January 2019 Favourites

Wow. The first month of the year is already gone. I really have to think about favourites but it should be easy because this Jan was 5 years long. Let's just keep jumping into it:

Renew Perfect Colour Retouch

ZA

This is probably their most “controversial” shade. When it just launched it was the colour most people in the comments had issue with. I love this colour. It is the most complements on my hair I've ever gotten. I bought it just before Christmas and retouched the ends because I know it's when I take the most pics. I find it such an easy product to work with because of it's gel like consistency.

Now after my New Year speech, There is nothing about animal testing any where so I will be looking for other options (I still have a purple I need to finish using). It is also a brand from India BUT it is manufactured in South Africa. The Godrej Company owns stakes in many other African based companies like Frika and Infecto.

Available at Dischem, Checkers, Pick 'n' Pay, Spar and Clicks. Cheaper than the full box with bleach (Also don't sleep on the bleach. It's the good stuff.)

Catrice Art Couleurs Single in140 Secret of Le Chrome

🌱🐰

I enjoy single eye shadows that look like a whole blended look. It reminds me of MAC Blue Brown Pigment or Essence Moonlight eyes in 03 Cosmic but easier to work with.

Available at Dischem and Takealot.com at R55.00

Essence Melted Chrome Eyeshadow in 02 ironic

🐰

You need to swatch to understand the intense glitter formulation. Just a warning: It's so soft it breaks so easy. Another multi purpose shadow that wears beautifully as a single and layers well as a pop of sparkle. I will be buying them all though this specific shade is a nice nude glimmer that most if not all complexions can wear because of the warmer undertone.

Availble at Dischem for R60, Takealot.com for R65 and selected Clicks branches. (I'm saying selected because smaller Clicks branches carry less items on the single wall stands. The double carousels carry them.)

New Segment~ Saving the RRR

🌱🐰ZA

Yes. It is also Gluten Free to save money. I usually use this section for fashion but because of my love/hate relationship with fast fashion and clothing sizes and also challenging myself to make clothes instead of buying (That will be a series I want to start) I'll use this space to tell you monthly how I'm saving or being frugal. This only occurred to me as I started working on my post so come back next month for my 1^st tip or hack. Tell me what you think in the comments.

MomsNeedtoKnow.com's Chocolate Pudding

My mother-in-law comes to eat dinner at our house a few times a month. I always like to do a full home cooked meal with an easy dessert. Now I was so occupied with trying to think how to not overcook the fish (It was special guys, I actually made not chicken) and my oven already being full with roasted veg (Because ya gurl usually bakes a cake) that I forgot a dessert.

*first world problem intensifies*

Pinterest hooked me up and it was an awesome easy dessert with stuff I already have.

Add a Vegetable

🌱🐰

WOW lame one Michellè. But it's true. You know with all of the “ new year, new me” but not really bs that floats around Facebook and Pinterest, this was my mantra:

There is always this consuming need to suddenly change everything about what you eat.

- No this

- No that

- No Burgers

- No Sugar

- No damn fun

And next week everyone is eating exactly as they did the year before. Bye Paleo, Keto, whatever trendy diet. Some how diet failure leaves some people worse off than they started. I just decided to start with an easy step: Add a vegetable.

My normal plate is a animal protein, a starch, salad. So all I did was reduce the starch and fill that with a veg. Also a veg I like. Asparagus was huge this season. Marrows, spinach, Pak Choy, roasted peppers.

Bob Ross type Youtubers

As a South African, I've only got to know Bob's content recently (2017). Last year it was a massive trend to follow his instruction and recreate his paintings. Many people just watch him because of his patient, calm instruction to painting landscapes.

I have 3 Youtubers I can recommend to watch if you are into that type of content:

Suzie from Nail Career Education.

I have not done nails in years but I love the content. She dives into nail art, gel and acrylic nail application, removal of artificial nails and testing of new products and lines. Bonus points for if you see her throwing a box over her shoulder. She may be one of the more mature youtubers and her content is well edited and is better produced than most tv shows.

https://nailcareer.com/

Maryna from Poppen Atelier

I can't remember how I found this channel as I have zero interest in repainting dolls but LOOOOVE this content. She narrates while she time lapses redrawing doll faces, makes doll wigs and outfits. In my life I would never attempt but watch the super detail she puts in every doll. Bonus points for Mr Super Clear.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PoppenAtelier

Angela Clayton

I love sewing so I know why I got her in my suggested feed one day. Now she does not super glue together a cut up t-shirt and E6000 pieces of lace to it and call it content. (no tea, some shade Amber Scholl). She sews a lot of mid century patterns and recreates lavish historic costumes. Some times she follows instructions other times she does drafting herself. Bonus if you can count the amounts of times she changes her nail polish.

