Ralo loom bands review

This was my second month as a Ralo Brand Ambassador and what that basically means is that this month  I received my second free product to test out. This month was LOOOOOOOOOooooooooooommmmmm bands. I must admit I had alot of fun making hand bands and rings, my best creation is these bows I attached to a hairband.

These loom bands can give you many hours of fun and also keep the kids busy for a while. Looking forward to next month.

xoxo
Sam

July Rubybox

I am a bit late with my post since I received my box about 2 weeks ago. But anyway let me get to it. So July was the first month of my subscription. Basically Rubybox is a online beauty store as well as a monthly Subscription ( R169 a month) and each month you receive a cute little box with about 4-5 full size or sample size products that would be suitable to you. You need to full out a beauty profile telling them about all your beauty needs, skin type, hair type etc. An added bonus is that it is delivered to your door. After checking out their facebook page I was a bit skeptical because I came across a lot of complains. So far though I have to say I am very happy with the products I received.

So this month I received 4 products as you can see in the picture below

Full size products:

Woolworth lipstick in the a beautiful colour perfect for my skin tone

Foot file- great and much needed in winter

Sample size products:

A facial care soap containing egg white - This is such a lovely soap made my skin super soft and wasn't drying

African extract hand cream 

So overall I was very happy with this box.Eagerly awaiting the August box after having a look at the sneak peak and because I will be getting an extra box. 

Till next time

Sam

xoxo

Weight loss- Part 1

I have finally come to the realization that dieting is not going to work for me. I have read a lot of times that it has to be a lifestyle change. I always believed if I lost the weight keeping it off would be easy, unfortunately I proved myself WRONG. I lost a lot of weight last year due to dieting and being on a strict exercise program. But once I felt comfortable I began eating as I did before and stopped exercising and now months later I am back at the starting line. I managed to put on all the weight I had lost and then some. So my mission now is to be healthy and that involves me loosing a lot of weight. Here's my story.......................

I started off kinda skinny and over the years, since I have finished school I have put on a lot of weight. I have many times tried to blame all this weight on my 2 pregnancies, but at the back of my mind I know this is unfortunately not true.

My main problem is that I love food,sweet treats especially chocolates and baked goods. And I love 'rich' food so stuff with cream and a lot of butter is usually what I go for. Since I am home a lot I snack and nibble a lot more frequently then I should .

But to be healthy I have to change all of this. I have done a lot of reading regarding weight loss and keeping the weight off. My first step was calculating my BMI so that I have an idea of were I am and what my ideal weight should be.

The easiest way to work out what your healthy weight should be is calculating your bmi. Just click here and it will take you to the Pick n Pay bmi calculator. You just need to know your height and weight.

In part 2 I will be telling you what my plan is on to loose the weight and keep it off.

Till next time
Sam
xoxo

Princess pamper party

Last month my two little girls were invited to a birthday party. It was a princess pamper party. They both looked forward to it because they had to dress up in a princess party dress. I am not really a fan of dress up parties. The reason for this is because it costs a lot of money to purchase dresses. And with kids they out grow their clothes so quickly that it isn't practical at all to spend alot on a party dress that they might only use once. Fortunately I didn't have to go out and buy the girls dresses because Mia, my eldest daughter, had a princess theme for her 5th birthday and her dress still fit a bit shorter than I would have liked but perfect to use for just a few hours. And my littlest wore one of her older sisters hand me downs. Just in case you wondering Mias' party was not a dress up. She was the only one using a princess dress.

Mia had a lot of fun at the party because she was the only 1 from my girls who took part in the pamper part. Megan who is 2 and half , is a bit shy around new people. The girls got a pedicure and had their nails painted in colours of their choice. And make up ( eye shadow and lipstick) put on. They also got a little washable hair colour spray on their hair. So all in all it was a fun experience for her, and she couldn't stop talking about it for a while.

With my girls growing up fast, birthday parties are becoming more difficult to plan. I really think that a pamper party is a good idea, maybe a bit costly as you have to pay per a child or in groups on 5,10 etc. But well worth the fun the children have. Luckily for me just getting a castle shaped jumping castle is still good enough.

Till next time
Sam
xoxo

Ralo Brillant lash mascara review

So recently I was chosen to be a Ralo Cosmetics Brand Ambassador.Basically it means I have the privilege of testing out 3 different products for the next 3 months and writing a review on it.

This was my first month and I picked up my free Brillant Lash Mascara 2 weeks ago from the store at Lakeside Mall . Since it was school holidays I haven't had a chance to write the review till today. 

Firstly I must say the staff in the store were very friendly and helpful. Now on to the Mascara..... It comes in beautiful bottle. Check out how it looks in the picture below.




The brand ambassadors were given the task of finding the perfect BFF for the mascara. My choice was the waterproof eyeliner because this is my usual go to when I am in a hurry(which is usually all the time). And then as a little extra I got the smokey eye palette as well.

 After using the mascara I found that just once coat was enough. But it does have build able volume which is great for the night. Overall it did match up to my expectations. And it is so affordable.

Looking forward to August for my next product....



Don't forget to like my facebook page Sams blog

Till next time
Sam
xoxo

Studying with kids

When I finished high school I enrolled at Unisa to start my Bcompt in financial accounting. I was studying part time and working the rest of the time. I started off my studies with a bang but being young and not as focused as I should have been, my studies suffered a lot.I then decided to take a break.

Now 7 years later I realized what a mistake that was. With the job market as it is, education is very important. I then made the decision to start my studies again. I had to reapply to study at Unisa last year as their rules have changed quite a bit. I was happy when I received an email in late November that I was accepted. I then registered and started studying. I have to honestly say I am much more committed to completing my degree now then ever before.

My greatest struggle now is setting aside time to get to my books. Many people are under the misconception that being a stay at home mum means doing nothing the whole day. This is very untrue. Being home is like you are working all the time. Let me say this I feel very blessed and lucky to have this opportunity to spend all my time with my kids, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

However it is really hard to make time to study when you have children. Especially small kids. I have to be very disciplined and work around their schedule. So far it is working out for me. Some days I get hardly any time to study and then the is other days that I get enough time to study. I just take each day as it comes.

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Till next time
xoxo
Sam

Rubybox

Yesterday I received my first order that I had purchased from Rubybox. This was my very first purchase from Rubybox so I excitedly awaited it.

Amazebox

Foundation brush and tweezers

Let me start with the tools. I got a foundation brush and tweezers. What I like most about the brush is has a professional look and feel to it. The bristles are so very soft.

Amie cleanser and toner

Because I am no longer using a cleanser I will keep this for a giveaway :) 

African Extract Rooibos hand and nail cream(sample size)

Let me just say this, I will definitely be purchasing this on my next trip to the shops. It leaves my hands feeling so soft and cared for.

Rubybox Smooch Stick in Tangerine Tango

The colour is very bright for my skin tone. This is unfortunate as it would have been a great addition to my make up bag. 

Garnie BB creams(2x samples)

I use this often and the samples were appreciated :)

Others

Rubybox Nailed It! Beautiful colour (By the seaside) will be using it when I update my nails.

Incanto bloom sample...... Not a fan of the scent

Rubybox cat kohl liner in navy- a lovely addition to my liner set

Rubybox gold hair band

In other words this box is full with a variety of things all beautiful 

Black Opal Gold

 This set came in a gorgeous gold make up bag. 

Lipstick in shade blackcurrent - I really like this colour, just dislike the scent of it

Handbag size invisible powder - I like the size of this, it is small and perfect for my handbag

Blemish control complexion bar- Haven't tried this out

Drum roll pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

Mystery mix

This mystery mix can be purchased from Rubybox for R100.00. But if you order excluding the mystery mix is over R300 you can get this FREE... and don't we love freebies.

Overall I was happy with what I received and I am looking forward to receiving my first monthly Rubybox in the upcoming weeks. 

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Till next time

xoxo

Sam

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RALO COSMETICS

I received confirmation today that I was one of the 20 lucky ladies to get chosen as a RALO COSMETICS BRAND AMBASSADOR.

Needless to say I am very excited and really looking forward to recieving my first product to review. Ralo has a wide range of make up and fashion accessories you can check out their website here Ralo Cosmetics.

What I like about these products is that they look so beautiful and bright and are really affordable. No excuses accepted anymore. Just beauty at a really affordable price. 

Don't forget to hit the follow by email button to recieve an email whenever I update my blog including the Ralo product review which will be up soon.

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Till next time

xoxo

Sam

My BLACK UP kit

I have had a long difficult struggle with finding the right colour of foundation and powder. It has really been difficult  because the colours were either to light or way too dark. This is very common problem especially for darker skin tone women.  I was introduced to Black Up by a friend of mine who does bridal make-up. She did my make up on my wedding day and I have to say I was totally happy with the way I looked after she was done. These products cost a bit more than the usual products I had  purchased but in  my opinion it is well worth the spend. The only problem I have is that the isn't many stores in South Africa that sell this beauty line. You can get it online at  Black Up Cosmetics or at selected Edgars Stores. You can check online for a store locator.

This is my current Black Up Make Up Kit

My set consists of a primer, foundations, powder, concealer and a 2 in 1 pencil.

 This primer is so lovely. After it is applied on my face feels so smooth and velvety.

The concealer I have is in a pen form. You have to click the top to push more concealer to the bristles. I really like this concealer in the pen form as it makes it easier to apply the concealer in the areas you need to, and it looks natural

This 2 in 1 crayon is very versatile. I use it as a liner, a lip stain and even under my other lipsticks. It stays on for most of the day which I like. I hate having to re-coat my lips during the day.

I apply the foundation using a foundation brush that I also purchased from Edgars. I feel this is easier for me than using the sponge that is provided. What I also love about this product is that you don't have to use a lot and look cakey. A LITTE GOES A LONG WAY. My face has a glow and my skin looks much more even tone.

Please leave me a comment below and don't forget to hit the follow by email button.

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Till next time
xoxo
Sam

Life- 23 June

One of the hardest things for me to do as a stay at home mum is having to send my 6 year old daughter to school when it is cold. Especially in these cold winters months we experience up in Johannesburg. Therefore I really look forward to school holidays. Even if we just stay under the blankets with a cup of hot chocolate and a movie its great for us. I have truly been blessed with a lovely child who enjoys those quality times with mummy and her little sister while my husband is at work.In the years to come I am sure this might change but at the moment I am truly enjoying it. My little rascal on the other hand, like most kids does not seem to feel cold and prefers running around bare feet and playing. Getting a pair of socks on those small  feet is a huge task( the joys of motherhood).

Besides looking forward to the holidays, my birthday is approaching quite quickly and it just reminds me that the years seems to be flying by. I am getting older and that I really need to appreciate all the little things I take for granted.

This past weekend we had to remove a big tree from our yard. The tree was planted next to the fence and and the roots were getting so big it was lifting up the fence. Sad but it had to be removed. The people removing the tree found this frog under some of the roots.

 African Bull Frog

This picture unfortunately doesn't show how big the frog is. But it was the biggest frog I had ever seen.

So that's what is happening in my life at the moment. Leave me a comment below. Don't forget to hit the follow by email button to receive an email every time I  post and please like my Facebook page Sams blog..................

Till next time

xoxo

Sam 

Hawaiian themed cake and biscuits

Last year my cousin turned 16 and she had an Hawaiian themed birthday party to celebrate this special day. Like I said in a previous post I wasn't a very good baker till a few years ago. All my previous attempts of baking were disasters.

I was asked by my aunt to bake the cake and biscuits for the party. My cousin chose a picture from the internet of a cake that she liked. The biscuits I was given free reign. I struggled with the design of the biscuits until the day I had to bake them. It was a light bulb moment (LOL). I decided to make a mixture of chocolate and plain biscuits and since she had a theme I really didn't want to leave them plain . I cut them using cookie cutters

These are some of the biscuits I made for the party. It was normal butter biscuits which I rolled and cut into shapes and then decorated with royal icing that I had coloured.

I wasn't really happy with the shape of the cake. One side was rounded a little more than the other. Not sure how I missed that when I was decorating. No one noticed except my husband, and the birthday girl was happy with it. So that was a disaster averted.

I really liked the look of these biscuits, it resembles garlands. These are also plain butter biscuits decorated with royal icing.

The saying 'practice makes perfect' is definitely true. Even though I still make mistakes with my baking, each and every time is a learning experience for me. 

Don't forget to leave me a comment below. Please hit the follow by email button to receive an email every time I add a new post. And don't forget to like my Facebook page Sams blog....

Till next time

xoxo

Sam

Avocado hair mask

Avocados are for eating right? Wrong!!!!! Avocados are not only delicious but also great for our hair. It helps will many things such as hair growth, adding shine and making your hair feel very soft. It also hydrates your hair and helps to repair damage.

This mask is very simple to make and being all natural it is great to use. Purchasing an avocado will cost a fraction of the amount you would pay for other hair treatments or visiting the salon. So maybe give it a try. However I must advise that washing it out of your hair can be a tedious task. I find this method works best for me ( I even use this method when I have put oil on my hair - my hair gets clean super quickly and it doesn't leave any of the oil behind ) before you wet your hair, massage your shampoo into your scalp and about 1/3 of your hair from the roots. When you rinse the shampoo off the shampoo, the water will run down the rest of your hair with the shampoo and remove any other residual left behind. This also helps in not drying out your hair. When you doing the avocado treatment you might have to give it a few rinses to get all that avocado out. but believe me it is well worth it.

Making the mask is simple because it only needs two ingredients,

Homemade Avocado hair mask

1/2 or 1 whole soft avocado( depending on your hair length)
1tbspn coconut oil heated

As you can see these avocados were a very ripe. It helps to mash it with a fork.

Add the heated coconut oil and mix well.  

Remember to apply it from the roots to the tips of your hair. As you can see it is a messy job, I would suggest you do it in the bathroom or outside.

Once applied it should it should be left in for about 15-minutes longer if you have the time. I usually put on a shower cap and continue with my all the things I need to do.

Hope this helps. It works wonders on my hair. I have very curly hair and I tend to use a hair straightener quite often. This mask is a treatment my hair definitely deserves.

Leave me a comment below, and don't forget to hit the follow by email button and like my Facebook page Sams blog.

Till next time
xoxo
Sam

Castle birthday cake

One of my new hobbies is baking. My mum is a confectioner and so I grew up watching her bake many beautiful and delicious cakes and all things sweet. So when my little girl was turning a year old I decided I would bake her birthday cake. Unfortunately this was really a totally flop. I am actually grateful I didn't take any pictures of that cake. We had to buy her a cake.

But it always bothered me because I felt that since my mother was such a good baker I should have picked up on a lot of tips while watching her when I as younger.So I tried quite a few times baking and experimenting as the years passed. And believe me I had way over my fair share of terrible baking disasters.

However it seems after all that practicing I finally managed to start creating beautiful cakes and biscuits. This is one of my first cakes I am really so proud of. It is the cake I made for my daughters' 5th birthday. She wanted a princess theme so I set to the task of making a castle cake.

The decorating for this cake took me many hours. The cake is plain vanilla sponge with butter-cream filling. I covered it with fondant(plastic icing). The towers were made out of rice crispie treats and covered with fondant. The tops of the towers are sugar cones that were covered with coloured royal icing and I sprinkled glitter on while it was wet. And all those princesses on the top are edible and handmade by Me. 

My little girl was so happy with it and so was I. I will be posting more pictures of cakes and other baked goodies that I have done over the years in the next few weeks. So look out for that. Write me a comment if you would like more information about this cake. 

And don't forget to click on the follow by email button to receive an email whenever I add any new post to my blog. And like my Facebook page Beautifulcanful.

Till next time

xoxo

Sam

Homemade coffee scrub

Recently, I've been doing a lot of reading up about using natural or homemade skin and hair treatments. There are literally over thousands of recipes online. And so I decided to make this my first post. 

This is one of the first things I tried out and boy was I happy with the results. It is a homemade coffee body scrub. Honestly I wasn't too precise with my measurements so this is roughly what I used I did adapt it a bit by adding jojoba oil. Which I had lying around. If you have not heard about this oil it is pronounced as ho-ho-ba and is great for skin. It helps with conditions like acne and sunburn. But if you don't have it don't stress. This scrub will remove all the dead skins cells and the coffee is suppose to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I guess you will have to do quite a few treatments to see this. But after my first time using this scrub my skins was very soft and smooth. 

Home made body scrub recipe

1/2 cup fresh coffee grounds(took this out of my coffee machine after I had made some coffee)
1/4 cup brown sugar or white if you don't have brown
1 tblspn of raw honey( I heated mine till it was a runny consistency)
1 tblspn of Olive oil
few drops of jojoba oil(optional)

 This is how the scrub will look like once you are done:)

This is the coffee grounds.

I used brown sugar but white will work just as well. Just be sure not to be too rough when you are using this scrub as the sugar can be abrasive.

Raw honey

I heat the honey a little till it is this liquid consistency which helps to mix it. I then added the oils and gave it a good stir. I usually make this as a single batch and use it in one go. I'm going to make a bit extra and see how long it lasts for.

Your body will feel moisturized and soft just remember when applying the scrub rub it in a circular motion.

PS: this can be quite a messy job so be sure to do it in the shower or bath tub.

Till next time

xoxo
Samantha