Girl Online by Zoë Sugg {Book review}

Hello there!

Months after I posted Unboxing Zoella and I said that I am going to read her book, I did it. I finished it earlier this week. I really enjoyed it. It is definitely aimed at 13-17year old girls, but it was just so cute. It made me reminisce about when I was that age.

It's a girly, squishy, teenage romance. It's got all the elements. I had my own theories about Noah's secret, but I liked the fresh twist it took. I loved the family setting, friendships and the really nice people. I think this is definitely a read that teenage girls can relate too. It's a great feel good read.


I found it easy to read and the pace was not too fast and I loved all the drama/realisations at the end. I think what I also liked was that the scenarios was actually realistic. It happens almost everyday and that makes it even more relatable in today's life.

I would like to say well done to Zoë. For a first time the plot was really cool, predictable as a teenage romance is, but relatable (hence the 3 stars).

This is not my normal choice of reading (obviously since I am much older), but it was a fresh breeze. Have you read anything lately that's been out of your "comfort zone or usual reading material"? I would love to hear about it. I am always on the look out for new books to devour!

Speak to you soon
xoxo

Photography Smotogrophy #2

Hey guys!

So, I finished my photography course early due to unforeseen circumstances, but I did it and got pretty good marks for it. It is safe to say that I did it with a distinction. Yeah me! If you missed the first half go check it out H E R E .

I had a variety of topics to photograph. The easiest of these was the "painting with light". The most difficult was the portraits. I just don't gel with it. I think night photography is my thing. So I will explore that. 

All these shots were done with my Canon 700D and I used the kit lens (18-55mm) and my zoom lens (70-300mm).

(Disclaimer: This is my own work. Please do not use any of these pictures without my written consent. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard)

Aperture. We had to take two photos at the same angle. 1 With a big aperture and 1 with a small aperture. These were my submissions.

Aperture 1:f3.5 1/1250sec ISO-100 18mm

Aperture 2:f36 1/10sec ISO-100 55mm

Close up. I struggled to find something that would really make a cool close up. I settled for a bicycle. I think it came out pretty cool, but my mentor had some very good suggestions. Next time it will be even cooler!

Close up 1:f5 1/20sec ISO-200 43mm

Close up 2:f5.6 1/15sec ISO-200 55mm

Group Portraits. I struggle with portraits. I find it difficult to take a creative photo and not the normal "just stand there". And the composition. Again, my mentor said I should watch out for a few things, but I did not do to bad.

Group 1:f4.5 1/1600sec ISO-100 120mm

Group 2:f4 1/2000sec ISO-100 31mm

Topic: Here we go. This was my submission. My friends "bakkie". I really like this picture.

f3.5 1/40sec ISO-800 18mm

Campus outing. We went on a campus outing for one of our lessons and this was not a submission, but I took this on that outing.

f5 10sec ISO-100 37mm

Head&Shoulders Portrait. Again, not my strong point, but it came out pretty well.

Head&Shoulders 1:f5.6 1/800sec ISO-100 300mm

Head&Shoulders 2:f5.6 1/1000sec ISO-100 255mm

Head&shoulders 3:f5.6 1/800sec ISO-100 300mm

Landscape. I struggle a bot with composition and keeping the horizon straight...will just have to practice!

f5 1/250sec ISO-100 37mm

My favorite thing. What more can I say. Coffee and Books. It does not matter if it's digital. As long as I can read I am happy! Don't forget my plant. Love greens!

f6.3 1/80sec ISO-400 48mm

Black&White. This was the most exciting outing we did. We visited a local scrapyard and we had to take all the photo's in black and white. I had so much fun. This was my best one and my submission.

f5 1/1250sec ISO-100 29mm

Topic: Winter. Blankets, books, pj's, chunky socks and lots of coffee! What more can I say?

f3.5 1/30sec ISO-400 18mm

Still life. I struggled with this one. I had another photo, but it was too flat and did not give dimension. So, this one is my re-submission and it was perfect. 

F5 1/60sec ISO-100 32mm

Full body Portrait. My lovely friend. Thanks for playing model!Could have composed it differently, but I did well with this one.

