Mint Blouse

Legit leather pants | Legit blouse | Mr Price booties | Forever New bag | Legit sunnies (love these) | Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch

I fell in love with this mint blouse when I found it.  I love this colour.  Hope you’re all having a wonderful day!

xxx

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Black Lace & Polka Dots

Factorie Dress | Mr Price booties | Mr Price bag | Woolworths tights | Pick ‘n Pay shirt | Forever New bracelet and necklace | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies

I’m channelling a little Audrey Hepburn today with my own variation of an up-do and a black dress.  I wore this outfit to the Google Tech event at JoziHub on Friday.  The event was primarily focused on female entrepreneurs in the “tech space” and one of the main differences found between male and female entrepreneurs is that men generally build their businesses according to their strengths while women are more focused on attending to their weaknesses.  I thought this was the most curious observation because I know, personally, I’m far more conscious about improving my weaknesses than bettering my strengths.  I’m going to be challenging myself to the men’s code and focusing a little more on my strengths for a while, as unnatural as it may be.  Interesting how such a little thought perspective might change your day.

For those of you interested, I’d have to say biggest “weakness” would have to be how painfully shy I am around strangers.  I absolutely envy those people who walk confidently into a room, strike up conversation with people they’ve never seen before and have them laughing their heads off in no time.  You guys are awesome.

xxx

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Monochrome

Mr Price sweater, shirt and jeans | H&M booties | Forever New bag | Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch

I have to say the kindness that you girls have shown me put the biggest smile on my face.  Last week I decided I would post pictures with my big, wide smile and you responded so sweetly.  I’m so touched that you noticed!  I always have a fat smile on my face and it was silly of me not to have shared that side of myself before, braces and all.  Thank you for all your sweet messages, girls, you’re so precious!

Here’s my take on the monochrome trend.  I don’t think it’s natural for anyone to automatically reach for all items of the same colour but I love the end result.  When you’re dressed head to toe in a fab colour you can’t help but have a fab day.

xxx

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Casual Outfit

Foschini chambray | old cardigan  | Mr Price leggings | Legit boots (obsessed with these) | bag borrowed from my sister| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these)

Here at home we’re having a Youth Day/ Father’s Day long weekend.  This morning we had a family breakfast on the golf course which is always amazing.  Hope you’re having a wonderful long weekend!

Xxx

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Red Velvet Cupcakes

Father’s Day is on Sunday and I don’t know about your dads but mine has an unparalleled sweet tooth.  My baking repertoire is hardly extensive but there is one thing I can bake that, thanks to Martha Stewart, finds no competition.  This is my red velvet cake and if your dad enjoys cake, this is the perfect Father’s Day treat for him.

Here it is:

·         2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self- rising), sifted

·         2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1 1/2 cups sugar

·         1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

·         2 large eggs, room temperature

·         1/2 bottle red food colouring

·         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

·         1 cup buttermilk

·         1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

·         2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together cake flour,         cocoa, and salt.

2.       With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whisk together sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Mix in food colour and vanilla.

3.       Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, and whisking well after each. Stir together the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl (it will foam); add mixture to the batter, and mix on medium speed 10 seconds.

4.       Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway    through, until a cake tester inserted in centres comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.

5.       To finish, use a small offset spatula to spread cupcakes with frosting.

Cream Cheese Icing

·         8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

·         12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

·         1 pound (4 cups) confectioners' sugar, sifted

·         3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Beat butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, and then vanilla; mix until smooth.

Image Source

Xxx

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Trench Coat

 Forever New trench coat (similar) | Identity jeans (old) | H&M heels | Forever New clutch| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these)

It’s got so cold here lately which is perfect for me because it means I get to wear my favourite trench coat.  I wore this to quickly run some errands. 

Did anyone head out to the Converse “Get Dirty” even in Mary Fitzgerald square on Saturday?  I ended up going quite randomly and it was so much fun.  Aren’t spontaneous moments always the best?

Thought for today:

“It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is” – Desiderius Erasmus

Xxx

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Mixing Prints

 Pick ‘n Pay blouse |Zara jeans | Foschini blazer | Aldo heels | Mr Price clutch| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these) | Forever New necklace

I finished my last exam on Saturday so I’m officially on holiday!  So excited!  I’ve got so many exciting things planned and plenty of blogging too.  I’m still hoping I get some of your favourite recipes for Father’s Day baking.  Would love to know what you have planned for your special Daddies too!

Xxx

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Make Up essentials

Today’s post comes to you at the expense of my sister’s dressing table chair.  Yes, that’s right.  This is extreme blogging.  I tried to stand on it for optimal photo quality and I came crashing down, breaking the chair (I’m so sorry Jas) and I’m still limping.

Anyway here are some of my make up favourites.  With these items in your make up bag I can pretty much guarantee you will be make-up ready for any occasion.  Let’s begin:

1)     Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.  I love this foundation.  I’ve tried a few but this one is my favourite.  It gives great coverage and the bottle lasts for so long.

2)     Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Blackest Black.  I’ve been using this specific mascara for years.  I don’t think I’ll ever change.  It’s just amazing.

3)     Essence Liquid Liner.

4)     MAC blush in Dame.

5)     MAC lipstick in Snob.

6)     MAC Mineralize in Soft and Gentle.  I love to use this on my eyes, under my eyebrows and also on my cheeks after I’ve used blush.

7)     MAC eyeshadow compact: Burmese Beauty.

8)     MAC eyeshadow in Honey Lust.

9)     Bobbi Brown bronzer No.7 Bahama.

While the quality of the make up you use is important, I think the brushes make or break your final look.  Here are my favourite:

1)     Clicks foundation brush (although lately I’ve just been using my fingers)

2)     Estee Lauder blush brush

3)     Clicks bronzing brush

4)     Estee Lauder eyeshadow blending brushes

5)     Body Shop angle and round eyeshadow brushes.  Absolutely love the angle brush.  I also use it to define my eyebrows.

So that’s my everyday line up for you.  If there’s a special occasion I might vary these but generally I don’t venture far off my basics.  Would you like a make up tutorial?  Anything in particular?

Xxx

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Printed Pants

 Woolworths blazer | Foschini shirt | Factorie pants | Aldo heels | Forever New purse| Sass Diva & Forever New bracelets | Michael Kors watch | Legit sunnies (love these)

Here’s a little blue and white combo for you today.  I’m so crazy about this porcelain print. (Seen here too)

Xxx

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Outfit Round-up

Hi ladies

June has descended upon us ladies!  It’s Father’s Day soon and I’d love to know if you have anything special planned.  Do you have any special traditions?  If you have anything special you like to bake for your precious dads, I’ll love for you to share the recipe with me!  Please send me an email with your favourite recipe and I’ll be posting them next week so we can all find an idea to use.

Anyways, here's the most recent outfit round-up.  Happy June!

Xxx

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