Summer Makeover Reveal

Last month I spent a wonderful 2 days with our Summer Makeover winner Emy Clarke! As I promised I am sharing the Summer Makeover Reveal with you. You get a peek behind the scenes, as well a look at the professional photographs, taken by Alison from Inspired Exposure, on location at Hout Bay Manor.

Emy’s makeover experience started off with a trip to Edge Hair Salon in Cavendish, where the wonderful Ardila worked her magic on Emy’s tresses! After getting her hair just right, we whipped Emy off to do a bit of shopping at Old Khaki and Zuri, in Cavendish Square.

Once we had exhausted ourselves shopping we headed off to Hout Bay Manor, where Emy would be spending the night. It was also the venue for our photo shoot the following day. At the manor we met up with the amazing Dominique Luck, our wardrobe consultant. Bubbly was ordered – very necessary after all the exhausting shopping! 😉

Dominique then began her style consult with Emy. She had asked Emy to bring a few of her own clothing items with her, from home. We worked through all of Emy’s wardrobe concerns, as well as styling the outfits which we would use for the shoot the next day.

After a long and adventurous, but rather tiring day, we left Emy in peace to enjoy the luxury of her surroundings and a bit of alone time.

The morning of the photo shoot dawned, rather grey and gloomy, which worried me slightly – considering the day before had been beautiful and sunny! Our makeover team descended on Hout Bay Manor bright and early, to get Emy prepped and all glammed-up for her photo shoot. Kirsty, from Kirsten Murphy Makeup, started off with Emy’s hair and make up, while Alison scouted the best places to take the photographs. Alison assured me that the weather was not an issue and that shooting on a cooler day would in fact be better!

Kirsty did an amazing job on Emy’s hair and make up! Emy’s make up was subtle but oh so pretty! I think the transformation was amazing!

Once Emy was dressed we made our way downstairs, with additional outfits and make up, for any touch ups, in hand.

Alison began the photo shoot outside, in the gorgeous covered walkway, which leads to the hotel restaurant, Pure. Hout Bay Manor was a wonderful venue for the makeover photo shoot – from the pretty outside areas to the eclectic interiors. We could not have picked a better location!

Below you can see all the professional photographs taken by Alison from Inspired Exposure. She did an excellent job of capturing Emy’s natural beauty and radiance!

What a wonderful experience and what a deserving winner! I loved working with Emy and I think she looked beautiful! I would like to say a special thank you to all the sponsors involved, especially Hout Bay Manor for providing both the accommodation and the venue for our makeover. Listed below are all the wonderful sponsors who made this makeover possible.

Hair Makeover – Edge Hair Salon

Casual Wear – Old Khaki

Occasional Wear – Label Collections

Accessories – Zuri

Hair & Make Up – Kirsten Murphy MakeUp

Stylist – Dominique Luck

Photography – Inspired Exposure

Additional Prize Sponsors: Essence, Kiehl’s, Naturals Beauty and Pantene

Behind the Scenes Photography by Ian Rossiter & ©FAR Photography

Be Inspired, Beauty, Beauty Products, Beauty Spa, Cape Town Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

Kalahari Ancient Desert Secrets

At the end of last year we were invited to attend the launch of Kalahari Spa Products at the Inzolo Spa at the Hout Bay Manor.

Shelley went along to find out more about this inspired range of beauty products.

A bit of background info on Kalahari Spa Products:

Kalahari Spa was inspired by an extraordinary journey that started in the vast open plains of the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Carina Franck, Founder and Director of Kalahari Spa International, grew up on a farm in the Kalahari Desert where the rolling sand dunes and expansive blue skies shaped her childhood playground. “From an early age I knew that the heritage of this magical land and its humble people was something that would be ingrained within my core.”

For the last decade Carina was in the forefront of the fast-moving beauty industry, local as well as international. With her passion for Africa, Carina was inspired to create a range of world-class Spa products that was shaped to capturing the unique characteristics of the Kalahari Desert. “It was important for me to merge the complete experience of the desert including the colours of the earth, raw textures and rare fragrances, in this signature range of products”. “My focus was on making the Kalahari Spa experience an intimate journey by bringing the ancient secrets of the desert to the client through touch, sound, visual interaction and smell.

