Now I'm Broke Haul

I this everyone gets to some point in the year were all your stuff runs out. As well as your emergency wares. It happened with my pantry in January. I always have quick standby meals but when they run out it's an issue to not cook 2 minute noodles (ramen to my other readers).

With me going through 2ndpuberty and some of my make-up/ beauty stock running low here is my haul I made that made the bank wonder “WTF u think u rich or wot?”:

Skin haul:

Skin Strategy Sheet masks:

Previous times purchased: Every time I've run out, so since 2015.

The cheapest masks all round. It's a bonus that they are sheet masks. It's easy to put on and doesn't have the mess of a traditional face mask. My loose draw Soothing and Calming Lavender mask was just R12.95. The BOTO Mask and serum was R89.95 for 6. (There are 2 others in the range and those two are awesome and cheap and are also available in loose draws or in a box set)

Bought at: Dischem. Online here

L'oréal Revitalift System:

Previous times purchased: First time.

I think I might have bought the range for more mature skin but I don't think it could do much damage. I've never heard anyone say “I bought cream for mature skin and IT MELTED MY FACE.” So I think it's safe. As I've become older I realise so is my whole body. Sad but true. As it changes I needed to change the products I use. And for some reason some companies think you roll in the big money so it costs more. Will see if IT is in fact worth it * mxm mxm* (Especially at R150 a pop

Bought at: Dischem. Online for day, night and eye or Takealot day and night. (No eye cream Takealot? Tsk tsk) Also at Clicks and Edgars or Red Square.

On a side note I now hate looking for these things online for the blog because now I see there is a day cream with SPF 30 at Clicks and Dischem. DAMN IT!

Garnier Micellar Water:

Previous times Purchased: None but I've always wanted some.

Pinterest has a suggested feed of pins that you might like. It sounds cool but they basically stalk your pins and push things of that interest. Through that I found an article (I think from Refinery 29) about how French women don't wash their faces with soap. Since then, it was like the universe told Garnier that I want Micellar water. A few month later PinkPeonies posted that it's now going to be available. Thanks Universe ;-)

Bought at: Dischem for R32.95 for 125ml. Online here. Also available at Clicks.

Beauty Haul:

Garnier BB Cream Oil free in Light:

Previous times Bought: This must be my 8^th time

This is my preferred, one and only and dare I say, this is my BAE. I bought this product in it's first form when it came out and this formula is the best. At first I though maybe this product is just great for me but I bought tubes for my sisters now they swears by this and I talked to another regular make up wearer who is also a repeat buyer who loves this product. This is a product I suggested for a first time make up wearer friend as it is so easy to apply and blend. She used the dark shade and looked like a unicorn. It evened out her dark spots and gave her and awesome glow.

Bought at: Dischem because it's the cheapest at R89.95. Can be bought basically EVERYWHERE. Clicks, Pick'n'Pay, Checkers.

Essence Coverstick in 01 Matt Sand:

Previous times bought: 3^rd time

2^nd puberty brings zits and adulting can leave bags under your eyes and I have that problem of red besides my nose. I'm not a real fan of that supper light concealer under the eyes. When I see it on some women it feels like the MUA was trying to hard and looks a bit not human. This shade blends with my BB Cream and looks seamless without the baked look. Even when I don't put on foundation, this stuff is good for spot covers.

Bought at: Dischem for R36.95. Online here. Available on Takealot and Clicks.

Essence Gel eye pencil Waterproof in Black Blaze:

Previous times bought: Like a vi-i-i-i-gin

I saw this in a review on a rando blog and decided to try it. At R41.95 its similar in price to some of the liquid liners and cheaper than some pot gel liners. We'll see how it goes because so far it was smooth going on to my hand and held on for a good while and didn't really move when I rubbed it.

Bought at: Dischem. Online here. I'm sure you can buy it at the bigger Clicks stores.

Catrice All Round Mascara in Ultra Black 010

Previous times bought: This is my 6^th tube

This is one of the cheapest drug store mascaras at R52.95 but what a kicker. I got so so many compliments on my lashes. Stupid but right. Every time they though they were fake or extensions. Nope it's just my cheap ass mascara being a boss. I always will love Maybeline's green and pink but TTYL for now.

Bought at Dischem. (Apparently it's not available online. NOT FOR YOU!)

