The start of a new chapter...Dermalogica

For those of you that do not know...today marks my first day at Dermalogica KZN as a training specialist.
This is something I have hoped for and longed for for nearly 6 years and those of you who know me will know that this is something that will hopefully make me a very happy lady.

By now I am sure I am absorbing all of the knowledge I can from Jam ( the senior educator) and I will write a follow up as soon as I can!

Hope you all having an exciting Monday!

LaurenLeigh cc

No peanuts in my peanut butter

Everyday I am hearing of more and more people who have allergies, especially nut allergies.
And even more so, peanut allergies.
I happen to be one of those unlucky people who have a peanut allergy. And my one weakness happens to be...peanut butter!!

My wonderful friend did some searching through her recipe books and found this AMAZING recipe for sunflower seed "peanut butter".
She lives on it and you can choose how crunchy you want to make it by how much you blend the sunflower seeds.

Try it out and let me know how you enjoy it. We have it on toast, in smoothies to make our own peanut butter bomb smoothies and even on blocks of chocolate!

Recipe

375g sunflower seeds
sunflower oil
himalayan rock salt (to taste)
1-4 teaspoons honey ( to taste)

1) Bake sunflower seeds on a tray at 180 degrees celcius
2) You can grill them too. Ensure you watch them carefully. The longer they in the oven, the quicker the burn
3) Roast until golden brown and allow to cool
4) Place seeds in a blender a cup at a time and blender until a powder ( there can be a few chunky seeds)
5) While the blender is running slowly add sunflower oil until a paste starts to form
6) Add enough oil to suite what kind of spread-ability you would like
7) Add salt and honey to taste and mix
8) Makes enough for 2 nutella size jars and store in airtight jar in cool place

LaurenLeigh cc

Here Comes the Sun...dermalogica

On Tuesday I attended the launch ( or rather the re-launch) for the new improved daylight defense system from dermalogica.

For those of you that do not know...this will be my new office from 03 September. I am joining the dermalogica KZN tribe to be an educator.
This is a dream come true for me and I am sure it will live up to all my expectations.

Picture from the dermalogica website

The launch was informative, interesting and full of awesome facts, new product technology and in true dermalogica style - a product for each of us to take home.
I managed to get the super sensitive shield SPF 30 and I am in LOVE with the product ( what else can you expect?) after just one application.

Something that really hit home for me and I want to share with you; is the clip that was played to us before the talks began.
Being someone who is fair skinned, ginger haired and skin cancer prone; this clip really made me think and become more aware and I want to share it with as many people as possible!

Please can I ask you to do the same? Tweet it, facebook it, blog it and share it.
You may think now that it won't happen to you...but what if it happens to one of your loved ones?

Look out for information on the new improved daylight defense system by dermalogica here
Information should be coming onto the website in the next month or so so keep checking the website.

Please also have a look here for more information on the "dear 16 year old me" campaign.

Wear sunscreen. Everyday.

LaurenLeigh cc

Andre Rieu live in concert

Picture courtesy of the official Andre Rieu website

Last night we were lucky enough to recieve complimentary tickets to Andre Rieu at the ICC in Durban ( and 8 rows from the front...eeek!)
This was very last minute but as tired as we were; we HAD to go.

Just this last weekend we went up to Lesotho for the boyfriends birthday and on our 4x4 tour, we shared the vehicle with a dutch couple who told us that Andre Rieu was the best Dutch export they had.
So after hearing this and then being offered tickets, how could we refuse?

He was entertaining, had the audience spellbound and took classical music and opera to a completely new level.
Performing with the Sowetan Gospel Choir and a full orchestra, Andre played for a good 2.5 hours and had the crowds begging for more.

I think it is so important to open our eyes to other experiences and elightenments. Try new things, experiment and live a little bit out of your comfort zone.

This show is recommended to all ages and my favourite part of the show was probably when he played the waltz ( sorry I can't remember the name) and all the elderly folk got up and danced together. I hope I can still be doing this kind of thing when I am that age.

Live a little!
What have you done recently out of your comfort zone?

LaurenLeigh cc

Angora hats from mom

My parents recently went on a little holiday down the coast and I was lucky enough to get a gift out of the trip.

Now I am sure most of you reading this are thinking what could you possibly get as a gift from the coast? A shell? A bikini? Or maybe even a bottle of sea water with sand at the bottom?

Nope, my mother dear got me a rather expensive and fabulous mottle grey soft angora beret.
Soft and luxurious to the touch and exquisite grey colours and shades compliment my fair skin rather nicely.

Silly me thought angora was a usual sheep or goat but this hat is from the Angora rabbit!
For a split second animal cruelty thoughts ran through my mind and I suddenly took it off my head...yikes!
But the reason these angora rabbit products are so unique is because they are gently hand pulled from the rabbit while he is still alive and it is the extra or shedding hairs that are used.
So I then did not feel too bad as he was going to lose the hairs anyway.

Interesting facts on my angora hat:

1) it needs to be stored in a ziploc bag in the freezer - fish moths LOVE these garments of clothing and will munch through one in a few days!

2) the more you wear the hat, the fluffier it gets and more valuable

3) no animals are harmed AT ALL in the making of this hat

4) it is surprisingly very warm ( I wore mine today with a pair of jeans, grape long sleeve tee and royal blue cardi...very complementary to the grey)

And I like the fact that this garment is 100% organic and natural...in a way I guess.

LaurenLeigh cc

Fifty Shades trilogy

I am sure there are many of you who have heard, read about, seen or know someone who is raving about the Fifty Shades Trilogy by author EL James.

When the books first came out and were launched I decided I was going to stay away from them as I do not usually like to do things because the media recommends it or other people "hype" over something.

But when a friend of mine lent me the first book to try and encourage me to start reading again...I finished the first book in two days! Yip 510 odd pages in two evenings.
Now for me this is an all time record. My boyfriend and I have been dating for 2 years and the only thing he has seen me read is Facebook and Twitter.