Carina and her team strive for perfection and every product contains a bouquet of pure natural plant oils, making each product harmonious with nature by enhancing the true value of the desert and the plants of the Kalahari.

“We pushed the eco boundaries with regards to the use of naturally harvested botanical ingredients and we were sensitive towards the deserts vulnerable ecosystems. We insist on using reputable phytotrade organisations and certified sustainable sources. All our packaging is 100% recyclable and the paper we utilise is recycled! All these merits contribute to making Kalahari Spa a pioneering range and the first to capture the true meaning of Africa in this extraordinary manner.”

Some ingredients frequently used in the Kalahari Spa Products:

Hematite stone – this is ground into a fine powder and is excellent for the formation of collagen.
Resurrection plant – this plant can live for 50 years with no water and this extract is used to protect the skin against free radicals and seals in moisture for up to 24 hours

Other ingredients used in their products are Marula Seed Oil, Kalahari Clay, Red Dune Sand, Matura Seed Butter and Baobab Oil.

There are 4 signature fragrances in the range, which are from inspired by the Kalahari:

Khoi-San = Escape – the main aroma being that of Buchu.
Dune = Relax – this fragrance reminds one of sitting around a camp fire in the bush.
Tsamma = Refresh – is a cooling, cucumber scent.
Wild Honey = Enhance – it has a lovely honey fragrance with undertones of vanilla.

The Inzolo Spa Experience:

I personally found most of the products very pleasant and if they claimed to be non-greasy and quickly absorbed, they actually were! I particularly loved the Hand Cream, Cuticle Oil, Body Oil and the Body Balm. The Fragrance Tree was very pretty and makes an unusual and different ‘diffuser’. The Lip Balm works really well and dry lips are definitely a thing of the past. The majority of the products are safe to use on sensitive skin, one simply needs to select the correct fragrance range. My favourite scents were the Tsamma and Wild Honey range but the Dune was also very pleasant. I found the Khoi-San scent very strong initially and it would take some getting used to but I was assured that it is definitely one that grows on you quickly. ~

The products are very wholesome and the company has a great ethos and endeavours to use completely natural and sustainable ingredients in their products. ~ Shelley Nell

The treatments offered are:

Kalahari Calabash Sole Survival
Kalahari Tsamma Hand Ritual
Kalahari Khoi-Khoi Escape – this is a back massage using the therapists hands and forearms
Kalahari Desert Glow Exfoliation – they use the Kalahari salt and it helps to detoxify as well
Kalahari Rolling Sands Massage – this is a full body massage

To find out more about the treatments offered by Inzolo Spa contact them directly on 27 21 790 0116.

Thank you to the ladies at Inzolo Spa at Hout Bay Manor and the team from Kalahari Ancient Desert Secrets for a fabulous afternoon!

Source: Images Shelley Nell, Background Information – Kalahari Spa

Beauty, Beauty Spa, Competitions, Fashion, Romantic Getaways, Travel

Win a Couples Massage at Hout Bay Manor

ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED

The Hout Bay Manor, my first Romantic Getaway feature, offers guests the luxury of indulging in much deserved pampering at The Inzolo Wellness Suite (Inzolo meaning peace, calm and tranquillity). The Spa’s philosophy is to nurture the senses and to promote the rejuvenating, healing energy of Africa in the picturesque setting of Hout Bay. Here couples can select from a menu of massages, facials and other pampering therapies in an exceptional dual treatment room.

I am super excited to announce that we are giving away a massage for two at the amazing Inzolo Wellness Suite, at the Hout Bay Manor, valued at R380 per person! How romantic, especially if you are looking for a way to treat that special someone, in you life.