Batiste Dry shampoo in Sassy and Daring Wild

Previous times bought: Once

With coloured hair I try to minimize washing it. I can go 3 to 4 days until things get weird. Some times it once or twice it gets weird by day 2. Or something comes up on day 3 and I can't wash it that morning. This stuff is the answer.

Bought at Clicks

Health Haul:

Nature's Choice Chia Seeds:

Previous times purchased: 3

Now this is the wonder seed the health world has been losing their minds to lately. I don't drink it every day or put it in smoothies and claim it ti give me energy. I see this more as a way to add nutrition to thing. Sometimes I make this to drink. I also like this pudding recipe. You won't believe how delicious it is. I add a teaspoon of seeds to yoghurt. It's super crunchy. I also like making a whole wheat wrap sandwich with peanut butter and banana and adding a sprinkle of chia.

Bought at Dischem. Also at any retailer with a Nature's Choice stand like Checkers, Pick'n'Pay and Clicks. (Also check Health Connection's Chia seeds)

Cellufresh Eye drops:

Previous times bought: 1

These are the drops that my optometrist previously prescribed me. And with second puberty there's weird allergies that creep up. Now I'm giving a pet away because I have a small allergy.

look at that camera fear face.

For the redness I just drop a few drops in my alien eye and it's better.

Bought at Dischem.

Zinplex Fruity-Veg Quick Fix Vitamin and Mineral Gel in Exotic Goji Berry and Citrus.

Previous times bought: less that 0

Now if you know me personally (and if you you didn't now you will) I am kind of addicted to energy things. The drinks, the syrups and now, the easiest, sachets. Most are under R7 and are real easy to ingest. I saw them and thought I would give them a try. Especially since there is no caffeine and no alcohol in it.

*After note: This stuff tastes like food. It's weird and I don't hate it.

Bough at Dischem. (it's by the usual suspects of energy sachets)

McNab's Supercharge

Thumbs up then you know it's good or that I have a problem

Previous times bought: Like 50.

No Caffeine. Come back here. I love you. You know that. Most mornings I need a kick in the ass to start functioning. Now I like products with a short ingredient list. Like the Micellar water or that there ingredients that tell me exactly what they are or were they are from as per the Zinplex with ingredients like honey and olive, grape and flax oil. Now McNab's is the best of both Short understandable list. No Alcohol, no fillers and no GMO. I have 5 to 6 sachets on hand and I don't feel as dependent on it every day as other energy supplements made me feel. I also like the company's vibe. Here is their website.

Bought at Dischem. Online here. Also at Clicks (Check out for the three for two deals), PicknPay and even when picking up bread and milk at the friendly Spar.

Bonus points if you also buy their Marula snack jellies.

Vital Vita-Slim

Previous times purchased: once

I don't in general buy slimming capsules. I believe the best fat burner is exercise and a healthy diet. I'm just taking these to get me over the plateau of holding weight. Besides don't you score points for using a product with Gacinia Cambogia because it's so in right now?

Bought at Dischem. Can also be bought at Checkers, Clicks and on Vital's website.

R10 Soap dispensers.

The cheapest of the haul. Now I kept saving hand wash bottles and decant my shampoo and conditioner in it.

I was tired of having heavy Tresemmé bottles in the shower. Half are upside down or slipping out of my hand. The other bonus is I started using less product because there isn't a lot of excess shampoo and conditioner coming out. I ought these because not all hand wash bottles are designed equally. And when you buy other soap dispensers they are usually made of something breakable. I don't want to drop a bottle and end up needing to get stitches. F*ck that sh*t. Showering, minding your own business and then you get stitched up because soap is slippery.

Honourable mentions to good products bought pre-haul:

Clicks Hair oil With Rosemary and Argan oil.

I love the V05 Miracle Oil but I don't see that product on the shelves and more. So I replaced it with this.

Hoelson Sisters Coconut Face oil inLavender and Rosemary.

Bought at Fruit and Veg Food Lovers market. I use it to boost up my creams or to remove heavy make up. I also use it as cuticle oil. I used it as a hair mask as well.

Oh So Heavenly Foot Spa Sleep on It Overnight Treatment

I have gross feet. If you want an awesome close miracle cream that can make you wear sandals the next day. Here is your instant satisfaction.

Zam-Buk Multi-purpose Herbal Body Cream

I was looking for a body cream without SLS and parabens. (Why is there a foaming agent in body cream?) Wooh here it is. (Bought mine at Spar but available at Clicks and Dischem)

AND THAT'S WHY I am stocked but broke

é

2016 is here. . .

