Being Brazen

Aura cosmetics giveaway

2012-02-21T16:31:00.000+02:00

Today I am happy to announce the start of a lovely giveaway sponsored by South African fashion retailer Queenspark.

For this giveaway, Three lucky readers will each win an Aura makeup bag containing six Aura products:

A bit about Aura: Launched in 2011 by Queenspark, this new makeup range includes lip, eye, cheek and nail products in a wide variety of colours. The collection is well priced and available exclusively at selected Queenspark stores.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Leave a comment below telling me why you need/want some new makeup?

2. For an extra entry, you caneither: "Like" the Queenspark Facebook page and leave a comment on the wall mentioning this competition OR tweet a link to this giveaway including @QueensparkSA and @beingbrazen.

Notes: *This giveaway is only open to South African residents * the winner will be chosen randomly * This giveaway will end on Tuesday, 28 February and the winner will be announced on twitter on 29 February. Ps - above photos by me & The Boyf.

Safe & Sound

2012-02-20T23:55:00.005+02:00

I'm a big fan of The Hunger Games books, so I really cannot wait to see the upcoming film (which will be based on the first book in the trilogy).

The full track listing for the film soundtrack was recently released and it looks like it's going to be awesome. The first single from it, Safe & Sound, is by Taylor Swift and features country/folk duo The Civil Wars (love them). You can check out the music video for the song below:

If you are keen to read the books before the film comes out, you still have a little time to. The Hunger Games film is set to release on 23 March in the USA and hopefully it will be released in South Africa soon after that.

Have you read The Hunger Games books? Are you looking forward to the film?

Shabby Apple

2012-02-19T18:16:00.010+02:00

Recently Shabby Apple, a lovely online store, sent me a very cool necklace (pictured above & below).

The 'Through The Looking Glass' necklace has a round glass pendant on a long sterling silver chain. The pendant opens on side hinges like a locket, so that you can put an image or a small object in between the two pieces of glass. The glass then creates a sort of fish-eye magnifying effect.

I think it's a rather unique piece of jewellery and I've been having a lot of fun seeing how different items look in it.

While Shabby Apple does sell some accessories and jewellery, the store mainly stocks women's clothing.

Their latest clothing collection is called 'Mad Hatter' and is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. I am currently smitten with these four dresses from the collection -

To check out more pretty things from Shabby Apple you can trot over here

Notes: Shabby Apple is based in America, but ships internationally ( just remember to factor in custom duty fees when ordering outside of the USA). For 10% off your first order you can use the code: beingbrazen10off .

Wise words

2012-02-14T13:11:00.002+02:00

image from DesignSponge

Whether you're happily single or paired off, I hope you have a lovely Valentine's day.

A weekend in Hout Bay (Part 2)

2012-02-12T23:59:00.000+02:00

About two weeks ago The Boyf and I trotted off to Hout Bay for a mini weekend getaway. We stayed in a stunning boutique hotel (read part 1 of this post over here ) and spent a little time checking out a couple of cool places in the town.

Above: Hout Bay beach

On our first day in Hout Bay, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go have breakfast at Dunes. Since the restaurant is located right on the beach front, it is one of the best places to go if you are wanting a stunning sea view.

Top: inside decor, upstairs at Dunes restaurant

Middle: yummy cappuccino at Dunes

Bottom: Ladies selling hand-beaded things outside Dunes. (I bought a penguin)

When we we arrived at Dunes we were greeted by friendly staff and seated at an outside table upstairs. We both decided to order a full english breakfast and a cappuccino.

The food arrived quickly and, while it was definitely not the best english breakfast we had ever had, it was satisfying. After leisurely sipping our coffee's and enjoying the view for a while, we headed off to the Bay Harbour Market...

Top: The food court area at The Bay market

Middle (1 & 2): the bar and fresh baked croissants

Bottom: homemade cheeses and takeaway panini's

The Bay Harbour market is located in an old fish factory, in the old part of the Hout Bay Harbour, and is made up of over a hundred stalls. You can buy and browse a wide variety of cool things there - like: food, craft beer, clothing, jewellery, art and homewares.

When we went, the market was bustling with everyone from hipsters to children and the vibe was pretty relaxed. One of my favourite things about the whole place was the nicely sized food court area, where you can sit down and have a bite to eat or enjoy a cocktail.

