High quality skin care products are something we shouldn't have to compromise on. While I'm all about that saving money life, I'm also someone that believes in investments and investing in good skincare products is super beneficial in the long run. 

While I personally use just a few essential skincare products, I like to incorporate one or two other more intensive products into my routine from time to time depending on my skin's needs. For 3 weeks I incorporated the Environ Focus Care Hydrating Oil Capsules and Environ Focus Care Youth+ Revival Masque into my routine.

environ focus care hydrating oil capsules and revival masque

This year sees a birthday milestone in the history of Walkersons Hotel & Spa. Walkersons Hotel & Spa, that much-loved country haven set in the hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom, marks its 30th anniversary year with new owners and a mini revamp.

 

I recently attending the anticipated launch of Signature Restaurant in Umhlanga, Durban. It’s a renowned fine dining restaurant located at the platinum walk in Oceans Mall. The launch event featured speeches by Desmond Mabuza, the founder of Signature as well as Vivian Reddy, the founder of Oceans Mall. Here are some snippets of the launch event as well as background into the Signature Group.




Umhlanga fine dining Durban restaurant New restaurant Fine dining cuisine Exquisite menu


Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa.






With Halloween coming up I figured it's the perfect time to do something scary - LIKE GETTING BLOOD INJECTED IN YOUR FACE, ALL IN THE NAME OF BEAUTY. Well, kind of.

I decided to try out the Vampire Facial. The vampire facial is a PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) treatment that uses your own blood to promote the healthy activity and regeneration of your skin cells. I first heard of it a couple years ago when Kim Kardashian posted a bloody selfie in IG (Eeeep!)
In actually fact, as you will see in the video, it isn't bloody at all. The red blood cells aren't used. 


PROCESS (VIDEO)


STEP 1: YOUR BLOOD IS DRAWN AND YOUR FACE IS NUMBED USING NUMBING CREAM.

STEP 2: THE BLOOD IS RUN THROUGH A CENTRIFUGE TO ISOLATE THE PLATELETS.

STEP 3: MICRONEEDING OR MICROABRASION WITH THE PRPs (i.e blood) TAKES PLACE ON YOUR SKIN

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW!


AFTERCARE

Right after the treatment your skin might be a bit red with a sunburn texture (i.e cancel any plans you have for the rest of the day!). You have to apply sunblock and should not wear makeup directly after. Make sure to continue applying sunblock even after, although you should be wearing sunblock anyway. After a day or 2 your skin may be very dry and start to peel off (which is what I experienced). Then, after around 3 days you should see results - beautiful, glowy skin!

Disclaimer: My treatment was complimentary but all opinions expressed are my own.

Summer, with its blazing sun and rising temperatures, brings forth unique challenges for our skin. From clogged pores to breakouts, diverse skin types face a range of issues. Oily skin may battle increased sebum production, while dry skin can become dehydrated under the intense sunlight. Even those with combination and sensitive skin are not exempt from summer's impact. In this blog post, we'll explore the common skin concerns of summer and unveil the perfect trio of Avene products to tackle them.




In the South of France over 20 years ago, Panier des Sens, a brand of natural resources was born.

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Under the shade of cypress trees and mimosas, the founder Jerome
Lambruschini, combined his love for the region and typical south of France lifestyle to create a committed brand of natural cosmetics.
Inspired by the natural resources of France and old Mediterranean know-how, the company creates perfumes, soaps, luxurious creams and oils as well as candles and home fragrances – all of which magnify the beauty of Provence.

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Over the years Panier des Sens has developed its product with master soap makers from Marseille and master parfumers from Grasse utilising their artisanal skills and unique know-how.

The natural and vegan formulas are designed and conceived in Provence, always encouraging short circuits and local partnerships. These natural and organic products have rich textures and delicate fragrances all carefully formulated and constantly reworked offering a minimum of 95% ingredients of natural origin.

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Panier des Sens is always working towards a greener future working with farmers who cultivate using sustainable farming methods and using eco-design packaging that is 100% recycled and recyclable.
Preserving the natural heritage and protecting and managing the nature of the French region. Members of the 1% for the Planet association, an international movement engaged in an economy that is more respectful of people and the planet.

All their solid soaps are members of the RSPO (Roundtable on sustainable Palm Oil) meeting the associations very precise corporate social responsibility and sustainable development requirements, and is traceable throughout the supply chain.

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Breathe a new life into your home with Panier des Sens!
Panier des Sens asserts its olfactory expertise by a NEW HOME FRAGRANCE COLLECTION: scented candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and universal refills.

This brand new collection represents well-being and art de vivre, key words for a range which embodies pure sensory emotions. The
collection features three major olfactory families from the world of perfumery, in a range of varieties with floral, fruity or woody scents.
An exceptional olfactory journey around eco designed, natural, safe and sensorial products that respect the environment and the health of our users.

