A Bunch of Mish-takes

Body Love: Bobbi Brown's plan for great glowing skin!

2014-05-15T00:09:00.002-07:00

As you all know, I am a huge Bobbi Brown fan! Her entire philosophy about women and makeup changed the way I think about makeup and use it. I love the natural makeup look. This look is best achieved with a plan to keep your God given canvas clean and fresh. Ladies, you have to BodyLove yourself! Eating better will produce a better canvas. Makeup is so supposed to be like salt... Just a little salt brings out natural flavours, so just a little makeup will enhance a woman's natural beauty! I love Bobbi Brown!

Good Housekeeping got a hold of Bobbi's eating plan to share with you. Try her eating plan. She is 57 years old and she is looking her best. Proof that if you take care of your body, it will take care of you too.

Click to enlarge Bobbi's plan!

This eating plan was taken from the April issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. Visit Good Housekeeping for the best tried, tested and trusted brand, advice, fashion, beauty, food, great competitions and sooooo much more! www.goodhousekeeping.co.za . Good Housekeeping is also available in Afrikaans as Goeie Huishouding!

3 Great Apps you should have on your phone

2014-05-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

Feeling overwhelmed? Want an App that simplifies life? New Girl's Nick and Schmidt tried to create a practical or Real App that does what it says and makes a real difference... Real Apps? The only thing wrong with this concept is... Its' Nick and Schmidt... Are you kidding me? I love them both but they are a bit clueless here. Lol I got the good stuff from tech savvy individuals... Here are 3 must-have apps you should load onto your smart device or phone.

Nike Training Club

Works on Android and iPhone!

This app little app packs an impressive punch. The Nike Training Club App has over 100 full body workouts, tracks your progress, you can customize your workouts and you can train with Nike's elite athletes! The look of this app is slick and sexy and includes music to suite your style! This app is your personal trainer and since sneakers are trending... This is one hot addition on my smart phone.

CamScanner

Works on Android and iPhone!

My other half swears by the CamScanner app. It's a scanner for you device! The perfect on the go app! All you have to do is whip out your phone, snap what you intend to scan and then use the tools supplied to correct and export your scanned document to pdf or jpeg. You can even sync your devices by signing up for cloud space. This function works on the same exciting principle of DropBox! Click here to find out more and also read about it!

Uber

Works on Android and iPhone!

This is one of the most impressive apps. I definitely call this a real app. This app is a convenient, classy and no cash exchange hands. This app launched in Johannesburg in 2013 and will roll out throughout South Africa in due time... Just be patient people. It is available in Cape Town. The app is sleek like the cars and stylish like the service. I have been told that there are more expensive taxis on the road and Uber chargers a fee of R11 per hour. All the drivers are listed with photographs on the Uber website for your peace of mind. The cars available on this service are Audi, Mercedes and yes the car I hate most in life... The Boastful BMW. When you take a ride, you get your own promocode which works on a pay it forward basis... If a friend uses your promocode, you get Uber credit as well as your friend. Pretty snazzy! Love it. Click here to find out more about Uber.

* All images: Sourced

The Frugal List! 7 Beauty uses for your pocket size Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

2014-04-24T00:21:00.002-07:00

I have been playing with the idea of starting a list called, The Frugal List. A list that consists of great multifunctional products that are quality and or very inexpensive! I have chosen a product that really is the epitome of multipurpose... Vaseline Petroleum Jelly! It has been in existence for a whopping 144 years! That deserves a standing ovation!

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is brilliant because it is highly refined, hypo –allergenic, removes impurities, its safe and most of all locks moisture. I carry it every where! A teeny tiny 10ml tub at R4,00 it is a steal...

Here are 7 reasons why I list this as a Frugal buy!

1. From dry lips to moisturized and glossy
Hmmm, an age old use is to apply the jelly to dry lips. Run out of lip gloss and your lip colour seems a bit flat? Warm up a small amount of petroleum jelly with your index finger and your thumb and dab the jelly in the middle of your lips for shine.

2. Get longer and thicker eye lashes
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly from the roots to tips of your lashes, using your index finger and thumb. Do this every night and you should have fuller and thicker lashes in about two weeks. Come on ladies, why do you need that expensive treatment?

3. Create a skin Barrier
Great for dry patches on your face. I tend to get those patches on my cheeks and with the winter almost upon us, my nose also tends to go dry. The best thing for me, is a dab of Vaseline petroleum jelly, as it does not clog the pores and sorts out the dry patches in a day or two. Best advised to do this at night. Your skin regenerates at night, so the jelly does its job faster.

4. Make your perfume last
Rub a small amount on your wrist and other pulse points, spray your perfume and see how far it goes. It intensifies the scent.

5. Smooth Cuticles
You can rub a small amount on your cuticles during the day. With winter afoot, you need that little bit of love for your hands. Just think about those nail polish Instagrams... You need your hands beautiful.

6. A Night Treatment
This is also a great night tip. Use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly for your neck, hands, feet and cleavage. For your feet, moisturize your feet and sleep in socks twice a week. Ooh ladies, a woman’s age starts showing her age on her neck, hands and cleavage, rub a little Vaseline petroleum jelly on these areas at night and see how the aging process slows down.

7. Makeup’s secret weapon
Mix some Vaseline Petroleum Jelly into your blushers or eye shadows, to amp up your cheeks or add shine to your eyes. Make it creamy girls! You are welcome!

Try this at home and if you have any additional tips, please comment on this post! You have been Frugalled!

