Crabtree & Evelyn 50% off!!!

Hi there ladies. If you haven't already heard through the grapevine then you have to read this post!

Crabtree & Evelyn are helping us shoppers out by giving us 50% off all products TODAY ONLY, to celebrate Customer Appreciation day!!! 

This offer is for select stores which are:

Sandton City,
Hyde Park Corner,
Design Quarter,
La Lucia Mall and
Menlyn Park.

You do not want to miss out on this Fantastic chance to buy great products! Wondering what to buy? Read my blog post on Crabtree & Evelyn.

Keep up with all the excitement by following Crabtree & Evelyn on Twitter @Crabtree_SA or Liking their Facebook Page. Capetown ladies...there will be a 50% off sale for you too so keep your eyes peeled.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Hunk of the month - March

This is the exciting new section to my Blog where i will post my hunk of the month just BECAUSE I CAN. It wont hurt to post a lil eye candy ;)

This month's Hunk of the Month is KELLAN LUTZ!

Most Ladies will recognize him as Emmett Cullen from the Twilight Saga but that wasn't really exciting for us because he was fully clothed all the time (what a shame). I have voted him as hunk of the month for his role as David Lord in The Arena. Crazy man fighting with crazy Kellan Abs...*deep breath* Just look past all the guts and gore and lady nudity...its worth it!

The Arena

Its no wonder the man looks like he does, in Lutz's free time, he likes to take part in extreme skateboarding, weight training, track, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, racquetball, badminton, snow skiing, snowboarding, dance, and numerous other activities. I'm tired from just looking at all that. Source

...All we want for Christmas...

And to think it couldn't get better, this hunk supports Peta and the adoption of homeless pets instead of buying them!! *Dreamy* (Visit Wetnose Rescue Center)

All this picture is missing are some Puppies and Kittens *Heart melting*

Last year Kellan came out with his own clothing line called Abbot + Main which is his new passion. The video below shows Kellan and AnneV's steamy, very very sexy Dylan george and Abbott+Main photo shoot. Just beware that the sexiness level is off the chart. (Keep your asthma pump nearby)

Abbott + Main

Assessing all the information above, Kellan gets a 5 out of 5 on the Hunk of the month scale!You can follow his Fan Page which gets updated daily or follow him on twitter @kellanlutz.
(All images are from Google)

Dont forget to follow me on twitter @MsClairaBella and like my Facebook Page.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Looking for something really easy to do that ads a little bit of texture to your winter outfits? Scarves are definitely practical for winter and they bring pops of colour to, otherwise, dull outfits. This post is a follow up to my Mr Price Scarf Haul post I did yesterday. The cute video below shows 25 different ways to wear your scarves. Find the styles that best suit you :) Enjoy

Video by wendyslookbook on YouTube

Which one is your favorite?

Dont forget to follow me on twitter @MsClairaBella and like my Facebook Page.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Mr Price Scarf Haul

I went a bit scarf crazy at Mr Price the other day and this is what i bought!

Pretty Light pink & Coral striped scarf

Lilac & Blue striped Scarf

VERY soft knitted purple scarf

Plain black scarf with tassels

These scarves are worth their price and they will last all through winter. I will post pictures with me and my scarves in winter.

Have you spotted any scarves that you love? Do share :)

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

My 4 Favorite Phone Apps

This post will be all about my cell phone, my favorite apps and what i like about them. 

My Cell phone - HTC Desire HD

I have an HTC Desire HD that operates on Ice-cream sandwich (The Android Operating System's name) and i Download all my apps for free on the Android market (Now called Google Play). HTC is by far the best cellphone for me. It has the nicest touch screen and smart little features. I have had my HTC for just over 1 year now and I doubt i will get anything other than an HTC ever again. I absolutely LOVE my phone and will be extremely sad once it has to retire.

Now to my Favorite Apps:

All my apps are very simple and i probably could live without them but i enjoy using them everyday.

Colour Note 

#1 - Colour note gives you a quick and simple notepad editing experience when you write notes, memo's, emails, messages, shopping lists and todo lists. I use this app to make notes, reminders and store bank details i need hold on to. I like to categorize all my notes by colour making it so easy to find what i need. If you're like me and need to remember 10 things at once than this is a great app to download.

Download Colour Note

Wedding Plandroid (Not just for Weddings)

#2 - Wedding Plandroid is a lightweight app specifically designed to help brides and grooms plan for their big day. It allows users to manage their wedding budget, track their progress on a timeline of wedding orientated tasks, keep track of their vendors, as well as manage their guest list. I don't use this for weddings but for birthday parties and other events i might be hosting. It is a great app that is really helpful when planning events. 

