As a young girl, growing up in the 80’s, I was in awe of astronauts and the mere thought that someone had once stepped on the moon.
It’s 2022 and space discovery and travel have advanced astronomically. Over the last decades, we have seen the world of space travel open up and become more of a norm than a one-off phenomenon.
So much so, that we recently sent our names to the moon on the Artemis 1 mission
About the Artemis
The Artemis 1 is the first flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft that will be completely unmanned.
This flight will ultimately pave the way to land the first woman and person of colour on the moon. It is also the first in a series of missions that demonstrate NASA’s commitment to extend human existence in space, and which will bring back astronauts to the lunar surface, whilst building a long-term human presence on the moon.
How will your name travel
I wondered how my name would fly, as we’ve joined a few other missions through NASA and sent our photos, drawings, and names before.
I learned that all names collected by yesterday, 14 June 2022, would be stored on a flash drive and sent inside the rocket.
When and where
The Artemis 1 will launch later this year, from launch complex 39B when Orion and the Space Launch System lift off from the modernized NASA Space center in Kenedy, Florida.
To learn more follow the NASA Artemis missions here
SOUTH AFRICA ! We’re coming to you in YOUR time zone July 23-24 from 4:00pm-9:00pm (live streamed & recorded) & we’re offering 30% off to help those with children who are struggling during these difficult times.
Does your child struggle with anxiety: racing thoughts, tummy or headaches, sleep issues, separation anxiety, avoidance, inattention, or overwhelm with seemingly everything?
Join Tania Johnson, Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist, and Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, as you explore the research and theory in the field of mental health, education, attachment, naturopathic medicine, and interpersonal neurobiology.
Attendees will be given RESOURCES and DIRECT, CONCRETE TOOLS to help their child, or the children they work with, overcome this emotional obstacle.
The latest research on the neurobiology of anxiety Concrete strategies to help manage anxiety in youth Free gift: “Managing Parental Stress” 3 Hour E-course Workbook & Certificate of Completion Recorded with 30 days access post-event
You can register below , using UNIQUE COUPON CODE: FUNMAMMAS30OFF
To get 30% off
As we turn the page to the last month of 2021 and begin to prepare our homes for the coming Advent season so do we as parents prepare our families’ hearts for the true reason behind the Christmas festivities.
Two years ago I was desperately searching for a way that Hamish could enjoy the magic of Christmas and somehow still know the true reason for the season. He was still really little and although we had read the story of the birth of Christ in his Bible book, he was unable to put the connection between the birth of Jesus and Christmas.
I then discovered that Superbook had a beautiful Christmas DVD combo consisting of 2 stories:
The first Christmas and The birth of John the Baptist
I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me to help him see the Bible come to life as we watched the story of the First Christmas together. We have since watched this DVD several times and he has begun to understand that Christmas is so much more than just Santa, his elves, and gifts.
However, something else happened that first day that we met the Superbook team to receive the DVD. Superbook was no longer just another brand or a product we would cast on a shelf until we needed it. Superbook became real to Hamish as he asked for Gizmo, the cute robot mascot, and eagerly wanted to watch more movies.
Superbook became a safe App on my phone for Hamish to play games and watch Bibles stories. We followed their social media and used the crafts in our homeschool Bible lessons and all too soon we found ourselves ready to celebrate another Christmas and this time I confidently knew where to turn to prepare Hamish’s heart for the coming festive season.
Last year, we, once again, excitedly, joined the Superbook First Christmas experience and made advent crafts while we decorated our homes, baked cookies, and got ready to join people from all over South Africa to watch The first Christmas episode at the same time and see how Chris and Joy, together with Gizmo find out the true meaning of Christmas.
Superbook has become an important part of our family’s Christmas traditions.
Read why I feel Superbook brings back the heart of Christmas here
The first Christmas experience and you are invited
This year Superbook will host a fun and meaningful Christmas experience at the V & A amphitheater on the 3 and 4 December from 11am- 12pm and you are invited to bring your children and experience the magic as they watch the nativity come alive on screen in a fun and relatable way that children can truly grasp.
