear one of the outfits that Keshni had hand-picked for me  during my consultation and I must admit, while the interview itself was probably my personal best, appearance wise I’ve never personally felt more at ease with the way I looked.

For anyone who is thinking of a style consultation or not sure what it entails, I hope my account gives you a bit more of an in-depth view and you find it as fulfilling as I did if you decide to try out this service. I would recommend you don’t rush the process, and allow for at least  3 hrs of time and be open to trust and honestly, at the end of the day its’ about you feeling better about yourself and in order to do that, allow the stylist to make recommendations based on their expertise (honestly they really know their stuff) and be totally honest about your goals.  Of course I would love to look like J-Lo, but that won’t happen so I want to embrace the best of myself that I can possibly be. We all feel better when we look our best and it’s about how we feel and that’s what I loved most about the experience, it really was all about me and my needs. Thank you STYLD.

Website: www.Styld.co.za

Address: Styld Studio on Saxby, 39 Saxby Avenue, Eldoraigne, Centurion

Follow: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin

[gadgetblogger]

2019 : A New Year (without you mum)

Dear Mum,

I was really NOT looking forward to this festive season. Even though I tried really hard to be brave; get on with it;  find this new “norm”, etc, deep down I struggled and the thought of getting through this season without you tore me up inside, almost like when I had my appendix removed , the stitches on the outside may have dissolved but the wound inside hurt like hell every time I moved.

The start of my birthday was not great, Even though we did the usual of staying up till midnight and opening presents, the new few hours that followed wasn’t particularly good. I woke up sad and missed you so much - much more than I ever have since you left. I missed your voice, your hug and your unique smile that was specially reserved for me every year on the 24th and despite everyone trying to be there for me, your absence was clearly noticed. I received a phone call quite early (not sure why I even answered the phone as I planned on not taking any calls, or reading any messages and of course I burst into tears during that call because it felt like reality finally hit and you were not around). But somehow as teary as that call was, I think I was happy to have had that call, because it made me face reality and read the messages and answer the phone when others called me, and I realised that even though you are not here, the one person who loved me more than anyone on the planet , there are still people who genuinely care and knowing that,  I was able to get out of bed and face the day.

As the hours went by, I heard your voice in my head saying “smile, just smile, you will be OK” and once I did that, guess what, I was OK and enjoyed the rest of my day. I continued to read all of my friends’ messages and it reinforced that people genuinely care  and that I have support - what made it special was just some form acknowledgement from them as I know these are the people who will always be there for me. Not everyone knew what to say and I could tell it broke their hearts to even get in touch with me, but just 4 simple words “thinking of you today” helped in so many ways.

I woke up the next day feeling a sense of peace ( I can’t describe it), maybe it was you guiding me, saying “You got this”. At Church, out of all the millions of carols,  they played the ones that were sentimental to just you and me ; many of which I performed at my first choir concert when I was 5. These memories made me smile. Spending time at the garden of remembrance was also peaceful - I am so glad it was your wish to be there rather than a cemetery, you clearly planned everything so well.

Christmas lunch was good, we missed you but included you in everything we did - how could we not, Christmas lunch was your 2nd main event of the year (after my birthday of course).

Then of course just as I thought I had conquered this holiday grief thing, New Year’s Eve arrived and it felt like I had taken 10 steps back :(

Truth be told, my biggest fear was about to come true - starting off a New Year without you and finally letting go of 2018. Despite you not being well most of 2018, your presence was still there - well for at least 75% of the year. Even though it is just another day, there is something definitive about the end of the year and the start of a new one and I wanted to hide or go into a deep sleep and wake up when it was all over - but your voice kept playing in my head saying “Lyn, this is not how I raised you, you can’t run away when things get difficult, take it slow but try - slow progress is still progress”.

I did try but it was so hard, much harder than my birthday or Christmas. However, with the help of friends, one in particular, I was reminded that this process isn’t linear and that there will be days like this and it’s ok. Later on when I reached out to others, the same message was given to me and despite the sadness and tears - it was actually ok.

So my darling mum, as I start off this New Year, I start it with a hole in my heart (carried through from last year) which will never close but it will remind me of you and our precious moments together (some fortunately captured on photos, and the rest are embedded in my memories). Grief is certainly not linear and even though the heart knows this, the head gets confused and as a programmer who caters for all possible scenarios, I know that I now need to add in a new “Case Else” clause that says “chat to friends who have your back” because that’s what I am going to have to do to live through this for the next half of my life, especially as I know you will want me to keep living and thriving - that was your final wish to me before you closed your eyes. 

Also, amongst the tears, I will continue to be strong, I will continue to be brave and I will do my outmost to persevere throughout - you have raised me that way after all, I am not about to let you down now.