Yeah well it's January and like most people, last year didn't pan out as I thought. I'm having trouble getting my ish together and basically FAILLED. I started this year thinking of all the achievements I wanted to reach:

Goals met = 0

I think I just lost my way with what I wanted to achieve and forgot my blog's purpose. I think it's like most resolutions. You start great, you see others doing better and you stop because what's the point.

The point is that every person and situation is different and that you shouldn't stop because of one misstep or failure. If it is living a healthier lifestyle. Don't stop your good eating habits because you had a wild food weekend. Or you were sick so you stop exercising. Someone (especially an internet someone) disagreed with a story you posted or your art you shared. It's time we stopped that shit.

With my blog I also forgot about me. I was trying to protect myself but that meant taking personality out of the blog. Yes its a brand thing but I got bored reading the same generic blogs. Like little robots chasing the same thing. You need to remember your goal is for you. If it's not you are not doing it for the right reason. I hope 2016 is truly the year of self care because you can only look to yourself to help others.

Get tools to help you achieve your goals:

I want a cat so I downloaded Neko Atsume

And sticking to my brand of free to cheap is my Arthur Ashe Quote:

Use Pinterest, Instagram or phone Apps to assist you. Want to draw better? Read more? Lose weight? Write more? Save money? Travel more? Learn to cook? It's all waiting for you to better yourself.

So Michellé what is your deal with all this?

Good question. (I imagined you asking me this in a very <Dose of Buckley> condescending way). Recently I paged through magazines, so weird I know. This one specific one was always an every woman magazine. After seeing a beauty layout with a R5995 La Mer product on there I realised why my mom stopped buying it.

Closest I ever got to a La Mer product

Another is the ultimate stereotype of women's magazine. These models whose job it is to try and sell me this over priced bikini and also here are normal sized women they call plus size. All of the shit cost money and I personally don't know a single woman you would entertain the stuff they are trying to smear off that they got free from companies. (Maybe one, but she doesn't read magazines)

I live in a different world to some magazines. You may say but I am not their target market. Well show me a magazine that is. Even these teenage magazines and other media spend the rich parents' money.

I want you to read my blog and see things you can afford, to buy or creatively to do. I don't have time for R6000 cream when in the end of the day you can't pay the rent. Ef that shit.

This is either thinking of how you don't need to eat for the rest of the month or contemplating every decision you've ever made. At least you have the cream from the magazine that Chrissy Teigen uses.

This is the light of a very real serious situation. Some folks (including me) feel like you need all this money to do all these great things because main stream media told you so. You forget all the great things you can do.

Let's do great things.

 

É

Now you're like: Great campaign speech. How you gon' back that up?

Well reader, every month I'm managing my posts in a magazine article way. I'm going to circulate on topics like cooking, beauty and DIY. Tuesday known as Chooseday are usually stuff in the news/ pop culture/ social issues. Thursday's are going to be my big post. I'll probably post in the evening. Also stay tuned to my Insta, Twitter and FB for BTS and other cool stuff. #MaskMonday I'll review a face mask, store bought or home-made. #ReviewWednesday will be something cool and unusual that I will review. It's a rough schedule BUT I will do my best to keep that up.

Okay I'm really going to stop typing now.

Spring 2015: How I'm getting ready for spring and trend forecast

This year winter was very sort lived in Gauteng in the middle of August I was already walking around in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. I haven't posted in forever as my office looks like this:

camp/ craft table chic. Yes, that is my build-a-bear My Little Pony

Here are the ways I'm getting ready for real spring and a forecast for things I think will be cool in the warm season:

Quick nail session:

Though warmer, GP winters are unforgivingly dry. I like to also wash my hands a bit extra and don't moisturise after. That leaves my hands dry and sometimes cracked. With winter we always wear shoes or socks so we never care for our feet as much as we do when its slop and sandal weather.

For hands supplies are a base and a polish, coconut oil for a cuticle oil, Epsom salt and olive oil for a scrub, a file (mine is glass) and a cuticle pusher.

Start off by combining the olive oil and salt and scrubbing your hands with it. The salt removes the dead skin and the oil moisturizes. Use an orange stick to push back your cuticles. Mine looked super horrible. Paint and enjoy. (Enjoy BEFORE IT CHIPS)

AAAHHHH Feet!

