Bags by Built

Built is a New York based company that makes funky neoprene (aka wetsuit material) bags, totes, laptop sleeves and other cool, functional accessories.

I really dig their products and have had my Built "gourmet getaway" lunch tote for almost a year now. I would love to get a "market tote", as I think it would make a great little beach bag.

Buy Built bags locally online at Wellness Warehouse, or internationally HERE .

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. My shoe collection currently has a shortage of pretty, dress-up heels. I must get some soon (love the ones in the above pic, but have no idea who makes them)
2. If you need to buy alcohol and all the bottle stores in Cape Town are closed, you can go to Brewers & Union (on Bree Street) to buy takeaway beer and wine.
3. A whole bottle of wine makes me super talkative and very unaware of the time
4. I seem to be favouring meat-free dishes lately
5. Sometimes 1950's Jazz music can save the day
6. No matter how many times I watch A Walk to Remember I always cry at least once during the film (its just such a bittersweet, romantic story ) 
7.  I am definitely improving at squash
8. I'm warming to the idea of a personal number plate (cheesey, i know).
9.  Watching the film Vampires suck is a waste of time
10. This is so true: "I am a big believer that eventually everything comes back to you. You get back what you give out." - Nancy Reagan


What did you learn this weekend?

To do...

Photo by Sarah Le

Favourite Emmy award looks

The 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards happened yesterday in Los Angeles and there were just so many stunning dresses on the red carpet - but my favourite looks of the night were from these two ladies...

1. Claire Danes (left) in an ultra glamorous, Georgio Armani Prive gown (which was covered in swarovski crystals)  

2. Keri Russel (right), who looked super cute in a vintage Jean Louis Sherrer Haute Couture gown and Jimmy Choo heels.

You can visit HERE  to see more Emmy award fashion 

Happy Friday!

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."- Kahlil Gibran

Have a wonderful, smile-filled weekend :)

* photo by Stephanie Rausser

Wall shoe rack

If you think your high heels are just a bit too pretty to be hidden away in a closet, then this is the shoe rack for you.  Just use some strips of crown moulding, paint and decorate with your fabulous footwear ;)

* found via apartment therapy

Health quest, chasing inspiration and happy thoughts

As I have mentioned before on my blog, I am currently on a quest to get healthy and fit ( looking good in a bikini this summer will just be a bonus). So far I have cut ALOT of sugar from diet, tried to fight the urge to buy fat-filled junk food and I have made an effort to choose better snack food (like nuts and fruit)
- Plus,  I have started to exercise alot more regulary  (I am proud to announce that I have been to gym 4 times since saturday). To help make exercise more fun, I have also started to play squash and even though I thought I would never regain normal use of my right arm(aka the racket holding arm) after my first two games, I am happy to report that I have stuck with it *winks*

The other thing I am trying to do in my life is actively seek out inspiration,  instead of waiting for inspiration to jump out and say surprise ('cause I so seldom make the time to try inspire myself these days). So, I am trying to do more things that I find will encourage inspiration and happy brain waves - I have been finding new music, reading alot more lovely books, watching all the films that catch my fancy,  I am planning trips away to places that will make me smile and I have been seeking out new things to see, eat, wear, learn, etc....

Maybe its the shifting of the seasons, the fact that time seems more precious ( it's speeding past at an alarming pace) or maybe its the natural progression of finally getting closer to where you are meant to be (kinda like fate)... who can say? but what I know for sure is that I feel like I have suddenly  found myself in a undeniably rad place and I feel like I can slowly start to re-visit so many disgarded dreams again....I am feeling energised and happy. Its really nice.

How are you at the moment? do tell...

Lovely & local

Here are just a few cute, local things I found online...

1.  Silver, Oval ring from Thula Jewellery

2. Trillado Tote Bag by The Wren

3. Floral, flow top by Miss Molly

4. Leather and fabric pumps at Beatnik Bazaar 

5. Fat robin brooch by Genevieve Motley

6. Tri-fold, flower silver earrings by Emma Anne (I just got a pair of these)

I heart Vera Wang

Vera Wang designs such beautiful, dreamy dresses (especially her wedding dresses). Right now the only Vera Wang thing I own is a bottle of perfume, but one day I hope to own a Vera Wang dress.

