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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

Lifestyle

Loren

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02/10/2017

2

I personally love reading these types of posts, so I hope you enjoy finding out some new facts about yours truly!

Let’s get started, shall we?

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

1. I’m 29 years old – Yip, that’s right. I will be 30 next year. My birthday is 29 January 1988. Funny thing though is I don’t quite look my age – which is obviously a good thing! A few weeks ago I first got asked what grade I am in and then a few days later I got asked what school I am at. I don’t know if its good genes, or that I hardly drink (one glass of wine maybe once a month doesn’t count) and I don’t smoke. I also laugh at my own jokes. Maybe thats why.

2. My absolute favourite movie is Bridesmaids – I can watch Bridesmaids over and over and over and still laugh like it is my first time watching it. I just love the humour and my favourite actress of all time is Melissa McCarthy. I don’t even want to tell you how many times I have watched it though. Some of my other favourite movies that I watch on repeat is Dirty Dancing, The Hundred-Foot Journey, Julie and Julia and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

3. I love the colour pink – If you’re a regular reader of my blog you will know this by now. But if you’re new to the blog then this is something you need to know: I love the colour pink and I’ll only buy something if it is in pink. Think: pink toothbrush, pink nightgown, pink notebooks, pink mousepad … I think you get the idea.

4. I HATE spiders – I know just about everyone says they hate spiders, but no one hates them as much as me. My fear is so bad that I picture one on a wall when I walk into a room. When I was younger, I used to make my dad check my bedroom for any spiders just before I went to bed. I would make him look behind the curtains, under the bed, behind pictures on my wall and even on the wall of my room in the garden. I was so bad that I even slept with my bedroom windows closed tight at night so they wouldn’t crawl into my room while I was sleeping. As I type this, I am like shivering from the thought of a spider.

Moving on …

5. I am an Attorney of the High Court – On the 16th of November 2015 all my hard work paid off and I was sworn in as an Attorney of the High Court. To this day, I still can’t believe this. A 4 year LLB degree at Wits University, 4 board exams, a 6 month PLT course and 1 year of articles all came down to the best day of my life. It just shows that hard work, perseverance, a mind set, and a goal can help achieve what you so desire. It doesn’t stop here though, as my goals and dreams are always a work in progress … Watch out 2018!

6. Italian food is my favourite – I like to think I am Italian, but I am not, simply because I love anything Italian. Food, handbags, clothes and even furniture, I love it all. Now that I am following a gluten free diet, it hasn’t stopped me from loving a good bowl of GF pasta or pizza. Luckily all my favourite Italian restaurants have gluten free options which taste just as delicious as their normal dishes.

7. My relationship – I have been with my boyfriend for 7,5 years. Yes, yes – we get asked all the time when is the engagement! Ha!

8. I love to read – Give me a book over a series or TV show any day. Since I was at school I have always loved reading. The bookshelf in my bedroom growing up was full to the brim with books. My boyfriend bought me a Kindle for my birthday this year. If I tell you it is my favourite gadget, I am not lying. I love it more than my cellphone and that says a lot!

9. Minky was my nickname – I often get asked where did I get the name Minkys from? Well here is the story: when I was born and came home from hospital my nickname was Minky. It was the name everyone called me and the only name I would respond to. Until I was about 5 years old, I wouldn’t respond to being called Loren. So everyone had to stop calling me Minky because I was getting so confused.

10. I love South Africa – I truly love this beautiful country we live in. It is for this reason I incorporate a lot of travel throughout South Africa into my blog. I am so passionate and just love everything about South Africa. The friendly people, the culture, the history, the food and the beauty.

♥

Where to find Instagram-worthy coffee in Johannesburg

Loren

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28/09/2017

1

We love a delicious brew, don’t we?

One of life’s little pleasures is sitting down at a coffee shop to a delicious cup of coffee. A delicious cup of coffee that has the most detailed intricate patterns. So detailed, that you sit for 10 minutes trying to capture the perfect shot from the perfect angle. After finally taking roughly 30 of the same photos, you finally stir your sugar in and take that first sip. But it’s a little bit cold now.

In todays times, this all sounds too familiar. Not just with coffee, but with food too. If you’re not guilty of doing this, you have definitely watched others.

So, being a self-confessed Instagram addict with an eye for capturing the perfect shot (no pun intended) I thought I should put together a post.

A post on where to find the perfect Instagram-worthy coffee in Johannesburg.