Download Wedding Plandroid

Twitter

#3 - Twitter, Features: Browse interests, Find & follow friends, Tweet, Retweet, Favorite, Follow, exchange Direct messages with your followers, share photos and web pages, real-time search, trends. This twitter app has an easy to use layout and does what its supposed to without lagging or giving problems. Everyone who follows me (@MsClairaBella) will know i love tweeting :)

Download the official Twitter app

Google play Logo

#4 - Android Market (Google Play) is where i download my apps. I love it because all my apps have bee downloaded for free. If you have an Android phone then just register and start downloading. Now, obviously not all the apps on Google Play are free but they have soo many great ones for free that there is no reason to pay a cent. If you don't have an android phone then chat to your service provider and see where you can download your apps from.

Visit Google Play

Below is a video of some bad Apps that don't work! Very funny to watch!

Ellen Tests these bad Apps

Do you have any apps that you recommend? Tried any horrible ones?

Please don't forget to like my Facebook Page and follow me on twitter @MsClairaBella.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Obesession - Tip Top's Melting Marshmallow

I won this fantastic nail polish hamper from Tip Top Nails which had their Melting Marshmallow nail colour in. At first, looking at the bottle is thought "Oh, its just another pink to add to my already large pink collection", but then when I put 2 coats of the polish on my nails and sealed it off with a Tip Top topcoat, I FELL IN LOVE!!

I had been wearing strong colours for a while and when I put Melting Marshmallow on my nails I couldn't stop staring! Such a fresh, soft and carefree colour.

So this is my official confession......I am Obsessed with this colour!!!

Tip Top Nails is a brand that i was skeptical about at first but I am loving it now. Its super affordable (R39.99) and can be bought at any Clicks store. Since I started wearing Tip Top polishes I have only taken the polish off because my nails started growing out and not because the polish peeled or chipped like my other polishes. A great price for the quality in the bottle :)

I have read great reviews on Tip Top's crackle nail polish and I am dying to try out! I will report back as soon as I try it.

They have soo many Great colours and Nail care products.

Tip Top Nails has really surprised me and you're only losing out if you don't give it a try. 

You can check out their website for all their colours and other nail treatment products. You can follow them on twitter @TipTopNailsSA and they also have a very interactive Fabcebook Page where you can win some fantastic prizes.

Cute Marshmallow Kitten

Which Tip Top Nail polish is your favorite?

Please don't forget to like my Facebook Page and follow me on twitter @MsClairaBella.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Crabtree & Evelyn - Treat yourself

“Explore everything, keep the best” was John Evelyn’s motto. Crabtree & Evelyn has been pioneer in botanical formulations for over 35 years.

I recently popped into the Crabtree & Evelyn store in Menlyn Park and I was mesmerized by the quality and wide range of products! Wonder where the name comes from?...Crabtree, from the crabapple tree, the original species from which all cultivated apple trees have derived, and Evelyn, from John Evelyn, the 17th century renaissance Englishman who wrote one of the first important works on conservation.

The first thing that anyone walking past the store would notice is the amazing scents and fragrances that you smell, which leaves you with such a stress-free feeling and Secondly, the very friendly and helpful service from Nthupula the shop assistant.
Everything is so neatly packed in sections/collections making it very easy to find your favourite scents and body products. I loved everything in the store but obviously have my favourites so let’s get to it.

The Citron honey and coriander Hand therapy was my #1 Favorite and the scent was to die for! I’m not a very citrusy person but I really enjoyed the smell and the way it left my hands feeling, moisturized and refreshed. It has a blend of peptides and naturally derived extracts help even skin tone, helps plump and firm skin, and improves overall suppleness as well as a custom blend of natural butters and oils that have been added to moisturise dry skin.

Their Lily Eau De Toilette Perfume was by far my favourite of their fragrances. It’s a very feminine scent that is pleasant and not overpowering. It could be used by ladies of any age.

I fell in love with all the rosewater products but the one that stuck out the most was the Rose Water home Fragrance Oil. It reminds me of sweets (Turkish delight). It is highly concentrated for long-lasting fragrance and can be used in light bulb rings and simmering pots.
My sister loves rosewater so I recommended Crabtree & Evelyn. I can’t wait to hear what she thinks!

Another thing that Crabtree & Evelyn has is Scented Drawer Lining Paper. You place it in your cupboards and it leaves you clothes smelling divine, just like you have perfume on. They come in Lavender, Iris and Rosewater. I think this is a very lovely and original gift to give to your mom, sister or best friend. They are a special way to keep clothes delicately scented. The special heavyweight paper offers long-lasting fragrance and the exclusive floral print adds a touch of elegance.

