Beauty, Beauty Pick of the Week, Beauty Products, Fashion

Beauty Pick of the Week

My beauty pick of the week this week comes in the form of a wonderful new product that I have been asked to review. The Cettua range is a hypo-allergenic and dermatologist tested skin care range that is designed with the younger skin in mind. These products are popular in Europe, North America, and across Asia and is now available in South Africa, exclusively at Clicks stores. These products are great because they come in handy packs that you can easily slip into your overnight bag, making the perfect for travelling as well.

The first product I tested are the Cettua Silky and Clear Nose Strips with Charcoal, which is great if you struggle with pimples or blackheads on your nose. By removing toxins and dirt from the skin the nose strips are designed to minimise the occurrence of blackheads. Charcoal is an excellent skin purifier and disinfectant, it effectively absorbs the sebum{oil} from the skin leaving your skin feeling smoother and cleaner.

As well as Charcoal the Cettua Silky and Clear Nose Strips contain Peppermint and Witch Hazel, which both have great natural antiseptic properties.

The second product is the Cettua Pore Control Essence Mask, which I found amazing especially after a long week running around and being exposed to all the elements! You receive two masks in the pack, so there is an extra one to use before that hot date on the weekend.

The mask is designed and formulated specifically to refine and clean clogged pores, whilst also controlling the skin’s oil balance. Each mask contains natural astringents which help shrink and refine the pores, while the added plants extracts, contain antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties, leaving the skin clean and clear.

Last but certainly not least of the products I used are the Cettua Half Moon Vitamin A&E Patch. This is product is great if you are going out on a date and want to get rid of those tired puffy eyes, especially if like me you spend a great deal of time staring at a computer screen.

The patch is an effective eye mask which helps to combat wrinkles and fatigue with instant results. Normal creams and lotions tend to evaporate quickly after application, while the Cettua Half Moon Vitamin A&E Patch stays on the skin providing a continuous, concentrated dose of specially formulated ingredients to the delicate skin around the eyes.

The patch is packed with Retinol{Vitamin A}, Vitamin E and Grape Seed Oil, which provide the skin with powerful anti-oxidants, moisture and nutrients in 30 minutes.

For an added bit of fun this week I decided to do a “how to video clip” of me applying the Cettua Pore Control Essence Mask, please excuse both my amateurish videographer skills and how extremely odd i look with the mask on! As I said just a bit of Friday fun!

[youtube]http://youtu.be/-tVEHpXdGZY[/youtube]

Beauty, Beauty Products, Fashion

Beautiful Earth

This week I am very excited about reviewing products from the Beautiful Earth range. Beautiful Earth is a specialist manufacturing company, distributing 100% natural products for personal care, to individual consumers and the hospitality industry. As a eco-concious consumer I am always looking for ways to support local industry by finding local products, as an alternative to the international pharmaceutical brands and more importantly products that are not harmful and/or do not contain undesired ingredients, that may threaten our environment.

We see a world in which the entire family benefits from natural products through everyday use. In this world Beautiful Earth is recognised as the exemplar and the market leader in its countries of operation.

Our mission is to provide 100% natural, personal care products in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner, while generating attractive returns to all stakeholders. ~ Beautiful Earth

With winter on our doorstep it even more important to exfoliate your skin and keep it silky and smooth! The be Body Scrub is perfect for this job. Exfoliation is key to younger looking skin by promoting new cell growth. Old dead cells are gently removed assisting new healthy cells to surface. The salt scrub contains Shea butter, Sweet almond oil, Grapeseed oil, natural vitamin E and is enriched with Geranium, Lime and Lemongrass essential oils, that will leave your skin naturally soft and smooth. A natural and healthy way to exfoliate.

The Body Scrub has a wonderful texture and I love the zesty fragrance of lime and lemongrass, it leaves your skin feeling wonderfully invigorated and soft after use.

After exfoliation it is vital to replace the moisture in your skin and this is where the be Body Butter is the product to use. Made with shea butter it gently nourishes your skin with its luscious and creamy texture. The Body Butter contains rich emollients including the essential oils of Ylang-ylang, Sweet orange, Sandalwood and Rosewood which will help with severely dry or cracked skin. Use it all over to seal in moisture and soften your skin.

