31 August 2015

WONDER MARKET - CHRIS SAUNDERS PARK GATEWAY

The Wonder Market at Chris Saunders Park (Gateway) is held on the last Sunday of every month 
and has been around for a couple of years now. 
Living literally a five minute walk away I hang my head in shame,
as yesterday was my first visit. Unfortunately it has been "my" loss all of this time, 
as it's a lovely family friendly food and craft market. Set in the grassy open spaces of a neighbourhood park it has something for everyone, especially "foodies".
Checkered clothed tables and seating form a festive communal eating and drinking area where your delicious purchases can enjoyed.
It was so nice to see that all the stalls were manned by genuine crafters, designers and food lovers and there wasn't any commercial mass produced crap in sight! (not that I saw anyway)
This "Wonder" of a market is well worth a visit and your next chance will be on Sunday 27th September 2015.
I'm looking forward to their December market, which I am sure will be full of wonderful Christmas gifting ideas.
Here are a few pics to give you an idea of what to expect.
Enjoy!




Chris Saunders Park

The Strawberry Cafe Mojito and Strawberry Daiquiri

I was in Strawberry Heaven

My Lemonade

Ponta Paella

Olives

Hand made Minions 1 eye or 2 eyes R100

Kids Tepee's R645

Ready for a home in your garden

African Curios

Something Old

Up cycle

Garden Goodies

Some of my foodie buys breads,muffins,hummus and chilli Olives

30 August 2015

SUNDAY SKETCHES - ONLY DIOR

Dior is the focus of this weeks Sunday Sketches, a couple of these I would love to hang on the walls of my soon to be completed office at home.
Enjoy!





26 August 2015

L'OCCITANE PIVOINE SUBLIME TINTED LIP BALM {REVIEW}

It's no secret that I love the French brand L'Occitane and I was recently sent several products to review, which is such a difficult thing to do I know...
however I forced myself and my first review on the newly launched 
Perfecting Pivoine Sublime range was yet another one of those 
"fall in love with" products. 

To read more


One of my "must haves" for many years now and can be found at all times in my handbag, 
has been the L'Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balmso I was a little hesitant 
to try this new, rather "red" looking 
Pivoine Sublime Tinted Lip Balm - Rose Nude. 


L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Tinted Lip Balm SPF 25 - Rose Nude


The colour surprised me somewhat, as I was convinced it was not the correct shade "pour Moi" and was certain it would be too red and intense. 
Then I engaged my brain and took my direction from both the name of the product (tinted lip balm) and the shade name (Rose Nude) and onto my lips it glided giving a beautiful soft and subtle colour.
In addition to moisturizing my lips, thanks to the wonderful inclusion of Shea butter, it also contains the core ingredient of the Pivoine Sublime range - Natural Peony Extract, which by the way smells divine. 
Add in a protecting mineral-based SPF 25 sunscreen and this tinted lip balm gave me a comforting, 
protective subtle tint with some shine.


Rose Nude


Yet another product success from L'Occitane, as the Pivoine Tinted Lip Balm is more than a balm but not quite a lipstick. 
I can't help feeling a little bit of a traitor though to my faithful 
Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balm, 
but this new lip balm on the "block" does have that all important SPF 25 and of course the tint.
Another feature that I like is the screw cap which is far more secure than the "pull on n off" cover of the Ultra Rich Shea Lip Balm.
(Hopefully my lid now stays on the lip balm in my handbag)
It retails for R220 which is a litle pricey but remember it is a lip tint, treatment and sunscreen for your lips.


There are 3 shades to choose from Rose Nude, Rose Plum or Rose Amber and for those not wanting any tint, a transparent is also available. 

Check out this short video to view the shades






Available at all L'Occitane Boutiques countrywide or you can order online






18 August 2015

SIP N SEE AT THE OYSTER BOX HOTEL



From the 1 August, The Oyster Box has introduced Sip ‘n See parties, where  new Moms can host a tea party for family and friends to meet the new baby, without having to go into the kitchen herself, no need to tidy the house, no dirty dishes to be cleared away and washed afterwards and it's all set in the calm and beautiful surroundings of the Oyster Box Hotel.
What a brilliant idea!



Available from Monday to Sunday 08h00 - 12h00
R195 per person for a minimum of 15 guests and a maximum of 30.   
The price includes a Welcome Drink on arrival, morning tea stands, tea, coffee and fruit juice.

For bookings and more info contact


17 August 2015

MONDAY'S "MOVE IN" OR "MOVE ON"

This is a new series of posts where I will be showing you the products that I have recently finished and telling you whether I will "Move On" to try another similar product or if it's impressed me enough to "Move In" as a regular in my life..

This product "moved in" with me long,long ago and I am really finding it difficult to move this product on and I have tried several others in between, but I keep reverting back to buying this 
Yves Rocher Express Eye Make Up Remover, as I have not found anything in a similar price range R95 that can match the soothing effectiveness of this blue liquid gem,so
give it a try and let me know your views.




Yves Rocher Express Eye Make-Up Remover


 I'm always on the lookout for great smellies for both my home and car.
I recently bought the Yankee Candle Car Vent Sticks and whilst I enjoyed looking at this little 
Yankee Candle fragrance stick in my car vent it unfortunately wont be "moving in".
I preferred the length of fragrance that the Car jar gave as opposed to the vent sticks, 
so they will have to "move on" to allow me to find other car smellies or re buy a Car jar.


Yankee Candle Car Vent Sticks

Yankee Candle Car Vent Review


14 August 2015

TASTE OF DURBAN 2015





One of my highlights of 2014 was the food and wine event - Taste of Durban,
 so it was always on my calender for 2015,
as a "must attend" and attend I did over the weekend of 24-26 July.

In true Durban style whenever there's an important outdoor event, whether it be a music concert or International cricket match and yes the Pick n Pay Taste of Durban ranks right up there, the weather doesn't seem to receive the no rain memo.

However nothing was going to deter me from attending this years event, not even the unseasonal Durban winter weather of, low temperatures, gusty winds and lashing rain.
Armed with my rarely used umbrella, winter coat and boots my hubby and I braved the elements and again we both thoroughly enjoyed this not to be missed "foodie" event.

2015 saw a change in the line up of exhibitors and the 8 featured restaurants, whilst some of my firm favourites had returned, several restaurants were making their debut and it all made for an interesting and varied food and wine show.

Just to recap on how the Taste of Durban operates:

Crowns are pre purchased in books of R100. Each Crown is worth R5 and the prices for the starter portion dishes range from 4 to 8 Crowns per dish. Drinks and other foodie items are also purchased with Crowns.
Your entry fee includes a wine tasting glass to sample wines and spirits from the many wineries and companies on display.
There are 5 sessions over the 3 days, which last between four and five hours giving you plenty of time to eat, drink, shop, watch a demonstration or relax to the sound of the live music. 
Some words of advice, go with an empty tummy , wear comfy shoes and take plenty of cash or plastic to buy those important Crowns.

Despite the awful weather there was plenty of warming food, drink and foot tapping music happening that the weather was soon forgotten.
I'm unable to mention everything I indulged in on the day, but below are a few of my standout "faves"  in the foodie department.

I based myself this year at the Castle Milk Stout marquee, as it not only offered great shelter but the most wonderful food to compliment their variety of Milk Stouts.
This is where my hubby came into his own and he vouched for the Chocolate infused milk stout and gave it a thumbs up and has since become a convert.




Unfortunately Milk Stout isn't my drink of choice despite the presence of chocolate, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the truly delicious dishes that they had created using Castle Milk Stout.
The "Delish" Goulash and mash was a perfect winter's day warmer followed by a rich chocolate brownie and caramel chocolate mousse, needless to say all were devoured and the caramel pud was eaten in haste hence, no pic!


   

Castle Milk Stout Beef Goulash
Chocolate Milk Stout infused Chocolate Brownie

Chicken Tikka Masala from Chef Kannai Das Palki was most
 enjoyable and got my tastebuds excited.

Lamb Crostillant from newcomer Boiler Room - Chef GrahamNielson was a
 "have to taste again" dish.

Chef Steven Kruger- Beluga's selection of Sushi got a thumbs up from my 
16 year old sushi expert "Kiddiewink"

Chef Jackie Cameron- Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine
 Perfectly cooked and flavoursome Butternut and Biltong Risotto 
has to be my "Best in show"

Chef Justin Oliver - Vigour&Verve Butter Chicken &
a glass Wildekrans Merlot 


I personally enjoyed the selection of restaurants and the food that the talented chefs showcased this year more so than 2014, as I really couldn't fault any of the dishes that I tasted and I tasted many, whereas previously I found a couple of dishes didn't replicate well in the outdoor situation.

This annual premier Durban "Foodie" event is one not to be missed in 2016 and I'm already
salivating at the thought of it....can't wait.

Oh I forgot to mention, as though we hadn't eaten enough, we took home a box of
 Wicked Donuts...how could we not?

Wicked Donuts






10 August 2015

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LIPSTICK - LAUNCHING SOON


It had to happen and it will on the 1st September.
"Hot on the red soled heels" of the hugely successful launch of his Louboutin nail collection last year, your lips will soon be able to wear Christian Louboutin. 
The Lipstick collection will include 36 colours in three different textures - Silky Satin, Velvet Matte and Sheer Voile.


The Rouge Louboutin


The best seller across all textures will no doubt be the "The Rouge Louboutin" which will be packaged in its own beautiful, distinctive bullet like black case, whilst the other "Lippies" will be encased in the gold look.





Oh and just in case your friends don't realise that you are wearing Louboutin on your lips you can always attach the supplied ribbon and wear your lipstick around your neck.




 This Objet D'art will set you back a cool $90 (approx R1140) and despite its hefty price tag I have absolutely no doubt it will be a sell out both online and in select stores worldwide.

(Remember Louboutin Beaute is found in the Shoe department along side those famous stiletto's and not in the Beauty department)

I wonder what we can expect next from Monsieur Louboutin...a fragrance perhaps?
No I don't think so, I'm sure this creative genius will have other ideas, so lets wait and see what's launched next in the famous colour Rouge Louboutin...




9 August 2015

SUNDAY SKETCHES - THE "BEAUTY" IN BEAUTIFUL

How beauty-i-ful are these random sketches of beauty products, several of which are from my "fave" brands.Oh! how I envy the artists behind these sketches, I so wish I had the wonderful ability to sketch and paint. 
Alas it will never be, so I will just carry on sharing with you my finds.
If you are on Pinterest you can find more of my Sketched Delights by following Beauty Shout Box.


Enjoy!



7 August 2015

AFRICAN PRIDE 15 ON ORANGE HOTEL CAPE TOWN {REVIEW}






Several weekends ago my hubby and I decided to treat ourselves to a four day July break in "Wintry" Cape Town and the weather certainly put on its best winter show, as the rain was lashing, it was many degrees colder than Durbs and the wind blew like it only can in Cape Town. After a delayed flight these two Durbanites arrived totally under dressed for the awful weather, but our "weather shocked" faces soon perked up when we got a car hire up grade...thanks Avis. 


The Disinctive Architecture of the African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel - Cape Town


After a wet drive from the airport to the city we were soon greeted with the red marble carpet treatment literally and the warming smiles of the staff at the African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel. 
15 On Orange is a luxurious,sophisticated first class hotel set in the upmarket suburb of Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain.


A red marble carpet awaits every guest


Our car was whisked off to the valet parking, our luggage disappeared and after a speedy check in we were soon reunited with our bags in our room, not the standard room that we had pre booked, but a mountain view suite, making this our second upgrade of the day.
(often a perk of "out of season" travel) 
As you can imagine our faces lit up even more, as no detail was spared to ensure optimum comfort in this spacious suite.




 The hotels location is perfect for both the business and leisure traveller and has all the usual that you would expect from a 5* establishment; free WiFi, gym, Spa, Dstv, aircon the list goes on, but I look for those little extras and 15 On Orange had plenty. 

You have a pillow menu which allows you to chose from four types of pillow,
a "super" comfortable bed that ensures you sleep well and wake up feeling rested, a variety of South African magazines other than just business publications , plenty of fluffy white towels, gowns and slippers and a responsive room temperature control system, (which I put to the test) and that all important illuminated shaving mirror in the bathroom
to name but a few...


Super Comfortable King size bed and plenty of pillows

Relaxing Lounge area with an all important selection of magazines


Prestigious bespoke furnishings are complemented by the cool tones of the walls and the warm plush carpet. 
Sandblasted glass doors lead into our opulent en-suite bathroom that features an oversized bath, 
I was in 5 * "Hotel Bath" heaven.


Bathroom with double wash basin,walk-in shower, seperate toilet

Stand alone oversized bath and a great moutain view behind the floor to ceiling blinds

All important Work Station

This suite boasted two tv's, one in the lounge area along and another in the bedroom with a dvd player both positioned perfectly for watching tv n dvd's in that comfy bed.



Bar Area


Being a beauty blogger who loves her bath and bubbles, my only complaint, 
it's the same in all of the African Pride Hotels, is the quality of the un branded amenities in the bathrooms, which are to say the least...poor at best...
(knowing this I always take my own five star bubbles)
 Other 5* Hotels/Boutique Hotels in Cape Town offer comlimentary toiletries from well know brands such as Molton Brown and L'Occitane that are far more in keeping with what you would expect from a luxury prestige hotel.


Beautiful view of Table Mountain from our bed


Unfortunately on our arrival the mountain was obscured by the mist and low cloud, but what a view when we awoke the following morning. The floor to ceiling picture window allowed us to take in, from our beds, a breathtaking view of Table mountain in all her morning glory.


Rooftop Lap Pool with a view

Huge funky gold chairs dominate the lifts

The Murano Cocktail Bar with a 360 degree views of Table Mountain


Having previously stayed in a couple of the hotels in the African Pride stable 




15 On Orange has to be my favourite, not only because of the great location, friendly accommodating staff, and exquisite rooms, but the distinctive architecture of the hotel and the public space bold decor is an absolutely refreshing delight making a stay at 
15 On Orange a "unique" hotel experience and one that I suggest you try some time soon.

For more info re rates and specials visit