Cetaphil {face care review}

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I recently had a short stint on a generic form of Ruaccutane for my problem skin. I had been on Ruaccutane when I was in High School and it had done wonders for my skin, but for who knows what reasons, my skin decided to act up again. I tried all sorts of lotions and potions, anti-biotics and finally had had enough, so I chatted to my Doctor about another course of these pills. I can't even begin to explain what a difference I've seen in my skin. It is crystal clear now, and I barely ever wear any foundation anymore.

But, although seeming to be a wonder product, there are lots of side effects to this drug, and anyone considering it should have a thorough chat to their doctor before making a decision. For me the worst side effect was dryness. My skin, nose, lips and hair became incredibly dry (this was great as my hair just never got greasy) but not so great as nothing I tried could take away the dryness. Finally, I thought I would give Cetaphil a try. I had always heard dermatologists recommended Cetaphil to their patients  before or after any treatments, but the packaging always looked so unappealing. And considering that I am a self confessed package junkie (often buying products just because they look pretty on the shelf...how silly I know!) I was reluctant at first.

But, these plain little bottles and tubes were a life saver. They were the only products that calmed my skin, restored moisture, and left my face feeling supple, fresh, and clean all day. The UVA/UVB defense is excellent for sun protection, and although it does leave the skin a little greasy, wrinkles aren't a good look either, and you can feel the protection on your skin from the get go. All products in the range are fragrance free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making them perfect for any number of sensitive skins.

I found these to be much cheaper at Dischem than Clicks, with savings of more than R50 per product at the time of purchase. The Cleansing Lotion 125ml was around the R65 (if i can remember correctly) and the Moisturizing Cream & UVA/UVB Defense were both around the R80 mark. All in all these products were fantastic for my very dry skin, and I would definitely recommend them.

Our Wedding {The Food}

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Here are some photographs (taken by our awesome photographer on the day Jacki Bruniquel) of the food we had at our wedding in September last year. Farmboy and I were very particular about the kind of food we were after, we were wanting mezze style platter with lots and lots of choice for everyone. We had the most phenomenal catering company Harris & Homes, headed up by the wonderful Sarah. 

Our menu was written up on home made chalkboards which were hung up above the food. Canape starters were served outside while the guests mingled and chatted during the family photo session.

Salads, sides and mains were served on gorgeous wooden boards, with sauces and jams served in little glass bottles.

Our dessert station/Candy Bar, was placed on a beautiful on yellow wood cabinet type stand that Farmboy found himself, and jars were filled with every sweetie you can think of. 

We opted for red-velvet cupcakes as well as a rose topped red-velvet cake for our wedding cake.

Every last detail was thought of, and Sarah helped to make all our foodie dreams come true. See for yourself...

 {photographer: Jacki Bruniquel}

{catering: Sarah from Harris & Homes Boutique Catering in Durban}

A lunch date at Wolves Cafe, Illovo

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This past weekend I had a very quick trip up to Joburg (Farmboy is away in Zambia so I thought a very quick visit home was in order). I met up with my dear friend and recent maid of honour at my wedding, Louise. Here are some snaps from our lunch date at one of our favourite hang out places, Wolves Cafe in Illovo. By the by, their red-velvet cake is to die for!

The lovely lady behind the cafe, Angie has an awesome blog called Luck Pony. Go and pay her a visit, you won't be disappointed as her blog is filled to the brim with goodies that will have you scrolling for hours.

Valentines Day DIY Lesson Idea

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So, as of 4 weeks ago, I was offered a teaching post at a lovely Primary school here in Pietermaritzburg. I can't believe just how suddenly everything has happened! I am the new Grade 3 teacher and I am loving every second of it. Its crazy hard work, lots of admin, lots of listening to lots of kiddies tell you about their latest pencil case or their mommy's favourite type of chocolate, but at the end of the day I can happily say that look forward to the next day. I worry that my kids aren't learning enough language skills or Afrikaans, but I know we make up for it in computers (all my 8 year olds can now use PowerPoint!) and in English where we have been writing all sorts of weird and fascinating stories about what happens when the electricity goes off.

Here is what I made my little ones for Valentines Day. So easy, looks great and promotes reading...what a win!

How to clean your makeup brushes...

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When I invested in my first proper {grown up} makeup brush, my MAC 18 foundation brush pictured top right, I had no idea that it would need to be looked after and cleaned. I was under the impression I would rinse it under the tap for a few seconds every few weeks. But, after giving all my brushes a quick spring clean after investing in MAC's brush cleaner (click here for a post on spring cleaning your brushes that I wrote a little while ago) I saw just how filthy these little guys can get. And thats what we are putting on our faces everyday! EEK!

So here is a post on how to give your brushes a deep clean, which I would recommend doing once a week. It's super easy, very budget friendly, and will keep your brushes in top condition lasting for many years to come.

Greek doors...

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A selection of photographs of the doors we walked past and through while on our honeymoon in Greece last year...each and every one had a story to tell, be it through colour, texture, position or age. Each day we stumbled across more and more closed doors, holding secrets we would never know.



Coffee & Pancakes

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Last night Farmboy and I decided to have a {coffee & pancake} evening after perfecting the perfect pancake recipe last week. Lots of sweet fillings and good company made for a delightful evening. Go on, treat yourself to a little light and fluffy indulgence...

Tandoor Indian Restaurant, Pietermaritzburg

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Who doesn't love a good curry?! Here in Pietermaritzburg we are practicably neighbors to the home of all things curry related, {I'm talking about Durbs!} and so finding the perfect curry restaurant should be easy peasy...but alas i have been put off by the high prices and slow service in most of the other Indian restaurants in town.

 A little while ago when my lovely mom was visiting us newly weds, she treated us to a delish dish from Tandoor Indian Restaurant in town. Fresh garlic butter naans, creamy Korma's and basmati rice served hot and fresh left us with very full tummy's and plans to return as soon possible.

Situated in an old school Victorian classic home, the atmosphere lends itself to sharing not just good food, but good company and conversation.


Find them at:
319 Bulwer Street, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 033 342 8853 or 083 263 0733 (Jaswant Singh).

Candy & Clyde say I do...

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A few photographs of Candy & Clydes wedding that took place in early January in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The weather did not cooperate (being Zim we were all prepared for mid to high temperatures of 35C and upwards! But instead got rain and clouds for three days!).
Even still, it was such a special occasion, one filled with love and laughter and lots of God.
Candy & Clyde, it was such an honour to be there at your wedding, thank you for having us!
{I have just started a new Facebook page as a way of showcasing some of my photography...the name of it is RoxyPictures. I'd love it if you stopped over there and said hello...click here to visit RoxyPictures}

Farm Snaps...

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A few snaps from our lovely relaxing weekend on Farmboy's family dairy farm!

{I hope you like my new branding & watermark! I have gone from CityGirlSearching Photography to RoxyPictures! You can see more of my work on my Facebook page here}


Our Wedding {flowers}

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Here are the flowers that I/we chose for our wedding in September last year. I didn't want anything over the top, but opted for simple and pretty, with a little bit of a farm feel thrown in.
I had two wonderful local Creighton ladies help me with the flowers (as well as all the 
 and arranging), Gail & Rene, you ladies are just the bees knees!

The flowers all came from Midlands Flower Hub (at Southgate Mall in Pietermaritzburg). Cathy was wonderful to work with and really helped make the rose choices easy peasy!

I had begged, borrowed and scavenged loads and loads of glass bottles for the flowers (anything and everything from All gold bottles, to salt and pepper grinders, to vases and wine bottles!) and I was so very happy with how it all worked out.

{photographer: Jacki Bruniquel}

{New Friends}

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I have known Rachel for about a week now. It's funny how sometimes people just wander into your life unexpectedly, and I mean in the good way. A few days ago Rachel she told me she would be in the Pietermaritzburg area and I told her i'd love to meet for coffee. 
We did just that. And talked non-stop for hours.
Then she introduced me to her good friend CC, who is the incredible photographer behind CC Rossler Photography right here in Durban. Here are some photo's CC took of Rachel & her soon to hubby Elijah on their engagement shoot in Westville.
Aren't they just lovely?! {the actual photographs and the subjects themselves!)


You can visit Rachels blog "And Aussie in Africa" by clicking here :)

{Roadtrip} to Zimbabwe

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Early January, Farmboy & I headed off on a road trip to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe for two very special friends wedding. Farmboy had very limited leave, so it was a very quick trip (well as fast as 1200 k's there and another 1200 k's back can be).

After getting all our documents sorted (gosh there are so many details to have sorted when crossing the Zim border!) we were on our way! 
After hearing horrific things about the Beit Bridge border post, we went through Botswana, and into Zim through Plumtree. We had no issues at either of the borders, and apart from my car battery dying on the way back and having to push start every time we stopped, the trip went off without a hitch. 

Nothing like exploring a bit of Africa...

Chocolate Almond Biscotti {recipe}

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Ingredients

3/4 cup (110 grams) blanched whole almonds (you can blanch them yourself *click here* or do what I did and buy them already blanched)
2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups (230 grams) all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (110 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped into bite-sized chunks (can use chocolate chips)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Toast almonds for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool & set aside.


Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the sugar and eggs on high speed until thick, pale, and fluffy (about 5 minutes). At this point beat in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the egg mixture and beat until combined.


Fold in the chopped almonds and chocolate.


Transfer the dough to a well floured counter and roll into a log shape, about 30 cm long and 9 cm wide. You may have to flour your hands to form the log as the dough is quite sticky. Place on your baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutesor until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.


Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Transfer the log to a cutting board and cut into about 1.25 cm slices, on the diagonal.
Place the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, turn slices over, and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.


Adapted from Joy of Baking