Crabtree & Evelyn’s eclectic product mix includes the award winning India Hicks Island Living and India Hicks Island Night Collections for the body and home, which are inspired by Crabtree & Evelyn creative partner, designer, model, author, television personality, and goddaughter of the Prince of Wales, India Hicks. I just love the look of the India Hicks Island Living collection!

Crabtree & Evelyn blends the very best of nature and science, tradition and innovation, and luxury and comfort to create benefit-rich bath, body, and home care. The quality in their packaging, products and services are outstanding which is difficult to find these days.
Crabtree & Evelyn is available in more than 40 countries, with over 6,000 locations and 350 concept stores worldwide. Crabtree & Evelyn has seven stores in South Africa: Sandton City, Hyde Park, Design Quarter, Menlyn Park, Cavendish Square, La Lucia Mall and V&A Waterfront.

I am REALLY excited about the launch of their new Pomegranate, Argan and Grapeseed body care and hand care collection in April 2012!

The perfect way to ensure your skin is soft and moisturised as the weather begins to get colder; this collection is infused with the distinctive fragrance blend of the tart sweetness of Pomegranate with a burst of zesty citrus and clementine blossom and fresh fig leaf, will leave your skin beautifully scented.

Keep up with all the excitement by following Crabtree & Evelyn on Twitter @Crabtree_SA or Liking their Facebook Page.

I'd love to share my thoughts on more of their products but for now i think i have said enough. I will do a follow-up blog sometime in the near future.

I hope you will spoil yourselves by visiting your nearest Crabtree & Evelyn store and buying some yummy body products!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

March Rubybox

Sorry that this post is late but my box was delivered late this month. Below are the samples i received in my March Rubybox :)

March Rubybox

Incoco Dry Nail applique

1) Incoco Nail Wraps R130 - This is the first time i have ever seen Incoco nail wraps. They are pre-painted nail applicators that have a base coat, colour and top coat already dried and ready to place on your nails. Its a perfect product for ladies who don't have to to wait for their nails to dry but still want to have great looking nails. I have seen them on other rubies' nails and they look gorgeous. Cant wait to use mine! Follow Incoco Sa on twitter @IncocoSA or check out their website here.

Prada Infusion d'Iris Sample

2) Prada Infusion d'Iris R760 - This is a sophisticated blend of mandarin, neroli, iris, benzoin, cedar wood and vetiver. I really like the scent and have enjoyed wearing it since i received my box.

Elizabeth Arden Treatment Mascara

3) Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara R165 - This is a really great mascara that doesn't cake,smudge or flake! Definitely worth buying the full size.

Bee Natural Face Balm

4) Bee Natural Rich Hydrating Face Balm R89.90 - A face balm that is suitable for all skin types. It is packed with antioxidant-rich beeswax, propolis and many natural oils. I'm not fond of the smell of the Balm but its very moisturizing. This balm is nice to use in the evenings after your skin care routine. Visit their website for all their products and order online.

Zando.co.za Voucher

5) Zando online voucher - I haven't bought from Zando before but this 25% discount voucher is enough motivation to visit their site and purchase some winter shoes :) Visit there site Here.

If you would like to subscribe to Rubybox then visit their website here or if you would like more info then like their Facebook Page. You can also follow Rubybox on twitter @rubybox_beauty

Which products were your Favorite?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Sorbet's TGIFF and New Products!

I recently won an amazing gift from Sorbet (Face and body professionals) on their weekly "Thank goodness its Freebie Friday" (TGIFF) competition on Facebook. You can like their Facebook page here and enter every Friday!  

Sorbet Logo from Google Images

I won a fantastic set of O.P.I mini nail lacquers from their Muppet Collection. I was super excited to win this very generous prize because i don't own any O.P.I nail polishes of my own.

Here is what i received and what the polishes look like!

O.P.I's Muppet Collection
Mini Nail Lacquers from Sorbet

Sorbet has just launched their very own body products that can be bought from selected Clicks stores and all Sorbet stores. Their products are REALLY affordable and perfect for a home spa experience! See their range online or find your nearest Sorbet here.

Sorbet's new Products - Image from Sorbet on Facebook

I will be doing a review on their products at a later stage.

Which products will you be purchasing?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Party in your Pocket

“It’s your favourite flavour packed in your favourite design to expose your favourite style”. If you understand this then you know what I’m talking about. BLINK MINTS!! It’s possibly the sexiest little mint out there!

