The Little Guru

Author: Nicole – The Little Guru

Getaway: Camping in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve!

After a much needed break from the blogsphere, it’s good to be back! I was getting up to adult things which will be shared soon enough but for now I’m going to tell you about our little camping, rather glamping, weekend getaway to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve!

M has been talking about going camping for a while so we saddled up a group of mates (3 guys and a girl) and went along our merry way to Bakgatla Resort. We left on Friday after work and back on Sunday. Short and sweet and just enough time to give our roof top tent a test run.

Bakgatla Resort lies at the foot of the Garamoga Hills in the world-famous, Big 5 game area of Pilanesberg National Park. Bakgatla Resort is an ideal base from which to explore the diverse wildlife and wonders of the spectacular Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

The campsites are lovely and clean and the bathrooms are spotless with nice hot running water! Im a bit of a “larny” camper so I refuse to camp if there is no bathrooms. It’s easier for guys than girls, lets be honest, so I was chuffed that the bathrooms were so clean and kept clean!

3 guys and a girl…

We opted for the self drive through the Reserve at about 10.30am on Saturday morning and what we saw was just incredible. I had never seen so much wildlife like we did and even ran into a heard of elephants which, to be honest, was quite terrifying but so incredible at the same time! Elephants are my favourite animals and to have such a close encounter like we did was breathtaking!

Hello Wildey

Zebra Crossing

Lourie captured in flight

Giraffe spotting

Elephants at the Water Hole

The most majestic creatures

I named him Zazu!

Pilanesberg National Park is a certified malaria-free game area, so you need not worry about any creepy crawlers sneaking into your tent. Just a heads-up on the BushBabies though. Those balls of cutness can scare the bajesus out of you in the dead of the night! One fell from the tree right in our camp site and spooked us all! Poor little guy!

A little night reading in my cosy tent!

Good to know:

*Winter in SA is beautiful but as soon as that sun goes down it gets super cold! Stock up on some fluffy warm blankets and even cosider and electric blanket (like I said, I’m a “larny” camper) because the nights got chilly! And to think winter is still coming! Brr!

*Apart from the night being cold and the afternoons being super hot especially if your out on the game drives, it’s advisable to take lots of water! I dont do well with heat and confined spaces. And these two things combined means anxiety attacks for me. So I went prepared with the Avene Thermal Water Spray and it was honestly the best thing on the game drive! An instant cooling and hydrating spray that kept me cool and my skin hydrated! I am obsessed with it and honestly wont go anywhere without it.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

*If you not too keen on cooking, then chow down at the restaurant! On Sunday morning we packed up and opted to do a breakfast at the resort. Walking distance from the campsite, you can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast for R85! Not bad at all and the food was delicious!

*It’s great for kids too! The resort offers fun activities such as an olympic-size swimming pool (which was freezing), adventure tours and outdoor activities and children’s playground. Fun for the whole family!

Our setup!

If your not all about the camping life, no worries. The Bakgatla Resort offers gorgeous Chalets and Safari Tents too! Read more about it here

Loved every minute of our stay at the resort and will definately be back!

XX

May 23, 2019
Clinique Fresh Pressed System – Review

I am so excited about this post because this product deserves some serious spot light on it because it’s just that good! I wrote about my Clinique haul a couple of weeks back, you can read it here if you missed it. I mentioned that I would do a seperate post about the Clinique Fresh Pressed System. Well ladies and gents, may I present, for me at least, the ultimate Vitamin C Serum you need in your beauty regime.

Clinique Fresh Pressed System

Is Vitamin C Important?

Vitamin C is one of the most important skincare ingredients and serves multiple purposes, including improving the overall tone and texture of the skin, slowing down the ageing process, increasing the skin’s defence against UV damage, and reducing hyperpigmentation and blemishes.

How does it benefit your skin?

It firms the skin and makes it look younger. Vitamin C is an important part in the formation and production of collagen. When it is added to a regime, vitamin C increases collagen synthesis, which results in younger, healthier, firmer looking skin.

It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and slows down skin ageing. Numerous clinical studies on Vitamin C have shown it to be a potent anti-oxidant when applied to the skin. Vitamin C has the ability to neutralise environmentally-induced free radicals such as pollution, smoking, oxygen, and UV induced free radicals, and provides a protective shield over the skin to prevent them from entering. ( The whole reason why Im absolutely hooked on Vitamin C!)