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“A perfectly balanced collection, Panier des Sens are the Masters of Fine- fragrance development, each scent deliciously unique and appealing to all sensibilities and tastes thus creating a harmonious feeling of luxury and well- being in the home. The collection rings true to the brands pillars of sustainable living, the refills are multi-use and the containers beautiful enough to use over and over again”, says one director of The 51 Group, Nitsa Comninos-Rose.

Experience the magic of Christmas in Provence with the Panier des Sens CHRISTMAS COLLECTION. Decorate a place setting or hang on your tree, these delightful little gifts are a great surprise for your guests and are enriched with active ingredients from Provence. An affordable gift that combines the joy of giving with the pleasure of decorating your tree.

“Instilling the spirit of Christmas, the collection evokes feelings of nostalgia and the comforts of home and nature. The scents envelop you like a warm hug and the packaging is beautifully designed as only Panier des Sens can do. Affordable yet indulgent, perfect gifts to yourself or a loved one!”

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Limited edition Christmas scented candles light up year-end celebrations with a 100% cotton wick, 55 hour burn time, reusable glass containers and fragrances developed in Grasse.

Sweet Madeleine: freshly baked madeleine cake, bursting with the aromas of almond, citrus and vanilla-caramel take you on a mouth-watering trip down memory lane.

Enchanted Forest: Under a starry sky, step inside and let the magic of
Christmas whisk you away over the hills to the enchanted forest. Woody amber notes with a hint of smoke conjure a mysterious and mystical atmosphere.

Gingerbread: Indulge in the heart-warming aroma of gingerbread. An
explosion of spices and vanilla notes create a festive a cosy atmosphere.

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Using centuries of artisanal know-how and traditional methods, combining sophisticated formulations that not only benefit the skin but highly developed and evolved fragrances and essential oils that nurture the mind. Utilising sustainable farming methods, and presenting itself in beautifully curated eco-packaging, Panier des Sens is brand that looks to the past while caring for our future.



Hey you. Yes you, the one procrastinating and reading this blog post - you should be studying!


South African design as you’ve never seen it before. Together for the first time, experience 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg from 3 to 6 August 2023






I was nominated for the unique blogger award by the amazing indirasinnerbeauty.com (Gurrl you da best!). She's on this blog so much I don't think she even needs an introduction!
It's that time of year again - time to go on 10 mall trips and STILL not find good enough Christmas gifts for everyone! Christmas shopping can be so frustrating, I for one know the struggle.

That's why I'm hoping to make Christmas shopping a little easier for you and give you some gift inspo so that you can go to the mall with a plan and know exactly what to get everyone! This should save you from the multiple mall trips that end up being a waste of time and energy. You'll find something for everyone (and then some!). Hope this helps!




Wild Coast Sun, Sun International’s only beachfront resort, has been a family holiday destination for over 40 years, with an abundance of activities to choose from.

For those who don’t enjoy a holiday unless it includes plenty of sporting action, the resort is just the ticket for year-round activities guaranteed to raise your heart rate.

Whether you consider yourself a Federer, Nadal or Williams sister on the tennis court or a Tiger Woods or Gary Player on the golf course, there are adrenalin aplenty sports pastimes to love every moment of your holiday.

For the less active members of your group, you can leave them to soak up the sun or enjoy a spa pampering, while you work up a sweat.



18-hole championship golf course


Famed as one of the top championship golf courses in the country, Wild Coast Sun’s 18-holes extends over rugged terrain along the Indian Ocean coastline. With its par-70 card rating, these magnificently curated fairways make the resort ideal for golfing holidays.



Tennis


Game, set, match. Bring your tennis rackets on holiday with you and get in a social game or two. The fresh air and beautiful weather make for the perfect conditions.

Book a tennis court at Maltos, situated at hotel pool terrace.


Bowls


Ready to roll? Bowls, also known as lawn bowls, is a leisurely activity that anyone can play regardless of age or ability. It is easy to learn and can be as relaxed or as competitive as you want to make it. Gather the troops and enjoy the sea breeze while you play. Located en route to the water park, near the tennis courts.

Bowls are available for hire from the hotel reception.



Hit the gym


The One Life Fitness Centre will help you keep your fitness regime on track while you’re on holiday. The state-of-the-art gym is fully kitted out with world-class equipment and friendly staff and complimentary to hotel residence guests.



Saturday Fun Run


Get your Discovery weekly step count up and join other guests for an informal 5km run fun through the beautiful surrounds of the resort. During the week, follow the signs for guidance.

