A little bit of beach...

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Here in South Africa we had a lovely long weekend (a great way for some of the country to get started on their Christmas holidays!). Unfortunately, my hubby has to work until Friday. But thats only 3 sleeps away...yippee!

We spent the long weekend at Zinkwazi Beach (just up the North Coast, a little but further up North from Ballito).

Here are a few snaps from our time away
xxx


#PhotoOfTheWeek...Festive

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Today is our last photo challenge for the year! Well done to everyone who submitted a photo...they really are, ummm, well...Festive!

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! 

We will be continuing in the New Year, and if you would like to be a part of our weekly photograph challenge you can drop me an email here
Here are this weeks submission for the theme {Festive}
Taken by: Cayleigh
Taken by: Megs
"Christmas in a snow globe"
Taken by: Natalie
Taken by: Vicky
"Christmas treats!"
Taken by: Roxy

Essie {Lapis of Luxury}

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I have loved this soft powder blue shade on my toe nails for the past 2 weeks (and yes it's still going strong!). Essie really do make great quality polish that lasts for days on end with no chipping (that's if you don't mind the +-R90 price tag!). And they do have such lovely Summer shades out at the moment!

You can find Essie at selected salons, Sorbet Salons & at Dischem for +-R90

Dillon & Michelle {Wedding}

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A few weekends back Farmboy and I headed to Joburg to celebrate two very special friends as they said {I do} at the Moon & Sixpence in Muldersdrift. 
Dillon & Michelle had an awesome wedding blog, which they updated with their recent adventures, accomodation tips and a whole post on the bridal party! Dillon, being a computer wizz, did the whole thing himself...have a squizz here
The day was filled with much love, laughter and friends...thank you Dillon & Michelle for having is be a part of your special day!

And how amazing was her bouquet?! Handmade by the bride herself...skills!
xxx

 


Buttercup Collectibles {I Heart Market}

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This saturday (15th Dec) is the last I Heart Market in Durban for the year, and I will be there with my stand {Buttercup Collectibles} selling loads of lovely vintage goodies!

Think typewriters, pearls, bowls, tins and loads of other delightful bits and pieces from days gone by.

Below are some photo's of what I will have at my stand...

If you're in the area come by to do some last minute Christmas shopping (or even just to say hello!).
Hope to see you there!

xxx














#PhotoOfTheWeek...Sparkle

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Sparkle'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph...They are awesome! 

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! 

We will have one more challenge this week before the New Year, so if you would like to join in, just drop me an email here :)

Here are the submissions for last week's theme:

"Ring bling!"
Taken by: Roxy
Taken by: SueAnne
Taken by: Sue
Taken by: Rosella
Taken by: Tanya
Taken by: Cayleigh

"Rainy sparkle"
Taken by: Nats

Goodies from {Typo}

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If you have yet to wander around the awesome Cotton On store in Sandton, then you better get yourself there in time for their gorgeous range of summer dresses and prints, and shoes and accessories and and and!
AND Cotton On stocks Typo, the coolest range of stationery and other desk must haves ever. Not only are their goodies gorgeous, but their prices are so reasonable!
Here is the latest to add to my collection:
{A4 Journal: R189}
{A4 2013 Diary: R89.99}


Our Wedding {table decor}

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Just over two months ago, I married the man of my dreams...a Farmboy from a tiny little town called Creighton. We got married on his family dairy farm after 6 months of planning, cutting, pasting, sticking, and making tables. 

I will be doing a series of short posts of the different elements of our wedding, click here to see more of our wedding. 

Thanks for reading and following along, I appreciate each and every comment/view from all of you :)

Here are some of the photographs (taken by the wonderfully talented Jacki Bruniquel) of our table decor...

{Photographer: Jacki Bruniquel}

{Mahogany Tiffany chairs: Exclusive Hire Durban}

{Vintage plates & crockery: A Vintage Affair Joburg}

{Straws: In Good Company}

{Glass bottles/jars for flowers etc, books & crochet doilies: various Hospice & SPCA charity shops}

{Wooden Tables: handmade by my father-in-law & hubby!}

NeighbourGoods Market {Braamfontein}

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{Following the success of the Cape Town market, the Johannesburg edition was launched in 2011 in the vibrant neighbourhood of Braamfontein, Johannesburg. In keeping with our commitment to urban regeneration, we chose a venue in the heart of the inner city. The market takes place over two floors of 73 Juta Street, a Johannesburg landmark building featuring a large scale concrete facade by Edoardo Villa. The second floor features an extensive rooftop area with views over the city}

A little exploring around the city centre and you might find yourself at the funky Neighbourgoods Market. Filled to the brim with delicious treats and, go hungry!


EVERY SATURDAY RAIN OR SHINE 9H00 - 15H00
73 JUTA STREET BRAAMFONTEIN
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Sharp

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Sharp'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph...They are awesome! 

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! 

And we have a new member to welcome to the team, welcome Rosella! I look forward to seeing your photo's!

Here are the submissions for last week's theme:
'Sharp fishing hooks'
Taken by: Keith
'Beautifully Sharp'
Taken by: Megs
'Sharp as a pencil'
Taken by: Rosella
Taken by: SueAnne
'Looking Sharp'
Taken by: Susan
'Kitchen Sharp'
Taken by: Roxy
'Sharp Contrast'
Taken by: Vicky
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!

Physicians Formula {Mineral Correcting Powder}

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I've been on the look out for a colour correcting powder for ages, to reduce the redness in my skin tone, so I decided to give the Physicians Formula range a bash. At R145 it's not the cheapest powder on the market, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the results. 

*3-In-1 Corrector + Primer + Powder
*Versatile powder color corrects the most common skin imperfections, smoothes skin texture and evens out skin tone.
*All colors blend together to create a perfect canvas finish: Pink brightens, Green tones down redness and Yellow adds warmth.
*High-tech Japanese formula delivers a natural-looking finish that won't cake, crease or settle into fine lines.

I found the above to all be true, I am able to brush it straight onto my skin after moisturizing, and I don't even have to apply concealer anymore. The brush supplied is a little 'hard' for my liking (although the colours are just lovely), your favourite kabuki/powder brush will do the trick. I must say that after trying out *all* the testers at Dischem, I will most definitely be using more products in the range!

Get your paws on the range at your local Dischem.


Canon SA Expo 2012

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Calling all Canon lovers! 

"Discover the world of imaging products and solutions at the Canon SA Expo 2012. Industry, professionals and the general public are invited to attend this exciting Expo.
Experience products first hand, from DSLR to point and click cameras, professional large format printers to scanners and much more. Canon’s latest technologies and the finalists from the Canon Photographic Competition will also be on show."

The three-day event takes place from Friday, 30 November to Sunday, 2 December 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The Canon SA Expo will be open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily and entrance is free.

{click here for more info}

I will be there to do some last minute Christmas shopping (for myself of course!)
xxx

Soft White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies {recipe}

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The most delicious, melt-in-your mouth, worth-every-calorie cookies I have ever eaten or baked!
And the recipe is so simple...

Ingredients

makes approximately 25 cookies

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour (I used cake flour)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup white chocolate chips (I used a milky bar chopped up)
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

*Line an ungreased cookie sheet with wax paper. Set aside.

*In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed until fluffy and light in color. Mix in egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides as needed. On low speed, mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in white chocolate chips & dried cranberries.


*Chill dough (covered) for 30 minutes or up to 3 days.


*Preheat oven to 180C. Drop balls of dough  onto cookie sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes, until barely golden brown around the edges. Do NOT cook them longer than 9 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5-10 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling rack.




*Do not drop dough onto warm cookie sheets. Allow cookie sheets to cool completely between batches.


{thanks to Sally's Baking Addiction for the recipe!}

Rosehurst Tea Garden {Pietermaritzburg}

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Whenever my mom pops into Pietermaritzburg to visit me, we head down to Rosehurst for tea (and usually something yummy to nibble on too). It's such a tranquil place to sip tea, read a book, update your antique collection, or take a stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens...you will feel as though you've stepped into another world.

With so many rooms to browse, make sure your purse is at the ready. A bookshop, a chocolate menagerie, a china room full of gorgeous collectibles and a cafe bursting with yummy flavors...I never leave empty handed :)

My lovely mom! 
239 Boom Street, Pietermaritzburg
033 394 1443

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Pastel

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Pastel'. Well done to everyone who 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!

Here are last week's submissions...

Taken by: Tanya
Taken by: Cayleigh
Taken by: SueAnne

Taken by: Kayleigh
Taken by: Sue
Taken by: Natalie
Taken by: Roxy

Our Wedding {The Ceremony}

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{photo's by Jacki Bruniquel}

{Candles in the Barn rented all the way from Joburg from Rent a Candle}

{Confetti was dried Erika (lovely purple flower that looks a little like Lavender) very environmentally friendly!}

{Chandelier hand made by my Step Dad}