Two weekends ago, gosh, where has the time gone? The ladies from Bloggers Who Bless or #BWB as it is more commonly known met up their monthly meet up at the most quirky of venues. I Love My Laundry. The concept of the spot is a place where you can get your laundry done, you can even have dying and alterations done and while you wait you can sit have a glass of wine or a coffee and devour delicious dim sum (I think of them more as dumplings) while having a good chinwag and admiring gorgeous art and goodies that they have on sale. Sounds like a lot to take in but really it is the most quaint and quirky little spot you will come across and not to mention the Milo is to-die-for and the dim sum is even more delicious!

There was only a small group of us who managed to attend this meet-up, namely Heather (founder of #BWB) from FemmeLifestyle, Lauren from Lately Lauren, Leana from Hipstyler Pretty & Ginger, Sarah from The Mommy City, Cupcke from Cupcake Mummy and Nicola from Wots for Lunch. When Heather dreams up the most creative of meets she especially chose I Love My Laundry as the venue and on our invitations we were advised to bring a new pair of knickers that we were happy to part with. Now, just to clarify in case there happens to be any confusion in reading that statement – yes, it was a bit of a different request, especially for #BWB; and the reason for taking this pair of kecks along was a secret.

Once we were seated with a drink, Heather explained to us that as BWB is about community, to be specific a community of lady bloggers who support and encourage one another and we are passing-it-on, so to speak, onto the community at large. To being with, we are going to be supporting a charity for women whom live in the local townships who cannot afford underwear. Sometimes, from not being able to have their own underwear these women are subjected to being raped. It was a chilly thought and prospect to take in; but as sad as it was to think about we were all too happy to hand over our panties so that they can go to a good home. I actually even plan on donating some more new pairs next time I go shopping.
As I missed the last meet-up which was held at Dermalogica Wembley Square *cries on the inside* because I was travelling and not in Cape Town, I was really happy to see the ladies that were there and really missed the others but I cannot wait to see them at the next meet for a long overdue catch-up, chat and giggles!
Thank you to I Love My Laundry for letting us dangle our knickers off our heads and act like a bunch of school girls!

Check out I Love My Laundry on Facebook and Twitter @ilovemylaundry.

Not to forget the darling Heather for organising such a special meet-up, yet again and to each and every single one of the #BWB Ladies for being so awesome. Sending some good vibes your way! <3

Until next time, Flea XO

 Check out Fi's new blog : http://teawithflea.com

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If you follow me on Instagram (if you don't you really should click here) you would have seen that I attended my first #BWB meet up a few weekends ago. It was a Macaroon making workshop at the 15 On Orange Hotel and I must say I seriously had the best time ever. Now I will admit, on my way there I almost turned back home a few times and kept trying to think of excuses not to go because I kept replaying scenes of Mean girls in my head haha you know being the new girl and all. BUT I have to say after getting there and receiving the warmest welcome and having a conversation about balls in my mouth, it was all fun and laughter from there on out.

15 on Orange is truly a magnificent hotel, I can't even explain how amazing the decor is (dude they have gold couches in their elevators your not even understanding me!) And there is a shoe boutique inside, SHOES!!! I went in a little scared because I can honestly not cook to save my life but as soon as we met executive Chef Sanel and Pastry Chef Retha my fears quickly disappeared. They are truly the nicest and most patient ladies ever (we were a large group of ladies with a supply of champagne need I say more!!)

Now I will admit I probably will never be able to make my own macaroon and I wouldn't even try but I can say I learnt why my Lemon meringues have so much syrup in them and I learnt that there is actually allot of types of meringues like who knew! I did get to mix some colourful meringues and chop some chocolates (see I do get my hands dirty) and then I "attempted" piping which I am sorry who ever says that shit is easy punch them in the face. We then attempted to make our own macaroons and damn were some of those ladies good at it. Mine turned out um okay I guess I mean they looked like Macaroons and tasted like them to hahaha. We were then lead on a small tour of the hotel which kinda got delayed because there was a HUGE ASS mirror um can we say GROUP SELFIE!

I had the most amazing time ever this was really a fun workshop and I honestly cannot wait to see all these ladies again! I wish I took more pics of the gorgeous Hotel but seriously having a group of ladies together is not always an organized affair so if you wanna see some great pics head on over to Elzannes's blog Klets & Kook this lady was there to do some business I tell you.

 

You can arrange an event like this through the hotel yourself, they do it for groups of 12 or more people for around R259.00 per person.

For more enquiries please visit:

www.africanpridehotels.com

Address: 15 Orange Street, Cape Town

Phone: 021-4698000

Facebook: Africanpridehotels

Twitter: @APHotels

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At our most recent #BloggersWhoBless event, we were spoiled with a couple of Dermalogica travel size products. I was quite chuffed… well, because it’s Dermalogica. No need to explain anything here. What did surprise me was the fact that some of these impressed me just as much as Dermalogica’s PreCleanse did. I didn’t think that was possible.


