Happy Weekend {Kitchen Tea & Birthday rolled into one!}

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This past weekend was a very special one for me. Not only did I turn 24, but my lovely bridesmaids threw me an incredible {surprise} Kitchen Tea! A weekend full of prezzies, cup cakes and good company = one very happy young lady!

A few pic's {thanks Mommy for snapping away!}
















{Win} with Spruce Salon

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A little time ago I reviewed a lovely salon in Morningside Durban, which offers a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of our always busy lives. Katy, owner and therapist of Spruce is offering my readers the chance to win a luxury hydrating Esse Facial. Katy uses an array of techniques to create a very relaxing and pampering treatment.  Esse products are 100% organic, using wild sourced African plants that offer excellent free-radical protection. In addition the unique natural preservative system ensures the products are biodegradable and free of parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrance and synthetic colourants.

To Win:

To stand a chance of winning, simply leave a comment below this post, do make sure that you are a follower of CityGirlSearching (click here). 

For an extra entry, 'like' Spruce Salon on Facebook, or tweet about this competition *make sure to tag me (@RoxyPearce) in it your tweet so I know that you have done so*. Winners will have 3 months to claim their voucher.

Good luck!

Competion closes Sunday 29th July

Address: 15 Hazel Road, Morningside, Durban
Phone: 031 - 316 5020
E-mail: katy@sprucebeauty.co.za

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Unusual Perspective

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I loved this week's theme for our photo challenge. I think it was every bit as challenging as the name suggests, and look at these awesome submissions! Well done everyone :)

I think the theme was tough, but these are really great! As promised to the team members, I will be asking my awesome photographer friend Carmen, to choose her favourite photo, and I will post it on the Facebook page. So check back this afternoon for the winner of this week's challenge!
"Where flowers bloom, so does hope" Lady Bird Johnson
Taken by: Cathy
Taken by: Meg
Taken by: Lisa

"Interesting perspective on scrap metal"
Taken by: Rob

Taken by: Sue

Taken by: Victoria

#HuttonWedding overload

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80 days today, and I will be saying I do and walking down the aisle. It has only really just hit me, how much work is still to be done. As we are getting married on Farmboy's parents dairy farm, I thought it a wonderful idea to do everything myself (this means source every decor item, purchasing most of them myself) in the hopes that I could really get my hands dirty. It seemed like a good idea at the time. And now, after getting very eager with our digital save the dates, and sending them out to far too many people, we are very clearly over our numbers. Unfortunately, this can't just be fixed with a little cash injection (although that wouldn't hurt either) but rather we physically DO NOT HAVE the space! Eeeek!

Now, I'm worrying that the barn will only be able to seat 100 people, and the other 80 will have to stand outside, craning heir necks to catch a glimpse of our nuptials, worrying that the slightly eccentric lady we are hiring our cutlery from will simply 'forget' my wedding date, that my dress will never be ready in time, and of of course, that the makeup artists won't wake up in time to get us ready at 5am on the day. You know, the usual stresses :) Oh, and worrying that the poor barn owl who has taken up residency in our 'church' will decide to give us one last wedding present on the day covering the benches and chairs with a powder white coat!

Anyway, instead of pulling my hair out, I'm off to make myself a cup of tea, and finish the last of the invites...

source {inhale nature}

Tips for {Wedding Gift Registries} South Africa

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With just under 3 months until our big day (eeeeekkkk!) we have lots of time to think about all the goodies we need to make our place feel like a home. As Farmboy and I don't live together, I stay in a little 1 bedroom flat, and he will move in with me once we are wed (oh I just love the sound of that!). So, this means that at the moment, everything is pretty much pink, pink, and pink (with some beige and caramel colours thrown into the mix). The {very manly} shelf that Farmboy built for me to hold all my varsity files was the start of the transition from *my* space to *our* space, and it's going well, slowly, but well.

So, to help you get your new home kitted out in preparation for marriage, here is a list of our favourite gift registry stores here in South Africa:
{just click on the images below to be redirected to their websites}






The following registries (Yuppiechef & GrannyGoose) can be set up and managed online, which makes your life so much easier, and it's way more fun to look in the comfort of your own home or favourite coffee shop, than traipsing round the mall!

Yuppiechef also offer free delivery on all orders, anywhere in South Africa :)




If you come across any others, please pop a comment below :)

Spruce Salon in Morningside, Durban {Review}

/ 15 Hazel Rd, Asherville 4001, South Africa/
On friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting Katy, therapist & owner of Spruce 
{a delightful Salon} which she recently opened in Morningside Durban. 

