ESPECIALLY ESCADA FRAGRANCE COLLECTION {REVIEW}

It was this beautiful pink Escada display that I saw in Woolworths Gateway yesterday that has prompted me to review the Especially Escada range of fragrances. For those that are not aware Escada is an international luxury fashion group in women's designer clothing and was founded in 1978 by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley in Munich, Germany.

Escada Beauté was founded in 1990, which saw the release of its first fragrance, Escada Margaretha Ley, named after one of the company's founders. Internationally Escada has launched many fragrances most of which never made it to South Africa.Like the company's fashions, the fragrances are notable for their bright packaging and unusual bottle shapes.The company's emphasis was on youthful fruity-floral scents and in my opinion they had some of the worst names ever, like Ibiza Hippie, Cherry In The Air, Escada Sexy Graffiti and Chiffon Sorbet to name but an awful few. Alas many of the fragrances that were launched here in South Africa were sadly "forgettable" that was until 2011, when the now successful Especially Escada collection was launched. Especially Escada was followed in 2012 by Especially Escada Delicate Notes and in 2013 Especially Escada Elixir emerged on the fragrance scene.

This  Especially Escada range is designed to reflect the passion and beauty of the rose, with each scent celebrating a different flower., This "grown up" trio, whilst still appealing to the fun loving young, fits comfortably with a more mature market, especially like Moi! 

Especially Escada

Is a luxurious Eau de Parfum, which is a modern yet feminine scent, with a sparkling top note of pear and exotic notes of ambrette seeds, which dries down to reveal a fresh combination of rose and ylang ylang. Light musky notes complete the scent, adding a dewy subtle touch of femininity, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Available in 30ml , 50ml , 75ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R585/R810/R1030

Especially Escada Delicate Notes

Offers a delicate Eau de toilette version of the original Especially Escada, this scent is effortless and easy to wear reflecting the freshness of morning dew and pear blossom in springtime, this fragrance sparkles with femininity. This delicate fragrance would be ideal in the warm and humid summers of Durban or for those days that where delicate was the order of the day.

Available in 50ml & 75ml Eau de Toilette Sprays 

R745/R930

Especially Escada Elixir

A powerful version of the original rose fragrance, Especially Escada Elixir is a seductive scent with a deep, feminine allure.

The top note of pear adds sweetness to the fragrance, and its delicate fruitiness is again fresh and feminine.The heart includes Turkish rose absolut, ylang-ylang, accords of prune and fresh plums, laid on the base of patchouli, white musk, dry amber, cashmere and Madagascar vanilla.This more intense Eau de Parfum would be perfect for me in the evening or in the cooler winter months.

Available in 30ml & 50ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R610/R860

If it hadn't have been for the Rose barrow in Woolworths I would still be of the opinion that Escada should just stick to doing what they do best...clothing and accessories, however Especially Escada is a great collection of sparkling,feminine rose fragrances that suits every age, occasion and season. I just hope they don't return to creating forgettable fragrances with hideous names.

To Order Online

Woolworths

Red Square

SUNDAY SAMPLE NIVEA RICH NOURISHING BODY CREAM {REVIEW}

• Several weeks ago I pulled out from my sample jar a sachet sample of NIVEA In Shower Moisturising Skin Conditioner, which I wasn't overly impressed with, so when I dipped in earlier in the week and out came another sachet sample from NIVEA I actually contemplated throwing it back into the jar and doing a re draw!
  The sample was the NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Cream, which is formulated to nourish and protect dry,flakey skin. Now I don't generally have a very dry body skin, but I purposely used this product after lying out in the sun on Easter Monday. This particularly rich formula has caring ingredients which leave even the driest skin noticeably smoother and it did just that. I also felt it glided on well and absorbed easily and left my skin feeling nourished without leaving any traces of oil. 
  There are other formulas available in the NIVEA range of Body Care moisturising 
  products, but the rich formula contains HYDRA IQ and Almond Oil to soften the skin
  and help restore lost moisture.
   {HYDRA IQ technology promotes a non-stop moisture supply from within the skin.The formula supports the skin’s own water channels to enhance your natural moisturisation}
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  • As world leading skincare experts, we bring you a revolutionary formula with HYDRA IQ technology to promomoisture supply from within the skin. The formula supports the skin’s own water channels to enhance your natural moisturisation.
    • Restores and replenishes lost moisture
    • Protects the natural structure of the skin and maintains its protective layer
    • Reduces roughness
    • Provides 24 hour plus moisturisation.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

This is definitely one to consider as it really won't break the budget!

