MY FAVOURITE THINGS {JULY}

Here are my favourites for the month of July
Enjoy!

1. During the month of July I found a wonderful little coffee shop
 right on my doorstep called
 iwantmycoffee
 and they serve a great Hot Chocolate!

                                                                           To read my post click here

2. The UK store, Mamas & Papas is an

 "Alladins Cave" 

for any moms or moms to be.

To read my post click here

3. A new male fragrance appeared on the shelves in July

 and "very nice" it is!

To read my review click here

4. I also shared one of my 

"Must Haves"

 with you during July 

and you will always find a tube in my handbag.

To read my post click here

WEIRD JEWELLRY

More weird jewellery items

Enjoy!

The Tongue Necklace

The Boob Necklace

Flower Pot Ring

A Falsie Ring

The Molar Range

MAKE UP BY THIERRY MUGLER

I am always in awe of beautiful packaging regardless of what it conceals , but when it comes to cosmetic related items like skin care, make-up and fragrance I am a sucker! I have been known, as I am sure many of you have, to buy purely based on the product's outer clothing rather than its underwear.
All too often designers launch make up collections and even skincare ranges, which are dressed to impress but reveal cheap and nasty underwear.
Regardless of the contents and just in terms of packaging,
 Thierry Mugler in my opinion, has created several fragrance masterpieces!

However I only recently discovered that he has his own make up collection and again the presentation
 looks outstanding.
I love the simple mirror look, all in keeping with  "world" Thierry Mugler.....

Glitter Lip Wax $35

Silky Compact Foundation $40

Lip Pen-Lip Colour $30

Rouge Unique $28

Eyeshadow Mono $40

Latex Kohl Eye Liner $40

Eye Shadows and Light $70

Unfortunately the make up is not available in South Africa, but if you have tried any of these great looking products then let me know! 

If not, maybe check it out on your next overseas trip

 or like me just visit

int.mugler.com

FRIDAY FINDS

My "Friday Finds" post this week takes on a fun Royal Baby theme.

This post is my "tongue in cheek" opinion as to what a Royal Baby really needs.

Enjoy!

Every Royal Baby needs a crib, that will always remind the "nanny" as to who you are.

The baby will need to have something to remind himself of the occasion of his birth

in years to come.

Every baby needs a useful romper suit or two

Oh! and he must have a Royal teddy bear to guard over him in his crib

A silver pacifier is a must! Spoons are so yesterday!

He also needs his own crown that will keep his Royal head warm!

Congratulations to Kate and William

 on the birth of their little 

bundle of 

Royal joy

L'OREAL PROFESSIONNEL & ROWENTA SALON STEAM POD HAIR STRAIGHTENER

An industry first, L'Oreal and Rowenta (they invented the first steam iron) two world class brands have joined forces with their expertise to develop a high tech steam hair straightening iron called the Steam Pod...This professional very high continuous steam flow straightener, allows your hairdresser to straighten your hair more quickly and  achieve a longer lasting result. The Steam Pod will straighten your hair perfectly, giving your hair exceptional smoothness and therefore shine, thus creating the best looking hair possible! Five years of research and 8 patents later, this is the first steam smoothing system that treats hair while styling, thanks to the Pro Keratin technology of their products.

I was very fortunate today to have my hair straightened with the Steam Pod. My hair was quickly dried with a hairdryer and then the straightening process began. The procedure is the same as with any conventional hair straightener,but the Steam Pod obviously works with steam. This steam opens up the cuticle and infuses moisture into the hair before sealing it with the iron. This makes your hair resistant to humidity, and means a frizz-free, smooth finish. It's imperative that the Steam Pod products are used prior to the straightening.

There are three products available and your hairdresser will decide on which will be best suited for your hair type.

Replenishing Smoothing Cream (Light texture for natural to slightly sensitized hair)

Replenishing Smoothing Cream (Rich texture for medium to highly sensitized hair)

Protective Smoothing Serum (Serum texture for very damaged hair)

My hair felt unbelievable soft and smooth, there was no sign of dampness, whatsoever on my hair. The one  noticeably difference, was that my hair was only warm to the touch, as opposed to the high heat that I normally feel with other straighteners.The whole process, was also far quicker....and my hair not only looked stunning,but felt absolutely fantastic, so lets see if how long the straight frizz free effect lasts for....I will keep you updated.

The Steam Pod is only to be used by professional salons and is designed to be used with Steam Pod products only.

This service is a salon extra and usually costs around an R60.

Joyce my hairdresser for many years is offering a 10% discount 

off any Redken,Kerastase,L'Oreal or Joico retail product purchased,

but be sure to mention that you read my blog in order to get the discount!

Sands Hair & Nails 

1st floor

Umhlanga Sands Hotel

Lagoon Drive

Umhlanga Rocks

031 561 5663

To read other posts re hair treatments

K Mist

Kerastase Elixir K Ultime

THURSDAY THOUGHT

This is so true for many of us!

DESIGNER CUPCAKES

If you follow my blog regularly you will know that I love beautiful cupcakes

 and I have found some more that I would like to share with you...

Which is your "fave"? 

Mine has to be the Vera Wang creation...

Enjoy!

LORDS OF THE MANOR *4

This past Sunday we joined the BMW club on their bi monthly organized breakfast run, which was to The Lords of the Manor Hidcote near Mooi River.

The impressive facade of the Manor House

The Lords of the Manor is a stately country mansion, built at the turn of the last century and offers the discerning guest the space and elegance of a bygone era. The proud owners have renovated this country mansion, turning it into a luxury Boutique Hotel. Set in the breathtaking Natal Midlands near Mooi River, it is the ideal venue for conferences, weddings or an unforgettable getaway only 1h25mins drive from Durban or a 3hr45min drive from Johannesburg. The Manor House itself is surrounded by 25 acres of land, graced by stately fir & oak trees dating back to when the manor was built in 1889.