Ladies, if you need a break from reality and love the thought of being pampered, surrounded by orchids while sipping on an apple & mint cordial, then why not book yourself in for a {treat}ment at Spruce.


First, a few questions to get to know the lady behind the brand...

Q: Where is your favourite place to spend a saturday afternoon?
Wherever family and friends are.

Q: If you could go back in time and tell your 5 year old self anything, what would it be?
Listen to your gut!

And now for a little more about Spruce...

Q: Have you always been interested in beauty? Has owning your own salon always been a dream of yours?  
Absolutely! I remember doing D.IY facials at home on whoever would let me, with all sorts of interesting concoctions from the fridge and pantry – those poor skins! Ive always been fascinated by hand-healing therapies, the power of good products and self-improvement in general, so becoming a beauty therapist was a bit of a no-brainer, and of course owning my own salon was always the ultimate goal.





Q:Tell us the story behind the name, Spruce.
It just came to mind when I Was brainstorming for names. I wanted something short, sweet and catchy that embodied what I do how I want my clients to feel when they’ve walked out my doors – spruced-up!

Q: What is your most popular treatment with your clients?
Both the ESSE and Dr. Babor facials and extremely popular – its a total head-to-toe pamper. And I cant keep up with the Shellac nails – its a life-changing product!



Q: Do you offer any signature treatments?
My facials are definitely unique in that I combine a whole array of techniques to create a very relaxing and beneficial treatment. I also offer a hot lava-shell massage which is similar to the traditional hot stone massage but so much more indulgent!

 Q: What skincare brands do you stock?
I use and sell ESSE (100% organic) which is an incredibly nourishing and healing product that anyone can use and it is extremely powerful in treating all of the common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dryness etc. Im totally hooked! And then for anyone wanting to turn back the clock and totally transform dull, tired and aging skin Dr Babor is magic-wand of beauty products that guarantees instant results – you literally watch the lines disappear in minutes – its your botox and fillers without the needles!



I had the most wonderful Esse facial when I was there, a full head to toe treatment. All i can say is that Katy, in the few weeks before my wedding, I hope your schedule is free so I can see you for lots and lots of pre-wedding 'sprucing' up! 


#PhotoOfTheWeek...Shadows

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Shadows'.

Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph. I love opening up my emails on a Sunday evening and going through each and every one on your submissions. I know the week has a nasty habit of catching up with you, and before you realise it, it's Sunday and you are now rushing around trying to take the 'perfect' photograph. So well done for sending them through :)

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 

If you'd like to join in, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching@gmail.com and I will send you that week's theme and you can get started right away!

"Shady Love"
Taken by: Cathy
Taken by: Julia
"Love from the shadows"
Taken by: Roxy
"Wherever you go, no matter the weather, bring your own sunshine" Anthony J. D'Angelo
Taken by: Lisa

Taken by: Meg

Taken by: Victoria

Pete & Leeza {Engagement}

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Last week I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely couple from NCF Church (here in Pietermaritzburg) to celebrate their recent engagement. Both Pete and Leeza lead worship at Church, and Leeza has the most incredible voice, Farmboy and I are hoping to have them sing at our wedding!

I took them to the old train station in Hilton, and we had loads of fun climbing in and around the old trains, while avoiding the locals...here are a few of the photo's.

Enjoy
xxx









Please feel free to contact me if you are wanting some photographs taken of you and your hubby-to-be/best friend/kiddies. I am based in Pietermaritzburg, but I am happy to travel all over the show!

A weekend of {wedding DIY}

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Last weekend was spent with sanders, nails, hammers, paint and of course multiple cups of coffee as Farmboy and I got our hands dirty in preparation for our wedding in September. The first few photo's show our awesome yellow wood sideboard (which will hold all our dessert at the wedding) and the last few shots of of the door to the barn (where our ceremony will be). The only problem with getting started, is that we realise just how much we still have to do to make all our idea's happen...eek!











#PhotoOfTheWeek...Frame

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Frame'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph. I love opening up my emails on a Sunday evening and going through each and everyone on your submissions. I know the week has a nasty habit of catching up with you, and before you realise it, it's Sunday and you are now rushing around trying to take the 'perfect' photograph. So well done for sending them through :)

"It's difficult to see the picture, when you are in the frame"
Taken by: Cathy

"Glass in a window frame"
Taken by: Rob
"Framed by Love"
Taken by: Roxy

"Flames behind the frames"
Taken by: Sue

"Laugh"
Taken by: Lisa
Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 


If you'd like to join in, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching@gmail.com and I will send you that week's theme and you can get started right away!

