African Organics {Hair Care}

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A little while ago, a friend of mine was aksing me what shampoo I used (as she said my hair looked, "healthy & bouncy"). I listed the usual suspects, and she then went on to ask me if I had ever looked at the ingredients list of a shampoo bottle. When I got home, i went straight to the bathroom to have a look. Now, I had read somewhere online that shampoo has many of the same ingredients found in regular household cleaners, and I was schocked to see it for myself! Well, all those nasty things don't seem to be doing my hair too much damage, but you just never know, and the same friend recommended that  I try African Organics, a locally produced hair care range available at Dischem.

Their packaging isn't as flashy as most of the products on the market, but the fact that it is produced right here in KZN definitely made me eager to give it a bash. And for only R39.99 a pop, you can't really go wrong.

The 2-1 Shampoo contains Aloe Ferox {fondly called the 'miracle plant' for its numerous health benefits}.

 The Conditioner for normal hair contains Marula oil {well known as an excellent tissue oil, but it also helps to reduce dryness and breakages in hair. It is sourced from the fallen fruit of the Marula tree.Much beloved by fun-seeking elephants}.

The blurb from the African Organics website:
"African Organics is a holistic hair and body care range designed to bring Africa's most powerful plant ingredients to you, while at the same time contributing to the well-being of Africa's rural communities and its natural heritage.

Our products are good for you and good for the planet. All our products are rapidly biodegradable; by using them you will be contributing to the health of Africa's water courses. We are also endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty.

Our products are 100% African and draw every possible benefit from their source plants, while causing no harm to either man or nature. Using African Organics, you will experience the effectiveness of natural ingredients without added preservatives, and the awareness that what heals you can also help heal Africa".

So far I have loved both of these hair products, and I look forward to trying out more from the range!


Holmes Brothers Delight...

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Farmboy surprised me with this pretty hoodie a few weeks back, but it's been toooo hot here in Pietermaritzburg to take her out the cupboard. But with the weird weather thats been happening over the last few days, I thought it time to show her off.
I love the slightly edgy pattern, but being a CityGirl, it still incorporates my love the colour pink, but in a very different way :)

Farmboy found my prezzie at the awesome Pure in Maritzburg. She is part of the South African brand, Holmes Brothers, which was started by two brothers from the sunny shores of Durban, Kwazulu Natal. They had originally been  designing surfboards and then made the *obvious* leap into fashion. Click here to find out more about them and where you can get your paws on some of their other nice things,

 Now bring on those clouds and wind, I will be warm and toasty!




November *Ruby Box*

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My second RubyBox arrived in the post a little while ago...it's so exciting getting something by mail, never mind the fact that this particular package was a box crammed full of beauty goodies *she says as she does throws an air punch and does a little jiggle*. Here is what November had in store for me:





L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream & a selection of Guerlain Perfumes (Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea, Shalimar Parfum Initial, Idylle).
The hand cream is incredible, left my hands feeling super soft and lush...I just wasn't crackers about the smell.
When I first tried these fragrances I was put off by hints of  'granny' I could smell, but after a while, I can honestly say that i like them all!
Elizabeth Arden Intervene Radiance Boosting Moisture Cream & Carita Pearl of Youth for Lips
I havent tried the Intervene yet, but will be doing so soon. The lip essence, although a little gritty, left my lips feeling smooth and I love the slight shimmer in it.

Would I buy any of these products myself?? I thing if I had a spare R400 lying around I would *definitely* invest in some L'Occitane hand cream!

To get a RubyBox delivered to your door every month, just pop along to their website where you set yourself up with a profile. Then it's R100 a month (they also have a few other specials if you sign up for 6/12 month subscriptions) and there you go :) 

Eyebrow **Threading**

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According to the Brow Bar in Clear Water Mall (Joburg) threading is an "ideal brow shaping technique from Asia...no heat, no chemicals, no redness, no pain". I'm not sure about the 'no redness, no pain' part as I my eyebrows were pretty red straight after, and it was a little sore (this could have been due to the thick bush of eye brows I had hiding under my fringe). The 'procedure' was not unbearable though,  and I definitely think waxing hurts more. But the results really do speak for themselves. 



*now that I look at these pic's a bit closer, my brows don't seem to look so overgrown, but trust me when I say that it was nearly time to for some heavy duty hair removal*



For R70 a very friendly lady preens your brows to your face shape...giving a lovely even finish :) I was in and out of there in 7 minutes flat!

