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Wednesday 20 January 2016

January Empties | Products I've used up

I kind of forgot about my empties bag in my cupboard that is rapidly filling up. I want to try new everything's this year including new products. So, it is that time. Lets see what is in my empties bag and what I honestly thought about it.

Woolworths Cleanse Make-up remover wipes with Vitamin E{extra large} What I liked about this wipes is that it is extra large. What I did not like is the fact that the last few felt dryer and that it kind of felt hard on my skin -the wipe itself. It did however did a pretty good job in removing my make-up. Thumbs up for that.I purchased another packet. We will see with this one.

TLC Deep Cleanse make-up remover wipes {with chamomile extract} If it comes to value for money these are a great find. It is 60 wipes for a reasonable price. They did a good job removing make-up and I have been a fan for a while now. However, again the last few wipes I had to wet with a little water and that did the job. A possible re-purchase for me.

Woolworths Nourishing Facial Cleansing Wipes {Almond Oil&Pro-Vit B5} I love these wipes. They are soft on the skin, really nourishes and removes make-up like a dream even waterproof mascara (although I switched to normal mascara)! Definite re-purchase for me.

The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel Need I say more? We all know I love these shower gels and I re-purchase them all.the.time. This far the Mango one is still my favourite, but I am trying new ones! 

Giorgio Armani Si Perfume I actually can not afford this...I got it from my sister. It is a light fresh smell and makes me think of wild flowers with a huge hint of sweetness. It is 100ml and after a while I got a bit bored with the smell and just wanted to finish it. Obviously not a re-purchase, but I won't mind a small bottle as a present.

Rejuvenate by Cotton On Body Candle to go {Melon//Mint//Basil} I enjoyed this little one for a while but the melon is overwhelming and it smells a little bit too much like bubblegum. I tried it, enjoyed it, but won't re-purchase it soon. 

The Body Shop Fijan Water Lotus Eau de Toilette Loved this mix of spicy and flower smell, but it did not last long after application. Maybe it is just on my skin. I was a bit disappointed, would have liked if it lingered longer. I think for a after-shower-before-I-go-to-bed smell it is wonderful. Won't re-purchase it soon.

Nivea Cocoa Butter Body Cream {with Hydra iQ} Lovely body butter and really very moisturizing. I would suggest it for the winter when your skin tends to be more dry, but overall I was really satisfied with this one.  It is thick, easy application and lasted quite some time due to not using a lot at a time.

Nutri Women Skin Perfect Milky Cleanser {with Aloe, Phytic Acid, Rosemary & Cucumber Extract} I bought this as I forgot to buy my normal cleanser at the salon and they were closed for the December holidays. This is a really milky cleanser and very soft on the skin. It did burn my skin the first few washes, very lightly, but after that it was lovely. It also removed excess make-up quite well. I think the only thing that really bugged me is that it lasted so damn long! Like 9 months long. You only use 1 squirt and it does the job. If I am in a rut I will purchase this again.

Palmolive Aroma Therapy Sensual Shower Gel {with Moroccan Rose essential oil & Ginseng extract} I originally bought this to put it in the soap dispenser in the bathroom, but I ran out of shower gel and I decided to use this. It lasted me quite some time and it felt nice on the skin. It is not so harsh and the very little oil feel to it is gentle on the skin. 

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair I was not impressed by this heat protect spray. It felt like I had hair spray on my hair and it tend to make my hair feel dry and stiff. I will not re-purchase this.

Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL Volume Loved this dry shampoo It really gives a lot of volume. It made my hair look instantly freshly washed. I got some compliments saying my hair look so nice and clean. Super impressed. The only thing is I always had to wash my hair the day after I used it. But I tend to use dry shampoo the day before I have to wash my hair. FIY I only wash my hair once a week. I bought another one in the range, but this is on my re-purchase list.

Avon Skin So Soft Moisturising Shave Gel I liked this a lot. It is thick and creamy and you have to use only a little bit. My legs felt soft and smooth as the bottle says. I do not use shower gel as a rule, but if I should decide to use it I will add this to my list.