Top, middle & bottom: Just a few of the lovely things you can buy at the market

The Boyf and I enjoyed the market so much that we ended up hanging out there for about 4 hours ( If you have never checked it out, I highly recommend that you do). The market is open on Fridays from 5pm to 9pm and on Saturdays & Sundays from 9:30am to 4pm.

Notes: If you have never been, the market can be a bit tricky to find and these directions may be handy. All the above photos were taken by us.

Happy weekend!

2012-02-10T15:24:00.007+02:00

“Unless you love someone,
nothing else makes any sense.”
- E. E. Cummings

Have a great Friday and a fabulous weekend filled with people you love.

-Photo by Garance Dore -

Pretty lingerie giveaway

2012-02-09T16:53:00.003+02:00

Today I am happy to announce the start of a lovely Valentine's Day giveaway sponsored by established international lingerie brand, After Eden.

The winner will receive a super pretty lingerie set:

After Eden is currently one of the best selling lingerie brands in Europe and the United Kingdom. Founded 20 years ago, the brand offers a range of beautiful lingerie and lounge wear at rather competitive prices. After Eden is currently available at selected Edgars, Stuttafords and Foschini Stores.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Tell me, below, what is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you?

2. For an extra entry you can either: "Like" the After Eden facebook page and leave a comment on the wall mentioning this competition OR follow After Eden on twitter, then tweet about this giveaway and include @beingbrazen @AfterEdenSA in your tweet.

Giveaway notes: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly * This giveaway will close at midnight on Monday, 13 February and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, 14 February. Good luck :)

- GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED, Winner: Emma Jane -

On my bucket list... by Jessica

2012-02-07T20:36:00.005+02:00

Today South African jewellery designer, Jessica from Thula will be sharing a few things from her bucket list - Enjoy...

1. Go on a month long cruise with my hubby to-be.
2. To one day see my jewellery in the Elle/Marie-Claire/ Fairy lady and the likes. (I would burst with happiness and pride.)
3. To own a beautiful house – with all the bells & whistles.
4. Teach someone (with the intent of giving a disadvantaged person the skills to further themselves) the skills & processes of jewellery manufacturing as I have been taught – without time, production & money being the priority.That would be special.
5. To know, without any doubt in my mind, that one day when I retire I will be completely totally and utterly financially secure.
6. Be a mom - and bring a little boy up to be a good man.
7. To own a beautiful horse and know how to ride it.
8. To be able to have a family reunion at least once every three years, where EVERYBODY (somehow) gets to the same place.
9. To have a beagle, rottweiler and a ridgeback.. ( not at the same time though )
10. To give being a vegetarian a try for at least 2 weeks.

Note: "On my bucket list..." is my current guest blogger series. Most weeks a lovely blogger will share things from their bucket list. to read other bucket lists, go HERE

Red Valentino

2012-02-06T22:52:00.000+02:00

Loving Red Valentino's Pre Spring/Summer 2012 collection - so sweet & pretty.

To see the whole collection, trot over here

A weekend in Hout Bay (part 1)

2012-02-05T23:55:00.002+02:00

Last weekend I decided to spoil The Boyf by taking him on a mini getaway to the Hout Bay Manor a couple of days before his 30th birthday.

Not only is the Hout Bay Manor a 5-star rated boutique hotel, it is also a architectural and historical landmark that was built in 1871 (cool, huh)

Since this was also a "secret" getaway , the Boyf had no idea where we going until we pulled up in front of the hotel. Thankfully he liked the surprise and was impressed by my sneaky planning skills.

On arrival, we were welcomed by the friendly staff and promptly shown to our room.

We were booked into a one of the hotel's "Xhosa" rooms on the first floor. The room was beautifully decorated and had almost everything that you could possibly need in it (though it would have been nice if the mini bar fridge had been stocked with more than water and fruit juice).

One of my favourite things in the room was definitely the grand, four poster canopy bed with it's beaded detail.

The bathroom was also another highlight in the room. It was a wonderful mix of old and new style decor. Plus, I loved that they had taken the time to add playful touches like a yellow rubber ducky.

After settling into our room we decided to have a look around the hotel before we headed out to explore Hout Bay.

The decor in the hotel is colourful and modern with loads of African touches . I really liked the interesting mix of art and the cool lighting through the hotel (there are some really amazing chandeliers). Apparently the interior was designed by acclaimed Cécile & Boyds.

The inside and the outside of the hotel are equally lovely to look at (It was hard to decide which photos to share). The sparkly pool and seated outside area are especially inviting at this time of the year.

Next time we stay I hope we can have a bit more time to chill outside and have a couple of swims.

After exlporing a little of Hout Bay (which I will tell you more about in Part 2) we came back to enjoy a dinner at the hotel's restaurant 'Pure'.

While the decor at this restaurant is stunning during the day time, it is positively enchanting at night. The glistening glass bead chandeliers and high, mirrored ceilings give it a almost magical look.

The dinner was nice and was presented beautifully, but we were hoping for a bit more food after the day's adventures. Thankfully, if you are craving a little snack, there are glass jars dotted around the hotel that are stocked with complimentary biscuits and other sweet treats (such a brilliant idea!).

After a good night's sleep we headed down for breakfast and were greeted with a nice assortment of breakfast foods.

We started off with some champagne orange juice, pastries and fruit. Then we ordered yummy, cooked breakfasts and cappucino's.

The food was great and the atmosphere was so relaxing that ended up sitting there for about 2 hours.

Overall we really enjoyed our stay and had a relaxing weekend. We would definitely consider staying at this hotel again, but would want to stay a bit longer next time.

For more information or to make a booking, you can contact the Hout Bay Manor on

021 790 0116 or e-mail them at: reservations@houtbaymanor.co.za

Notes: I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a luxury weekend away. There is also a spa at the hotel, but unfortunately we didn't get to try it. This blog post was not sponsored by the hotel. All the above photos were taken by us.

Happy Weekend!

2012-02-03T10:13:00.001+02:00

" Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been,
and look at what can be." - Marsha Petrie Sue

Have a lovely Friday and a weekend filled with happy thoughts.

10 things I learnt recently

2012-02-02T22:20:00.000+02:00

photo found via Tumblr

1. Spending the weekend in Hout Bay is alot of fun (full post coming soon)
2. Life's too short to drink instant coffee ;)
3. The Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is a very cool - check it out, if you can.
4. Pintrest is a very addictive website ( you can follow me on Pintrest here )
5. Walking barefoot on the beach has such a calming effect on me
6. Woolworths sells edible flowers - look how pretty they are.
7. I never sleep well on my first night in a new place - I call it "weird bed syndrome"
8. Actress Kristen Bell loves sloths so much it makes her cry - watch this video
9. Sometimes taking a mini break from the internet helps you find new inspiration
10. This is good to remember: "Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. " - Zig Ziglar

what have you learnt recently?

Fashion favourites: SAG Awards

2012-01-30T16:30:00.001+02:00

My top choices for the best dressed celebs at this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards are Emma Stone and Kaley Cuoco. I am so smitten with both of their dresses.

Left: Emma Stone looked adorable in 50's-inspired dress. Her dress, clutch and pretty heels are all by Alexander McQueen.

Right: Kaley Cuoco, from The Big Bang Theory, looked like a princess in an aquamarine Romona Keveza gown and a braided updo (so pretty!).

To see more fashion from the event trot over HERE. What was your favourite outfit?

On my bucket list... by Thaya

2012-01-26T11:30:00.000+02:00

Thaya is a a mom, store owner, small village dweller and the blogger behind Beatnik Bazaar . Today she will be sharing a few things from her bucket list - Enjoy...

1. See Iceland from a Hot Air Balloon
2. Watch Mikhail Baryshnikov dance to the sounds of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in Central Park
3. Tour with Led Zeppelin (if they were still touring)
4. Spend time in the desert with a Native American Shaman
5. Write an epic screenplay with Charlie Kaufman and work with director, Wes Anderson, on the film
6. Fall in love in Paris
7. Dive the most exquisite tropical reefs in the world
8. See Kate Bush and Tom Waits live in concert
9. Go on a cycling gastronomic pilgrimage through Europe
10. Live simply for a year in a temple, deep within the mountains of Japan

Note: "On my bucket list..." is my current guest blogger series. Most weeks a lovely blogger will share things from their bucket list. to read other bucket lists, go HERE

Pretty in blush

2012-01-26T11:23:00.000+02:00

Loving these blush coloured pretties from Nina Ricci's pre-fall 2012 collection.