1. The Grind Coffee Company

What I love: besides for the coffee, the toasted banana bread is delicious.

Where: 34 Whiteley Rd, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

2. Paoletto

What I love: besides for the coffee, they are famous for the best waffles in Johannesburg.

Where: Horwood St & Eighth Avenue, Edenvale

3. FEGO Caffee, Nicolway

What I love: The coffee art – how freaking cute is the elephant and the bear face. It is my favourite!

Where: Nicolway Shopping Mall, Bryanston

4. Naked Kitchen and Coffee Bar

What I love: Great coffee + Wifi = the perfect coffice.

Where: Shop U38, Morningside Shopping Centre, Rivonia Road, Morningside

5. Starbucks

What I love: having a caramel machiatto with extra cream on a cheat day. Only on a cheat day!

Where: Rosebank Mall and Mall of Africa.

So not only are these picture perfect cups of coffee, they taste just as good.

If you want to see more gorgeous cups of coffee, be sure to follow me on Instagram.

Click here to follow or search the handle @Minkys.co.za and be sure to follow along. You’ll also find lots of beautiful travel, food and life posts.

♥

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Loren

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27/09/2017

1

In the heart of Little Karoo, just off the famous Route 62, lies a wilderness sanctuary called Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Since I can remember, I have always loved going on safari and being in the African bush. When it is just you, the animals, the sounds of nature and fresh air. To me, there is nothing that can compare. I have been lucky enough to experience the Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe in Natal, and even Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Never have I experienced a game reserve in the Klein Karoo though, until I recently stayed at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Sanbona is a 58 000 hectare malaria-free game reserve with a landscape like no other reserve. Picture Cape Fold Mountains, wide-open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna, as well as San rock art from more than 3 500 years ago. Sanbona combines majestic views of the Klein Karoo, a quintessential safari experience, every luxury you could wish for and more.

Getting there …

Just off the beaten track of the famous Route 62 you will find Sanbona. Route 62 is the very scenic route that meanders between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth.

From either Cape Town or Plettenberg Bay, a picturesque three hour drive will you get you there. We took a drive from Plettenberg Bay to Sanbona. Once we arrived at the Main Gate, we then drove another 15 km’s to the Welcome Lounge. Our vehicle was left at the Welcome Lounge’s parking lot and for the remainder of our stay, we were transported in a luxury 4×4 vehicle.

Sanbona is deep in the Warmwaterberg Mountains. Phone reception is not guaranteed, but peace, relaxation and total tranquility definitely is.

Our stay …

We stayed at Tilney Manor, which is a small, intimate lodge with six spacious suites. Our room was an open-plan suite that lead on to a private veranda. The veranda offered breath-taking views of the mountains and the Klein Karoo landscape. I found myself sitting here for hours soaking up the serenity. The room also has a fire place (it can get really cold), two outdoor showers and the most beautiful bath strategically placed in the centre of the bathroom.

Over the next two days of our stay at Sanbona, we enjoyed 3 game drives, authentic Karoo cuisine and ultimate luxury and relaxation. Thanks to our ranger Chris, we spotted some truly wonderful sightings. Giraffes, hippos, elephant, rhino and a lot of onyx, to name a few. The highlight though, for me, was finding the very endangered white lions. Having been on safari countless times, the totality of this experience was so overwhelming, I couldn’t help but shed a little tear (and take a million and one photos).

Mornings at Sanbona begin with an early wakeup call, followed by coffee and a three hour game drive. After a very exciting morning game drive, we return back to the lodge for the most delicious breakfast. A breakfast of smoked salmon eggs benedict in the middle of the bush sounds truly wonderful, doesn’t it? After breakfast,we relaxed, read our books and did absolutely nothing until lunch time. After lunch we then depart for our three hour afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive ends at a scenic sunset stop with a sundowner drink and some snacks. Luck was on our side, because on both of our afternoon sundowner stops, four rhino happened to stroll past.

After arriving back at the lodge, the most gourmet Karoo inspired dinner is waiting for you. Think Karoo lamb shanks and malva pudding with custard for dessert.

A visit to Sanbona is a once in a lifetime experience. It is place full of nature, history, culture, arts and food. Our two-night stay felt too short, because as we started to fall more in love with the Sanbona experience, we had to pack our bags and be on our merry way home. I do know for sure though that I will return for more because Sanbona and the Klein Karoo truly captured my heart.