The Body Shop Lip Butter {Mango} This is sooo moisturising and feels great on the lips. It lasted almost forever. The only reason why I will not buy it again is because you need to apply it with your finger. Please bring it out in a twisty tube! That would be great!

Annique Eau de parfume in Tenacity This was a tester I got with my last purchase. I loved this spicy lightly sweet smell. It makes me think of summer beach nights. It lasted some time after application and I would purchase this. 

Indola Innova Repair Conditioner Don't have much to say except that this works wonderful with my hair and I don't have an issue with split ends. It lasts quite some time as you don't have to use a whole lot at a time and it smells delicious! Like fruit.  I wanted to re-purchase this but could not find any stock so opted for a different one in the same range. 

Indola Innova Glamorous Oil Shampoo This is a great shampoo when you live in an area where your hair gets very static. It is very good on colored hair as well.  I enjoyed using this a lot. It made my hair less dry and really soft without making it super oily. I moved closer to the beach so now this almost too moisturising. But, I would recommend it for sure.

LUSH Dream Cream First of all this was a tester, second I did not like the smell, but it did the job. It is a really nice cream. It did was it is supposed to do, moisturise. Unfortunately also this does not fit into my budget of creams. 

LUSH Enchanted Eye Cream This was also a tester. Really liked this cream as it did wonders for dark circles under my eyes. It is quite pricey and maybe when I am big and earn a lot of money I will invest in a bottle of this. Then again, it also smelled funny. But the smell did not last and my skin absorbed it almost immediately.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream Loved this little miracle worker. It helped the dryness under my eyes as well as with the dark circles. I could see the difference within a few days after I started using it. This also lasted extremely long ans I did not had to use loads of it. The only reason why I did not re-purchase this is because I am trying out different one's to see what works best for me. You can form an opinion if you have only tried one. Who knows, it might be a winner.

Avon Foot Works Glycerine and Cocoa Butter{with massager} Loved the smell and feel of this cream. I have extremely dry feet feet and I applied this in the evening before I went to bed and it helped a lot. The messager was an irritation to me. I hated the fact that the cream get stuck between the little dots. I tried it a few times, but it just did not work for me. Just give me the cream without the fancy. I won't buy it again though only for that fact.

Avon Foot Works Heel Softening Cream Just read the review above. I feel the same way about this cream. It helped a lot with softening my heel and it lasted the whole day. Definitely would recommend this one. I am also a huge Avon fan. I should become an ambassador. 

Wowzer! This turned out to be a long post, but I hope you found it helpful. Till the next bag of empties!

Wednesday 13 January 2016

Links&Love

I recently made a turn at Zara in Tygervalley and my perception was blown. I had the perception it's for the people earning way more than me and I was proven wrong. The prices are reasonable. If you can afford Cotton On then you can afford Zara. I bought this t-shirt there and I have been wearing it a lot. Comfy, cool and L.A vie est belle -Life is beautiful.

I am on my reading challenge for this year. I love YA novels and this series has got me daydreaming. I am only on the second book, Scarlet and I love it! I am really excited to read the rest. Genre:
Fantasy literature, Young-adult fiction, Science Fiction, Utopian and dystopian fiction. Humans, cyborgs and androids working to-and against each other.

This shampoo  has got me looking forward to actually washing my hair. Lush has done it again! 


I have had a tough 2015 and this new(old) song by Rachel Platten has just given me that fight again. I have been listening it on repeat!



I was actually looking for smoothie recipes, but stumbled across  a blog called Thirteen Thoughts by Paula and fell in love. The post I have been going back to the last couple of days is this one, 7 Positive Affirmations For The New Year . Go read it! It is wonderful and inspiring and I have it pin at my desk at work.



***links not affiliated

Wednesday 6 January 2016

No to Resolutions, YES to Goals {2016 ed.}

1st Sunset of 2016 at Yzerfontein, West Coast South Africa
I can not believe it is that time again. A new year, new hopes, new dreams and the hunger to make this year the best one yet. I have seen a lot of this "almost time for the new year new me crap" on Facebook and every time I am thinking why not. Why can't we start with that attitude. Why is it so wrong and why does it irritate people so much. The answer is almost too simple. We set unrealistic resolutions. Every-single-year.