Now I wasn't enthralled in the books because of the "mommy porn" as the media has called it or the sex scenes ( I actually found those pretty boring and repetitive) but the way EL James writes her books. She somehow manages to capture you ( the reader) into the book and it feels as if you are living the story. Now, for me, that is something extraordinary as alot of authors do not possess this kind of writing skill.

I am going to admit though that by the third book some of the scenes or paragraphs are a bit cheesy and repetitive but it is light reading that captures your imagination and fantasy...that is important for a women to keep alive!

I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Do yourself a favour and give the books a chance and make your own decisions on the books.

LaurenLeigh cc

Linkin park

Linkin Park in South Africa in November! Cape Town and JHB.
Pre sale ticket are on sale today and official bookings open Thursday 26 July and Friday 27 July.

If they your thing...best you start saving. Tickets range from R690 to R315.

LaurenLeigh cc

I'm a fan of...Hello Pretty

How amazing is this new online store I follow on Twitter? Hello Pretty

I found them on Twitter through another person I am following and had a look at their website only to be amazed at the stock and different designers they have selling all sorts of different buys for you or for your home.

Proudly South African, easy to use website and oh so pretty things to buy at reasonable prices.
You can either buy or sell of their website and the details on how to do so are as clear as black and white.

So, what are you waiting for? Go shopping! and pssst...your boss will never known because its all online!

LaurenLeigh cc

Fundraiser for Layla

I came across this information on this beautiful little girl and how Spotlight productions are trying to raise money for her surgeries and I had to share with as many people as I could so that hopefully some of you would try and support a good cause.

Spotlight Productions is a non-profit theatre company that was started by two ladies who both have full time careers but their mutual love for the theatre and performing lead them to open this company that can help raise funds for various charities by producing and performing shows.

Layla was born with Hemi Facial Microsomia. This means that one side of her skull did not develop properly. This is not something that Layla's mom did through her pregnancy or any hereditary condition - during her 7th week of growth some of the cells split and one group developed faster than the other.

Layla also has no hearing on her left side and currently needs a new type of hearing aid devise which will cost between R26 000 to R45 0000!!
On top of this Layla still needs to undergo the following procedures;

* jaw bone - this needs to be repeated 3 more times
* remove and replace fatty tissue
 * ear reconstructions - another 3 to 5 operations
* BAHA transmitter ( new type of hearing aid devise above) to be implanted

The show is running from the 18th - 21st July and tickets are only R80.
Please see details above on how to get tickets through Kirsten on 0794292898

LaurenLeigh cc

I'm a fan of...Becoming You Blog

Yesterday on my very chilled Sunday I decided it was time to have a look at some of the blogs  I follow and see if there are any exciting giveaways. For those of you who have been following my blog, you will know I am somewhat of a competition junkie and recently hit a winning streak. But shhhhh...don't tell anyone!

I was VERY excited when I stumbled across Becoming You blog and found the ultimate giveaway....The Winter Warmer Giveaway.
R6500 worth of prizes to be won! Have a peek below on what is up for grabs ( this is copied straight from her blog - thank you):

A Blu ray Hamper worth R2000 from Disney
Shearling lined leather boots worth R1649 from Green Cross
A chocolate hamper worth R500 from Madecasse
A jewellery hamper worth R500 from Sass Diva
4 personalised place mats worth R460 from Love Letters
A pair of silk pyjamas worth R400 from Anna-Louise Sleepwear
A Full Body Massage worth R390 from Gingerlily
A R250 gift voucher Smitten home & life
An electric aromatherapy oil burner & 1 essential oil (orange or eucalyptus) worth R250 from Aseyah R
A Vinyl Wall Sticker “Love & Cook with wild abandon” worth R250 from Pink ‘n Posh
A copy of The Reunion by Joanne Fedler worth R180
A 6 month magazine subscription to O, The Oprah Magazine worth R130
A Solar Jar worth R120 from Consol Glass
12 unfilled Party Packs of your choice worth R120 from Party Things

What on earth are you waiting for? Go follow the blog and enter.
But we all know there can only be one winner...and we all know who that is going to be?

Happy Monday!!!

LaurenLeigh cc

Chicken Curry Sundays

today has probably been one of the best Sundays I have had in a long time.

It started off with breakfast in bed followed by a walk on the beach and a cuddle with a blanket on the sand while we watched the paddlers. Then an aromatic coffee and MASSIVE slice of baked cheescake at Cafe Jiran ( they have an awesome coffee and cake special) and now we are listening to Frank Sinatra and cooking chicken curry for a couple of hours.

It is days like this that you realise things are pretty good and everything has been done your way!
Gratefulness is a humble emotion.

Hope you have all had a good weekend xx

P.s. give me a shout if any of you need a really good chicken curry recipe

LaurenLeigh cc

i heart market

i heart market time this weekend.
Probably my most exciting start to a month and my sister and mom are coming with me to market. A good morning of girly fun and markets.

Picture from iheartmarket.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!

Laurenleigh cc

Whole food Night Market

Tomorrow is the first Thursday of the month which means its the Whole Food Night market.
I have unfortunately missed quite a few of these but tomorrow night is market night and ladies night with friends.
This month they have chosen a venue with a twist...a street market in Oldham Road Stamfordhill.

The market runs from 6pm - 10pm and the market will be full of treats, wholesome foods, delicatessens to take home and live music.
Entry is free and its a wonderful social event for the entire family.

For more Details visit Whatson website
What else can you do on a Thursday evening?

Laurenleigh cc

Kelsey Rose Hair Design

Picture taken by Debbie Jean Malton Pictures

I think I must be THE worst client for a hairdresser. Well, I used to be.
I would go and have my hair cut or coloured or "trimmed", leave the salon, get home and then burst into tears because I hated what the hairdresser had done to my hair.
I would then return the next day and ask them to fix it.
This happened every time I went to my hairdresser that eventually I started trying different hairdressers out.

Luckily for me, my cousin Kelsey decided to become a hairdresser. With her humble, patient and professional personality she has now made me putty in her hands and somehow I trust her COMPLETELY with my hair.

