Sweet memoirs..

Writing has always come very naturally to me, and I'm grateful to many including my parents who nurtured my passion for reading and inspiring such a great love in my life. At times it can be very daunting, and yes there are days when I've been completely up against a wall. 

Having amazing content however, makes writing just a little bit more of a breeze. In this case, more like a sultry ocean breeze.

I popped by another sweet little soirée at the Jo Malone boutique in Canal Walk, to celebrate the launch and experience some Wood Sage & Sea Salt Fragrance.

Instead of the traditional signature black ribbon, Wood Sage & Sea Salt has sailors rope and knots as part of the packaging. So in keeping with this theme, ladies were treated to a jewellry making workshop on how to tie bracelet knots, creatively clever I know. I opted for a simpler baby blue bead because the whole tying of knots was a bit too much for me. 

Coming back to the fragrance, one would imagine sea salt to be an odd combination in any fragrance, but knowing Jo Malone, I graciously accept the unexpected. I love how one's sense of smell has this amazing way of triggering memories, and associating it with a particular time in your life. Inspired by the English coast, a feeling of being caught in a comforting fresh salty ocean breeze, with waves splashing onto white sandy shores is exactly how this scent made me feel. It gave me happy thoughts and childhood memories about balmy summer days. It's clean, it's earthy, it's fresh, it's subtly woody with the sultry sage also playing around there quite happily.

With Jo Malone, every fragrance is possible. If you new to the brand, this is an amazing fragrance as a first purchase. For those in the know, it's a wonderful addition to your Jo collection. 

Here's to new memories and blissful sunny days

Happy weekend..xx

How do I love..thee?

My lip obsession hasn't seemed to have subsided of late, and I don't suspect it will either. I'm still milling around the glam counters, buying and testing amazing products so much so that I decided to take a rather huge leap down this amazing road of beauty and cosmetics. Yes, Alice has new adventures and hopefully soon I can shed some more light, but that's a rabbit hole for another day.

So while I was daydreaming, another posh British brand seems to have landed on our shores, bringing with it doses of fruitylicious treats. Tropical infusions of mango & papaya, strawberry & coconut creams or dreams or something, to name but a few of the delishously silly fruity potions. The full range includes bath and body products, lotions and lip treatments with colour glosses. I'm not sure if the entire range has landed yet as I only stumbled across the lip treatments at a local department store.

It's called  I love...

...and maybe over time we may just fall in love. 

I tried the raspberry & blackberry lip balm, and lemon & lime. A bit of an ice lolly moment going there and somewhat reminiscent of summer beach days, with tropical fruits that smell heavenly and glide on as smooth as a fresh fruit smoothie. It's moisturizing and nourishing as most lip balms go. So I guess, another mini pot to the collection. Reasonably priced and actually a tad cheaper than another British cosmetic brand that seems to have taken the Cape by storm.

A little bit of love to add to my collection..

Happy weekend guys..xx

 

Hellllloooo Sephora..

Who doesn't like to get a little black and white delivery every now and then, and yes I simply adore Sephora. It's like a little bit of make up heaven whenever I get the opportunity to pop in. I was extremely disappointed when the store in Saudi was closed every time I went shopping a couple weeks ago as I love to make international beauty purchases whenever I can. 

Ok so what's inside the bag..

Rouge velouté sans tranfert Cream Lip Stain...yay me! 

A velvety smooth stain that glides on application, stays on your lips and doesn't move. I found no residue on my teeth which always happens after I apply a red lip, and no color bleeding. It's a classic intense red, but oh so sexy. I think I found the ONE..

There's not much to review here..my work is done. It's perfection!!

Happy Thursday loves..mmmmwah!

Beauty Banter..

I get asked this question quite often, and a lot lately.

What's my beauty regime and what range of products I use? And my response generally to everything is...you have to do what works for you and the skin you're in.

The beauty counters and stores are filled with literally hundreds of brands, some that have been around for many years and some new and innovative potions that promise to perform some sort of miracle.

Reviews and results from products are based on the individual, just because some bloggers endorse brands and look like a million dollars, doesn't necessarily mean it's going to do the same for your skin. In an ideal world maybe, but not this one. The gene pool is a huge influencing factor and some woman are just blessed with a better quality skin than others. 

Trying new products really is trial and error as one cannot know how your skin is going to react to lashings of new products. I can tell you horror stories about how I've gone through so many different brands at a huge cost of course, and then it just doesn't work for me or has me breaking out. I end up throwing it out because I cannot recommend something that I personally am not happy with. The thing is, it probably would be just fabulous for your skin. And the beauty about all this beauty mumbo jumbo is that its exactly the same fine thread that runs through this wonderful journey of life. I don't know what's going to be the best possible product for you, you need to make that discovery all on your own.

All I do is try and make the decision a bit easier by showing products that I personally love, if I don't I'm also going to tell you that it's pretty awful. 

I've been thinking about what woman want and I always try to keep it relevant to what I want. I want truth, I want honesty and yes maybe I do get some free stuff, but that doesn't sway me. I must admit, I do tend to splurge on high end beauty products, but I also mix and match different brands and use simpler cheaper products to create a regime that works for me. 

Your skin changes all time, so what you may have been using five years ago is not necessarily working for you right now, and maybe you havent even noticed because all seems good in that department. 

