Something Old Something New Something Borrowed Something Blue

I hope your week has been fruitful thus far. I feel like I have accomplished quite a bit this week. I managed to get all my admin work up to date, styled a photoshoot and finally started laser again! I used to have laser done about a year ago but never made it to my follow-up appointments. Laziness accompanied  by the drive there made it impossible. Lucky for me, Simply Laser has relocated to Windermere (Lilian Ngoyi) Road which is just a stone throw away from me. I was quite impressed by the set up and service as the staff were friendly and so helpful! They also have a new machine which makes the treatment almost pain-free!

After my treatment I stopped at Cafe Saint-Germain (French Fusion Cafe) across the road, they're part of the Fusion cooking school which is run by the students as part of their practical training. I just popped in as I needed a quiet place to work, which this place was! Watching the students brought back so many fond memories of my time at chef school. The waitress' face was so sour. When I asked for a table she looked at me blankly as if to say "so have a seat, why are you asking me?" Looking at her made me think about the long hours I had to endure forcing a smile at patrons when all I wanted to do was sleep (on the filthiest, disease-infested couch in the student room). At the time, that couch was heaven for anyone who was on their twelfth hour of work. 

Reminiscing about the good old days puts a smile on my face. It was the most difficult year of my life but if I had to do it again I most definitely would! The best part of chef school was all the free food! Every day I ate the best food, needless to say I gained a whole lot of weight too! I don't work as a chef but I'm sure my training will come in handy one day.

What I'm Wearing:

The title of the post is really fitting; the top is borrowed from my sister's wardrobe. I sometimes grow tired of looking at my cupboard. After a few hundred times of looking in my cupboard, all the clothes start to look like one. That's when I know it's time to start shopping in her closet! The jacket was bought from Zara whilst shopping with my friend. I wore it for the first time for this shoot so it serves as a new item and a blue item! I really do love it but Durban is still too hot and humid for it so it will have to find it's place in my wardrobe until Winter. The bag is from Topshop, which was purchased about a year ago so I guess it's the 'old' item. 

Jacket - Zara // T-shirt Dress - Cotton On // Tights - Cotton On // Sneakers - Christian Louboutin // Metallic Bag - Topshop //  Sunglasses - Prada at Sunglass Hut // Necklace - Mr Price

Photography by Pagiel Chetty www.pagielchetty.co.za 

Instagram: @pagielchetty

Birthday

This post was scheduled to be published last week - before my birthday however, my sister gave birth to my sweet, little nephew so all my plans went out the window! I'm a bit reserved when it comes to kids but when I saw my nephew for the first time, I actually felt like tearing out of pure joy and love. It's so surreal how such a tiny being can captivate the hearts of so many. Within a minute of his existence we were all beside ourselves with excitement! Writing about him makes me want to hold him and shower him with tender kisses. 

This year I turned 25. A quarter of a century! I never thought I'd even make it to 25. Alas! Here i am! This birthday brought on bittersweet feelings. On the one hand I'm grateful for my life and my experiences but on the other hand, I feel like I haven't achieved enough. I'm proud of myself however, for all that I have achieved yet I know I still have a long road of experiences ahead of me.

We tried to do something a little different with this post. It really was such a blast shooting this segment with Pagiel. It's a lot more playful than my usual work and a lot more relaxed... And the cupcake was really tasty too!

Pink Suede T-Shirt - River Island // Black Fringe Waistcoat - Cotton On // Denim Jeans - Cotton On //  Purple Heels - Sue Ellen by Dora at Castello // Black Chocker - Miss Selfridge // Chain - Fashion World // Watch - Casio.

Photography - Pagiel Chetty www.pagielchetty.co.za // Instagram: @pagielchetty

Weighty Issues

My friend and colleague Rookaya recently introduced me to her range of health products. Those who know me know that I am a test-bunny. I will try (almost) any new product on the market especially health and beauty products!

Coconut oil capsules and Moringa capsules. Both are said to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Both are a natural source of vitamins and minerals. These products work in conjunction with each other and when combined, they promote better digestion, healthy bones as well as being brain food. It is known to significantly improve mental focus and clarity.

I didn't try it with the intention of losing weight or curbing my appetite but I figured its natural so it won't harm me.

About two weeks in I thought about it, trying to figure out if the pills are even making any difference to my overall health, I can't really say I feel any better or more energetic however, I have noticed my appetite has reduced as well as my sugar cravings! Bear in mind that if you're in a situation where you find yourself in front of a sumptuous slice of cake, some self restraint will have to be exercised! I haven't dieted as such and I've noticed a bit of weight loss. I believe that good ol' diet and exercise is the primary source of weight loss (that and good genes) but these products assist in helping to curb the appetite thus making dieting easier. Furthermore, I must make mention of the fact that my diet is generally healthy - I rarely eat fast food or carbs, my only downfall is that sumptuous slice of cake...

I can vouch for this product! It really does work to reduce sugar cravings and slightly reduces appetite. Give it a try if you have similar concerns!

Available from Rookaya at R300 a bottle which is about a month's supply. For this price point and for the amount of capsules I feel this price is quite competitive. I had a look at a few other brands and their prices are in the same price bracket.

Contact Rookaya on 0827757786

Tunnel Vision

Great News! I am officially the newest member of 4 Elements Media! I'm quite excited to be a part of their amazing team. The year has already gotten off to a great start and I'm excited for what this year has in store for me!

These images were shot just before sunset so we didn't have much time as we were chasing day light. When I put this look together I saw myself at an African safari hence why I needed the lightweight fabrics and light colours. I modelled a few options for my mom and this one was the winner. As I grow older, I find myself choosing looser cuts and silhouettes, especially in Summer. The worst thing for me is wearing something thats' stuck to my body and making me feel like I'm wearing a sausage casing. 

I especially liked the lace-up detail and the pockets of the shirt, which is very on trend at the moment. The pants is actually the same pants as my previous post in a different colour. I am like that though. If I really like something I want it in all colours.

I slept really late last night so I'm going to take a nap. Have a great weekend! xoxo

Shirt - Zara // Pants - Zara // Brogues - Hudson // Hat - Gifted To Me // Watch - DKNY

Makeup done by myself // Photography by Pagiel Chetty.

www.pagielchetty.co.za or Instagram: @pagielchetty

Beauty Review: Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

As you know, Lush's concept is focused around fresh, handmade, natural cosmetics. The stores are so fun to spend time in. From the array of handmade soaps to the nifty products, a trip to the store is always a treat. 

Recently I picked up the Bubblegum Lip Scrub. My lips were going through a rough patch - mind the pun- and I needed something to smoothen and moisturise my lips so I opted for this scrub, because I'm an all natural girl. I do use chemical products however I prefer natural goodies. 

So back to the scrub... The ingredients are sugar, Jojoba oil and a bit of colouring. The sugar works as an exfoliant while the Jojoba oil moisturises lips leaving them baby soft. It smells delicious! and tastes even better! The candy floss yumminess got me applying it every so often just to lick it off. It's great as a sweet treat but as far as it's effectiveness, I didn't see much of a difference. I especially like to use it before applying a deep lipstick. There's nothing worse than cracked lipstick which is why I thought it would help. Needless to say, my lips were still a bit dry. I can't remember the cost, I'm sure I paid well over R100 which I think, for the price point, the results are satisfactory. 

All in all, this product looks, smells and tastes great however I wasn't totally satisfied with the results.

What's your opinion of this product? Comment below

Image not my own