Kelsey has been cutting my hair for well over two years now and she has been working from her own home studio for about the same time; Kelsey Rose Hair Design ( please click on her page to like her facebook page).

Somehow Kelsey has held her tongue when I complained like a 3 year old, convinced me to stop dyeing my hair blonde ( I am a natural strawberry blonde / auburn) and cut my hair into a short pixie style. She is the ONLY hairdresser I have ever allowed full control to and it has nothing to do with the fact that we family.

From cuts, blow waves, trims, upstyles, cutting childrens hair from young, wedding hair and hair for the Durban July Fashion shows; Kelsey is someone I can recommend with ease and I know that person will be one happy customer.

Please contact Kelsey on her facebook page Kelsey Rose Hair Design or give her a call on 0848451323.

LaurenLeigh cc

ELLE Female Factor

A few weeks ago I was chosen as the lucky ELLE reader to be part of Durban's leg of Female Factor Discussion.
I was over the moon, scared, nervous, anxious and proud to have be chosen.
Questions fluttered through my head like what should I wear? What if I cannot contribute to the conversation? What if I am out of my league?
But after the discussion I realised that those questions are exactly why 30% of women do not follow their dreams or pursue their thoughts. The "what if/" question.

Female Factor is all about women and everything women related. ELLE has some great articles and you should go and have a look here to read more.

The discussion for the Durban leg of FF was the last leg as Cape Town and JHB had already had their conversations. At first the conversation started off slowly with born leaders starting the discussion and it was slightly daunting with a videographer shooting the entire discussion.
Discussion topics ranged from owning or starting your own business and entrepreneurship, the "work - life" balance, mentor-ship and women as we are today and how we were back then.

Ladies present in the discussion were Tarryn Gill ( Perfect Score - and thank you Tarryn for a wonderful opportunity and smoothly organised event), Jackie Burger ( editor of ELLE magazine), Jenna McArthur ( ELLE magazie), Annelize Visser ( ELLE magazine), Unilever and Beirsdorf marketing managers, a women of the year and McCarthy CSI manager, a performer, young entrepreneurs, owner of Ice Model Management and an attorney amongst many more. These ladies may have been "labelled" by their titles or job descriptions or what they do for a living but in the end they are all women, mothers, wives or partners, care givers nurturers and dream followers.

I was blown away and in awe of ALL of these women and they made me realise that I too have the "fight" in me to dream and follow my goals and one day achieve EXACTLY what I want.
With 85% of brand decisions being made by females in the work place, we have a very important role within society and the economy but we are not using it to our full potential.

Statements that stood out for me on the day were:
" How do you define success?"
" Why is it only a dream and not a reality?"
" Put the fish on the table"
" Let us be visible!"

I could keep on writing on this topic for ages but if I do that I will end up eating the entire Lindt mousse chocolate slab from the ELLE gift bag. Thank you for spoiling me ELLE with the opportunity to take part in this discussion and for the gorgeous gift bag.

So as a women with a DREAM...what are you waiting for?

LaurenLeigh cc

P.S. I stumbled across a picture of myself on the ELLE website today ( mixed emotion moment) and that picture was taken at the ELLE Female Factor Discussions morning. So my outfit choice was a good one. Always trust your gut and go with it!

And the #30daydetoxchallenge comes to an end

Monday was my last day of the Lisa Raleigh 30 day detox challenge. For those of you who have been following my progress, hearing me complain or simply not understanding why I am doing this or have done it; you can all take a deep breathe and relax...as I have decided to continue with the detox challenge as best as I can as a way of life.

Its not about trying to lose weight or look good or even compare stories with other girls who are dieting ( and doing it the VERY wrong way). It is simply about living healthy, feeling AMAZING, appreciating food, experimenting with food and looking after your insides.
And at the end of the day, if your inside body is healthy then your outside body will reflect those results.

By completing this detox, it has shown me really how bad certain foods can be for you. Obviously you cannot live this strictly forever as there will be the occasion where you have to "cheat" due to circumstances that are unforeseen; but then cheat! If its one meal or one day or even one weekend; the trick is to go back to your old/ new habits of healthy eating as soon as you can.

Pro's of the detox so far:
* strong nails
* better focus or concentration
* look forward to meal times and cooking
* my insides are happy with me ( I usually suffer with : Everything I eat, my stomach HATES)
* bowel movements have increased drastically ( this is a celebration in my house)
* my skin looks and feels amazing ( my skin therapist even noticed)
* added bonus - I lost 3.5 Kgs without any form of exercise ( try to exercise on this detox - I just didn't have time or was too lazy)
* and many many more

Con's of the detox so far:
* it is quite a lot of preparation
* grocery bill has doubled as its alot more fresh ingredients
* I feel like I have a hangover if I eat sugar, wheat, dairy or meat now ( good thing to avoid them now then)
* difficult when dining with friends or at a restaurant but its about changing your mindset and making the right choices now

Try it today and see the difference. Who knows? Maybe it will be the best thing you do in 2012.
Good Luck!

LaurenLeigh cc

Beauty Banter: Rubybox

The murmur on facebook and twitter seems to be something called rubybox.
After some investigation online, I discovered exactly what all the hype is about.
A small box that arrives at your door ( be it work or home) on a monthly basis if you so choose with 4- 5 sample size and /or real sized products for you to try and test out. All for only R100 per box!

This seemed to good to be true! So I decided to give rubybox a try in June and this is my experience:

* Amazingly easy to use website and very informative
* Great customer service in that Fastway sent me an email to let me know that my rubybox had been dispatched and when to expect it.
* My rubybox arrived with the following goodies inside: R50 gift voucher for Runway, 1.2ml Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria sample, Prevage Hydrating fluid (5ml), Piz Buin In Sun Sun Lipstick SPF20 and a Maybelline Master precise Liquid Eyeliner.

A bit more information on the products:

The Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria is a fruity floral mix with the perfect combination of subtly and bursts of energy both at the same time.