Special Cleansing Gel
This is a lovely soap-free foaming cleanser that leaves my skin clean, but not feeling tight or stripped. It really is very gentle. What impressed me most was the fact that I only need the tiniest drop of cleanser. When I say tiny, I really mean tiny. I keep on using too much. The cleanser is expensive at R480 for 250ml, but you can get a 500ml bottle for R700 which really is great value for money.

Multivitamin Power Firm
This little powerhouse aims to combat lines around the eye area with ingredients like Retinol, vitamins C and E, as well as silicones to shield vulnerable skin. It has a balmy feel to it and feels lovely to apply. It also works as a lovely base for smooth and even under eye concealer application. R740 for 15ml.

Daily Microfoliant
I wasn’t too excited when I saw this one. I tried a sample years ago and I wasn’t impressed. Either Dermalogica changed it or (most likely) I was just to dof to understand the product back then (being used to exfoliants/scrubs that were grainy and hard). This is what it is: ‘Unique rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter.’ When I tried it years ago, I expected a scrub. Now I know better. This product is absolutely lovely and I rate it up there with the PreCleanse. My skin is left looking radiant and feeling soft and smooth, without any irritation. I highly recommend this product, especially if you have sensitive skin and most other forms of exfoliation tend to aggravate your skin. R850 for 75g.

Skin Smoothing Cream
If you have combination or dry skin that is sensitive, then this cream is a must. Especially during winter. It immediately calms and soothes my skin, whilst leaving it perfectly moisturised and soft. I have loved it for years, and I will for many years to come. This is one of my mom’s favourites too. R630 for 50ml / R880 for 100ml. Again, this is a pricey product, but it is really worth the price tag and a little goes a long way with this one too.

xoxo
and xoxo for you too Dermalogica

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There has been a lot of venting , speculation and unhappiness at how the blog world is currently being portrayed both by bloggers (old & new) and also regarding blogger meets.

Up until now I have really kept my silence and just viewed these comments, albeit with a rather bemused smile in my office   ...you see this is not new at all! Blogger bashing , Blog bashing , venting and sarcasm seems to reign supreme these days. A sad truth but very real!

South Africa is still relatively 'small fry' when it comes to using Social Media for marketing purposes and as such you find the same bloggers, the same media personalities attending all the coveted launches and events. What has however changed are the 'numbers' as far as bloggers go , these have increased surprisingly over the last 5 years resulting in an influx and flooding of an already sparse market, thereby limiting opportunity for inclusion and invitation to attend media events.

As a result you can either join the so called 'venters' and decry a lack of fairness , misjudgement and throw a tantrum. You can also choose to write posts about how bad bloggers are and how great you are, justifying to a deaf audience and seriously peeving off the marketing and PR companies at the same time.

OR 

You can consciously choose to be the change you want to see, celebrate with others , support their blogs , comment on the fabulous events you are get an insiders view into. What is even sadder is when I genuinely do this, my honest 'joy and comments' are viewed in a sinister light and with pessimism, purely because of the competitive environment we(yes we, the online community) have created.

Think about it if you just value the opportunities you get and where possible take someone along with you, there will be more than enough for us to all SHARE. Realistically more than 70% of bloggers work full time in an alternative job and are not able to attend daytime events ...be happy for those that can! Enjoy seeing new products and fabulous launches.

Then there is the nasty animal known as GOODIE BAG ENVY sure we would all like to be spoilt but that is what it is ... a spoil! Not a given , not a demand , not a requirement but a spoil!

A gift from a brand or sponsor is great, but it comes with a responsibility too. You need to honour the brands that support you, don't denegate them publicly challenging their policies and the likes. If you do not agree with something take it up privately and then blog about your experience and the outcome.Also don't just take and never give anything back to the marketing companies it is all about honour and you will gain a reputation.

Lastly the BLOGGER MEETS ....hmmmmm

I personally have started a Blogger Community / Network (call it what you will) called #bwb or #BloggersWhoBless. We and I have come under fire many a time by people being challenging us with questions such as 'who do you bless?'.

We bless each other and if you read the Ethos behind this group we all pledge to encourage and inspire one another , to uplift each other and to help each other with our blogs using our unique talents and skill sets. We also pledge to be PR friendly ( no ranting , venting about associated brands). We give honest reviews and have all become genuine friends looking forwards to our meets and missing each other in-between.#bwb ladies know and understand that Goodie Bags are not a given and are a treat.

I started #bwb because I saw a lack of support and community , I saw ladies crying out for friendship but to scared to make themselves vulnerable on their own.I chose ladies who already responded to followers and were already practicing the above criteria to some extent ...women who had already embraced others unknowingly.

I think everyone's biggest 'bug bear' is that I have limited the numbers ...this is purely for logistics. If I am pledging to do something along with others I want to ensure that these pledges are being met and that we remain honest and transparent at all times ... if that makes me an ogre well so be it!

#bwb is here to encourage bloggers ... you can create a community that is all about LOVING ONE ANOTHER.

