Slider - Inspired Living SA

Beauty, Beauty Favourites, Beauty Products, Slider

My Favourite Soil Organics Baobab Bodycare Products

I am very particular about having the right ambience in my home. One of the ways of achieving this is through scent. Scented candles are a must and I always ensure that I am never without, beautiful smelling handwash and hand lotion. I have my favourites products, which I repurchase all the time but I also love trying something new. Enter the Soil Organics Baobab Bodycare Products, which I recently ordered from the Soil Organics Website.

Soil Organics Baobab Bodycare Products

I ordered the Balancing Baobab Organic Handwash, Hand Lotion, as well as the Soy Wax Candle. It is always a bit risky ordering products, which you have not tried before but the Baobab products did not disappointed!

I decided to put the products in our downstairs guest bathroom, so that everyone could enjoy them. Before a recent dinner party I lit the candle and to my surprise my hubby commented on the scent. He said that it smelt exaclty like a spa – a real win in my books! Who doesn’t love the tranquil scent of a spa???

Soil Organics

Soil Organics is a South African based company, producing certified organic products locally. They created SA’s first range of certified organic aromatherapy products. What makes them unique, is that they farm, process and market their own products.

Read on to find out how you can treat yourself to a few of these amazing Soil Organics Products.

Balancing Baobab Organic Handwash (300ml)

I am vaguely obsessed about hand-washing! You will find handwash strategically placed all over our home{near a tap naturally!}. The only problem is washing your hands often, can be very drying for your skin. With this in mind I always try and buy a handwash which is also moistursing.

The luxurious Balancing Baobab Organic Handwash is cleansing, as well as nourishing. It contains Baobab oil to help improve skin’s elasticity and radiance. As well as Baobab, it also contains essential oils of Rose Geranium and Sandalwood. These oils help balance and restore the senses, and add a delicate scent. RRP R130.00

Balancing Baobab Organic Hand Lotion (300ml)

If I buy a hand wash and there is a matching hand lotion, I naturally have to buy it! The luxurious Balancing Baobab Organic Hand Lotion, is rich in antioxidants. It contains Baobab oil and Shea Butter to nourish and protect the skin. Leaving it wonderfully soft. As with the handwash the essential oils of Rose Geranium and Sandalwood are added, to help balance and restore the senses, as well as adding the delicate scent. RRP R150.00

Balancing Baobab Organic Soy Wax Candle (200g)

Last but not least I decided to treat myself to the Balancing Baobab Organic Soy Wax Candle. My home is never without scented candles – one aspect of load shedding I don’t mind! This purchase was definitely an added treat just for me and I am so glad I bought. As I mentioned before, the heavenly fragrance transports you to a tranquil spa, which definitely where I would love to be. This luxurious candle with its exquisite earthy floral scents of Rose Geranium and Sandalwood, create the perfect environment to balance and restore the senses. The candle has a lead free wick and is long and clean burning. This makes it a better alternative for both you and the environment. Soy wax is also a renewable resource and is biodegradable. RRP R250.00

To win a R300 Soil Organics Voucher {which is valid until 30th September 2015} please follow the simple steps below to complete your entry:

Answer this question in the comment section below: Which Soil Organics Products would you purchase with your voucher? {Hint: click on the link above to take you to the website} This step is mandatory – please choose 1 of the other steps below to complete your entry.
Visit: Soil Organics and/or Inspired Living on Facebook and let us know you have entered. Remember to tag us! or
Tweet: “Win a R300 @Soil_Organics Voucher from @inspired_lifeSA
Please be aware the voucher must be redeemed on the Soil Online Store by the 30th September 2015, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
Ensure you read the *Terms & Conditions below carefully, to ensure you comply with all the entry criteria.

*Terms & Conditions: By entering this competition you automatically accept all the Terms and Conditions laid out below.

