Happy Weekend!

“All our dreams can come true, 

if we have the courage to pursue them.” 

- Walt Disney

Darlings, what are you up to this weekend? Unfortunately I am not feeling too well, so  I will be getting lots of rest and fighting off ninja flu germs this weekend (not ideal).

Hope you all have a very happy weekend.

Kate's wedding style

Kate Middleton, who will now also be known officially as "The Duchess of Cambridge", wore a gown designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen (made from hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace), a lace trimmed veil, diamond earrings and a 1936 Cartier diamond tiara. I think she looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding outfit and her dress suited her perfectly.

Wedding notes: I watched most of the wedding ceremony today and I must say that I did get a bit teary eyed when Kate walked down the ailse with her father. The venue was amazing and I loved the horse drawn carriage exit. After having such a lovely  fairytale-like wedding, I truly hope that Kate and Prince William get to live happily ever after...
(

What did you think of Kate's wedding dress?

10 things I learnt in the last 6 days

 1. If I have not eaten breakfast by 10am, I turn into a cranky cow
2. I can page through some fashion mags countless times and still enjoy them
3. Men really do act like children when they are sick (& it can be rather cute at times)
4. I am now a quality, rather than quantity, kind of chocolate eater
5. Country Strong is a great, country music filled, film (i really liked it)
6. I find that rainy, wintery weather makes me very contemplative, but lazy
7. My mother can still pull off over-the-knee, high heeled boots (go mom!)
8. Some people are worringly obsessed with the royal wedding and are not even British (I must admit, I am super excited to see what dress Kate will be wearing)
9. Christian Louboutin has created a lion paw inspired shoe  - see it over here
10. This is often very true: "Things do not change; we change" - Henry David Thoreau
(

What have you learnt lately?

Got Royal wedding fever?

In honour of Kate & Prince Williams big day tomorrow, I thought I'd share these Royal wedding  inspired things that I recently spotted on The House that Lars Built Etsy shop. I like the simple designs and I think the plates would actually look rather cool hanging on a wall (if thats your thing)...

1. Pretty map of the wedding procession route

2. Plates of: Prince William, Kate, a British flag and the ring

3. Commemorative mug

Do you have Royal wedding fever OR do you think it's all too hyped up?

Gossip Girl, Season 4 - outfit spotting

There were quite a few lovely coral and pink coloured dresses in last night's episode of Gossip Girl (Season 4, Episode 19)...

From top left,  clockwise:

1. Blair looked like a princess in a Oscar de la Renta gown

2. Lily wore a fab, coral Redux gown

3. Serena rocked a Marchesa dresss and Charlie wore a BCBG dress

Happy Weekend!

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life." - John Lennon
 ..

Have a happy weekend and a wonderful, blessed Easter :)

A little ramble and some links

Darlings, today is the first day of my 6-day,  Easter weekend (big thanks to South Africa for all it's public holidays). I have not had a proper break since Christmas and  I am super happy to be able to have some time off from my usual routine.

This weekend I plan to: enjoy lots of tasty food, catch-up with some family & friends, find time to wander aimlessly around a few stores, watch a couple of cool films and allow my brain to chill (so don't expect any amazing posts before thursday *winks*)

Here are some lovely links I thought you may want to check out:

~ nice & random  ~

* Song quotes made into cool posters

*  Kate Spade's sweet Wedding Belles collection 

* Im interesed to see Woody Allen's latest film

* 13 celebrity livingrooms from Elle Decor

* Loving Diane Kruger in this feminine outfit
* Take a look at my BOOK blog and see what im reading

~ eco-friendly ~

* Some stunning National Geographic photos of nature

* 6 simple ways to go Green at home

* Go Pledge an act of green this Earth Day (today)

* Some tips to help you start recycling

* 5 ways to celebrate a green Easter

  
~Recipes that I want to try ~

* Chocolate molten lava cake

* New York blueberry oat pancakes

* Easter egg brunch baskets

*  Roast garlic shephards pie

* Mississippi mud snapping turtle brownies

Monique Lhuillier - spring 2012

These Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses are just too beautiful not to share. I am especially loving the peachy and blush pink gowns.

To see more gowns from Monique Lhuillier's 2012 collection, go over HERE

Fabulous little apartment

This apartment is only 48 square metres in size - can you believe it? I am loving the decor and the clever use of space.