The buffet breakfast that had been organised was scrumptious and it would be well worth another visit for that alone or

perhaps as part of a day out, meandering along the Midlands Meander.....

This fellow stands guard at the reception

The hotel boasts a Chapel, which makes it a idyllic venue to hold a wedding and the backdrop of the ivy covered manor house would make for some wonderful wedding photographic memories.

Whether you are on honeymoon or just feel like treating yourself and your loved one to a weekend of luxury, their exclusive Honeymoon Suite consists of a bedroom and lounge, both equipped with fireplaces for cosy winter evenings. The Honeymoon Suite is equipped with a LCD TV, selected DSTV channels, bar fridge, safe, tea & coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom.

Lords of the Manor also provides the ideal base for exploring the beautiful KZN Midlands and of course the infamous Midlands Meander.

Nearby facilities include :

Fly Fishing

Golf

Tennis

Canopy Tours

Quad Biking

Horse Riding

Game Viewing to name but a few.....

Whilst I was tucking into my warm flaky croissants I overheard several guests chatting about how wonderful their weekend at the Lords of the Manor had been and I was feeling somewhat envious...I think I will just have to return, but forget a return for breakfast as I mentioned earlier...I think I should return for "bed and breakfast" and the Honeymoon Suite looks like it's my style....watch this space! 

The Honeymoon Suite

For details and rates

HOW TO CORRECT MESSY EYESHADOW - TUTORIAL

Wayne Goss shows us how to correct "messy" eye shadow application,which we all do from time to time, and also lift the eye area.

Check his helpful tutorial out.

Enjoy!

SOURCE

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Here is my latest batch of quotes, with a relationship theme.

Enjoy!

SOURCE

THURSDAY THOUGHT

MO-ZAM-BIK RESTAURANT {REVIEW}

Situated in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is MO-ZAM-BIK restaurant, which opened late in 2012. There are several branches in the Johannesburg, Pretoria and KZN regions and Gateway is the first franchise restaurant.

Mozambik is about a dream... a dream that two guys share, Ryan Stewart and Brett Michielin. It’s a dream about building family restaurants where they are able to share their passion for food and cooking with you. A family restaurant to take you away, without a need to board a plane to experience Mozambique. A destination where no passports are required. Our family restaurant, Mozambik is based on the authentic Mozambique “Barraca” which in English means “Hut”. In Mozambique eating and drinking, in a home or on the street, is a way of life - that is what is captured in our Barraca.

After hearing many good reports I recently paid them a visit with a friend,as I felt I was possible missing out on some seriously good food!

We didn't book a table, and even though is was full, we were soon seated and our drinks order taken...I ordered the obligatory Strawberry Daiquiri which was good, but alas, as all too often..it was garnish free! 

The brown paper table cloths are an indicator that its a casual family restaurant.

The waitress came and threw a brown, triangular paper parcel onto the table,(a little too casual for me) my friend and I looked at each other, before gingerly opening the one end only to reveal some roasted nuts to nibble on!

On to the food....

The menu is extensive and comprises of many typical dishes from Mozambique. Here are just a few of the dishes on offer.

STARTERS

CHICKEN LIVERS - Grilled to perfection! Fresh garlic, lime and bay leaves. Tantalize your taste buds with optional piri-piri mild or hot. R46

CHOURICO SAUSAGE - Scrumptious Portuguese sausage sliced and grilled. Full Portion R50 Half Portion R27

GIBLETS - Cooked slowly in our delicious Mozambikan tomato and red wine sauce with just a hint of paprika and bay leaf. Piri-piri optional R 41

STARTER PLATTER - Chicken Livers, 2 Prawn Rissoles, 2 Chicken Rissoles, Chourico Sliced, Green Olives & Calamari. Served 4 people. R170

MAIN COURSES

PRAWNS - They are grilled and served with a piri-piri or garlic, lemon & herb range from R130 to R230

SEAFOOD PLATTER - Linefish, Calamari, 4 Queen Prawns and & Mussels. R 240

TRICHADO MAIN - Tender steak strips done in our own style with a dash of garlic and a creamy white wine sauce.Rump R 95 Fillet R 125

ESPETADA BEEF - 300gr Rump cubes skewered and marinated in olive oil, fresh garlic, coarse salt and bay leaf. R 94

CHICKEN AND PRAWN - 3 cubes of marinated chicken breast fillet, 3 queen prawns flame grilled and skewered with onion and green pepper. R105

QUARTER CHICKEN AND 4 PRAWNS R 115

QUARTER CHICKEN AND CALAMARI R 98

CALAMARI AND 4 PRAWNS R 128

 They also have a chalk board advertising several specials of the day.

I opted for a Steak Prego roll with fries, thinking that I can't go too wrong with this popular dish...

Oh! How wrong I was! When the dish arrived the first thing I noticed, was the thin anemic looking piece of meat, in fact I thought they had brought me a chicken Prego, by mistake. I also expected to see a lovely floury Portugese type roll and some tasty sauce smothering the meat.As you can see in my photo the dish looked far from appetizing. The meat was tough and the taste was very bland and sadly it was a huge disappointment. 

STEAK PREGO

A 150gr Prego steak pan-fried in a secret red wine, cream and bay leaf sauce in a Portuguese roll served with a starch of your choice. R 60

SEAFOOD PASTA

My friend ordered a Special off the board (R105) which she enjoyed.

Would I go back again? 

No..as I don't give bad, average or mediocre eating places a second chance!

Generally I found MO-ZAM-BIK to be average on all accounts.

MO-ZAM-BIK