December Favourites

Happy 2016 my loves, the new year is upon us and with it new opportunities.

Let’s start this year off with another favourites post; here are my December favourites…

So my first favourite was never very far away, especially while I was on holiday. It’s the “Argan oil – Hydrating hair mask”. This product was a serious life saver while I was away, spending long periods of time in the sun as well as in the pool can be harmful to your hair so this product was definitely my ‘go-to’ in terms of hair care.  This hair mask is an intensive conditioning treatment with Moroccan Argan oil extract. Its moisturising properties help to revive and nourish dry and damaged hair.

The mask has a thick gel like consistency with a divine smell. After shampooing your hair, apply the product, leave it in for 7-10 minutes and bob’s your uncle. My hair immediately felt healthier and softer after using this product. It gets thumbs up from me! 

Number two on my favourites list is the, “Revlon, colorburst lipstain.” I know that this isn’t really a brand new product; I just jumped on the band wagon a little late. I’m not disappointed though. This gem was one of the first items that I packed into my holiday make up bag. The colour I purchased is, 001, ‘Honey Douche’. It is a very wearable everyday pink which will suit pretty much any look, it comes in a very convenient and easy chubby stick #ILike. This product is both nourishing and moisturising to your lips which is a really important element for me, combine it with the minty scent and its made it onto my favourites list. 

The newest member to my brush collection very quickly became one of my favourites. It forms part of the new brush line from ‘Essence’, it’s the ‘Eye blending’ brush. This pastel coloured beauty conjures-up perfectly blended eyeshadow, it’s soft and ideal for all blending purposes rather than the application of your eye make up. The brush forms part of a 10 piece set in an array of beautiful pastel colours. it also happens to be very affordable so I look forward to testing out a few more of these…

The final product for my December list is my ‘Rimmel London, extra 3D lash’ mascara in, 003, extreme black. I’ve been using this product for the last month or so and I find that it is probably the best mascara I’ve ever tried out. The brush is thin, giving volume and length to your lashes without having to use the fake kind (I don’t have much experience in the way of false eyelashes but I think I prefer going the good old mascara root.) This product doesn’t clump up your lashes resulting in a hot mess; instead it separates them individually leaving them long and luscious for your night out on the town. 

*Look out for all these products at your local Dis-chem or Clicks*

Well, there you have it, my December favourites. I hope that you will be adding a few of these to your next shopping list. May 2016 be a year filled with only the good things in life and remember “All you need is love”.

S

Xoxo

A Christmas Dessert - Aletria (Rich pasta pudding)

Christmas is in a matter of days, YAY! Every family holds some sort of tradition as to what they place on their dinner tables over the festive season. Being of Portuguese descent, our waistlines seem to expand over this time of year (mine does anyway) as a result of all the delicious foods that are laid before me at our table, everything from Bacalhau (cod fish) which is our traditional Christmas evening meal, to all sorts of sweet desserts that one looks forward to all year around. Today I’m going to share with you a recipe for a dessert that makes an appearance in our home every year, it’s easy and tastes so good! Here it goes.

Ingredients

100g Vermicelli (A very thin pasta, can be bought at your local supermarket)

500ml Milk (any)

125g Castor Sugar

Strip of lemon rind

1 Stick of cinnamon

45ml Butter

4 Egg Yolks

Ground Cinnamon

Method

1. Boil the Vermicelli in 750ml water for 5 minutes and then drain.
2. Add the milk, sugar, lemon rind and cinnamon stick to the Vermicelli. Bring to a boil and simmer until soft.
3. Add the butter and beaten egg yolks. Simmer just long enough to cook the egg yolks.
4. Pour into a large serving dish, dust with cinnamon and serve.

This pudding is best eaten on the day that it is made, cold.

It is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas dinner, my family and I really enjoy it! We hope that you do too

S

Xoxo

*As seen in, Mimi Jardim’s, Cooking the Portuguese way in South Africa, Page 137

November Favourites

 I haven’t done a ‘my favourites’ post for quite some time so I do believe it is well overdue. In South Africa, November is a time for summer, sun and some serious fun with a hint of Christmas fever, so it’s only right that our products match the summer vibes. Let’s take a closer look and get this favourites party started…

First off on my favourites list is the Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal clay face mask. It kind of sounds like a health guru meal of some sort but I don’t think I have ever come across a facial mask that cares for my skin as much as this one does, it purifies your pores and deeply cleanses as well. I have always tried to be quite cautious as to what products I use on my skin because I have always had very sensitive skin that can be prone to break outs. The first time I purchased this product I purchased the small sachet which I think had four uses in one, just to try it out (I think this is a really cool way to try out a new product instead of committing to the larger 175ml bottle right off the bat) I liked this product so much that the following time I was at my local pharmacy retailer, I put a bottle in my basket right away. It is rich in Vitamin E with, as the bottle says, avocado and oatmeal altogether culminating in the provision of long lasting softness while deeply cleansing your skin, not to mention that it smells great too. Undoubtedly an A+ in my books!

