The Me Time Tag

Is this outdoorsy enough for you?

Me Time is synonymous to moments of peace, luxury, self indulgence and telling everyone to back away as you selfishly take some time out to do just you. Warranted this is something everyone should indulge in from time to time, if you have to go away for a weekend -  GO, if it means switching off your cell phone and just disconnecting from the world while you loaf about in teeny shorts and t-shirt go right ahead.

Personally me –time leaves me feeling refreshed, liberated and gives me the time to just self reflect or not think at all. It’s so good to be connected to amazing local bloggers who just add that extra something special to your life too and thanks to Tendai Kamusikiri of Signature Toscie http://signaturetoscie.co.zw/ for tagging me on the Me Time Tag challenge which I am so in love with.  The idea of sharing what I get up to when it’s just me living it up in my own space has me excited to over-share.

What do you watch/read during me time?

Thank God for PVR. I don’t always have the time to watch telly all day but I do make sure I find time to sneak in my recordings. I’m big on House of DVF, Sarah Graham’s Food Safari, which just ended and am now currently following ZOO, the Left Overs and AD.

I do love to watch some old favourite movies from time to time like Grease, Mighty Joe, The Titanic, The Temptations, Matilda, The Notebook, The time travelers wife, PS I love you – these are just feel good movies that take me back to the good old days LOL– look at me talking like I’m so old...

I used to watch loads of horror movies during me time but I’ve totally moved on from that phase, name any horror movie and I’ve probably watched it.

 I read plenty of magazines – I’m a collector – been collecting magazines since 2003 and I ain’t stopping – lots of my inspiration comes from them and it’s a great way to escape from everything that’s trying to grab my attention.

What do you wear during me time?

Shorts and tank tops mostly...

What are your me time beauty products?

Body Scrubs, Mud Masks, Facial Scrubs and Bath Bombs, Bath Salts and Bath Oils....

Current favourite nail polish?

Any gel nail polishes are great!!! I hate it when nails chip and I am all about longevity so gel nail polish is perfect.

What do you eat/drink during me time?

When in doubt – drink coffee!!!!! Its absolute fuel...Energy drinks too but not at the same time - though I’ve thought about it... I also have a soft spot for green tea – it’s an acquired taste but once I start on it I can go for weeks just drinking it on a daily and chamomile tea is great when you just want to relax and quickly snooze off.

I eat whatever tastes good and includes meat, though I also love strawberries and yoghurt.

Current favourite candle?

Vanilla from Sassafras Borrowdale

Do you ever have outdoor me time?

Rarely, I do take walks sometimes but I don’t prefer them alone. I also take naps in the gazebo – does that count??

Would you ever see a movie alone?

Been there, done that, next question.

Favourite Online Shop?

Still exploring...

Though my bestie runs an online store called sassiestyle.com - you should check it...

Anything to add? What else do you do during me time?

I read my bible, I pray, I meditate

& when I’m done I attempt to do lazy girl workouts

& then I write...

Next I'd like to tag Goodness Gracious Tariro of Girls and Ladies Hoolywoodlee  Strictly Chic and Robin Chaibva

After writing all this and going through the me time motions I feel inspired to indulge already... 

Laters...

 

Spilled Contents: What’s In the Bag?

A ladies bag is closer than a best friend, painting the town red with you, heading into a boardroom meeting with you or when you go meet the parents – it’s the ultimate side chick. It’s with you 24/7 and can be tossed aside when you invest in a newer more stylish version. Sound’s selfish right? But no, it understands its purpose and position and has just about everything you need to survive the day. Personally I find it intriguing when I see a fellow she warrior with no bag or a tiny clutch – which I reserve for date night and evenings out only cause I definitely can’t do it – I’m the ultimate bag lady, so you will always catch me out tote bag in tow. I hardly travel light, usually because I like to have some of my favourite things with me –wherever I go and I hate the feeling of needing something that’s all the way home –when I require it –so their staple items in my bag that I always use and there’s the just in case something happens items as well. For the curious souls and those who just don’t understand it here are my spilled contents......

Bag staples

Tissue oil - for all over moisturised skin plus I can’t stand having dry hands.

Wipes – always come in handy for spills, makeup mishaps and hot days were you need to cool off and refresh.

A bottle of water- hardly in my bag but stored in there when it’s empty. I am a woman on the go and I have to stay hydrated.

My wallet – which could do with a few more dollars (#hides #thebloggerlife).

A pen – Kind of obvious – I love to write down stuff – sometimes everything I see and hear. (Still thinking of Robin’s line _”The only tips we know are French tips” Head to her blog to check out what she’s all about –  www.tatendarobyn.wordpress.com

Perfume – it’s persuasive and can double up as pepper spray if someone tries to attack you, haven’t tried it out though but I’d like to think it does..

Lipstick – Coco Chanel – summed it up perfectly in this quote “If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack. #daymade

Eyeliner and Mascara - wink... La selfie life

Just because

A notepad and a magazine....

Sunglasses- for style factor...

Emergency room

Pads and Tampons – no explanation needed (I wish guys would stop squirming every time they see one though)

Chewing gum - for obvious reasons

A razor blade – (don’t ask!!!!)

Food News

Obsession of the month

Malva Pudding!!!!!! For just $2.00 you can get yourself this delicious soft sweetness which has just enough the sugar to satisfy any sweet tooth cravings you have. Personally when I think I’ve had enough – I find myself heading out of the house just for that and left stocking up on it like a maniac –trust me it’s that good and you won’t want to share. Head over to Food Lovers Market if you know what’s good for you.

No, I don't want to share!!!

Candy Crush of the month

Veldemeers which can be found by Sam Levy’s Village and Arundel village is the place to go for the heart of good chocolate. They are the retailers of Belgian chocolates, croissants, cakes and continental pastries. This local home of authentic, handcrafted Belgian chocolates will give you a sugar rush that you can’t find anywhere else.

New on the market

I recently discovered this product by Coca Cola - Just Juice 100% sparkling fruit juice in Strawberry Cherry flavour which just might become my go-to drink. It tastes so good, sparkles to the core and is bubbly. Delivering full-on sensory enjoyment – the fruity taste is incomparable.

Fave foodie

 – Sarah Graham  from  the TV series Sarah Graham’s Food Safari who lived in Zimbabwe but now lives in Johannesburg and has three cook books, called Bitten, Smitten and Home  which I’m yet to read but are on my got-to-get list. Check out her food blog http://afoodieliveshere.co.za/ for all kinds of recipes that will put a smile on your ace and make you fall in love over and over again with food that’s so good for the heart. You can also find out what she’s working on and the events she hosts or will be attending on it.

Sarah Graham

What needs to go?

Unhealthy food habits. Enjoy food but maintain a healthy relationship with it. I’m currently trying to reduce my caffeine and sugar intake. The struggle is real especially when mocha latte’s and espresso are life. Wish me luck.

Embrace your own flow [Valentines Day]

Spoil yourself & Love on your friends

February has been and always will be the month of love.  With Valentine’s upon us it’s quite a big deal for most. Fiery rouge and opulent blanc hues seem to be the order of the day. Teddy bears galore and coffee mugs to add to a dozen collections have become quite the norm around this time and each year the craze never goes out.

While others are on romantic getaways, some discovering love in a whole new light and others hoping for a ring, Valentine’s brings with it at most warm and fuzzy feelings. Whatever it is you’re doing or hoping to get its proof that celebrating love is on the table.

While some are focused on their loved one, it’s not a mutual feeling all round. Celebrations of love are taking place while others are taking this time pretty hard, loneliness being something I’ve come across year after year with friends, family and perfect strangers.. I however, just want to spread the love and encourage anyone whose struggling right now to stop throwing a pity party  and try something different, have fun, spoil yourself, go somewhere you have never been before - me time is luxury after all, just embrace your own flow.