Prevage Hydrating Fluid has arrived at the perfect time - the start of winter. Full of ingredients to hydrate, smooth and full the skin with antioxidants, this Prevage skincare product is a luxury fluid applied onto the skin after cleansing.

Piz Buin Sun Lipstick is in fact a sun protection lip balm to soothe and protect the lips from damaging UV rays. With aloe vera to soothe and the gentle smell of vanilla to taste great, Piz buin offers an all in one product.

Maybelline Master precise liquid eyeliner is my favourite treat in the whole box. I am not going to lie to you, I am a MAC girl through and through but this eyeliner is phenomenal. It looks like a felt tip pen and has a "nib" that is only 0.4mm in thickness! Ultra sleek and easy to you makes it my best friend especially when I am rushing in the morning but still want to look glam!

Give rubybox a try. Look at there website here for more information.

LaurenLeigh cc

South Africa vs England Rugby

Today at 5pm will mark one of the biggest games in Durban for 2012 - South Africa Springboks vs England.

And due to our spoil at Christmas time last year; we have season tickets to go and watch. Excitement!!!!!

The atmosphere, crowd, support and commitment to our Bokke will be there is full force...especially if it is raining and everyone stays put!

So here is to holding thumbs we kick some serious English butt, no rain and a festive night out and about Durban.

Hope you all have fun!

LaurenLeigh cc

Miss Molly Fashions GIVEAWAY

How amazing is this giveaway that Miss Molly is doing in conjunction with Sass Diva, Stuttafords and Zaba Simbine?

Go and look at the details here and enter!

Picture from Miss Molly Fashions Blog

LaurenLeigh cc

Genevieve Motley Competition

Amazing competition from the very talented Durban jewellery designer Genevieve Motley.
Have a look below and follow her on facebook here

Picture from Gen Motley Facebook page

LaurenLeigh cc

Vintage Mondays with Marie Claire and Bonnie and Clyde

A few weeks back I tweeted a picture of myself in a coral sheer pleated skirt with white polka dots teamed with a white vest to Marie Claire magazine for their #VintageMondays hashtag competition and I was lucky enough to win a R250 gift voucher from Bonnie and Clyde in Glenwood.

Situated behind Corner Cafe coffee shop in Glenwood, Bonnie and Clyde boasts both old, new and vintage collections of outerwear, accessories, shoes, handbags and coats.

Last week I went in to go and see what I could get with my voucher and I stumbled across these gorgeous, crazy and loud silver metallic court shoes. And I fell in love with them.

And how retro is the bag I left the shop with? We have used it twice on picnics to carry our blankets and cushions. Attention to detail and being able to use the bag afterwards - awesome for me as a customer.

So if you are in the mood for some vintage shopping then please go and have a look at Bonnie and Clyde. And the coffee at Corner Cafe is to die for!

LaurenLeigh cc

Good luck Comrades runners

Today is the Comrades Marathon.
All of my friends and family running - I think you crazy but I also have the utmost respect and support for you all.

A special mention to Lisa, who is running her second comrades today and I look forward to seeing her after tollgate bridge. Chin up and go Lisa!

LaurenLeigh cc

DSOC: comedy night at The Keg

Tonight I will be attending the DSOC event at The Keg and Trout in Hillcrest. I got four tickets ( thanks DSOC) and free bottle of vino so it will be a great way to end my last exam for this semester and catch up with old friends.

Nothing better than a good laugh, good company and supporting local awesome talent.

I will let you know the outcome on the weekend.

LaurenLeigh cc

The Liquid eating Plan

So as most of you know, I have been on the Lisa Raleigh 30 Day detox. I am now on Step 3 which is the liquid only diet.
This can consist of juices ( the freshly juiced kind not the box kind), smoothies and soups.
The liquid part has actually been a lot easier than I thought it would be but I HAVE to eat every 2 hours or I turn into the HULK...literally.

I have noticed that I have had most of my headaches on this part of the diet but my bowel movement ( sorry for the overshare) has got much better and I feel like a human being again!
Another plus is that my nails are long and strong which I can only gather is from the healthy eating and lack of "bad" foods.
Dehydrated skin has also depleted my moisturizer but I am putting that down to a combination of change of season and the detox.

The best part of this all...I get to use my juicer and smoothie maker. Absolute gems.
And you can out ANYTHING into your juice and smoothies...as long as its healthy and on the list.

LaurenLeigh cc

Thank you Lady Luck

These last few weeks have been a good few weeks for me. Lady luck has been a VERY good friend of mine.

Yesterday, I found out that I have been chosen as the one lucky elle reader to attended the Female Factor discussion forum happening in Durban on Thursday.
I am so over the moon I could hardly go to bed last night!

I will obviously let you all know how it goes as soon as I get home from an amazing afternoon filled with knowledgeable women, inspiration and ideas.

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Juicy Lucy

Recently, on a shopping splurge at the SPCA in Kloof, I found a Moulinex juicer going for R25.
Yes, R25!
So I figured well if it works then this is the best place to shop in the world and I will be back for more and if it does not work then I have lost R25? I will take that chance.

So after this little white and grey compact juicer got a spring clean and sat in the cupboard for over 3 weeks, I decided that last night was the perfect time to make some fresh juice and see if this little juicer actually works.
This is what I squashed inside to make the juice:
1 x baby marrow
1 x carrot
1 x small beetroot
1 x small green pepper
1/3 cucumber
1/3 broccoli
1x small apple
squeeze lemon juice
a few grapes

At first we decided it tasted like squashed compost but after the second sip we realised it was amazing!
Fresh, healthy, beautiful juice full of antioxidants and nutrition.
And my juicer for R25 WORKS!!!

Down side: you have to clean the juicer asap after use or the colours of the fruit or vegies used may stain. And you have to peel some things and chop them up but other than that...awesome.

Happy as Larry!