For more information on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, click here.
♥

Thank you to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for the getaway. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

Bowls, Bowls and Poke Bowls

Loren

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11/09/2017

1

Poke bowls are all the trend right now. They’re all over social media and they’re already on the menu at some of the trendy restaurants. Before we go any further though, poke is pronounced “pok-keh“.

What exactly is poke?

Poke is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine, and sometimes as a main course. Traditional forms are aku (an oily tuna) and he’e (octopus).

Poke bowls may seem like a new trend to us but this delicious dish has been around for centuries. They emerged around the 1970’s when Hawaiian fishermen would use the simple recipe to create hearty snacks.

The one thing I love about a poke bowl is that your entire meal fits into one bowl. You have your starch (rice), protein (salmon, tuna or even beef) and all of your vegetables as well as some other exciting and delicious additions. It is like a balanced meal all in one bowl and I love it! It is healthy, delicious and totally unique.

The question now is where to find a poke bowl in Jozi?

1. SUSHI BURRITO & CO

Sushi Burrito & Co is conveniently located in one of my most frequented malls in Johannesburg, Melrose Arch. It is for this reason that I am always eating here. If I am not meeting a friend for lunch, then I will be grabbing a take away or I’ll have a quick dinner here, so it is definitely my go-to spot.

They serve a killer poke bowl. You can choose tuna or salmon. It comes with edemame beans, avocado, crispy kale, crispy nori and a few other exciting toppings. It really is delicious!

My favourite is the salmon poke simply because the salmon is marinated in a ponzu sauce and that just makes it extra tasty.

2. LA BOQUERIA

I did a blog post on this total gem of a restaurant here which you ought to read because why not. But for purposes of this blog post I am just going to tell you about the poke bowl. It is next level deliciousness because one of the ingredients is coconut cream and you know that is always a treat! Also, they give you both salmon and tuna, which together, adds variety.

If you’re not one for salmon or tuna, but also want to indulge in a delicious bowl, then I recommend the WONDER BOWL. It is a hot ramen noodle bowl with miso broth, pak choi, pickled cabbage, field mushrooms, spring onion, sprouts, poached egg and chilli nori flakes. It is as delicious as it sounds!

3. THE BIG MOUTH

Situated in Nelson Mandela Square is the best sushi restaurant Jozi has to offer. Not only the best sushi, but the best poke bowl. It is made with white rice, chopped seaweed, chopped salmon, siracha ponzu sauce, seven spice, spring onion, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, garlic flakes, tempura crumbs and avocado.

What makes this poke bowl so special is the siracha ponzu sauce (flavour!) and the crushed peanuts (texture!). It is definitely delicious!

www.thebigmouth.co.za

4. ONO POKE EATERY

This is Joburg’s first standalone poke bar and this excites me! I am yet to try it so stay tuned to the blog for a lengthy post for when I do. But just think: a menu dedicated only to poke bowls. You choose your base (rice), your protein (salmon, tuna, prawn, chicken or a vegan option) and then all of the vegetables.

Doesn’t this sound too good to be true fellow foodies? Yip it does. I cannot wait to visit ONO!

www.onoeatery.co.za

5. MOMO BAOHAUS

Momo Baohaus is a delicious Asian inspired eatery in the heart of Greenside. They have also just opened a sister restaurant in Illovo called Momo Soko. Both are based on the same ideas and share the same vibe.

The menu offers all kinds of dishes from bao’s, to bowls and even sushi. They also have poke bowls but very interesting ones! For example, the Kauai Poke Bowl. It has ingredients like salmon, edamame, pickled ginger, shitake, avocado, ramen egg, yello daikon, kale, spring onion, asian slaw, fried garlic, red onion, wakame seaweed, toasted sesame and ginger scallion drizzle. Don’t let the combination of ingredients scare you because together it all forms the perfect mix of flavours.

If the poke bowls don’t tickle your fancy you can always opt for a Momo Bowl. Pictured below is the TOKYO MOMO BOWL which is teriyaki chicken, rice and a whole lot of other goodies!

www.momobauhaus.com

So as you can see poke bowls are interesting little dishes. Each place serves it differently and you have to find the one (or two, in my case) that you love. My favourites are Sushi Burrito & Co and The Big Mouth.

Have you tried a poke bowl yet?

♥

Have you tried Dove’s new DermaSpa range?

Beauty

Loren

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07/09/2017

0

Have you tried Dove’s new DermaSpa range?

It’s amazing!

