Would you buy Korean stationery from me? {A short survey}

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing weekend and that your Monday has been off to a good start so far.

After lots of requests from readers, friends and even family I have decided to seriously look into a new business venture. I have been doing lots of brainstorming and researching, and am wanting to start a small business in sending some of the gorgeous bits of Korean stationery we have over here to you, wherever you may be in the world.

I have created a little survey with 10 short questions to help me gain a better understanding of what is is you would be interested in buying, how much you would spend and how much you would be willing to spend on shipping etc. Please click the following link to take the survey:

Click here to take the survey

I am also trying to work out where to host the shop, whether it should have its own blog, whether I should go onto Etsy, or whether to open up a whole online store. If you have any experience from owning your own online store and want to give me any advice, please leave a comment below or do drop me a line citygirlsearchinggmailcom. I'd love to hear from you.

So, this is all very exciting and I hope it's exciting for you too! There is so much gorgeousness here that it's criminal not to share it with all of you.

I'm looking forward to sharing more of this project with you all soon!

x

Love Mae {blog & shop}


"Love Mae... Pleasure to meet you, charmed, I'm sure!
It really is a pleasure to bring such lovely products to the homes and bedrooms of people who see life a little bit differently.
Love a little bit more passionately, live a little more recklessly and nurture a little more deeply. It is you that notices the precious detail in life and enjoys the moments that are truly important.
We are lovers of what we do and hope that you feel this through our colour palette, quality and environmental decisions.
We hope that you too fall in love with mae.
Love Emily and Peta x"


I stumbled across this gorgeous blog a few months ago, and the prettiness was just too much not to share. Thanks to the lovely free downloads, my desktop has never looked this good!
Pop on over to the blog (click here) and the shop (click here) to feast your eyes on more.
Aren't these wall decor stickers just too gorgeous for words?!

Buttercup Collectibles {I Heart Market}

This saturday (15th Dec) is the last I Heart Market in Durban for the year, and I will be there with my stand {Buttercup Collectibles} selling loads of lovely vintage goodies!

Think typewriters, pearls, bowls, tins and loads of other delightful bits and pieces from days gone by.

Below are some photo's of what I will have at my stand...

If you're in the area come by to do some last minute Christmas shopping (or even just to say hello!).
Hope to see you there!

xxx














Mooi, Durban

A recent trip to Durban to drop off Farmboy's work vehicle led to some exciting finds in this lovely coastal city. Wackaberry was a super duper way to get our taste buds going, while Mooi was a treat for all our other senses. Such pretty things to look at and buy, Farmboy had to literally drag me out the shop while threatening to never go shopping with me again! 

Stocking everything from local handmade prettyness to thrifted goodies, and just about everything in between you won't be leaving empty handed. And it was the friendly Lauren (half of the genius behind Mooi) who told me about the Wonder Market in Umhalanga. Smart lady :)

If you've only got one day in Durbs, make sure that Mooi is at the top of your to-do list...

Address:
100 Bulwer Road
Glenwood
Durban

031 201 8274

Click here to visit their blog and here to get in contact with Lauren and Fiona

Holmes Brothers Delight...

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!




Market Buys...

A recent trip to the loveliness that is the I Heart Market  at the Moses Madiba Stadium in Durban left my purse a little lighter, but my smile tthhhhiiissssss much bigger...


My purchases:

I just <3 these gorgeous ceramic magnets made by the lovely Natasha of Love Inspired. Natasha hand makes gifts and other things of prettyness for weddings, special events and decor. Make sure to check out her site to stay up to date on new stock!




How adorable are these hairclips from Nadia at CupCakeCourture?? So lovely I just HAD to get two, these are the perfect stocking fillers for someone special. If you like what you see, get in touch with Nadia (click here) and you can place an order directly through her.




And these lovelies are just for me...Jen from Jen-Jen Designs dabbles in freelance art, design and photography and I am just so in <3 with my new pictures!






It's the last market for the year happening this Saturday...Get your bums down there for some last minute Christmas Shopping!


*Pure* Shopping Heaven....Pietemaritzburg

Whoever said there is nowhere to shop in Pietermaritzburg obviously missed out on Pure.
The store houses established and upcoming South African fashion designers, artists, up-cycled goodies and much, much more. You just have to take one peep in the door and you know you'll be staying for a while...so get those purses out ladies (and for the gents, there is just as much for you guys to check out!). 

But don't just take my word for it, go and see for yourself...

While taking these photo's, I spent some time chatting to Pure's owner, Chantal, who is just lovely! It's so inspiring meeting young people who are so positive about South Africa and the potential we have in out beautiful country. Chantal, I will be back for many more chat sessions :)









How gorgeous is this little ballerina tutu just for new borns?



Currently stocked: Amanda Laird Cherry, Colleen Eitzen, Suzaan Heyns, Holmes Brothers, Eb + Am, Silver Spoon, Cinimon, and Alternative Earth. 

Directions
Shop 4
Wetherly's Centre
120 Victoria Rd [Wetherley's Centre]
Pietermaritzburg
3201

Hours
Mon - Fri 8:30am-5pm
Sat 9am-2pm

Website


I Heart Market...Christmas Shopping!


I Heart Market is happening 3 times this month...yipee! So if you missed it this past weekend, never fear, you have two more chances to get your Christmas Shopping on. Here are a few goodies I picked, as well as a few photo's from some of my favourite stalls:

This was our first stop...Wafel for some brekkie. I had stuffed my face with 3 bowls of Milo Cereal before I arrived at the market so I can't say for certain just how good these were, but all I could hear from Louise while munching was "mmmmm".


Jen was just so sweet, not minding me snapping away. Sometimes people get very sticky about me taking pictures of their work, which really grates me as I always make it very clear that I'm not stealing idea's when I take photo's. I love blogging, I love taking photographs, and I love it when people leave comments telling me how useful they find my blog, thats why I do what I do. For no other reason than that. Anyway,*enough grumbling * from me :)

Click here to see Jen's blog, and click here to see a catalogue of her work!

These pretty little things are from Natasha of LoveInspired. Natasha makes handmade gifts in a range of designs for weddings, special events and other home decor.  I had to stop myself from buying each and every magnet in collection! And how cute as these gift tags, I will be buying many more delights from her stall when I come again!


And as always, I love touring around Pippa and her beau (from TheThriftCollection) gorgeous caravan in search of treasures...

I Heart Market is on for the next two Saturdays leading up to Christmas (10th & 17th December) and is held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium from 9h00 - 14h00.

Pop into *Churchill House* Durban


If you're in the neighbourhood and feel like a rest stop, why not pop into Churchill House. The staff are wonderful, always smiling and serving an endless supply of 'Holy Wine' in the sweetest glasses...


The food is good (except the Health Bread as the portion is tiny) and my favourite thing to eat is the savoury muffins. Here is my new favourite, the brinjal and sun dried tomato 'potted' muffin:


And when you've stuffed your face, take a walk around the rest of the shop which is home to an amazing collection of antiques and collectibles...










Directions:
Corner of Churchill Road and Windmere (now Lilian Ngoyi)


Nonna...Parkhurst

This lovely little gift and decor shop is situated in the very trendy area of Parkhurts, with coffee shops and antique stores on every corner. You'll find everything from jewellery to furniture, clothing to collectibles...I could have spent all afternoon browsing :) 

Click here to find out more of what's in store!


011 447 8297
Shop 9, The Cobble Centre
4th Avenue (Corner 12th Avenue)
Parkhurst
Johannesburg

Click here for their facebook page


Some fancy pottery anyone??

Some recent guests of my step dad (all the way from China) brought this lovely gift for my mom. Isn't it just gorgeous?



"Chinese pottery has always been an important part of Oriental culture - and with Franz Porcelain it is evident that this story will continue in the 21st century.

Throughout history, the masterpieces of artisan-produced Chinese porcelain have been much sought after and admired for their excellent craftsmanship. However, in the early 18th century, fuelled by the demand for this exquisite porcelain, European mining and smelting experts finally discovered the secret of how porcelain was made. By their consistent attention and innovation, the founders of such prestigious European factories embraced their dreams to produce fine porcelain.

Created in 2002, the new brand, Franz embodies the power of this cultural heritage. Franz porcelains capture cultural, artistic, and fashion elements. Focusing on nature themes all elements combined result in some of the most creative and unique items in the market today.

Shortly following the introduction of this elegant collection Franz porcelains were honored with numerous awards worldwide for its creative, unique designs and outstanding quality. Today Franz porcelains are successfully marketed and sold in over 5,000 retail establishments around the world.

Franz Porcelain is writing a new chapter for world-renowned porcelain houses. Franz Porcelain not only embraces Chinese porcelain's rich heritage, but also heads for a new era. Franz Porcelain is therefore not only a new and exciting way of producing fine home decor, but is part of living history"




A little more Catrice



Infinite Matt Foundation


I have been most pleasantly surprised with this foundation (not to mention the entire range of Catrice products I have used so far!). This foundation, which is oil free, has long outlasted even my Clarins Everlasting Foundation (review to follow soon!). Whereas the Clarins left my skin looking shiny in only an hour, the Catrice really did keep my skin matt all day long. The bottle has the following to say:
"Oil-free make-up with long lasting matt-effect. Hydrating and with light reflecting pigments it creates an even, fresh complexion and leaves skin feeling soft."
I am super impressed with it, and give this a 5/5

The Infinite Matt Foundation comes in 6 shades, this one is #030 Apricot Beige (not the hugest range of shades). 
Find it at your nearest Dischem for R79.95

Absolute Eye Colour Quad #040 Never Let Me Go!


Having used a few of these eye shadows before I was very keen to add to my growing collection. And these little babies did not disappoint. The eye shadows are highly pigmented and long lasting. You do have to layer them quite a lot in order to build up colour, but I love the consistency of them, and how easy they are to blend. This quad makes a very nice smoky eye, while the top too colours are perfect for day wear.
Find it at your local dischem for R59.95

Kohl Kajal #100 Name it as you like! 


This is the second kohl eye liner that I have in the Catrice range, and probably one of my favourite brands for eye liner so far. Rimmel and Bourgois used to be at the top of my list, but I must say they are being quickly over taken :) This kohl liner is long lasting, and very easy to use. As with most kohl pencils, they are much easier to blend and are a lot more forgiving than other pencils. This colour is great for adding definition to a smoky eye, without being too overpowering as pure black can be sometimes. And for only R24.99, I think very soon I will have the entire collection!

Jhb: Photo & Film Expo...



Tomorrow and sunday are the last 2 days of the Photo & Film Expo at The Dome,  Northgate. 

"THE PHOTO & FILM EXPO in association with PiX Magazine is the largest PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPO on the continent, nowhere in Africa can you see all your favourite photographic brands under one roof..."

I was there today and picked up this little goodie:
So get your bum down there if you enjoy cool gadgets and are looking for tips and workshops on anything and everything photo-related... 



Tickets are R80 at the door. 
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
For more info, click here for the official website



Vichy...'Health Is Beautiful'

Vichy has got to be one of my absolute favourite skin care brands. Ever since I first tried out their Foaming cleanser a few years ago I have been hooked. However, I am a bit of a sucker for packaging, (Farmboy has often likened me to a crow pursuing shiny things) and so hop and change products like there's no tomorrow. Its also really frustrating that products don't have the same life span. Cleanser always finishes before toner and night cream just never seems to finish :) Well, I recently decided to spoil myself, and Vichy was at the top of my list after visiting AlphaCare Pharmacy in Ballito and finding out about their free facials!! Yes ladies, you heard me, free Vichy facials at selected Pharmacies! Check out their Facebook page for more details...anyway, where was I...ah yes, here are the following products I have added to my face care routine:


Purete Thermale Purifying Water R173.95

Skin Radiance Revealer


With an easy to use pump, water is dispensed as a soft foam which deeply cleanses skin. I love the feel of the foam, and the fact that my skin is never left dry after use. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It is allergy tested and soap free, making this the ideal all-rounder cleanser. It even removes all traces of makeup :) My favourite Vichy product!

Purete Thermale 3 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Solution R198.35


This awesome cleanser does everything a girl could want: 1 Cleanses the skin, 2. Removes eye makeup, 3. Soothes the skin. It's a cleanser, makeup remover and toner all rolled into one! even though it does all of the above, I use it after my foaming cleanser, to really make my skin squeaky clean. But sometimes, you just don't feel like getting your face wet, and thats where this cleanser is super cool. It is super gentle on skin, being alcohol, soap and colourant free!

Normaderm Refine Total Pore Resurfacing Essence R213.35


This product was recommended to me by the Vichy consultant when I told her I was looking for a sort of *gentler* kind of dermabrasian. Parts of my skin, particularly my T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is uneven and with some scaring from breakouts. I have been using it night and day for 1 week now, and havent really noticed a huge difference, but am waiting to see the results after another week or 2. This product claims to be a pore micro-peel and pore firming, hopefully leading to smaller pores and less breakouts! 
Being an essence, it is very easy to blend in, and absorbs very quickly into my skin, without hindering my moisturiser or makeup application :)

Capital Soleil 50+ Protective Micro-Fluid Face R152.15


Living in sunny South Africa it is of the utmost importance that we wear suncream to protect our skin. Not just because of getting wrinkles and developing that "leather" look, but for health reasons too. Protecting our skin from the harmful rays means less money on skin care products and makeup later in life. We all know this, so then why is it that I had only invested in a good quality face suncream recently!? Well, I have a million reasons I could give you (too expensive, too much of a mission to use, makes my skin oily...bla, bla, bla). After finally coming to y senses, I can safely say this is the best face suncream I have ever used, It is a little on the pricy side, but it never leave my skin greasy and has such a pleasant fragrance, i really don't mind the extra few seconds it takes me to put on.

So there you have it :)

 Just a little note on my product reviews...all of the makeup and other products have been bought with my own (mostly *hard earned*) money, and I have not been approached to review them by companies. However, if, by some miraculous chance I am asked to review a product (*hint hint*) I will always let you know so that you get a 100% honest review out of me :)


Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby!

  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.


Market Haul...

On a recent trip to the beach (we swopped sun, sea & sand and for rain, wind and mud) and when the weather had improved slightly, my friend Odette and I headed for the lovely I Heart Market in Durban, which has made the Moses Madiba Stadium it's new home. 

And a trip to the market is never complete without a couple of purchases...


Don't you just love these pegs! Wrapping gifts will never be the same again! The lovely Vanessa at Little Mud Hut Designs also makes magnets, tags, bunting, gift bags and lots lots more, click here to check out her facebook page for more information on where you can get your hands on these goodies


Aren't these little ring holders just so pretty...I had stop myself from buying all of them!

 Up at the Top, Pottery and Mosaic Studio.
 Eleanor Gillitt: upatthetop@gmail.com
35 Laughton Avenue, Glenashley, Durban,


These are my second and third pair of earrings from Sophia Baskin, all made by her from gorgeous pieces of material!
Email her at sophiabasckin@gmail.com for more info ♥


Odette surprised me with this pretty pair of rose earrings :)
Click here to check out the website with all the other goodies to buy!



I ♥ Market *October*


After resigning from my job (yes, some of you may be wondering as to my mental state as I had only been there for a month...let's just say, I would have completely lost all sense of normality had I stayed there) I thought it about time for a trip to the sea. And a trip to the north coast sea is never complete without a stop at the I Heart Market. I Heart Market happens once a month, where fabulously talented people gather to sell all sorts of lovely things. Here are just a few of the stalls at this months gathering:



omnomnom deliciousness



Up at the Top, Pottery and Mosaic Studio.
 Eleanor Gillitt: upatthetop@gmail.com
35 Laughton Avenue, Glenashley, Durban,


Freshly Found...vintage refreshed
Denise Kiggan: denise@freshlyfound.com





Vanessa: vanessa.matthews@telkomsa.net
To visit their Facebook page, click here


Sophia Basckin...I just had to treat myself...with another 2 pairs of her gorgeous earrings!
Email her at sophiabasckin@gmail.com for more info ♥