https://angelacostumery.com/

All these channels are well edited and the narration or instruction is with a calm demeanor. No random loudness or absurd screaming. Most videos are 20 to 25 minutes long and all of them have a weekly upload. A lot of time they all make it feel like we are learning together and don't make me feel like an idiot who doesn't know the basics (which I actually am because I never have repainted a doll, haven't done nails in more that 10 years and sew basic stuff)

Bullet Journal

This I listed as my free as I didn't have to buy anything to start it. I had a book, pens and a ruler. Though many who know me may think I have this elaborately decorated book with drawings and scribbles, my book is basic a.f. with stuff to remember. I have a multitude of lists and dates I need to remember. Written down in note books, Google Keep, lose papers or I just don't write it down and forget when last my dogs got de wormed/ gas got changed/ kilometers of the last time my car got serviced. I decides to compile everything in one place.

Lists for shopping, meal plans to mowing the lawn, birthdays to moon phases are all in this one place with yearly, monthly and weekly overviews. My weekly also has my daily stuff with time slots I usually miss out on. (Like I should be thinking of another post but it's 18 of February and have not posted this yet. Fail.)

That's my stuff for the month of Jan.

Bye

Michellè

March 2018 Favourites

I have nothing cutesie to say so let's jump in!:

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer:

This is an OG Beaty Guru favourite. We got most of their products and last year I saw a distrubutor sneak peeking it. No lies ES ESSPENSIVE at R220 for 11 grams BUT compared to Benefit Hoola mini of 4 grams at R215 and R400 and what for 8 grams full size it is a great price. 

It's a great neutral Bronzer That blends like a dream. They have launched 3 additional shades in the US and I am sure we will get them eventually as most of the Dischems are SOLD OUT. If you want it and see it, get yourself one because they go quickly.

DIY Colour booster Shampoo and Conditioner:

I while ago I coloured my hair pink again. I was scared of the fade because I had an events and a lot of social things happening. So I mixed up some of the colour (ReNew Perfect Colour in Pink Passion) with Shampoo and conditioner. A while ago I had issues with discoloured blond hair and toned it with the Sapphire Blue and conditioner.

Pick n Pay Real Clothing Track Suit:

Last winter I was looking for a nice Tracksuit and this year PnP is coming through for me. They come in Dark Grey, Light Grey, White, Black, Pink and Olive. Because of my hair colour (Pink doesn't really go with Olive and Pink on Pink is too Pink) I got a Black and Light Grey set. Tops and bottoms sold separate.

R50 Woolworths Stir Fry:

In my local Woolworths I found a bundle deal on egg noodles, julienne stir fry mix and Sweet and Sour sauce for R50. All I need to buy is what ever protein. Quick to make, healthy and delicious.

DIY Vitamin C Booster:

As per the previous post you can see I am having a Woolies moment. A few times I picked up an orange juice vitamin C booster. R16 for 100 ml started to get too bouj for me. I hacked it with Sir Juice, Nature's Choice Turmeric and Cayenne pepper. For 500ml I added 2 teaspoons of each. Though next time I will add less Cayenne because I'm not strong enough.

This it what I drink to shake the after lunch slump.

Candy Crush Saga:

Wow did you know your favourite Facebook procrastination game still is around? You know other than Farmville. (RIP Chocolate Milk Cows and your corn and tomato plants) I'm not hawking this app because not #spons. I have been enjoying it again. It doesn't consume my time as I always remember it doing. I'm at level 539. they designed some levels to be 'Super Hard' but I still enjoy it. I always remember some being 'Super Annoying'. Bonus points if you send invites to people who post that they don't want to be sent invites because they don't play games.

Used my creative SkIlLZz:

I found myself in different social settings this month. Usually as a social introvert it made me anxious. I dealt with it with my creative skills. Now I will not compete with Project Runway or audition for Master Chef or Bake Off but I can get by. It helps me manage with social interaction. THE WoRsT, rIgHt! Because I have things already (ingredients/ Pattern and fabric) I just add to use my skill to put it together. FREE.

Finally that's my things for Feb now go use your skillzzz!

é

Caffeination Guide

HIGH CAFFEINE CONTENT: Consume responsibly. Do not read this if you are pregnant, lactating or for persons sensitive to caffeine.

If you are a working person, especially in an office, there is a strong chance that you ingest caffeine. It pays your bills, puts food on the table and solves problems.

http://owlturd.com/

There is always fake news flying around about how horrific coffee/ caffeine is for you. Chances are if you are reading this, you are that someone it got sent to. Ignore those people. You don't need that time of negativity in your life.