The Brow Bar is situated at Clear Water Mall, Entrance 3.


*Movember* is nearly upon us

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.


On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. 

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember. 

Movember - a global movement

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate, with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. In addition, Movember is aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health cause right across the globe, from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, and everywhere in between.

No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, getting them to act on that knowledge thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.


Click here to register your boyfriend/brother/friends cat and to find out more info about this worthy cause.

Here's Farmboy's entry picture from last year, it was part of the Lomography websites fundraising campagin, and was chosen to be sold in an auction to raise money for mens health...I took the pic while on holiday in Cambodia

If you would like to get involved, you can do so with (or without) donning some unruly facial hair. Just click here to vote/rate/donate/encourage Farmboy as he tackles the task of "letting it all grow out and be nasty"




Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby!

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  In case you haven't realised so far, I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with all things makeup and beauty. With this in mind, I was super duper sad to come across the UK based company, GlossyBox. I say sad, because I found out they don't deliver to South Africa. I *WAS* sad until I found out we have our very own box of delights recently launched right here on SA soil...ladies, it is with the utmost pleasure that I introduce to you...RubyBox:



My October RubyBox contained the following:


Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 
A rubybox exclusive – after twelve years in development this serum combines breakthrough technology to visibly transform the appearance of wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone – and you’re trying it first in South Africa. For best results, apply twice daily after cleansing and before moisturising.



L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil 

Another rubybox exclusive – hair oils are making waves so add lustre to yours with this nourishing blend of avocado oil and grape seed oil. Apply to damp hair before blow drying for added shine or afterwards for frizz-free polish. Fine hair? Rub one pump in your hands and over your lengths and ends. Thick or coarse hair? Use two pumps instead.


Decléor Hydra Floral Moisturising Mask 

Give your skin a hydrating boost with this fragrant cream mask. Suitable for all skin types, it’s packed with comforting neroli oil and leaves skin soothed, quenched and protected against environmental pollutants. Apply a thick layer to your cleansed face and neck once (or twice a week if your skin is dry). Leave for five to 10 minutes and tissue off.


 black│Up Matifying Base
The ultimate shine-buster; this 2-in-1 primer instantly soaks up excess oil and reduces the signs of visible pores. Plus it makes an excellent makeup base as it preps skin for makeup application and ensures it stays put until you decide to take it off. Apply the silky, non-oily gel after moisturising and before your chosen foundation or wear it alone to combat that mid-morning sheen.


For a monthly fee of R100, the postman delivers a box of goodies (valued at between R300 and R400) right to your door. A post to follow soon on the how/when/who of the whole process.


MAC Fix+

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I've had this 'fix' spray for a while (ok, a little more than a while, like maybe a few years of a while) and have only recently hauled it out of my cupboard for a closer look. I bought it when I had my makeup done at a MAC counter, along with all the other bits and pieces that those very sneaky makeup artists get you to purchase only after you get your makeup done. And well, I sort of had no idea what it was for. The lady who helped me told me it was a "refreshing facial mist"....um?? Ok, so now after using it over my makeup I've found it actually does prolongs the life of my face paint (face paint being Farmboy's own term for the numerous products I 'slap' on).

When it comes to prolonging the wear of your makeup, there are a lot of factors to consider; the humidity, the type of face cream you use, whether or not you've used a primer, loose powder to set the foundation...the list goes on. So here's the truth. When using this spray over my makeup (without using a primer) it does make it last longer than without using the spray. How much longer, well that would be a guess on my part. Anyway, I love the smell and the feel of the mist on my skin and would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for something a little different in terms of makeup. I give this a 4/5.
Find it at your nearest MAC counter for +-R190.


Body Shop *Beauty Haul*

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I first came across the term Beauty "Haul" on ViviannaDoesMakeup. Vivianne is a gorgeous, UK based beauty junkie who does super informative videos and photo posts on all things makeup. The term isn't new, I see it all over the place on international blogs, but I have yet to spy it on the South African field...
Here is my latest haul:


My skin has been especially dry, with winter drawing to a close, and I was on the hunt for a new night cream. The Vitamin E range of products is mild and gentle, whilst still doing what it says on the tub. The face wash gets rid of all traces of makeup and impurities, without drying out my skin, leaving it feeling soft and clean. The night cream does leave my skin feeling a little oily when I wake up. Before using it, my skin was incredibly dry, so a little bit of extra oil has been good for. 
For as long as I can remember, the skin on my nose has always been dry and flaky, no matter what I do. I've tried exfoliating, masks, suncream (as my mom insists it's because I keep getting sunburnt), moisturisers, you name it I've bought it. But the one thing I hadn't tried, was a serum. After cleansing and toning, you massage the serum into your skin, before applying your moisturiser...and voila! My nose has been flake free since I started using this moisture serum. And the best part, it doesn't make my skin oily at all! 