Last year's post soared and I was so happy. I did a whole definition on the word resolution and goals and it gave me clarity on what I would like to achieve. I am very proud to say that I reached every single goal I set for myself. High five to me. If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out this post.

" Choose and find happiness in myself -not in my job"

This is my main focus for 2016. I will mantra this {marches up and down and down chanting} in my head every day until I achieve the mind set.

What am I doing this year. Gee whizz I am excited. 

Do more of what makes me happy.
There is a whole bunch of stuff here like my photography, my blog (blogging more), reading, spending time with family and friends, having a fresh cup of "shop coffee" once in a while and you can't really pin point and say so much of this and that. I think the whole purpose of this one is to be able to look back at the year and say I did what I love most.

I want to complete at least 2 10km races this year.
If you did not know, running and I have a love hate relationship. I stopped running because of people. I got over that-sort off-and I started running again. Slowly, but surely and I will do races this year and reach that goal.

Master a new programme
Any program. I don't have a specific one in mind. I think this overflowed from last year's "empowering of knowledge". I would like to be able to do more with Photoshop, maybe even design my own blog. We will see.

Complete my reading challenge.
The goal is 20 books which comes down to 2 a month. It is doable. I have a lot of time on the train (I spend at least 2 hours a day on a train) and sometimes I like sitting in the sun on the roof top at work when we are not frying in the sun. There is so many books I want to read!
Spend more time at the beach
I moved back to Cape Town last year August and I missed the beach a great deal. My goal is to get to the beach at least twice before the end of the year. Now you are probably thinking "You are kidding rite?". No, I am not. Just because I live about 30min's drive from the beach does not mean I can be there every weekend. I still have to make time for a trip. So here is to more beach days. Maybe even visiting one I have not been!
I want to climb Lions Head
I have done half of Lion's Head when I was 11 years old. This year it is time that I make it to the top and watch the sun rise over Cape Town. 

Continue my Happiness in a Jar
Last year I had this jar where I wrote only happy thoughts and the completion of goals, on a piece of paper and dropped it in. It was wonderful to see all the happy stuff that happened throughout the year. I am doing it again.
Be healthy and active
This goal is also very broad, but the main focus is to move more, go on hikes, ride a bike, and just look after my body. I walk to and from the station every morning and afternoon 5 days a week and sometimes in my lunch I will go for a short walk just to get out of the office-even if it is only to go to Woolies (tee-hee). As you get older your body changes and needs a little bit more tlc. Let me do this. We will see half way how it's going.

Find me
This is a legit goal. I lost myself somewhere along the way. This year and I want to rediscover me and find what makes me tick. 
These goals might not be as specific as last year, but this is things I want to do and this gives me something to work towards. I have high hopes for this year and may 2016 exceed all our expectations!

Friday 1 January 2016

Saying goodbye to 2015 {Flash back Friday}

2015 sucked. It was most probably one of the worst (so far) years in my life.

It was not all bad, but hell, there was pretty much 6 months of pure devastation. Yes, I am going to be vague about it because I don't want to share it with you. Please don't be offended, but some things are just meant to be kept private.

I did however achieve all of my goals which I am super proud of. I will get to that a little bit later.
 Let me first share a few things I learned this year.

Family
Blood really is thicker than water. They will move mountains for you. They will drive 14 hours to come and save you. They will bend over backwards to assist and make sure that YOU are O.Kay. They will love you unconditionally. And for always. I am grateful for my family. They are my pillar and foundation.

Friends
Friends forgive and forget. Friends picks up the ship where it left off. Friends support. I learned this in my most vulnerable stage. I am forever thankful to my friends.

Faith
Faith can move mountains. When my friend was diagnosed with Cancer Stage 4 I put my faith in the Lord. And guess what-my friend is cancer free. At my most vulnerable, broken moment God held me together like super glue-he still is. I have seen miracles and I don't doubt for one moment the power of my God.

