My Eco Wedding in Africa

www.pinterest.com/ecogirl

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Visit pinterest.com for more visual inspiration. I am in love with this site and find that most of my day is spent re-pinning other keen pinners photos, crafts etc. What I love about this site is that you can create your own "vision boards" online. Wedding inspiration, craft ideas, fashion, home and so much more all appear on www.pinterest.com. Click the red link next to this post to view my wedding board vision boards.

Prepare to be ADDICTED!!

Happy Pinning..

Love

Faye

Wedding Day Beauty

2011-10-24T02:40:00.000-07:00

All brides want to look their best for their wedding day so I have put together a few beauty tips that you can do yourself. Wedding photos need to last for a lifetime, they should not represent trends but rather remain true to your personalities.

Always keep your makeup natural and classic. Colours and trends fade. Bright blue makeup may be popular today but in 2 years you will be looking at your wedding photos with a what was I thinking attitude.

Some tips for a more natural make up look include.

1. When lining your eye, use a pencil liner to make a straight line (it is much easier), then use your liquid liner (which doesn't smudge) and colour in the line that you made with the pencil. You will have straight liner which will make your eyes pop.

2. Use a black eyeliner at the top of your eye and a brown eye pencil at the bottom of your eye. It creates a much softer look that is more natural while keeping your eyes defined.

3. Glitter can make you look older so use a matt eye shadow in 2 shades of neutral and brown for a soft and dewy look.

4. Run an eyelash curler under hot water or blast it with your hairdryer before curling your lashes, it will make them curl to perfection.

5. Hold a business card against your inner lash and swipe away. It will grip all your lashes and stop clumping.

6. Use a tiny amount of concealer (well after application of eye cream) under your eye to make your eyes pop.

7. USE A SKIN PRIMER like YSL Skin Primer under your make up, it will keep you and your skin looking fresh and clean all day or night.

8. If you are having a day wedding, mix some of your foundation with some moisturizer for a skin tint. Heavy foundation does not look good.

9. Only use powder on your nose for shine. Powder will collect in your wrinkles and make you look older.

10. Keep a lip balm with you and keep your lips moisturized. Dry lips are not attractive.

11. To keep your skin soft and supple for your wedding day make your own body scrub (recipe below).

12. On your wedding day mix your favorite body lotion with a little olive oil and some bronzer for an all over glow. ( do not use too much bronzer, it would be sacrilege to get it on your dress).

Make your own body scrub:

Use a cup of sea salt with olive oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Decant into a recycled jam jar and enjoy for silky soft skin.

Lastly a gorgeous hairstyle tutorial from www.thebeautydepartment.com

Love

Faye

Green Tea Diet tablets

2011-10-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Finally... A diet tablet that actually works. If you are struggling to lose weight before your wedding or honeymoon, you have to try these. I have uploaded images of Venita, who has lost 30kg on these tablets and I have a friend, Stephanie who literally looks like she lost half a person.

The success stories are endless and even better, they are affordable. The standard tablets cost R450.00 for 1 month and the advanced R550.00 for one month. Most people don't graduate to the advanced tablets because the standard tablets are that good and their weight loss phenomenal.

Venita Before

Venita After losing 30kg!!

Look AMAZING in your wedding dress!! contact myecowedding@telkomsa.net for distributors near you.

Lookbook | Lo Boheme

2011-10-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Lookbook | Lo Boheme:

'via Blog this'

Crystal Print Wedding Invitations

2011-10-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Tel: 031 201 1785

Fax: 086 695 8169

Cell: 082 417 4668

Website: www.crystalprintsa.co.za

Blog: www.crystalprint.blogspot.com (All the latest wedding stationery trends)

Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/crystalprint

We are now on Facebook: www.facebook.com/crystalprintweddings (become a fan of our page and receive exclusive info and specials on wedding stationery)

My Eco Wedding

www.club-wed.com

2011-08-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

Check out this new site. www.club-wed.com. If you are a wedding supplier or service provider, you can advertise your site for $145 a year with monthly changes to your advertisement, design included, videos, photos etc. Your advertisement is in the form of a voucher or coupon that you can change to suit your own needs or the needs of your clientele.

There is no better way to drive business to your door than through coupons or vouchers that will always keep you one step ahead of your competitors.

A wedding directory with benefits, who could ask for more.

It is free for your clients to use and browse and no log in or joining fee is required. They simply click on your advertisements pdf and print or email your voucher.

Check out the site now and become a partner.

Seeded Paper Invitations.

2011-08-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for seeded paper wedding invitations?

All shapes and sizes, printable and eco friendly. Paper is recycled and seeded. There is no shelf life on the paper as your guests will have to water and plant the paper for the seeds to grow.

Please contact us for a quotation.

Contact myecowedding@telkomsa.net

Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

2011-05-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

www.bundukitchen.co.za

2011-04-28T00:45:00.000-07:00

WEDDINGS

Bundu House offers a unique & memorable experience for wedding couples. A turnkey solution below is provided, therefore making the build up to your special day stress free!

Wedding ceremony
Wedding reception
Accommodation for the wedding couple with breakfast
Exclusivity
Tailor made menu (Bundu Kitchen chefs will consult with the couple)
Full bar service on the day
Pre-wedding room available for the bride, hairdresser & makeup artist
Florist (will consult with the couple at the venue)
DJ (will consult with the couple at the venue)
Photographer (will consult with the couple at the venue)

My Eco Wedding endorses Bundu Kitchen as a green vendor.

For full wedding, anniversary, bridal shower and other event planning at Bundu Kitchen, please contact myecowedding@telkomsa.net.

2011-04-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

More Autumn Wedding Inspiration: Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

2011-04-21T01:06:00.000-07:00

Autumn Inspiration 2011

2011-04-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Resources:

www.capetowndailyphoto.com

www.discountbridesmaidsdresses.org

www.weddingbycolour.com

www.designsbyliat.com

www.theswishlist.com

www.citizenwatches.co.za

2011-03-24T06:37:00.001-07:00

2011-03-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Trends and Variations in Weddings 2011

2011-01-26T09:09:00.000-08:00

2011 will be bringing with it whimsical fantasy with weddings having eco friendly, vintage and romantic themes. Wedding dresses are adorned with frills, ruffles, Swarovski beading, lace and tulle.

One of my favourite South African designers Elbeth Gillis showcases some of her 2011 dresses. Elbeth Gillis has the magical ability to make you look and feel like a princess, with beautiful fabrics and design.

Colours for 2011 from Pantone are Oyster grey, Lagoon, Golden Glow, Living Coral, Endive, Chocolate Truffle, Woodbine and Honeysuckle Pink. www.pantone.com. Below image from www.weddingsonthefrenchriviera.com

Think bright jewel shades for bridesmaids’ dresses and white for bride.
Black and white with fuchsia or pale yellow.
Another trend is to use more than one complementary colour. Mocha and turquoise are one of my favourite combinations for the season as is dark green and light green.
Honeysuckle pink from Pantone and bright orange will also be popular.

Themes are Romantic, Eco Friendly and vintage bringing a touch of whimsy and never skimping on class. Include fun and fresh DIY ideas that are personalise your wedding. Personalised weddings are becoming more popular with the bride and grooms interests playing a role in the festivities as well as DIY décor and favours becoming a trend. Look at my favours pages and get some ideas.

Some other themes for 2011

Bohemian style with floating free accents and colours.
Retro with fresh bright colours and shapes
Garden and natural weddings at home, parks, or in your backyard.
Art deco themes with geometric patterns and peacock feathers
Romantic with fairytale whimsy

Trends in Décor are mirrors, peacock feathers, rhinestones, lace and pearls and at least one eco friendly décor element.

Eco recycled papers and soy inks

Romantic stationery will be full of embellishments like rhinestones, pearls, lace, feathers and ribbons.

For Futuristic décor mix mediums like metallics and bright colours.

Retro Stationery will combine a modern layout and a retro layout.

Bohemian Stationery

Vintage Stationery

Use embellishments which are unique to your ethnic background or heritage.

Crystal print has kindly designed these example invitations to show you in respect to stationery trends 2011 and colours. Their work, as always is impeccable and of the highest quality. Visit their website at www.crystalprintsa.co.za.

Another stationer that I love is Macaroon. You originally saw their goddess gift tags but they are incredibly innovative and creative. Please go to their site, www.macaroon.co.za and have a look at the gorgeous invitations and stationery. They also do customised e-invites.

Your dress should always be flattering first and represent who you are before you explore trends. For example if you wish to bring in the 2011 ruffle trend and you are pear shaped, place the ruffles on and around your shoulders, not your hips.

Wedding dress trends 2011 will bring subtle ruffles, tea length wedding dresses, lace, and tulle. Dresses have a vintage flair this year and whether you are having your own dress made or you are reusing a dress add decorative elements to the dress with beading, Swarovski crystals and frills.

As I said before my favourite wedding dress designer is Elbeth Gillis. She goes to great lengths to optimise all that is feminine, classic and romantic.

Driven by an unrivalled degree of quality and subtle sensuality, each dress is a journey; from fabrics sourced internationally to original designs to the personal touches, every dress is as unique as the bride who wears it.

Please be sure to visit www.elbethgillis.co.za or call 021 423 2220 to make an appointment.

Here are a few ideas for the perfect reception of 2011. Since garden weddings are a big trend, keep your guests feeling comfortable and implement a dinner party atmosphere. Use small centrepieces with a lot of colour, or the same two colours in different shades, dark green on light green. By implementing a casual dinner party atmosphere keep your reception intimate. (please see my post on how to have a garden Christmas. This post is not specific to Christmas but to garden weddings, too). Choosing a caterer is an incredibly important aspect to your wedding. I love Fresh Earth, www.freshearth.co.za and 5% Green www.5percentgreen.co.za.

Incorporate some fun ideas into your reception, like photo booths with props (have a look at my new profile picture, don’t you love the glasses LOL) , jukeboxes, frames to take pictures in and coffee bars serving espresso, cappuccinos and a cigar lounge for a cool after party. You can also try serving brightly coloured cocktails in jewel colours and sweet tables from sweet pastries to candy sweets and chocolates.

I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you found the information useful.

Lots of Love

Faye

2011-01-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

THE GREEN SPA GUIDE BY CHARNE LE ROUX OF VRYGENHOEK ORGANIC SPA.

The Green Spa Guide written by Charne Le Roux is an informative guide printed on eco friendly paper and with eco inks. Charne Le Roux will show you how to create and successfully own a green spa. Photographs of locally run green spas with detailed information, make this a must read.

2011-01-13T04:57:00.000-08:00

Get satin smooth skin for your big day

Cape Town, November 2010: Every bride-to-be wants to glow on her special day, so let Bio-Oil help you. With ingredients like Vitamins A and E, Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile and Calendula; your skin is in for a treat. Bio-Oil will provide intense nourishment to your skin, helping you get that glow.

Start by exfoliating your entire body with a loofah or exfoliating cream during your bath or shower. After drying off, massage Bio-Oil into your skin from décolletage to toes. Allow the Bio-Oil to absorb before getting dressed, and remember a little goes a long way!

Are you considering using spray-tan before the big day? Self tan can dry skin out so use Bio-Oil twice a day all over your body to provide intense moisture and help the tan last longer.

When you’re on honeymoon remember that Bio-Oil can also help with:

1. Soothing sunburn: The chamomile and calendula are renowned for their ability to soothe stinging redness. Adding a few drops of Bio-Oil to a cool bath and applying it directly onto your skin afterwards will help soothe and calm red, sensitive skin.

2. Keep massaging Bio-Oil into your skin if it is burnt as it may help shorten or even stop the peeling process.

Bio-Oil contains no preservatives, is dermatologically tested, hypo-allergenic, non-acnegenic and suitable for all ages and skin types.

Bio-Oil is available at pharmacies and select retail outlets nationwide in 60ml (R42.99), 125ml (R65.99) and 200ml (R95.99). For more information visit www.bio-oil.com

About Evolabs

Distributed by:

Tiana Lambert

Account manager

Atmosphere Communications

021 461 2117 or 084 200 3991

tiana@atmosphere.co.za

On behalf of:

Anita Nesbit

Bio-Oil Marketing Manager

Evolabs

Evolabs is the official distributor of the Bio-Oilbrand in sub-Saharan Africa. For further information visit www.evolabs.com

How to have a garden Christmas

2010-12-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Christmas in your garden, enjoying all the joy a South African summer has to offer.

Choose a spot in your garden where you can either comfortably place an umbrella or ideally where a tree has enough of its branches overlapping your table. The tree or the umbrella needs to provide shade from the midday sun and a place to hang your lanterns and decorations for the evening.

Chamdor Faktry sales have an amazing assortment of ribbons and trained staff to help you find exactly what you are looking for. We chose ribbons that stuck to the colour scheme of our Christmas lunch table, which were silver, white, green and earth. We also used hemp from their collection for the tablecloth. I loved the natural colour and texture of the fabric and it can be bought and used for just about anything, (wedding dresses included). Chamdor Faktry Sales sell the hemp for around R129.95 p/m. Please consult our directory pages for your closest shop.

Cut and tie your different coloured ribbons to your lanterns and chosen Christmas decorations and then hang at varying heights from the branches or umbrella. We used apples as decorations for each plate and cored the centre. Put a little lemon juice on the apple to stop them going brown and place a tea light candle in the centre. The Garden Shop in Broadacres has beautiful flowers still in their trays and all we did was wrap a ribbon around the tray and use some of the other ribbons to scatter over the live flowers. They have since been planted and I am sure that they will bring us great joy in memory of lunch for many years to come.

For the centrepiece, we used a glass bowl that we already had, used pine cones from the garden, Christmas baubles, tinsel and apples. Use a little oil to shine your apples for the best impact. Hydrangeas from the garden were added for the final touches. Silver goblets that have been around for decades were used for the table but wine glasses would work just as well.

ALWAYS try and compliment your surroundings with colours that appear naturally around your table.

Our ladies were lucky enough to receive gift bags with goodies in them from all of our Eco Christmas shopping suppliers. We had a fantastic time and the ladies were introduced to what it means to live Eco, what with all the amazing products and services available to us, its never been easier. Then it came time to go for Sangria at the Throbbing Strawberry in Douglasdale, Johannesburg. The Throbbing Strawberry is a fabulous outdoor venue with great food and an awesome vibe, with yummy sangria and mojitos. Fabulous fun was had by all.

Thank you so much to all of the GREEN COMPANIES that supplied products for the day.

1. Tierhoek Organics www.tierhoekorganics.co.za

2. Pure Beginnings www.purebeginnings.co.za

3. Recharge your feet www.rechargeyourlife.co.za

4. African Organics www.africanorganics.co.za

5. Meadowsweet www.meadowsweet.co.za

6. Grow a Tree www.growatree.co.za

7. I’m Green www.intelligentmarketing.co.za

8. Chamdor Faktry Sales www.chamdor.co.za

9. The Garden Shop www.thegardenshop.co.za

10. Live out Loud

11. Green Spa Guide www.organicspa.co.za

12. Inthusiasm make up www.inthusiasm.co.za

13. Organic Aqua www.organicaqua.co.za

14. Ladybird Red www.laibach.co.za

15. Ecoco www.ecoco.co.za

16. Macaroon www.macaroon.co.za

17. Crystal Print www.crystalprint.co.za

18. Bloublommetjieskloof www.bloublommetjieskloof.co.za

19. Earthnlove www.earthnlove.co.za

20. The Victorian Garden www.thevictoriangarden.co.za

21. Good for the Ground www.goodfortheground.co.za

22. Soy Lites www.soylites.co.za

23. Bio Oil www.biooil.co.za

I hope that you have an INCREDIBLE Christmas and New Year and that for those who do not live in

South Africa

and have never experienced a South African Christmas, you will visit our glorious shores soon.

All my love,

Faye

ECO Christmas presents

2010-12-03T00:43:00.001-08:00

Mindy Gledhill - Anchor

2010-10-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

My Eco Wedding in Africa: Mindy Gledhill - Album - Anchor

2010-10-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

My Eco Wedding in Africa: Mindy Gledhill - Album - Anchor

Mindy Gledhill - Album - Anchor

2010-10-21T02:48:00.001-07:00

Mohop Shoes - Sent by the Gods

2010-10-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

I love shoes and I am a self confessed shoeaholic, like most women. Mohop shoes are my new fetish. I love their versatility, possibilities and their adaptability when it comes to complimenting your wardrobe. Comfort and style were never words you could use together until Mohop arrived on the scene. Best of all they are eco friendly and are made in a worker friendly environment.

Mohop Shoes are here to revolutionise the way we see shoes. For those of you, like me, who cannot get enough of shoes, Mohop have been sent by the Gods.

The possibilities for these shoes are endless and all it takes is some creativity and some ribbon. There are various ways to tie the ribbon too, so it will never look like you are wearing the same pair of shoes twice.

In terms of weddings, these shoes have blown me away. You can choose any colour ribbon you like and you will have a one of a kind wedding shoe that will not collect dust in your cupboard after your wedding. You can also match your bridesmaid’s dresses with a ribbon of your choice and have your maid of honour tie her Mohop shoes in a different way. They will love you for it as it will be a gift that keeps changing and giving for years to come. The potential is truly limitless when it comes to these gorgeous, genius shoes.

They are eco friendly and made in Chicago by Annie Mohaupt, an architect by trade. Finally, they are available in

South Africa

, through me. If you are interested in purchasing these shoes, please contact me at myecowedding@telkomsa.net.

Mohop shoes have also been featured in these magazines throughout the world:-

7 reasons why everyone loves Mohop:-

Our shoes are just as beautiful on the foot as they are on the shelf.

Soft ribbon uppers and an ergonomically carved footbed render the shoes unbelievably comfortable.

Changing the ribbon tie is as easy as lacing a tennis shoe.

Its as easy to create a personalised look to match an individuals style and wardrobe.

The shoes allow a custom fit for a wide variety of foot shapes.

Ethically produced, our "green" footwear contains no animal products and is manufactured in a worker friendly environment.

Packaged with 7 ribbon ties , the sandals provide literally hundreds of styles in one. Great value

Earthnlove Delicious new products

2010-09-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Earthnlove Mustard Soak & Detox – Mustard Bath is a centuries-old remedy for tired and stressed muscles, joint pain, congestion and fatigue. It is known for its stimulating, warming and cleansing qualities. Earthnlove Mustard Soak & Detox contains Mustard Seed, Epsom Salt, pink Himalayan Rock Salt, which contains 84 Earth Salt minerals; and Essential Oils renowned for their anti-inflammatory and anti-acidic properties. These include Wintergreen Leaf, Buchu, Bergamot and Lemon. Together these ingredients result in a potent formulation crafted to assist with detoxification and relief from aches, pains and muscle stress.

Details on the pure essential oils found in this product:

Wintergreen Leaf (Gaultheria Procumbens) is used for relieving muscle and joint discomfort, arthritis, poor circulation, rheumatism, tendonitis, muscle cramp and inflammation.

Buchu (Agothosma Betulina) possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, detoxifying and disinfectant properties. It is known to assist with treating acidic conditions and to help repair wounds, bruises and muscle sprains.

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is acknowledged to assist with eliminating toxins and infection. This essential oil is often used for active, tense and depressed people as it is a natural relaxant.

Lemon (Citrus Limonum) assists in counteracting acidity and is a good tonic; it is excellent for gout, arthritis and rheumatism.

Earthnlove Rejuvenating Soak & Detox - contains 84 Earth Salt minerals and Essential Oils renowned for their rejuvenating properties. In today’s world, with its environmental and work stresses, your body and skin are under constant strain. Earthnlove have drawn upon ancient wisdom to formulate this therapeutic bath soak product. Earth Salts, such as Epsom Salt and pink Himalayan Rock Salt; and Essential Oils have been used for centuries to help replace vital minerals and aid with revitalisation of the skin and the system. They are acknowledged to be a natural way to relieve stress, skin problems and to draw toxins from the body.

Details on the pure essential oils found in this product:

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) is renowned for its powerful curative properties; it is acknowledged to be of great value in skincare with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties. This essential oil has skin balancing and toning properties and is excellent for all skin types. Rose Geranium is also reputed to be very effective in detoxifying the system.

Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) is acknowledged to be a valuable essential oil for the relief of fluid retention, cellulite and other conditions where toxins are not effectively eliminated. It is reputed to be a diuretic, a detoxifier and a stimulant to the lymphatic system.

Rosewood (Aniba Rosaeaodora) is known to have excellent cellular stimulation and tissue regeneration properties making it a valuable essential oil for mature, dull, dry and oily skin.

Wedding Invitations and Stationery

2010-09-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Tel: 031 209 4464

Fax: 086 695 8169

Cell: 082 417 4668

Website: www.crystalprintsa.co.za

Blog: www.crystalprint.blogspot.com (All the latest wedding stationery trends)

Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/crystalprint

We are now on Facebook: www.facebook.com/crystalprintweddings (become a fan of our page and receive exclusive info and specials on wedding stationery)