For my feet I soaked them for 20 to 30 minutes. I added green tea with mint. While the toe nails are soft, cut them and push back the cuticles. Remember to start painting with a base coat to protect the nails from discolouration.

Nail Truth

è trend prediction: I think colours on trend for the hot season will be white as well as matt colours rather than nail art. Toes are always bright. My fave white polishes are Signiture's Solid Ice and Essence's Wild white ways. Essence is also launching a matt white latex effect polish called The White Bunny.

I like the glow in the dark top coat.

Hair colour refreshing:

My attempt to propagate lavender there at the back

Spring is a time when most refresh their hair. If it's with colour or a hair cut. The preserve both best is with an awesome shampoo and conditioner. Tresemme's Naturals shampoo is lower in Sulphate that preserves your colour and the conditioner is Silicone free to prevent build up.

è trend prediction:I 

I think hair colour trends will still lean towards the unnatural. Grey/ silver hair, sand art hair and double processed blond is still going strong on social media. I predict hair care will come more to the forefront. It's easy to chemically treat your hair. The trick is looking after it.

Shiny temporary tattoos

It's a trend I think will carry on this season. I think some designs are so simple and chic.

Strobing aka Highlighting:

Yup its everywhere. I always have had an obsession with it because at every beauty sale I always look for the shiny white powders to highlight with. You don't necessarily need a specialised product. Though I did buy Catrice's Kaviar Gauche's blurring pearls and have been using that recently.

I prefer this to writing up about spray tan or tanning. Highlighting does less damage.

Planting stuff:

I think planting food is going to come into the forefront. I will post a tutorial on two ways I planted things recently. This is my yard at the moment:

A lot of nothing

There is a lot of space for improvement.

Cross stitch:

Another thing I think will be huge this season that has been popping up. Here is a unicorn I got off Instagram that I drew out. I'm still thinking of how to use it in a project. Some even cross stitch 8-bit pictures

Here's other awesome cross stitch inspired projects:

Cross Stitch Phone Case

Cross Stitch Mug Design

Cross Stitch Murial

That's my trend prediction and ways I'm getting spring ready.

è

June 2015 favourites

The first month of winter and so far it hasn't been really cold though there were 3 days that were an exception. I know because I don't have 'blains as yet *knocking on wood*. Now Last month I stared editing my favourites too late so it didn't make the cut for being relevant. I nearly forgot this month so here it is!:

Japanese style Under eye Blush:

It's a trend called 'me no shita chiiku' and I enjoy doing my blush like that. Cream, tint or powder blushes all work well.

Sock Bun:

 

Chances are you've seen this somewhere before. Instead of wearing a hat on bad hair days I bun it up with old tired socks. Just cut off the toes and roll up the sock. I bun up after washing my hair for no heat curls the next day. When my hair is too clean and I want to have a bun, I tie it into a pony so it's neat and secure, spray it with some dry shampoo or hair spray for it to have some texture. (You can tie it with your hair slicked back or usually I roughly pony my hair with bumps). Put the hair through the middle of the sock doughnut and wrap your hair around the sock pushing it back through the hole in the bottom. Make sure the sock is covered with hair.

Scarves:

Knitted, bright or neutral. I love them all. I like even wearing sarongs as huge scarves.

Fitbit:

 

I like this bit of tech. It's not really my own. It's my sister's. It really makes you concious of your movement or lack there of. I've found that in the end of day I’m shorting a few steps to make a round number I'll be dancing around or marching in place to get numbers.

Roasted Butternut

Set oven to 180°C. Slice the butternut in half and scoop out the seeds. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes. For something extra, after taking it out, put a few spoons of sweet corn in the cavity and add some cheese and pop back into the oven for 5-6 minutes just to heat up the corn and melt the cheese.

Chocolate with things in it.

Not a cheap exercise for your (insert fat body part) or your wallet but it's delicious. My two favourites are Lindt's Crème Brulee and Cadbury's Marvellous Creations' Popping jelly candy. MMM...

Taking stock of your food and make a weekly meal plan.

Tedious yes but necessary. Every month there is a special on meat, fish, vegetables. You portion it up, freeze and forget it. Is it still a good deal if you have to throw away the food 6-12 months down the line after you bought even more. I have a tiny freezer and even I have that problem.

Now we have Pasta Monday and steak Friday. I also bought less this month to try to finish the freezer stockpile. It forces you to be a bit more creative.

That's my stuff for the month. Have a good weekend!

é