LaurenLeigh cc

regular posting times

To make my life easier and the few of you that read my not so often scribbles online, I have decided to try and stick to a date and time when posting or blogging.
In between work, studying, cooking dinner, making fresh juice and trying to blog: 24 hours just is not enough.

So starting from today, my blogs will be posted between 11.30 and 12pm - depending on how I am feeling.

Read my blog before you eat lunch or dash out the office or go into that hour long meeting. It will hopefully remind you that there are others out there that feel EXACTLY the same way you do too.

LaurenLeigh cc

Thank you Glossy Box and I heart your Outfit

Picture: Ryan Adams Photography

I entered a competition through the i heart your outfit girls as they were giving away a Glossy box and I wanted to see what all the hype was about and I won!

Glossy box is a very smart idea and a good way to market or advertise beauty products to consumers who may not know those products even exist.

You subscribe online ( here) and open a customer account, pay your monthly fee of R130 to ensure your Glossy box arrives at your home or office, receive the beautifully packaged box ( as above) with a surprise array of beauty samples, trials and one or two full sized products and then log back online to write a "review" on the products you got in your box.
Absolutely brilliant!!

This is what I got in my box:

1) Anesi Stem C3 - Anti ageing emulsion - trial size
2) Creative Nail Design Scentations - Cucumber Intensive Heel Therapy - 15g ( perfect timing for winter)
3) Dr.Hauschka - rejuvenating mask - two sample sachets enough for one application each
4) Piz Buin - Tan Intensifier - two 10ml tubes ( will have to try this when the sun shows herself)
5) So Pure - organic spray hand sanitizer - 50ml full size product (LOVE THIS)

There was also a kohl eyeliner and grey eyeshadow as an exta gift.

Thank you Glossy Box and i heart your outfit girls!

LaurenLeigh cc

Lisa Raleigh 30 day detox - Week one

I decided to partake in the Lisa Raleigh 30 day detox. Yes, crazy I know but to people who don't understand healthy eating and way of living; I am sure there are plenty of things that health fanatics do that you think are crazy.

Week one ( well actually this part of the detox lasts for 10 days) includes no meat, sugar, dairy, wheat or stimulants.
Say what? OMG!
But you know what? It has been easier than I thought. Even my boyfriend is doing it with me.
This week has been a combination of oats, boiled egg, lentils and quinoa with pesto, bean and rice salsa mix , fruit, fresh oven baked fish and guilt free potatoe wedges ( this was the boyfriends favourite and he ate this at nearly every meal).
I even took recipes supplied and added my own twist onto them to create some really yummy wholesome meals.

Eating healthy isn't about stopping your life; it is about choosing the right foods, ensuring you have time to prepare them and eating regularly.
The minute your food isn't prepared and you rushing, this is when you reach for unhealthy "bad" food.
We actually look forward to cooking our meals now and cannot wait to eat the freshness and taste of the food.

I am already feeling healthier internally, not craving sugar as much as I used to and feeling more energetic.
The down side is that eating this way is a bit more pricey on the wallet pocket but in the long run it is so worth it. And if you happen to go somewhere where there is no healthy food ( like the baby shower I attended yesterday and there is no healthy food ) I cheated but it was 3 things and now I'm back on track.

Well, my fresh potatoe and leek soup is brewing on the stove so I will leave you with this...
Try the detox. What do you have to lose besides the toxins in your body and a few percentages of fat?

LaurenLeigh cc

Keep vintage

Awesome new ladies at the i heart market - KEEP.
I met them at the May market and they were wonderfully friendly and so excited as it was their first market.
I got a beautiful emerald green belt with stars embroidered on it...too vintage!
They have some lovely goodies at the market but they also sell things on their website - KEEP

I will be popping by next month too as these lovely ladies have some gems in stock.
Support a fellow Durbanite and check these ladies out...vintage heaven!

LaurenLeigh cc

***Giveaway - Happy Mothers Day!!!

**** Giveaway***

Today is Mothers day and I was lucky enough to win two tickets to Roxette through Galleria mall ( I will be blogging about this later) so I decided I should do a giveaway too.

It may not be for mothers day as the day is nearly over so I am calling it my Post Mothers Day Giveaway!

Logo from Liza Clifford

Liza Clifford ( the woman who has changed my life forever with PROPER fitted gorgeous bra's) has generously sponsored a R250 gift vouvher as the giveaway for May. Please have a look at her website and arrange a fitting TODAY...it will change your life and your breasts.

Here is what to do:

1) Follow my facebook page or the blog

2) Follow me ( @laurenleigh_cc) on Twitter and tweet: I would like to win with @laurenleigh_cc and @Liza_Clifford

3) The more tweets, the more chances you can win :)

Have a super Sunday and I hope all you mums had a good Mothers Day

LaurenLeigh cc

cupcake couture giveaway

I went on a crazy giveaway and competitions to enter hunt and found this super giveaway featured on Cupcake Couture.

This giveaway is featured on Cupcake Couture but it is from Eileen who has a photography business called brightgirl and takes some amazing shots especially of weddings and couples.

Have a read about her interview and enter the giveaway here. Hurry...competition closes tomorrow!

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P.S I have entered and really hoping to win. My boyfriend is a photographer so in the near two years we have been dating we have NO pictures of the two of us! if I win this shoot it will make me a very happy girlfriend and blogger.

i Heart market and cake pops!

A good friend asked me yesterday: " Friend, have you stopped blogging?"
um no, I have just been ridiculously busy and lazy. I think an equal 50/50 of both.

Bright and early this morning I fought the traffic around Moses Mabidha Stadium to pop in very quickly at the i heart market before work today.
Such a fabulous treat the i heart market is to wander around, support fellow creatives and see familiar faces who are all so friendly.
And meet new faces...I will blog about the newbies later this week as I purchased a stunning emerald green vintage belt.

Pic from 1finecookie.com

But, I was lucky enough to get there early enough to buy 80% of Decadant Dani's cake pops for my birthday brekkie with the friends tomorrow morning.
I know it is MY birthday but for some reason I also feel I have to spoil them a little too.
And because it is my birthday ( only on Tuesday but I celebrate a week ahead) I got a cake pop to test as an early birthday present...OMG!
Melt in your mouth, chocolate brownie heaven with a stick on the end. And a few sprinkles to top it off.
Marvelous!