  - To see more images of this fab little home trot over HERE -

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Wearing comfortable shoes makes dancing the night away a whole lot easier
2. I could easily eat french toast with honey for breakfast everyday
3. Spending some time alone can be so good for the mind
4. I really like my new boots - go here to see a pic of them
5. I must stay away from cats and places covered in cat hair - my nose can't take it
6. A simple salon trim and treatment can save my hair from feeling sad & dry
7. My mom is doing The Camino walk again next month (I wish i could join)
8. Drew Barrymore looks fab with her new red hair (see it here)
9.  You can use an old sock to make an awesome sweater for a puppy 
10.  I need to worry less and remember: " Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength." -  Corrie Ten Boom

What have you learnt lately?

Thula jewellery giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a awesome giveaway sponsored by South African jewellery designer, Jessica of Thula jewellery  .

The winner will receive a white topaz and silver ring, plus a pair of square studs:

Descriptions: The white topaz ring is sterling silver and features a stunning, brilliant quality 6mm white topaz (round). It is bezel set in a slightly tapered tube, in the ring. The square stud earrings are highly polished, 4mm in size and are solid sterling silver.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower of this blog or twitter, THEN please go look at Thula jewellery HERE & HERE and let me know -in the comments section - what you like best.

2. For an extra entry, blog and/ or tweet about this giveaway (and please let me know that you did)

Giveaway notes: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly *This giveaway will end on Monday, 2 May and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, 3 May. Good luck, darlings

A bit about Thula jewellery: each piece of jewellery by Thula is designed, and handmade by Jessica, with craftmanship being the main focus. Thula jewellery is made with strength & durability in mind, pieces will not bend or buckle over time. Thula is based in South Africa, but also ships worldwide.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU: If you use the code "BEINGBRAZEN" when buying something from Thula Jewellery's Etsy store, you will 10% off your purchase :)

-THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED -

Happy Weekend!

    “Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat it, and when you sleep, really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive, with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell, and when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.”

- William Saroyan (author)

Have a glorious Friday and a weekend filled with fun x

Movie thoughts: Water For Elephants

Last year I read Water For Elephants and absolutely loved it - so naturally, I had high expectations when I went to see the film last night. Was I dissapointed? No, but it was not as good as the book.

Here are some of my thoughts...

The main characters: First off I must say I am a a bit biased and would probably love Reese Witherspoon in anything, but she really looked stunning in this film and is great as Marlena. Robert Pattinson is handsome and good as Jacob, but I keep thinking maybe they should have picked someone else (maybe its just me, but I can't stop seeing him as "vampire Edward" just yet ). Christoph Waltz is brilliant and perfectly cast as August, the evil ringmaster. Easily one of the most likable characters in the film is Rosie, the elephant.

The film: It's entertaining, sad, heartwarming and is visually stunning (I really loved the costumes and sets).  It's also definitely a film made more for woman (though I'm sure some guys will like it too). Despite the age difference between Robert and Reese, the on screen romance/chemistry is believable. Thankfully there are not too many noticeable, or annoying, differences between the book and the film. The only issue I have with the film, is that it seemed to lack a certain depth - but this is probably just because I read the book first.
))
The verdict: I really like it and if I had to score it out of 10, I would give it a 7.5. 

 Have you seen the film? What did you think?

 - top image is from Vogue, May 2011 -

On my bucket list... by Betty

Betty Bake is a lovely blogger and one of my oldest friends. She lives in Cape Town, likes to cook and can be found here on the interweb. Today she will be sharing a few things from her bucket list. Enjoy...

wow, doing this really made me think... before I die could be years and years away so My bucket list could be really long, but we also may be taken out at any time (freak accidents happen). so these are the most important and immediate things I am hoping to tick off ASAP ;) I hope my husband is reading this... hint hint

1. Visit Italy - I love food and I love to cook. I love Italian food so Italy is number #1 on my list of countries to visit. Then french food  - so France is next ;)

2. Raise a well adjusted child - sounds so easy but having my daughter grow up and appreciate her life and the people around her while realizing that people come from all walks of life and live in different circumstances is important. I pray I will accomplish that.

3. Be creative genius - we all can dream can't we? creativity in a variety of ways - I love photography, art, cooking and making things/creating in various ways, so my hope is to be able to make money in my unique way and not just as everyone expects me to be eg wedding photographer or painting artist etc... not quite sure what ''IT'' is yet but I'm working on it.

