Mission Find Snow {accomplished!}

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 This afternoon (after hearing about snow all day on Twitter and Facebook!) Farmboy and I headed out into the cold in search of some white powder for ourselves.

But alas, in our cold corner of KZN it seemed like everyone had the same idea...


Never-the-less, there was plenty of snow to go around...







Time spent in the cold is never complete without hot chocolate! And watery hot choc made with lots of love but not much flavour by yours truly...priceless


BBRRRRR!!


Did you find any snow today? I heard Joburg had lots! Sorry Durbs and Cape Town, none for you today I'm afraid :) xxx

A Grade 2 Life Skills Lesson on Soil

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It has been quite an adjustment being at my current school here in Pietermaritzburg for my final teaching practical this year.

 Most of my learners (the new term for students) really struggle with the basics of reading and writing, which can be frustrating at times, especially when they are all at such different levels. 

But instead of getting all 'woe is me' and hating on the education system, I decided to take a little more of a hands on approach for one of my life skills lessons. With the new curriculum which has been implemented this year (CAPS > which I really think is fantastic!) each grade is given particular themes to integrate among all the learning area's (for the Foundation Phase of Grade 1 - Grade 3, these learning area's are once again to be referred to as Maths, English & Life Skills).

Much chaos ensued, punctuated with mud flying, smiling faces and much learning taking place :)

I now leave you with  few shots of my lesson on the importance of soil:

Stay tuned...next week we will find out which type of soil was indeed best for growing plants...exciting times ahead for these little rascals!

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Sport

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Another week has come and gone (and can you believe it's the second week of August already!). This week's theme for our photo challenge was 'Sport'. Thanks to everyone that submitted their photographs, with the Olympics (and SA racking up the gold medals!) i think this theme was just fitting :)

And I want to say a big welcome to 3 of our newest photo challenge members...Keith, Kaylee & Tammy! Not just one new member this week, but 3! I look forward to seeing your photographs in the weeks to come :)

Here are this week's submissions:

{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}

"100m sprint"
Taken by: Lisa

"A Farmboy, a Citygirl and a mountain to climb..."
Taken by: Roxy

Taken by: Cathy


Taken by: Kaylee
Taken by: Tammy

"Cape Epic"
Taken by: Keith

"Iron Man"
Taken by Megs

{CupCake Decorating}

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What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, than with lovely ladies, butter cream icing, and blank cupcakes...ready for a splash of colour! A few pic's of the cupcake decorating course I attended this weekend:










Thanks for a wonderful afternoon ladies!

2 Months to the {Wedding}

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In just under 2 months time, I will be walking down the aisle. My my, the time has just flown past! Farmboy proposed (click here for the full post on how he popped the question!) on the 11th March this year, and 6 months felt like a perfect time to get everything done. But with only a few weekends left to get everything done, I am definitely starting to feel the pressure.

So, I thought I'd write a quick little list (l just love writing lists! And when they are written on cute stationary like this, I could write them forever!) of things that we have got done so far, and then of course there's what still needs to be done...


Now that all that is ticked off, I feel so much better! That is, until I turn over and see the To Do list glaring back at me...things like rings, favours and flowers oh my!

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Happiness

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I loved this week's theme for our photo challenge! Thanks to everyone who sent through a submission, they are all just so, well, *happy*.

 Well done everyone :)

And we have a new member to add to our team, welcome Keith! I am looking forward to seeing your photo's!

 As promised, 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!

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}




"Living the good life"
Taken by: Roxy

"Joyous Jess"
Taken by: Keith
"I found happiness"
Taken by: Cathy
Taken by: Natale

Taken by: Lisa 
"Super Zoe-be the hero of your own life story!"
Taken by: Meg

Spruce Salon {Winner}

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Well done to everyone who entered the giveaway! 

The winner of the luxury Esse facial is:

Lizzy!

I will be sending you your voucher this week, and you will have 3 months to redeem your voucher.
Well done!

Here are the details for Spruce for you to make yourself your appointment:

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

Don't forget to check out the Spruce Facebook Page for upcoming specials!

{Forever New} Prettiness

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Love my new Ipad Cover, which was a birthday prezzie from Farmboy from Forever New. 
For all you Durban ladies out there, there is a lovely Forever New store at Gate Way and The Pavillion. 

But be warned, better leave your purses at home as everything in store is drop dead gorgeous!







My School for the next 7 weeks...

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I am currently doing my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through the University of Kwazulu Natal here in Pietermaritzburg. It's only a year course, and along with lectures every day, we have to complete over 11 weeks of practical training in schools. I did my first 5 week practical at a very good ex-model C (thats the new flashy name for Government School) in April, and am currently doing my final 7 week practical at a school in town. It's been a completely different experience for me, one that I have been very excited to sink my teeth into. 

It has been eye opening to say the least (not to mention a little scary at times, especially being greeted by 'No Gun' signs every morning as I walk through the school gates, but I have to and say I am loving it so far!

Here are a few snaps of my class for next few weeks...


Choosing Flowers for your Wedding...

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The task of choosing the who, what, when and where for the flowers for our wedding in September has been one that I have been putting off for a while. But, it is one of the most important things to decide on, as the flowers add to the whole mood of the wedding. Luckily for me, I have a lovely local lady who is helping me to make those decisions, and who is going to be actually doing the flowers as well as my bouquet on the day!



She suggested starting with a trip to the local flower shop and to grab a bucket. Start by picking up every flower that catches your eye, and see what works for you. Don't forget to find out what flowers will be available on the day/during that season and make sure to plan ahead when arranging delivery of the flowers. If the weather looks like it's going to cool the week before the wedding, then you can collect your flowers up to a week before the day to make sure they stay fresh. If it looks like it's going to be a scorcher, best make sure there's a cold room in the area to keep those blooms looking good for your big day. 

#PhotoOfTheWeek...White

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This week we had a very interesting theme for our photo challenge. The theme was 'White'.
Well done to everyone for their submissions, it was great to receive such a variety!

If you would like to take part in our Photo Challnge, simply drop me an email (citygirlsearching@gmail.com) and I will add you to our mailing list. The new theme for the week is send tout to everyone on a monday, and then each team member has until that Sunday evening to submit their photograph to me. It can be as edited or natural as you like...so go wild!

Here are this week's submissions:
"Given angels wings...where might you fly?"
Taken by: Cathy

Taken by: Meg

"White Light"
Taken by: Rob

Taken by: Sue
"Once, I was white"
Taken by: Rachel

Taken by: Lisa

"Driving White"
Taken by: Roxy

African Organics {Hair Care}

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A little while ago, a friend of mine was aksing me what shampoo I used (as she said my hair looked, "healthy & bouncy"). I listed the usual suspects, and she then went on to ask me if I had ever looked at the ingredients list of a shampoo bottle. When I got home, i went straight to the bathroom to have a look. Now, I had read somewhere online that shampoo has many of the same ingredients found in regular household cleaners, and I was schocked to see it for myself! Well, all those nasty things don't seem to be doing my hair too much damage, but you just never know, and the same friend recommended that  I try African Organics, a locally produced hair care range available at Dischem.

Their packaging isn't as flashy as most of the products on the market, but the fact that it is produced right here in KZN definitely made me eager to give it a bash. And for only R39.99 a pop, you can't really go wrong.

The 2-1 Shampoo contains Aloe Ferox {fondly called the 'miracle plant' for its numerous health benefits}.

 The Conditioner for normal hair contains Marula oil {well known as an excellent tissue oil, but it also helps to reduce dryness and breakages in hair. It is sourced from the fallen fruit of the Marula tree.Much beloved by fun-seeking elephants}.

The blurb from the African Organics website:
"African Organics is a holistic hair and body care range designed to bring Africa's most powerful plant ingredients to you, while at the same time contributing to the well-being of Africa's rural communities and its natural heritage.

Our products are good for you and good for the planet. All our products are rapidly biodegradable; by using them you will be contributing to the health of Africa's water courses. We are also endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty.

Our products are 100% African and draw every possible benefit from their source plants, while causing no harm to either man or nature. Using African Organics, you will experience the effectiveness of natural ingredients without added preservatives, and the awareness that what heals you can also help heal Africa".

So far I have loved both of these hair products, and I look forward to trying out more from the range!


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!