I love the soft subtle fragrance of Ylang-ylang and the rich creamy texture of the Body Butter, it leaves your skin wonderfully smooth without making it sticky or greasy to the touch.

If you would like to find out more about these and other products from the Beautiful Earth range please click here to visit their website.

I will also be announcing an exciting giveaway sponsored by be in the very near future so keep a look out for that! I will also report back on my thoughts on the be products I am reviewing.

Images: ©FAR Photography

If you are interested in sending me products to review and feature on Super Mom Blog click here for further details.

Home, Media

Super Mom Blog in the Media

This post which originated on the Fairlady.com site has since been removed by Fairlady, as Fairlady.com has now changed to The Daily Fix.

I thought I would share Super Mom Blog in the Media with you – my blog was mentioned along with a few other local mom’s as “mommy tweeters we love”, on Fairlady.com. It is always great to receive such positive feedback – thanks Fairlady!

Hot Stories » FYI » Mommy tweeters we love

Mommy tweeters we love

15 May 2012

If you’re looking for mom support or advice then these are the tweeters to follow.

If you’re not already following us on Twitter, it’s time to jump on the Twitter wave and find out what all the hype is about. It’s a wonderful place to find people and information. It’s especially handy when it comes to looking for like-minded people or people who are in a similar life phase to you.

As our May blogger of the month, Tanya Kovarsky worded it (page 71): ‘Twitter has offered me loads of support, even during 2am wake-ups, or toddler tantrums. I’ve made many real-life friends, and these women seem to know me and my day-to-day thoughts and activities better than most.’

Here are some great moms to start following:

	Tanya Kovarsky Bio: Writer, editor, trainer bloggerholic and social media slag. Imperfect mom of Max, Comrades runner. Devotee of Glee, Apples, Hello Kitty and Converse FAIRLADY’s May blogger of the month, Tanya is the lady behind blogs Dear Max and Rattle & Mum (page 71). She offers a very realistic view of what takes to juggle parenthood, a career and having hobbies and personal interests. You can follow Tanya by clicking here.
	Tertia Albertyn Bio: Mother, author, blogger and baby-maker. The Queen of Everything. Tertia is possibly the most famous mom blogger in South Africa. Similar to her blog’s frank and tongue-in-cheek tone, Tertia’s twitter stream is a mine of giggles, witty remarks and interesting links. You can follow Tertia by clicking here.
	Super Mom Blog Bio: I am someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother Aside from producing a great lifestyle blog that is so much more than just a mommy portal, Fiona is interesting to follow on twitter. You’ll find links for the mom on the go – wondering what make-up you should be buying, or perhaps you’re looking for style inspiration while pregnant – you’ll get this by clicking here to follow SuperMomBlog.
	Sam Cowen Bio: 38 – 2kids, 1husband, loads of animals, breakfast xpress 94.7 Sam already has quite a following thanks to her radio presence although we think it’s for her dry sense of humour and sharp comments. Her twitter stream is filled with witty remarks and we challenge you to follow Sam without chuckling. From her parenthood experiences: To her exercise regimes: We know you’ll love following her.
	Cupcake Mummy Bio: purple hair – rockin single mum to a boy toddler – tattooed – slightly psychotic – cupcake obsessed – book whore – tea lover – brutally honest – puddle jumping camera slave Take a journey through parenthood with this passionate photographer and mom. Her blog details how she manages her Asperger Syndrome, her day-to-day dealings with her son, ‘Fish’ and showcases her photos. Her twitter stream is your connection to this fun mom. Click here to follow Cupcake Mummy.
	Tamaryn Watkins Bio: Maker of bodythrills, full-time fiancée, sometimes writer, accidental mother to blue-eyed boymischief. Kitchen ninja, vintage crockery fetishist. Tamaryn offers a real insight into the challenges and delights of motherhood. You’ll laugh reading about her son’s antics, drool when reading what’s on the menu for dinner and marvel at her creativity. Her comments are astute, honest and hilarious – and just when you think you know everything about her, she’ll reveal a new talent. Click here to follow Tamaryn.