4. Travel, travel, travel - to smell the sea in Italy, to drink coffee in side walk cafe's across France, to experince white sandy beaches and green lush forests, see Victoria Falls, see live animals like giraffes in the wild, TO LIVE AND TASTE AND SEE

5. Give my friends and family lots of cool presents - cause its fun to give stuff :)

6. Manage my time properly -so that I don't have to neglect anything but have balance, its so much harder than it sounds and I hope to find harmony soon.

7. To love and live with abandon (I try everyday)

Note: "On my bucket list..." is a weekly series. Each week a lovely blogger will share a few things from their bucket list. to read other bucket lists, go HERE

Celeb style: Emmy Rossum

I adore Emmy Rossum - she always manages to look so pretty and classy. Recently she wore the above 3 outfits and looked great in each (especially the gold & black one).

Lovely & local

1. Silver key plate pendant and necklace - by  Michael Chandler

2. Leather "kaleidoscope possum" bag - by Missibaba

3. Leather pumps by Coast & Koi

4. Farryl Purkiss's music - watch one of his music videos HERE

5. White topaz and silver ring - by Hello Thula

6. Lovely ceramics - by Tamarillo Ceramics

7. Diamonds, resin and silver charm bracelet - from Situ

8. 100% African cotton shopping bag - Available from Pick 'n Pay stores (made by fairtrade supplier, Township -read more about PnP's township bags over here)

9. Raw, organic chocolate - by Honest Chocolate (available here)

And the winner is...

The lucky winner of the lovely lace skirt giveaway , from Miss Molly, is.... Lu3Lu! Congrats lady,  please e-mail me soon :)

Note: darlings, don't forget to enter the current giveaway over HERE -ends 18 April

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Vodka, water, lemon and lime is my new favourite drink
2. Drinking too much may cause me to jump up and down, while saying "Byeeee Denzzzzzel" when I spot Denzel Washington leaving the bar I am at *winks*
3. Often celebrities look more ordinary in real life
4. Blakes Bar is a nice place to have drinks in Cape Town
5. I am very forgetful lately -I need to make bigger notes and actually read them
6.  Life is too short to not wear all your "fancy" jewellery more often
7. Though I really want a Kindle, I doubt I could ever stop browsing around book shops (especially second hand book shops)
8. It's super easy to get addicted to American Idols
9. Wearing The Boyfs t-shirts around the house makes me feel smaller (love it)
10.  This is so true: ."...Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it is good only for wallowing in." -Katherine Mansfield

What have you learnt lately?

* I think photo is from here

Kiki & Coco in Paris

Today I stumbled upon THIS adorable slideshow by photographer Stephanie Rausser . If you have never seen it before, it's definitely worth a look :)

All images are of her daughter,  Kiki, and her her doll, Coco, while on a trip to Paris.

Gossip Girl, Season 4 - sneak peek

Gossip Girl (season 4) is back from it's brief hiatus on Monday, 18 April - finally! After the juicy ending of episode 17, I cannot wait to see episode 18 (some images above).

Note: Sadly, I could not find any promo pics of Blair from the upcoming episode.

- to see all my Gossip Girl posts, click over HERE -

Happy Weekend!

"So keep your head high, keep your chin up,

and most importantly, keep smiling,

because life’s a beautiful thing

and there’s so much to smile about."

- Marilyn Monroe

Have a super Friday and a very happy weekend!

On my bucket list... by Genevieve

Genevieve Motley is a talented jewellery designer and SA blogger. She lives in Durban and can be found here on the interweb. Today she will be sharing a few things from her bucket list. Enjoy...

1. Get married to my true love (16 July!!!)

2. Buy, restore and decorate a big beautiful old colonial/farm house.

3. Open my own "Genevieve Motley" shop (happening soon!).

4. Spend time in an Ashram in India or Nepal (visited these countries last year and fell in love!)

5. Learn to play the piano

6. Tour Europe- Greece, Paris, Italy..the list goes on.

7. See Nick Cave perform live. (this man is pure genius)

8. Take a long road trip, caravan style.

9. Learn to dance- old school style.

10. Find inner peace.
 
Note: "On my bucket list..." is a weekly series. Each week a lovely blogger will share a few things from their bucket list. to read other bucket lists, go HERE

Film love: Sofia Copolla

I think Sofia Coppola is a very good producer and director. So far I have loved all her films (especially The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation).

