Flower Power Pumps

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Thank you JayJay's, and most of all thank you Farmboy for these pumps...I <3 them. And for R105, what a steal! Comfy AND pretty??? It doesn't get any better than that.




**I've been playing around with PhotoShop trying to get a little more creative with my image layout...thanks sooo much to PuglyPixel for all the amazing freebies, even I can get my graphic design on with your tutorials!**

Gingerbread Cookies...

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**Thanks to the latest Your Family magazine for this super easy Yummy Yummy recipe**


Makes 20 - 25 cookies
Prep 10 min & chilling time
Bake 10 - 12 mins


Ingredients
125g unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (125ml) firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125ml) golden syrup
1 egg, separated
2 1/2 cups (625ml) flour
1 tblsp (15ml) ground ginger
1 tsp (5ml) cinnamon
1 tsp (5ml) bicarbonate of soda
1 cup (250ml) icing sugar sifted


Step 1 Preheat oven to 180C and line two large trays with baking paper (wax paper works well too)


Step 2 In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale using an electric beater. Beat in the syrup and egg yolk


Step 3 Use a spoon to fold the flour, spices and soda to form a smooth dough. Form into a disk, cover in plastic wrap and chill for 30 mins


Step 4 Divide the dough in half. Roll out pieces between baking paper to 5mm thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes


Step 5 Place on the baking trays and bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Sprinkle icing sugar over the cookies once they have cooled


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.


Some fancy pottery anyone??

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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"



*MoSister*ing it up...

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This is my Movember profile pic...taken in Cambodia using Farmboys awesome fisheye lomo camera.

If your still a little not sure of the in's and mo's of what exactly this month is in celebration of...click here.

As far as getting hairy goes, girls can just pledge their allegience to the movement and become MoSisters (unless you ReAlLy want to be hairy). Click here to join my team :)





All of these pic's above are from Pinterest



Canderal Cook Off fun!

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Wednesday evening saw myself and 5 other super cool Joburg bloggers (Alida, Jess, Jeanette, Tanya & Angie) battling it out for the honour of top Salon de Culinaire Chef!


Ok I get a little carried away, we *were at Salon de Culinaire in Fourways, and we *were cooking, but there *was no competition..thank goodness...I had a hard enough time figuring out which knife to use to slice the plums.

 The lovely Natasha (as well as the rest of the super awesome LiveWired team) had organized a night of cooking, eating, drinking & being merry in honour of Canderal's launch of their Yellow range. We were put into teams in charge of making the starter (Angie & Jeanette), main (Alida & me) and dessert (Jess & Tanya). Thanks ladies, It was a lovely evening!








*Sewing* Pretty

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In my attempts to become more creative, I have tried my hand at various activities. Making bunting, giving a wooden box a face lift, cooking, baking...I wish the list went on. Well, today it does! I have finally finished my first attempt at sewing...Yippeeeeeeeee




Last few days to enter into my pretty polish giveaway :) I will choose a winner on friday! xx


Exploring: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark *Part 1*

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Here are a few pic's I took while wandering around this delightful little nook in MillPark. Click here for 44 Stanley's official website to stay up to date




Anatomy Design


"Anatomy Design is a unique shopping destination - with a focus on beautifully detailed contemporary furniture and homeware"




Verdange


"Vendange is a retail concept themed around food, wine and olive oil accessories. We also supply an extensive range or ceramics, glassware and some furniture"




Lucky Fish


"Lulu Baily is an artist who had a dream of owning a shop that would allow for a broader expression of creativity. Lucky Fish opened five years ago as a fusion of trading store and bazaar with classic luxurious comfort. The shop's antique cabinets and a shifting array of beautiful furniture house all sorts of interesting odds and ends. Lulu stocks a wide range gleaned from antique markets and high street shops in India. An eccentric mix of furniture, lamps, cushions, clothing, toys and china come from as far afield as Sri Lanka, Spain, France and Argentina"


**I have just received my badge for the South African Blog Awards! If you like my blog, and feel extra nice today, pretty please wont you click here and vote for me :) All you have to do is enter your email address and you will be sent a confirmation email, just click the link in that email and bombs away!**


*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"




*Kings* of *Leon*...Joburg

/ FNB Stadium, Johannesburg South 2147, South Africa/
I could write a whole long boring post, or I could just leave you with these picture...think I'll do the latter...