We all love a little bit of me-time, don’t we? That precious moment in the day doing what you love. Either you make a cup of tea and read your book, watch your favourite TV show or maybe take a long hot bubble bath. The new Dove DermaSpa range ensures me-time is taken to the next level. How so? Because the range offers women an innovative collection of body products that give you that spa feeling at home. To me, this sounds like heavenly bliss.

3 reasons why DermaSpa is the bees knees …

• The range is dermatologically tested.

• It is suitable for sensitive skin.

• It is a super affordable budget-friendly answer to treating yourself to some me-time at home.

How does it work?

The new range was created by transferring the moisturising technology from Dove’s facial skin care to body care. The Cell-Moisturisers (a complex made up of key moisturising actives compressed from natural seed oils such as sea buckthorn oil) in the Dove DermaSpa range are one of the most advanced innovations Dove has introduced in a body care range. Dove says this new technology is specifically designed to help achieve a more even looking skin tone and to offer exceptional moisturisation to help strengthen and protect the body’s natural skin barrier.

My thoughts on some of the products …

♥ Uplifted+ Body Lotion

I like hat this body lotion absorbs quickly so your skin isn’t left feeling sticky. It has a satin gel like consistency. What I love most about this body lotion is the way it improves skin elasticity and firmness and at the same time gently moisturises the skin. This is a winner for summer!

Price: R89.99

♥ Cashmere Comfort Body Lotion

This is possibly the most luxurious body lotion, both in terms of the scent and texture. It smells heavenly and it glides on your skin so effortlessly and it sinks into the skin giving you instant moisturisation … It definitely is a cocooning body lotion as it forms a cocoon over your body and you’re left with ultra soft delicious skin.

Price: R89.99

♥ Cashmere Comfort Body Butter

This body butter offers an indulgent, nurturing night-time ritual to soothe and soften the skin for extra-intensive care on even the driest parts of the body. I found this butter truly wonderful especially on my knees, elbows and feet. Saying that though, it definitely works wonders on the whole body.

Price: R129.99

♥ The Goodness³ Silky Body Oil

This silky body oil leaves my skin feeling velvety soft with a luminous glow. It absorbs into my skin beautifully with no greasy residue on the surface of my skin, it smells divine, and leaves the prettiest sheen on my skin leaving it looking flawless rather than overly shimmery.

Price: R129.99

♥ Uplifted+ Massaging Body Roller-Ball Serum

Now this is a nifty little gadget! The product features a unique roller ball applicator to help firm up challenging, harder-to-reach areas. The freshness of this satin-like gel revitalises the skin and gives you that at-home massage feeling. It is so moisturising on the skin. And thee massaging action of the roller ball helps to give you a bit of a lift where you need it most. I love using this roller-ball after a nice hot bath to relieve achy tired muscles.

Price: R129.99

More about the range …

So as you can see the range includes four luxurious collections. Each designed for different skin types, stages and pampering desires. The range includes the Goodness³ range (with the Goodness³ Body Lotion, Goodness³ Body Oil, and Goodness³ Body Cream), Uplifted+ range (with the Uplifted+ Body Lotion and Uplifted+ Massaging Body Roll-On), Cashmere Comfort range (with the Cashmere Comfort Body Lotion, Cashmere Comfort Body Butter, and Cashmere Comfort Hand Treatment), and the Summer Revived range (with the Summer Revived Body Lotion). Each collection also has its own subtle scent, developed in collaboration with Ann Gottlieb, global fragrance expert and consultant to some of the world’s most esteemed beauty houses.

One thing is for sure, I will definitely be using these products all through summer!

Have you tried anything from the range?

♥

This is why you need to eat at ROSTO

Loren

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05/09/2017

1

Because ROSTO has the tastiest rotisserie chicken.

The cosy suburb of Linden in the heart of Johannesburg is definitely my favourite suburb when it comes to food. It is home to a fantastic selection of restaurants, all of different cuisines, as well as some of the most delicious coffee shops Jozi has to offer.

**Now Linden is home to an Italian roastery ROSTO.**

We normally associate Italian food with pizza and pasta, don’t we? At ROSTO, things are done a little different though. You’ll find rotisserie-style chicken, polpette meat balls, porchetta, focaccia breads, twice fried chips, chickpea fries and salads. The only pasta dishes on the menu are lasagna, cannelloni and parmigiana di melanzane.