More Info

TOP POSTS OF 2013 #3

As we start the New Year I thought I would bring you my 3 most viewed posts of 2013.

In 3rd place is a post I wrote in January last year re the 

Givenchy 

Hydra Sparkling Tinted Moisturizer. 

It formed part of 4 posts that I wrote in my quest to find a tinted moisturizer.

Enjoy!

To read this review click here

To Read Final Review on all 4 Tinted Moisturisers

YVES ROCHER EXPRESS EYE MAKE UP REMOVER {REVIEW}

This past year I have tried a couple of the French brand Yves Rocher skincare products and have been suitably impressed, especially on the price point.

One such "value for money" items is the The Express Eye Makeup Remover, which retails for R85 for 125mls. 

This is a bi-phase eye makeup remover, so expect to see the two phases separated out and remember to always shake well before use,otherwise the product will be imbalanced and not be as effective. The one ingredient is the Organic Cornflower Water which is renowned for being gentle on the skin round the eye and having soothing properties and both are often 

found in many eye products. 

What is great about this product is that it is Paraben free as well as being specially formulated for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

This product is easy to use, just apply onto a cotton wool pad and wipe over the eye area, flip over the pad and a re wipe is sufficient to effectively remove all my eye makeup without too much effort.My eye area was left feeling refreshed, there was no stinging and no real fragrance to mention with this product.

(I must make mention though that I do not have a sensitive eye area)

Would I buy again?

Definitely......and I would highly recommend to those that do have sensitive eyes.

Bi Phase product

Important to mix the product

Yves Rocher available at selected Woolworths

Velvety Cleansing Milk Review

Perfecting Toning Review

BELUGA GATEWAY {REVIEW}

Some of you may have read my previous reviews on various restaurants, cafes etc.and I know I am a harsh critic, but being a "mature" diner you need to understand that I have eaten many meals out in all types of restaurants over the years and lets face it, eating out is not a cheap past time,
so to put it simply and bluntly....
I work hard to earn my money and I don't settle for crap.....

Obviously my reviews are based purely on my personal taste,opinions and experiences at the time of the review, all this being said I very rarely give a mediocre or average restaurant a second chance, 
as I really don't want to waste more of my good money. 

So how did I Beluga rate?
My son turned 20 years old a couple of weeks ago, so we decided to eat at Beluga in Gateway, even though I have eaten a couple of times at Beluga in Cape Town this was my first time trying this offshoot, which opened a year ago.
 Beluga in Cape Town has always pleased me and I was expecting great things from my "local" Beluga. 

If I am not mistaken this 350 seater eatery is housed in the 
old Pop Art Cafe Club premises, 
which is a double volume cavernous space. 

We opted to sit outside on the sidewalk terrace and unfortunately that's where things started to go somewhat "pear shaped". 
The outside area is dark, as there is very little lighting and we all had the same problem...we couldn't read the menu even the "Kiddiewinks" with their young eyes complained. 
After voicing our concerns, the waiter brought us a candle to light our way! 
The candle happened to be an electric flickering flame to resemble a candle, 
hence it shed no light whatsoever....reading between these lines....can you sense my frustration already?

We proceeded to move to a table along side the windows hoping the light issue would be resolved and guess what, it wasn't, so after table move number 3 
we ended up inside the restaurant. 
At this point I started to have a sense of humour loss, as the lighting inside the main restaurant was really no better.Regardless, we all battled to read the extensive menu and it all sounded "delish". 

First off I ordered my compulsory Strawberry Daiquiri, as Beluga pride themselves on their cocktails, 
so I waited with anticipation and what arrived was a glass full of sweet slush puppy syrup with no garnish!

Strawberry Daiquiri R58

I am not even going to comment further on my SD other than     

to offer some advice to the management of Beluga... send your barman down to the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga to learn how to make a good SD.

Lets move onto the food.....

We all opted for Belugas set 3 course menu selection at 

R165, 

as it covered lots of our family "likes". 

