BodyLove is tough

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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:

1. I resigned from my job as designer at a top publishing company to join magazines. 
2. I have worked like a crazy person finishing my notice period! 
3. Admin, due to job change! Yes people, beware! I didn't realize how time consuming this would be.
4. I joined magazines! A great new mag every woman in my age group should buy.
5. A new kitchen. What a dramatic process. *Life interrupted* *dramatic screams*
6. Deadlines. New job. Good impression. Time needed.
7. Tired.
8. I turned 30!! My eyes failed me and I now need specs! 
9. I went to the dentist and have to have my wisdoms removed!
10. 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