break

Apologies for the silence - I am on study leave, and in the middle of some serious Psychology exams, so needless to say, much concentration must be had in other spectrums of my life right now - sob!

Regular posting to commence from next week. Promise.

xxx

Spring

* 3.1 phillip lim draped sleeveless tee * jane norman floral shorts * valentino studded leather ballerina flats * vintage game set thatch shoulder bag * michael kors chronograph watch * bex rox gold plated brass donkey ring * karen walker sunglasses * helen kaminski provence 12 straw hat * tom ford lipstick: spanish pink *

xxx

ombre hair

I'm normally pretty boring with my hair in terms of styling and cutting it. It always a straight trim, no colour, no highlights, no nothing!

I decided to change all of this a couple of weeks ago when I "ombre-d" myself!

The ombre hair trend isn't exactly recent, but I just love the effect, although in the photo's it looks a bit high - it's really not!

xxx

Sunday Suppers - Homemade Beef & Guinness Pie

Nothing quite ends off a weekend like a slow cooked pie, made from scratch!

I will admit that this was my very first attempt at making a pie, and although I classify this more like a stew with a little pastry lid on top, it's still very delicious and easy to make.

*Seal cubes of beef in a pan.

*Transfer to casserole dish, and in the same pan, add chopped onions and carrots, garlic and spices. Allow onions to brown slightly, then add the Guinness (we used the whole 440ml can - hic!).

*Simmer for a couple of minutes and add flour, or some sort of cook-in sauce - I used a "Hotpot Stew" powder, but the brand evades me for now!

*Stir continuously and allow the Guinness to reduce and flavour the sauce. Now I will admit at this point, while not following any recipe, I thought this was "it" for the pie. I was wrong. The Guinness was reeeeeally quite bitter, so add about half a tin of chopped tomatoes to the sauce.

*Add the sealed beef and diced potato and leave to simmer gently for as long as possible. We left it for almost two hours (!!)

*When ready, add to oven dish and leave to cool.

*Once the filling is cool, cover with puff pastry and brush with egg yolk.

*Place in the oven at about 190C for 35-40 min, or until the pastry topping is crispy and a lovely golden brown colour.

Slice open, plate up and enjoy!

xxx

Woolworth's 'Fruits' Body Range

Summer is on it's way, and with that, Woolworth's have just revamped and introduced their new 'FRUITS' bath and body range.

Body washes, lotions, body butters, scrubs and lip balms, the range comes in a variety of different fragrances, such as Berry Crush, Peach Blush, and Lime Tang (which I think will be my favourite!).

And as usual, Woolworths body products are dermatalogically tested and against animal testing, being approved by Beauty Without Cruelty - a big thumbs up in my eyes!

Available in store from 15 September 2011.

xxx

fairytale wedding

As promised, some pics of my cousin's beautiful wedding that I attended this weekend in Durban.

Everything was just perfect and it was truly gorgeous!

xxx

hometown weekend

I spent the weekend at home in Durban. Well, not so much 'home' as my hometown I suppose.

There is nothing more refreshing than spending quality time with your dearest friends in a place that you haven't been home to in over a year (I'm terrible with things like that).

Weddings, parties and other significant occasions should not be the only reasons for me visiting the East Coast!

Wedding pics of my cousins matrimony to follow shortly!

I hope you have all had fabulous weekends.

xxx

wedge

As Summer approaches, and we are able to bare our feet again, I find myself increasingly obsessing over a wedge heel.

I just love wedges!

*Pierre Hardy colour block suede wedge*

*Chloe leather wedge sandal*

*Luichiny buckle up orange and hot pink wedge*

*Jimmy Choo Vienna cork wedge*

*American Chica Irregular Choice wedge*

xxx

2011 photo diary

Photo's stretching the length of 2011 so far...

from the iphone

xxx

Depeapa win!

Look at my new friend - isn't he lovely?

I'm in two minds about what to name this fuzzy faced chap - I'm thinking he's either a Bernard or a Pierre. Any suggestions will be graciously welcomed.

I won this gorgeous little Depeapa tote bag off of EmmaJaneNation's blog.

Thanks Emma!

I just love him!

I can't wait to introduce him to everyone.

If you haven't ever visted Emma's blog, please do. It's just wonderful - one of my daily reads!

xxx

Rugby Breakfasts

The 2011 Rugby World Cup started on Friday, 9th September 2011.

For us South Africans, a good rugby match with the Springboks playing against any other team is a sure-fire way of getting us going! Think beer, biltong (dried meat, or "jerky" I suppose?), crisps and lots of fun!

Unfortunately due to time differences, being that the RWC is being hosted by New Zealand this year, all of the games are being aired live in the mornings here in SA.

Which is perfectly alright as it allows for some fantastic champagne breakfasts to be had around the braai (the barbeque, foreign visitors).

On Sunday we had one such morning - champagne and orange juice, eggs 'n bacon, beer, biltong, and strawberries!

xxx