This week I plan to watch her latest film, Somewhere, which stars Stephen Dorff  and Elle Fanning. If it's anything like her previous films, I am sure it will be thought-provoking, honest and unconventional. You can watch the trailer HERE

Are you a fan of Sofia Coppola's films?

The bride wore pink

On Saturday, 26 March, Reese Witherspoon got married to Jim Toth (who is an agent) in a gorgeous custom-designed Monique Lhuillier blush pink gown. She looked super stunning, as always....

I really like that she opted for a subtle pink coloured dress - it's unique and pretty, without being too bold or non-traditional. Plus, it suited her perfectly.

What do you think of her dress?

* Photos from People Magazine *

Currently I am loving...

I am loving hundreds of things right now, here are just a few I thought I would share:

1. Dark nails: As the weather starts to get colder, I adore wearing dark nail polishes - especially black & greys ( note: I really want Chanel's 513 "Black Pearl" nail colour).

2. Adele: I am loving Adele's music at the moment, especially her "21" album. She rocks! Are you loving her right now too?

3. Flared: I absolutely love this style for jeans and trousers - its so groovy

4. Pizza: I am so very addicted - I feel like I could eat it for every meal. I'm enjoying vegetarian pizza right now, but I wouldn't say no to a nice bacon or chicken pizza ;)

5. Leather riding boots: I think this is a definite, must-have winter item ( I just bought a lovely, black, leather pair from Woolies for R899 )

6. Peonies: I love most flowers, but peonies have just stolen the title of "best flowers in the world" from roses. Wish I could fill my house with them, but they are quite hard to find in Cape Town (I think they are very seasonal).

7. Over-the-knee socks: I never used the like over-the-knee socks for adults, but lately I have seen them worn in classy ways and I am loving the look for winter. I like the look pictured above...shorts, tights and over-the-knee socks all working together - not bad at all.

8. Narciso Rodriguez's musc intense perfume: it's bringing musky back

9. Brian Atwood's "Martina" embellished pumps:  These princess worthy shoes have Swarovski crystal-embellished heels  - a bit OTT, but just too pretty not to love (see more pics of them here  - and try avoid looking at the price tag)

10. Books: I am in book worm mode again and it's nice  (click here to see what I am reading) - I have totally run out of book shelf space though , think I may need to invest in a Kindle.

11. Maxi skirts: they look comfy and floaty. I want one.

12. Pretty scarves:  I am loving sheer, patterened and embellished scarves at the moment. I need a few pretty, new ones for winter :)

 What are you currently loving?

And the winner is...

The winner of the fabulous emma anne earrings is... Hanlie! Congrats lady, please e-mail me soon :)

Note: I currently have 2 other giveaways running on my blog (see right side bar)

Bird jewellery giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a fabulous giveaway sponsored by talented, Durban based Jewellery designer, Genevieve Motley.

The winner will receive swallow earrings AND a swan ring (nice, huh):

Description: Flying swallow earrings and swan ring, both made from black perspex. Attached metal is silver plated.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower of this blog or twiiter, THEN please trot over to Genevieve Motley's online store and tell me (in the comments section) what you like the best.

2. For an extra entry, Tweet about this giveaway and/or join Genevieve Motley's facebook group HERE (and please let me know that you did)

Please note: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly *This giveaway will end on Monday, 18 April and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, 19 April. Good luck, darlings

 - THE WINNER WAS ANNOUNCED VIA TWITTER AND CONTACTED -

Fashion favourites: Country Music Awards

While there were lots of stunning dresses at the Academy of Country Music Awards  last night, these two talented ladies outfits were easily my favourite:

1. Taylor Swift wore an absolutely stunning, pale yellow Elie Saab dress

2. Carrie Underwood wore a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind dress by Jean Fares Couture

Happy Weekend!

"I've come to the conclusion that enthusiasm is perhaps the greatest asset anyone can have. It is the key ingredient to success. You can have a wealth of skills, but if your heart is not in it, your work will reflect it. If you have enthusiasm, you will find the energy to acquire the necessary skills and draw to you all the people and support you need to succeed. enthusiasm beats power, money and influence." - Joan Lunden (Writer and TV host) 

Have a glorious Friday and an enthusiasm-filled weekend ;)

In my handbag...

Today,  the contents of my handbag (pictured above, with one of my many bags) are featured on Brandslut's blog - to read all the item details, click HERE.

Ps - and yes, my handbag usually does have this little in it *pinky swears*.