ROSTO has definitely become our restaurant of choice lately. Where else can you get organic free range chicken that is just so tasty and delicious, with twice fried chips and some coleslaw? It is such a wholesome delicious comforting meal. Ever since I stopped gluten two months ago, all I crave is a meal like this. A meal that is wholesome, delicious, tasty and satisfying. Since I can no longer have pizza and pasta (which I lived on because I like to think I am Italian), this is the closest to a delicious Italian feast.

The chicken! The chicken!

The name ROSTO comes from Italy’s famous Girarrosto shops – literally meaning turn (gira) and roasted (arrosto) – which serve tender spit-roasted chickens and Italian street food.

The chicken at ROSTO is definitely not your average chicken. It is first made succulent with an infusion of ROSTO’s secret homemade brine. Then it is cooked on the wood burning rotisserie which gives a certain flavour that can’t be beaten.

You can choose one of three Italian inspired flavours- red (chill, sundried tomato and garlic), yellow (lemon and Mediterranean herbs) and green (parmesan and rosemary). My favourite is definitely the red flavour – I love garlic!

The fries! The fries!

You get two types of people in this world. Those who love fries and those who like fries. I am one of those who LOVE fries. But the fries have to be something special in order for me to love them. They need to be crispy, tasty and worth the calories.

ROSTO makes twice fried fries and I LOVE them. I mean look at them …

Dessert!

When eating at ROSTO just remember to keep space for dessert. With a choice of Nutella chocolate mousse, tiramisu, panna cotta or semifreddo you definitely cannot leave without having one. My favourite is definitely the Nutella chocolate mousse – I love that it’s a whole tub of chocolatey goodness.

For ROSTO’s full menu, click here.

Address: 69 7th Street, Linden, 2104

Tel: 011 888 0369

♥

The best smoothie of all time: Peanut Butter and Jelly

Loren

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31/08/2017

1

It is yum!

Growing up I loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Toasted or not, they were just delicious. I’d have it for breakfast with tea. Or in the afternoon as a snack. I just loved the flavour of both the peanut butter and jelly together. The jelly took the form of strawberry jam. Any other jam and I wouldn’t eat it.

Now that I am older and wiser (hopefully more mature too), I have to make healthier food choices that are also beneficial to my body. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a thing of the past now, but because I still crave the taste of them, I’ve made a delicious smoothie replica.

Say hello to the oh-so delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 2 smoothies. If you only want one, for yourself, half the ingredients.

• 4 small bananas

• handful of baby spinach

• 1/3 cup of oats

• 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter

• 1 cup of frozen berries

• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil

• water or almond milk

• chia seeds

Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. You can use as much water or almond milk if you like, as it depends on the thickness you prefer. If you not sure of the flavour, add more peanut butter but I promise you it is delicious! As I type this, I am sipping on one …

WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU …

BANANAS – High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke. Bananas also help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin — the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.

SPINACH – Spinach is packed with all of the goodness! Low in fat and even lower in cholesterol, spinach is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.

OATS – Oats are loaded in dietary fiber (containing more than any other grain) and have a range of healthy cholesterol-lowering properties.

PEANUT BUTTER – Peanut butter has protein as well as potassium — which lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains fiber for your bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium to fortify your bones and muscles, Vitamin E and antioxidants.

COCONUT OIL – Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. Saturated fats not only increase the healthy cholesterol (known as HDL cholesterol) in your body, but also help convert the LDL “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterols.

FROZEN BERRIES – Antioxidants come from compounds called anthocyanins, which give blueberries their purple hue. The ice crystals that form when the berries are frozen disrupt the structure of the plant tissue and make anthocyanins more available.

ALMOND MILK – Contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. The other nutrients available in this milk include vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin E. All these nutrients have various benefits which are essential for a healthy body.

CHIA SEEDS – Chia seeds are rich in nutrients and fiber. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron, and calcium.

♥

Five Favourite Things

Loren

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29/08/2017

2

A new beauty range by Dove, a pair of jeans and pretty pink nails are just a few of my favourite things.

dove

My favourite times are tea time and me time. But for purposes of this post I want to chat about me time. It is so easy to enjoy a little bit of at-home pampering thanks to Dove’s new DermaSpa range. This new range offers women an innovative collection of hand and body products that will not only give you that at-home spa feeling but is also a sumptuous treat for the skin.

I was recently sent a press drop with quite a selection of products from the range and I have not stopped using them since then. Not only does my skin love everything, but my stress levels have reduced immensely. All this pampering works wonders for the stress levels, you know!

I will be doing a lengthy review post on each product in the range so do stay tuned to the blog for that.

nails

With the 1st of September just around the corner (well in 3 days) I am starting to get Spring ready. First up, my nails. Nothing says “hello Spring” more than a pretty pink shade of nails. Next up is a pedicure on Friday.

Spring is definitely my favourite season. Not only is it not too hot nor too cold, but there is just such a positive feeling in the air. The birds are singing extra loud, the trees are blooming, the flowers are blossoming and the air is getting warmer. Since I can remember I have always loved Spring. So, not too long to go now, and I will be a very happy camper!

What shade will you be wearing to welcome Spring?

MINISO

The first time I walked into a MINISO store was in the famous Nathan Road in Hong Kong. To put it lightly, I shopped up a storm. I brought home the most exciting and interesting goodies that you definitely couldn’t get here. But now I don’t have to go to Hong Kong (or overseas for that matter) because we finally have a MINISO on our doorstep. So far a few have opened up but I have one just down the road from me in Norwood Mall. I honestly couldn’t be happier.

What I love about MINISO is that you will find every day things, like bathroom matts, kitchen storage boxes, socks, cotton buds etc, all for really cheap. It is all reasonably priced which is how things should be when we go shopping.

I mean this cute travel cushion (pictured above) is R50 and the quality is superior! I definitely bought one for my upcoming exciting travels.

You can follow MINISO’s Instagram here for all the latest news.

Have you visited MINISO yet?

jeans

They don’t make jeans like they used to. They’re either too skinny, too torn, too soft or too tight fitting. I have been searching for the perfect pair of jeans for ages. A pair that actually feels and looks like jeans. So a dark wash, fitted and must be that proper denim material. And I finally found them! Woohoo! These are Poppy’s from Forever New and they tick all the right boxes and bonus, they are so comfortable. I know I will be wearing them all through summer.

R899 from Forever New

face mask

I absolutely love this Pure Clay Detox Mask by L’Oreal. It draws out all of the impurities and leaves my skin lovely, clear and soft. It applies really well and a lot goes a long way. What I like most is how satisfying it is too see your pores when the mask dries. It’s actually quite scary seeing how many are so visible! I like to have a hot shower, cleanse my face, then put the mask on. The only thing is it can be quite drying, so I have to put my moisturiser on straight after.

R150 from Clicks

♥

The Perfect Nude Lipstick

Loren

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23/08/2017

1

The truth is I love a good nude … lipstick.

In my opinion, every make-up collection should include a nude lipstick. Just like you have your favourite red, pink or plum shade, you should also have your favourite nude. The only thing with a nude though is you have to be careful when picking the right shade for your skin tone. If you choose a shade that is too light, you will look like a ghost. Or if you choose one that is too dark, you’ll look a lot more hideous. So with that being said, a lot more time and effort should go into choosing the right shade of nude.

Here are a few nudes in my make-up collection …

♥ Clinique Chubby Plump and Shine

Shade: ‘Normous Nude

Thoughts: My favourite thing is the applicator. I love the whole mechanism of having to twist the bottom of the pen and the gloss flows out of the little hole. Yes, I do get amused by little things. Besides for that, I love this shade. It is a subtle nude perfect for everyday. Just one application leaves your lips with a high shine and a gloss finish, without being too sticky. It also makes your lips look extra full and plump.

Price: R290

From: www.clinique.co.za

♥ NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

Shade: London

Thoughts: The reason I love this shade is because I am very fair skinned, so it is a warm, almost nude, light brown shade. At first the application is creamy and smooth but once it dries, it dries matte. The wear time is long – I can wear it for most of the day and still drink and eat and it will still be there on my lips. I also love that it’s budget friendly and great quality.

Price: R120

From: Clicks

♥ Essence Velvet Stick Matte Lip Colour

Shade: Peony Star

Thoughts: This is possibly, hands down, my favourite nude. Everything about it is just fabulous, from the texture, to the application and even the finish. The texture is very creamy without leaving your lips feeling dry. After application, once dried, it leaves a satin matte finish. It glides onto your lips really smoothly and it makes your lips feel deliciously soft. I also like that because it is like a pencil with a thinnish point, it gives a precise application. So no drawing out of the lines, kids 🙂

Price: R44.95

From: Clicks or Dischem

♥ Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick

Shade: Creamy Nude

Thoughts: Now this is a total splurge lipstick. The shade is a true nude with no pink, peach or brown undertones. The application is that of a normal lipstick so there isn’t much to say in that department. It glides on nicely and leaves a matte finish.