The next product on my favourites list is the Maybelline, Baby Skin, instant pore eraser. This product is at the top of my list of primers, it is lightweight and instantly erases the pores that you want to hide of which we all have a few. I think the best property of this particular primer is that it leaves my skin feeling so soft before I’ve even put any make-up on, as well as its matte finish to my make up look. It is a pretty small tube for the price you are paying but I do feel that having a good primer is important to have so next time you’re in store, get your hands on this cute little mint coloured tube of quality.

I can’t seem to stop raving about latest Garnier product to hit the shelves, Micellar Cleansing Water. (I have previously done a full review on the product so if you’d like to know a lot more on what I’m about to tell you then have a look at my previous post titled “Product Review – Micellar Water” of which the link I will post below.) This bottle of gold has got to be the nicest make up remover that I have ever come across, it is ideal for the late night, dance your pants off, then to McDonalds, get home and pass out kind of lazy girl who couldn’t be bothered to remove her make up, trust me, this product makes your life easier. It’s gentle on your skin, it removes ALL your make up without you even having to rinse your face thereafter. Micellar cleansing water contains no alcohol so it isn’t harsh on your skin making it ideal for your eye area. Ladies I love this product and I really think it’s great value for money.

http://shezdoeslife.blogspot.co.za/2015/10/product-review-micellar-water.html

Finally, we have the newest member to my nail polish collection, YAY. This one is 011, love my golden pumps. This little gem forms part of Essence’s limited Christmas edition collection called “Merry Berry”. I’m sure that by now you all know that I’m pretty into the Essence brand so naturally when this collection hit the shelves I had to be first in line (I will post a review on the rest of the collection within the next little while). This is a top coat which has a generous splashing of gold glitter, but it’s not the usual shaped glitter we have in a lot of our other nail polishes, these little flicks are all different shaped and sized which makes for an exciting new Christmas vibe to your nails. Can we all just please take a minute to look at the adorable packaging...The bobble top is perfect for the Christmas feel of this collection and actually reminiscent of a particular Dior nail polish... I love it! The first time I used it over white nail polish, I loved it but what stuck out to me is the fact that my nail polish didn’t chip this top coat assisted in my nail polish lasting about six days… Impressive I know! #Like

 So that concludes my November favourites my loves, I hope it was informative to you and that you’ll go out and try some of them out, I’d also love to hear what your summer favourites are.

S

xoxo

Victoria's Secret fashion show 2015

 Okay ladies so let’s be upfront and honest with ourselves here, we’ve all pictured ourselves as a Victoria Secret model, whether we’d like to admit it or not.

Well it’s that time of the year again where forty-seven amazing models, including our very own South African Candice Swanepoel, get decked out in seventy-five different looks and strut their stuff on the lit up catwalk. This year the event (held at New York’s 69^th Regiment Armory on the 10^th of November) featured the fresh faced 20-year-old Kendall Jenner who made her debut as an angel.

 This year’s show proved to be a revolving door of underwear, wings and incredibly long legs. From hippy inspired looks to butterfly adorned bra’s followed by a Swarovski covered body suit and a song by ‘The Weeknd’. Other artists included the talented Ellie Goulding and the pretty Selena Gomez to mention but a few.

When we think of the Victoria’s Secret show other than the beautiful women and exciting performers on stage we all look forward to the years ‘Fantasy Bra’ and let me tell you that this year’s bra fell nothing short of spectacular. Adorned with diamonds, blue topaz and yellow sapphires set in 18 carat gold the piece came in at a whopping $ 2 million, created by the esteemed “Mouawad” jewellers. Lily Aldridge was the lucky lady selected to walk the walkway showcasing the beautiful piece, lucky girl. Ever heard the expression “feeling like a million bucks?”.  

These are just tantalising bits and whispers of the unveilings of the evening, definitely more than enough to entice you all to tune in on your television screens on Tuesday, 8^th December 2015 10/9c CBS to catch the full show in all its glory…

I know I’ll be watching and day dreaming about wearing those wings myself again this year ;)

S

xoxo

Strawberry Pavlova

This dessert is definitely one of my top 5 favourite guilty pleasures! Between my aunt and my boyfriends grandmother I really don’t know which is better, all I know is that I doubt I’d ever turn down a slice of this heavenly dessert! Here’s the recipe for you to try it out for yourself.

Ingredients

Cake Tin/ Baking sheet

4 Large egg whites

225g Castor Sugar

2 Level teaspoons of Cornflour

2 teaspoons, white wine vinegar

Filling:

300ml Whipping/ pouring double cream, whipped

350g Strawberries, halved/ sliced

 Method

1.   

           Preheat the oven to 160C/ Fan, 140C/ Gas, 3. Lay a sheet of the non-stick baking parchment on the baking sheet and mark 23 cm circle on it.