The show is free and your children will enjoy watching, laughing, dancing, singing, and even getting to meet Gizmo the robot. Hamish and I are both super excited and can’t wait. It promises to be a wonderful experience, great morning out, and a fantastic way for us to start our advent season.
Giveaway
To help share the Christmas spirit we have collaborated with Superbook to bless one lucky Fun Mamma SA reader with a wonderful Superbook hamper.
To enter answer below with the Superbook robots name.
Superbook has featured on my blog and social spaces often. Hamish and I are huge fans.
Read about our first experience with Superbook HERE
And why I believe that Superbook offer wholesome character-building content HERE
Why I love Superbook
Superbook to me is so much more than just another App that Hamish uses. Superbook is a community, a place where the Bible comes to life and a safe place for him to play games, watch movies and learn as he grows his faith at an age-appropriate and child-friendly level. Superbook is my guide to teaching him the Bible and their crafts and parent discussions help me to present important topics and hard conversations in a way that allows us both to feel relaxed and connected.
Superbook Events
Not only do Superbook have a great App, wonderful videos, and great games but they also have craft activities, host fun events, and have a monthly movie night to celebrate a new season of videos.
Currently, on season 4, Superbook has been hosting a new episode each week on www.superbook.com
Superbook Family Movie Nights
These movie nights are designed for families to enjoy wonderful nights of bonding and spiritual growth together. Each episode touches on a particular area of focus and this week is the last episode of season 4 and will focus on Prayer.
As we know communication is so important and The Lord’s prayer, outlined in the Bible shows us so beautifully how to pray. This episode of Superbook will help you to explain the importance of prayer to your children and teach them how to pray.
You can also download the discussion guide to continue the conversation long after the episode.
The videos are screened from Friday until Sunday night, on the last Friday of the month, only, and these last episodes screen from Friday the 26th of November from 6 pm until the 28th of October at midnight.
Connect online
Superbook is on Facebook( Superbook Manzi) and Instagram (@SuperbookManzi) and you can follow along to learn more about the Bible, discover more about the Superbook App, watch videos, join crafts, and discussions, find out about the latest events and win prizes.
Give your child a gift of love and join Superbook now.
As a South African citizen you can visit any National Park for free during this year’s 16th annual SA National Parks Week from 22 – 26 November 2021.
Everyone over the age of 18 years must produce an SA ID or SA driver’s license to enter the Parks. It’s important to note that no electronic copies of ID will be accepted.
Extensions
The Bontebok, Tankwa Karoo, and West Coast National Parks in the Cape Region will be extending SA National Parks Week until Sunday, 28 November 2021.
The Agulhas and Table Mountain National Parks will host SA National Parks Week until Friday, 26 November 2021.
Cape region parks
If you are in the Cape Region during SA National Parks Week, here are some things you can do:
• SANParks – Agulhas National Park Explore the Southern Most Tip of Africa which boasts magnificent views. You can also take a walk along the shore to view a graveyard of shipwrecks along the Agulhas coastline.
• Bontebok National Park – SANParks
One of the smallest parks offering you sightings of countless Bontebok roaming around. You can also go canoeing along the Breede River Dam, and enjoy endless hiking trails to explore and embrace what nature has to offer.
• SANParks – Tankwa Karoo National Park
Experience the quietness and most scenic 4×4 routes that this park has to offer.
• SANParks – Table Mountain National Park
Enjoy a braai at one of the many braai spots such as Tokai Forest, Newlands, and Oudekraal, and indulge in the essence of the Cape of Good Hope with the many activities it has to offer.
• SANParks – West Coast National Park
Just inland from the secluded harbor of Saldana Bay, and only 2 hour’s drive from Cape Town’s City Centre, you will find the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, the focal point of West Coast National Park.