Cape Town, Cape Town Lifestyle, Exploring the Cape, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Travel

Groot Constantia Cape Town

Yesterday we enjoyed a lazy lunch at Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia, eating delicious food and drinking great Cape wine! Jonkershuis Constantia is nestled in the historic core of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, next to the historic Homestead and surrounded by ancient oak trees.

Groot Constantia

Following lunch we decided on a strolled around the magnificent estate gardens. A chance to soak up the sun and take in the glorious surroundings.

Groot Constantia is not only the oldest wine estate in South Africa but also a historical monument. The estate is home to two great restaurants and world renowned for producing great wine.

A bit of history on the farm“Groot Constantia was established in 1685 by the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope Simon van der Stel, and was used to produce wine as well as other fruit and vegetables and cattle farming. Following Van der Stel’s death in 1712 the estate was broken up and sold in three parts: Groot Constantia; Klein Constantia; and Bergvliet. In 1778 the portion of the estate surrounding Van der Stel’s Cape Dutch-style manor house was sold to the Cloete family, who planted extensive vineyards and extended and improved the mansion by commissioning the architect Louis Michel Thibault. The house remained in the possession of the Cloete family until 1885, during which period the estate became famous for its production of Constantia dessert wine.

In 1885 the farm was purchased by the government of the Cape of Good Hope and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate. Following a disastrous fire in 1925 the house was extensively restored.”

The Groot Constantia trademark is one of the oldest surviving trademarks in the world today. It serves as a testimony of continuous high quality wine production and has won medals and awards since 1855.

Fashion, Fashion, Kids Fashion

KuNa Kids Clothing

I am not sure about you but I love anything to do with fashion and I have been blessed with two mini-fashionistas, lucky me! My girls do not need any encouragement when it comes to being fashionable or dressing up! Needless to say they were super keen this week to be my models and try out a few sample items from a great local range of children’s clothing, KuNa.

“Handcrafted with love in South Africa”

“Times have changed from the days when children dressed as miniature adults that limited their physical freedom and imposed social restrictions on their behavior. Those days are long gone; today, choosing modern apparel for children is less about following the latest trend and more about enhancing their natural radiance and joyous energy.” ~ Shingai Netshipise

Owner and designer of KuNa clothing, Shingai Netshipise, designs and manufactures a contemporary clothing line for girls between the ages of 2 and 10, “KuNa clothing is bright and bold with an African twist, yet global and original; materials include natural cotton from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and wax prints from Northern African countries.”

Shingai Netshipise (25) is a seasoned fashion designer, having worked for the Foschini Group (Cape Town) and alongside well-known names in fashion circles such as Marianne Fassler and Hannia Webber’s Sibella range, before launching her own label, KuNa.

The KuNa kids clothing range is designed to be comfortable and flattering, enhanced by striking hand embroidery, detailed sequined art, beading, trims and tie-dyeing. Materials are deliberately sourced for their comfort-value, durability and are easy to wash.

Off-the-shelf garments are made according to standard measurements but KuNa also offers custom-made garments, tailored to individual specifications. KuNa also specializes in making special occasion wear; for weddings or special birthdays.

The Johannesburg-based KuNa factory, markets its clothing range to global consumers, including South Africa; KuNa is sold exclusively through its on-line store. Deliveries of orders usually take between 7 to 10 days, depending on your location. Gift vouchers can also be purchased from the online store if you would like to treat that special someone! To find out more about this bespoke brand, click onto the KuNa website for more details.

I loved the items that we received, as did my “models”, I would definitely recommend them, they were great quality and I especially loved the attention to detail on the garments!

This post which originated on the Fairlady.com site has since been removed by Fairlady, as Fairlady.com has now changed to The Daily Fix.

Mommy tweeters we love

Tanya Kovarsky

Tertia Albertyn

Super Mom Blog

Sam Cowen

Cupcake Mummy

Tamaryn Watkins

Groot Constantia