Eetrite 600ml French Press/ Plunger:

I bought this plunger on special at PnP. (Online at Takealot.com) I do already have a 6 cup one but since I'm the only one drinking it seems like a whole lot. This is a super ideal size to keep at work. It's enough to share with a work friend and not too much to drink all by yourself.

Life Hack: Light roast has more caffeine. This is also the ideal way to cold brew coffee.

Seattle Coffee Company's Double Short Latte:

There are a lot of little and big coffee houses/ shops but this is my tried and tested favourite. The Double short has the biggest bang for you buck and can also be ordered with soy milk. Bonus is that after the 10 cup you get a free coffee.

Life hack: They also have the best short bread among other food items.

McNabs Supercharge Energy Drink:

This is unlike any other energy drink on the market. It is delicious and it does not make me want to murder innocent people. With some drinks it's like the caffeine release is immediate. This has a slower release. It was even included in Fit Girl's Fit Kit.

It's vegan, no weird unidentifiable ingredients AND made in South Africa because it's owned by South Africans.

Life hack: This drink is also available in Lite BUT I have never seen any . . . 👽📐 Illuminati confirmed?

Zang Chocolate:

Because my husband knows I need to be caffeinated to be human, he actually picked this up at a petrol station for me. I had zero expectations. Wow wow wow. I love this! I need a strong start to the day and this came through for me. I though I would have to caffeinate later in the day but I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them I only started feeling tired at 16:00. YASSS I WANT MORE.

McNabs Supercharge Energy Shot:

 

Do you like that mass produced pink brand of syrup? I use to too. I don't feel like when I was drinking that that I was caffeinating responsibly. I was finishing 500ml bottles without blinking. I had to rehab myself. So instead I opted for a healthier, more measured option.

I especially use this to kick that afternoon slump. You know when 15:00 and your will to work wears thinner than your fake laugh at your boss' joke.

Available in 3 flavours but I only ever find Guarana Berry. (Who must I complain to? Still Illuminati? 👽📐)

CAUTION: Entering NON CAFFEINATED area

McNabs Supercharge Energy Tabs:

UHG more McNab's products?! Yes! This is the one company I feel okay to recommend every product. I feel like I needed items for energy without (DUN. DUN. DUUUUUUUUN!) caffeine. Some days and with some products, you can't layer caffeine. It makes you feel worse. This is why this product is great because unlike caffeine, it won't dehydrate you and helps with stress management because of all the B-Vitamins.

Freshpak Energising Rooibos and Ginseng Tea:

I had to use Dischem's Product Pic because I put my tea in a glass jar.

The only place online to buy is seems to be Dischem but I have bought at PnP and have seen at Checkers. I think the true secret of this tea lays in the ginkgo bioloba. This is a natural blood thinning agent. The theory is that blood carries more oxygen when it thinner making you feel more awake and alert. The last few times I had to be careful because of the dry weather my nose is more likely to bleed. Even after a cup of tea in the morning, it flows like a river and takes a while to stop. There are also warnings that if you do take Ginkgo Bioloba as a supplement (Vital has that kind of supplement marketed towards concentration) that you should not donate blood.

Now let's laugh in the face of people who says drinking water gives them energy.

é

May 2017 Favourites

Middle of the year! Right now it's dry A.F. in North ZA and the South is in a storm

Via Vintage Lover

Here are my favourites for the last month of Autumn:

Essence Nail Polish:

Cheap and cheerful. I bought a few in the end of April and wore them through out May.(All can be bought online at Takealot.com. I bought mine at Dischem)

The Gel Nail polish in Crash the Party?!

The Gel Nail polish in Crash the Party?! is H💿L💿 and I don't think anybody realised that. It's nice as a sheer polish, a topper and also nice to add more layers of holo with a sponge (See Simply Naillogical)

Mega Last base coat

It so does what it says. It lasts for 4 to 5 days with out getting weird. I like to do the Base coat sandwich trick (base – polish – base – polish – top coat) that makes it last longer.

All That Shimmers in Make a Wish Topper:

This a milky Dual Chrome shimmer topper. When I don't feel like doing a big deal nail art, it's easy to add a topper for extra dimension to a flat coloured polish.

Quick Dry Top Coat:

This is super handy when you want to add a second coat of a coloured polish and don't have time for it to dry. I also use this as the everyday top coat to make polish last.