What do you need to do to enter:~

Like Super Mom Blog’s Facebook Page.
Like Hout Bay Manor’s Facebook Page.
Once you have completed all of the above steps leave a comment on this blog, below the post, stating that you have done so and tell us what your most romantic date/holiday would be like.
Please tweet about this fab giveaway to let you friends know – Win a couples massage with @HoutBayManor and @supermomsablog ! Or post about it on Facebook!

Competition Details and Disclaimer:

The Couples Massage at Hout Bay Manor Giveaway will run from 15th August 2012, until the 26th August 2012. The winner will then be randomly selected and announced on Super Mom Blog. The winner will also be notified via email that they have won.
The winner will receive a massage for two at the Inzolo Wellness Suite valued at R380 per person.
Please leave a comment on this blog, below the post, stating that you have completed the above; along with your details in the comment section below this post (please include your email address). If you do not complete this step your entry will not be valid.
Conditions of entry: Anyone may enter this giveaway but please advised that Hout Bay Manor and the Inzolo Spa is situated in Cape Town and the winner will need to be in Cape Town to redeem their Prize. This prize does not include transport of any kind. The prize may not be exchanged for cash.
Any person/s who have won a competition on Super Mom Blog in the last 3 months are not eligible for entry.

Exploring the Cape, Romantic Getaways, Travel

Hout Bay Manor

My hubby and I try to get away for a romantic weekend every few months, a tradition we started long before children, and one which we have tried to maintain ever since. This is not always easy, with all the added pressures children bring along, but in my mind it is very necessary to remain connected as a couple!

With this in mind, I have decided to start a new series on my blog, focusing on Romantic Getaways, starting in the Cape. Over the next few weeks I will be introducing you to Romantic Cape Getaways, some of which we have stayed at before and others that are on my wish-list!

My first feature is on the stunning Hout Bay Manor, situated in Hout Bay, Cape Town. The Hout Bay Manor, which was built in 1871, is renowned as one of Cape Town’s most graceful and romantic landmarks. The recently restored 5-star boutique property offers 19 individually designed en suite rooms. The decor has a distinctly African feel and the utmost care has been taken to preserve the history and heritage of this landmark, while infusing the interiors with Zulu and Xhosa chic décor to celebrate the vibrant pulse of South Africa.

Hout Bay Manor A lover’s paradise…

The hotel also boasts its own signature restaurant “PURE” , where guests can indulge in an evening of gourmet delights, accompanied by top-notch service, in a surrounding of “pure” sophistication and class. The restaurant seats 60-80 guests in style, amidst a tranquil palette of creams, whites, marble and fine art.

As well as beautiful accommodation and a world-class restaurant, the Hout Bay Manor offers guests the added luxury of indulging in much deserved pampering at The Inzolo Wellness Suite (Inzolo meaning peace, calm and tranquillity). The Spa’s philosophy is to nurture the senses and to promote the rejuvenating, healing energy of Africa in the picturesque setting of Hout Bay. Here couples can select from a menu of massages, facials and other pampering therapies in an exceptional dual treatment room.

During the warmer summer months guests can enjoy the peaceful setting and beautiful surroundings of the estate by lounging in the pool area, taking time out from the hustle and bustle of life, to relax and de-stress. The magnificent old oak trees in the tranquil setting of the Tea Garden are a perfect spot to unwind, as well as being a magical setting for an intimate wedding ceremony.

Hout Bay Manor is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, where you will be treated to the tranquility and beauty of this gorgeous setting, the amazing attention to detail and attentive staff.

Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay Museum

The Hout Bay area offers a host of activities a mere 5 minutes from the hotel, with its quaint shops, bistro’s and restaurants; spend a day at the beach or visit the working fishing harbour. The area is a melting pot of history, diversity and culture. If you would like to venture further out, a drive along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive to Noordhoek and Cape Point is a must.

Hout Bay Manor has redefined the essence of hospitality and is a tribute to old and new – this is unsurpassed luxury living at its best.

To find out more about the Hout Bay Manor rates and facilities on offer, click over to their website here.

Images: Hout Bay Manor, Hout Bay Holiday

*ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED*

ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED