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 :) 

Postnet...posting locally around South Africa

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This may seem to some a bit of a strange blog post, but I thought it's something really useful to know, especially with Christmas just around the corner. Postnet is currently doing a promotion whereby you can send a parcel (up to 2kg's) to a Postnet anywhere in South Africa for R95 and it will arrive in 1 - 4 working days...how super is that! I thought this was mighty reasonable and wanted to share this with all of you :)

*and no, my friend in the top right hand corner did not ask/sponser/co-erce/offer me a lifetime supply of envelopes to get me to write this post*






Markets to look forward to in Kwazulu Natal...

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I Heart Market: Moses Madiba Stadium, Durban. Saturday 3rd, 10th, 17th December
Wonder Market: Chris Saunders Park, Umhalanga (opp. Gateway Shopping Centre). Sunday 18th December


Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market: Cnr Kassier & Alvestone Rd, Assegay. Every Saturday from 06h00 - 10h30.




#30DaysOfMe...Day 12

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Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one


Source: Decor8
I started blogging at the beginning of 2010 when Farmboy and I embarked on our journey to teach English in South Korea. I did what every other foreigner who goes overseas does...I started to document my 'awesome' life so all of my family and friends could track our adventures. I don't know whether it was the fact that I was bored of reading about other peoples oh-so-cool lives, but I thought to myself..."Who cares what I get up to on the weekend?". Am i just trying to show everyone what they are missing out on? So I decided to change my blog into a sort of travel guide to South Korea...and once I got into it (we did have rather a lot of free time with  rather a lot of free uncapped internet) Farmboyandcitygirlhitasia the blog, went 'dotcom'. 


So now with 2 blogs all about South Korea, what on earth was I going to do when I touched back down on South African soil? Well, start another blog of course! This time, a more 'life style' blog with all sorts of bits and pieces about markets to visit, make up, places to stay, recipes and ideas for things to make and do in and around South Africa. I say "around South Africa" as the hope is to go do more traveling around the African continent :) One blog step at a time!

*click here to find out what these post's are all about*


Hook...Line...and...Sinker!

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This CityGirl has been taking her farm life responsibilities very seriously, and one of the most important ones...fishing! Can you believe I caught a huge 2 1/2kg bass on my second cast?! And then another 3 after that...thing I might have found my new calling :) After very carefully removing the hooks from the fishies we said goodbye and placed them all back in the dam...responsible fishing is the only way to go (and well, to be honest, having to remove the hook myself was enough cruelty for me, eating the poor things would have just been too much!)

And the best fishing partner ever...Scooter the Jack Russell! Closely followed by my very handsome Farmboy :)


Clinique Blended Powder

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When I purchased this semi translucent powder I thought the price was pretty reasonable for what I thought was a pretty good quality product. Now when I think of the price (R205) I think it's quite steep. This used to be my absolute favourite powder, but has now moved down to second place after my first Yardley purchase (post coming soon!). Now when I use it, I sort of feel a bit let down. 

As pretty as the packaging is, it doesn't really make up for the fact that this powder doesn't actually do anything. It gives very little coverage, even though it seems to when you apply it. What little actually does provide coverage does seem to last on my skin but overall, I am disappointed in it and won't be making another purchase when it runs out. I give this a 2.5/5.


It does come with a cute brush though, hence the extra half a point added onto the score :)

Nonna...Parkhurst

/ Parkhurst, Randburg, South Africa/
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


Mo-Vember Party...

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Movember is a worldwide fundraiser during the month of November, to raise funds for Mens Health...and its all about the moustache :{ 

Click here for the official website where you can find out how you can make a difference. We hosted a party to raise awareness...here's some pics:





Click here to find out more info on hosting your own Movember Party...you've only got 9 more days :)



Bloom Cafe...Natal Midlands

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Nestled in Nottingham Road, between a hair salon and an Antique Shop, lies the marvelous Cafe Bloom. The perfect stop for a dose of caffeine and to fill up your hungry tummy after a long day of meandering.





Address: R103 Old Main Road, Nottingham Road
Hours: 08h00 - 16h00 Wednesday - Monday 

Mozying around Maritzburg

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What does one get up to away from the hustle and bustle of a big city like Joburg? Well, take pictures of course...and roam around second hand stores looking for treasures :)







This picture was taken a few days before being sunk 7 kilometers into the depths of the ocean...sad hey





100 Followers *Winner*

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I am a little overdue with announcing the winner of my recent giveaway. I will blame it on my never ending battle with Telkom here in Pietermaritzburg (there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel though!). Well done to Nicki from OneOfTheBoys with her nail polish "The Pinkest of Lemonades". I love pink, and I love lemonde even more :)

**I will be up in Joburg at the end of the month so could meet you somewhere to drop them off, just drop me a line when/where best suits you**

These are coming your way soon...


Thank you everyone who entered, and to everyone who reads my blog...you rock! xox


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"