Red White and Blue

Woolworths tee | scaft gifted | Zara denim | Blackcherry bag | Michael Kors watch 

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Last week you would have seen that le bf gave me this scarf and I've been so excited to wear it.  So far the only time I've left the house is either to see doctors or to go for blood test.  Exciting right?  Anyway, I finally have more energy and that means one thing to me... standing long enough to do an outfit post!  New in my wardrobe this past month that I've been recovering is this Blackcherry bag and my scarf so I thought I'd join the two for this look and I'm quite happy with the outcome.  

Many of you in the US of A will be celebrating Independence Day on July 4 so I thought of you in this outfit too.  I hope your weather will be warmer than ours here in SA on the day though.  I can't believe it's 3 years since I celebrated the day with friends in California.  Time flies!

In other new, there will be a giveaway coming up on the blog later this week so be sure to check back soon! xxx

Neutrals #ShareTheLove

Truworths sweater | Zara denim | Woolworths booties | Forever New bag | Michael Kors watch 

I'm such a fan of neutral tones.  If you've been reading my blog for a while now, this is not news to you.  We both know it.  When I found this sweater with sequins in I knew I just had to have it.  Its so soft and perfect for comfort.  It is fast becoming one of my favourite clothing items in my closet.

Speaking of which, don't forget to upload a picture or video of your favourite clothing item and how it makes you feel to Skip's Facebook page before 29 June.  If you upload a video, Skip will donate R500 to The Princess Project which is such a special charity.  The hashtag for the uploads is #ShareTheLove.  Let me know when you've done so and I'll head on over to take a look!

5 Minute Make Up

We all have those days where we choose sleeping in over perfect make up.  While it might be wonderful to have had that extra beauty sleep, especially now in winter, I still want to look want smart enough for work.  After wolfing down breakfast, getting dressed and fixing my hair, this generally leaves me with just a few minutes for make up.  This is no cause for alarm because with a few key make up items, I can pull this off. 

To start with I'll apply my foundation and blend it with my fingers rather than a sponge or foundation brush to save time.  I'll dab on a little Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream to moisturise my lips.  Next I use this amazing Elizabeth Arden eye shadow duo and apply the light gold shade in the inner corner of my eyelid and the brown shade on the outer corner.  These are such beautiful neutral shades and couldn't be more perfect for moments when time is of the essence. I'll line my top lid with liquid liner then apply my favourite mascara, the Maybelline Great Lash mascara to open up my sleepy eyes.  I use Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Color Radiance Blush on my cheeks to add some colour.  Finally I use MAC Snob for a lovely soft pink lip.

Voilà!  No need to panic.  With these few products I know I'll be out the door in no time and look perfectly acceptable to face a busy day.

Gifts

I don't usually post on a Saturday but today I really wanted to.  Time is flying by and lately I've been moved to appreciate every second of life as a gift.  Today I want to share just a few things that I feel are actual and metaphorical gifts to me.

1.  Warmth:  these two gorgeous cashmere scarves were given to me by le bf.  While they are so luxurious, the purpose they fill are that of providing warmth.  They are comforting in the way that I know someone else cares about me enough to ensure I'm warm this winter.  So many people in our country and through the globe don't have any manner of protection from the cold and this breaks my heart.

2.  Travel:  I bought this Victoria's Secret iPhone cover while I was in America last year.  I have been so fortunate to have done so much travelling early on in my life.  I have seen how other people live, what they value, different cultures and customs.  Travelling has opened my eyes and I realise how lucky I am to have been to all these places and I can only hope it continues in the future.

3.  Scent:  I'm so glad I have the ability to smell flowers and baking in the oven.  I love it when a scent triggers a memory too.

4.  Health:  Now this one has a lot of meaning to me at the moment.  I haven't written about this before, but today marks a month since I suffered a stroke.  Yes, I, at 24, suffered a stroke.  I've been at home recovering ever since.  I'm happy to report that between hospitals, doctors appointments, many blood tests and even more pills, I'm slowly getting my strength back.  The water bottle was also a gift from le bf and to me it symbolises the good health I'm striving towards.  I've decided it will also be my gym bottle when I'm given the go-ahead to gym again.