We all chose the pan fried Calamari with Ginger and Chilli and what arrived was a large portion of perfectly cooked calamari with a tasty plate drizzle of 
Chilli and Ginger, 

a big thumbs up all round!

Ginger & Chilli Calamari

For our mains we all ordered different dishes, which I like as I get to taste

 everyone's food.

"Kiddiewink 1" 

Decided on the Sticky Beef ribs

 which he enjoyed.

 "Kiddiewink 2" 

Chose the Angry Chicken Curry, 

named after the angry chef that totally ruined the dish by overdosing with salt.

"Hubby" 

Unfortunately picked the Slow-Braised Lamb Shank,

 which he was assured was a good portion for a hungry man, I could see his face drop when a minute shank appeared before him and to add insult to injury he declared it tasteless! 

"et Moi" 

I ordered the Kingklip with buttered mash and beurre blanc, 

which didn't look very appetising but the taste was good.

Kingklip

After mixed reviews on the mains it was onto the 3rd and final course and 

my "fave" part...the puds. 

No contest here, as we had all heard so much about the

 White Chocolate Beignets.

Lindt White Chocolate Beignets

 Lindt white chocolate,vanilla bean ice cream and butterscotch sauce and for me being a "chocoholic" this was promising to be a great end to our otherwise disappointing meal. 

One bite into the white chocolate fried ball revealed a hot melted chocolate centre, which was very rich, in fact so much so, I could only eat the one and add to that the butterscotch dipping sauce and the whole dessert was just too rich and too sweet. 

If you follow my blog, you will know from many of my reviews and posts that I loooove chocolate, but this dessert must go down on record, as being the richest "pud" that I have ever eaten. 

Even "kiddiewink 1 & 2" couldn't help me out, so sadly my plate went back to the kitchen minus just the one ball, a little butterscotch and some ice cream, again for me this is unheard of!

To finish off this rather long review

the atmosphere is lacking, the service was average, but the food was to say the least disappointing on many counts. 

I feel that to try and roll out an award winning fine dining restaurant formula to another province is a challenge for the owners and can often fall short and in my opinion sadly this is what has happened to Beluga. 

The final bill came to R940 inc. a tip. There was no wine only beers, cool drinks and my Strawberry Daiquiri!

Would I return? 

Unfortunately not, but I would most definitely visit the tried, tested and established Cape Town branch.

Just a final note....kindly ditch those unhygienic large open jars of brightly coloured jelly beans, its a nice idea, but I witnessed both the waitrons and customers stuffing their,no doubt dirty,grubby, germ ridden hands in, to grab handfuls.
It brought to mind the "bowl of peanuts on the bar" story that did 
its rounds years ago!
Yuk!

To read previous post on Beluga

BELUGA (GATEWAY)

Call 031 584 7430

www.beluga.co.za

Physical address: 

Shop G347 

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

 Umhlanga

Durban

Opening times:

 Sunday to Thursday 12 noon - 10pm. 

Friday to Saturday 12 noon - 11pm. 

ESTEE LAUDER BLOCK BUSTER 2013

Yes... its that time of the year again when Estee Lauder launch their Block Buster in time for Christmas.

I know that the "BlockBuster" from Lauder has been a familiar and very popular gifting option for the past 30 years, that I am aware of and it still pleases and excites many today!

Every year different colours for lips and eyes are chosen and showcased in a beautiful vanity case.

This years collection is all packed in this beautiful  Lauder blue case.

Purchase a 50ml or larger Estee Lauder fragrance & qualify to purchase the Estee Lauder Make up Block buster. The Blockbuster retails at R1500 yet is valued at R4000.

The Block Buster contains 29 colours, including 3 full-size lipsticks, eye and cheek palettes, a full-size makeup remover and much more--plus Estee Lauders #1 nighttime moisturizer. The set also includes a golden companion case and a navy SlimCase Traveler.  

This extraordinary collection includes:

• Deluxe Eye Shadow Compact with 18 Best-Selling Pure Color EyeShadow shades (Sugar Cube, Pink Flash, Sepia Sand, Summer Linen, Sugar Biscuit, Ivory Slipper, Amazing Grey, Tranquil Moon, Smoky Ember, Nude Fresco, Hot Cinnamon, Wild Sable, Nocturnal Blue, Berry Burst, Amethyst Spark, Ivy Envy, Chocolate Bliss and Lavish Mink.)