Beanies:

I recoloured my hair and because it's an unnatural colour, washing is restricted. Most weeks it looks awesome for days. Other times, not so much. With the fear of having a hair style mainly consisting of a mixture of dry shampoo and/or baby powder I like to disguise with a slouchy beanie.

H&M

MrP

DcatsG Studios

These are a trick thing to find because though I found them in-store there is none listed online.

Shopped in my closet:

I recently had a few occations I had to dress for. Because I have good basic pieces, instead of buying a whole outfit, I could piece one together. As a child, my mom thought me to have a few good pieces: A white t-shirt, a nice black knitted top (When I where it with a jean, flats and a slouchy beanie I feel French), pair of black pants, as well as plain black shoes. From these elements I had a few accessories to dress casual to a bit more formal without spending any money.

Humidifier:

This is one of the most expensive things I have bought the last few months but so worth it. I got mine here on Takealot.com but this specific one is available at Dischem and Baby Boom. I suggest to shop around. This has solved most of my congestion woes. This is the 4L and does not last during a whole night even on the lowest setting but what I do is to put it on and close the bedroom door 1 and a half to 2 hours before I go to bed and keeping the door ajar during the night.

Soaring free Superfoods Organic Hemp Seed Protein Powder:

I like Chia seeds. So when I was browsing in the health section of Fruit& Veg Food Lover's Market this item was cheaper than Chia. SO it naturally migrated into my trolley. I add this to smoothies and when ever I'm baking stuff that don't really have substance I add some of it. Like flapjacks (“Pancakes”) and even those premix bran muffins get a few spoons full. I like the idea of adding extra natural protein to anything.

I got mine in the health section of Fruit and Veg but it's also available at Faithful to Nature.

YouTube App Save Offline and Telkom Nitesurfer:

This is my app and free favourites in ONE. Now lately there have been a lot of videos I like to watch and these days I'd rather watch online content than what DStv thinks I must watch (Because all their ads look like all life is about is not missing your show and “family time”. Believe me, someone will die for deleting a show that was not watched yet.)

Now we have Night Surfer Data that we kept losing. (That is technically free) SO I started downloading stuff in the mornings. Because Telkom is sketchy A.F and don't state it outright the times anywhere on there site I had to cyber sleuth that the times are 00:00 to 07:00.

That means I've been binge watching Laura Lee and caught up with the Jeffree Star/ Nikkie Tutorials/ Too Faced/ #nounicornsintheamazon stories.

That is my things I've been liking in MAY and #unicornsareeverywhere

é

April 2017 Favourites

The fourth month has passed so here is the good ish:

Silicone Make Up Applicator:

I am not calling it a sponge because it's not. I love this thing. The only advise I have is don't use too much BB/ CC/ Foundation because it will take forever to blend. I bought mine on Takealot. (Search Silicone Sponge *eye roll* in Health & Beauty)

Renew Perfect Colour in Passion Pink (NOT SO light pink)

That stuff is so bright.

After 5 washes it started to look almost like on the box. I got a super lot of compliments then EVEN from high end hair studio stylist to people who work the tills.

Saved fashion:

I washed and without thinking through a non-tumbledryable dress into the dryer and is was suddenly so short. After consulting the internet and several Pinterest pins, I put some hair conditioner in a bucket with warm water, then added the dress. It soaked for about an hour. I put it on spin cycle and hung it to dry. BOOM saved my dress.

Stepped away from posting on Social Media:

I didn't take a hard break but there is pressure as I like to always like to show the good side. Many people mistake that for my life EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. They think all I do is drink coffee, paint my nails and serve looks. (I had people in my real life mock me over my Insta feed. You do the awkward laugh but all I wanted to say in STFU) I was just free to do stuff and even have A LOT of make up free days.

Pioneer Woman's Coconut Curry Shrimp:

Or as we call they in ZA Prawns. I modified the recipe for Meatless Monday by using Fry's Battered Prawn Style Pieces instead of shrimp.

Here and here for Sriracha. I bought mine at Fruit and Veg Foodlover's Market in the Asian section (where you buy the sushi rice you never use :o)

Sleepo:

I use this app for relaxing before bed, colouring in and even when I need to concentrate. You can make your own mix of ocean, rain, city and the wide outdoors sounds. It also has 3 white noise sounds.

Freeze bread:

What the what?! Yes I started hoarding bread. Then it started to go bad so I started freezing it. I have an assortment of loafs, rolls and sandwich bread. For a full sandwich loaf, I just defrost over night and its fine. I toast it if I just want a few slices. For a full loaf of rolls, preheat your oven to 180ºC, then bake it for 8 minutes. As fresh as new.

That's my that!

é