Gather outside reception, the run takes place every Saturday at 07h30


Petrified Forest beach walks


If you prefer walking to running, take a stroll along the coastline and enjoy a guided educational tour about the 80-million-year-old fossilised trees and deposits which lie on the rocks.

An oblivious person walking along the beach will be completely unaware of what lies below their feet, so a guide is essential to appreciate the history and sights.

The tour starts from Wild Waves Water Park, and you walk 2km along the breathtakingly unspoilt beach, to the caves before heading back. Enquire at the hotel reception.


Quad biking and Segway tours


Four wheels means freedom, and no experience is necessary to jump on a quad bike and command your iron beast down rough trails in a stunning setting. As long as you’re over the age of 16, a quick tutorial and safety briefing are all you require before you opt for tours of 30-minutes, 45-minutes or one hour. As tempting as it may be, don’t go for all-out speed, or you may miss incredible wildlife sightings.

No experience is needed to jump on a Segway and explore the resort’s wild natural beauty while on a guided tour.

Both are situated near the Wild Waves Water Park, bookings 24-hours in advance is required.



The Riverside


The Riverside Aqua Sports and Beach Bar offers a fantastic selection of water sports and river activities such as kayaking, speed boats, paddle boats, tube rides, water skiing and a lazy boat cruise. All activities are child-friendly and supervised by professional aquatic guides.

The Riverside Aqua Sports Beach Bar is located on the banks of the Mtamvuna River, for enquiries contact 083 662 9096


Wild Waves Water Park


Get your splash on at Wild Waves Water Park with a variety of aquatic rides, slides, tubes and plunge pools at one of the country’s top water parks. Hotel guests get free entry to enjoy a wide selection of adrenalin-pumping slides including the Aqualoop, Superbowl, Boomerango and two steep body slides, but there is something for all ages.



Indoor Skypark action


Experience the country’s first indoor Skypark, which is 18 metres high, has 21 rope obstacles on a skytrail and a built-in zipline skyrail. It can be used for up to 30 people at a time, offering fun for all ages.

 

Earlier this year, Wild Coast Sun was honoured in the 14th annual Luxury Lifestyle Awards category as the ‘Best Luxury Beach Resort in South Africa’ – and it is not hard to see why.

“Wild Coast Sun has been a true family resort for more than 40 years. Pay us a visit to experience an endless summer and love every moment of your holiday, no matter the season or reason,” said Wild Coast Sun General Manager Peter Tshidi.



Nimue’s challenge and promise is simple. Take up the 12 Week Challenge and if you can’t ditch your foundation in week 13, we will give you your money back.


THIS September and October, South Africa's oldest wine-producing farm, Groot Constantia, invites you to let your wanderlust run wild and be a tourist as you explore all that Cape Town has to offer.


The Houghton Hotel Conferencing, Wellness and Leisure Expo was held on 26 July 2023 at the prestigious 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg. This inaugural expo showcased the diverse and luxurious offerings at The Houghton Hotel to esteemed members of the meetings, incentive, conferencing and events (MICE) and tourism industries, and corporate guests. The event was met with such overwhelming support from attendees that it will now become an annual event on The Houghton Hotel’s calendar, serving as a valuable networking tool for the tourism and conferencing industries.


Inspired by the plethora of unique and mouth-watering street food offerings that Moo Moo showcases on their menu; Jimmy Eracleous, Owner of the Moo Moo Branch in Mall of Africa and Moo Moo Menlyn put together an exclusive Street Food & Wine tasting event for a me and a few other bloggers that not only introduced us to the Moo Moo brand, but offered us a taste of the Moo Moo magic by taking us on a culinary journey of tastes, flavours, aromas and essence.





Why does it somehow feel like we skipped straight from summer to the middle of winter? I went from barely remembering to put on lotion to having to put on 101 products on my skin to keep it hydrated and feeling moisturised

Luckily right before lockdown, Nimue sent me their new Smart Rehydration range, which admittedly at the time I didn't really think I needed because my skin felt pretty hydrated. Fast forward 3 months, it's become such a staple. Even more so now that I know how absolutely essential hyaluronic acid is - think of it as collagen's first cousin (And with the attention collagen has been getting lately, it's crazy that hyaluronic acid hasn't been getting much attention at all)


Nimue online Hyaluronic acid serum for skin best hyaluronic acid serum

Easter is around the corner, presenting yet another great time to squeeze in a well-deserved break in this beautiful country we call home.



Embark on an unforgettable journey as MSC Cruises opens sales for its South Africa 2024/25 sailing season, spotlighting the magnificent MSC Musica. Set to commence in November 2024 from the newly inaugurated R 330 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, the season promises 34 enchanting sailings, concluding in April 2025 with departures from the picturesque Cape Town.




The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Zahra Dada, the digital entrepreneur behind Livalil.


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