The story of {FarmBoy & CityGirl}

A little while ago, the lovely ladies behind Ruby and the Swallow featured our engagement shoot, along with some questions and answers about our relationship. {To read the full post, click here}

I thought I would post our love story here, seeing as we are getting married in 17 days :)


Dale and I met at Rhodes University. We were both heavily involved in the same community project, Galela Amanazi (which means ‘pour the water’. We helped set up water tanks in the surounding townships of Grahamstown). He had been brought on as an environmental consultant, and I was in charge of publicity and media. He was barefoot, shaggy bearded and non-conforming, and I wore earrings that matched the colour of my nails. Complete opposites.



Dale was brought up on a dairy farm, I have lived in concrete jungles my whole life. I remember us discussing this fact as we were paired together to go and find out the cost of sausages for a fundraiser. It turned out that that evening, we were the only two committee members who were able to get together to make T-shirts for the fundraiser the next day. And what followed can only be explained as a whirlwind romance.


You see, I had a boyfriend at the time, of nearly 5 years. We had been doing long distance for the 3 past 3. It was’t easy but we were happy. That is, until I met Dale. In this life you can’t choose who God puts in your life, and who He has destined for you to be with. And if it wasn’t for Dale, I would never have come to know God.


Fast track through 3 years (6 months at University together, a year teaching English to cute little kiddies in South Korea, 6 months living in Pietermaritzburg) and here we are…Engaged! 

Here's to spending the rest of my life with you Farmboy, and adventure I am beside myself with excitement to start with you by my side.


Wedding Seating Plan {Inspiration}


Doors and window panes make for gorgeous additions to any rustic or farm style wedding. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one with the glass in tact, get your writing hand warmed up and get scribbling!

{Source: Style Me Pretty Pinterest Board}
{Source}
Or what about using cute little pegs and string or bakers twine to create your own unique seating plan. A fun DIY project to do with your bridesmaids :)

{Source: Style Me Pretty Pinterest Board}
{Source)
Or what about mixing and matching old frames to create a lovely collage of table numbers? Mix and match the colour, texture, shape and size of your frames until you're happy with the look!

{Source}

Essence Cuticle Moisturiser {review}

I found this little gem at Dischem the other day, while looking for some new polish shades for Spring. My cuticles have been a little dry (leading to my nails not quite looking as healthy as they should) and this cream is exactly what I've been needing. I have always used Sally Hansen's cuticle oil, but being an oil, it's very 'oily' and I end up leaving oily residue all over everything. This cream is super easy to use, with a small nozzle, you just squeeze the cream out onto your cuticles, a little rub here and there and voila! And the smell is great too :)

Find it at Clicks & Dischem for around R29.99 (a steal!)




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RedVelvet CheeseCake Brownies {recipe}


I did a little baking recently, and after all the comments on Instagram (@roxypearce if you'd like to follow along) I just could not keep this recipe to myself :)

If you find the step-by-step photo's a little confusing, all you've gotta do is click here to download the free printable I whipped up for you...it's designed to fit on an A4 page when printed, but printers can be a little funny sometimes, so make sure to check your 'print preview' before printing :)


















#PhotoOfTheWeek...Golden Hour

This past week's theme was a really interesting one, allowing for a lot of creativity! The theme was 'Golden Hour' the last few hours before sunrise or sunset, when the sun leaves a beautiful warm glow on all it touches.

Well done to everyone who has submitted a picture, and a very warm welcome to our newest member, Caley! Welcome Caley, I look forward to seeing all your pictures! 

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!

"How we appreciate the last few hours of sleep"
Taken by: Caley
"From dusk till dawn...they need our protection"
Taken by: Cathy

Taken by: Kaylee

"The golden hours on angel wings Flew o'er me and my Dearie; For dear to me
as light and life Was my sweet Highland Mary"-Robert Burns
Taken by: Keith
"Cape Diem"
Taken by: Lisa

Last day of a 7 week journey...

Yesterday marked the last day of my 7 week teaching practical at a school in the centre of town here in Pietermaritzurg. I am doing my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGCE) which is a year course, through the University of Kwazulu-Natal. I've loved every second of the course, most especially this last practical. It was an amazing journey of discovery for me, and I went through lots of highs, and lots of lows through the process. One can either leave a school like this feeling depressed about the state of our country's education system, or you can choose to see the positive side of it, and see the smiles every day, ad the willingness to learn despite every adversity.

To say thank you, each 'group' in my class prepared a little card and box of goodies to give me, but really, they gave me so much more than I could ever give them. They gave me hugs, smiles, laughs and a lot of very special memories.














Forever New {Ice Cream Parlour}

I just love everything about this Forever New Collection, aptly entitled {Ice Cream Parlour}.

 It makes me want to get in an old convertible, roar down/up (I can never remember which one!) the North Coast to Milk Cafe in Ballito for a chocolate chip frozen treat...feel like joining me?


From Soil to Clay...

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}

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

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}

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

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

"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}

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


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


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