We all get tired of doing the same thing and similarly so does your skin. Harsh environmental changes, air conditioners etc all affect you. Give your skin a breath of fresh air, with something as simple as changing the cleanser that you've been using since you left school, or add a facial mist to combat anti-oxidants. 

Ultimately, be comfortable with your choices and accept the skin you're in. You may not look like the girl in the magazine but you may just be pleasantly surprised with the small change.

That's my bit of beauty banter for this cold Tuesday morning..

Hugs and xx

Baby..Baby..Baby..OH!

So I'm back from my travels and I'm just checking on how those gorgeous lips have been during these past couple of weeks? 

I'm just sooo inlove with the Maybelline BabyLips moisturizers which come in Oh sooo cute, adorable packaging which makes you want to grab one in every flavor, which is precisely what I did. I must admit, packaging sways me a lot when making purchases..💕

I went with the Hydrate, Intense Care and Peach Kiss which has a little color for a naturally fresh & dewy kiss, and to top that they're all super sweetly fragranced as well.

Super soft, super hydration, super nourishing treatment for your precious pouts when you need an extra bit of love..

They are an absolute steal at about R24.95 a pop, so grab a tube or two and pop into your purse.

Fabulous Monday loves..💕

Beauty Rescue101..

The beautiful month of Ramadan is upon once again and I decided that in my absence and because I know I've been a bit busy lately, I need to leave some beauty tips behind.
I know you lovely ladies all take somewhat of a make up sabbatical during this time but these simple tricks can leave you feeling and looking fresh as spring daisies.

1. The lips tend to take quite a beating during this period as you find you're licking them more than usual. Try not to lick them!! I apply a delish lip sugar scrub to get rid of excess dry skin. **Please do this outside of fasting hours as I do not want to get into serious trouble if you interpret this incorrectly. It's sugar based and deliciously tempting so please adhere to the rules. Apply lashings of a good vitamin lip balm and this can be done liberally and throughout the day. There really is no excuse for dry chapped lips, and its a complete eyesore to look at.

2. As the days are quite cold as well, you don't realise that your skin can become very dehydrated because of you not drinking and eating. Think dried PRUNES!!
On waking I do a rose water cleanse and spritzer mist which I use during the course of the day as well..mouth closed at all times!! Decant your rose water which I told you how to make in a previous post into a handy pocket sized spray atomiser and pop into your bag for use during the day. It saves on expensive moisturiser in between your prayers as well. Chanel Hydra Essence beauty mist is amazing if you feel like your skin needs some extra love..♥♥

3. . Moisturise..moisturise..and moisturise again!

4. I tend to look more washed out during this time but after all my moisturising and facial sprays I give my cheeks a good old pinch to get the blood flowing adding a rosy blush the natural way.

5. Keep eyebrows neat and well groomed. I know some do not remove anything from this area but like I always say 'Each to their Own. Invest in an eyebrow brush and tidy up as its the frame to your beautiful picture.

6. Hydrate!! As cliche as this whole drinking water may sound, it can't be any truer. Your body loses so much water and minerals during the day and that's why you feel fatigued during the fasting period. Forget about the fizzy drinks. Drink up and quench your skin thirst.

7. You're spending a great deal baking & cooking and what's worse than ugly hands and yellow tumeric stained nails! Dip those fingers in a warm bleach soapy bowl for a quick brighten. Weekdays are busy I know, but on the weekend book yourself a paraffin wax dip for your hands. Believe me yaaaalll thank me later. Don't forget to creme those hands before you doze off to slumberland..♥

Keep safe..keep warm
And a blessed Ramadan to you all
Lots of love xx

Daddy love..❤️❤️

It's Father's Day weekend so I've compiled a list of heavenly treats for the amazing men in your life. I do so love a man who takes care of his appearance, and if he doesn't..well then it's best you do your bit and nudge him in the right direction. In fact, I love birthdays and any occasion to buy gifts and I normally do a combination of different things just to keep it interesting.

1. If he's the sporty type, then a good mustard bath soak is perfect for those tired muscles. It's therapeutic and soothing, and great for just a relaxing hot tub chill. 

2. I LOVE Lancome and so I was quite excited about this 'Lancôme Loves Men' campaign. Cleansers, moisturizers, anti-ageing and shaving products to keep him looking fabulous and fresh faced for years to come. It's never too early or too late to start beauty routines and make sure to give him some quick tips as to "how to" if he's a newbie. Trust me..he will appreciate the extra attention.

3. Those who know me well, know that I am head over heels..stars in my eyes kind of lovestruck with the Jo Malone cologne intense range, a perfect buy for both. The Velvet Rose and Oud has an alluring scent so provocative and indulgent, but yet still not overwhelming and I'm dreaming Arabian nights and desert safaris ala 'Sex in the City' style.

4. Massage treatments like manis and pedis are a real treat..I mean who doesn't love smooth sultry caresses instead of rough touches. Do a dual booking for you and your baby daddy/husband and you can enjoy it together.

5. A variety of good quality chocolates always tops my list. No explanation required.

6. And then Brunch is always a good idea..whip up a couple of pancakes with sweet strawberries, some fresh fruit and a little sparkling something to drink and get all the kids around the table. The love of a family is the best gift anyone can receive.

I don't have the luxury of having my dad around..so I spend these special days with those closest in my life. Love and appreciate who you have in your life..for tomorrow is never certain..❤️❤️

Keep warm and cosy this loooong weekend..

Big bear hugs

Xx