                                                                                            Love you mum

                                                                                                         XXXX

                                                                                                             Lyn

[gadgetblogger]

2018 : I loved, I lost, I conquered and I’m still a WIP

My 2018 could not have contained a more mixed bag of emotions than it did. To summarise briefly:

My dear mum continued her battle of stage 4 ovarian cancer which was diagnosed in September last year – a battle which did not go well at all, and certainly followed no medical textbook or Dr Google processes. Mum was in and out of hospital every 3 weeks, sometimes for up to 6 weeks at a time, trying out a variety of different chemo combinations, none of which worked to her advantage until the middle of the year when she ran out of options and was advised to focus on quality of life – something that no person wants to hear, especially when it’s about your mum.

My 12 year old son had to move from Montessori to mainstream education due to the lack of resources at his school (Montessori education ended for him the year before) and I discovered first-hand the flaws of our traditional education system – where children are expected to consume volumes of work, learn it parrot-fashion and spit it out word for word, to avoid being penalized. After just 3 months, my poor child was stressed, anxious, not sleeping well and the worst part of all – hated school, it was torture for him. As a mum, watching my son go through this while hearing other mums who had been through this before say “don’t worry, it is difficult but you and your son will get through this” just wasn’t good enough for me. I could see first-hand this system did not work for my analytical-thinker son and it most certainly did not work for me.

My company turned 4 and soon after I was nominated for Regional Business Woman of the year. I looked for so many reasons not to go through with the nomination but fortunately was swayed by my fellow industry peers and female friends to just give it a shot and I did. Surprisingly, I made the finals after a very grueling judging process.

Mum passed away in September and even though I knew the day she would leave me was close, it still did not prepare me for the grief I was about to encounter. I also decided to give her eulogy 60 seconds before the priest was about to give his final blessings on the day of her funeral (how I found the strength to do this and make the most important speech of my life, I will never know).

I didn’t win the Regional Business Women’s awards, but won 2 competitions after.

I managed to get my son out of the traditional educational system and into a new and progressive education system which is quite expensive (and much more than I ever imagined I would spend on school education), but nevertheless I have a happier child, who is thriving and who also loves school.

As for work: I had super highs, winning new work, earning the trust and respect of clients who empowered us to help guide them with their decisions and of course the lows of mansplaining and gender biases by some men who are unfortunately still stuck in their patriarchic ways.

What are the learnings or take-aways from this year that I can share with you?

Lesson 1: If something is not right for you, especially if you feel it in your gut, change it. Just because something has always been done in a certain way, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way for you

For example, my son’s school situation. I have no doubt my son would have passed mainstream this year, and I am certain he would have done so quite well. But I needed to assess whether I am bringing up a robot or a thinker? In the long run, would the unwanted stress be worth it?

Lesson 2: Winning isn’t everything and sometimes losing is a stepping stone to something better. 

When I did not win the Regional Business women of the year, I was sad – honestly I was actually broken hearted because I don’t take to losing easily and secondly I felt bad about disappointing my mum, especially as I knew this would be the last award ceremony she would be around for. Losing, however, was actually was good for me, it made me push myself outside of my comfort zone and try something new, and it also showed another side, that people were genuinely inspired by my willingness to try. Mum was anything but disappointed, when I saw her the day after, she wore this big broad smile and said :

“My brave girl, you tried, and you were one of 5 in the province, you did well and are a winner in your own right and I am always proud of you.”

Also my mentor echoed those same words to me and said : 

 “Lynette, these are competitions, there can only be one winner, whatever the reason was for you not winning this, it does not mean you won’t get recognition elsewhere, you did it once, you have a base, you have been noticed – use it to your advantage.” 

Since then I was nominated for 2 other awards and won both, on a higher scale, one in South Africa (Top Female Role Model in Tech) and the other in Southern Africa (People’s choice) run by the Southern African Startup Awards which is part of the Global Startup Awards, of which I’ll be competing next year in the International Finals.

Lesson 3: Never has integration between life and work been more important – Life happens, this is where the strength of how you integrate things pans out.

 My mum getting ill was unavoidable. My son and his schooling situation was unavoidable. While I was trying to be the best daughter and mother, I had to still be the best professional woman I could be, I had a team who depended on me, clients I was accountable to and a media image I had to maintain – winning these awards or being nominated, people were interested in hearing my story. 

Falling apart wasn’t really an option, there were just too many people reliant on me but then I had everyone telling me to take care of myself. How does one do that?

The truth is, like mum’s untreatable cancer – there is no textbook answer and Dr Google is also of little help. With the guidance of a few friends who never left my side throughout this process though and a psychologist (yes I had to turn to professional help thanks to my cousin who pestered me to see someone a few weeks after mum was diagnosed with cancer), 37 sessions later (it took a while to get into), they helped me in the following way: 

Take things a day at a time and when a day seems too much, take it moment by moment 

Set small achievable tasks for that moment or day and work through it 

 Its ok to take a break and say : “No”. 

 Be transparent and honest with your colleagues and clients. Life happens and people understand especially if you have a reputation of being diligent and always delivering. And those who don’t understand, well it shows their character and you will question whether you want to continue a professional relationship with them down the line 

 Feel the feelings. This is hard as grief especially is non-linear and has its own agenda. It’s much easier to bury yourself in work or get side tracked by something else and avoid the feelings but the advice I was given by many others who went down that route – “Don’t do it, it will come back to haunt you, if I could have done things differently, I would have been more open to embracing how I felt”. I trusted my friends to give me good advice so I decided to follow this one.

 I am still a WIP (work in progress)  but what I have noticed is that me being human has actually opened up a positive avenue and people are enjoying that – they are enjoying and appreciating someone real rather than trying to fake it. 

When mum passed away, for forty days I shared a different photo of the two of us in a brief summary of the moment it captured. I did this for me, as my means of remembering her and to my surprise, many of my Facebook and Instagram followers and friends reached out to me and said they have enjoyed seeing this close bond I share with my mum, it made them get to know my mum better but also re-evaluate their lives with their loved ones, as I have so many amazing moments to share, they wanted to start creating moments that they could share one day too – that was lovely to hear.

So 2018 was certainly a year of all seasons, as you can see.

As I enter 2019, I have no idea what to expect. I do know that I am entering this next year without a mum who was my biggest fan and supporter, a high school-going son, a daughter who will be changing schools and a dad who mourns the loss of his life partner for the last 45 years, and who is also not a well person, as he is also a cancer patient.

So what’s my strategy you might ask? – Taking moment by moment and making the best of each day and as hard as those days may be, remembering that I survived 2018 and persevering no matter what. Progress is still progress, no matter how tiny or huge it may be.

Wishing you an awesome 2019..make memorable moments.

[gadgetblogger]

I am taking a break from personal blogging and focusing on my new baby - U&B. Find my thoughts on tech/gadgets and opinion pieces on the company blog. http://usefulandbeautiful.co.za/blog/ and follow @uandbmobile

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By Kathy Savitt, Chief Marketing Officer

We’re thrilled to announce that Bobbi Brown is joining Yahoo as Editor in Chief of Beauty, where she will lead editorial direction, original content and the expansion and re-imagination of Yahoo Beauty. Bobbi will bring her beauty expertise and…

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[gadgetblogger]

2012 - A summary of my year

So 2012 has been ever so slightly hectic for me, needless to say it's kept me just a little busy, that I've not really had much time to blog. Here is a summary of what has kept this Geek Girl on her toes:

January

Given the official go ahead to build a native apps department at Prezence Digital and established a partnership with Samsung to build the Ster-Kinkekor (South Africa's biggest cinema chain) Android app, exclusive to Samsung for the S3 launch. As part of rolling out a full mobile apps strategy, we decided to roll out across all platforms which included iOS and the ever so popular BlackBerry user base.

February

After already developing and solidifying the mobile experience a killer mobile website for Ster-Kinekor (this is the blog post i wrote before long before I joined Prezence Digital (http://mystechblog.com/post/8820372116/is-there-still-an-urgency-to-have-apps-when-you-have-a), I was now faced with the task, of creating the ultimate user experience for the movie-goer that is tailored for mobile applications. This required me to go right back to the white board in my boss' office (he was the one who created the user experience of the mobile site) to now create something better! NO PRESSURE experienced at all. Finally decided after a variety of iterations to create the ultimate "Ster-Kinekor" brand experience that could be translated across all platforms. A bit adventurous, but it was the risk worth taking.

Undertook another project as a product manager, which was  a social sharing wine app called RealTimeWine. Creating the perfect foursquare meets wine spotting app user experience that is on par with already established products was ever so slightly challenging.

March

After much deliberation, decided to finally give in and try out the public speaking vibe. I was receiving lots of requests to break out of my shell and to start taking the limelight at tech events as there was a clear lack of educated and established female 'thought-leaders' on the tech-conference scene. Not someone who likes the being the limelight (not considers themselves a thought-leader, what on earth is that meant to be anyway), I decided to start off small and do the local Geek Girl event where I thought I would just talk about what it's like to be a woman in the the tech industry  and my career progression into  getting into the space I currently reside in.  Of course, so much for starting off small, immediately after my talk at the Geek Girl evening I had to catch a flight to Johannesburg to speak at a UX conference at 9am the next morning as my boss was taken ill and had to go into hospital. 

April

I land a new client, South Africa's biggest eCommerce site (BidorBuy), and get tasked with creating the ultimate mobile commerce app for them on the android platform. Their brief to me was to pretty much copy eBay and make it look cool, my internal brief was, make it a million times better. After numerous wireframing iterations and lots of client buy-in, the shopping user experience was re-defined for a mobile platform and the user experience for BidorBuy, was signed off and ready for design and development.

May

Just another public appearance at a conference at the TV internet show, this time with my boss (one of the most sought after public speakers in the country, so no pressure at all sharing the limelight with him). Getting to the final sprints for the ster-kinekor android app and realtime wine.

June

Launched the Android version of the Ster-Kinekor App on the Samsung Store and the public response was extremely positive. Established Android developers in the country welcomed it with warmth. Also launched RealTimeWine mobi site and web apps on the iOS and Android Stores which was received with extremely high praise

July

Public speaking at the Online Retail conference in Johannesburg where I spoke about establishing mobile product strategies. 

Launched the iPhone app for Ster-Kinekor which reached about 10 000 downloads in the weekend of launch and obtained the #1 ranking as the most downloaded app.

August

Was a mentor in the 10Brands10Grand challenge where Prezence Digital assigned 10 student teams (interns from marketing colleges) to senior management staff to solve the business problem of a charity within 10 days. After a very tight and inspiration contest, my team came third.

Launched the android tablet version of the Ster-Kinekor app and the iPad version. iPhone version, still retained the number one ranking with the iPad version.

Won another new client to develop apps for.

Ster-kinekor android app gets shortlisted for the best payment app in the  Appsters awards.

September

Public speaking appearance over two days at the Internet Show and a panelist at the Wired woman conference (an event aimed at women in tech). 

Launched the BlackBerry app for ster-kinekor which reached over 50 000 downloads in the first week of launch.

October

Ster-kinekor apps reach 100 000 downloads. 

Public speaking at the online retail event in Cape Town and Mobile Monday.

Launch phase 2 of the BlackBerry Ster-Kinekor app that has BBM intergration.

Ster-Kinekor wins silver at the international Davies Awards.

Ster-Kinekor and RealTimeWine win bronze at the local Bookmarks awards. 

November

Ster-Kinekor apps reach 200 000 downloads. Public Speaking at AfricaApps, Mobile Web Africa and Geek Girl Johannesburg. 

Partner with RIM to develop apps across the BB10 platform.

Launch BidorBuy android app.

Ster-Kinekor gets recognised for the UX in the AfricaCom awards and wins Gold for the best smartphone app in Africa. 

December

Ster-Kinekor reaches over 400 000 downloads and wins Gold in the Vodacom AppStar Challenge locally and bronze internationally. Most recently, Ster-Kinekor gets cited as being one of the top 3 locally produced apps with Bidorbuy getting a special mention.

In Summary

3 massive mobile apps products released for 3 major local brands.

Public speaking at 12 events (and I thought I would ease into it). I can most definitely say after this that there is a clear absence of female speakers at these events as apart from the WiredWoman and Geek Girl events which are aimed at females, I was one of 3 (at most) female speakers of which there was possibly 12+ male speakers at the event.

Here's to 2103

2012 was indeed an incredible year for me, lots of hard work but the end results ended in some truly amazing tangible products and client relationships that I am truly blessed to have been apart of with an amazing team at Prezence Digital. The accolades that we have received are a true testimate of the sheer passion and drive in getting these products out to market, not just by one indiviual but by a team as whole, from the CTO, Product Manager, Technical Head, Developers, Designers and QA. 

The public speaking was totally new for me and I am still very much a work in progress in that arena. I still don't consider myself a thought leader (as I am not sure I even know what that term actually means), all I do it talk about what I love doing and hope that it inspires people to go out and do the same as I truly believe that if you are passionate about what you do, well then your work is truly effortless. 

There is a clear absence of female leaders in the tech space in this country and I really hope 2013 surfaces more intelligence hardworking women as role models are needed. I've been in this field for over 15 years now and it is indeed a tough male dominated field to make your mark in but it is achievable (I have to deal with this on a daily basis) but as one wise woman in tech told me the other day, stand your ground, believe in what you do, never loose sight of what you want and go out to produce the best work you can possibly do, whether you are male or female, it does not matter, just go out to create the best and the world is your oyster!! As per the theme of my talk at Geek Girls Johannesburg "What Glass Ceiling?", I think that will continue that mantra for the rest of my life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! :)

 I'm sure 2013 will be yet another hectic one and I can't wait ... watch this space