CityGirl Searching

{Golden Hour}

2013-05-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

A few photographs with my new camera of our drive to the farm last weekend. With this kind of late afternoon wintery light, how can one resist not pulling over and snapping away...

Taking a MINI out for a spin!

2013-05-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago a Chloe (of DearChloePhotography) and I attended a very cool meet up with other local photographers in the KZN area. We headed out to MINI in Umhalanga to test drive some very snazzy cars, and learn a thing or two about photographing cars from one of Top Gear SA's very own local photographers. Such fun!

Below are some snaps of the day.

xxx

It's Official...We are South Korea Bound!

2013-05-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned some new adventures Farmboy & I have lined up. Well everything seems to have fast tracked and we are set to leave South Africa on the 20th June (a few nights stop over in Hong Kong) and then arrive in South Korea around the 24th.
I hope you all join me in these new adventures, I will still be posting lots of content here, but I will also be reviving up our first blog FarmboyandCitygirl.com.
So, I've got lots of lovely posts lined up for the our last few weeks here, and then, well, you'll just have to wait and see...
xxx

Our {Le Creuset} plunger gets a photoshoot!

2013-05-14T00:36:00.002-07:00

After getting my new camera {a Nikon d300s} and needing to get to grips with all the new buttons and levers, i decided to try it out on our favourite new kitchen piece.

I now present to you, our Le Creuset Coffee Plunger.

Coffee will never be the same again...

I also had to squeeze in a few shots of the rest of our collection (thanks mainly to the very generous guests at our wedding last year!)

You can get your paws on other lovely Le Creuset pieces online directly from the Le Creuset online store by clicking here, or through Yuppiechef. And they both deliver for free...score!

Happy shopping!

Stationary Giveaway {WINNER}

2013-05-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

And the winner of a gorgeous collection of South Korean stationery bits and pieces hand picked by me is...

Well done Nicola! Please drop me a tweet/email/comment below with your postal address and I will get your goodies off to you right away!
Thanks so much to everyone who entered!
xxx

{I'm back!}

2013-05-11T02:45:00.000-07:00

Farmboy and I arrived back in KZN late yesterday afternoon after a wonderful road trip through the Western and Eastern Cape. Here is a little glimpse into the beauty we past along the way...

I'm going to be picking a winner for the {stationery giveaway} I'm running! All you have to do is like RoxyPictures & CityGirlSearching on Facebook, and then tweet me (@RoxyPearce) to let me you have done so...Click here for more info.
Good luck! x

{Road Trip} away from the blog...

2013-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

Dear readers, I am typing this post from the gorgeous town/city/plekkie of Knysna. Farmboy had lots of important work related stuff to do here in the Western & Eastern Cape, and I have been lucky enough to tag along for the ride. So there won't be much posted on here until we hit home this weekend. In the mean time, here are some photographs (albeit Instagram snaps) till then.
I hope you are all having a wonderful week. x

Sigma Flat Kabuki Brush {review}

2013-05-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Gosh I am simply mad about the Sigma range of makeup brushes. And that was well before I was able to hold or use them. After reading a few of my favourite international beauty blogs (namely Tiffany & Vivianna) and seeing how these two ladies always seem to rave about the Sigma range I have been dying to get my paws on them.

The lovely folk at SigmaBeauty sent me a welcome package when I joined their affiliate program, and I was beyond excited to find one of their Kabuki brushes in my parcel. It was the F80 Flat Kabuki brush, designed for the application of buffed foundation. I have been happily bumbling along with my MAC #187 Stippling Brush which I love, but after using this one from Sigma, I now find my MAC brush a bit too chunky. It seems to absorb most of the foundation in its bristles, and doesn't seem to give me that flawless, airbrush finish I've been after. The Flat Kabuki does just that, the design of the bristles are much more compact, allowing for a more buffed appearance when blending.

I don't wear foundation everyday, but when I do, using this brush really makes blending a breeze. I just wish that we would pick up these brushes as easily here in South Africa as you can in the US. Sigma currently are running a 10% discount through the month of May by using the code RSR2013 when you check out.

AND...if you use my affiliate code 43087 you'll get a free gift when you spend over $30 online. So click here to start spending away! Happy Shopping!
{please note, I am in no way endorsed by Sigma. I am an affiliate which means that if you purchase anything from their website with my affiliate code, I will receive a very small portion of the sale}

Blogpost Catchup {April}

2013-05-03T09:20:00.002-07:00

A round up of some of my most popular posts this past month. {A giveaway, a gorgeous baby girl, cute kitties and my desk space} Just in case you missed anything :)

1. Breakfast at Toast {Home Tour} 2. My desk space 3. Stationery {Give-away!} 4. Tip Top Nail Colour 5. Essence Concealer {review} 6. Baking Pinspiration 7. Beauty & Buttons 8. Melah-Rose...all cute and cuddly 9. The wonderful work of animal photographer Sharon Montrose

{Our little home}

2013-05-02T00:57:00.001-07:00

Just a few snaps of the little space here in Pietermaritzburgt that we call home. Farmboy and I have been living here for a little over six months (yes! It's been over six months since we said 'I Do' in an old farm shed!), and well, we are {hopefully} only going to be here for another two...Not because we don't love this place, but because we have some adventurous travel plans lined up and are hoping to be out exploring this big bad world of ours :)
So, before its too late I wanted to share a few photos using my new camera {my lovely Canon 60D was stolen a few weeks ago...very sad face! We were not expecting insurance to pay us out at all, so when we got a sms notification at 4am the other morning confirming our payout we were overjoyed!}
I will post some piccies of my new camera soon...but for now, a few snaps of our little home.

Stationery Giveaway! {CLOSED}

2013-04-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

As promised on Facebook & Twitter last week I am opening up a giveaway of some very special and lovely pieces of stationery from South Korea. Farmboy and I are planning on heading back there later this year (if all goes according to plan) so I am having to be ruthless with all the stuff we have. So, I thought a giveaway would be the best way to deal with some of the stationery I have left over. Every single item was handpicked by me in Korea, and I'm sure the winner will love using it.

I am really wanting to grow my photography page on Facebook, and so (as well as liking the blog on Facebook, I ask that you kindly pop on over to RoxyPictures and give it some liking love). Share the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog to gain more entries. Please tag me (@roxypearce) in your tweet so I can keep tabs of who has done what. I will be choosing a winner on Sunday 12 May so make sure to get your 'likes' and shares in before then! So, to enter, like CityGirlSearching on Facebook RoxyPictures on Facebook & tweet (@roxypearce)/blog about this giveaway to gain more entries Good luck everyone! xxx {giveaway only open to SA residents}

{RoxyPictures} & {CityGirlSearching} whats what?!

2013-04-28T23:49:00.001-07:00

I think there might be a little confusion as to whats what here on the blog, and round and about on Facebook, so I thought I'd do a post to explain my two brands (don't I sound fancy!?) and what the difference is exactly.
I hope it all makes sense and doesn't leave you feeling more confuzzled!

This blog is called CityGirlSearching. It started as a way for me to showcase some of the interesting places I was visiting around South Africa. Then it branched out to include reviews of makeup and skin care products...then DIY projects. And now it is home to my creative side...with (what I hope & try to be) original posts about pretty things I see, and interesting places I visit. I call my blog a Lifestyle blog, as thats the term I feel best sums up whats this space is. The name came up after touching back down on South African soil after a year teaching English in South Korea. Our travel website while over there was called FarmboyandCityGirl, and so the CityGirl part has kinda stuck. And I was/am still searching for my place in this world, hence the name CityGirlSearching.

GirlSearching has its own Facebook Page too which you can visit by clicking here.
More recently, my blog has become a place to showcase my beginnings in the world of photography. Which brings me to my next point...

RoxyPictures is the name I have given to my photography brand/business. It might change in the future when I become the best people/pets/places/wedding/lifestyle/travel photographer in the world...but for now, I'm happy with it. On the RoxyPictures Facebook page, I am only posting images which I feel best showcase my work, while the CityGirlSearching Facebook Page is more of an amalgamation of pretty things I find online, links to my latest posts, and other more random bits and bobs. As I don't have a website for RoxyPictures yet (until it becomes full time I don't want to keep chopping and changing with the brand) so that is my reason for using the Facebook page as my portfolio. I do also post all my images on my blog with my RoxyPictures watermark...so thats another place to go to see more of my photography.
I hope you haven't been too inundated with links here in this post, and that it all is starting to make a little more sense. And if those weren't enough..
You can find CityGirlSearching on
Twitter Instagram Pinterest
P.S Don't get confused when you see my name and it looks different on some of my personal profiles. I was Roxy Pearce, and since 23rd September 2012 have since become Roxy Hutton (you can find more posts on our vintage farmyard wedding by clicking here).
xxx

Blog Post No# 500

2013-04-28T11:27:00.001-07:00

Dear readers! Today marked my 500th blog post here on CityGirlSearching. I'm not sure whether I'm more surprised that I've been disciplined enough to keep this little ol' blog going this long, or the fact that I've managed to {create} interesting enough posts to keep my readers coming back.
I started this blog as away to showcase pretty places I come across here in beautiful South Africa, to review makeup products that don't seem to feature much on the international beauty blogger scene, and it has now grown into so much more. I am now delving deeper into the exciting {but very often daunting} world of photography, and I also had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people through this world of blogging.
So I want to say thank you to each and every one of you. Seeing new likes on Facebook, finding new followers on Twitter, replying to the blog comments, it all makes me feel very warm and fuzzy inside :)
So here's to another 500 posts...of interesting, original & creative content that keeps you coming back for more!
If there are any posts in particular that you like and would enjoy seeing more of, please do drop me a line in the comments section below.
Happy Sunday! x

Some snaps of the {Vintage Festival} in Durban

2013-04-27T23:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Farmboy and I spent the morning manning my stall {Buttercup Collectibles} at the Retro Let's Go Vintage Festival at the Old DLI Hall in Durban. What a great turn out of market goers, who were dressed to the nines in 50's gear, ready to shop up a storm before the evenings festivities.
Here are a few photographs I managed to snap in between sales. Thanks to everyone who popped by to say hello, especially Nicola, Giselle, Fathima & Nadia...it was lovely to see you all.
And of course a huge thank you to everyone who bought pieces from me, I hope you enjoy then!
The last few bits that I have left I will be selling right here on the blog (think typewriters and tins!) so keep checking the blog for more on that.
xxx

{Happy Friday}

2013-04-26T03:36:00.001-07:00

I have been doing a little more design work recently (nothing too fancy...I didn't study graphic design or anything...I'm a self taught Photoshop junkie) but I'm quite proud of what I have been putting together. I'd love to hear what you think!
I hope you all have a wonderful friday today, and that you've got some fun plans for the weekend.

I'm going to be at Vintage Festival happening at the DLI Hall in Durban tomorrow selling these goodies. I hope you'll join be in what is sure to be an exciting event!
xxx

{Melah Rose} a beautiful bundle of joy

2013-04-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I posted a sneak peek of Melah Rose, just to give you a little hint. Here are the rest of a delightful morning spent with this gorgeous little one. She belongs to a dear friend of mine, Carmen, who is also a co-owner at Little Vintage {a boutique vintage clothing store} right here in Pietermaritzburg}.
I hope you enjoy these photographs, and I look forward to doing many more!
xxx

Snapping & Driving {Mini}

2013-04-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today, at exactly 08h00 I will be driving and shooting MINIs in Umhalanga! How cool is that?! I am heading out there with my dear friend Chloe of Dear Chloe Photography. The whole shebang has been organized by the super cool KIKI photographers 'club' which organizes and arranges cool meet ups and workshops for photographers all over SA. If you'd like to know more, click here.
So, in case you were wondering, thats what Ill be doing today :)

{Cute Kitties} Sharon Montrose

2013-04-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

Seriously?! I don't even have words for the amount of cuteness in each and every one of these photographs, and these are just the kitties...there are lions and tigers and bears oh my!

I LOVE MY JOB.

I’VE HAD THE SAME BEST FRIEND FOR 26 YEARS.

I GOOGLE EVERYTHING.

I’M ALWAYS COLD.

I RIDE MY BIKE.

"Melding her passion for photography with her love of animals, Sharon Montrose's definitive photographic style has made her one of the most sought-after commercial photographers specializing in animals for over a decade. In addition to eleven published photography books to her credit, Sharon shoots for some of the world’s foremost pet industry brands. Her animal series photographs are part of numerous public and private collections, including The Sir Elton John Photography Collection and have been awarded recognition by Communication Arts, Photo District News, The Art of Photography, Hey, Hot Shot!, and the International Photography Awards."

Sharon sells an incredible collection of prints through her online store {The Animal Print Shop} and I want each and every single one. See more about Sharon here.

Essence Concealer {review}

2013-04-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I am featuring this concealer, and the reason is simple...it's the best one I've ever used. Its easy on the pocket, does what it claims to do and leaves me a very happy chappy. It only comes in two shades which is a bit of pain for those of us who don't fit into either of them, but it's easily blended, meaning you could mix it in with your favourite foundation. I have raved about Revlon's Colourstay Concealer in the past, but this little guy takes the cake especially with its price tag of R35.99!

Have you tried any of Essence's other products? A review of their new BB cream up on the blog soon! xxx

Sew pretty...beauty & buttons

2013-04-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

I took these photographs a little while ago for a friend & client...we had such fun fiddling & styling the mannequin with tape measures and patterns, and I'm thrilled that she was happy with the outcome.
I am available for freelance work (the wider the range of content the better!). You can drop me a line here or drop me a line at citygirlsearching{at} gmail {dot}com. I look forward to hearing from you!

{Breakfast at Toast} Home Tour

2013-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

{My dream home}

These are from Chicago based Danielle Moss (a freelance graphic designer/photographer, co-founder of The Everygirl & blogger) home. I love the mix of soft hues, and the dash of pastel coral. Whats not to like?!

You can see more of Danielle here and here.

Book a photo shoot with {RoxyPictures}

2013-04-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I spent some time with a very sweet little one.
I took some photo's of my lovely friend Carmens latest addition to her gorgeous family...readers, meet Melah Rose.
Even with outside temperatures of 10C, Melah was as good as gold. Here is a sneak peek of this mornings shoot.
I am currently offering an {Autumn} special at the moment (even though it sure does feel like full blown winter!). Have a look at the poster below, and please do get in touch for more details. You can see more of my work on my Facebook Page RoxyPictures.
My camera and I look forward to meeting you! xxx

{Me and my Desk}

2013-04-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

I'm spending some time here today, brainstorming and thinking about future creative ventures. It's so cold here in Pietermaritzburg, but its a beautiful clear morning full of so many possibilities. Go on a grab life with both hands today!

{Buttercup Collectibles} at the Retro Vintage Festival in Durban 27 April!

2013-04-10T00:06:00.001-07:00

Come join me at the Vintage Festival happening in Durban on Saturday 27th April at 9h00 at the DLI Hall. I will be there with my stall {Buttercup Collectibles} selling lots of lovely vintage pieces and collectibles (think typewriters, books, kitchen pieces and glass jars!). I will be putting up photo's of what will be for sale on my Facebook Page later on this week, so make sure to stop on over there.
Don't forget to tell all your friends about the event...there will be a market from 9h00 - 13h00 and a Fifties Dance from 18h00 - 22h00. I look forward to seeing you all there!
{Pop on over to my Facebook Page *click here* for more info!} xxx

TipTop Nail Polish {collection}

2013-04-09T01:46:00.000-07:00

A few snaps of my TipTop collection of mauves and pinks (with a dash of glitter thrown into the mix).

You can get your paws on these awesome polishes for only R39.99 at your local Dischem or Clicks.

Click here for reviews of my TipTop collection.