F4.5 1/1600sec ISO-100 130mm

Painting with light. The next few photographs was the most fun! I really enjoy night photography. I submitted the second one and got full marks. Yeah me! I cannot wait to explore and better my night photography skills.

Painting with light 1:F3.5 10sec ISO-400 18mm

Painting with light 2:F3.5 10sec ISO-400 18mm

Painting with light 3:F3.5 10sec ISO-400 18mm

Painting with light4:f3.5 25sec ISO-100 18mm

Painting with light 5:f3.5 25sec ISO-100 18mm

I hope you enjoyed this post. I am now done with my course and now I should go out and take some pictures! What do think I should photograph or do you like photographing certain things? Leave a comment below!

I shoot with canon!

Speak to you soon

xoxo

Empties | Products I've used up {July}

Yes, it is time for another "Empties", but this time will be different. I will put my thoughts on paper. It will also be a bit of a product review. So, here we go.

1. Gyna Guard Ultimate Intimate Wash (Ideal pH4.5, Soap & Scent free). This is a monthly staple, so this will always be a part of my empties. I have considered trying a different wash (this one is quite expensive and there are cheaper products available), but this one works and while I can still afford it I will use it. It's a great product without any issues and does the job just fine. Ladies, grab yourself a bottle next time you are at Clicks or Dischem.

2. Mitchem Advanced Gel (in Pure Fresh scent) This is also a monthly staple and again, if it works why change it. I have tried out a few in my life and nothing seems to hold fast like this product. A definite repurchase. 

3. Tampax (Super) I really hate this product. I have been using Lilets forever. I could not find the size I wanted and resorted to trying something else. I did not even finish this box. I just chucked it. It does not expand very well and it comes apart (this is the best I can explain it). There is nothing wrong with the absorption, but everything else is horrible, even the individual packaging. I will never buy this again.

4. The Body Shop Passion Fruit Shower Gel (Soap free cleanser) What can I say. I actually don't have to say anything when it comes to The Body Shop products. It is no secret that I absolutely love their products and it is soap free so it is easy on the skin. Repurchase every single time.

5. Tresemmé Dry Shampoo (Translucent) I was not that impressed with this product. It does not hold that long. I know it is only a "quick" solution when a crisis arises and a hair wash is out of the question. It made my hair look dull and lifeless and did not give the impression of a "hair wash". Money wise the bottle size was just fine. I did use it quite a few weeks. But, my verdict: I'm going back to Batiste.

6. Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliner (Blackest Black) LOVE this eyeliner. It is waterproof, stays the whole day and gentle on the eyes. I am already using the new one a lot.

7. Sorbet Hydrating Face Mask Clarifying and Moisturising (with Ceramide, Hyaluronic acid and With hazel) This is the first mask I bought and used from Sorbet and I am highly impressed. Your skin feels refreshed and so soft. I have heard Allison Anderson talk about Hyaluronic Acid a lot. It really does wonders for the skin. I have repurchased this. I am trying out a different face mask. It is not expensive and feels almost like a salon facial. But for a quick fix if money is tight-try it out!

8. Indola Innova Thermal Protector Setting Spray. This is a salon product. I love the smell of this product, but more than that I find sometimes these products tend to feel like hair spray on your hair. This does not feel like that. It makes your hair soft and shiny and it smells divine! I am struggling to find this a bit, so as soon as I see it again I will add one to my cart.

9. Avon Ideal Flawless BB Cream (Nude) I could not find this for a while and it really upset me. In summer I want something light with a tint to hide some light blemishes and this works. It does not "suffocate" the skin and just gives it the tint it needs without it looking cake-y. It blends well and is super moisturising. This also does not stand back for any heat and sits tight on your face for up to 8 hours. When Summer comes I will be armed with a few bottles of this BB Cream.

10. LUSH Bath Products At last I have finished my LUSH that was a gift from the UK. I did a review on these specific products. You can go and read it H E R E

11. Beauty Factory Country Garden Sweet Pea Body Soufflé Absolutely amazing. That was my first impression. As much as I love the body butters from The Body Shop I actually prefer this one. It is light on the skin, applies easy and it smells delicious. And best is you can apply it everyday without it getting greasy or layered. I know us girls wanna smell really nice, don't we?! I have not seen this anywhere except at The Body Factory in Woodlands, so if you cross it somewhere, let me know.

What have you emptied recently that you were really impressed by or maybe super disappointed with? Leave a comment below.

Speak to you soon!

xoxo

Instagram Diary {July}

Hey guys,

This months Instagram Diary is full of Words of Wisdom, Encouragement, Photo's of my kitty and cockatiel, food and a few blog posts. I have not done this in a while and thought it would be fun.

I always have fun putting this together. I use Corel Draw x6 to create the grid. Such a user friendly program.

Enjoy!

Speak to you soon

xoxo

{From left to right}

My hobbies ♥ Thom! ♥ Some LUSH ♥ Watson! ♥ Some more Watson ♥ Be thankful always ♥ Blog Post: No-to-resolutions-YES-to-goals-half-way update ♥ Be awesome ♥ Thom bought us a present ♥ Hold On ♥ I need my coffee ♥ #TBT I miss my long hair ♥ Fri-YAY ♥ Little naughty Watson ♥ I'm capable, brave and significant ♥ New hair cut ♥ Blog post: What's in my bag {Winter Edition}  ♥ You got this ♥ Decide it ♥ Art will survive ♥ Mini Oreos from Spain ♥ My tea present from my friend from Spain ♥ Words ♥ Collect your scars ♥ God's love ♥ Me and little Watson ♥ Creative guy at the robot ♥ Food lovers Market ♥ Food lovers Market ♥ Blog post:Some old (and embarrassing) photos ♥ Words of wisdom ♥ New Lindt Coffee Blast YUMMO! ♥ Thom chilling it out ♥ Little Watson ♥ Remove Can't ♥ Words ♥ It's FRI-Day ♥ I'm worthy ♥ Some pizza at Panaroti's ♥ Blog post: The last 5 things I bought ♥ Me and Thom having a moment ♥ Words of Wisdom ♥ Die Calvyn at the North West University ♥ My piano ♥ Banting Burger @ Mike's Kitchen ♥ Chill ♥ Just hanging

The last 5 things I bought

Hey!

I stopped at some places the last few weeks, I bought a variety of stuff I needed (and wanted of course). Among-st other Cotton On was one and did you know they are having a huge winter sale! Up to 50% off on some items! You should go check it out. 

Here are the last 5 things I bought.

Winter is not completely over yet. I saw a picture on Pinterest of a girl with a chunky sweater, jean and some vans. I had no difficulty in finding a similar denim and shoes, but the sweater was an obstacle. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this chunky sweater in Cotton On. The next mission was to decide on the color! There was this one and grey. It fits really well and it does not look like it is sizes to big. It is really comfy and super cool. It was marked of from R499 ($40) to R250 ($20). Bargain! 

I really like beanies. I got this also from Cotton On. It was R50 ($4) marked down from R129 ($10). It is going to look really cool with my new sweater ;-P.

We do not have a LUSH store where I am living now, so I ordered online. I bought Dorothy Bath Bar, Blue Skies Bath Bar, Twilight Fizz Ball, Pop in the Bath Bar and the little Bubblegrub Bubbleroon ( I have not tried this one yet). I picked up some Popcorn Lip Scrub -it is amazing! And they threw in two samples. I got Dream Cream and Enchanted Eye Cream. I don't have to tell you how much I like Lush or how awesome it is. You can check our their website or pop in store and experience it for yourself.

Again, Yankee Candle do not need any introduction. They are simply awesome. I bought myself the Coconut Sea Air candle. It smells amazing! I always pick up their R20 ($1.50) bag of tealight candles. They burn much longer than the small one's you get at Mr Price Home. I was really looking for some sea-flavored candles and picked up Beach Flowers for my oil burner too. Hurry up and get to Yankee Candle! You can order online in South Africa now as well. You have no excuse!

I have not even started this trilogy (written by Stephanie Perkins) yet, but I now own all three books. This is the last one in the trilogy. I heard of these from Allison Anderson. You can check out her post on the first book Anna and the French Kiss

I really needed a tripod for my camera. I started taking photography classes and I really like night photography-for that you need a tripod. My dad and I actually bought this together as it is my birthday gift. He paid lots more -thanks Dad! This is pretty cool as this one can almost go completely flat for that low level shots. I have only used it a few times, but it works great! Original price was R2300 ($182) and we got it for R1700 ($56). Go check out the specs HERE

I am really satisfied with all my purchases. Yankee Candle and Lush NEVER dissapoints. Using my tripod is a breeze and my comfy sweater and beanie-will be weared a.lot. What have you bought recently that you really love? Tell me in the comments below.

Speak to you soon!

xoxo

ps. It is 7C (44F) today. It is freezing! I hope my clothes don't freeze stiff on the washing line.

Old {and some embarrassing} photo's

Hey guys!

I am feeling nostalgic. I went trough some of my photo albums (yes, I still have 3 of those) from when digital photography was not yet a thing. I found some (cringe worthy) old photos I thought I would like to share with you.

Let's take a trip down memory lane.

Little old me. I think this photo was taken maybe  around my 1ste birthday or just after. Wasn't  I the cutest thing!

This was taken a few years back. It summarizes my personality quite well. My boyfriend (at that time) was busy shaving. I decided I will try it as well. Let me tell you, that shaving cream burned like fire!!

Now, this is one of that cringe worthy pictures. This was taken on a holiday in Oudtshoorn. It is not the camel ride that gets me, it is my choice of fashion. And that hair?!

We look a bit like soldiers, don't we? This was on a December holiday at Yzerfontein on the West Coast. This was my first boyfriend! Haha We had great summer holidays together. Again, the hair?

Cringe worthy. The hat was so fashion this year at the KKNK. I don't know what I was thinking when I put on  my "outfit". I was such a tomboy. But then again, at a national cultural festival everyone is happy and no one cares what you wear. It is a festival. 

Matric (Gr 12) 2003.  We 4 girls I named "the 4 cakes of home economics". We had so much fun in this class. I was the one always burning myself or dropping stuff on the floor. This was taken on our "40 days left of school"-day. It brings back fond memories.

I love and hate this pic. I love it because we had fun at this matric (Gr 12) farewell. It was our friend's farewell in 2002. This would be one of the 3 we would attend together. I really cringe at the same time because my hair was a total disaster. I felt 40 years old. I really hated my hairdresser on this day! It was a pixie cut and she succeeded in making me look and feel so uncomfortable!

This was taken in Namibia. I really have a thing for trees and I thought this would make a cool picture. Damn. I look so mad and again I am so boyish! It was a great holiday though.

Do you have any pictures you find cringe worthy or that really brings back good memories?

Speak to you soon!
xoxo

What's in my bag {Winter edition}

Hello guys!

In May when I did the photo a day challenge {you can check it out  here}, one of the topics were "What's in my bag". I love seeing what people carry around and when I checked my bag it was quite stuffed with crap I never use. My friend left a comment on the picture "Heavy lifting hey". I thought well I be damned. I have a lot of crap I carry around with me and rarely use. I decided to get myself a smaller bag for Winter and fill it with stuff I use a lot and needed, not just nice to have.

This is my bag. It is a cross body, real leather bag and I bought it at Old Khaki.

When everything is neatly in my bag, this is what it looks like

Cute hey? Now I don't have to search for anything. Quick access.

Let's get into finer details of what I carry around.

♥ My wallet is from Busby. Cute and small. All my cards fit in it (not in card slots) and my ID. 
♥ My diary. A girl needs to plan. This is 2015 diary from CUM Books.
♥ My insulin pen. I cannot live without it. Literally.
♥ Lip ice. It is Labello.  Dry lips is very unflattering.
♥ Lens cleaner for my glasses. There is nothing that irritates me more (when it comes to glasses) if there is a spot/mark on my lens.
♥ A pen. 
♥ My glasses of course to see what I am doing. I got the case from Exclusive Books.
♥ My little emergency bag. This contains girl stuff, pain killers, hand cream and so forth.
♥ My iphone. Duh, cannot leave home without it!
♥ Some gum. I love the cinnamon flavor of Stimorol.
♥ My Kindle. This is the one I have. 

Now my trainer cannot say that my bag is heavier than my weights. Hooray for no crap handbags!

What is your have-to-have in your bag? I would love to know. Leave a comment below!

Speak to you soon!
xoxo

ps. If you missed my previous post. Check it out here No to resolutions, YES to GOALS {Half way update}