Blink mints: In so many colours, styles and flavours

I know it’s nothing new but I haven't tried them before so i thought i'd tell you about what i thought about my first experience with Blink Mints.

When Blink Mints first came out on the shelves I didn’t even bother to look at the price because something that pretty has to put a dent in your purse but I picked one up at clicks last week to give it a try and when I saw they were only R19.99 i was really impressed. I was tempted to buy a few but settled on the Blackcurrant Floral design.

Once I opened up the “Pretty” little tin the smell of blackcurrant was mouth-watering. I just had to pop one in my mouth to satisfy my curiosity. Yummy!!! It’s not an overpowering minty taste, which I hate, but a very fresh, fruity, blackcurrant flavour with a hint of minty-ness. Your mouth feels refreshed!
I would love to try out all the other flavors and designs soon.

These fancy little tins can be used after your mints are finished:

1) Fill them with other mints or gum.

2) Use them when you make your next batch of home-made tinted lip gloss as a lip-gloss tin.

3) Or use them to put your earrings and other jewelry in. #Fashionable Storage

Blink mints are my new favorite handbag accessory and can be bought at Clicks.
You can also visit their website, to view their designs, here.

Which Blink Mints are your favorite?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Teddy Bear

This is our little Hamster Teddy Bear (Aka T-Bear, Ted or just Bear). We bought him about 2 months ago. We went to buy food for our Gerbils and when we saw this little guy he stole our (my boyfriend and I) hearts!

Just thought i'd share this picture of him eating a piece of mini chocolate. He only look about 3 nibbles and then left it. Its a lot of sweetness for a little 'bear' like him :) He has such a special personality. Love him to bits!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Oh, How Sweet!

Who doesn’t like sweets?…

This is such a beautiful idea to have at Weddings, Birthdays, Baby showers, Christenings, High Teas, Bachelorette parties, Launch Parties...I think you get the idea...pretty much anything!

Image from Sweet Heart Candy Buffets on Facebook

Image from Sweet Heart Candy buffets on Facebook

Candy Buffets act as thank you gifts for guests who attend your event or function. Guests wont stop talking about how they got to enjoy an interactive display of delicious treats laid out in the most exquisite jars! And of course…the SWEETIES they get to munch on!!!

Sweet Heart Candy Buffets

Sweet Heart Candy Buffets is a South African based company that has been doing candy buffets since 2009. They specialize in designing, arranging and setting up your Candy Buffet for you as sourcing sweets and buying jars can be time consuming and expensive. They Design a personalized display of sweeties in your event’s colours or theme. They even personalize a little message on the candy bags/ packets that your guests fill up! How cute is that!!

Image from Google

They have a beautiful gallery of Candy Buffets that they have done on their Facebook page:
You can also get in touch with them by email: moira@sweetheartcandybuffets.co.za.

So ladies, When you plan your next event…don’t waist your time thinking of something to impress your guests…Candy Buffets from Sweet Heart Candy Buffets are the perfect things to get people talking!

Would you have a Candy Buffet at your function/event?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

KONY 2012

Since the release of their video on you tube on Monday, Invisible Children Inc. has been an infamous name on Facebook, Twitter and other social media machines. The Video has had, at the time of writing this blog, 43,354,020 views. 43 MILLION!!! This is an over whelming number of people.

If you been living under a rock and don't know what KONY 2012 is then you need to make yourself aware! "KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice."

If you haven't already seen the video then please see below.

|

|

|

V

Video uploaded by Invisible Children Inc. on Youtube

I have read tons of articles from people that have watched the video, all of which had mixed feelings about it and the Invisible Children inc. Some say that Invisible children inc. doesn't actually give all the funds to campaigns like KONY 2012, "It's all about the westerners coming to the rescue...and saving the Africans", and others are supporting this campaign with all their might . 

I quote from @BouwerBosch on twitter,"If you like the #Kony video or not, the fact still remains that they are doing something and we are not" and i completely agree!!

As of 20 April 2012, Posters will be up in every major city around the world. You can also buy your own posters online and put them up in your area. You can also support them by buying one of their KONY 2012 bracelets.

Please sign their pledge here

I will definitely be supporting KONY 2012!!!

What are your views on this video? 

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Autumn is upon us :)

The Seasons are changing! The sun is starting to rise much later and there is a certain chill in the air (well at least it is in Gauteng). We have all had some niggling coughs and snuffly noses to welcome the "wish-I-could-stay-in-bed-all-day" weather.

When I say Autumn is upon us, what exactly does that mean for your skin? Its rather important to follow routines when it comes to skincare and this necessity becomes even more important in the Autumn and Winter months. Below are some of my best tips on keeping your skin moisturised and looking really healthy even though the dry air and cold weather are plotting against you.

