From Soil to Clay...

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After our lesson on soil a few weeks back, I realised we I had a whole bucket of clay and some very itchy hands which were not being put to good use! My Grade 2 class was very fidgety after a whole week of miserable weather, so I decided to shake things up and let them get their hands dirty...








Just in case you're a little puzzled as to what they are making, our lesson was on transport. So I had some "limo's" "GTI's", and "snowmen"?!

Goodies from {Mr Price Online}

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Sunday night order placed, Wednesday afternoon and I had my hands full with a package full of pastel prettiness! What a pleasant experience I had with Mr Price's new online venture. No more waiting in horrid queue's, and no more frustrations of not finding my size! A few pic's of my latest haul from
Mr P.














#PhotoOfTheWeek...Change

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This week we had a very interesting theme for our photo challenge. The theme was 'Change'.
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 sent out 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:

"Other things may change but we start and end with the family"
Taken by: Keith
"A changing season brings with it, a need to change our exercise habits!"
Taken by: Roxy

"Changing Beauty"
Taken by: Meg
"Hello World"
Taken by: Cathy

Columbo Coffee {Durban}

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Deep in the heart of the city (now when I say deep, I mean deep! Think factory centre of the city deep) lies an awesome place to get your hands on freshly ground coffee. 

I am inserting the blurb from their website, as it does a pretty fine job of explaining what Columbo is all about...

"The Colombo story began many years ago when a young James Brown Richardson, who was employed by Thornton Tea and Coffee, was called to service during the First World War. An Australian veteran of the Siege of Ladysmith, he decided to move to South Africa some years before as he had grown fond of this charming land during a visit. After catching Malaria in East Africa during WW1, he was invalided out. When James (fondly known as "Jas B") returned, he found that his employers had gone under and that he would have to carve his own path in order to continue in the industry that he loved. In 1917, Jas B opened his own shop in Johannesburg, South Africa and began to provide Tea and Coffee to the mines in and around the Transvaal (now known as Gauteng). But in 1922, when Jas B could not deliver to strikers during the Rand rebellion, he was forced to pack up his shop and move to Durban due to the threats of the strikers involved.

It was in 1923 that Jas B together with his son, Norman Richardson (who was only 17 at the time) founded The Colombo Tea Agency in a basement of the old Barnes & McFie Arcade in Durban. The Colombo Tea Agency was based on the Richardson family’s knowledge and “nothing but utmost value” approach to Tea and Coffee. The Colombo Tea Agency, specialists in Tea, Coffee and Cocoa, would continue to make their mark on the people of Durban through harsh times and dark realities, to the silver lining and even brighter future.

Fast forward to the early seventies - the Richardson family business was well supported in their decision to turn down offers in buying their West Street property (the original micro-coffee roastery and shop) as a part of a development project in 1972. In refusing to give way to big business, Norman Richardson, then MD of the company, quickly became a people’s hero receiving a flood of appreciative letters from all over the country.

Colombo Tea & Coffee Co. has undergone many changes, but time has taken kindly to the Colombo legacy and the preservation of our ideals. Our Mission since 1917 has been "To never compromise on the value of fine Tea and Coffee and Cocoa, and to spread our love of these fine beverages to all that we come into contact with". We now have the opportunity to communicate this message with the entire International community, showing our knowledge and skills, passed down to us through generations of passionate research and development. Our young team is comprised of passionate roasters, blenders and baristas dedicated to the artisan science of flavour, especially the complex characteristics found in tea and coffee. Lead by Victor Richardson (fourth generation director of Colombo) and Kyle Fraser (the young blood and breath of life into Colombo) commitment to the local audience and web of local ‘business partners’ we are destined to spread our unique message to an eager market!"
Who wouldn't want to pop in for a cuppa now?!