 You are beautiful and if you deserve anything at all – loving yourself should be top priority. So what if the person you cared about left you, disappointed you or didn’t step up, maybe it’s just not yet your time to be and that’s okay  - it shouldn’t rob you of your happiness – everything starts with you; love on your friends, your family and most importantly love on yourself. You have my permission to buy yourself those shoes you have been eyeing for months or that outfit you know you will look good in. Embrace this time to give yourself the best time possible – life’s too short to be miserable and not have nice clothes and a smile on your face.

Have a good one

Happy Valentine’s Day

Breakfast Date|Eggs Benedict and Iced Caramel Macchiato

What better way to start February other than a breakfast date? I recently had Sunday breakfast at Avondale’s Cafe Nush and I must say I was impressed. I often brush Cafe Nush aside – besides the good reviews however, looking for a change; trying it out for breakfast didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Sunday breakfast was for a table for 3 – no crowd here – just family. I settled for the famous Eggs Benedict which is a serving of poached eggs served on an English muffin with creamy spinach, roast tomato, smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce, served with a side of hash potatoes – which I must admit was a first for me – FOMO from watching too many cooking shows accompanied by a delicious iced caramel macchiato; for that added caffeine boost. My companions settled on the mini breakfast with chocolate milkshake and the final plate was a traditional and filling full English breakfast accompanied by a humble rooibos tea.

English breakfast

Other offerings on the Nush menu include pasta & lasgna, meats, homemade burgers, quesadilla, sliders, salads and hot snacks which are pie meals.

With an urban and vibrant atmosphere Cafe Nush is definitely a spot to have a bite to eat, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, people watch and catch up with friends or family.

With no complaints on the food, the only glitches for me was that it took a while for the food to come and the WIFI was down (bummer!!!!!) – A blogger got to stay connected!!!!

Deets 

Open: Monday - Sunday

Location
Vera Mall, Avondale
Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: 04 335 201
Mobile: +263 733 434 619

New Month, New Look

Hello February!!!!! I’m so glad to usher in a new month in good health and even better style.  To top it off February marks the month of love which is a great mood lifter for me – (drifts off to think of bae), whether you’re coupled up or not, I strongly believe it’s important to love on others however, you should always give yourself twice as much love. Inspired by a new month and self love I decided to love on me and get myself a new look.

I made the cut!!!!! Well not quite, I just moved away from my love of colourful long hair and went short for a change. After all most 2016 trend forecasts predicted that going short would be the way to go. I chose a sleek bob that ends just above the shoulders. This time around I’m sporting no colour and taking it back to the basics and embracing jet black hair. It’s taken a few days to get used to but now I’m convinced I look good and that makes me feel good.

What I’m wearing

Not only have I toned down the colour of my hair. I’m working on keeping it clean and simple – choosing to tone down my wardrobe which is quite a challenge. This month I’m going for a classic monochrome look, which I intend to keep up all month.

What I’m using

I haven’t really scouted the beauty counters on products to try.  However, I recently got a gift which has just fuelled my Calvin Klein obsession. I am currently using Calvin Klein Down Town fragrance which is absolutely divine and lingers on all day.

My skin has decided to go haywire on me so I’ve invested in a Himalaya Herbals Clarifying Mud Mask. I learnt early on it’s important to know your skin type and because my skin is generally oily I use products that help unclog pores and mattify my skin instead of adding to the oiliness of my face. The mud mask does a great job in absorbing excess oil, clearing clogged pores, dealing with blackheads and improves skin texture. Available in most retail stores for just under $8

Nailspiration

I spent most of December and January in nail rehab – considering I spend quite a lot of time in my nail technician’s booth. Not only is she great- we always have something to talk about and that keeps me going back to her each month. I’m constantly inspired by global nail trends and especially Korean nail art. Unfortunately there’s not enough time to try them all but I will try as many as I can. Check out the one’s I got this time. I’m in love!!!!!

Special thanks to Pinterest for keeping me updated on trends to try– for those that don’t know Pinterest is a visual bookmarking tool that helps you discover and save creative ideas, for bloggers it’s true heaven because you can find practically everything, fashion, tech, beauty, art and so much more. Check it out for yourself and feel free to share with me what looks you’re going for this month.