To see more from the collection you can trot over here

Film love: Wes Anderson

2012-01-24T23:55:00.000+02:00

I am a fan of Wes Anderson films. There's just something about his quirky characters and borderline ridiculous storylines that I just adore. So far, my favourite films of his are: The Life Aquatic, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Darjeeling Limited (which is almost all his films actually).

His next film, Moonrise Kingdom, is due out a bit later this year and looks like it's going to be awesome - check out the trailer below:

Do you like Wes Anderson's films?

10 things I learnt this weekend

2012-01-23T23:59:00.000+02:00

1. Woolworths is selling these cute satchel bags at the moment
2. Hardly anything annoys me as much as an insect buzzing near my ear.
3. My new Samsung Galaxy tablet is so handy and fits perfectly into my favourite, small handbag (I got the 8.9 inch one and I love it!)
4. Once Upon a Time is a really cool, fairytale- inspired TV series
5. I'm very addicted to fruit flavoured Lindt chocolate slabs.
6. Heidi Klum and Seal are getting divorced :( - Latest story about it here
7. Even after 2 months, The Brazilian Blowout treatment I had is helping me to have hair that's a lot more manageable and fuss-free.
8. I do not deal with super hot weather very well
9. Having midnight snacks with friends is a lovely way to end an evening.
10. Clémence Poésy's photoshoot for the February 2012 issue of Glamour UK is so pretty (above photo from the shoot, taken by David Oldham ) - See all the photos here

What have you leant recently?

Happy Weekend!

2012-01-20T10:50:00.001+02:00

“ Now and then it’s good to pause in our

pursuit of happiness and just be happy."

- Guillaume Apollinaire

Hope you all have a gloriously happy weekend

My top 5: albums (right now)

2012-01-17T16:53:00.000+02:00

Deciding which five albums I like the most was rather challenging, as I am always dicovering great new music and I have so many trusty ol' favourites. So, while there is a strong possibility that in the next month or two I may be ranking a few other albums higher than some of these, right now these are my top 5 albums...

1. Ceremonials - Florence + The Machine: This ridiculously good album is by my favourite band. I have listened to it so much in the last two months and I am still not even slightly bored of it. The only issue I have with it is that it is not longer.

2. Young the Giant - Young The Giant: I recently discovered this indie rock band and so far I am really enjoying their music. You can listen to one of their songs over here

3. Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars: This American folk / alternative country band is really good. This album is their first and was released in 2011. They also recently recorded a song for The Hunger Games film soundtrack with Taylor Swift called 'Safe & Sound' (you can listen to it here)

4. Torches - Foster The People: This has definitely been one of my top albums, since I first heard the band's single 'pumped up kicks' over a year or so ago. This album is full of awesome.

5. Making Mirrors - Goyte: This Belgian-Australian singer and songwriter, who goes by the stage name Goyte, has a really unique sound. He has actually been around for a while, but I only stumbled upon his music a few months ago when I saw this music video (which also features singer Kimbra)

What's your favourite album/s at the moment?

Fashion favourites: Golden Globes

2012-01-16T20:53:00.003+02:00

My top choices for the best dressed celebs at this year's Golden Globe Awards are definitely Michelle Williams and Nicole Ritchie. Both looked stunning and wore dresses that really suited them .

Left: Michelle Williams, who took home a Golden Globe for her role in My Week With Marilyn, wore a velvet Jason Wu dress with a Fred Leighton headband & clutch.
Right: Nicole Ritchie wore a beaded Julien MacDonald gown and accessorised it with House of Harlow clutch.

What was your favourite outfit of the night?

Easy peasy apple turnovers

2012-01-12T23:59:00.000+02:00

I don't know about you, but I love a good apple pastry or pie. There is just something about sweet apples wrapped in a fresh baked pastry that I find so comforting.

Even though I have been trying to watch my diet (especially after the festive feasting) and cut out as much gluten as I can, over the weekend I had such a craving for an apple pastry that I decided to make a few. They came out rather well for my first try, so I thought I'd share the super simple recipe that I used...

What you will need:

1 can of unsweetened pie apples OR 2-3 medium apples, peeled & chopped (I ended up using canned apples this time and they worked out really well)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (add a bit more if you like your apples more spiced)

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons brown sugar (or more if you like it sweeter)

1 roll of frozen puff pastry, thawed ( I used Today brand puff pastry)

a little butter

a tiny bit of milk

1 egg

icing sugar

If you are using canned apples: 2-3 tablespoons water OR if you are using real apples: 1 teaspoon of corn starch dissolved in 3 tablespoons water (to thicken apple filling if you want or need to)

What to do:

1. Sauté the apples with a blob of butter for a few minutes on a medium-high heat. Then add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, water (or corn starch) and sauté for a bit longer
2. Preheat oven to 200 C (400F)
3. Unroll the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and cut into squares.
4. After the apple filling has cooled, spoon a little filling into the center of each square. Then fold the edges over to either make triangles or rectangle shapes and seal all open edges by pushing down firmly.
5. Place the turnovers on a baking paper lined baking sheet.
6. Mix an egg and a little milk together in a bowl and lightly brush the mixture over the top of each turnover.
7. Now bake turnovers for about 20 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
8. Make a thick icing paste (aka glacé icing) using water/milk, butter and icing sugar.
9. Once apple turnovers have cooled, ice each turnover and allow icing to harden.
10. Eat and enjoy as soon as possible, preferably with a cappuccino or a cup of tea :)

This recipe makes: 6 well sized apple turnovers Total time: About 45 minutes
A note: All the above photos are of my apple turnovers (taken by The Boyf & I )

Daisy necklace giveaway

2012-01-11T22:58:00.001+02:00

Today I am happy to announce the start of my first blog giveaway for the year. This lovely giveaway is sponsored by South African jewellery designer, Emma from emma anne jewellery .

The winner will receive a silver, daisy necklace (like the one below) , plus will get to choose one of the following stones to go in it: yellow quartz, blue topaz, pink amethyst, silver topaz or blue chalcedony.
-

A bit more info: The silver daisy pendant is from emma anne's 2012 'Daisy Mae' Summer Collection. Emma had this to say about her latest collection: "This Collection is comprised of various daisy motifs in silver, yellow gold and rose gold. The pieces each include beautifully rose cut semi precious stones in a soft pastel colour palette.... The pieces in this collection are very fresh and feminine with a delicate playful feel about them."

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Trot over HERE and tell me, below, which emma anne item you like best.

2. For an extra entry you can either: "Like" the emma anne facebook page and leave a comment on the wall mentioning this competition OR tweet about this giveaway and include @beingbrazen & @emmaannedesign in your tweet.

Giveaway notes: *Anyone may enter this giveaway * the winner will be chosen randomly * This giveaway will end on Tuesday, 24 January and the winner will be announced by Wednesday, 25 January. Good luck, darlings.

- - GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Winner: @Kathcakes - -

A fabulous, bold home

2012-01-10T18:59:00.002+02:00

I stumbled across this fabulous home via Desire to Inspire and I just love it. The unique and colourful decor is quirky, yet still classy. To see all the photos and read more about this London home, trot over HERE

It's for you...

2012-01-05T18:04:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year, Darlings! I really hope that your year ahead is filled with happiness and love. Last year was a fleeting and rather unmemorable year for me, so I am hoping that 2012 is the total opposite of that. Anyway, since it's a brand new year I thought it would be a great time for a little "it's for you" catch-up session..

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. For me, 2011 was the year of... realisations
2. I spent my New years Eve... at Kirtsenbosch Gardens, picnicing on the grass and listening to local bands, until the clock struck midnight.

3. This year my 4 biggest goals are... to get healthier & fitter, keep my life clear of clutter, work harder on my blogging and have at least one grand adventure.

4. Do you believe that the world will end in 2012? Nope

5. What have you been reading over your Dec/Jan holiday? I read 'The Hunger Games' Trilogy and I'm almost finished 'The Night Circus'

6. What's the best item you got or bought last year? My laptop from The Boyf

7. If you could only buy one luxury item this year, what would it be? A Beach House or a holiday to Paris (a girl can dream, can't she? )

8. I hope this new year is... filled with unexpected surprises and good friends

Honor pre-fall 2012

2012-01-04T18:48:00.002+02:00

I am really loving designer Giovanna Randall's first pre-fall collection for Honor.

The above four outfits are just a few of my favourites. To see the rest of the collection, trot over here