Chocolate Brownies {recipe}

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125g butter
45g cocoa powder
2 large eggs
200g castor sugar
150 self raising flour
60g chopped dark chocolate
makes 12 brownies

**I doubled the recipe and ended up making about 35 delicious, melt-in-your-mouth brownies**













**Bake in a heated oven at 180C for 20 - 25 mins, or until cooked through but still moist**






A weekend in the bush {Lindani Game Reserve, Waterberg}

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This past weekend was spent in Lindani Game Reserve in an 11 sleeper lodge, with fire roasted marshmallows, and steaming cups of coffee in the early hours of the morning, while watching the sun come up. A short 3 hours from Joburg, it was the perfect family getaway. A few photo's...




Late afternoon stroll with my brother David (dressed in blue), his lovely girlfriend Sam, and Farmboy




Sneak Peek {Wedding Invites}

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A sneak peek of our wedding invites from the lovely ladies at Ruby and the Swallow (they also did our Save the Dates too!)...we are so happy with them...I can't wait to show them to you once they have all been handed out!


#PhotoOfTheWeek...Food

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Food'. Well done to everyone whi submitted a photograph! They are really great! 

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 

If you'd like to join in, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching@gmail.com and I will send you that week's theme and you can get started right away!


Taken by: Meg

Taken by: Vicky

Taken by: Julia

Taken by: Roxy

{Wedding} Wedges

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With getting married on a farm, there are a few restructions when it comes to finding the perfect {and as much as I hate to admit it...practical} wedding shoes can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily for me, I had already decided I wanted to wear wedges, before we had even decided on the farm! They are practical; *and I wont sink into the mud/grass/cow droppings*, easy to walk in and look fabulous, what more could a girl want out of a shoe?!  

Here are a few of the shoes that I have seen and loved...

www.hsn.com
Aldo

www.dsw.com

Jimmy Choo



With love...from Korea

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While teaching in South Korea in 2010, Farmboy and I were both lucky enough to have really nice Korean co-teachers. My co-teacher, 정 히 (thats 'Cindy' for those non-Korean speakers among us!) became really great friends, going shopping together, and often meeting for coffee dates on the weekend. When Cindy heard that Farmboy and I got engaged earlier this year, she asked me if there was anything special I would like from Korea. As I had a rather unhealthy relationship with the stationary there, I chose a few items which she very kindly had shipped to us to help 'beautify' our wedding.


 정 히, thank you so very much. Your gifts are so thoughtful, and every time i look at them they bring back all the wonderful memories we shared!

So without further ado, I introduce to you all to the latest addition to my collection of all things stationery:







Rollin Vintage {Open for Business}

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A little while ago I did a post on Rollin Vintage's new store in Howick. Ryan and Liesa officially opened the doors to Rollin Vintage and Friends on Friday 1st June. Here is what's in store for you if you pop into their gorgeous shop in Howick:














Find then at :
Shop 10
Howick Falls Hotel Retail Space
Morling Street
Howick

Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday 09h00 to 16h00

Postick {bringing back the postcard!}

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After trawling round the inter-web, (and after successfully receiving Farmboy's Birthday prezzie from one of the awesome projects started on Kickstarter, I came across Cape Town based graphic designer, Tatjana. 
Tatjana hopes to revolutionize the SA postal system, one post card at a time...

"POSTICKs are white adhesive labels with rounded corners. They're slightly smaller than your average photograph and they have the normal postcard-backing lines printed on them. The labels are easy to write on with a normal pen.

You could stick the postick on the back of a photo you took and expose it to the world (or just your friend and the postman). You could use it to recycle an old vintage postcard you bought for 10c at the local antique store, you could stick on on the back of a page from your daily planner with your friend’s birthday written in and some doodle scribbled across the page. You could stick it on the back of the first autumn leaf that landed on your head. You could stick it to the back of something you sewed last week or an interesting newspaper clipping.

The options are endless. It’s awesome. It’s super personal and it gives a bunch of unimportant things a chance at a second life as a postcard. There’s no doubt that your friend will be super happy upon discovering a hand-written piece of something fun between the bills in the letterbox.

There’s something strangely wonderful about receiving postcards. It’s hard to describe since it’s a little piece of card. But it’s much more than just processed wood and a hand written note. It’s a thought of someone that spontaneously manifested somewhere else in the world. A thought so strong that it transformed itself into hand-written words on a piece of card. That random little thought survived a complex (and fantastic) postal system, continents, human error and the forces of nature and finally made it into that exact little mailbox. It’s a miracle!"

Click here to find out more, and click here to pledge some much needed money to make Posticks a reality!

And finally, click here to send one of these extraordinary people a postcard, go on, you'll make their day.