5.  Lunching with friends:  I've been missing this tremendously as my friends and family are my life line.  They've been visiting me in the hospital and in bed almost daily bringing me all my favourite things and checking that I'm okay but I miss going out for lunch of dinner with them.  Sushi on the other hand, my dad's been getting as take away for me to eat in bed.  Love you Dad!

6.  My blog:  So grateful for all of you guys that read my blog.  For all you messages, your wishes, your comments and for your love.  It's been a gift to come into contact with all of you through this blog.  Thank you for reading!!!

Candy Coloured Neons

Cotton On sweater | Mr Price blouse | Zara jeans | bag old | Woolworths heels | Dolce & Gabbana sunnies

I'm a huge fan of colour in winter.  While I really love neutral tones it's fun to shake thinks up with bold pops of colour whether by wearing a bright lip, neon shoes or a whole bunch of colour thrown together.

I'm still in recovery at the moment and it's quite frustrating not being able to do all the things I normally do or the things I really want to do but I'm taking it slow (mainly because I'm so tired all the time) and spending a lot of time with very good doctors so I hope I'll be back to my old self soon.  Happy Thursday!

Burgundy

Mr Price jacket | Edgars scarf | Legit jeggings | Mr Price booties | Blackcherry bag

Hi everyone!  I completely fell in love with all things burgundy for winter last year.  My love for this colour has filtered through to this winter too and I'm so glad to see that there's still so much of it around.  I've only got these jeggings, a lipstick, lipgloss and nail polishes in the colour at the moment.  This winter I'd love to add an oversized scarf, a felt hat and a pair of booties in this colour to my collection.  What do you think of this trend?

First Impressions: Revlon

I've been trying out a couple of Revlon's new products lately and I thought you would enjoy a first impressions post with some details about the products.  Let me know what you think or if you've tried these yourself.  I'd love to know what you think!

1.  Colorstay ShadowLinks:  I think these are such a clever idea.  Each eye shadow is sold individually and clip together with the others you've chosen to create a palette designed especially for you.  There are 30 different shades to pick from so you are guaranteed to create a palette perfect for your taste.  These links are so affordable at R45.00 each which makes them even more fun to experiment with.  If you've always thought purple eye shadow looks beautiful but been too afraid to try it, I would say these links would be the way to introduce this look into your make up.

2.  Age Defying Wrinkle Remedy Line Filler:  This is a really thick cream that is designed to fill any lines before you apply your make up.  Skin immediately looks plumped after application that you may not even want to apply any make up!  Retail price:  R139.00

3.  Age Defying CC Cream:  I have to admit I have been hesitant of BB and CC creams purely because I like full coverage foundation.  After a friend from work told me how much she loves her I thought it was probably something worth revisiting and I'm so glad I did.  My skin looks so healthy when wearing this CC Cream and it feels so lightweight on my skin.  I have very dry skin during the winter but this has been moisturising it wonderfully.  Most importantly, this cream contains SPF 30 which is essential to me.  Retail price:  R189.00

4.  Age Defying Targeted Dark Spot Concealer Treatment:  The packaging of this concealer is brilliant because it has an applicator sponge on the tip which allows you to blend the product into problem areas with ease to give you the final product of a flawless face without much effort.  Retail Price:  R138.00

5.  Age Defying Firming and Lifting Make Up:  We all know that Revlon have incredible foundations and this one is no exception to that rule.  It gives beautiful coverage and a beautiful glow which I absolutely love.  Need I say more?  Retail Price:  R245.00

If I have to narrow down two products that I would recommend the most it would the the ShadowLinks because they are so budget friendly, especially for beginners.  Secondly I would recommend the CC Cream because it cuts down your morning prep time in half.  Moisturising, sun screen and foundation in one quick, easy step?  Yes please!