It increases the skins defence against UV damage and even boosts your SPF effectiveness. Recent evidence has shown that combining vitamin C with SPF boosts the effectiveness of the SPF, thereby helping to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it has also been shown that vitamin C can help repair skin damage following excessive exposure to the sun.

It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, dark marks and blemishes, and increases your skins glow that you visibly see! Vitamin C will help with reducing the appearance of dark marks, blemishes, age spots, and will even help with dark under-eye circles.

TIP– For the treatment of stubborn pigmentation marks, apply a small amount on the pigmented mark after cleansing in the evening before applying retinol or any other moisturiser.

7 Day System available online for R480

Clinique’s Fresh Pressed System, harnesses the full power of Vitamin C at their highest concentration. The Fresh Pressed System contains two components: a Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C, and the Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%.

Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) to restore radiance, brightness and luminosity;
Kaolin Clay to purify and gently polish the skin; and Salicylic Acid to break apart dead skin cells and excess oil.

Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% :
Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid as above;
Molasses to break up existing dark spots into microscopic particles that are diffused throughout the skin; Mulberry Root Extract, Scutellaria Extract and Grape Fruit Extract to help fend off oxidative damage and prevent future discolouration; Sucrose, Betaine, Algae Extract and Caffeine to calm and soothe the skin.

Due to the fact that Vitamin C naturally degrades when exposed to oxygen, the Powder Cleanser and Daily Booster are both housed in air tight, light-protected packaging to ensure that the Vitamin C remains stabilized and at it’s most potent

The Review:

The Powder Cleanser is packaged in individual sachets to ensure zero exposure to light or air prior to cleansing. You empty the sachet into your wet palm, add a bit more water to lather, and apply to your entire face. Clinique advises that you leave the Powder Cleanser on the skin for approximately one minute to ensure that your skin “captures the potency of pure Vitamin C”.

I absolutely loved the application ritual of the Powder Cleanser first thing in the morning, with that, I visibly saw a difference in my complexion and the added glow it had to my skin. None drying and so gently on your skin!

The Booster is just magic in a Tube I tell you! The formula feels beautiful on the skin and my skin looks and feels so damn good and I certainly see a big inprovement in my skin.

To ensure maximum potency, the 10% Vitamin C powder is isolated in a sealed chamber within a lightproof vial and is only released into the soothing emulsion for mixing when it is ready to use. The idea behind this is that you only activate the Vitamin C immediately prior to the first application, meaning that its potency is guaranteed for the following 7 days.

Although it is a 7 day system, I have continued to use my Booster mixed with my daily moisturiser. The colour does change due to exposure of oxygen but it’s perfectly fine to use.

TIP: If you’re concerned about sensitivity issues, you needn’t be. I have sensitive skin and was concerned about the potency of this product, but I haven’t had any adverse reactions to it at all . If you’ve never used Vitamin C before, you can wean your skin onto it and see how you go.

Would I reccommend it?

ABSOLUTELY! I really enjoyed this product and the fact that I can visibly see a difference in my skin makes it even better! Goodbye pigmentation, goodbye fine-lines and hello to a whole lot of glow!

You can purchase the product online or at selected Edgars stores!

April 25, 2019
Clinique Beauty Haul- Skincare Review
A few weeks back, I took advantage of the Clinique free gift with any purchase online and man, did I get alot of goodies! I was in need of some moisturisers and serums anyways and got a bit carried away with some skin care, but none the less, I dont regret my Clinique Haul!

Double Cleansing Detox

So when I online shop I always like to check out the sale items to see if there is anything that tickles my fancy, lucky for me, there was. I bagged the Double Cleansing Detox that comes with:
- Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm, 15ml
- Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser 50ml
- Clinique Headband (So cute!)
Double Cleansing Detox R395.00- (Which I got 50% off- Score!)

My Thoughts: I am utterly OBSESSED with the Take the Day Off Balm and honestly swear by this make-up remover. You can read more about it here. Cleansing balms are so much better for me personally. I used to use facial wipes only to remove makeup until my skin, especially around my eye area, became so sensitive that it would peel! Happy to report that I only use cleansing balms or oils and keep my skin attached to my face and in turn, quite happy.