Colombo Tea & Coffee Co. PTY (Ltd)
369 Gale Street, Durban, KZN, SA 
Tel: (031) 205 3283 
Fax: (086) 591 5539

OPENING HOURS 
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:30 
Sat: 9:00-14:00 
Public Holidays: CLOSED

FarmBoy & CityGirl...a year past

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I was

stalking

 looking at some old photo's on Facebook a little while ago and I came across these lovely photo's that our wonderfully talented photographer friend Sophie took of Farmboy and myself in Grahamstown last year. Farmboy and I met while studying at Rhodes, and we returned 2 years later for a friends wedding and of course to experience the National Arts Festival again.

Sophie took our engagement photo's earlier this year too! If you are looking for a super awesome photographer, pop on over to her website and get in touch with her, you won't be sorry!

So a year has past since these photo's, and in one months time, we will be married. Photographs are a wonderful thing don't you think, helping to preserve all the good (and sometimes it's not just the good, sad memories are captured inside photographs too). Go take a walk down memory lane, whether it's your Facebook timeline, or an old album...make yourself a nice cup of tea and take a moment to appreciate where you are, or where just how far you have come in life.

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Broken

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"We are all wonderful, beautiful wrecks. That's what connects us - that we're all a bit broken, all beautifully imperfect" Emilio Estevez
Taken by: Cathy
Taken by: Kaylee
Taken by: Keith
"Broken, but not forgotten"
Taken by: Megs
Taken by: Sue

"A good friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg, even though you are slightly cracked" Bernard Meltzer
Taken by: Roxy
Taken by: Lisa

Lee's {Hens Party}

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My old flat-mate is getting married, 7 days before me in September this year. It was wonderful sharing in her Hens Party (and catching a little glimpse into what's in store for me too!).

Here are  a few pic's of our weekend away in Ballito (notice, not one beach photo!):




The beautiful bride to be...






Lee is marrying a doctor, hence the outfit below :)






Lee, I can't wait to share in your special day! Wishing you and Rob a lifetime of happiness and joy! xxx

Winter Beauty Fav's

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I nearly thought I was too late to post this, with Pietermaritzburg hitting the 30 degree mark...but then this happened and I realised we still have at least a few weeks of winter to go!

A few of my favourite beauty goodies for winter:

1. Epi-Max All Purpose Moisturiser {Clicks & Dischem +-R40}
As I have quite sensitive skin, I have to be really careful what I use on my body. This has been a very hard thing for me to accept as I love products (one glance at my bathroom cabinet and you will have mistaken it for a shelf at Dischem!) but alas, too many petrochemicals and added scents leaves me looking like I have escaped from a leoprasy village...not a good look for me. So I stick to the bare minimum, and have found this body moisturiser to be nourishing and creamy on my skin. I wouldn't use it in Summer though, with the heat it would leave your skin feeling clammy and heavy. But for winter its perfect!

2. L'oreal Mythic Oil {Selected Hair Salons +-R180}
I actually got this full sized product in one of my Ruby Boxes at the end of last year. I hadn't used it very much, and got such a nice surprise when I tried it again a few weeks ago. My hair has been feeling a little neglected this winter, with my ends looking a bit frazzled. A few pumps of this hair oil, a little massaging tlc and my hair is left feeling shiny, soft and smelling amazing!

3. Clarins Pure & Radiant Mask {Dischem & selected salons +-R320}
A little while ago I really treated myself to a Clarins Facial At Hotel Izulu in Ballito, and while there I decided to be a devil and purchase the mask used. It's one of nicest face masks I have ever used, leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed. It claims to leave the skin looking radiant and refined, I haven't really noticed that much radiance going on, but I love the texture and the softness of my skin afterwards. But it is rather pricey , and as much as I love it, when it's finished I'm not sure I will top up my stash.

4. Essence Studio Nails Cuticle Cream {Clicks & Dischem +-R29}
A while ago I wrote a post on Essence make up, which at that time was only available at selected Clicks stores, but since then is now available and in a much wider range at most Dischems. Essence has found a rather large spot in my makeup bag, with all their products being such good value for money, and being really good quality too! This cuticle cream is no excpetion. Cuticle oil and creams are an inexpensive way of nourish your nails, and in turn helping you grow strong, healthy nails. My nails always take a bit of a beating in winter, and this cuticle cream not only smells fantastic but leaves my nails looking well cared for.

5. Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum {Body Shop +R120}
Now that this serum is nearly finished...sniff sniff.. I most certainly need to re-stock. This serum is absolutely perfect for any skin looking for a bit of moisture surge. I use it under my daily moisturiser. It makes the perfect make-up base, and doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or looking shiny. I wound't use this if you have very oily skin though, and I wont be using it in Summer, and the humidity would probably lead to shiny looking skin, but for now it's perfect for those days when your day cream is just not cutting it.

6. ESSE Deep Moisturiser {Selected Stockist Full Size R290}
**full review of this magical product to follow soon!** In the mean time, just know that I have been searching high and low for a product that I can actually read the back label and not feel like I have been thrown head first into a science experiement. All ESSE products are 100% organic, produced right here in Kwazulu Natal. I got this sample when I went for the most incredible ESSE Facial at Spruce Salon in Morningside Durban and have just purchased the full size product and I am loving it!

7. Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream {Clicks R170} 
*full review click here* 8 months down the line and I am still using this wonder product. It is probably the only product I have bought 3 times in a row! It also lasts for ages, and leaves a very slight shimmer effect, which is just so pretty. 

8. Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment {Dischem +-R50}
I have been using DCT ever since I first went onto Roaccutane for my skin 8 years ago. It's a staple in my handbag, make up bag, pencil case and pocket! Cocoa Butter, Aloe and Vitamins A & E all help to maintain healthy, moist, kissable lips. DCT leaves my lips with a very soft sheen, meaning I don't have to wear any lipgloss over. With my long nails it's a little but of a pain to get out the tub, but whats left over after using on my lips I use on my cuticles! Miracle product for sure!  


Do you have any beauty favourites for winter??

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Macro

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I was so excited to see this week's submissions for the weekly photo challenge, and boy was I not disappointed. The colour in each and every photo is sublime! Well done to everyone who sent through a photograph! 
And, a {huge} congratulations to Rachel, who got engaged this past week. Her photo is below, showcasing her gorgeous ring! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness Rachel!
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}

This week's theme was Macro...here are the submissions:


"The flower that blooms in adversity, is the most rare and beautiful of all"
Taken by: Meg
"Luscious Lashes"
Taken by: Keith
"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world" Theo Buscaglia
Taken by: Cathy

Taken by: Lisa
Taken by: Rachel
"A little Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie never hurt anyone"
Taken by: Roxy

Taken by: Tammy

How to {follow} a blog...

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This little post won't be a long one, but hopefully an informative one for my readers who are unsure of what it means to 'follow' a blog.

Following can be done in many ways, the first, which is what most people refer to when they ask "Are you a follower" is done through Google Friend Connect:


You use this little goodie to follow a blog using your email address, and if you have a blog already, when the other blogs you follow post new content, you get a notification on your blogger dashboard. Just click the image to follow CityGirlSearching this way, or click here to do the same. The little number tells me how many people have followed my blog through this way.

Another way to follow is through twitter, facebook or pinterest. Most blogs have got little buttons at the top of their blog which look something like this:


If you are on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest, then you can connect with peoples blogs using your own personal profile. This is great for staying up to date with blogs while on the move. When i take photo's of peoples products etc, I make sure that I try whenever possible to tag those stall holders in my post, using their blog link or Facebook pages.
 It's a nice way to share a bit of love.

Also you can follow a blog their rss feed (the little dot with the waves coming of it) or by subscribing to the blog and getting a email sent to you whenever the blog is updated:


All in all, the choice is yours just how you follow a blog, pick one (or two/three/four!) ways to follow to keep in touch and make sure you never miss out on new content :)

xxx

{I Heart Market}

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A few of my favourite stalls at the I Heart Market Market in Durban last Saturday...

Enjoying a delicious freshly squeezed orange, apple & ginger juice with the lovely Lieschen

Freshly Found

Rollin Vintage

Soft Hearted

Anna Bella Designs

Ikhaya

Token Ceramics
*a more detailed post to follow soon with lots more pic's!* 

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!