If your skin is on the oily side, this range of products wouldn't be very suitable. I would recommend this range for normal to dry skins, and those in need of a bit of a moisture surge.

Night Cream R110
Moisture Serum R120
Facial Wash R70
Total R230

The Body Shop is having a super awesome sale at the moment, 2 for 3 on selected products. I picked these up for R230...not bad if I do say so myself :)


Batiste Dry Shampoo...

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A little while ago I did a post on TRESemme's Dry Shampoo which was at the top of my list with regards to fab new products, untill I gave Batiste a try. It's even *better!*. Yes, effectively it does the same thing, BUT it also smells good enough to eat and comes in a mini size too! So now ladies you have no excuse for greasy hair. All you have to do is give your roots a good spray, and then make sure you comb/brush your hair thoroughly as the spray leaves a white powder residue (thats whats soaking up that grease!). And voila! Picture perfect hair in seconds. I definitely give this a 5/5!!  Find Batiste at Clicks and Dischem for R35.99 for the mini bottle.


Soap&Glory and BarryM **GiveAway!**

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I am aiming at *hopefully* having 100 followers on this blog in the next few weeks...I am currently at 74. Pretty please can you help me get there :) 

I have some lovely things to giveaway to celebrate the occasion! Well, 2 lovely sets of lovely things to giveaway to be exact...These goodies are extra special as we you can't get your hands on these wonderful brands here in South Africa. Unless you have a magic carpet to take you to England, in which case, can I come with?? 


The first will go to a random lucky someone...all you have to do is comment on this post so I know who's who in the zoo (please also tell me what you'd like to see more of on my blog) 'follow' this blog and 'like' my page on facebook, easy right?

And the second prezzie will go to my 100th** follower!


**the only condition...winners have to reside in South Africa as shipping laws make it very difficult for me to send liquids overseas...so only South Africans will be eligible for this giveaway, but please don't let that stop you from checking out my blog! Lots more giveaways to be done in the future with non-liquidy prizes...yay!

Lucky Draw Winners will be announced on the 30th September 7th October *more time to enter ladies!!*. 
Good luck xx


Shoes, glorious shoes!

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A few weeks ago my mom got married :) yay! What a special day it was! Anyway, with a lovely dress and everything else to match, the last thing I had to find was a pair of shoes. These babies were just too darn pretty to keep locked up in my cupboard, so I thought I'd honour them with their very own blog post...

They did set me back a small fortune, but were worth every cent. Thanks Aldo for having such fabulous shoes!

**Soap & Glory**

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"Soap & Glory has been supporting the Clean of England since 2006, when our founder – suds-loving serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore – challenged herself to introduce fun, fearless, and fantastically formulated, bath, beauty, and body products to the Brits (now gradually going global)"
Soap & Glory have sky rocketed to the top of my favorite beauty products ever since I first caught sight of their packaging and had my first experience of their magnificent HandFood hand cream. My hands felt silky smooth and smelt incredible the whole day long. Unfortunately, these little babies are only available in the UK and US (*sniff sniff*) but hopefully I can convince them to start selling on SA soil :) The best thing about these products? They actually do what they saw on the label. And what fun labels they have! I'm getting carried away, click here to check out their website, and here to join them on facebook!

In the mean time, check out some of the other goodies in the range...

L-R: Daily Shine Conditioner, HandFood hand cream, Daily Super Shampoo, Fab Pore face scrub, Hair Supply hair mask, Solar Powder bronzer, Daily Smooth body butter


and look at these mini's...

L-R: Clean on Me body wash, Hand Food hand cream, Glad Hair Day Shampoo, Glad Hair Day Conditioner
They have loads and loads of other products in the range. I love them so much and want you to love them too, I might need to do a little giveaway sometime soon!!


**Decorex** JHB

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Guess who won double tickets to Decorex Jhb??? Little ol' me :) Thanks so much to LuckyPony (and of course Decorex for the win!)

