Memories for Monday

I had silkworms every Summer when I was a kid. Amazeballs memories :)

Lushy Lusciousness

It's not really new news that LUSH fresh handmade cosmetics (and body goodies) are opening in Cape Town at the end of September this year. This will be South Africa's very first LUSH store on South African soil and can I just say, I am frikin' EXCITED!

This is the most anticipated launch for us beauty bloggers and even though I am 1500km away, I am stoked that LUSH is just that bit closer to coming up to Gauteng. I have already checked out some of their products and below are a few products on my Luscious LUSH wishlist.

Follow LUSH on Twitter and like their Facebook Page to keep up with the exciting launch news.

Delicious Banana Bread!

Everyone who follows me on Twitter, would have seen that I tried my hand at making Banana bread. I was craving banana bread so just searched for a quick recipe online and came across this one by Simply Recipes. It was easier than I thought and this is how my banana loaf turned out :)

I love baking and have decided to add an "I bake" category to my blog so you can see all the goodies that...I bake :) Needless to say the whole household loved the banana bread, including my little Bear :)

If you're looking for a different recipe to the one I linked above, just search online, there are tons.

I hope you give it a try and please comment below :) 

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

In my sample basket - Yardley

This week I will be reviewing my Yardley So...? What EDT sample, that I picked up at Dis-Chem.

I'm not one that wears perfume a lot, usually only on special occasions, so I wouldn't say I'm a perfume expert or have a lot of knowledge on the subject. This will soon change as I have been doing tons of research and find it quite interesting.

Yardley So…? What can be described as an addictive girly fragrance introduced by fruity notes, slightly edible, intertwined with a rich floral bouquet and rounded by a powerful woody background illuminated by vanilla.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Leafy Green, Apple, Coconut, Raspberry 

Middle Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Freesia, Lily of the Valley 

Base Notes: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk, Vanilla

What I loved

This is a very sweet scent that reminds me of eating fruit lollipops on the beach as a kid. It can be layered, which is always good to have in a perfume.

My Dislikes

It can be a bit too 'sweet'. I wouldn't suggest spraying tons on your body, just a light spritz on your neck will be enough to make you smell really good but not too overwhelming. 

Yardley So…? What is available in 50ml Eau de Parfum (R99.95) and 90ml Perfume Body Spray at selected Foschini, Edgars, Red Square, Clicks and Dis-Chem stores, leading pharmacies and The Hub.

Seeing as this little EDT is so affordable I will definitely be purchasing it!

keep an eye out for next week's sample!

10 Day 'you' challenge - 8 Fears

Here are my 8 fears in order and I have ranked them on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being "I'm scared but could live with it", 10 being "I want to crawl into a little ball and cry")

Ship's Hulls (bottom of a ship/boat) - 10

The paranormal - 9

Tornado's - 7

Getting Cancer - 7

Car accidents - 6

Becoming a beggar - 3

The end of the world/dying - 3

Having no Internet - 3

10 Day 'you' challenge - 9 Loves

9 Loves

Colour my life Tiffany blue and Turquoise!

All images from Pinterest. See all my pins by clicking this link.

10 Day 'you' challenge - 10 Secrets

If you're an avid beauty blog reader you might have seen a few posts on a "10 day 'you' challenge". It's a fun way for us bloggers to let you know who we are as people *Shocked voices* (Yes we are people too), and let our walls down to show that we're pretty cool people if you get to know us. Visit Whimsy is forever, Gee whiskers and Lipgloss kisses to check out their 10 day 'you' challenge.

Ten Secrets

I wouldn't really call these secrets but rather 'things you probably didn't know about me'.

1) I love needles! Not in a freaky "I have the potential to be a drug addict" kinda way, most people just freak out when they donate blood or even see a needle in close range, me, not so much.

2) Because I like needles, I have gotten a few piercing's along the past few years. I have 8 piercings in total. I'll leave you wondering where though ;) I'd love to get a tattoo one day, once I find the right design (It's difficult choosing something that will be with you for the rest of your life).

3) I love babies and kids. Being the 2nd youngest of my siblings, I love being around little ones.

4) The feeling of dry lips or hands makes me want to cry/scream – occasionally, depending on how bad, I might do both at the same time. It gives me the same feeling that you get when you scratch your nails down a chalk board. *Shrieks in agony* *10 million goosebumps*

5) I had really bad hormonal acne and was on roaccutane for 4 months this year. I had really tried everything to get rid of it. Eventually my face was scarring so badly, drastic measures had to be taken. I know many ladies do not agree with my decision and often tell me "There are more natural ways to cure hormonal acne", I just couldn't wait to test out all these ailments because it was permanently damaging my face. I still  have scarring and pigmentation but it is 90% better than it was. (I will do a full post on this topic soon)

6) I am an internet addict, specifically social networks. I have virtual accounts on soo many networks it's crazy. It's not so much being part of them because I guess that’s just a given these days, it's that I don't really use them.....ever. I'll sign up just for the sake of signing up!! An then I constantly receive spam and newsletters (and never unsubscribe)....I think I have a problem......

7) I am crazy self-conscious about my ears. They stick out quite a lot and I was constantly teased at primary school and even High school, so I grew a major complex. Over my later teen years, I started accepting the fact that there’s nothing I can do, its just genetics :)

8) I didn't own a pair of sunglasses till about 3 weeks ago when my boyfriend's aunt gave me hers. *Shocker*

9) I wanted to be a vet when I was in high school but my marks were never good enough. I'm thankful though because I really don't think my heart would have been able to take the pain and loss of hurt animals :(

10) I hate, hate, hate cooked fruit. Apple pie = the worst, Hawaiian pizza = bleh, fried tomato to finish off your bacon and egg breakfast = gross!

Look out for tomorrow's FYI's :)

Beauty Bulletin Polish Up Challenge

Here are the last batch of photo's for Beauty Bulletin's Polish Up Challenge. If you haven't read my first post then click here.

Flocked Cookie Monster

Itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini

Glitter accent nail

UP inspired nail art

Ombre Tiger nails 

Striped toes

Remember to click on the link below each picture, to view the full gallery.

I hope you enjoyed these designs and let me know if I should do more in the future.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Glambox and Rubybox join powerful beauty forces! (UPDATED)

"What do you get when three talented businesswomen meet? The most exciting collaboration of the year - rubybox and GlamBox are sharing the love and teaming up to bring you a bigger, better beauty offering!"

This might not be new news to some ladies but I thought I'd share it with you in case you missed any details. Glambox and Rubybox are merging in to one "super-awesome-kick-ass sample box"

Here is what will happen:

• As of today(1 September'12) Glambox will be a thing of the past. The ladies already signed up to Rubybox, nothing will change for you. For the Glambox girls, you need to note the following:
• You will continue to receive your monthly beauty box. The monthly cost stays the same (R100) and all payments will be handled by Rubybox.
• Your existing user information (email, delivery details & any instructions, subscription information and Points) has been transferred. However, you will need to update your password.
• All accumulated GlamPoints will be carried across and will reflect in your personal account in the next week.
• Unfortunately they could not transfer your beauty profile. In order for them to customise your boxes to suit your beauty needs, please update this as soon as possible.
• Visit this webpage for any details I may have left out

Time for some tough love!

Anyone that has either purchased sample boxes or have compared the different boxes online, will know that Rubybox was the weakest of the 3 sample box companies in South Africa (Glossybox, Glambox and Rubybox). I was only ever subscribed to Rubybox and after my 3 month subscription, honestly, I really regretted not signing up for Glambox instead. I received a Glambox earlier in the year and found they seemed to have better service, better samples and overall, a better box, so please don't call me a horrid bitch person for what I'm about to say. I am sad that there will be more Rubybox than Glambox in this merger.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still stoked that they are joining forces and do not doubt that the new sample boxes have the potential to be on the same level as Glossybox, I just cant help but wonder why they didn't stay more Glam and less Ruby. There are obviously many business related issues when going into a merger like this (which I have no clue about).You have so many established "clients" already and with a big change like this, there is always a big chance of losing them.

I, as the "public", think it would have been better to start off with a new name, brand, logo and the whole shenanigans that go with mergers. This would eliminate the chance of people choosing sides, just like I am right now.

I'm glad they have merged and I can't wait to see what the new box will be like. I think this is a really good move on Rubybox's part and wish the "new Rubybox" all the best of success. I will be keeping an eye out, on the boxes, over the next few months and do an update for you gals.

The Glambox website is no more but if you would like to contact them you can do so on 076 886 2636 or email support@glambox.co.za.

The new revamped Rubybox website is where you can place your order and find the necessary info on the sample boxes. Any questiond directed at the "new Rubybox" can be done so via hi@rubybox.co.za.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

UPDATE

So as promised, I am back for an update on the "New Rubybox". Seeing as I don't subscribe to the sample boxes myself, I have relied on my fellow beauty bloggers to tell you how they fell about the new colab.

"I must admit I was expecting a "WOW" box, you know the two is better then one type thing. But I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed. This might have been cause I was expecting too much, but either way I was left wanting just a little bit more." - Lipgloss Kisses

This is one of the combination of products that you might have received if you ordered the September Rubybox

View more by clicking this link.

View Gee Whiskers' post on Glossybox, so you have something to compare it to.

Will update this post again when more reviews are available :)

Happy Spring day!

For those who have happy sunshine kind of weather, I hope you are outside having a braai and walking around barefoot. For those who don't....just stare at the picture above...I hope it makes you feel better.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

In my sample basket - Bee Natural

This week I have been using my Bee Natural's Rehydrating Face Balm sample, which I received in one of my Sample boxes. Here is what I thought about it :)

I haven't been using this on my face because I am testing all kinds of products on my face at the moment and thought it would be too much for my skin, to add another. I have been using this as a lip balm instead and let me tell you, I am impressed!

"Bee Natural's Rich Rehydrating Face Balm is the ultimate natural skin care product to use for nourishing, moisturizing and rejuvinating facial skin. The unique combination of beeswax, raw honey, propolis, pollen, retinol, collagen, elastin, Q10, jojoba and avocado oil rapidly penetrate the skin - expect a visible difference after first application! The balm also contains a plan based SPF 15 thus providing safe and natural protection from UV rays." Source

Full size RSP R89.90 for 30ml

What I loved

-It doesn't smell or taste funny. I have found a lot of natural products don't have a pleasant scent and natural lip balms usually taste bitter. This face balm has a waxy scent but it's not overpowering and with the honey ingredient, it doesn't have a bitter taste (Reminder: I'm not eating the face balm, lol, I'm using it as a lip balm and that's why I tasted it).

-It's so smooth and doesn't have a sticky texture. The wax to honey ratio is perfect. It goes on my skin so easily and it feels amazingly 'soft' and lightweight.

-It helped clear red patches that I had. After this horrid winter dryness (as well as being on roaccutane), my lips had many red patches where my skin had peeled off and bled. After using this balm on my lips, the red patches have completely disappeared. *Life saver*
-It has an SPF 15. It might not be the highest sun protectant factor but if you're looking for a light protection from the harsh UV rays, this is it. (Great to wear under you makeup everyday)

What I disliked

The only problem I found was that it was difficult to get out of my sample pot. The wax was hard from the cold but I quickly came up with a solution. I just held the sample pot in my hand for a 1-2 minutes and it was way easier to get out. It might not be as easy in a full size container.

Overall, I would say I am developing a little crush on this brand.
I have my eye on the Lip balms (Between R7-R13 each) on their website (there are so many) and I also have my eye on their Eczema balm (R55) as my mom suffers from terrible eczema.

Check out this great review that Chicara from Lipgloss Kisses did a few weeks ago.
Visit Bee Natural's website and Online store.

Your thoughts?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Spar womans race 2012

This past weekend's adventures: SA's most beautiful road race with Spar 2012

This was my second Spar race (my previous one was last year). I am not a pro runner or do fun runs/walks often but I like taking part in this specific one because it's really fun. Over 25 000 woman and men running for fun and charity is always eventfull.

My boyfriend, a few friends and I took part this year. The atmosphere is always really awesome. Guy's dressing as ladies, shouting things like, "As jy buig, is jy myne" (If you bend, you're mine), made my day. The weather was perfect and I put tons of sunscreen on so didn't get an inch of sunburn. *YAY*

Here is my short gallery of the walk.

Waiting to start (The red arches in front is the start line)

The sea of orange ahead of us and beautiful skies above.

Sea of orange behind us and some interesting costumes.

My 'trying to look cool' pose.

3km mark.

Entering Supersport park

Moi at the finish line. I WIN! *I wish*

Medal and goodie bag, Check!

High five to the organisers of this race as it was another complete success. We appreciate your expertise in controlling 25000 people while still making it super fun and SA's biggest race!
Cant wait for next year's race!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

I bake cupcakes!

I've gone into a venture with Sweet Heart Candy Buffets in assisting with making cupcakes for their candy buffets. Baking cupcakes became a hobby for me and I couldn't resist taking the opportunity to make cute cupcakes for weddings, birthday parties etc.

Here are cupcakes I did for a Bridal Shower two weeks ago :)

Sweet Heart Candy Buffets beautiful work!

Like 'Claire's cupcakes' on Facebook where I will be posting all the cupcake galleries.

Miss Claira-Bella (Claire)

Xoxo

*DIY* Simple organisation - Jewelry

I have been planning this blog post for a while and Chicara from Lipgloss Kisses asked me for ear ring storage ideas so here it is, the follow up of my DIY simple organisation for cosmetics.

We all recognise the little box below. Its mainly used for avid scrap-bookers, beaders and even fishermen. I personally use it as my ear ring holder and I'm sure I'm not the only one. 

The problem with these is that you can never really find what you're looking for, your ear rings get tangled and it just doen't look attractive.

I found this really cute idea on the internet machine. You take an old frame and staple/glue mesh inside so that your ear rings can hook. I am so crazy about this idea because it's so easy!

If you have a large ear ring collection you can use a bigger frame with finer mesh. If you're looking for something smaller use a smaller frame or 'chicken wire' that has bigger spaces to hang your ear rings.

You can use stand up frames to set beside your bed or on your dressing table. You can also use frames that you place on your wall, that way it takes up less space. If you have many pairs of the same colour, you could keep them gathered on one picture frame to match the colour of your room etc.

If you're the type of lady that likes to keep your necklaces with your earings, you can use the idea below:

You stick a whole bunch of corks in a frame and use hooked screws in the cork, to hang your necklaces on. Your ear rings can just be pushed into the cork and won't fall out. Corks aren't that easy to come by (unless you drink tons of wine - No judgment here) so try using cork sheets which can be found at most craft stores.

This idea is cute for necklaces but might be a bit too bold and 'barn-like' for some people. 

I will try this idea soon and post photo's :)

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

*All images from Google