It's all a bit smoky...

Image: isp101.net

Today’s unlikely make-up inspiration comes from Iceland’s’ Grimsvotn volcano.

Get your own smoky look with Rimmel Glam’Eyes Trio Eyeshadow in Twilight Zone, R89.95.

Most people try and start with the lightest colour, and build-up. But, my lovely and loud friend and make-up extraordinaire, Daniel Chavez taught me this clever trick:

Using a bullet-shaped brush (I use MAC 219 Pencil Brush - see below), start with the darkest colour first, close to your lash line, and 'blend, blend, blend'. Then take the middle shade slightly higher up the lid, and blend again. Then finish off with the lightest shade over the whole lid.

Easy as pie - even I can do it.

Read more pearls of beauty wisdom from Daniel at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107820509253736

Rapid Nail Transit

Just wanted to tell you about this life saver of a product – Revlon 60 Seconds Quick Dry Spray, R105.

As I’m very impatient at the best of times, so I can highly recommend it for its ‘doing what it says on the can –nes’

Simply pop-on your polish, and give your nails a quick spray from 10cm away, and in 1 minute, you’re ready to go. I wouldn’t advise anything too hectic, but if you’re careful-ish, you’ll be left with a practically dry, non-smudged, glossy manicure.

Wedding belles

I’m typing bleary eyed – the wedding was a blast!

It was held at my (new) in-laws beautiful guest house, Dream House - a beautiful setting for this crazy nation-merging marriage. Dad is Mozambican-Portuguese and mum is Croatian-German.

Nutty people from all over the world partied the night away while drinking very local champagne. Ambeloui is a wine farm in Valley Road in Hout Bay, and have some incredible champagne and wines. Visit their website for more info.

My wardrobe hiccup was happily solved because the weather played along, and I was able to opt for a frilled H&M number and heels, finished-off with teal tights.

It was a fabulous evening, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

What to wear?

My Friday afternoon predicament is that my father-in-law is getting married again tomorrow, and I’m having a mild attack of OMG what to wear to a wedding...in May...in Cape Town...windy Hout Bay to be exact.

The dress code is Smart/Elegant. How is one elegant on a mountain? When it’s cold?

I think it might have to be Country Road Wide leg trousers and a lovely blouse, but I’m really not sure.

Usually, the easiest way, I find, to start an outfit is at the top and work down. But that in itself is proving problematic through too much choice.

A hat is definitely out of the question, so I have to choose between these 3 fascinator Alice bands from Accessorize...toughy.

Might be a bit too Princess Beatrice?

Too bulls eye like?

Think this might be it...

Will keep you posted on the outfit progress.

Off to a celebratory birthday knees-up Mozambican style!

Hello, Kitty...cake?

There’s a little Kitty craziness brewing in the office today. It’s Sam’s birthday, and she’s the biggest Hello Kitty fan on earth, so it’s only fitting that she arrived with this cake from Whipped Patisserie.

Not only do we have a Kitty cake to get through, we also have to tackle these mini chocolate mousse filled éclairs (they taste even more delicious than they look)

And these too cute for words mini cupcakes

If this has you salivating,  Whipped Patisserie is at Unit 6 & 7 Westlake Lifestyle Centre. You can get your paws on these and many, many more delicious treats by order only by calling Candice on 082 879 4310 for more info and orders.

Rust en Vrede forever!

We sat in the arched window at the end

I’ve been holding-out for a hero, a food hero that is, and last night I met him. His name is David Higgs, head chef at Rust en Vrede restaurant in Stellenbosch. My lovely boyfriend spoiled me for my birthday, and treated me to dinner there. Turns out that food heaven is nestled in amongst the oaks on of the most picturesque wine estates in the Cape.

I’ve long been a Rust en Vrede wine fan. (I truly believe that a bottle or 6 of Rust en Vrede Estate – a Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz fusion triumph should be compulsory on all bucket lists.) But the wine list at the restaurant blew my mind – all 42 pages of it!!

Eat Out 2011 Cover

The food lived up to all expectations – the restaurant has been on Eat Out’s Top 10 list for the last 3 years, and this year they took Best Restaurant; Best Chef and Best Service awards. Every single one 100% deserved. It was, without a doubt, the best restaurant experience I have ever had!

To compliment our bottle of Estate 2006, we opted for the 4 course option (there is also a set 6 course with wine pairing by sommelier, Neil Grant). My delicious dinner consisted of a first course of warm ‘green’ soup, liquid Kleinriver Gruyere custard with a Waldorf finishing. Second course was pear and Riesling risotto with salad of pea, asparagus and a Parmesan foundue. This was followed by pan fried lamb loin and shoulder ‘kaings’ and brussels and endive with gnocchi and a Yuzu gel.

By this stage I could barely move I was so full, but I persevered for the green tea parfait, hibiscus jelly, crisp rose petals with a guava and pomegranate ‘crumble’.

It was all far too delicious for words.

And when we left, I was presented with this beautifully wrapped brownie for my birthday.

Do yourself a favour...go. www.rustenvrede.com

Surf's up!

Summer may be gone, but MAC have launched a limited edition make-up collection called Surf, Baby!, which will make this season feel like an endless summer. The ‘totally rad’ range is huge, and the colour palette ranges from subtle nudey – bronzes to pops of turquoise and sea green. And you can keep you gnarly products in even more gnarly surfboard inspired make-up bags. Get to your nearest MAC counter now!

Fashion fix

I'm loving this shop in Kalk Bay. Catacombes is owned by Waldo and Eva, who make the most amazing dresses. The shop is filled with one off pieces and some great jewellery.  I spied this combo, which I might just have to have: the pinny (R450) is fun, and can be dressed-up or down. I'd pair it with this deco bag (R295), a cardi and a pair of long boots.

 Find Catacombes on Kalk Bay Main Road (021) 788 8889

Festival fever

I’m completely in love with Topshop’s Festival looks! Although they don't have stores in SA, you can order online at TOPSHOP . There's also free delivery worldwide for orders over £75 - which, with these looks, shouldn't be a problem!

First up is BIG JEWELLERY

FRINGING

WHITE OVER WHITE

Yes, it's back: TIE-DYE

And last, but not least, and my fave, CROCHET

See all the looks at: TOPSHOP 

Haute hair

If the words 'hair extensions' conjures-up images of Britney (above) or some delightful WAG falling out of a club, think again.

Have a look at these amazing, ‘can’t believe it’s not real hair’ looks from Great Lengths Winter 2011 Collection. Who wouldn't want hair that looks like this?

Great Lengths is available at selected salons countrywide.

 For more information,  call (011) 326-1525or visit www.greatlengths.co.za