The convention is happening from the 5th (today) to the 9th August at Gallagher Convention Centre. Tickets cost R70 and can be purchased at the door. Hope to see u there!
Source: LuckyPony



Frock Xchange *Durban*

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I found this on MissMollyFashions. I will be in Durban this weekend (snow and all) and will hopefully be able to make it. 
Hope to see you there
xx


*Bill Craig* Men's Executive Outfitters...Melville

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With a wedding happening tomorrow (*eek! Mommy I am sooo happy for you and Rob!) all the men have had to get suited up. Here is a place that Rob has been going to for years, a place much more distinguished than it's neighbours on the slightly dodgey end of Melville, Johannesburg.

"Bill Craig has been in Melville since 1976. We cater for the middle to upper class Men’s clothing needs and we are a family based business with years of knowledge behind us.
All our customers are treated with respect and professionalism. We have our own in house tailor for alterations done on the premises. 
We stock everything from top class Suits and Jackets to Casual wear and shoes. The atmosphere and service in our store sets us apart from any shopping centre. 
Pop in for a cup of coffee and browse through our range of clothing. 

Open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm 
Saturdays from 8:30 to 1:00 pm 
Speak to Bill, Craig, Jethrow or Dawn"


Find them at 4 Main Road, Melville.

For more info on what's on offer, check out their website. 


Laptop say *hello* to *lulu*

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Today, I got a very exciting sms from the lovely people at the post office:

"Hello from Postnet Fourways! You have an international parcel ready for collection"

I have only been waiting for about 5 months to place my order of the *parcel* and with it being my birthday last week, not only did I bake myself cupcakes, I got spoilt with an order of one of these little guys all the way from Hong Kong.

Ladies and Gents, I now present to you, the one, the only...HelloLulu


You see, laptop bags (well, nice ones anyway) are really hard to come by here in South Africa. Sure they sell those squishy 'covers' in bright funky colours, but at R500+ a pop for a 15inch one, that can only hold the laptop and nothing else, I think I'll pass. So, in December last year, while waiting to board our return flight from the Philippines (click here for more info on that) I came across the delightful *HelloLulu* brand. I kicked myself afterwards for not buying one when I saw it (I guess I didn't have a nice new Mac then, just a teeny weeny netbook) so I suppose that was my reasoning...fair enough!

 A few months back, after stalking their online store, they announced they were delivering internationally. And here we are, 5 months down the line and I am now the proud new owner of my very own stylish laptop bag...with the following features...yay!

External velcro-secured side slip pocket for mp3/cell phone for quick access


Interior compartment for personal belongings, key ring tether and laptop gear
Rear magazine pocket with velcro closure
Custom-designed metal stand to keep the bag off the floor
Adjustable shoulder strap and reinforced soft-grip handles
Zippered front panel pocket
Padded laptop compartment that can fit up to 15-inch Macbook Pro


There are brands like ChocChip which are great, but for a little more moola, I'd much rather have something special :)


Sean the Sheep enjoying his few moments in the spotlight
So, in total, the bag cost: 
$65 actual bag
$22 shipping
R198 duty tax when collecting it at the post office (sneaky!)
= R807 

Have a squizz at their website, they make loads of different types of bags (for ipad's, camera's and for general travel) and they all come in a HuGe array of different colours!

Im off to go try out my new bag, by packing it, re-packing, and then re-packing it again...fun :)

**Eye-Lash** Extensions

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Now it's time for some cheesy shot's, but bear with me ok :)

Yesterday I went to get eye-lash extensions. I have heard (and seen!) great things about this 'procedure' but have alsways been a bit hesitant at the thought of tiny things being inserted/stuck into my eyes. Well, it being my mom's wedding and all this weekend I thought I'd give them a try. What have I got to lose anyways (*well apart from an eye or two I guess). Most salons offer extensions at R800 and upwards, with a 2-3 week fill at around R400. I found a place in Lonehill, Fourways, which does a full set at R380, and a 2 week fill at R200. I think the results speak for themselves...

Here's me looking cheesy:

And me looking just as cheesy, but now with ultra glam lashes:



Ok, they did take an hour and a half to do, and I did get horribly bored, but it was most definitely worth it. Just a note, I'm not wearing any mascara in either set of pic's, and won't need to with the extensions on *how great is that*. My only worry is washing my face. I have been told to remove makeup carefully with an earbud and cotton wool, and to avoid the eye area when I do wash my face (not exactly sure how Im going to do that in the shower but will let you know how that goes).