Price: R320

From: www.clinique.co.za

♥ Revlon Kiss Balm

Shade: Juicy Peach

Thoughts: Just in time for summer, Revlon launched the most delicious lip balms. I say delicious because they smell too yummy! This lip balm has a very subtle colour to it. It has SPF 20 which is always a win! I told you, just in time for summer. The texture is smooth, it glides over the lips nicely and your lips are left feeling super soft. And delicious!

Price: R54

From: Clicks or Dischem

♥ Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

Shade: Perla

Thoughts: This is like a dusty pink nude which is always a pretty shade. The application glides on smoothly and the wear is long – maybe for a whole day even. The only thing though is I have to apply lip balm before as it tends to dry my lips a little. But that doesn’t stop me from wearing it. I just love the pretty pink hue to it.

Price: R285

From: www.thebeautifulstore.co.za

♥

The sweetest treats at Moody Cow

Loren

-

23/08/2017

1

As well as gelato and coffee.

There is a sweet new spot that has recently opened up in Clearwater Mall called Moody Cow. There is nothing to be moody about though, because Moody Cow will sure leave you in a good mood. From coffee, waffles, sorbet, cookie sandwiches, gourmet popcorn and even gelato, the menu celebrates all things sweet.

We recently visited this spot and were totally wowed from the moment we arrived. The shop is very charming and has all the atmosphere for being a one of a kind dessert-only shop. The menu is vast and deciding on only one thing may take you a while. Thankfully we got to taste a nice selection of goodies off the menu. From cappuccinos to start, to three different kinds of waffles as well as a selection of gelato flavours. To end off we shared a milkshake and a hot chocolate. If you’re a regular reader of my blog you will know I have a very sweet tooth so I was in my element. Moody Cow is definitely up my alley – all these sweet treats definitely hit the spot! So much so, I know I will be a regular.

So this is what we had …

You can’t go wrong with a delicious and very instagram-worthy cappuccino – am I right or am I right?

Choc-o-berry blast: Frutti di Bosco gelato, black cherry compote, strawberries, jelly tots, chocolate fountain.

OH! More S’moresWaffle Taco: Nutella spread, marshmallows, tennis biscuits, Chock Milk gelato, strawberries, chocolate fountain.

Banacoco Treat Waffle Stick: Banana slices, peanut butter, coconut gelato, butter caramel sauce, walnuts, rolo’s.

Before we arrived at Moody Cow I did inform the chef that I am gluten free. I definitely need to give credit where credit is due, because the chef went out of her way to make me special gluten free waffles. I can’t even begin to tell you how utterly delicious they were – they were as good as normal waffles, if not better. It is for this very reason (and many others because I love a good sweet treat) that I will return for more and more … and more.

Some of the flavours of Gelato.

Moody Choc Float: Steamed milk & Chocolate from the Fountain, topped with Any Gelato flavor scoop.

Choco Hazelnut Crunch: Chocolate hazelnut gelato, hazelnut arabeschi, crushed hazelnuts, wafer biscuit, whipped cream.

And last but not least, we tried the Women’s Month limited edition Great Mood Cookie Sandwich. White chocolate and macadamia nut cookie with strawberry shortcake gelato, pink chocolate sauce and cotton candy.

If these photos haven’t made your mouth water, then there is simply something wrong with you. Ha! You best head to Moody Cow and treat yourself to a waffle or some gelato!

Moody Cow Gelato and Coffee Co.

Address: Shop 137, Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, Johannesburg

Tel: 010 593 2740

www.moodycow.co.za

♥

20 photos of beautiful South Africa

Loren

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18/08/2017

2

South Africa is a beautiful country with so much to do and so much to see. Here are 20 photos that I have taken on all of my adventures. From the Garden Route, to Mpumalanga and everywhere in between, including the streets of Johannesburg.

1. The Jacaranda trees in full bloom come summer time in Johannesburg

2. Knysna Heads

3. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

4. Sunset at Lower Sabi, Kruger National Park

5. Nottingham Road, The Midlands

6. The Cellars-Hohenort, Cape Town

7. Protea flowers

8. Gods Window, Mpumalanga

9. Keurbooms Lagoon, Plettenberg Bay

10. Beach Houses, Muizenberg

11. Johannesburg from Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

12. The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga

13. Pilansberg Game Reserve

14. Delheim, Stellenbosch

15. The Midlands, from Granny Mouse Country House

16. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg

17. Kalk Bay, Cape Town

18. Kurland, Plettenberg Bay

19. The Plettenberg Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

20. Last but not least – Table Mountain, Cape Town

♥

If you want to see more photos of our very beautiful South Africa, follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/minkys.co.za

We tried the new menu at The Maximillien

Loren

-

17/08/2017

0

If you are well versed in the foodie scene, chances are you have heard of The Maximillien – a restaurant located in the heart of Johannesburg, Sandton. This restaurant is styled on a New York bistro as inspiration was drawn from the world famous Balthazar restaurant in New York.