Have a look at her website here and spoil yourself by ordering something.
And go check out the market - 9am til 2pm at Moses Mabidha Stadium opposite Nino's.

Have a super weekend.

LaurenLeigh cc

The Monday Blues...And Pie and Pint

It has been exactly 10 days since my last blog...I am not going to apologise as my blog is for my enjoyment and those of you that enjoy my scribbles.
So hello again and welcome back.

Everybody seems to have "the monday blues" every Monday. I seem to feel like that everyday as of late so I decided this Monday is the first day of change.
The boyfriend is sick so homemade chicken and noodle soup is brewing on the stove. Made from scratch and with love...I clearly decided to hang ten on my studies this evening.

But for those of you that don't enjoy cooking...Livingston's Gastropub in Glenashley has an AWESOME  Mondays special. Pie and a pint. You can't go wrong there now can you?
And with winter starting to creep into the evenings, a pub pie sounds way better than chicken and noodle soup for dinner tonight.

Have a look at the poster below or check out their website here

Picture courtesy of Livingstons website

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Once Loved Sale...long weekend clear the clutter

With the long weekend ahead of us, most of you have decided to go and get muddy at Splashy Fen or take a well deserved break somewhere exotic.
I am stuck at home learning and submitting assignments as my day job doesn't allow me alot of time to get these done.

So my "escape" is my blog for today and what better way than to update the blog and show you what I am wanting to clear out of my cupboard!

These items are well loved but I feel it is time for them to go to a new home.
And 99% of them are only R25!

Have a look and please have a look here, comment on facebook here or email me to make a purchase.

Happy long weekend!

LaurenLeigh cc

Craft Trattoria

It is eventually April and heading towards the Easter weekend. Chocolate, religious celebrations and food.

Recently the boyfriend spoilt me to a surprise dinner at the lovely Craft Trattoria in Glenashley for a quick bite to eat. We had heard their pizzas were out of this world and thought it was only fair to try it out.

Pic courtesy of the Craft Trattoria

Glorious pizza bases piled with pancetta, artichokes, mushrooms, butternut, feta and cheese as well as a wheat free base for me with vodka and cream napoletana sauce, chargrilled aubergines, mozzerella and fresh torn up basil leaves literally left us with full tummies, satisfied taste buds and me edging on my seat to write a blog about this hidden food gem.

Overlooking the ships bobbing on the seas, soft relaxing 1920's ( or some kind of 1900 music playing), amazing aromas and friendly staff fill this restaurant and the raw edged furnishings and glass kitchen so you can play peek - a -boo with the kitchen staff and chefs leaves you feeling like you have stepped into someone else's home for an exquisite home cooked meal.

Our waiter was on top form being friendly, chirpy, always there when we needed him and a pure gem as I have found Durban to be lacking in the good service department as of late. With a head of dreadlocks and a bright smile, he looked after us very well.

Do yourselves a favour and explore this place...or at least, explore Durban!

LaurenLeigh cc

when did it suddenly become March?

Why is it that when you reach the age of 25, time seems to chase itself and you are always running out of it?

We all stressed, over worked, no time to see friends, no time to cook or clean or do the washing and no time to do those personal things you enjoy like reading, giving yourself a manicure or blogging ( as I am sure you have all noticed). Not to mention the Bcom I have decided to start!
Are any of you feeling this way?

But sometimes you have to take a step back, take a deep breath and decide what your time is or should be spent on...those important, valuable and worthy of your time need to be top of the list.

So I dedicate this blog to a very special and strong friend who is soon starting a new exciting journey. And although it is away from us; you are someone I will always make time for. And now I have a VERY good reason to come to Cape Town.

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The Crack...

This is not a post on a horror movie or scary film. It is in fact a very short ( studying and sheer exhaustion have consumed me) blog on my crack nail varnish my dear friend from Scotland gave me.

I did these pictures and manicure ages ago but just found them now. OPI also sells a crack nail polish and I think its pretty cool and something different.

1) Give yourself a neat little manicure and paint a clear base coat

2) Choose a colour you like and do two coats of that on your nails.

3) Ensure your nails are dry and paint ONE very thin layer of the crack varnish over the colour. Do not overlap the crack as it will turn into a mush. It doesn't have to be perfect. Let it dry and watch it crack.

4) Paint a top coat over the crack to seal it all in.

I think it looks pretty cool.

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Zara...mixed emotions

This evening I decided to pop into Zara in Gateway after work. After all, the hype around the opening of this store has been tremendous and is a huge first for Durban ( and South Africa).

Walking into the store I felt like I was shopping in a store for the first time. A new excitement for retail. I'm not sure if it was because of the hype surrounding this stores opening or if it was the clean smooth floors, vibey music, bright flashy lights and beautiful clothing which was grouped together and displayed perfectly. No crowding or having to search through untidy rails...everything had its place, display and purpose.

And amazing and tantalizing as all of this was, the prices put a massive depression onto my excited shopping experience. Now, this is purely my opinion and might be slightly bias because I work for a clothing supplier and know the value of clothing. And it may also be because I am a total shopaholic and like new things ALL the time, get tired of my things VERY quickly and change my style about 6 times a day! So if ,y entire wardrobe was Zara...my boyfriend may leave me very quickly!

But it is something to work hard towards. Save to go and buy that ZARA coat or pair of ZARA heels or ZARA chiffon pleated skirt. Spoil yourself.
And that is what its about...quality, style and status.

What are your opinions on ZARA in South Africa?

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me and my spare time

After a good 4 hours of studying, cooking dinner, bathing and trying to sync diary dates with the boyfriend, I am eventually sitting down to my laptop to blog and scroll through some of my favourite blogs ( most of them proudly Durban bloggers).