The Rinse-Off Foaming Mousse is just as glorious as the Balm.
Using it only at night, the Cream-mousse face cleanser with soothing botanicals leaves my skin feeling moist, clean, fresh, perfect to add to anyones night time routine.

Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Pure Vitamin C

The whole reason why I made a Clinique beauty haul in the first place was because I caught a video of Tori from Kiss, Blush and Tell talking about Vitamin C Serums etc. on her Insta stories and on the blog and I just had to try it for myself. PS: She is the ultimate skin health Queen of note! You will agree when you see her! Her skin is flawless, she is super knowledgable on all things beauty and to top it off she is a “take no-shit” kinda gal. She is fab!

R480.00 for the 7 day System

For the unversed, Vitamin C is one of the most important skincare ingredients and serves multiple purposes, including improving the overall tone and texture of the skin, slowing down the ageing process, increasing the skin’s defence against UV damage, and reducing hyperpigmentation and blemishes. Who knew that I was missing out on such an important step in my skin care regime.

The Fresh Pressed System contains two components: a Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C, and the Daily Booster with 10% Pure Vitamin C 10%. I undertook to complete the Fresh Pressed 7 Day Challenge, whereby you use one sachet of Powder Cleanser a day, and add two drops of the Booster into your moisturiser twice a day, for one week. Clinique claims that you can expect to experience the following results: “from the first application, experience brighter, more radiant skin. With continued use, see transformative de-aging results: skin that’s noticeably firmer, more even-toned, smoother, with visibly diminished lines and wrinkles and a radiant, youthful glow.”

My Thoughts: I really want give you guys the scoop on this system because I really enjoyed and still am enjoying it and I think it deserves its own post. So keep your eyes peeled for the full review on the Vitamin C system!

Free Goodies & Samples !

Usually when you get free gifts it’s generally one or two items, but Clinique gave us a bag full of goodies!
- Take the day off Make-up remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips 30ml
- Clinique Smart Custom Repair Serum 7ml
- Clinique Smart SPF15 Custom Repair Moisturizer 7ml
- Clinique Smart Night Custom Repair Moisturizer 7ml
- Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer – bare pop 3.8g
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
- Clinique Lipstick
- Cosmetics Bag (Perfect little bag for my lippies)
My Thoughts: The Take the Day Off Oil reminds me of baby oil.. Maybe not as heavy but the texture is there. It definately does the job just as good as the balm but I do prefer the balm to the oil anyday.

The Clinique Smart Samples – Lets start with my favourites. The Clinique Smart Night and the Clinique Custom Repair Serum were huge hits for me. I used the Night Moisturizer after I had clensend my face before bedtime. I love that it absorbs quickly and that it didnt leave my face super oily the next day. The Serum, I used it on a daily mixed with my moisturizer and I have to say that I have seen some difference in my fine lines around my eyes. The lines are almost nearly gone and my skin hydrated and glowing! The Clinique Smart SPF15 unfortunatly was a miss for me. It left my skin very oily which made me breakout with pimples on my forhead, specifically, in the T-zone area.

It can get a bit pricey…

Be warned that the Smart Range is quite pricy but if it shows the results like it has, then it’s definately worth it!

The Clinique Moisturizing Gel is a lovely, very light formula that you can wear on a daily basis. Personally, I think this will work for a combination to oily skin type as it is super light and quite moisturising. It’s nice.

Last but not least, I got 2 Lippies that, for me, are very similiar in colour but so pretty and supper soft on the lips. I got a good 3 hour wear before I had to touch up. Not bad at all.

Would I repurchase?

Absolutely!!!

This is my first time ever using products from Clinique and I am super impressed. The products are more high end but it’s a brand that promises results and delivers!

“Your skin regime is a bank account. Good product choices are good investments.” Always invest in your skin!

xx
April 3, 2019
Getaway: Magoebaskloof Mountains

M & I did a quick little getaway with my little cousins and a mate, over the weekend to Magoebaskloof, a mountainous area in central Limpopo that includes the small town of Haenertsburg.

Leaving on a Friday afternoon after work, it took us a while to get there. Give or take about five and a half hours including traffic and pit stops for food and snacks along the way.

It was a hell of a track for such a short stay, so if you do consider going, I would reccommend you stay over a long weekend so that you can really get to enjoy the little town. There is so much to see and do and it will be well worth it!