#1 Drink lots of water

The intake of fluids is really important during Autumn & Winter because your skin gets dehydrated faster than you think. Drinking water, teas and fruit juices will also flush out all the toxins that your body really doesn't need! Get in the habit of drinking at least 6 glasses of fluids per day.

#2 Don't forget your Sunblock!

A lot of people think that just because its cooling down, the sun isn't harsh anymore and you can't get sunburt. This is completely false! Some of the the worst sunburn you get is when it is overcast and cold. A friend of mine burnt blisters, first day of matric vac, because it was overcast and we were bikini-ying on the beach. (Oh the good old days!). You still need to put sunscreen on during Autumn & Winter, especially if you plan to be outside for most of the day. Maybe not a SPF50 but definitely nothing less than SPF15.

#3 Moisturise

A no brainer! There's nothing worse than dry, flaky, chapped and just plain unhealthy skin during Autumn & Winter. Besides the above tips, you need to MOISTURISE your skin at least once a day (preferably twice a day). Lip balm for your lips is also an absolute must during winter!

Image: Google

Ladies...instead of freaking out in the beginning of summer about how dry your skin is in your bikini, and then try to do '911' skin treatments to get a healthy glow again, just take care of your skin NOW and during Winter! You already have to stress about the added kg's from winter's comfort food, don't add skin issues to the list!

AND guys...you also need to take care of yourselves during Winter! Its horrible seeing a man that doesn't take care of himself. I definitely dont want to hold hands with "the crusty claw of doom". Nivea has a great men's range, go check it out here.

If you have any major concerns about your skin please do not hesitate to see a dermatologist. You'll feel a lot better once its taken care of :) I have!

Below are a few traditional favorites that I use/eat/drink every winter.

Any winter survival tips? Leave a comment below.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Vampire's Love by Essence

If you haven’t already heard about Essence cosmetics/ trends, then you definitely need to go check it out! www.essence.eu

This post is about their very exciting new trend ‘Vampire’s Love’. I’m really looking forward to when is comes out in SA! Any Twilight fan will die for a trend collection like this. For me, its not really about the whole vampire/twilight thing, Its about the amazing colours! Something my winter wardrobe would definitely agree with!

The products in this Trend are:

1. Love at first bite - eye shadow palette
2. Eye need you - volume lash powder
3. Blush Gelee – Bloody Mary
4. Lipstain – Bloody Mary
5. Nail polishes in:
Gold old Buffy
Into the Dark
True Love
The Dawn has Broken
Hunt me if you can
6. Lil Vampire – Shimmer powder
7. Eau De Toilette - Perfume

My two favourites, just from looking at the pictures, would probably be the Eye shadow palette and all the pretty Nail Polishes!

The Vampire’s Love collection will be in Dischem stores from beginning of May 2012 so keep your eyes peeled. I’m definitely saving up for this one! I’ll be doing a review once it comes out!

You can also keep up with other trends on their site or their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Essence-South-Africa/94103343570

Leave a comment on which products you can’t wait to buy from the Vampire’s Love range!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

February Favorites

1) The Body shop's Born Lippy (R35) - This has helped me so much now that the seasons are starting to change and my skin is getting that tiny bit dryer. The Strawberry smell is delicious and it gives your lips a little pop of colour. Love it!

2) Bic Pen - I know this is an unusual favorite but i have been having a few late nights studying and making notes for my exams coming up in May. My Bic Pen has been awesome. It doesn't cramp my hand because its easy to hold and it writes so nicely...I actually enjoy making my study notes. (Mine is silver and not yellow as shown in the picture above)

3) KFC Variety Feast (R99.90) - My boyfriend spoiled me by getting us KFC a few weeks ago. While looking at the drive through menu, we were looking for something that we don't usually get and we spotted the Variety Feast. WOW, its was soooo good! Its so worth the R100! You can also add in a Chocolate Brownie Avalanche to finish the meal off like i did! Yummylicious!

4) Schwarzkopf Gliss Conditioning Spray (R29.99 at clicks - On special) -My hair has been uncontrollable lately and this spray has been my life saver in calming things down. It also has nourishing oils and a heat defense ingredient that helps prevent split ends and other harmful effects that heat gives your hair.

5) Letters to Cleo, I want you to want me - This has been my absolute favorite song for February! Its such a cool song that makes you want to sing a long. It has been my 'Pick-me-up' on the days that i felt unmotivated and under the weather.

Thanks for reading my February Favorites. Leave a comment on what your favorites were for February!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo