French Manicure by *Essence*

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I have always struggled with doing a French Manicure on my own hands (it's always that silly right hand that gets smudged/bumped/funny lines...why was I not born ambidextrous?!) and so when I spied this handy French Manicure Pen I just had to give it go. And boy I was not disappointed. After much shaking and pushing (that's precisely what the instructions say on the pen) a steady stream of white polish appeared and this is what I was able to accomplish:


Not bad hey? I had to stick a pretty butterfly nail art sticker on the second finger due to *smudging* on my part but otherwise it was so easy. And of course I also had to purchase this lovely French Man' top coat...the perfect light pink colour for a very natural looking french. I'm 5 days into my 'manicure' and my nails still look lovely. And using my fab new quick dry drops my mani was ready to go in super quick time!

Essence is available at Clicks stores nationwide...

Essence French Manicure & Pedicure Pen - R29.99
Essence French Glam Nail Polish - R29.99

I'd love to see your handiwork, if you do try these products post a pic on my Facebook page :)

**just a little note...I was not sponsored to write this post or any other review on this blog. If by any chance I am sent a product for review (hint hint PR reps) I will always make it clear and aim to give you an objective and honest review*

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Geometric

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This week we have two new members to add to our Photo Challenge Team! First up we have Nicky (who is currently teaching English in South Korea), welcome Nicky! Secondly, my Step Dad, Rob, decided he also wanted to submit a photograph this week after seeing my mom's submission :) 

All of the submissions have been fantastic, well done everyone!

If you have a camera (it doesn't matter how small/fancy/happy snappy) and you would like to join in our little challenge, just drop me a line here. It's a great way to challenge yourself and get into the swing of training your eye to spot the unique in the ordinary...

Taken by: Nicky
Taken by: Rob

Taken by: Dale

Taken by: Sue

Taken by: Kayleigh

Taken by: Roxy

Essence *Nail Art Express Dry Drops*

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What a mouthful :) I picked this up a few days ago at Clicks. Being a firm lover of the Essence range, I had yet to try out their nail products and thought I'd start this one. I love how easy it is to use (thanks to the little dropper) and the product glides right over the nail allowing for maximum coverage of "dry"ness. I tried this over 2 coats of polish and they sure did dry quickly. A new favourite in my nail care collection.

Find it at Clicks for R29.95

*Rollin Vintage*

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I recently took a few photo's for a friend of mine's most gorgeous business. Liesa and her boyfriend Ryan have been 'recylcing' antique teaspoons, forks, butter knives (and many other seemingly unwanted bits and pieces) and creating incredible unique pieces of jewlery. From pendants to rings, bracelets to card holders, every detail is lovingly displayed in unique ways. 

See something you like? 













Just in case you forget, CityGirlSearching is also on Facebook, click here to share some love :) 

*Chocolate Chip Cookies* for Valentine's Day

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This Valentine's Day Farmboy and I decided to keep things simple...I decided to whip up some Chocolate Chip Cookies, Martha Sterwart style and surprise him with them after our early morning gym session (*the gym session was needed after I stuffed my face last night with cookie dough!). The results were heavenly, melt in your mouth, choc filled bites of yummyness, see for yourself!


Ingredients:



200g butter, just melted (not too hot)
¾ cup of brown sugar 
¼ cup of Castor Sugar 
1 large egg and one large egg yolk
2 tsp of vanilla essence½ tsp of salt
2 cups and ¼ cup of cake flour
½ tsp of bicarbonate of soda
1 cup of dark chocolate chips



Step 1. Preheat the oven to 160C°. Place one rack at the top and the other in the middle of the oven. Have two large baking sheets ready. Combine the melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl with an electric whisk



Step 2. Add the eggs, vanilla, and salt. Add one cup of the flour, then the bicarb and the remaining flour. Combine on slowest speed.


Step 3. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 4: Grease the baking sheets with butter or Spray ‘n Cook. Roll the dough into golf-size balls and place on the baking sheet, allowing about 6cm between each ball for spreading. Place the baking sheets into the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Half way through baking, turn the sheets and switch racks, so the cookies can bake evenly.



Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets. Remove from the baking sheets with a flat spatula and serve warm if possible. They will be just fine served cool as well and should be stored in an airtight container.

Lastly, wrap up to look like fancy smancy cookies, and present to your loved one...be ready to receive lots of smooches of appreciation :)



*Recipe borrowed from here*

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Writing on the Wall

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This week's theme was *Writing on the Wall*. I really had to rack my brains to come up with something other than grafiti (mainly because there is a distinct lack of any creative wall imagery here in Pietermaritzburg!). Anyway, hope you enjoy these. I know a lot of effort went into each and every picture, well done friends!

And we also welcome a new member to our ever growing team...my Mom! Who will be further referred to as Sue. Well done on your first #PhotoOfTheWeek Mommy :) 


Taken by: Dale

Taken by: Sophie
Taken by: Roxy

Taken by: Sue

IQ *Clear Start* Starter and Travel Kit

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My skin has really been giving me uphill for the past few months (since going off the Pill) and I have tried all sorts of lotions and potions but to no avail. While browsing through one of my favourite stores yesterday (Dischem of course!) I spied the IQ Clear Start Travel Kit. I have often seen this range of skin care products but to be honest I have always been a little wary of pricey 'South African' brands. For some reason it seems justified that an international brand like Vichy, Clarins or Roc charge R190 for a cleanser but I am hesitant of spending that same amount on South African products. This handy kit only set me back R69.99 and comes with all 4 products in the Clear Start range to try out.

I have been using these products for 2 days now and I can't quite believe my eyes. I have noticed an improvement already, especially with my main skin concern of congestion. Don't just take my word for it though, give it a go yourself...you can't go wrong for R69 :) 











Little brother turns *21*

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A few days ago my little brother celebrated his 21st birthday. Farm boy and I were able to celebrate with him (well into the night/early morning I might add) and his raucous friends in Joburg.

Dave, I am so proud of you and all you have achieved so far in your life. The future is so bright for you and I can't wait to see what's in store. Even though I am often a bossy boots, just know that I love you very much and am always here for you!

Isn't he just so handsome? Love you Dave x

Xxx

*excuse the slightly blurry pic's, taken using Instagram on my Ipad*
A 21st is never complete without a little booze :)


My StepDad is a real wizz in the kitchen, and so prepared everything for all of us to whip together our own pizza's....omnomnom!!







Lovely Market Finds...*Indulgent Delights*

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I found myself at the wonderful I Heart Market again on Saturday (it was their first opening of the year) and the heat sure made it's presence known! But despite the humidity and general "sweaty"ness of everyone there, it was a great turnout! I found a relatively new store which caught my eye...Indulgent Delights. Hannah makes all kinds of lovely goodies, from bunting to cushions to children's toys and lots lots more. After my attempt last year at making bunting, I will definitely be chatting to Hannah in the future before I attempt any more myself! 

This is a shot Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Markets new venue is on the other side of the stadium to where it was last year! There is ample parking opposite the market! Don't make the mistake I did and park where you think the market will be and the hike in 35C weather and arrive looking frazzled :)





If you would like to get in touch with Hannah, you can drop her a line directly at IndulgentDesignsSA@gmail.com or pop over to her Facebook group to find out more!

#PhotoOfTheWeek: Door

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This week's theme was doors. I had a number of great idea's by our newest team member, Kayleigh: 'Joshua Doore' being my favourite. If there are any readers out there who would like to join this series just pop me an email. The only rules are that the photo has to be emailed to me by sunday so that I can put it up by Sunday evening. As for how you take it, what you use to take it, how much or little you edit your pic, well thats up to you! :)

Taken by: Dale

Taken by: Roxy

Taken by: Kayleigh

Taken by: Sophie


My new toy *Canon 50mm Lens*

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I decided that it was time for me to treat myself to a new lens for my camera. I had heard such great things about this little baby that I thought I really needed to give it a bash for myself. A few moments filling in details on the Orms website, a chunk out of my bank account and 4 days later I became the proud new owner of a fixed focal length Canon lens!

The following are a few pic's I took today for a new project I'm working on (*watch this space!*). I don't claim to be a professional photographer at all, I'm just a happy snapper who really loves to snap (and who now has a lovely new lens to do said snapping with). 

I hope you like them.

xxx





A student once more...The *University of Kwazulu Natal*

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As of last week monday, I am now officially a student again! Yippee! This time at the University of Kwazulu Natal. After teaching in South Korea, I realised that that is where my heart lies and I need to be true to that. Thats why i have decided to do a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) this year, with my focus being in Foundation Phase Education (those are the cute little ones, from Grade R to Grade 3) basically the very start of 'big' school.


I've just finished my first week of practical work where I was placed in a wonderful private boys school here in Pietermaritzburg and loved every second of it. The rest of the year will be taken up with lectures, and 2 sets of intense 4 & 7 week teaching practical sessions at different schools. I am so excited :)

So when things seem a little slow on the blogging side, you now know why...

But along with that there are going to be a few other exciting projects happening here so 
*Watch This Space*

xxx

Eucerin *DermatoCLEAN* {Review}

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I have been wanting to try Eucerine's new line for some time. There was a time when I thought of Eucerin as only making body lotions for dry/eczema prone skin but it seems they have taken the leap along with other brands to expand their product range. I had been using Vichy's Purette Thermal Cleaning Solution and was on the lookout for something similar when it finished and I didn't have R198 to spend on a toner. I must say that I have been very impressed with this one. It cleanses all traces of makeup and dirt without drying out my skin while still leaving it feeling soft and clean. The whole idea behind the Dermato-Clean range is that they are mild and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types. It also claims to have Nature-identical actives Gluco-Glycerol and Hyaluronic Acid, which are known for their ability to effectively maintain the ideal moisture levels in the skin...I'm not going to argue with those long words!

The only thing I'm not so keen on is the fragrance (or rather the lack of). But all I can say is that fragrances are smells put into products to make them more appealing, and anything that has less chemicals can only be better for your right? :)

At R110 it's cheaper than Vichy's Cleansing Water, and effectively does the same thing. I would definitely purchase it again.

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 :)

#30DaysOfMe...Day 15

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Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
1. David Gray - Leaving


2. Bassheads - Anybody out there 


3. Five for Fighting - NYC Weather Report


4. John Mayer - My stupid mouth


5. Kings of Leon - Back down South


6. David DeGraw - I don't want to be


7. Black Eyed Peas - Love you long time


8. Kings of Leon - Pony Up


9. Foreigner - I want to know what love is


10. Rodrigues - I Wonder


*Click here for the full list of what's in these posts!*

*Hair Jewels* by Mr Price

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Wandering around Mr Price one day, something shiny caught my eye. Being ever so found of all that glitters (I must most definitely have been a raven in a previous life!) I wandered on over to have a squizz. 5 minutes and R39.99 later and she is all mine!

Have you found any treasures lately??


*StickyGram* Instagram Photo's into Magnets

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Having become addicted to the photo-editing app of awesomeness that is Instagram, I am so pleased to introduce to you my new fridge magnets...





Stickygram is a company based in the US that converts your chosen Instagram shots (9 pics per magnetic sheet), converts them into magnets and then ships them to your door for a total of $14.99 (incl. shipping!). Ladies and Gents, thats R128 for your own personalized magnets...how neat is that!

Olay *Day UV Fluid* {Review}

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As you can see from the amount of reviews (or rather the lack of reviews compared to the fullness of my toiletry cupboard!) I do, I tend to hop, skip and jump through products like other ladies do with clothing. But for the last few months I have at least been trying to finish *most* of the product before I get distracted by the packaging and promises of unicorn skin on the label. The latest line I have been delving into is Olay. I have been loving the Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream for the past few weeks, and thought it time I introduce the Day UV Fluid (-+ R170).

My skin has been a bit under the weather for the past few months (having recently come off the Pill) and so I have been looking for a day cream that doesn't make me look like an oil slick by midday. This 'fluid' is light and almost fluffy, with a very pleasant yet subtle fragrance leaving my skin feeling refreshed and moisturised. I am supposed to be using it under my Vichy Capital Soleil Protective Fluid Sun Cream but I have yet to try it for fear of looking white washed. Even though this 'cream' has an SPF of 15 in it, it is advised to STILL wear a sun cream especially if you live in a sunny climate such as ours here in South Africa. What I also love about the bottle is that is just goes on and on, a little really does go a long way.

#30DaysOfMe...Day 14

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Day 14- A picture of you and your family


This is a picture of me (far left) and my family taken at my Mom's wedding in July last year. I have got myself 2 beautiful new sisters and a wonderful step Dad :) And that handsome young man is my brother, my oh my, they grow up so fast!

This below is a photo of my Dad and my step Mom :)



*Click here for more info on what these posts are all about*