Here are a few I am looking at tonight and I am hoping to blog about them soon:

Miss Molly Fashions
Hey Cherry
The Thrift Collection
Cupcake Couture
Being Brazen
Blog Milk

Have a look at some of them...maybe it will inspire you to do something different?

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And the Winner is....

The February giveaway has eventually come to an end and I am excited to announce the winner. The names were all randomly tossed in a hat and the boyfriend drew a name...

Well done to Kim Longhurst.

Kim is also the talented blogger behind thepaintedblackbird which is a blog dedicated to, well, anything really that is creative, collective, vintage, amazing and awesome according to Kim. Have a look at her blog and be inspired.

I will email you shortly Kim so I can drop off your prize.

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Giveaway...

This is the last week to enter so go here quick and enter!

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You never too old to learn...

Yesterday's post in hysteria, tiredness and sheer lack of being a google friendly person so early in the mornng had my friend and I with seriously crossed wires.

Yes, I learnt and love Pinterest this weekend, but I did not go venturing to Zara. My dear friend had her names mixed up and we in fact met at Java. Simple mistake as the place where Java is now, used to be called Zara coffee shop.

I should have checked google ( as I usually do) before blogging but it was a Sunday morning and sheer exhaustion and excitement had overtaken my brain.
So you are never too old to learn something new everyday. Or google it.

In other thoughts, tomorrow my real live Pinterest will be up and running. For those of you who don't know, I have decided to make a real pin board for our house. Somewhere the boyfriend and I can leave ideas, things we love, notes are subtle hints about the gifts we would like.
Just to add some creativity to our already busy but little flat.

I will keep you posted....oh and dont forget about the giveaway here. Only a few days left to enter!!!

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Pinterest and Zara!!!!

Yes, Pinterest and Zara seem to be a wierd combo but they are two "firsts" for me that I will be experiencing this weekend.

I was introduced to Pinterest yesterday and I love it! When I had my first picture repinned I was like a little girl getting a present...it was so exciting.
I think this is an amazing platform to launch any type of business or marketing idea off.
Go follow my pin board here

Now, as for Zara, I am meeting friends for breakfast and then a little store visit to Zara. Excitement cannot be contained and when I got her message at am this morning I was instantly awake! Although, I will never be able too buy anything at Zara due to my terrible salary, I am hoping I will be able to one day when I am big....

I will let you know how it goes.
Have a good Sunday

LaurenLeigh cc

Post Valentines day

I hope those of you who boycotted or celebrated V-day enjoyed it whatever you decided to do?

I got spoilt with coffee and banana french toast in bed and then he got spoilt with a sushi and champers picnic that evening.
Simple, at home, cheap and just us. Aaaah!

However, now that the celebrations for the week are done, I must get back to studying. Yes, for those of you that don't know, I have decided to start a BCOM marketing management degree through UNISA this year. Oh dear! Well, they say you never too old to learn so I thought why not?

There will be some exciting thing to come as I'm planning to do awesome mood boards every 2 or 4 weeks so keep reading....

And don't forget the GIVEAWAY

LaurenLeigh cc

Valentine Spoil # 5 - Dial a picnic

Imagine a company that magically sets up your Valentines surprise picnic and all you and your partner have to do is arrive at the venue?
How clever and stress free is that?

Dial-a-picnic is a company that offers just that. Whether you go and picnic at one of your favorite special spots or try out a new highly recommended picnic spot, Dial-a-picnic goes out of their way to ensure you have a memorable experience while enjoying the romance of a picnic.

Beautiful cushions, soft cosy blankets, delectable foods and tempting sweet treats are laid out for you. While the cushions and blanket are on loan, the roses and chocolate truffles for the romantic rendezvous are for you and your partner to indulge in.

For more information or to arrange a picnic have a look here

have a happy valentines day!

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** Giveaway** Valentine Spoil # 4 - Go shopping at The Bedroom

The Bedroom has an incredibly wide variety of gifts, spoils and pamper products which are very suitable for this Valentines day. Something sexy with lingerie, something pampering with The Bedroom bathroom range or something naughty from the Playthings room.
With stores situated in Umhlanga, Hillcrest and Parkhurst as well as online orders with postage or delivery, The Bedroom is a brilliant concept allowing people of all ages and sexes to get in touch with their sensual and sexy side.

Pic courtesy of The Bedroom

*** GIVEAWAY***

In conjunction with The Bedroom, Culture Concepts is doing a giveaway of a Valentines Hamper for the month of February valued over R500.

How to enter:

* Follow the Culture Concepts blog

* Like the Culture Concepts facebook page here

* Tweet: I have just entered the Culture Concepts giveaway from @laurenleigh_cc and @The_Bedroom.

Each of the above is considered an entry.

Do all three and stand a better chance of winning this awesome hamper.

The hamper will be delivered or posted to you if you reside withing South Africa.

Competition open to South African residents only.

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Valentine Spoil # 3 - Picnic and South African Music at Botanical Gardens

For some reason, romantics always love the idea of cheese, wine, dim light and music. Maybe it is the media or magazines we read or maybe it is from the hopeful love films we watch as young adolescents.

But Durban ( and South Africa) have some wonderful musical talent. Good old Botanical Gardens is doing a music by the lake on Valentines day with Arno Carstens and Lousie Carver.
It truly is a wonderful idea for valentines day if these artists and picnic by the lake are your thing.
I have been to a few of these concerts and they are loads of fun and relaxing at the same time.
But if you not a fan of crowds and would like a bit more privacy on this day of love then it may not be for you.

Ticket can be bought here

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Valentine Spoil #2 - Pamper yourself and your partner

How amazing is this special that is being offered at Awesym Skin and Body Salon in Ballito?
This is my salon I visit whenever I can and they offer professional treatments and a great retail range of products.

Call them and book a treatment or three quick as their bookings are filling up!
Visit their website for more information here

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Valentines Spoil #1 - Get a proper bra from Liza Clifford

As you know, I am writing blogs this month of things to do, places to go and items to spoil yourself or loved one with this Valentines day.
On Saturday I found my spoil for the next three months...A proper sized, well fitted bra from Liza Clifford.