Two days wasn’t long enough to really explore all the beauty that Magoebaskloof has to offer, but what we did explore , was so beautiful!

Accomadation:

We booked into the beautiful Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge. Fondly called “the mountain of the silver mist” due to the shroud of soft mist that usually covers the area. Apon the climb up the mountain, visibility is next to nothing as you will literally be in the clouds, so drive carefully! Arriving at night we didnt get to see much of our surroundings, but when morning came, we were welcomed to cooling misty mountain air and lush evergreen subtropical vegetation. The views are breathtaking!

Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge Views

Magoebaskloof Mountain Lodge Self Catering Chalet

View from our Chalet

It’s all in the details…

Things to See & Do:

Magoebaskloof Adventures

Having only one full day, we took advantage and did as much as we could! We headed over to Mageobaskloof Adventures for some Canopy Touring and White Water Tubing. I skipped on the Tubing because I was recovering from the flu (boo) but I did do the canopy tour! M and the family said tubing was such an awesome experience, but the water was freezing! They do offer you wetsuits, but the chill still gets to yours bones. The Canopy Touring is an absolute must! It is so beautiful to glide over waterfalls and see the tropical mountains surround you.

Waterfall That you glide over!

Prices are: Canopy Tour R 625 per person (includes lunch after tour) & White Water Tubing R450 per person (includes lunch after tour)

Cheerio Gardens

Cheerio Gardens is a Magoebaskloof legend — a 70 year-old sprawling garden with thousands upon thousands of flowering plants and trees. There are a few garden paths and you can wander for hours.

On the way back from our fun filled adventures, we opted to stop at Cheerio’s to see the gardens. Unlucky for us they had just closed! So we missed out on seeing the beautiful gardens and blooms but they did allow us to walk to the little pond and around. It’s such a beautiful valley and is ideal for a day out or a picnic.

PS: It is very wild! I almost stood on tiny little snake and we walked into alot of spider webs with incredibly scary looking spiders on them!

Vibrant Blooms

Sheila- Created the Beauty on the Valley

Exploring the beauty of Cheerio’s

Blueberry Heights

We visited the gorgeous organic Blueberry Heights on route back to JHB. Lucky for us we able to book a spot at the Mountain Cafe for breakfast because they get pretty busy on the weekends, with good reason. This place is just perfection. The food, the vibe, the people. Everything is on point! Did I mention that we ate the most delicious Blueberry pancakes…

Mountain Cafe

Mountain Cafe

Kitchen

Decadent Food options

Vibes

Blueberry Pancakes- DELICIOUS!

Apart from the great food and great atmosphere. You can visit the gorgeous farm shop just outside the cafe and take some Blueberry goodies home. I grabbed a Blueberry Cordial that I am savouring because it is so devine! Oh and guess what- You can pick your own blueberries too! Read more about ithere for picking season information.

Blueberry & Kiwi Cordials

Kiwi Jam & Hot Sauces available

And guess what- They pet friendly! Always a win!

So happy we spotted the Blueberry Heights Farm and will absolutely be back to eat those delicious pancakes!

Magoebaskloof being about 4 hours from Jhb is a perfect place to getaway from Jozi for a few days. To quite litreally ‘have your head in the clouds’ is the best weekend break you will ever experience!

Magoebaskloof, I marvel at your beauty!

Looking for some travel info? Read some more travel articles here.

February 28, 2019
Beauty Review on Kita Femme Fragrance & (WIN) with Kita Fragrances!

I am absolutely thrilled to be one of the first to get my hands on the gorgeous new Kita Femme Fragrance and review it!

KITA Femme exudes an air of playfulness with sweet notes of caramel, vanilla and almond. It’s Kita Fragrances’ first-born design which is thier pride and joy and is sold exclusivly from Kita Fragrances.

Kita Femme Fragrance

Kita’s New Look!

Firstly, let’s talk about the all new look the fragrance has! Before, the perfume came in a gorgeous turquoise blue/mint coloured box and bottle. Now the brand has gone for a chic, minimilistc monochromatic packing which I absolutely love!

The Fragrance!

The lovely Boss Lady- Tanya, had sent me an introduction prior to me recieving the perfume and I got excited to see that the top notes were fresh citrus scents! The top notes include Mandarin, Orange, Peach, Plum and Coconut. The base notes include Sandalwood, Almond, Vanilla and Musk. This immediately introduces you to a fresh fruity fragrance with a touch of true femme!

The overall effect of Kita Femme is the uniqueness and freshness. The new fragrance really describes, for me at least, all FEMME. Sweet yet sassy!

Win a Kita Femme Fragrance!

Win with TLG Blog and Kita Fragrance!

Head over to my Instagram account to win your very own Kita Femme Perfume!

Winner will be drawn on Friday, the 8th February 2019. Full competition t’s & c’s can be found here.

January 29, 2019
Paw Prints Left On My Heart

1 message received.

It’s a text from my mom saying: “Sorry Nicole, It’s Time”

I knew this day was coming, but in my heart, I was not ready to say goodbye.
“Mom how is he? I’m on the way… “

There he lay, my 12 year old miniature Jack Russel, weak and frail.
Indeed it was time.

He was given to me as a gift by my Uncle, Brother & Sister-in-law on my 18th Birthday, the year that I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. A year that was full of grief, fear and confusion. This little dog was there for all of it. He was my biggest distraction, my greatest friend and quite frankly, my saving grace.

About a year ago, my little Chino had suffered from a stroke. At the time, we didn’t know as we thought he had chomped on a frog and possibly been poisoned from it. He was a master for sniffing out those hoppers and would spend the night barking at it until it hopped away out of danger and from the mouth of my Chino.

Weeks went by and we slowly started to notice changes in his behaviour. His playful spirit was fading, his light-hearted gallops were becoming slow paced walks, and the sparkle in his eyes were slowly dimming.

The last few weeks of his life were the hardest for me. I had to come to terms with the fact that my little Chino was tired and time was running out. I think to myself how ironic it is that, being during the month of Novemeber, PH awareness month, he kept me distracted, focused on something else other then my own battles with my illness. Traumatic flashbacks and manifested fears. Who knows why but they happen.

Im a big believer of the “things happen for a reason” saying and I truly believe that my Chino played a big part in my healing and dealing with my illness. This year has been the most challenging year yet when it came to life and PH and my little dog was there for me. I’m so glad I was there for the end for him.

My mom drove the car, I was in the back seat holding my small dog, trying to my hardest to engrave the details into my head of his beautiful cappuccino coloured coat, how his glossy black nose curved a little more to the left than the right, how tiny he really was and how in that moment, I was saying goodbye to the one soul that helped me get through the toughest hurdles of my life. I cried the whole way to the vet.

‘Dr. A, is there anything more I can do for him?”

“You and I have done all that we can, I think it’s time we say goodbye”

Dr A took my boy to the theatre room to prep him. I asked doc If I could be present and she said she would explain how everything is done and what to expect.

I walked into the theatre room where Dr A was with my Chino. The room fell silent as I approached the steel table where my boy layed, placing my hands ever so lightly on his head. I cradled his body in my hands, kissed his head and thanked him for being my best friend. I told him that the pain would go away and hugged him for the last time. I didn’t let go.

Dr A placed the injection in the central line in his arm. In that moment my hands tightened around his chest so that I could feel his heartbeat. It happened in a blink of an eye. Movement stopped from under my hands. My heart shattered into a millions pieces. My boy was gone.

As difficult as it was, I am so grateful for Dr A. She really understands the sorrow that comes with losing, not just a pet, but a a family member and really allowed me to go through the motions through the entire thing.

I dont think my heart will be whole for a very long time, but I know he is ok now.

If I can share one thing from this whole experience is that, if you are strong enough and willing, be there until the very end for your pet. It’s the hardest thing you will ever have to do, but peace will wash over you and you will be happy that you were there for them till the very end.

I was told by a family member & friend that all our animals welcome us in heaven. I find solace in that.

RIP my Small Dog. I love you always.

December 3, 2018
A Gender Reveal Party for a Baby Rhino!

This was probably the most exciting event I attended this year! Exciting because we got to be part of a movement to help preserve and protect our beloved Rhinos.

Statistics show that in 2017 an average of 3 Rhinos were killed per day, per day! So, for me, this wasn’t just another event, it was something bigger. This was witnessing our beautiful #BabyRhino grow up in it’s habitat. This was allowing the Baby Rhino grow up with a mother and not in an Orphanage. This was witnessing nature at it’s finest. It was something quite special.