• Cheek Palette with 4 Best-Selling Pure Color Blush shades (Peach Passion, Lover’s Blush and Pink Kiss and Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer in Medium)

• 3 Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Hot Kiss, Sugar Honey and Nectarine)

• Pure Color Glosses (in Praline Paradise and Garnet Desire)

• Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner (great for smoky eyes, in Blackened Black)

• Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Le Smoking

• Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (full-size) in Extreme Black

• Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (full-size 3.4 oz.)

• Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme (deluxe travel size)

• Gold Companion Case

• Navy SlimCase Traveler

For years it was always top of my Christmas Wish List and have received many over the years, so what makes it a 'hit" year after year?

• Firstly it offers wonderful value for money, as you receive so many generous sized products at a huge cost saving.
• The assortment of make-up items are always well chosen so as to suit the "likes" of most people.
• The products always come beautifully presented in some sort of stylish, usable vanity bag or case.
• Great gift for women that are not daily wearers and this gives them all they require.

So all things taken into account this Block Buster offers great value yet again!

Available from all Estee Lauder stockists whilst stock last

To order online

HONEY BY MARC JAOBS {REVIEW}

Another recently launched fragrance from the Marc Jacobs stable is Honey....

and yes you have guessed it, the underlying ingredient is Honey!

I must give Marc Jacobs, full marks for his packaging and presentation of his fragrances and I love the "Dotty" look from last years launch of Dot and now its repeated with Honey.

Immediately the yellow packaging suggest that the contents should be sunny, energetic 

and bright and that is initially what you smell,a sunny bright burst of Mandarin, Green Pear which makes way for Honeysuckle and Orange Blossom.

A hint of honey is noticeable throughout the different stages of the fragrance,which I quite enjoyed.

This fragrance to me is not a statement fragrance but rather a subtle feminine, floral, 

slightly sweet easy wearing kind of scent.

Unfortunately Honey didn't linger too long on me, 

even though it's an Eau de Parfum,

 and left a very soft vanilla fragrance behind.

Available from selected Edgars and Red Squares

Eau de Parfum 

30ml R650

50ml R910

100ml R1175

www.redsquare.co.za

INGLOT 02M NAIL ENAMEL {REVIEW}

Nail Polish, Nail Varnish, Nail Enamels whatever you want to call them, 
they are all the same or are they? 
Apparently not and one of the newest technologies comes from the Polish brand 
INGLOT 
by the way of 02M Nail Enamel which uses a revolutionary breathable formula.
INGLOT 
have an extensive range of nail colours and nail treatment products e.g. 
ridge fillers,cuticle oil, cuticle removing gel to name but a few.

At this point I can guess what most people are probably thinking,
 as I thought the same, but let's hear about this breathable formula...

- Originally used mainly for contact lenses, KS-02 polymer:

- significantly increases oxygen permeability of the nail enamel

- ensures water vapour permeability of the nail enamel

- facilitates spreading of the varnish

- reduces film tightness

I am sure you will agree, it all sounds very advanced and technical,
 yet I have been using nail polish for nearly 30 years and I am really not "getting" 
the need for this kind of enamel, as I have never experienced film tightness 
or the need to facilitate the spreading of the varnish, as nowadays any 
decent polish spreads well. 
If you are looking for a healthier option of nail enamel then perhaps
 this is the one to buy!

In my quest to get an "understanding" for this product I did some research and soon realized, what was originally created as a "healthy" option has become 
a "must have" by many women of the Muslim faith.

Ok I know, you may be confused right now and you are wondering what does 
religion have to do with a nail varnish. 
Take your eyes back up to the features of this breathable formula
and there lies the answer - ensure water vapour permeability of the nail enamel!

A “breathable” nail polish is said to be halal (allowed by Islamic law) and provides no obstacle for women who want to complete their wudhu (ablution) before the daily prayers.
Nail polish is considered inconsistent with wudhu because of the physical layer it creates over the nails. This prevents water from cleansing the nails, which is a requirement for wudhu.
Therefore, a woman would have remove her nail polish every time she needs to renew her wudhu, which may mean removing and re-varnishing several times a day.However it seems like this new formula nail enamel has caused some controversy, despite being hugely popular in many Muslim countries.

