Sushi’s Christmas Wish List

This year my boy and I have decided to spend Christmas with 3 children who won’t have anywhere to go. They live at the Guild cottage in Auckland Park Johannesburg. Leigh and I have decided to forego the usual pomp and pleasantry of a family Christmas and spend our morning with the kids. if you have a spare moment or a spare plate of food, perhaps drop by an old age home or a shelter and give a little, I Know it will go a long way!      

So every year without fail, I try put up a Christmas wish list, not for me, but for YOU! It isn’t the ordinary I want this, I need that sort of list, it’s a little guide to help you avoid the Soap on a Rope Gift Set. I’ve had the marvellous privilege of experiencing some pretty cool things this year, and I’d love for you to try them out too. These could become exceptional unusual gift ideas for your loved ones J

I just returned from a superb holiday at the Kruger National Park. Have you thought of spoiling someone there with a night under the stars with a game ranger to watch over you? Pretty Awesome. R40 bucks (money that is) get’s you in, and maybe this Christmas you spend it with some our expansive Flora, Fauna and other pretty creatures.

If you’re heading to Hazyview, you must stop over at my new friends’ place : Aviation Adventures. Oh my Goodness, I got to see Mpumalanga and Hazyview from some dizzying heights. I got to go on my first Microlight Flight with Nico, Wally and Daveen. It’s pretty romantic, adventurous and completely different to buying him/her a voucher for soapy products. You can seek the adventure out on www.aviationadventures.co.za or mail wallydaveen@mweb.co.za. Their prices are super reasonable and trust me the experience is sooo priceless.

This year was the year of the baby amongst my friends and family. Just about everybody was starting or having a family. Thank goodness for Michelle at www.honeybunch.co.za, she has this super innovative website that really introduces a modern, novel approach to gifts for youngsters. I got one of my best friend’s little girls a stunning wooden hand made chair with her name on it. Really personalised stuff like pillowcases etc, and if you’re pregnant, or planning there are some brilliant safety type things you absolutely need to buy. What I love about HoneyBunch is that most products are made in SA and Michelle arranges for them to be posted to you.  Check out the cool little tags for dogs. Miss MoneyPenny loves her little dog tagJ

I’m a huge BagLady, okay not in thattt way, but I like most Woman, and Men ( although they’re shy to admit) love bags. If you’re in business, you often have to lug around your lappies in a standard leather or cloth bag. Check out my good friends Jacqui and Roxy who run www.chocchip.co.za  they make the coolest customised Laptop bags. I have converted a couple of these bags to nappie bags for baby shower gifts.  They are super awesome and well designed, the bonus is that the cloth is sooo modern and trendy!

If you loooooove Tshirts, and want to wear something made in Africa, more importantly try South Africa, you have to stop by Frostedberry Design. Talitha Rabie who is uber talented, has worked pretty hard in coming up with contemporary designs.  They have launched their own brand called WearSA with part proceeds going to uplifting local communities and the Environment. I already own an original WearSA tee, go get yours by Contacing Talitha and her team on info@frostedberrydesign.com or call 072 621 6666

Young people are doing amazing things daily. Karissa Samuel is one of them! She is just absolutely remarkable and a wonderful community builder. She has dedicated most of her student life to helping others, especially around Christmas. She has Started the Ntshulisa Foundation. Karissa started organising Christmas parties for orphanages since 2002, all on a volunteer basis and by her own initiative. She has taken the foundation and expanded it to provide a Mentorship Programme, Social Action Network and Growth Programmes.   If you would like to help in anyway financially or even offer some of your skills please call on Karissa Samuel  on karissa@ntshulisa.co.za or 011 783 4443 or Fax 086 602 0541

If you’re looking on spoiling your loved one with some serious adrenaline pumping gift ideas, then you have to check out www.celestialgifts.co.za It has everything from Hot Air Balloon Rides, to my fave :Racing: Speaking of all things racing you can try the F1 self drive or Hot Laps in a Rally Car. Brilliant Gift Idea, especially if you’re seriously running out of ideas.  You could also use these ideas for an early Valentines Gift as well!

I am a super proud ambassador to the Spice4Life Network. This is an organisation dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of Woman. This is the ultimate platform for you to network with other woman and to improve your life in so many ways. We would love for you to use the opportunities available to you to grow in many Wonderful ways. Visit www.spice4life.co.za and get your 2010 start in a brand spanking way!

This year I was so so proud to be selected as one of the many ambassadors to the Glass Recycling Company’ Project. I would love for you to get your Recycling on! And help get this planet in Shape. Encourage your kids and the youngsters to start Recycling as soon as they can. The Glass Recycling Company are doing some pretty awesome things to advance Sustainability and to  clean up our environment. We would love for you to join this campaign. For ideas and great green tips go to www.theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za and be part of a Green Revoution!

Hope this helps you guys in your quest for some nifty Gift ideas

Lotsa love and Merry wishes for 2009

Sureshnie Rider

Xoxoxo