2.      Put egg whites into a large bowl and whisk until stiff and cloud like. Add the sugar a teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition, until all the sugar has been added. Blend the cornflour and vinegar together and whisk into the meringue mixture. Spread the meringue out to cover the circle on the no-stick baking parchment, building up sides so they are higher than the middle.

3.      Place in the oven but, immediately reduce the temperature by 10 degrees. Bake for about an hour until firm to the touch and a pale beige colour. Turn the oven off and allow pavlova to become quite cold while still in the oven. If you keep the oven door closed you will encourage a more marshmallowy meringue.

4.      Remove the cold pavlova from the baking sheet and parchment, sliding it onto a serving plate. Top with the whipped cream and strawberries, then chill for about an hour before serving

I personally love when the outside of the meringue is crisp and the centre is marshmallow like, topped with fruit and some sort of chocolate, either ‘Whispers’ or a crushed ‘Flake’. YUM! I think I’m starting to crave a slice now… Hehe. I really hope this recipe becomes one of your favourites too…

S

xoxo

 As seen in "Mary Berry, 100 cakes and bakes" Page 164

The end of an era...A dedication

Only a few weeks old here

I was present the day you took your first breath and when you learned how to crawl. I watched you put your bag on your back and walk through the gates on your first day of school (which I thought was adorable). I stood in the crowd applauding you the day you were elected a Prefect in Grade 7. I did your hair and waved goodbye when you climbed out the car for your first social.

 

I held your hand on your first day in high school and stood firm next to you in our matching green dresses. We got to take 2011 by storm together and it felt as though in just a blink of an eye you sped right through High School, until now, you’re standing before Mom and I as a beautiful young woman with the whole world laid at your feet. 

MD 2015

2015, what a year it has been. The final year every girl dreams about…The opportunities that lay ahead of you and the exciting time of preparing for Matric Dance, It was such a special time that Mom and I got to share with you (you looked absolutely stunning). The moment I saw you in that blue dress, I couldn’t help but get teary eyed (you may be 18 but you’re still my curly haired baby sister) and by the sounds of things you had a great evening. I know it’s something that you will always hold in your heart. 

Valediction Evening

 I think it hit me square In the face when I was sitting next to you at your Valediction, your headmistress began talking about how far you have all come and at that moment I realised that you aren’t a little girl anymore and that this is the end of an era. You’ve done it, you made it through 12 gruelling years of school. Not that each day was met with sunshine and rainbows but you persevered, held your head high and you marched on with determination. I am SO proud of you! What I’d like for you to know dear little sister is this; never stop being who you really are. Stay the strong, beautiful, intelligent, remarkable young woman that you are.

Your first day at PHSG & my last

You’ve gotten this far in life with hard work and perseverance, keep going, you are definitely a force to be reckoned with (Hehe). I want to wish you all the best of luck for your finals, you’ve got this sis, stay strong, it’s the home stretch and I know you are going to knock it out of the park

.

Next year will be the start of something new and exciting “the big wide world”. In everything that you do remember this, you are the daughter of a King and you are never alone, you always have a friend in Jesus. Most of all, stay true to yourself, fight for what you believe in and follow your dreams. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13

Mommy and I are always here to support you and we love you!

On your special day

  

 Good Luck Sissy!

 S & D

 xoxo

Product Review - Micellar Water

I have read so many reviews on this product, all of them concluding with the same fantastic results, so I figured that I’d better try it out myself so I that I could be sure this product wasn’t too good to be true. I am happy to report that, after my own use and experience, it is as good as everyone has been saying! I’d even go as far as saying that it could well be the holy grail of all make up removers.

The product in question: Garnier® Micellar Cleansing Water. It removes make up, cleanses and soothes, all without having to rinse your face after use. BINGO! #winning

First off, this is perfect for the ‘lazy’ girl who quite frankly couldn’t be too bothered about the removal of her make up (let’s be honest though, I think we all have days like that). It can be used for your face, lips and eyes and it has no fragrance. I have accidently swamped a cotton pad with this product and am happy to announce that my eyes did not burn at all when I was removing my eye make up which is a bonus because nobody likes to be temporarily blinded as is the case with usual alcohol based removers.  It is a hypoallergenic product and suitable for sensitive skin which is great news for me because I have very sensitive skin that can break out on demand.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Girls please don’t mistake this product for a toner, because it ISN’T! Toners can often strip your skin of essential oils and most contain alcohol. Garnier® Micellar Cleansing Water contains 0% alcohol and does not strip away essential skin cells and oil. It simply removes all your make up effectively without any fuss after a kick-ass night on the town. Right now I am using Garnier ©, Pure active, Daily pore reducing toner.
Two very different products.
 

This product retails for R 79.95 at your nearest Clicks store. 200 uses out of a 400ml bottle, it’s too good to pass up! (Unless you swamp the cotton ball)

*For my readers abroad, that’s about $6 US Dollars and 5€ Euros, more than affordable for any cosmetic bag or vanity case out there!  I really hope that you ladies go for it and get your hands on a bottle of this stuff, you really won’t be disappointed!

S
xoxo