Photos taken by Carter Smith for Vera Wang, Fall/winter 2010/2011

Gossip Girl, season 4 - sneak peek (part 2)

Looks like bright, citrus coloured clothes will be featuring in Season 4 of Gossip Girl. I am loving all the yellow.

Season 4 of GG will start on 13 September in US.

Salted caramel macaron recipe

 I saw THIS yummy macaron recipe this morning and I am so keen to try it.

Blogger Emily, from Cupcakes and Cashmere , tried the recipe and took some lovely photos of her salted caramel macarons (like above photo) - click here to see how well her macarons turned out.

On my bucket list...by Elle

Today the sweet, Cape Town based blogger Elle (from Love & Stuff ) will be sharing a few things from her bucket list - Enjoy...

I always get a little anxious when I realise we went from Monday to Sunday in 0.5 seconds. That’s why I’m usually a little cautious of a bucket list (it would just be a reminder of time running out without ticking anything off), until Brazen asked me to be a part of her bucket list project and it got me thinking. Maybe having a list is not such a bad thing. It would motivate me to get my bum off the couch and to go...

1. Explore my dream destination Greece on a cute vintage Vespa.

2. Read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

3. Do one of those cheesy ‘holding’ the Eiffel Tower pictures in Paris...

4. ....and of course learn French so I could actually ask directions to the Eiffel Tower (I get lost in a shoe box)

5. Learn to play the Drums like a true rock chick.

6. See Linkin Park in concert.

7. Write a book.

8. Create my dream home, with a walk in closet (filled with Chanel).

9.  Go sailing with the boyfriend.

10. And finally... learn to make my own clothes.

Note: "On my bucket list..." is a new weekly series on my blog. Each week a lovely blogger will share a few things from their bucket list.

Flower jewellery giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a lovely giveaway sponsored by Gift Girls .

The winner will receive a rose ring and 3 pairs of flower stud earrings:

Description: 22mm, resin, rose ring with adjustable fit in purple. 3 pairs of pink, resin, flower studs with gold plated earring backs.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower/subscriber of this blog, THEN please go and visit the Gift Girls website and tell me (in the comments section) what you like best.
2. For an extra entry - join Gift Girls facebook group (& let me know that you did)

Notes:
* Anyone may enter this giveaway
*This giveaway will end on Wednesday, 1 September and the winner will be announced on Thursday, 2 September.
*winner is chosen randomly

* During this giveaway if you order anything from Gift Girls, you can use the discount code "BEINGBRAZEN" to get 10% off your purchase :)

Jumping spider moves in

A few days ago I spotted a jumping spider in the bedroom ......


Me: Come quickly, theres an evil creature in the room
The Boyf (from another room): I'm sure you're exaggerating
Me: I'm not, its big and doing ninja moves. I think its hostile
The Boyf (still in another room): ok, I'll be there in a minute
Me: A minute is too long, by then it could have taken off my arm
The Boyf (finally appears): *looks at creature* its just a nice friendly jumping spider
Me: Well, its got to go. It will jump on my things and contaminate them with its furry legs
The Boyf: I think we should leave it and let it roam free. Its eating all the bad bugs
Me: Leave it! Roam free! Are you mad? It will probably attack us in our sleep or crawl into my ear and try and eat my brain.
The Boyf: Lets just leave it, its harmless and friendly *leans super close and smiles at creature*
Me: ummm.....*looks at spider, looks at The Boyf*
The Boyf: It will be ok, I promise it wont attack you
Me: ummm..ok, I will let it stay for now- but if it comes near me its going to have be taken care of.
The Boyf : * grins* ok, honey

Anyways, since that day I have spotted the jumping spider in a number of places around the apartment. I seem to be dealing with the fact that its moved in alot better than I thought I would.

Since The Boyf seems to really like this little creature, I have stopped plotting to secretly remove it from the house. I have even gone as far as to chat to it for a few minutes and tell it the "rules" (don't touch my stuff, don't invite friends over , etc). Who knows, maybe this little spider will help me get over some of my intense spider fears.

To read more stories about my irrational fear of bugs click HERE

* this is a re-post

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. The new A-Team movie is awesome. Sharlto Copley is so funny in it.
2. Often Its better to smuggle your own snacks into the cinema (Thanks, mom)
3. Playing squash is such a good workout
4. I seriously need to get a bigger closet for my clothes
5. Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer (aka Sookie & Bill from True Blood) got married
6. The Boyf is great at helping me make my blog look prettier
7. I am definitely in need of a lovely, far-away holiday (Lately I have been spending a silly amount of time daydreaming about travelling)
8. Sometimes a white, fluffy robe can save the day
9. I really like O.N.E coconut water with a splash of guava (see here)
10. "Bravery never goes out of fashion." - William Makepeace Thackeray

What did you learn this weekend?

Katie & The Romantics

Katie Holmes (aka Mrs Tom Cruise) and the the other main cast members of the film,  The Romantics did a lovely photoshoot for J.Crew's September catalog - As I am a big Katie Holmes fan (since Dawsons Creek), I just had to share some of the photos.

I am really looking  forward to seeing The Romantics when it comes out here  - to watch the movie trailer, click HERE 

Happy Friday!

“Eventually I discovered for myself the utterly simple prescription for creativity: Be intensely yourself. Don’t try to be outstanding; don’t try to be a success; don’t try to do pictures for others to look at - just please yourself.” - Ralph Steiner

 Happy Friday, happy weekend :)
 

*photo from Tumblr

Lovely espadrilles

This spring/summer I want to buy a pair of canvas, wraparound ankle tie, espadrille wedges in cream or white. I abolutely love them and think they will look adorable with summer dresses.

The above espadrille is from J Crew.

Me, today

Today I...

... plan to go for a little jog after work
... wish I was having a better hair day
... feel rather sleepy and restless
... have been seriously craving a falafel burger
... read alot of lovely blogs
... am in the mood to listen to Imogen Heap on repeat
... wore a top that I probably should of got rid of by now
... day dreamed about having a home like THIS *le sigh*
... fought the urge to buy a chocolate donut
... could not help but laugh at someone that walked into a door
... can't wait to chill with The Boyf later

Whats up with you today?

On my bucket list...by Sid

Darlings, today the very funny, outspoken, blogger Sid (from verbal-sid.com) will be sharing a few things from her bucket list:

Brazen emailed me and told me that she’d always admired my wit, senses of style and beauty ;) It was only after she’d buttered me up, that she presented me with the opportunity to participate in her new blogventure – The Bucket List. Without much further ado, here’s my list... 

1. See the Aurora borealis – I want to be overwhelmed by beauty. I want to look at the skies and think, “Of course God exists!” I want to capture the starling phenomenon on camera.

2. Be a trapeze artist – I want to feel invincible, like my body has no limits. I want to soar through the air and feel the adrenalin rush through my body. I’d want to be airborne, if only for a minute. I want to put all my trust in a stranger. I want to amaze myself.

3. Watch John Mayer play live in an intimate venue – I want to watch his fingers strum that guitar. I want to believe that he’s playing for me and me alone. I want to hear him play Free Falling and Covered in Rain and remind myself to keep breathing.

4. Attend my very own book signing – I want to create something beautiful.

5. I want to make the ocean my bitch – I’ve been surfing for a year now and I’m still not very good at it.

6. Have a baby - I want to feel fiercely protective over someone. I want to read Charlie and the Chocolate factory to someone that is solely my responsibility. I want to educate, hug and care for a little one. (Side note: I feel like just a girly girl for admitting this.)

A note: "On my bucket list..." is a new weekly series on my blog. Each week a lovely blogger will share a few things from their bucket list.