How do you celebrate the arrival of a truly precious baby? With a birth notice in the newspaper, of course, and a gender reveal party. Obviously, it’s not practical to scan a rhino mother before her baby is born, so the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind had to wait a little longer than usual to make the announcement – but on November 17, the world discovered that a little girl has joined the herd.

This is good news, because it means that the new arrival will get to live out the rest of her days at the reserve. Male calves have to be translocated when they reach maturity, both to avoid aggression by the dominant bull, as well as the risk of inbreeding.

We were all treated to a game drive, where we were lucky enough to see mom and baby rhino! On route to Mama and Baby Rhino we got to see some of the reserve’s other residents, sable antelope, zebra, eland, roan antelope and black wildebeest.

There they are beautiful #BabyRhino and Mama!

After the game drive, Jessica Khupe, brand manager of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve cut the adorable rhino-themed cake to reveal… pink! She also handed over a cheque for R20,000 to The Rhino Orphanage, which takes care of rhino babies who are not fortunate to have mothers.

It was such an amazing experience to see the new #BabyRhino! It’s new home is absolutely beautiful and totally worth a visit! Check out thier page here

Thank you Pink Vanilla & Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve for having us!

November 22, 2018
How Environ & Beauty Bulletin got me to #FocusOnFlawless Skin!
As you already know, I have been really giving my skin undivided attention this year and stepping up on my beauty regime to keep my skin looking younger and more vibrant and wrinkle free. So, you can imagine my delight when the Beauty Bulletin Team slid into my DM’s asking me to take part in the Environ campaign!

My first job aged 16, I worked in a beauty salon as a receptionsit. This is where I was introduced to the beauty world and to the product that we spolighting on today- Environ. It was my first ever really grown-up skincare product that I had ever purchased. To be honest, skincare was never a ‘thing’ for me back then, but now this ‘thing’ that was in the past is becoming an obsession for my ‘future’ skin, and I’m pretty thankful that I stepped foot through that beauty salon.

Founded in 1990, Dr Des Fernandes discovered the essential role that Vitamin A plays in skin health and how it visably improves skin. The man is a genius to say the least because the new FocusCare Youth+ Range is everything you need to younger, more radiant looking skin!

Environ Focus Care™ Youth+ Revival Masque

Retails for R1020 per 50ml

The Environ Focus Care™ Youth+ Revival Masque has been formulated with three powerful ingredients to improve the skin’s overall look and increase future resilience.
- Lactic Acid,
- Asiatic Acid and
- Mandelic Acid
Lactic Acid increases the look of hydration in the skin and it is known to lighten the appearance of pigmented marks.
Research has shown that Asiatic Acid helps to increase the look of regenerated skin. Mandelic Acid is useful in rejuvenating the appearance of pigmented areas. These 3 ingredients work together to refine the skin’s texture and tone, leaving it looking healthier and more youthful.

Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules

Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules deliver a concentrated burst of vitamin enriched hydration for the skin. Containing a blend of Retinol and Antioxidants, these capsules may help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals. By enriching your skin with natural surface oils, it is left looking visibly refreshed and energised. Hydrating Oil Capsules may be added to your daily routine when the skin requires a hydrating boost.

The Review

The masque comes in an airless pump dispenser which is fantastic because it allows you to use the correct amount of product which means no wastage! Along with the masque comes a small synthetic brush for a neat application. The masque product has a very light milky colour to it but when applied it dry’s clear and very quickly! It is super gentle on your skin and doesn’t leave that tight feeling when applied to the face and neck. I used two pumps on my face and neck each time I used the masque, once a week at first then twice a week to get my skin used to it as I have very sensitive skin. On first application there was the slightest tingle but it disappeared quite quickly once the masque dried. I made sure that I noted all the fine lines on the corner of my eyes and around my mouth to see if I would see a difference in the weeks to follow.

Well ladies and gents, I’m delighted to say that my fines lines have visibly reduced too almost nothing! My skin feels healthy for the first time in a long time and I’m amazed that I can keep using the masque without fear that my skin will become overly sensitive to the product!

Along with the masque, I received a small tub of Oil Capsules, 10 to be exact. I was quit nervous about using Oil and applying to my face as other face oils that I have used in the past had my skin break out into the tinest little pimple that took FOREVER to go away! But none-the-less, I put a brave face on and smoothed that oli all over my face.

There we 2 things that took me by suprise:

1.How does a tiny capsule of oil cover my entire face AND neck
2.For a silicone-like textured oil, how quickly it absorbed into the skin and DIDN’T make it oily!

I was shocked at how beautifully the oil absorbed into the skin and left my skin feeling light and moisturised. It has completely changed my feeling towards oil based skincare formulas! The Hydrating Oil works beautifully with the masque. It truly left my skin feeling moisturised, hydrated and vibrant.

It is unheard of to use a product and see results so quickly but with the Environ Focus Care Youth + Range, I truly did. I am so happy I got to participate in the Environ trial with Beauty Bulletin. Environ has been around for years and with products like this, it gives you peace of mind to know that it’s a high quality brand that is worth every penny!

Have you tried any Environ products and are you keen to try the Focus Care Youth+ Range?

You won’t regret it!
November 20, 2018
Pulmonary Hypertension Invisible Illness. For me it isn’t…

November marks the month of bringing this illness to life. Letting it be the star of the show, showing people just how ‘great’ Pulmonary Hypertension is.

Pulmonary hypertension might be an invisible illness, but it isn’t invisible to me. Lately I’ve been reminded of how serious my illness really is. This year alone we have lost about 6 patients, that I know of, to Pulmonary Hypertension. Some that are part of the South African PH Association that I got meet in person and others that I discovered on social media. It’s gut wrenching to see that message that we have lost yet another person to PH. A little part of me dies inside. Every. Single. Time.

I see myself as lucky though. I’m one of those few patients that has actually gotten better in terms of medication. From taking 8 pills a day now down to 2. It’s truly amazing but it’s not to say I didn’t fight my way to get here. It was hard but I’m grateful that I can live a ‘normal’ life.

I feel frustrated at times by the changes in my body. Even after 12 years, there has been ‘new-limitations’ to deal with. Something as simple as storing linen on the top shelf has gotten me a little out of breath to say the least it’s so discouraging.

Even though my disease is invisible, I feel how it isolates me from friends and family. Many times I have declined invitations to parties because of the smoke and the fact that there will be a lot of people around. ‘Perks’ about having this illness is that it comes with PTSD and anxiety. I had suffered a syncopal episode at a function and since then I have developed a serious fear that it will happen every time. I’ve also watched a lot of people in my life become fair-weather friends after my diagnosis too. All part of the package though right?

Every day, I am reminded of what it means to live with pulmonary hypertension, and the physical limitations it has placed on my body. Some days are better than others, but living with a progressive and incurable heart-lung disease is still a heavy burden.

Even if you can’t see it, I know what it feels like to live with pulmonary hypertension. I’ve felt it every single day for the past 12 years.

Let us be more aware and help those that suffer from invisible diseases!

November 8, 2018
Horse of the Season 2018 at Kyalami Corner!

There’s a new centre on the block: Kyalami Corner. Nestled in the heart of the established equestrian community, a luxurious centre is stabling a retail offering second to none. There is a strong equestrian theme throughout the centre that celebrates and acknowledges Kyalami’s equestrian heritage.

Second year running, we got invited to attend the Horse of The Season 2018 event where proud horse owners showcased thier majestic beauties as they trotted their way to the top and competed for the prestigious title being Kyalami Corner Horse-of-the-Season 2018.

South African Lipizzaners

The competition kicked off by master of ceremonies Bennum Master of Ceremonies that introduced the crowd to the wonderful South African Lipizzaners that opened the ceremony and provided us with a brief history of where it all started. Nicole from The EARTH Centre – SARDA Gauteng, told us a bit more about what they do and how they are helping those in need and giving people hope- I urge you to check out there page, they really are doing amazing things!

1st Runner Up!

2nd Runner up!

Contestant

The Winner of the Horse of the Season 2018 and Ambassador for Kyalami Corner!

We spotted some local celebrity Bloggers too: Natasha from Fit Like Mummy and Genevieve from Passports and Perignon (I was seriously star struck when I met her! I am such a fan!)

Natasha: Fit Like Mummy

Genevieve- Passports and Perignon

Overall it was a fantastic event showcasing a beautiful centre and of course the majestic horses! Congratulations Kelly O’Connor and Hera for winning this year’s Horse of the Season!

November 1, 2018