Entries are open from 9th September 2015 until the 16th September 2015.
You must complete all the steps as stipulated above on the Rafflecopter Form: Leave a Comment, Like and/or Share on Facebook or Instagram and/0r Tweet about the competition.
To ensure that your entry is processed correctly (please use a valid email address). Your details will only be used to validate your entry and inform you, if you are selected as a winner.
This competition is only open to South African residents and to readers who have not won a competition on Inspired Living SA in the past 6 months.
Entries will be considered incomplete and thus disqualified if the entrant does not provide all requested information. Entry information will not be shared with any third party without the entrant’s prior knowledge and consent.
The prize will go to the first name selected at random after the closing date. Please be aware the voucher must be redeemed on the Soil Online Store by the 30th September 2015, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
By “Liking” you enter and agree that this promotion is in no way associated with, administered by, or endorsed by Facebook; and acknowledge a complete release of Facebook by your participation.

Beauty, Nail Polish, Slider

Essie Cute As A Button Stunning Spring Shade

Ok it may not feel like spring today, but after the most amazing few days of sunny weather, how could one not get into the whole spring vibe? This means swoping out your winter woolies and boots, for t-shirts and flip flops and dark sultry winter shades for pastels and brights! My first move from winter to spring, is usually my nail polish shades. So I thought I would start the week, with a spring inspired mani, featuring the Stunning Essie Cute As A Button.

As you know one of my favourite nail polish shades is coral. I have many variations on the theme and somehow cannot stop myself, from buying a “new” coral polish, whenever I see one!

Essie Cute As A Button

I popped into Clicks over the weekend and this gorgeous polish by Essie, was the first one that caught my eye.

The Colour

Essie Cute As a Button is stunning bright coral, with a hint of pink. It is the perfect pop of colour, to get you into the mood for spring. It will look amazing on most skin-tones, but especially tanned skin.

The Application

The polish has a lovely creamy texture and it takes at least two coats for it to be opaque. I am wearing two coats in the photo above but I think if I had them time, I would probably go for three coats, to give it that professional finish. Add a top coat and you are good to go!

The Verdict

I think this is a perfect spring/summer shade and you will probably see it on my nails quite often over the next few months. Essie is one of my favourite brands, both from a quality and range perspective and this polish does not disappoint.

Leave a comment below and tell me what your favourite spring/summer nail polish shade is?

Essie Nail Polish is available at selected Dis-Chem, Clicks and Foschini Stores, as well as selected Beauty Salons RRP R124.95.

Follow Essie on Facebook to keep up to date with new collections and product launches.

Images: ©Inspired Living

Disclosure Ranking:1

Food, Lifestyle, Slider, Taste, Wine Farms

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

One of my favourite outings of late, was to Avondale Wine Farm in Paarl. Not only was it my first time visting the farm but it was my first time experiencing a Eco Wine Safari.

I thought we would take look at What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm, as well as what made this experience so special.

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

Situated in Paarl in the Cape, Avondale Organic Wine Farm, is as picture-perfect as landscapes get. The 300-year-old farm is set at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein mountains and is an easy drive from Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Visitors to Avondale can enjoy a guided tasting of the farm’s seven hand-crafted, classic wines, known as ‘Avondale’s Magnificent Collection’. Their hand-crafted slow wines are created holistically, through a combination of time-honoured wisdom, natural farming practices and modern science.

Eco Wine Safaris

One of the highlights of my visit to Avondale, was the Eco Wine Safari. The farm’s Eco Wine Safari provides visitors, with the perfect way of getting acquainted with Avondale’s ethos of Terra Est Vita, which means ‘Soil is Life’. This ethos is the basis upon which proprietor and viticulturist Johnathan Grieve, has built the farm. In essence he believes that healthy soil, produces healthy plants.

The idea behind the Eco Safari, is to take guests on a fun, interactive and informative tour of the farm. One of the main aims of the safari, is to give visitors a better understanding of the biodynamic agriculture practices, which the organically certified farm incorporates, into the production of its wines. In true “farm-style”, all this happens on the back of a typical farm-style vehicle.

After a welcoming glass of the Armilla Blanc de Blanc, Avondale’s deliciously fresh and lively Méthode Cap Classique, we set off on our adventure aboard our “farm chariot”.

The Eco Safari, which winds around the farm, explores over 300 hectares of cultivated land and indigenous terrain, including the natural wastewater system, which is made up of three interlinking dams.

Guests are also able to witness a few of the biodynamic methods and preparations used by Grieve, such as the field broadcaster energy device, which works with natural cosmic energies to improve soil quality and stimulate healthy growth in the vines.

Although our ride was a tad bumpy, the picturesque view, as well as the wine stops along the way, made up for any discomfort! During our tour we tasted a further five wines from the Avondale collection – Camissa, a rosé; Cyclus, a refreshing white blend; Anima, a lively Chenin Blanc; La Luna, a classic red blend; and Samsara, a Syrah. This was particularly special, as we tasted the wines among the vines, in the particular vineyard blocks where the grapes were grown.

Among other interesting practices, Avondale is also making efforts to restore and re-establish indigenous fynbos species on the farm, clear alien vegetation, as well as plant hundreds of indigenous trees. This all forms part of their endeavours, as a member of the WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI). As well as the beautiful plant life, the farm is home to various species of birds and mammals.

Grieve’s dynamic BioLOGIC^®system is more easily understood, when seeing in action in the vineyards and surrounding land. The farm’s herd of Angus cattle and delightful team of snail-guzzling ducks, are employed as part of the natural solution to managing soil health and dealing with pests, without the use of chemicals. These are just a few of the remarkable ways, that Avondale produces extraordinary wines – approved by Mother Nature!

Avondale Lunch Platters

Following our inspiring safari, we were whisked off to the tasting room, to sample the Avondale Lunch Platters. Avondale’s mouth-watering new lunch platters, have been created by renowned chef Matt Manning. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced and seasonally available produce.

The lunch platters provide an assortment of tantalising flavours, which are harmoniously paired with Avondale’s food-friendly wines. The full range of wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle. My favourite wine of the day was the Samsara, a beautifully intense, ruby red Syrah. Samsara means ‘to flow on’ and pass through the states of life and death.

Admittedly by the time we were seated for lunch I was ravenous – it must have been all the fresh air! The menu for lunch was simple, yet absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing. Each platter is sufficient for two hungry guests.

When the platter arrived, laden with all sorts of wonderful goodies, it was difficult to know where to start. The first thing that caught my eye, was the selection of beautifully wrapped sandwiches. They were filled with a choice of tender Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and creamy Truffle Mayo, Smoked Rainbow Trout with Cream Cheese and Spring Onion, or Smoked Free-range Chicken Breast with Herb Mayo and Rocket. My favourite was definitely the Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and Creamy Truffle Mayo!

The platter also included warm Truffle and Parmesan, infused Risotto Balls, which melt in the mouth, Lightly Spiced Kingklip and Salmon Fishcakes with a Chilli-spiked Aioli for dipping, and juicy Lamb Kofta served with herb mayonnaise. The Lamb Kofta was sublime, I lost count of how many I consumed! There was also a fresh Salad of crisp garden greens, a spread of ripe Dalewood Cheeses, as well as an assortment of home-bottled Pickles and Compotes. Vegans and vegetarians can be accommodated on request.

This experience was truly magical and I would highly recommend a visit to the farm, as well as the Eco Safari and naturally, one would not want to miss the chance of enjoying a delectable lunch platter! Thank you Avondale for a wonderful day!

Details and location:

Wine tastings at Avondale are available by appointment Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R50 per person.

The Eco Wine Safaris are held by appointment Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm. The duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours, and includes a tasting of 6 wines. Priced at R200 per person. To book, call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].

Lunch platters are served Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R320 per platter (suitable for sharing). Booking is recommended – call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].

Location: Avondale is situated on Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl – on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Contact: For more information, visit the Avondale Website or call 021 863 1976.

Disclosure Ranking:4