Blah blah's and bucket lists

Lately I've been feeling like there is so much to think and smile about, So my mood has been see-sawing between deeply contemplative and highly content (ok, there are also super brief moments of madness between the two).  Spring seems to have arrived in Cape Town, my new healthier diet is going well (I just need to start being alot more disciplined with exercise), I've been trying to plan a few trips away and I feel like there may be some sparkly opportunities coming my way...

Oh and....

I am going to be starting a brand new, awesome, weekly series on my blog called "On my bucket list..."

What's it about? Well, I have asked quite a few, lovely bloggers to share just a few things from their personal, bucket lists (aka before-I-die lists) and from tomorrow I will start sharing the lists with you weekly. (Note: If you want to be a part of this new series, you can e-mail me for details)

How have you been lately, darlings?

*photo from Sep 2010 issue of Marie Claire France

Mobland babes

Arn't these photos just gorgeous?

For the September issue of Vanity Fair, Ellen von Unwerth took photos of the leading actresses of the new 12-episode Mob series, Boardwalk Empire (This show is directed by Martin Scorsese, set in the 1920's and starts in September in US). 

To read more about the show click HERE 

Or to see more photos click HERE

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Inception is a very cool, but rather strange film, that leaves you questioning (Leonardo & Ellen Paige were great)

2. Freshly squeezed orange juice is wonderful and so sweet
3. I really like Rimmels "True Vintage" colour lipstick
4. I love the dresses at Wardrobe (on Kloof street)
5. Using eyelash curlers can really help your lashes look better
6. The Boyf is the best sneaky, present buyer ever
7. Fairview 2008 Pinotage wine is very tasty
8. I need to get back into the habit of taking more photos
9. My new, credit card is a bad influence on me *winks*
10. I need to stop being my own worst enemy

What did you learn this weekend?

Happy Friday!

"Remember that happiness is a way of travel 

- not a destination." - Roy M. Goodman

What are you up to this weekend, darlings? Tonight I'm going to see Inception (which I hope is as brilliant as I think it will be) and for the rest of the weekend I plan to chill out, spend some time outdoors and have a braai (aka barbeque)...I can't wait :)

Hope you all have a splendid weekend.

Take a look...

Today I did a mini post HERE about stripes

I like grey couches

Lately I've been obsessed with grey couches (especially velvety ones). While I still love the idea of a white couch, I think a grey couch would be equally versatile and even more practical :) 

Do you like grey couches? 

Its for you...

It seems that I haven't done an "its for you" post this month, So its definitely time to catch up with y'all...

How it always works: I will answer the below random questions - then you answer the questions as a comment. Why? cause sharing is caring *winks*:

1. Today I feel... happy and hopeful
2. Last night... I bought eyelash curlers, made a rather healthy dinner and started reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
3. What music you currently listening to? A few cool soundtracks and alot of Florence and The machine
4. Sometimes I wish...on the first star I see at night
5. Favourite item/s of clothing right now? My black lace shift dress and my long, grey & black stripey cardigan.
6. Before the end of the year  I hope to have... gotten into a good exercise routine, cut junk food from my diet, gotten a bit of tan, figured out the meaning of life (ok, maybe thats pushing it. hehe) and gone away for a short holiday with The Boyf ;)

Teen rockers and a dead narrator

This weekend The Boyf was away on a short hunting trip (this fact may help explain point 9 in my last "10 things I learnt"post), So I decided to catch up on some movie watching (among other things)...

Here is a bit about the 2 most interesting movies I watched this weekend:

1. The Runaways: This film gives an inside look into the making and breaking of the 70's all girl, teen band - The Runaways. It also focuses on the relationship between guitarist, Joan Jett and lead singer, Cherie Currie. The film perfectly captures the wild, hard, drug filled 70's rock scene. Dakota Fanning is amazingly raw as Bowie obsessed, Cherie Currie and Kristen Stewart is impressive as edgy rocker, Joan Jett. I totally enjoyed the film.

2. The Lovely Bones: based on the bestselling novel by Alice Sebold and directed by Peter Jackson (the guy behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy), The Lovely Bones is the story of a 14 year old girl, Suzie Salmon (played by the very talented, Saoirse Ronan), who is murdered by a serial killer and the effects that this event has on everyone (including her) . The whole story is narrated by Suzie Salmon, who is in an almost-heaven place. Stanley Tucci does a good job being the creepy, yet stereotypical, killer. Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon also star in this bittersweet movie.

Have you watched anything interesting lately?

Dog decor

I just adore the colourful, cute dog portraits in the above picture (though I doubt I would ever do anything like that in my own home).

Note: I really want a dog....but I need a garden first.

* photo by Erik Johnson

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Roasted almonds are great to snack on throughout the day
2. Going to gym on a Friday night is very nice and quiet
3. I really dislike Bill  in Season 3 of True Blood
4. My sisters cat cracks me up - its crazy and scared of rabbits
5. Paris inspired parties are awesome
6. Pine tree needles have more vitamin C in them than oranges
7. Really good friends are hard to find, but easy to keep
8. I am quite obsessed with lace at the moment
9. The Boyf ate a piece of cooked pigeon while he was away
10. Alone time can be very good for the mind

What did you learn this weekend?

Happy Friday!

"Happiness does not depend on outward things,

but on the way we see them."- Leo Tolstoy

Have a happy weekend!

Some lovely links and the giveaway winner

Today I thought i'd share some lovely links that you might like to visit...

* Fashionable French blogger, Cherry Blossom Girl got married last month and HERE is what she wore

* Check out  THIS fabulous food website

* Some cute Amelie inspired things on Design Sponge

* The BOOKS I plan to read in the next 2 months

* My current STYLE CRUSH

* I want all THESE dresses from Monique Lhuillier Resort 2011 collection.

* LOOK at this modern Island retreat home in Finland


* I got THIS lovely necklace at  Aldo last night (on sale)

* If you love my blog, please go HERE and nominate it for a SA blog award in the personal blog category. Thank you muchly.

* Giveaway note: The winner of the Friedasophie heart necklace giveaway is...Dana! Congrats lady, please e-mail me soon. I hope to start another giveaway next week.

Have a wonderful Thursday, darlings x

Shoe want

I totally adore these "Starace" shoes by Aldo. They come in light green, peachy (like above) and black. I wish I could have a pair in every colour. Hope I can find them in my size in Cape Town.

* Click HERE to see all the colours

A change can be as good as a holiday...

The other day I went for a health assessment and found out that my cholesterol is super high (which is bad). Since I am not over weight and I am not very old , this news came as a bit of a surprise to me - but as it turns out your size is not an indication of high or low cholesterol (who knew?). You see the issue seems to be that while I may have been given good genes, I have also managed to acquire an uncontrollable junk food addiction and a tendency to procrastinate exercising *sigh*

Anyways, in short, I have been told that I must get my cholesterol down and change my "lifestyle" (which means saying good-bye to copious amounts of chocolate and investing in some cute, new exercise clothes) - So that, darlings, is what I am going to try doing (wish me luck).  Here is the list of general lifestyle change guidelines the nurse gave to me (click image to enlarge):

Notes: You can get a health assessment done for you by your doctor or at a clinic. I went for my health assessment at Wellness Warehouse on Kloof street. It cost either R120 or R95 (if you have Discovery) and takes about 30 minutes. Oh, and its best not eat for at least 6 hours before you go for blood tests.

Are you making any changes at the moment?

If you...

 Quote by Eric Gill

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Meeting other chick bloggers can be alot of fun
2. Maggots and termites are good to eat if you are lost and hungry (Thanks Bear, from Man vs Wild, but no thanks)
3. It is always such a great feeling to find a book that you struggle to put down :)
4. Truth coffee is very tasty and smells wonderful
5. If you go to bed after 4am, you are not going to do anything productive the next day (and its best not to even try)
6. I still need to master the art of fast walking in super high heels
7. Chocolate flavoured macaroons are ridiculously yummy
8. The Boyf never ceases to amaze me with his unselfish nature
9. Wearing a pretty dress makes me feel alot more confident
10. There is so much truth in this quote by Lauryn Hill - "We can’t plan life. All we can do is be available for it."

What did you learn this weekend?