So put on those hiking shoes, grab your cameras and head out to nature.
Johannesburg, Friday, 1 October 2021 – Platoon celebrates Kids Music Day with the release of their African Lullabies album, a 17-track compilation for kids assembled in conjunction with some exceptional African voices.
The project emerges out of a desire to expand on the rich heritage of African folklore and create unique content for children which is representative of African culture. The soulful and soothing lullabies will resonate far beyond Africa, and you can expect to hear new original lullabies with new spins to some of the most iconic ones from Africa.
This is the first in a two-part series. Part 1 focuses specifically on South African singers and songwriters, with songs in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Swahili, seSotho and English, including a few instrumental tracks. Most of the recordings are original compositions by the artists, drawing from their experiences in parenthood, African folklore, and some are interpretations of previously released material arranged and re-recorded as lullabies. Part 1 features Ami Faku, Aymos, Azana, Bonga Kwana, Derek Gripper, Inga Hina, Leomile, Manana, Msaki, Nobuhle, Ntsika, Thesis ZA, TRESOR, Zu., Qhawekazi, Zoë Modiga and Zolani Mahola (The One Who Sings).
“It’s been a privilege and inspiration to work alongside these artists, some of whom are parents themselves, as they bring their African Lullaby interpretations to life on African Lullabies, Part 1. Each one took naturally to the task of creating new children’s content in their mother tongues and delivered something truly unique,” said Hagar Graiser, South Africa Music Lead at Platoon. “Whilst we started making these for children, we fell in love with the music ourselves, as it offered much needed soothing during chaotic times. We hope to see this music travel the globe and give us all the sweetest dreams.”
Stream African Lullabies Part 1 now, available across all major platforms:
The lullaby I created was written for my 15-month-old son. I realised that my voice calms him and naturally, as a musician, I sing to him often. When he’s crying, during bath time, when he wakes up and (through the lullaby) to help him fall asleep.
I’m proud to be a contributor to the children’s music space. There’s a lot of music children shouldn’t be exposed to and to be able to offer an alternative makes me happy.
I feel like a supermom! I think music written specifically for children is important. The things we say to our children determine the kind of adults they become. Young minds need healthy messages. The fact that my children have songs to and about them makes me happy and I hope that they feel special as a result.
TRESOR
“Milele” is a laid-back lullaby inspired by simple African living. It’s a sincere African tale about the everlasting beauty of life. It’s been great working on my first children’s song and I hope to do more – the creative process has been incredibly therapeutic.
Zolani Mahola (The One Who Sings)
My song is a lullaby I sang to my second born son when I was putting him down one night. I recorded the voice note on my phone and it’s what you hear at the beginning of the track. The inspiration behind the full track is to make a child feel special and loved and wanted.
It’s not “quite” my first children’s song but it’s perhaps my first recorded lullaby. It feels very right as my intention is to create works for and about children. Feels very aligned in fact!
It feels wonderful to use my art to show love for children as the elevation of the time of childhood is a central feature of my work going forward as an artist. I am in love with this work and can see my own children’s album in the future!
Ami Faku
I really enjoyed creating the music and reintroducing my sound in this new way.
Aymos
The song was inspired by the Bible script that says, “Joy comes in the morning.” I come across many children from humble backgrounds who have to overcome many trials, particularly those raised by single mothers. I wanted to say, “Stay strong, for tomorrow is a brand-new day with a lot of possibilities.” I am honoured to be a part of Platoon’s first lullaby album, because the project invests in the future leaders of Africa.
Azana
The lullaby is a mixture of beautiful sounds of voices and nature that calms your soul. Sleep tight.
Msaki
I’ve been writing and singing songs for and with my kids since before my six-year-old was born. This is my first recording of one and we are so excited because my six-year-old daughter is singing with me. The intro is a song she sings to her younger siblings after our bedtime stories. I’m singing her to sleep, and she is singing her fluffy giraffe friend to sleep. I’m really passionate about contributing to the existence of this kind of content. I really want there to be more songs in our languages for our children. I’ve never been happier to be part of a project.
Anja Stoeckigt (artwork illustrator)
I have always loved the beautiful cacophony of bird song; with all their trills and whistles playing a tune straight to my heart. When I was asked to create the album cover for African Lullabies, my thoughts immediately went to natures’ musicians. And so the image of birds singing and playing instruments for a little one was born.
*Artists’ high resolution images available on request.
As the mother of 5 sons, Marvel are part of our daily lives , so I was excited to see that Marvel have come to the rescue and offered free access to many of their comic books during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This will certainly help to lift the mood during lockdown.
Social distancing fans will be able to escape to the Marvel digital subscription universe from 2 April to 4 May with a specially curated list of old favorites from :
Avengers
Spiderman
Black widow
Captain America
Captain Marvel
How to access the comics
To access the Marvel Unlimited’s free comics you will need to download the Marvel Unlimited App for iOS or Android.
Click “free comics” on the landing screen. ( No payment or trial subscription will be required)
What comics are on offer?
Comics on offer this month will include instant Marvel comic classics and some can’t miss events like :
Each of these epic stories owe their origin to some of Marvel’s greatest comic books. In celebration of this, Marvel have included an information page to each story.
Remember those yoga classes you always said you would try?
Well now you can try them from the comfort of your own home.
Live streaming of yoga/ nia classes
In a united effort to both keep South Africa healthy and continue to service their clients during the 21 day Covid-19 lock down, Life retreat studios are hosting complimentary Yoga/ Nia classes daily.
You can join the live classes on this link and can access a full live streaming class schedule here.
To compensate these wonderful teachers, who have no current income, a donation of as little as R10 a month has been requested if you can.
What you will need to join the class
A yoga mat or towel
Comfortable clothing
Internet
What if I miss a class ?
If for any reason the time doesn’t suit you,you miss a class or want to repeatedly a class you can join the Life Retreat Facebook page , scroll down and watch the class later.
Who would benefit from these classes
Movement is important to stay both fit and healthy.
“During physical activity, muscles secrete hormones into your bloodstream that make your brain more resilient to stress. Scientists call them “hope molecules.” – Amy Rojas, Nia sound
This is a great low impact activity that you can enjoy with the kids together in your lounge.
Canal Walk Shopping Centre’sFrozen Fun Slide Park celebrates the launch of Disney’s Frozen 2
Get ready to slide into summer with the arrival ofCanal Walk Shopping Centre’s Frozen Fun Slide Park, which opens on 29 November 2019 and runs until 5 January 2020.
The school holiday entertainment celebrates the eagerly awaited launch of Disney’sFrozen 2, the sequel to the smash hit 2013 movie,Frozen.
Frozen 2follows Elsa, her sister Anna, and a host of friends, including the lovable snowman, Olaf, as they set out on their latest quest and will hit the big screen in South Africa from 6 December 2019.
Frozen Fun Slide Park
TheFrozen Fun Slide Parkis made possible by a collaboration between Canal Walk Shopping Centre (CWSC) and The Walt Disney Company Africa.
Sharing in the excitement of the upcoming launch, Canal Walk’s Marketing Manager, Vanessa Herbst said:
“Fans have waited for this movie for a long time and with its release on the 6thof December coinciding with the school holidays, we wanted to make the most of this magical time of year and give visitors a specialFrozenexperience.”
Canal Walk is well known for its family focused fun-filled events, and theFrozen Fun Slide Parkwill be no exception, with four frozen slides of varying heights appealing to thrill seekers of all ages.
But, if building a snowman is more your style, then an Olaf snow play area will help let the inner creative out.
Sessions are 45 minutes every hour, on the hour and will open from 10H00 each day (except 25thDecember and 1 January 2020), with the last session at 20H00.
This allows plenty of time for festive season shopping, or for entertaining energy filled kids during the holidays, not to mention a space for mom and dad to chill out in the heat of summer.
Ackermans print for Free!
The fun doesn’t stop here though. Ackermans is the retail sponsor for the event and will open a pop-upFrozencharacter activation at the event, where youngsters (and those young at heart) who have purchased a plain white t-shirt in store, can have aFrozen 2character printed on it – for free.
The pop-up will operate at specific times. Check out theCanal Walk websitefor details.
Extended Shopping Hours
It is the festive season, so CWSC will extend its shopping hours from 29thNovember.
The Canal Walk Express and wrapping station will open on 6 December – wrapping starts at R15 per item and funds will be donated to charity.
Donate an Olaf
Because this is indeed the season of giving, a giant celebration tree will stand guard in the Food Court. Adorning this, will be a host of Olaf plush toys, you can donate R50 so that these cuddly Olafs can be given to children supported by Reach for a Dream or receiving treatment at The Red Cross Memorial Children’s Hospital, and Tygerberg Hospital.
Tickets
Tickets to theCanal Walk Shopping Centre’s Frozen Fun Slide Parkare available onwww.webtickets.co.za and on site at the event ticket booth and cost:
R100 – full rider
R80 – mini rider
R35 – non-rider.
Other Attractions
Meet Santa
Dates: 13 – 24 December 2019
Time: 10am – 9pm
Venue: Canal Walk Centre Court
Kids World Express
Dates: 7 December – 12 January 2019
Venue: Upper Level, Centre Court
Times: 10am – 5pm
Tickets: R20 per person
Magical Gift Wrapping
Dates: 6 – 23 December 10am – 10pm & 24 December 10am – 9pm
Prices: R15 – R55
Visitors are encouraged to share their festive experiences with Canal Walk Shopping Centre ….
Today is International African penguin Awareness day.
A day to celebrate and highlight these cute aquatic birds.
Extinction
This species is still on the brink of extinction with only approximately 50,000 birds left in the wild.
It is estimated, that with the current level of decline they will be extinct by 2026….
A short 7 years from now!
A waddle for penguins
We headed to the V & A Waterfront to join the Two Oceans Aquarium in a fun waddle for penguins.
Dressed in black we were ready for the easy 3km walk around the waterfront district.
Before setting off we were encouraged to paint our faces
and enjoy a penguin cup cake treat.
Hamish was extra excited and although scared of the mascot,
he really loved the soft toy penguin and happily let me get some photos of him with it.
Just after 9.30am we set off on our hour long walk. The excitement was in the air as aquarium staff and public encouraged motorists along the route to HOOT FOR PENGUINS!
Hamish got caught up in the excitement very quickly and joined in with all the energy of a 3 year old.
He however, decided he wanted to be the leader and joined the amazing aquarium staff up in the front of the group to lead the waddles.
It was a lot of fun. Hamish managed th entire 3km walk and I’m looking forward to many opportunities to share with Hamish why we were hooting for penguins this morning.
About the African Penguin
The African penguin feeds on fish such as anchovies and sardines.
Adapted for its aquatic lifestyle, the African penguin can reach speeds of 12 miles per hour (20 km per hour) in the water and travel from 18 – 42 miles (30 to 70 km) in a single trip.
An average dive last for 2.5 minutes, reaching depths of almost 200 feet (60 meters).
How you can help
Support our aquariums: they use the funds for much needed education, research and to look afte the birds in their care.
Refuse single-use plastic:
Penguins can ingest or become entangled in plastic packaging, their food, the fish are ingesting microplastics which are passed to the penguins.
Say no to all plastic: Plastic is made from oil, if we reduce our demand for plastic we also reduce our demand for oil. Oil spills are disastrous for penguins.
Join beach clean ups: help to remove the plastic which could end up in their home.
Recycle
Consume only sustainable fish
Educate others: on both the bird and how to care for the oceans.
The latest research on the neurobiology of anxiety