3 Fantastic uses for your Mason Jars

2014-04-14T04:35:00.000-07:00

These jars has stirred up a sensation for the a while now and this past weekend I bought a few for fun! These days they are used so creatively and so I thought... I fell in love with these when I was a child but had no idea how trendy and fashionable they would become in future, so let me explore their uses...

Here are 3 fun uses for the popular mason jar! A little look beyond the ordinary! Enjoy!

Pre-pack your meals

I love this idea! I am always trying to find ways to get lunch sorted quickly! I discovered this idea in my quest to find cool uses for my jars! Take Sunday evening and bottle your lunches, from soups, to salad, to pasta, this is a great way to ensure that you have healthy meals on the go.

Head over to The Kitchn to see how to make what I call A Mason Salad! I love the look of the layered ingredients! Just make sure you put your dressing in the jar first, so that your lettuce don't geet soggy... you will see what I mean when you visit The Kitchn. This is also a great picnic idea.

Pretty Gift Packaging

This is a very simple idea which I think it so fun. Your gift will definitely steal the recipient's heart! Bottle your gift and finish off with raffia and a bow! So pretty. :)

Picture Frame Bottle

This is a fantastic idea! It is simple makes for a great centre piece for a table setting or simply making a statement next to a few pretty wild flowers on your home office's desk.

I hope you try at least one of these fun ideas. These jars are inexpensive and really creates a stir! Don't just put your ideas out there... Bottle them! LOL

xoxo
Mishtery

Win with Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Mascara!

2014-04-04T00:38:00.002-07:00

Now, if you feel that makeup should look natural, enhance your individual beauty and be more than just a pretty product, then you will love the Bobbi Brown. I must say, Bobbi Brown is my favourite makeup, simply because her philosophy is that every woman is a beautiful and with a little makeup, she is pretty powerful! That earned my respect and loads of BodyLove! Continue reading if you want to win one!

Powerful Mascara makes a difference and has a Heartbeat

Every year Bobbi Brown creates a beautiful limited edition product that benefit charities in different countries and this year, it is mascara! Can I get some love for this woman?! 100% of proceeds are donated! This campaign aims to empower, help educate and up skill women and girls. It is heart breaking that in some countries, girls do not have the privilege of getting a basic education and Bobbi's goal is to help remedy this.

Heartbeat

In South Africa, Bobbi has selected Heartbeart. This charity cares for the well-being of orphaned and vulnerable young women suffering from the impact of HIV. To learn more www.heartbeart.org.za - I love that South Africa is fortunate enough to be a beneficiary.

The Review

I had to try the Pretty Powerful Mascara and it definitely impressed me! Bobbi calls it the Everything mascara. I agree, it is everything! The packaging is bright pink, eye-catching and i love the way Pretty Powerful is scribbled on. The brush is nice and big. I usually go for lengthening mascara's, so the brush tends to be long and thin. The combination of the mascara formula and brush, is exciting to me. The mascara glides on the lashes. After the first coat, I could see the lengthening, thickening of my lashes, after the second and third coat... My lashes were even more defined and made me a powerful woman! Lol In my opinion, this is the go-to mascara! Try it! You will love it! Great value at R310!

------------

How to enter:

Answer the following question on any of my platforms, including my blog:

What is the name of the charity that Bobbi Brown supports in South Africa?

For an extra entry:

Share this competition your Facebook profile

or Follow me on Instagram @Mishtery10 and like my Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Mascara pics!

or Tweet @Mishtery10 with your answer, using these hashtags #bobbibrownsa #prettypowerful

Like the Bobbi Brown South Africa on Facebook

Competition closes on 11 April 2014, at 12:00 midday.

--------------

Support from blogs! Pretty Powerful Bloggers!

I am so happy to say that I have fellow bloggers who support the Pretty Powerful Campaign! Check out what they think about the campaign and mascara!

www.simplysiyaam.com - Siyaam Ally - A Style Diary of an Attorney

www.raylene.co.za - Raylene Harvey - Style Diary of A geek girl

www.becomingyou.co.za - Lifestyle blog by Kathryn Rossiter!

The InstaGrammy goes to ... Rimmel!

2014-03-18T02:31:00.001-07:00

It was so delicious... I could not even feel a bit of guilt! LOL

This past Friday, we at the Good Housekeeping office were treated to the most amazing cupcakes, compliments of Rimmel London who celebrated 1980 years of cool! These cupcakes were so delicious and beautiful, I had to firstly... Instagram (follow me on @Mishtery10) it and then devour it! Making these cupcakes the best candidate for my first InstaGrammy (A just for fun award!) LOL.

To 180 years of cool! Go Rimmel!

180 Years?! Yes, really! Amazingly enough this brand was established in the 1800's! The marketing started with royalty... Kings, queens, empresses and now celebs, models and singers like, Rita Ora and the ever beautiful and enigmatic model, Kate Moss!

FUN FACTS:

Rimmel started out as a perfumery.
Eugene Rimmel was 14 when he became part of the perfumery.
Mr Rimmel developed and sold mouth rinses at one stage!
Rimmel is the word for mascara in various languages... to this day! - That is how popular Rimmel mascara is!

Here's to youth, glam, cutting edge and trend-setting beauty! May you continue to add volume, STAY MATTE, look at the world with SCANDAL EYES and excitement to the lives and face of your audience...

Check out this cool video in celebration of youth and innovation of this rocking brand!

Image Source

BodyLove: Beauty is fleeting! Own it!

2014-01-29T05:58:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I spent a glorious spa day with two people who are close to my heart, Raylene from Diary of an innocently oblivio us girl and my cousin, Janine!

