SUNDAY SKETCHES - NEW YEAR

In a couple of days we will say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in a New Year.

I would like to wish all my readers a 

Wonderful, Healthy 

and 

Happy 2015.

inslee.net

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Every Christmas I post some pictures of Christmas and festive themed cupcakes, but this year I have decided to feature some holiday cookies..

Of course I have not baked or decorated any of these...simply because...I am not blessed with the ability to do such patient and delicate artwork, but that doesn't stop me from admiring them.

Enjoy!

Source

ARLESIENNE L'OCCITANE {REVIEW}

As with everything that L'Occitane en Provence create there is always a true story behind the range and the creation of their latest fragrance collection Arlesienne is no exception. Arles is a town in Provence South of France that I know pretty well, 
but only for the reason that my sis and I, on one of our visits to the region 
got hopelessly lost!
Arles is a historic town dominanted Roman architecture, which by the way has the largest collection of Roman monuments outside of Rome. 
The elegant and gracious L'Occitane woman that hails from Arles 
"Arlésienne"
is the inspiration of the 
"true story"
 behind this fragrance collection.

The vibrant scent of Arlésienne is composed of a bouquet of roses from Grasse, sweet violets and saffron both home grown in Provence and this combination creates a wonderful, floral, feminine, mysterious, soft, lingering fragrance reminiscent of the Arlesienne.......

    

75ml EDT
R695














What I love about L'Occitane is the depth with regards to complimenting products within each range that they launch, as I find nothing more infuriating than only being offered, in many instances, just an Eau de Toilette and Body Lotion and if you are really lucky in South Africa you may have an option of a Shower Gel. 

This is not the case with the Arlesienne fragrance Collection, as it contains 11 products ranging from the Eau De Toilette, hand cream, soap, candle, shower cream, solid perfume and the list goes on, but today I want to share with you my experience with the Arlsienne Body Oil.

Body Oil R470 75mls

Its a light, translucent body oil that can be used on your hair and body and envelops them with a sensual and delicate nourishing veil, which I just adore, especially in the Durban hot and humid climate. 
The fragrance of the Body Oil is a softer version of the Edt and with all the products in this range you can layer, to build up the intensity, till your hearts content.
Other notable products that echo the scent of the Eau de Toilette, that I particularly enjoy, are the Perfumed Candle and the Solid Perfume, both of which are Limited editions.

As you know I have a love for candles and all things pink, so how could I not adore this candle packaged in a rose-coloured jar, that delicately diffuses its fragrance into the air.

Perfumed Candle R390

I have always had a soft spot for a solid perfume, as they are such a handy, easy and affordable way to top up your fragrance during the day.

Solid Perfume R150 (10gr)

For Christmas and the Holidays a beautiful Star Gift has been created showcasing four of the Arlesienne products at a special price, which offers a great saving.

Value R1 275,00
RSP R950

Saving R325

Arlesienne Star Gift containing: 

Arlesienne EDT 75ml 
Arlesienne Shower Cream 75ml 
Arlesienne Velvet Hand Cream 30ml 
Arlesienne Beauty Milk 250ml

ORDER ONLINE

SUNDAY SKETCHES - MERRY CHRISTMAS

Inslee Haynes sketches and Christmas two of my favourite things...

Enjoy!

Source Pinterest 

VESPA GIFTING IDEAS

I am always on the look out for different gifting ideas and look what I found in the Vespa shop at Melrose Arch this past weekend.

(Vespa is an Italian brand of scooter made by Piaggio and has been around since 1946 and interestingly the name means Wasp)

Apart from obviously the Vespa scooters, you can purchase a whole range of Vespa branded goodies imported from Italy and who doesn't like a little bit of Italian...

If the top of the range custom designed and hand built Vespa 946 retailing at R139,950 exceeds you pressy budget this year then you can always opt for these cheaper Vespa items.

Vespa Melrose Arch

Vespa 946 R139,950

Keyring R249

Vespa Luggage R1999

Model R150

Espresso Set R425

Mug R150

To view more Lifestyle Collection items and find your nearest Vespa Stockist

EASY CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTRE PIECES

I found these "Easy Peasy" Christmas centre piece ideas on Pinterest 

and if any of you are like "Moi" then easy sounds good! 

I think they all look traditionally festive and require very little effort, as many of the components 

are possibly what we have already at home like Christmas baubles, candles, pine cones, 

vases and even candy.

I like the sweetie candle, as the green and red always looks so Christmassy, but I do have concerns that the sweeties (in my house) wouldn't last as long as the candle.

I hope I have given you some "easy peasy" inspiration for your table centre piece.

Enjoy!

FESTIVE NAILS

It's that time of the year again when nail art goes all festive. 

Every year I include a post on my blog showcasing some Christmas designs and this year 

I have found some lovelies. 

Unable to do nail art myself I do appreciate the time and skill that goes into creating
 these works of art.
 I particularly like the Christmas Baubble look.

Enjoy!

ITS "RAIN" ING GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS

If you are looking for gifting this year, whether it be for Teachers Gifts, Secret Santa's or for those special people in your life (male, female or babies) then can I suggest 

that you visit your nearest rain store.

This African brand has a special place in my heart, as I have tried and written about many of their products over the past couple of years. 

The helpful consultants in store can custom make a gift to suit your requirements, just give them some details of the recipient and a budget and "Hey Presto" a beautifully presented gift will be made with "rain" Love!

You will be surprised as to how much your budget will buy in comparison to other similar imported brands, as being "local" they are not subject to fluctuating exchange rates.

You can order on line or visit their website for store locations and if you live in the USA don't despair, as rain can now be found in New York and for the rest of the US you can order from their US website.

Here are some of my "faves" for gifting and I would be thrilled to find any of these under my tree this year!

Chocolate Box of Soaps Small

Six guest size glycerin soaps in a handmade fabric covered re-usable box.

R165

~~~~~~

BEE ESSENTIALS JAR:

Body Polish - for a healthy body glow (40g)

Honey & Buttermilk Olive Oil Soap (80g)

Lip Balm (10g)

Honey Hand Lotion (40g)

Hand Salve - for hard working hands (60g)

All packaged in a handy re-usable jar.

R425

~~~~~~

BIOLOGIE JAR:

Peppermint Foot Scrub (50g)

Pulse Point Balm - for tension and headache relief (30g)

All natural Hand Lotion (60ml)

All Natural Travel size Shampoo (50ml)

All Natural Travel size Conditioner (50ml)

Facial Rehydrator - for refreshing relief while travelling (50ml)

R295

~~~~~~

TREAT YOUR FEET :

Foot Scrub (90ml)

Foot Soak (100g)

Foot Cream (90ml)

Foot Soap Glycerine

Foot Pumice Stone

Foot File

R430

~~~~~~

Talc with Brush Savannah

Fragrant talc in linen bag with feather brush. 

R139

SUNDAY SKETCHES - SHOES

I know I am obsessed with Inslee Haynes work, check out her shoe sketches...

Enjoy!