The Maximillien recently launched a new menu which was designed and executed by the restaurant’s Executive Chef, Sylvester Nair. An interesting fact about Executive Chef Sylvester is that his father is internationally renowned Chef Luke Nair. It is no wonder where he gets his culinary expertise from.

We were recently invited to try out this new menu, so on Monday night le bf and I took full advantage and called it a Date Night. It is not often date nights happen on a Monday night, you know!

These are some of the dishes we tried off the new menu …

mussel and clam pot

pan-fried buttermilk squid tentacles

norwegian salmon poached in coconut cream

200g aged wagyu beef fillet

passion fruit tart

chocolate dome

As you can see we enjoyed a total feast and each dish was absolutely perfect. The two that stood out for me though were the mussel and clam pot and the chocolate dome, obviously. I have the sweetest tooth so this was a real absolute treat. Homemade ice cream, chocolate fondant and caramel sauce – what more can a chocoholic like myself ask for?

What I loved most about the evening, besides for the food, was the ambiance of the restaurant. Dark wood, dim lights and a piano playing in the background. I honestly don’t think you can get any more romantic.

I am really excited to head back and enjoy another totally romantic and utterly delicious dinner.

Need to know:

Every Thursday night, Maximillien hosts a date night. You pay R400 per couple, which includes a starter and main each, a chocolate dome to share, and a bottle of the house wine. So if you’re looking to spoil your loved one, this is the ultimate date night dinner.

More info here.

♥

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

Let’s get started, shall we?

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

Moving on …

We love a delicious brew, don’t we?

A post on where to find the perfect Instagram-worthy coffee in Johannesburg.

1. The Grind Coffee Company

2. Paoletto

3. FEGO Caffee, Nicolway

4. Naked Kitchen and Coffee Bar

5. Starbucks

Click here to follow or search the handle @Minkys.co.za and be sure to follow along. You’ll also find lots of beautiful travel, food and life posts.

In the heart of Little Karoo, just off the famous Route 62, lies a wilderness sanctuary called Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Getting there …

Our stay …

For more information on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, click here. ♥

Thank you to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve for the getaway. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

What exactly is poke?

The question now is where to find a poke bowl in Jozi?

1. SUSHI BURRITO & CO

2. LA BOQUERIA

3. THE BIG MOUTH

4. ONO POKE EATERY

5. MOMO BAOHAUS

Have you tried a poke bowl yet?

It’s amazing!

3 reasons why DermaSpa is the bees knees …

How does it work?

My thoughts on some of the products …

♥ Uplifted+ Body Lotion

♥ Cashmere Comfort Body Lotion

♥ Cashmere Comfort Body Butter

♥ The Goodness³ Silky Body Oil

♥ Uplifted+ Massaging Body Roller-Ball Serum

More about the range …

Because ROSTO has the tastiest rotisserie chicken.

Now Linden is home to an Italian roastery ROSTO.

The chicken! The chicken!

The fries! The fries!

Dessert!

It is yum!

Say hello to the oh-so delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie

INGREDIENTS:

WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU …

A new beauty range by Dove, a pair of jeans and pretty pink nails are just a few of my favourite things.

dove

nails

MINISO

jeans

face mask

The truth is I love a good nude … lipstick.

Here are a few nudes in my make-up collection …

♥ Clinique Chubby Plump and Shine

♥ NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

♥ Essence Velvet Stick Matte Lip Colour

♥ Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick

♥ Revlon Kiss Balm

♥ Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

As well as gelato and coffee.

So this is what we had …

If you want to see more photos of our very beautiful South Africa, follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/minkys.co.za

These are some of the dishes we tried off the new menu …

mussel and clam pot

pan-fried buttermilk squid tentacles

norwegian salmon poached in coconut cream

200g aged wagyu beef fillet

passion fruit tart

chocolate dome

Need to know:

MINKYS

For more information on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, click here.
♥

**Now Linden is home to an Italian roastery ROSTO.**