Be that as it may, what are my opinions on this polish! 

1. The bottle was easy in the hand.

2. The width of the brush made it really easy to apply.

3. The spreadability of the product was no different to any other good polish.

4. Quick drying.

5. I found, despite my nails being clean and I mixed the bottle thoroughly
 before use,the polish deposited tiny flecks of beads on my nail
 (Not dissimilar to the dust left behind after filing your nails)
This meant that the finish was not smooth.

5. I also found it to chip literally after a day of wearing.

6. The colour also faded on my nails and lost its intensity.

The INGLOT O2M NAIL ENAMEL
retails in South Africa for R159 which is pricey!

Would I buy it again? 

No, as I really could not see any short term benefit of using this product, 
but I did love the colour.
 I bought shade 607 and if they had a color in their collection that I just 
had to have then I would consider buying again.

Stockists:
Woolworths
and you can order online

www.inglotsouthafrica.com

Source

REMO'S VILLAGGIO {REVIEW}

Remo’s was born in May 2007 in memory of the late Remo Giuseppe Scribante. His brothers, “Fratelli”, Franco and Renzo Scribante opened their first café in Mount Edgecombe, Durban.

Renzo had a passion for food and cafes his whole life. He spent time from an early age cooking with his mother in the kitchen and cleaning the tables at Sunday lunches. What started out as a small café with a limited menu has now turned into an established company fuelled by passion. 

The Remo’s Originale (Mount Edgecombe Store) is now a bustling restaurant and bar very well known for its quality of food. 

In 2012 Remo’s expanded and the much anticipated Villaggio store was opened in Umhlanga Village.
 This charming,upmarket and exciting venue is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

. 
I must make mention here of the Italian Panetteria (bakery) which is adjoining the restaurant and is very cute little shop, but I will blog about this on another occasion.

This is only the second time I have eaten at the Remo's in Umhlanga due to the fact, that they are always fully booked in the evenings,so I highly recommend booking a table in advance.

Be aware that the menu is extensive and it really does take some time to read through it, as always when I am confronted with a huge variety of dishes, I found myself chopping and changing my mind, many times.

I finally ordered a Pear and Gorgonzola Salad,which was absolutely delicious, but the key ingredient for me were the broken pieces of peanut brittle scattered over the salad, which elevated this dish into a new realm of  salad deliciousness. The sweetness of the brittle just complimented the cheese and the pear, so well.

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad R75

My hubby and the "Kiddiewinks" all ordered pizzas, which have recently been voted the best in Durban 2013 by the "I love Durban" Online community and again the family all enjoyed theirs. The pizza menu offers some interesting and different topping options. The thin based pizzas are rectangle in shape and are served on a wooden board and have to be the most expensive Pizzas around Durban ranging from
 R72 for a basic Funghi to R140 for the GiGi seafood pizza.

Carne Pizza R98

We all opted for "puds" and Chocolate Brownies with ice cream were the most popular choice and I ordered a Creme Brûlée. The Choc brownies were rich and a hit, whilst my Creme Brûlée on the other hand, was a disaster. It arrived with a sugar spun creation on top and looked promising....but that's where it ended! The management dealt with my complaint immediately and efficiently. 

Maybe next time I will also opt the the rich Choc "overload" pud below!

Decadantly rich Chocolate Brownie R35

Creme Brulee

Remo's is proud of its wine list and obviously includes several Italian wines, but my fave cocktail a Strawberry Daiquiri was not on the cocktail menu, so sad face....I did venture out of my "cocktail" box and I tried a long cocktail called

 Aperol Spritz R52

 (Aperol, Prosecco and Orange Juice)

 My SD still remains my first and only true cocktail love.

 Taking into account the decor, the vibe, the service and the great Italian food, the whole dinning experience at Remo's is memorable and I cannot wait to return for another Pear and Gorgonzola Salad or maybe one of the many home made pasta dishes, or a pizza or even one of their special dishes...

Oh! see I am already undecided about what to order on my next visit,which means many more visits are on the cards..

For those of you living outside of KZN, the brothers do have plans to expand into Johannesburg and possibly Cape Town.

Shop 2/3, Protea Mall
Cnr Lighthouse and Chartwell Drive(Umhlanga, Durban)

031 561 7143

Remo's Website