The salon I had them done in is called Magic and is situated in Pineslopes Shopping Centre, on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Forest drive, opposite Monte Casino.


"Shape" up!

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So...it's nearly spring (can someone please tell Mr Winter this fact) and that means it's nearly time for shorts and dresses. And that means getting into shape so we don't look like we have been curled up indoors for 4 months with nothing for company but hot chocolate and sweet treats. 
So, Shape Magazine & Total Sport are challenging all you ladies to a 10k run in Joburg, Durban & Stellenbosh...


Durban
This year the Totalsports Ladies Race will make its debut in Durban!


DATE: Sunday, 31 July 2011
VENUE: Kingspark Athletic Stadium (Durban)
START: 08h00 – 10km / 09h00 – 5km
DISTANCE: 5km run/walk & 10km run/walk
Stellenbosch


DATE: Tuesday, 9 August 2011
VENUE: Coetzenburg Stadium (Stellenbosch, starting in Plein Street)
START: 08h00
DISTANCE: 5km run/walk & 10km run/walk
Johannesburg


DATE: Tuesday, 9 August 2011
VENUE: Emmerentia (Johannesburg)
START: 08h00
DISTANCE: 5km run/walk & 10km run/walk

How it works



  • Register– it’s free! You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the programme.
  • Your first training schedule will be emailed to you on the first Friday after your registration. Thereafter you will receive a training schedule every Friday for 12 weeks.
  • You are required to run 3 times per week.
I haven't managed to run further than my bedroom to the fridge, so it will be my first race...ever! So no more excuses, get those tackies on and get out there!

For more info about registering etc click here.
Besides, who wouldn't want to look like this...

I ♥ market...Durban

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Last weekend I was lucky enough to be around the Durban area, just in time to attend the I ♥ Market at the Greyville Race Course...and what a treat! The market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Click here for their blog and here for their facebook group so you can stay up-to-date with all their news.

Here are just some of the wonderful stalls selling everything from cupcakes to fancy smancy dog bowls..


 "shopping with a conscience" All products here are either made by HIV positive ladies, small communities, individuals who deserve support or are made of Eco friendly materials.  What a wonderful cause ♥
**click here for their facebook group**

Ikhaya
 "a little shop in Durban where we manufacture most of our stock ourselves using re-cycled items" 
Eco-aware products, furniture & interiors
**click here for their Facebook group**



"products crafted and hand-assembled in Durban, South Africa using wood grown in managed local forests"

click here for their facebook group 
Sophia Basckin Design 
Gorgeous hand-made earrings, rings and necklaces. So nice in fact, the one pair I bought is just not enough! I will be making *many* more purchases from the lovely Sophia very soon!
Email her at sophiabasckin@gmail.com for more info ♥

BarkyBark
Don't your pets deserve to eat out of gourmet bowls too? Dog & Cat Bowl holders ♥
Email Calire at clairewager@gmail.com
**click here for their facebook group**

Madame Dija 
Fashion Designer. 
I spent ages going through each and every wonderful item at her stall. Everything unique and just so darn pretty...
email here at khadijabassa@gmail.com for more info ♥


I Love Bokkie
Kids spaces, furniture & lovelies

Florals, love & Lipstick...BiancaKim- Clothing is inspired by New Age culture, with a vintage feel...The promise we make to you is that you will feel like a million bucks, without breaking the bank, while staying up to date with the latest trends ♥
**click here for the facebook group**





Fun & fresh, the lovely Nadia not only sells cupcakes but also fabulous goodies like the fabulous corsages pictured below. You can even try your own hand at making on yourself ♥


Directions:
DLI Hall, 5 DLI avenue, Greyville, Durban, South Africa (DLI stands for Durban Light Infantry)

Drive down Marriott Rd and keep on going thru the traffic circle and down that road that goes through the racecourse and on the right hand side you will see a grand old building, that's the DLI!
And there is loads of parking around the back of the building, and grass and trees and a bowling green.


One of the nicest markets I've ever been to in a long time. It was a pleasure walking around and meeting some of the stall owners and finding out more about their goodies on sale. This is the place to be if you want to be surrounded by very chic, young individuals with loads of talent. And of course, it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday ♥♥