Picture courtesy of Liza Clifford - Blog

My mother and myself went for our first professional bra fitting with Liza Clifford on Saturday. I have heard many rants and raves about Liza Clifford and I eventually had one bad day of too much boob spillage and called in the professionals. Well rather I called in on her.

Situated in Kloof / Everton area ( destination is a secret so you will have to contact her to book) and working from her home studio Liza Clifford greeted us with a breath of fresh air, friendliness and immediate comfort.
Walking into her studio of subtle coloured wallpaper, designs and absolutely beautiful bra's - I knew I was going to experience something unique and special here.

Liza looked us both up and down, informed us of our actual bra size and then started handing us bra's left, right and centre.
Within a couple of minutes, we were both gleaming in the mirror feeling sexy, instantly a few KG's lighter and my tiny mother even appeared taller....yes, all of this just from wearing the right sized bra.
Just to give you all a bit of an overshare...I am "usually" a 32B and now I know I am actually a 28DD. I was shocked and excited all at the same time.

Today I honestly couldn't wear my other ill-fitting bra's and I cannot wait until Liza gets her new stock in so I can go shopping. Her bra's are imported from the UK and are of the highest quality and design so they do come with a slightly higher price tag than your regular retailers but it is worth every cent.
And when I went into certain retailers today ( stores who retail their bra's at the same price as Liza) and asked for my 28DD they looked at me like I was a crazy person as their sizes only start at a 32. So where does that leave people like me and many of you out there?

It's simple...we go to Liza Clifford.

Liza is offering a special to my loyal followers....When buying a R500 gift voucher you will receive R100 off ( pay R400 for a R500 voucher) so you will get a 20% discount. 


** All you have to do is:
              1) Like my page on facebook here

              2) When booking your voucher with Liza quote the name of my facebook page and the colour of my facebook pages profile picture.

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My morning with mother dearest...

Today I had a Saturday off so Mom and I decided to use our pedicure vouchers and go for a pedicure at The Pamper Rooms.
Angie also did an eyelash tint on me that looks FANTASTIC and I had no burning tears as she implemented one of her "tricks" she has learnt after all the experience she has had as a therapist and business owner.

Angie and Gaylene treated us like VIP clients today and I have the gunmetal painted toes to show for it.
A beautiful salon with professional therapists, great music and amazing treatments.
Visit the website here and book a treatment as soon as possible!

After our pedicure we went to the Bellevue Cafe in Kloof for super speedy and yummy eggs benedict and iced coffees before we headed to Liza Clifford for our professional bra fittings. Keep reading the blog to hear about how exciting that was!

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The month of the Valentine....

Yes it is February and so the month of Valentine celebrations begins.

Pic courtesy of Frills and Thrills Blog

Some people are romantics at heart and they wait for this day with baited breath so they can either be romanticised or romanticise the pants ( not literally) off someone else.
Some people are anti-valentines day people and have a black valentines where they wear black, listen to depressing music and eat horrible food.

So, because some of my followers may be either or, I have decided to do a "To Do List" for Valentines day.
I will be posting cool things I have found or heard about so that hopefully there is something for everyone to do on this day of love.

Please keep following the blog for some cool concepts for V-Day...and maybe even a little giveaway!

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Farmstyle Homemade Ice Cream

Recently, we went to visit my old friend, ex room mate and new mom Sarah at her new home and farm in Greytown.
Besides buying one of my best antique timeless pieces of furniture ( that is for another blog), I got to eat Sarah's farmstyle homemade Ice Cream.

We decided to give her recipe a bash this week. The great thing about this recipe is that you can add whatever you want into it to make it into your own flavour.

So here are the basics but we made a Ginger biscuit and Cinnamon ice cream:

* 500ml cream - beaten until stiff
* 1 tin condensed milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
* 4 beaten egg whites - I beat mine just before stiff peak stage
* half a packet ginger biscuits - roughly crushed
* 5-10ml cinnamon

1) Beat the cream until stiff
2) Fold in the concdensed milk, vanilla essence and egg whites
3) Add flavour of choice EG: crushed ginger biscuits and cinnamon
4) Freeze
5) Indulge

Although this ice cream is a creamy mouthful and spoon of heaven, it does work out quite pricey but is worth every penny.

Go on and spoil yourself!!

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Bring and Buy with { the thrift collection }

I know this is late notice but I thought I would share with you what I am doing this afternoon.

I am going to sell once loved goodies at { the thrift collection} bring and buy. They are having a big thrift up or swap party with a difference.

Have a look at the details here otherwise below is the address!

Venue: 14 Weymouth Avenue Glenwood
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Date: Saturday 28th January 2012

Have a good Saturday.

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Another day, another picture...

Found another picture from the midlands weekend get away. Ryan took this one of me while I was reading an interesting article on coffee!

Thought it was a nice pic so I wanted to share. Although, I do prefer the colour version.

LaurenLeigh cc

Live Comedy at The Upstairs

What are you doing on the evening of 2nd February?Durban live comedy at its best - Glen Bo and Dusty Rich return from their cruise liner tour and share their adventures.
It is at the Upstairs which is an awesome new venue above Spiga in Florida Road.

Pic courtesy of DurbanIsYours

I found it on Durban Is Yours website which is my "go to guide" for cool things happening in and around Durban. Have a look here for more details on the comedy evening.
With Durban being a smaller city than JHB and CT, it is a bit more difficult to find things to do besides dinners out, the odd live band and pubs or clubs.
The people at Durban Is Yours have found a way to keep us corporate folk in touch with what is happening in music, arts, comedy, festivals and nightlife.

I use this website when I am looking for something different and unique to do in Durban, find something that may be up and coming and hasn't been advertised (they always have there fingers on the button and know most things first) or to learn more about the really radical people/ artists we have in our own city and country. They have featured articles and interviews as well as reviews and a gig guide...what more could you ask for? have a peek here
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