Money
Money brought me the ugliest piece if stress I have ever experienced. I learned the value of money in a very short span of time. I learned to work responsibly with my money also in a very short span of time. I also still remember and learn everyday that money does not buy happiness. It never will.

Health
I learned how important it actually is to really love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. I decided I will not loose weight, get fit and be healthy for anybody else. I will do it only for myself and because I care for myself. I did a post on this which you can read h e r e.

Life
Life throws you curve balls. Life can be a bitch. Life can bring you down. Hard. At the same time life is wonderful. Life is beautiful. Life can be easy. Life is what you make of it. I am not saying that all is good on my side. Nothing is good on my side at the moment, but you know how I approach it. 1 day at a time. 1 step at a time. I lean on my support, being my family and friends. Something I also learned is, life is what you make of it.

Lets get to the fun part now.  I achieved all my goals. High five to me. Let's have a look at that.

I completed my Photography course with a distinction! I had a lot of fun. Now I just need to practice more and find my niche. You can check out my work on these post's that I did earlier this year.
Photography Smotography {Part 1}
Photo a day {In May}
Photography Smotography #2 

I completed 2x10km races. The Wally Hayward Race and the Rio Run.

I cleared out my bookshelf. My initial goal was 28 books which I bought down to about 20 as I got rid of books I knew I was not going to read. At the end I completed 25 books this year. Whooo!

Initial Goal: Loose 11kg before my 30th. There is quite a lot of reasons why this did not happen, but here is the explanation and this might shed some light as I completed this goal in another "sense".

I completed my Gr 3 Unisa Piano Exam with a cool 80% thus achieving my distinction. I am so chuffed!

I completed 3 different courses thus completing my goal of empowering myself with knowledge. The Photography Course. A short course in Graphic Design through UCT and an Amadeus course I passed with a 100%. What an achievement.

Spending more time in God's word. I learned that this is ongoing and you walk some and you fall some. We will just carry on in 2016.

With my goals I said that I was going to write down everything that brought me happiness and throw it into my jar. If you don't know about my jar, read this post.

Here is my happiness in a jar, in no particular order:


30 July 2015 Carlo and I had such a nice afternoon taking pictures and just chatting and enjoying our friendship. I miss you buddy. It was like our own farewell party. Xx
Today, 14 Feb 2015, I completed my first 10km! 1h32min. Now it can only get better. #Riorace Klerksdorp –GOAL
30 January 2015. Stephen’s pet scan showed the cancer shrunk. They can operate. Praise the Lord!!Chemo worked. We are almost there.
7 August 2015 I had a really nice visit with Christelle, Willem and Hentia. I am thankful for them in my life. They make me happy :) xx
29 September 2015 Today I got the job! 06/10/2015 TRAVELSTART!!! Thank you Jesus.
8 September 2015 Today we celebrated Hentia’s (my sister) birthday. We went up Table Mountain and visited the V&A Waterfront. I was a really cool day and I could laugh. I am thankful for my sister and also my friend, Christelle. I you guys! Xx
I would like to lose 11kg before my 30th birthday. 30 Nov 2015 GO!!!_GOAL
July 2015 I finished my Graphic Design course just missing my distinction. It was challenging! Xx
This is, most probably, vein but I had the opportunity to get a brand new Iphone 6 with the rest of the world and before anyone could come and rub it under my nose. I love the fact that I am able to afford it with everyone else.
7 November 2015 I am really happy that Ruhann and I got to grab a coffee. We had such a good chat. I miss them dearly. It is good to catch up.
March 2015 We had an issue with a bee hive in our roof. I had a panic attack. Marizanne and Jannie helped me 1 evening. Ruhann and Linell helped me with 3 nights. We have dear friends in our life. I am thankful for each one.
3 March 2015 At last! I lost 2kg. 10kg to go. Keep going. You’ll get there
18 April 2015 I made a huge donation to charity. Books, teddies and clothing. I hope it makes a difference in someone’s life. I am blessed to be able to give.
01 November 2015 I am happy because I have friends that care for me. I have friends that will try and move mountains for me. I am extremely grateful. --
I am going to pass my Gr3 Unisa Exam with more than 80%. June 2015-GOAL
I would like to complete a photography course. June 2015-GOAL
October 2015 I changed my weight loss plan. I am so much happier.
21 November 2015 I had one of the coolest birthday (30th)! I tried new things, spend time with my family and best friend. I am happy and content. It is priceless.
22 October 2015 Today I am happy. I am happy because of a new friendship that is developing with a beautiful young woman with the prettiest ways and the purest heart. (Ameerah) xx
I would like to complete 2 x 10km’s this year. October 2015-GOAL
13 August 2015 Today I am thankful that I can read and for my imagination. Harry Potter was brilliant. At the age of 29 my imagination soared. I enjoyed the books so much! Wonderful!
We sold our xbox and mad a young boy and his brother’s heart happy. To see that happy little face was priceless. It feels good to be able to give.
25 July 2015 Today was my last day of my photography course, but it was awesome. Scrapyard make pretty black and white picture. I also passed my photography course with a distinction! Yeah me!! :)
21 February 2015 We had an awesome holiday and saw the big 5 on more than one occasion. We found each other again. The weather was lovely. Beautiful and nice. Wonderful memories and we had no issues. Thank you Jesus! :)
12 February 2015 Run Walk For Life. We have  a and hate relations. Not because of the running, but the people. But today just before Valentines we had a good session with exchanging some gifts, laughing a good running session. It was a good day and it made me happy.
With a photography course I would like to complete at least 1 other course. 10 December 2015-GOAL
20 November 2015 I am thankful to have people in my life that makes me happy and care for me. Our braai was like old times and new at the same time. I love my friends! Xx
13 December 2015 Today I am just happy. I am content with the fact that I am trying new things and getting off the “habit track”. I should try new stuff more. :)
I am going to read more. 28 books 31 December 2015-GOAL
November 2015 I completed another course. Thus adding to my goal to impower myself with knowledge. The brain is a wonderful thing. I got 100% on my Amadeus. Whoo! Thank you Travelstrart!
Mei 2015 Goal achieved. I got 80%=a distinction for my Gr Unisa Piano exam. Thank you Lord!
I was blessed to spent the day with wonderful people. We could eat delicious food. Thank you Alicha, Viaan, Ruben and all. De Vette Mossel –Harties 8 February 2015
I would like to spent more time in the word of God. Jan-Dec 2015 Grow! –GOAL
I Skyped with my friend  Jeanie for 1h30min. It was soo good. I am blessed. Distance is not a problem for us.
12 November 2015 GOAL Achieved. Today I finished my last book on my bookshelf. I am so proud. Now I can buy new one’s. yeah! :) 
I had the coolest braai with my friends and ring in the new year with shooters, champagne and laughter! What a night. 
My year was not all bad. I had some wonderful times and made some awesome memories. My prayer just for 2016 is that I will keep the faith, be strong and do more of what makes me happy-writing to you guys.

How did your year go? Did you meet some goals, bad luck maybe or had the best year of your life. Tell me about it. I would love to hear it.
I'm on a run!
xoxo

Sunday 27 December 2015

24 Days of Christmas {Photo Challenge}

Hey guys,

Christmas has passed too fast! I can not believe we are already down hill on our way to 2016. Wow. But before we hit the new year, lets end of Christmas on a high note.

I did a 24 days of Christmas Photo Challenge with my buddies. I always have a lot of fun and the interpretations are always interesting. 

I created an album on Facebook where you can have a look at my friends photo, but here is mine.
From left to right: 1. Your view today 2. Today's temperature 3. I'm listening too 4. Something you are reading 5. Christmas Tree 6. Red 7. Ornaments 8. Silver 9. Favourite Christmas Song
  From left to right: 10. Santa 11. Grateful 12. I shop here 13. Tree Topper 14. Green   15.  Reflection  16. Presents 17. What are you doing right now 18. Shopping
From left to right: 19. Candy Can 20. Christmas Display 21. Lights 22. Your Favourite Christmas Thing  23. Carols 24. Tradition

There is a lot of pictures with Christmas Tree's in it, but hey, nothing says Christmas quite like a Christmas tree. I am starting a new thing this year. The Christmas Tree will always go up on the 1st of December, but 2 days after Christmas it is going down. We need to change it up sometimes.

Did you do a kind of 24days before Christmas? Tell me about. Maybe I can try it next year.

Speak to you soon! It is almost time for a "Looking back on 2015"!

xoxo

Sunday 20 December 2015

The Christmas Tag

In the spirit of Christmas I wanted to do a fun post. I loooove answering questions. When I was at school I lived for questionnaires. I am one those people who also answers "review" questionnaires. I can not help it.

So, lets do the Christmas Tag.

1. What is your favourite holiday movie? 
How the Grinch stole Christmas.I love this movie. It is just so sweet and fuzzy and has such a nice message. Little kid pure at heart. Awe, all teary eyed!

2. Have you ever had a white Christmas?
Unfortunately not. I am dreaming of one. Maybe end of 2017. Who knows.

3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
Anywhere where my family is. It is used to be either in Gauteng or the Western Cape. This year it will be in Yzerfontein with my family.

4. What is your favourite Christmas song?
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas-Micheal Buble
5. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?
I know only one- Rudolph. It is a shame! 

6. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?
Well, this question is a bit late. I always look forward to my tradition, I started 5yrs ago, to set up the Christmas Tree. I love doing it!  

7. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Fake-you don't get a real Christmas tree where I live. Never seen one before.

8. What is your all-time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?
Triffle pudding!

9. Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
This is a hard one. I like both, but receiving more. It makes me feel loved.

10. What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? 
The year my parents paid my flight for me to come visit them. That was awesome!

11. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
NEW YORK!!!

12. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably? 
I am a pro. Love doing it.

13. Most memorable Holiday moment? 
When we were kids we used to sing carols on Christmas Eve. After that we usually opened presents. I will always remember those evenings. It brings everyone together and it just gave you such a wonderful feeling.

14. What made you realize the truth about Santa? 
I don't think there was a specific moment. You just kind of get it as you get older.

15. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Do you stick to them? 
I used to and failed miserably, but this year I set goals and I achieved all of them. More on this later (post date 31/12/15)

16. What makes the holidays special for you?
Always my family and then the decorations and carols.

17. What is your favourite Christmas colour?
Red (and white).

18. Do you like to stay in your pj’s or dress up for Christmas?
Dress up. Then I just feel good and festive.

19. If you could only buy 1 person a present this year, who would it be?
I would rather then buy nothing for no one. This is torture. My sister.

20. Do you open presents on Christmas eve or Christmas morning?
We used to do it Christmas eve, but nowadays we do it on Christmas morning.

21. Have you ever built a ginger bread house? 
Unfortunately not. Do not know where to even start.

22. What do you like to do on Christmas break? 
Go to the beach. I spent 18 yrs every December at the beach. It is still my favourite thing to do. So when I get the chance and I don't work over Christmas you will find me at Yzerfontein.

23. Any Christmas wishes? 
Love, peace and healing for everyone. 

24. Favourite Christmas smell? 
This is going to sound weird, but camp fire. The smell of camp fires hanging in the air reminds me of December and Christmas. 

25. Favourite Christmas treat? 
Candy Canes!

26. Have you ever made a snowman?  
No :( It does not snow where I live, Maybe in 2017. ;)

27. What is at the top of your Christmas list?
I have to be honest. There is not 1 thing that stands out. I have a few. You can check out my list here 

28. What is most important to you about the holidays?
Tolerance and love. It is a time for people to re-connect and make things right that was broken. Re-connect and find yourself. Remembering that present that God gave this world.  

29. Name one thing you bought for someone as a Christmas present.
A book. 

30. Your Christmas wish to your readers.
Dear friend, I wish you a Merry Christmas. May you be surrounded by friends and family and feel loved and at peace. May this be a prosperous year and you be blessed with God's richest. Merry, merry Christmas to you and your family! Love, Elré. 

Speak to you soon
xoxo