A Caesar Salad and a conversation please!

My friend, Raylene is very health conscious and does her best to keep in shape and it shows. My cousin, Janine is a leggy beauty with the longest black hair. Between the two, I felt... hmmm, pretty okay!

We got to chatting about beauty, the flaws and the fabulous over a Caesar salad and an ice-tea. My cousin told us that she feels a bit insecure about certain areas of her body. It was confirmation that even the most gorgeous women have a distorted body image.

That thing that makes you who you are

I felt frustrated because to so many women and men, my cousin is absolutely beautiful and has nothing to worry about. In her mind, she had a few major flaws which only really exists in her grey matter.

When you focus so much on the external, you forget about the internal. You miss the beauty inside of yourself because you are to pre-occupied with the media's idea of what you are supposed to look or act like. As life goes, we lose that youthful beauty and as it fades, something else has to take centre stage... That thing that makes you who you are. Your individuality, that thing that makes you the best aunt or story-teller or dress maker or whatever makes you different and memorable.

Faking it is contagious

BodyLove means taking care and accepting where you are, while you are on your way to getting where you want to be and not letting your 'flaws' rule your life. So if I think of my own 'flaws', it is probably the few extra kilos I have gained but while I am in this space, I am owning it. It is not stopping me from enjoying life and it is not going to dictate what or how I feel about myself. This is not easy because on the days that I truly feel bad about myself, I have to force it or fake and trust me... This is the true test.

So, to get back the spa day... Sure, I felt insecure when we got to the pool but I didn't stop me! Was I seriously going to cover up when I was in the company of people who love and respect me? No!

I recall Raylene's words when I was younger... She said; "Girl fake it until you make it!". So while I faked my confidence when I dropped my towel... I was figuratively clutching all the parts of my body that I didn't want to highlight and my insides were screaming nooooooo! On the flipside, I really gained power by ignoring my body issues. It was simple, I decided to fake the hell out of it and to enjoy myself with my loved ones rather than miss out on the opportunity to make memories that would last!

The real confidence was a direct result of facing the thing that made me uncomfortable... That was confident feeling was contagious, because my cousin absorbed enough of it to enjoy herself and lay off the self lashings for a while.

We only have so much time in these bodies... We might as well make the best of it. Beauty is fleeting and we have to adapt at every change and every age! Oprah always speaks about your authentic self... So, let that person shine through.

Lots of BodyLove,

Mishtery

Raylene also posted about our spa day! Click here to read about it!

Image source

15 On Orange

If you are looking for clever design and sophistication, you should give 15 On Orange a whirl. Suntra Spa is located on the 7th floor of this trendy hotel. The spa offers, expert staff, five-star treatment, stunning views of the mountain and a pool deck that will make you want to stay for more. As well as access to Cinnamon Coffee Shop and Murano Bar for cocktails or a beautiful light meal (Try the Ceasar salad at Cinnamon! It is to die!) Click here to read more about 15 On Orange.

Image Source

Click here to view the video

Best Body Boosting Quotes

2014-01-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to simply remind myself and everyone out there of their beauty... Both inside and out!

Image source

Source image

Image source

Show courage by loving the body you were blessed with!

Have a beautiful weekend!

#BodyLove

Mishtery

BodyLove is tough

2014-01-15T04:18:00.002-08:00

The New Year comes standard with good feelings, hope for the future and good resolutions. This means, I will lose weight, I will get that promotion, I will start a group for whatever is important or of interest to you… So in the spirit of the good resolutions, I will be kind to my body.

As you all know, I started BodyLove a while back and as a lot of good intentions go… Mine got side tracked by being to busy to pay attention to what really matters. So I have a bit of a confession… I backslid on my own BodyLove.

In 2011, I was so excited about claiming my love for my body and treating it better. I gained so much confidence helping others realize their BodyLove, that when summer came, I went to the beach and dropped my cover up! I felt victorious! I finally overcame my issues with my body.

Last year, my life went into a different direction. I decided to get serious about my career and ended up neglecting my body and its needs. I got sick a few times and most of the time it was stress related. Ughhh, stress’ good friends, emotional eating, sleep deprivation and ultimately weight gain paid me a visit and stuck around. I went from a size 12 to a size 14. Truthfully, I am not feeling my best self. I think that size 12 is my happy weight… Both emotionally and physically!

This presents a revised resolution to get my weight down to the size that makes me feel like ME. J This summer I went to the beach and could not bear, to bare it all. I was playing in the waves with my cover up over my bathing suit which made me feel restricted. I realized that I was back where I had started, when I was critical of my body and caring too much about what other people say. I will be doing more regular BodyLove posts which I hope everyone will enjoy, as well as welcome people to write their own BodyLove post for you, my audience!

Lots of BodyLove,

Mishtery

New Jo Malone Boutique opened in town!

2014-01-06T02:58:00.002-08:00

Last year ended on a very high note! Jo Malone came to town and took residence in Canal Walk. I was very excited to learn that this fragrance heaven with its understated style and timeless elegance found another new home in the Mother City!

As I have posted about Jo Malone and raved about its charm, bespoke perfumes and unusual combinations, I can say without a doubt the new branch will does not fail to deliver!

At the launch I was welcomed with a glass of bubbly, warm service, knowledgeable staff and a host of intriguing scents as can be expected at Jo Malone Boutiques! The Tasting Bar is an absolute must when visiting the store. I was treated to a deliciously indulgent Hand and Arm Massage with Jo's unexpected combinations... Transporting me to a glimpse of what I believe heaven smells like.

To celebrate the opening of Jo Malone's new boutique, I am giving away a 30 ml Jo Malone cologne valued at R545, including a voucher for a complimentary Hand and Arm massage! An experience you need to start the new year on a NEW and UNEXPECTED note!

All you need to do is follow me on Instagram @Mishtery10 and answer the following question:

What is the name of the fragrance station where you will be treated to a Hand and Arm massage?

The winner will be announced on the 15th of January 2014.

Happy New Year every one!

Visit The World of Jo Malone at Canal Walk, Shop no 653 UL

xoxo

Madiba Magic Forever

2013-12-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

RIP Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Madiba's passing was bittersweet. We knew his health had been critical for a number of months and that his life would slowly come to an end. I think most people experienced the same feelings of relief and disbelief when the news of his departure broke.

City Hall, Cape Town, 6 December 2013

A few years from now, people will ask; "Where were you when you heard the news of Madiba's passing?". My answer will be; "In my bed, chatting on Whatsapp with my boyfriend. My boyfriend sent me three words; 'Madiba died hun.'. As quickly as I could process what I had just read, I switched on my TV and watched in silence as my eyes welled up with tears, as president Zuma announced that our beloved Mandela passed away in his Houghton home at 20:50 on 5 December. A deep sense of sadness enveloped me as I watched the news until 02:00 the following morning.

Two little girls representing the change

It touched me to see how gently president Zuma broke the news. It felt like Madiba was my own blood relative and that he was part of my family. A tear rolled down my face, as I realised once again what a magnificent contribution Madiba had made, what a force he was and what a loss have suffered.

There is nothing I can say about Madiba that has not been said by counless others. So I reiterate; He was a man with a purpose, a father to a nation, a son to his father and he lived selflessly, putting South Africans, his family of 52 million people first. He was a man. He was a great man.

Celebration of a legend

I give God all the honour for the life of this legend. Thank You God for sending Your best Freedom Fighter turned, Peace Maker, to prepare the ground and plant the seeds of true Freedom in South Africa. I believe there will be another valliant person with the same passion, by Your grace. I am just not sure if I will be alive to see it.

RIP Madiba, your magic will never fade. Madiba Magic Lives.

For a summarised version of his biography, click here to visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Paying my respects

Got mint? Find out how Peppermint can work for you!

2013-10-21T23:40:00.001-07:00

Image Source

Every so often I discover a herb or plant or life enhancing product that I want to share. Peppermint poked my interest this time around.

My other half and I have a favourite refreshing drink we love to share... A virgin Mojito! There is nothing like the cooling refreshing taste of crushed ice, lemon slices and that unmistakeable taste of a few sprigs of peppermint on a hot summer's day.

Yesterday, I was watching Expresso on SABC3 and the dietician they featured made a recommendation that got me thinking. She said adding fresh peppermint leaves to water is a great way to enjoy water and that its aroma also boosts memory and concentration are promoted by the aroma of peppermint. Now that is a great benefit!

This made me curious and I wanted to know what other fantastic benefits are locked up inside of this pretty scented leaf. This is what I found:

According to medical experts, peppermint is aids in soothing nausea and digestive problems.
Peppermint plants is great for use and growing indoors. So where concentration is required, you can replace flowers in your home or desk with a peppermint pot plant.
Peppermint oil soaked cotton balls will keep common critters like ants at bay. Ants hate the smell of mint.
Peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed on your temples is a great alternative way to ease a headache or sinus congestion according to herbalists.
A hot steaping cup of peppermint tea before bedtime prepares the mind and body for a deep relaxing rest. This is wonderful for the sleep deprived. Feeling gassy? Have some peppermint tea, apparently its effective in relieving gas build up in the intestines.

There are so many healthy reasons why you should incorporate peppermint into your diet... I have and I am drinking my tea right now... So its not just meant for bad breath or toothpaste! Here is something to consider... The University of Kiels found that Peppermint oil depression and even apathy! Get your mint in and be happy! :)

BodyLove,

Mishtery

Friday Food Fest: Mishtery jams with Jade

2013-10-18T00:10:00.001-07:00

Friday Food Fest is all about celebrating good food with joy. Food Jamming with Jade by Jade de Waal does exactly that! Food jamming is a rocking and mouth watering way of preparing food and sharing it with your friends and family. In case you need a reminder of what Food Jamming is about, click here or visit her Facebook page: Food Jams

I jammed to the goodness of Patatas Bravas with a good rib eye and boy was that a hit with my other half and my dad! This is a great weekend recipe. Turn up the music and jam while you breeze through this recipe. :)

So, as I always say... Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself!

Serves 4

500 g waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges vegetable oil, for deep-frying

TOMATO SAUCE

4 Tbsp (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 red chilli, finely chopped

1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes

ó tsp (2.5 ml) sugar

ó tsp (2.5 ml) salt

1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika

1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar

AÏOLI

1 egg

1 clove garlic

1 cup (250 ml) extra virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp (5 ml) red wine vinegar

1. Place the potato wedges in a saucepan of cold salted water, bring to the boil and cook until almost soft, about 10 minutes.

2. Drain the potato wedges and pat dry.

3. Heat a small pot half-fi lled with vegetable oil and deep-fry the potato wedges until golden brown.

4. To make the tomato sauce, heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

5. Add the onion and brown for 7 minutes until soft.

6. Add the chilli and cook for another 2 minutes.

7. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and smoked paprika. Stir well.

8. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until thick.

9. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vinegar and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

10. To make the aïoli, place the egg in a food processor together with the garlic.

11. Add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and blend until incorporated.

12. Add the rest of the olive oil in a thin stream with the motor running, until you have a creamy mayonnaise-style sauce. Stir in the vinegar and season to taste.

13. To serve, sprinkle the potato wedges with a little salt and serve with the sauce and aïoli on the side.

TIP: You can also use a hand blender instead of a food processor to make the aïoli, but it’s more diffi cult to add ingredients and blend at the same time.

Get it, you will love it! Available at all good bookstores.

Smokey Bobbi makes the BestList!

2013-10-15T00:26:00.002-07:00

I was so excited to do this post, I just had to take a moment before I continue to throw all my Bobbi Brown makeup on my desk this morning and do my Instant Pretty makeup! Ahh, ready! :)

Yesterday was the launch of two pretty amazing editions to the Bobbi Brown counters across South Africa! Every woman wants to try the iconic smokey eye look, and every woman should! The only problem is that it seems intimidating, plus what if you mess it up you could look like a royal flop?

NEW SMOKEY EYE MASCARA

Bobbi Brown has created a new range called the Smoking Hot Smokey Eye Collection which makes the BestList! This collection features a stunning and beautifully packaged Smokey Eye Mascara which lives up to its promise! Its super-saturated kajal pigmented formula provides high drama and long-wear with its colour intensity. The brush separates, defines and it completely buildable!

Bobbi's Smokey Eye Mascara

NEW SMOKEY EYE KAJAL LINER

I love this eye liner! It is super-blendable, richly pigmented and effortless to use! This dual-ended liner contains a creamy colour which creates just the desired amount of drama with use of the built-in smudger. So incase you are wondering... This dreamy liner is formulated with Palm Kernel and Japanese Fruit wax. This is awesome! Trust me! These ingredients makes the application of the pencil smooth, effortless with even colour distribution without tugging of the eyelid. Available in six different colours to suit your style.

Smokey Eye Kajal Liner

Book Now to experience Bobbi's NEW Smokey Eye Mascara and NEW Smokey Kajal Eye

Liners at the Bobbi Brown Make-up School at one of the following stores:

Canal Walk

021 821 1500

14 – 20 October 2013

V&A Waterfront

021 418 8188

22 – 27 October 2013

Tygervalley

021 914 2072

29 October – 03 November 2013

Sandton

011 884 4818

22 - 28 October 2013

Menyln

012 369 8500

23 – 27 October 2013

Eastgate

011 622 9982

29 October – 03 November 2013

You will love this experience! Try it for yourself! Don't take my word for it!

I haven't been blogging and this is why!

2013-10-08T00:22:00.001-07:00

Good morning world!

In a nutshell the Mishtery's life changed so much in the last two months! There is a multitude of reasons why I took sooo long to post!

Top reasons why I have not been able to blog:

I resigned from my job as designer at a top publishing company to join magazines.
I have worked like a crazy person finishing my notice period!
Admin, due to job change! Yes people, beware! I didn't realize how time consuming this would be.
I joined magazines! A great new mag every woman in my age group should buy.
A new kitchen. What a dramatic process. *Life interrupted* *dramatic screams*
Deadlines. New job. Good impression. Time needed.
Tired.
I turned 30!! My eyes failed me and I now need specs!
I went to the dentist and have to have my wisdoms removed!
Too tired! *brutal honesty*

After seven years working in book publishing, my colleague and I have decided to pursue new careers! Look at the pretty farewell gifts! Leaving the people was the hardest.

My birthday was on the 10th of September and I was spoilt rotten! From spa treatments, flowers, cake to hand bags, yummy beauty products and my new team singing Happy Birthday in English and Afrikaans! I think my favourite part was driving to work and seeing the brightest, boldest rainbow! Thank You Big Guy!

Okay, so I am starting a new kind of post called... BestList... If I could only be Oprah... Everyone would have been getting one! Or maybe someone will be getting one! Hmmm, that sounds like a good plan! Stay tuned!
My Best list at this moment is: Bobbi Brown, Narciso Rodriguez for her and yes in the spirit of good braai's every where, Jan Braai Vuurwarm.

How appropriate, with all the changes the past few months... I thought it was the best kind of irony to be offered a table at Madame Zingara... As my life has been a huge adjustment, filled with many great blessings... It has been a real Theatre of Dreams... [Bottom left: Raylene from Innocently Oblivious blog and me on the right! Check out our amazing art on the left eye! ]

BodyLove,

Mishtery

Jade de Waal is Wow! A Woman of Wonder!

2013-08-07T14:06:00.002-07:00

_________

I love August! It really is the Woman's Month! In celebration of women, I am featuring three

Women of Wonder and adding a little something to sweeten this deal!
Give away time!

_________

Yesterday I had the pleasure of celebrating two big occasions in this young lady's life! The first is Jade's 23rd birthday! And the second is the launch of Jade's cookbook, Food Jamming with Jade!

Image: Food Jamming with Jade

About Jade!

This is one impressive young woman! At 23, Jade has so many accolades to her name from being amongst the youngest participants on the first season of MasterChef in South Africa, to award-wining musician, an activist in the community and founder of Food Jams to name only a few!

Jade is well-known as a fresh, vibrant foodie! Her love for food began as a young girl with strong influences from her mom, grand mothers and aunt, Sonia Cabano! According to Jade's father she found the right balance of traditional and modern cuisine. This young woman has big dreams of studying under the tutelage of Jamie Oliver and home-grown, Ruben Riffel! Jade is currently working and gaining experience at The Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town and wants to eventually open her own cooking school!

Food Jams? What is a Food Jam?

It is a great time with friends or strangers, no alcohol required, or upon request! LOL A Food Jam is a gathering of people who cook together with music in the background and the emphasis is on FUN! Jade initially started Food Jamming with friends for fun and it grew from friends to strangers getting to know each other, to corporate team building and it is growing day by day! Watch this video!

I had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with seasoned foodie journos, bloggers and booksellers at Jade's parents' home where the Food Jams are hosted. Ahh, I am in love with that house and the kitchen... I was in culinary heaven! The food was delectable! It was a feast. With mini stoves, untensils, pots, pans, fresh ingredients and the desire for cooking... Jade nailed the perfect party for Food Lovers and closet-chefs like yours truly!

We cooked pork gourgette burgers, patatas bravas with the most amazing sauce, puff daddies and Sweet potato and prawn cakes which are so good... I swear, my tastebuds ascended to heaven for a few moments and then returned to its rightful place! WOW!

And on that note, I emplore you to get up and jam, food style! NB Publishers sponsored A Bunch of Mish-takes blog with two signed copies of Jade's cookbook for two lucky winners!

Enter this competition to win this fantastic book. It is so much fun, you might just find your other cookbooks jamming at all hours of the night when you add this one to your collection.

Let your dreams be your Arsenal!

2013-07-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

This morning my other half insisted that I watch a clip of a Vietnamese Arsenal soccer fan! I was thinking, it is too early for this and I am not in the mood for soccer but I am glad that inspite of my lack of excitement, that I watched it. The clip is called the Running Man! It is about a young fan who runs 5 miles (that is 8 kilometres) after a bus carrying his dream team. You must really do yourself a favour and watch this clip... While watching this clip, I was thinking... Aghh... but then I saw this youngster running and later riding on the back of a scooter to meet the Arsenal team. It made me realise, that this guy was chasing a dream. One that seemed like it would not succeed... LOL

It takes heart to go after your dreams...Team that is! A simple clip with a strong message that says... If you really put your mind to it, you will gain the fire to chase your dreams!

Thank you to a great Arsenal fan for sharing this clip with me! Now I get to share it with all of you!

Have a great day friends!

BodyLove,
Mishtery

Ps. Did you see the abs on that Running man?!

Bobbi Brown shares her secret with Mishtery!

2013-07-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

Every woman wants to be a flawless beauty. Sometimes you want to roll out of your bed, get ready in 5-10 minutes and face the day confidently. Now, to be naturally beautiful is one thing... Because everyone has natural beauty but, to be flawless is unfortunately not in every woman's cards... This woman included...

A few weeks ago I visited Bobbi Brown at Tyger Valley's Edgars. All my life makeup has been a terrible struggle because of the dark circles under my eyes. These rings of horror become so defined when I am tired or having sinus problems and then the dreaded women's troubles also paints panda eyes onto my face. Everytime I think I've found the right makeup to conceal my areas of concern, its in vain... Because I have to plaster my face with foundation, which I don't really like to do. Until...

Bobbi Brown's Corrector and Concealer combination restored my faith in wearing makeup with confidence. Bobbi Brown's phillosophy is keeping it natural! Being natural gets the BodyLove stamp of approval from me!

The history of Bobbi

As with all success stories, Bobbi Brown had a passion... Her's was and still is makeup. From a young age, Bobby loved watching her mom practise her beauty rituals. She later studied the art of theatrical makeup as a result and moved to the Big Apple to work as a makeup artist. She quickly realised that there was a gap in the market for natural looking makeup that enhances beauty and does not make a woman look overly made up.

She revolutionized the beauty industry by introducing 10 brown-based lipsticks. The birth of these lipsticks was the start of the established revolutionary brand we know and love.

She believes in teaching her makeup artists to teach women to be there own pro artist. So when I visited the Bobbi counters at Tyger Valley Centre and the V&A Waterfront, I had the Pretty Powerful and Instant Pretty makeup lessons. The great thing is that you receive a personalised face chart that lists the products used during your lesson. This is a free service! So it is a must try!

Do yourself a favour and visit a Bobbi Brown counter and let her A-team teach you how to look your best and enhance your beauty. Do it! Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself!

BodyLove,
Mishtery

The Vintage Experience of Aletta to Alice

2013-06-25T07:20:00.002-07:00

As you all know, the buzz around Cape Town is Vintage! It is a trend for the bold, fashionable and daring!

Last year I was behind the scenes of a photoshoot done for Aletta to Alice, a vintage brand that does not fail to impress the old-fashioned at heart! This is an online store owned by a friend of mine with a great eye for vintage and style!

Aletta to Alice will be at the Mid-Year Market by The Vintage Experience at Truth Coffee Cult located: The Fringe Design District, 36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town

Make an evening of it on 26 June (tomorrow night)! The market will be from 5pm to 9pm. Join us! There will be pizza's, goooood coffee, great fashion at excellent prices! See you there! :)

Join Aletta to Alice on Facebook to keep up to date with the great vintage updates!

Jo Malone makes scents to Mishtery!

2013-06-19T15:26:00.002-07:00

Ah smell, the most underrated sense of the human body... Until you have encountered the heart-warming aroma of freshly baked bread, the crisp air after the rain or the scent of your partner’s scarf when you bury your nose in it to shield you from the cold. Fragrance is to the nose as heaven is to the Angels.

As a creative, I am invigorated by passionate people who inspire through their craft. After visiting The World of Jo Malone in the V&A Waterfront, I am certain that this is not just cologne, it is unadulterated art! Perfumery has always poked my interest, so this past Saturday my bff and blogger, Raylene of Diary of an Innocently Oblivious and Hapicup and I visited Jo Malone.

Jo Malone

Jo Malone is an undeniable brand if you are a perfume connoisseur. Jo Malone is a London brand! Straight out of the UK. Jo pushes the boundaries of making scents and experiments with unlikely ingredients such as Saffron and Lime Basil. What I love about Jo Malone is the freedom to create. Each one of her perfumes is ready to wear on its own and can be layered or used together in what she trademarked as The Art of Fragrance Combining. I thought that you have to spend exorbitant amounts of money to be able to afford bespoke fragrance, but Jo Malone makes it possible to own my own signature fragrance. It is still pricey but I can build my bespoke scent over time and money. 

The Tasting Bar

The staff at Jo Malone will assist you in tailoring the perfect combination that will suit you and your body’s chemistry. Jo believes layering different textures (such as crèmes, body oils and bath scents) of the scents that you like to forge a longer lasting scent. When I was treated to The Tasting Bar, the combining process was explained to me and scents were chosen according to my preference.

Remember: A good cologne or perfume comprises of a top note or head note which you will smell right away, a middle note or heart note that carries the sent before the top note diffuses and a base note which you will smell after 30 minutes. I will do a follow up post that will explain fragrances in depth.

My arms and hands were wiped down with a warm towel to open my pores and prep the skin. This is followed by the bath oil, Pomegranate Noir and the application of velvety body crème and the grand finale of Jasmine and Mint cologne sprayed onto my skin and followed by a cupped motion of the hands to blend the scents.

What a wonderful experience! I still feel heady and overwhelmed by the luxury, quality of service and product that makes Jo Malone a pungent force in the world of fragrances. This is a service that is available to you at no cost upon request when you visit Jo Malone. Upon completion you will be given a chart with a fragrance arc and the assistant will record the combination for you to keep. I recommend you try the Tasting bar! You will love it. Don’t take my word for it though, try it for yourself.

A special thank you to Raylene of Diary of an Innocently Oblivious and Hapicup for being my photographer for the day and to the Glamour Gloss Girls at Topshop SA for beautiful blue manicure!

The rest of the photos are on my Facebook page, A Bunch of Mish-takes, if you want to see more! :)

An Instaweek!

2013-06-14T03:28:00.002-07:00

So the Mishtery took to Instagram and I love it! Here are some Instapics of the week!

If you see any pics you like, follow me on Instagram @Mishtery10 and I will follow you back. :)

InstaMish!

BodyLove: Ashleigh shares her love!

2013-06-12T01:52:00.001-07:00

Ashleigh Davids is a confident young wordsmith, a singer, a poet, an editor and a blogger. A creative force. A free spirit. I met Ash through mutual friends and right away I loved her passion, genuine interest in people and her hair! This woman is one to follow. So watch this space. At 20 she was named Editor in chief of Live magazine... I asked Ashleigh to write her thoughts on BodyLove, to share with you. Enjoy!

I’m at a crossroads, far away from my intended healthy eating plan or enthusiastic exercise routine, somewhere between throwing out the clothes in my cupboard I feel are unflattering and no longer wear, taking better care of my frizzy hair and continuing my path of minimal makeup and modest dress sense.

As I venture on and thrive to make better decisions concerning my health, body and lifestyle I find myself in a fix. I’ve always been aware of the various products, services, activities and practical changes alike that one could make to improve and better ones life, and furthermore, ones perception of self and level of BodyLove.

I’ve also known that these things could quickly become a crutch, a lifeline, a necessity we feel we cannot live without - an unwelcome god which we worship and idolize. I did not want that.

Truth is none of these things, however beneficial, will ever make us beautiful. We were created that way.

Coming to a full and complete sense of body love, is perhaps an eternal journey and lifetime commitment more than it is an occasion or a milestone at the end of a race.

There are many things about me I love, and other things I hope to improve - equally sure that this is as much an emotional, mental and spiritual quest as it is physical - I watchfully guard my mind, body and spirit.

BodyLove starts with a conscious choice. A conscious choice I made yesterday, one I make today, tomorrow and every other day of my life.

What do you choose?

BodyLove,
Ashleigh

Connect with Ashleigh:
Blog: http://ashleighdavids.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @AshleighDavids

A bag of Mish-tricks saves the night!

2013-06-09T14:39:00.001-07:00

It seems everything happens on a Friday! Have you noticed how crunch time always seem to take ownership of what should be the winding-down day of the week? Well, Friday past was no exception. I found myself sleep deprived and managing to just about stay awake mentally for the most part.

Let me tell you Tuesday to Friday has been nothing but deadlines, urgent matters and bleh... Too much of everything. So in this zombie-like, preoccupied and panicked state, I reserved my seat to attend our annual book awards ceremony and later cancelled. Long story short, I ended up attending this semi-formal event at The Commodore hotel with a pair of skinny jeans and beaded jersey. FACE PALM. I swore then and there never to be unprepared ever again! So here is what saved the day! A bag of Mish-tricks! In a flat spin I accquired the following items that would transform my look from day time to evening.

The Bag!
I swopped my work tote for this cute studded number. I chose this bag because I like the size and it sharpened my look without looking like I tried too hard. A clutch would do the trick too but I felt like bringing my own flavour.

The Heel!
I hate high heel shoes! Yes, I know... Not very lady like but they kill my feet. If you are going to suffer, wear a shoe that wow's while you owe in your head... Guilty! I thought this number was a great choice.

The Props
I love accessories and hardly ever buy anything without acquiring at least one accessory. I figured... since I will in all likelihood have a glass of vino, I would make a statement with a nice cocktail ring. My hair was not particularly fresh and clean, so I had a nice sleek bun and to draw attention away from my not so Pantene hair... I went for a larger pair of earings. Pretty vintage flower. :)

The Makeup
One thing that a makeup artist taught me was to draw attention to either the eyes or the lips... I chose the eyes. I always have my smokey eye trio shadow, concealer, white eye pencil and a pot rouge! To quote Bobbi Brown; "Concealer is the secret of the universe..." Makeup universe that is... It covers my dark circles caused by lack of sleep, sinus and allergies. (Also known as the beating the week laid on me.) My own favourite item in my makeup bag is my white eye pencil! It makes the eyes look fresh and bright. Only lining the bottom of my eyelid does the trick. Thank goodness for pot rouge! This is revolutionary. Its lip colour and cheek colour in one! Mascara is my personal preference rather than black eye pencil and if I can recommend a product, the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift Mascara is perfect. It strengthens and lengthens lashes! Try it!

The Conclusion
A great time was had by all and this is what I looked like! It took 10 minutes to achieve this look.

A Mish-take: I am stuffing all these transforming goodies into my studded bag of Mish-tricks and leaving it in my car's boot! Girls, you should be jumping on this band wagon and creating your own bag of Mish-tricks! If you have your own quick tricks, please comment below! Let me know!

Mishtakenly,
Mishtery

Friday Food Fest: Creamy Beef Potjie Goodness

2013-06-07T01:09:00.001-07:00

Ah, winter! Scarves, beanies and warm accessories time! Love.

Also the time of the year when the outdoors may not be the best idea and while that might be true... Esspecially with the hale we weathered this past weekend, which I mistakenly took as snow (not having seen snow in my life before)...

This time of year food becomes a comfort. And it is at its best enjoyed with friends and family infront of a crackling fire with a glass of port (or good red wine - I am not a red wine fanatic, hense the port. :) ) So if you are brave enough and love the outdoors inspite of the cruel winter days, here is a delicious potjie recipe for you! This recipe is going to take some time to make but that is why we have friends! You will need to: Dress warmly, practise patience, have good company and sip on a drink of choice while making this mouthwatering dish.

Please enjoy this scrumptious potjie. Don't take my word for it! Try it for yourself!

Serves 6 | Preparation time 10 minutes | Cooking time 2 hours

Creamy beef potjie

This stalwart is the South African version of beef stroganoff, and it’s worth the wait.

butter, for frying
4 leeks, white parts only, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
freshly ground black pepper
2 cups brown mushrooms, chopped
1 cube of beef stock
1 kg stewing beef with the fat still on, cubed
1 glass of red wine
1 tub (250 g) cream cheese
1 handful of parsley, finely chopped

In a cast-iron potjie, melt a knob of butter over the coals. Add the leeks and garlic and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper. Let it sweat over low heat for about 10 minutes until soft.

Add the mushrooms, crumble the cube of beef stock into the potjie and place the meat on top.

Pour the wine over the meat and cover the potjie with a tight-fitting lid.

Let it simmer over lukewarm coals for about 2 hours. Alternatively, bake it in a preheated oven at 140 °C for 2 hours. When the meat is tender, stir in the cream cheese.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Tip:

In a hurry? Cut rump into thin strips or buy beef strips. Quickly brown the meat and set aside, then follow the recipe. Simmer everything together for 20 minutes. Add the cooked meat just before dishing up.

This recipe was taken from Go! Weekend Food by Alret Lintvelt. Available at all good bookstores!

BodyLove: Elise warns against Jolie's Mastectomy

2013-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know it has been quite some time since I have shared some BodyLove. Reason... Quality over quantity and my latest post is a guest post by Elise Fernandez. A friend of mine who survived breast cancer, a cancer activist, a mother, a fighter, a trooper, a brave hearted strong woman. In this post Elise shares her opinions about the controversy surrounding Tomb Raider star and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The article of Angelina Jolie and her brave decision to have a bilateral mastectomy concerns me. While every woman or man has the right to decide how they deal with being a high risk candidate for cancer to attack, I do believe that Angelina is sending out the wrong message. She speaks about her surgery as if she walked into the hospital and a few days later, like a super hero character in one of her movies, she walked out again.

While this is true for her, the reality is that for other women, who really suffer from breast cancer, who struggle through poverty, unemployment, disability, chemotherapy, abuse, abandonment, children who are substance abusers, and many more challenges that they have to deal with during fighting cancer, this is not the case. One does not just carry on with life after a bilateral mastectomy. Your breasts are connected to the rest of your body and when something is removed from the body it does not function exactly as it used to.

The scary part is that so many women will now be inspired to lose their breasts because they can just have new ones implanted. Be very careful when making this decision as it is not what it is "cut out to be". Medical aids and private care facilities are making a fortune by having people believe that this is the way to go. I understand that Angelina lost her mom to cancer, and she has every right to her decision. But she did not have cancer and she has all the money in the world that could increase her healing process. What's next on the cards? A multi million dollar movie about how she had to have her breast removed?

Please do not be deceived and do not believe the hype. As for our own media and newspaper houses, they need to stop perpetuating and re-enforcing ideologies and so called role models that influences the decisions of African people. For the rich, that type of surgery and it's after effects are a walk in the park. But cancer is not something to be glamorized and since I've had it, what I also find disturbing is the millions of funds that the awareness of the disease generates, only to land into the bank accounts of a select group of people who enrich themselves through this very important cause.

BodyLove,
Elise