We have networks in Cape Town , Johannesburg and Durban is launching this month. Each Network launches with 10 members and progresses to 16 members by the second meet, we do this because we have a 'Buddy System' and each blogger gets allocated a buddy for the month to support , encourage , help and uplift.

As for other Blogger Meets...

I have only been to the Cape Town Blogger Meet in January and I had a ball with the people at my table. We were spoilt rotten by the sponsors and I met many faces behind Twitter and Blogs that I follow. The facility was perhaps not ideal being two separate rooms but otherwise it was fabulous.

I really honestly wish we could all get along and just be kind to one another , if you have ever met me you would know I am not a small animal (tee hee) , I am known to give hugs to random strangers and if I say I will do something I'll do it!

I have made mistakes , been hurtfully accused by other bloggers but ultimately ...your blogging and who you choose to be associated with IS UP TO YOU!

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Hi lovelies! Today I have something a little different for you. As some of you may have seen on Twitter, I am honored to be a part of an amazing group of ladies called Bloggers Who Bless or #BWB. To find out exactly what #BWB is about you can check us out HERE and while you're there, go have look around the site! The posts are always honest and helpful so it's definitely worth a read. Now and then I will be reviewing products for #BWB and it may not always be nail polish, nail art or hand care related but I will always try and make it as informative and entertaining as possible. So let's get on to my very first review...

After the first #BWB meet up in Cape Town, I got sent an AMAZING goodie bag which contained 2 gorgeous tubes of Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy (Iris and Lavender). I'll admit, this was the first time I've heard of the brand but that is because I have been sleeping under a non-beauty-related rock for the past 24 years! After stalking the internet and the Crabtree & Evelyn website, I was ready to test this product and man, I was not disappointed!

First off, let's talk about the packaging. Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy comes in a beautiful tube that reminds me of all those little paint tubes that you always see in art supply stores and want to buy, even though you have no idea what you are actually going to do with it! This immediately had me feeling all giddy and excited because yes, I am that easily excited. It's the small things in life people!

The actual cream had a bit of a buttery feel to it when I first rubbed it between my fingers which had me a little worried as I don't like to use heavy greasy products on my hands during the day but this worry went away very quickly! After I rubbed the cream in, my hands felt soft, moisturized, smelled divine and absorbed into my skin with no effort! I'll admit, I fell pretty hard for this product because it's truly amazing. In fact, it now is the cream I use before I take my nail art photos for the blog because it makes my hands look so moisturized without looking oily. Out of the 2 scents I received, I preferred the Iris but that's only because I've never been a fan of Lavender scented products. The only downfall about this cream is the price tag. It is quite a bit more expensive than the average hand cream on the market but that being said, it isn't an average hand cream! At the moment I'm actually planning the heist I'm going to pull when this cream is finished because I want...no, NEED a lifetime supply of it!
You can keep up with Crabtree & Evelyn via Twitter, Facebook and also remember to go check out their website. 

Lots of mad love...
Thea

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For years now I’ve heard so many go on and on about Dermalogica’s PreCleanse. Everytime Dermalogica is mentioned, the PreCleanse will pop up somewhere in the conversation or write-up. My sister started using Dermalogica last year and she also can’t stop raving about it. Now, I know Dermalogica (I mean, who doesn’t!) and I know that their products are awesome. But to be very honest, most of their products do not fit my budget. And being a beauty blogger, I get exposed to a lot of products, most of which I enjoy using. Plus I’ve got the double cleanse down. So why should I bother with this product?

Because it’s freakin’ AMAZING, that’s why!

I received a sample size of this magic oil at our most recent Bloggers Who Bless event. I must admit I was curious and quite keen to give it a proper try.

I was completely blown away. I used a few drops on dry skin and massaged it all over my face and neck. Make-up, sunscreen, oil and dirt just melt away. Take note… do not add water at this stage or the product won’t be as effective. Once this is done, I rinse my face with lukewarm water and it’s as though the product and everything it has dissolved, just disappears. I usually follow the PreCleanse with a gel cleanser. Because the oil has done such a fantastic job with the first cleanse, I can feel that my gel cleanser works deeper and is actually cleaning my skin, and not just trying to work through layers of make-up, etc.

I have recently also incorporated a facial massage 2 to 3 times a week as part of my first cleanse at night, and my skin just feels amazing when I do it using PreCleanse (have a look at my post on the facial massage technique here).

Benefits of Dermalogica’s PreCleanse:

• Removes oil without clogging pores.
• Conditioning essential fatty acids nourish skin.
• Enables your current cleanser to work more efficiently.
• Can be used on any skin type. It is ideal for oily skins.
• The gentle formula can be used on sensitive skin.
• It’s gentle enough to use to remove eye make-up and it will even remove waterproof make-up.

The only negative is the price. It is expensive at ZAR520 for 150ml, but the benefits far out way the negative.
This product is worth its weight in gold and worth saving for. And with Mother’s Day around the corner… anybody reading this?!

Since using this product, my skin is clearer, softer, smoother and more radiant. Dermalogica gets 5 stars for this one.
xoxo

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