#ShareTheLove

I'm absolutely crazy about felt hats as you may have noticed.  This one I wore on my last trip to Cape Town with le bf.  It was such a wonderful trip and I absolutely love it when an item of clothing can transport you to a wonderful memory.  Do you have any favourite items of clothing that are connected to special memories?  Perhaps you have something you wore on your favourite girl's night out or on a first date  and that item now makes you feel nostalgic?  I'd love it if you shared your stories with me!

From the 13th - 29th June you can take part in the fun at Fourways Mall Junction Court by taking pictures or videos in your favourite clothes and uploading them to the Skip South Africa Facebook page with the hashtag #sharethelove.  If you aren't in the area, don't worry, we still want to see your pictures and videos!  Take them at home and be sure to upload them to the Skip South Africa Facebook page and #sharethelove.

Not only am I so excited to see your favourite clothes and what memories they evoke, I am also so thrilled to say that it will be for a charitable cause.  For every video upload, Skip will be donating R500 to The Princess Project.  This initiative aims to provide underprivileged matric girls with dresses to make them feel special on the day of their matric dance.  I'm so glad to be involved with something as touching as this and I hope you decide to get involved too.

Leave your comments down below, tweet me, share your thoughts of this initiative on Facebook with me and let's #sharethelove. xxx

Father's Day Giveaway {Closed}

Father's Day is such a special time to remind ourselves of how important our dads really are.  I would be completely lost with my dad.  While I was in hospital he would visit me multiple times a day.  He attended to everything I wasn't able to without me asking.  He thought of things I wasn't able to.  Since I've been home he has brought me copious cups of tea and he has carted me back and forth from doctors appointments as I'm currently unable to drive.  He is so strong but so gentle and he has a heart made of pure gold.  My sister and I have no doubt that there is nothing he wouldn't do for us and we are so incredibly blessed that he is the man we call "Dad".

Africology have this Aloe Ferox serum and Shave Cream that I think would make great gift ideas. To celebrate Father's Day, Africology are also giving away this Aloe Ferox serum to one lucky reader so that she can spoil her dad.  

To enter all you need to do is share why your dad is an incredible one.  Leave me a comment below sharing your story and I'll draw a winner on the evening of Father's Day - 15 June 2014.  

I cannot wait to read your touching stories!  xxx

Trench Coat

Forever New trench coat | Edgars scarf | Blackcherry bag | Woolworths gloves and tights | Mr Price booties | Dolce & Gabbana sunnies

Since the cold weather is blowing around town I thought now would be the perfect time to share this outfit with a coat.  This trench coat is one of my favourite things in my wardrobe.  It's so feminine and I love the way it flares at the bottom.  This Blackcherry bag was a perfect match for it.  It has such pretty detailing with the quilted fabric, gold lock and chain and a bow.

Weekend

Hi everyone!  I'm still on bed rest at the moment.  My outfits have consisted of hospital gowns and pyjamas for weeks now so I'd rather not show you those.  Instead I've been so blessed to be given even more beautiful flowers from my incredible friends.  I hope you noticed the absolutely wonderful  arum lilies straight away.  They had me so excited I thought, yes, I did name my blog well.  They really are my favourite flowers.  Thank you, Natalie, for these gorgeous beauties.  She also spoilt me with these delicious macarons.  My friend Inge and her mom have also spoilt me with more flowers and this Crabtree & Evelyn gift set which is absolutely stunning.  Another wonderful friend, Jenna, had remembered that I mentioned how much I wanted to have a chai latte (my favourite warm drink) and yesterday she appeared on my bed with one!  I was so touched that she remembered such a small detail.  What did I tell you?  My friends are incredible!   I don't know where I'd be without them.

Thank you again for all the well wishes.  I can't believe how I've been flooded with emails, tweets and messages wishing me a great recovery and it's completely moved me.  Thank you again xxx