Jewels and shiny things

I am stuck inside recovering from my op and have got some serious cabin fever. All I have as a window to the outside world is this laptop of mine. So what else is there to do but peruse the internet for pretty, shiny things?

Statement necklaces aren't going away so you always have an excuse to add more to your collection. Here are a few I've found this week.

1) Crystal Necklace, R250 at Spree
2) Gen Statement Chain, R79,99 at Mr Price
3) Resin Splice Necklace, R399 at Witchery
4) Cabochon Torque Chocker Necklace, R199 at Spree
4) Pendant Necklace, R150 at Spree
6) Silver Necklace, R130 at Truworths

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A full make-up kit for under R1500

About 4 years ago, I was unhappily surprised by some arse-hole at the robots who decided to smash my car window and whip my handbag from me. Firstly, I will admit that it was partly my own fault. I had both my laptop bag and handbag sitting pretty on my front seat and I was lucky that the thief didn't see the laptop bag. This isn't unique to South Africa. In any urban area, crime happens and you just need to be smarter. So ladies, if you are not already locking your valuables in your boot before hitting the road, I am begging you to start doing so.

The reason for my little story above, is that in my beloved handbag was my entire collection of MAC makeup that I had built up over a few years. I was devastated. And considering handbag insurance covered about 5k worth of lost items, I managed to replace my sunglasses, specs, the handbag itself and a new wallet - it didn't stretch enough to cover new make-up. Seriously, as a not-so-fun exercise, tally up the value of what is in your handbag right now. You might puke.

So there I was, starting over again. I know a few friends who have had a similar encounter and found themselves in the same position. So while you start building your collection up again slowly and beg everyone you know to buy you Edgars gift-vouchers for your birthday, I thought I'd share my drugstore favourites with you. These are all you need to create a flawless face, and a simple and classy day-to-day look. I carry all of these in my handbag now and never take my good stuff out with me. That way, if anything happens to my bag, I am not at a huge loss. In fact, you could easily carve out a portion of the 5k handbag insurance to cover these as the entire collection comes in at under R1500.

• Full Brush Set, R420 from 27Pinkx
• Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, R159,99 from Clicks (I LOVE this stuff. Amazing coverage and colour correction and lasts all day!)
• Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer, R210 from Clicks
• Maybelline All In One Powder, R79,95 at Clicks
• Essence Get Big Lashes, R38 from Spree.co.za
• NYX The Curve, R264,99 at Clicks (This solves your liquid liner problems. Just go get it. Get two.)
• Revlon Baby Stick, R99 from Clicks (Get "Pink Passion" and use on lips and cheeks. So pretty. Limited edition product so may be hard to find.)
• Revlon Age Defying Concealer, R159 from Clicks (Covers dark spots and blemishes like a dream.)
• Maybelline Baby Lips, R25 at Clicks ( I use these during the day instead of lipstick or gloss.)

Life via Iphone

The past week involved plenty of road tripping, quality time with friends and also making new ones.
It also involved a lot of coffee because it has been busy! And with a few life changing decisions being thrown into the mix, I managed to do a Vida E Caffe tour of Cape Town, pulling in for a comforting chai latte at every turn.

Top left and bottom right photos by Livvy Russollilo

The past weekend was heavenly as we spent a night in Citrusdal, cosying up with plenty of wine around a fire and enjoying some amazing company. The resort was tucked away in the mountains and each chalet was equipped with a jacuzzi on the deck. It made for the perfect winter getaway. Nothing beats quality time with great friends and while the boys managed to turn civilised card games into a drunken stupor, us girls managed to catch up and have a good skinner in the tub.

Top right image borrowed from Natasha of Raising Men

While spending time with old friends is perfection, making new friends is such a warm, fuzzy feeling. The wonderful people at The Cullinan Hotel generously hosted myself, Natasha from Raising Men, and Candice from Gorgeous Blog for dinner and a wine tasting. The sommelier was one of the most charismatic people I've ever met and the food was to die for. I ate like a total guts and didn't get to the waffle station, so I fully intend to head back for a breakfast date soon. You may not think to eat out at a hotel if you're not staying there, but the Star Bar is idyllic for drinks, and the Peach Tree restaurant is wonderful. The service is outstanding and the chefs proudly assisted us in choosing each meal.

Enough about the food, what I really went for was to meet some of the people I consider friends online. I suppose Twitter and blogging can end up being like online dating in a sense.  After endless chatting on Twitter, 'favouriting' tweets and commenting on blog posts, we decided we liked each other enough to meet face-to-face. And lucky for us, no disaster date story - it felt like old girlfriends catching up and chatting away about the blogging industry, love, marriage and kids - and everything in-between.

Thanks again to Garry Reed and The Cullinan for hosting us, and spoiling us with such thoughtful gifts.