Farmboy bought tickets for him & his sister for her 21st Birthday earlier this year, and I obviously had to tag along. After getting lost in Soweto central, a very kind police officer escorted us whitey's to the stadium:






100 Followers!!...A Thank You *GiveAway*

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A little while ago I had a little giveaway of some Soap & Glory products (well done to Sally who won!!) and I had also mentioned that I would be giving away the following to my 100th follower:


At the time I was on 74 followers, and now I am on 101...yay! I thought I was never going to get to 100 and here I am. So for those of you newbie bloggers out there, the only piece of advice I can give you way to increase your number of followers is to keep posting and engage with fellow bloggers...you have to play around in the sandpit to make friends :)

 A huge thank you to all of you who read my blog, I hope I continue to keep you entertained and up to date with all sorts of interesting bits and pieces!

Now, with google connect, I am finding it very difficult to find out who my 100th follower is. So, to say thank you, I am going to give away the above gorgeous Barry M nail polishes, and a tube of Soap & Glory Hand Food to the person who comes up with the most creative/interesting/bizarre name for a nail polish. Just drop your idea's in the comment section below. Good Luck! xx

**the following rule still applies: winner 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!**

Pietermaritzburg...the beginning

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I have now been living in capital of Kwazulu Natal (am I one of the very few people around who didn't know that this is the Capital of KZN??) for 1 week now...thought I'd share some photo's.

Outing #1: Karkloof Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 07h00 - 11h00. Get there early to get all the good stuff! :)

Karkloof Road, Howick.

Kings of Leon *Joburg* How to Get to the FNB Stadium

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For all those KOL fans out there, thought the following info would be helpful :)

One way to get to the FNB stadium is by the Park & Ride buses. Book your tickets at Computicket (click here).

Buses leave from the following departure points: 

Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate
Wits University (West Campus)
Gold Reef City 
Constitution Hill

Tickets cost R90, and I would suggest booking before hand to make sure you've got a seat.

Alternatively, there is the Park & Rail.
The train runs directly from the East Rand, West Rand, Pretoria and Johannesburg to Nasrec Station.
Tickets cost R80 return. Click here for the train schedule


The line up for saturday:

17h00 Doors Open
18h30 – 19h00 The Black Hotels
19.15 – 19h45 Shadowclub
 20h00 – 20h30 Die Heuwels Fantasties
21.00 Kings of Leon

Click here for the BigConcerts Facebook page to stay up to date before the big day



Santa Shoe Box!

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"Kidz2Kidz’s Santa Shoebox Project is an inspiring community initiative that co-ordinates the donation, collection and distribution of personalized gifts at Christmas time to underprivileged children; while at the same time helping parents teach their own children about the joys of giving."


All you have to do is register on the website, and you will go through a step by step guide as to the who/where/when details of your box. So far 64238 boxes have been pledged, but there are still 5481 kids without a prezzie. So give your old shoeboxes a new home this Christmas.






A little more Catrice

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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!

I wish I was Mary Poppins

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I wish I was Mary Poppins, then I could fit all of this in my bag, and still have space for the kitchen sink...

After having a read of a really lovely blog called Bobbylicious, who was doing her take on  Tails of a Mermaid's What's in Your Bag, I thought I'd join in the fun...what do you have in your Mary Poppins carpet bag?




1. Purse - always empty :(
2. Orbit Gum - minty fresh
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream - freebie from Elle
4. Rosebud Salve - lip balm from South Korea, Farmboy hates the smell of the above, so I just keep both in my bag, you just never know...
5. ID book - horrible picture included
6. Polaroid pic of Farmboy and me - incase I forget what he looks like
7. Notebook - for scribbles and thoughts
8. Canderal - to sweeten things up
9. Girl stuff
10. Toni Glass Tea bag - love the packaging
11. Powder compact - for touchups
12. Pencil - to scribble with
13. Hand wipes - for freshening up
14. Mini deo - to keep me smelling like roses
15. Eye drops - I get horrible itchy eyes if I get too cuddly with fluffy things
16. Handbag holder from Accessorize
18. Lancome Juicy Tubes - 'strawberry funk'
19. Smashbox Limitless lipgloss - 'for keeps'
20. Pen - incase the pencil runs out :)
21. Balkin I-trip - so I can listen to my favourite tunes without annoying radio ads
22. Never enough hair stuff!