The Search For Great Skin with SkinPhD

I am one of those people who are not blessed with good skin. I always have to work on my skin, follow a strict regime or even invest in expensive products. I was at a point where I needed new effective facial products. I came across the SkinPhD range. SkinPhD is a South African product launched in 2012, suitable for all races and sells worldwide. 

 

"SkinPhD is an advanced cosmeceutical skin and body range scientifically developed for all skin types, to nourish, balance and create a positive change in the functioning and appearance of the skin. As cosmeceutical range, our products rely on bio-active ingredients to provide beneficial changes in appearance of the skin, working beyond the skin surface to create true change" - SkinPhD website.

 

Below are the few products I purchased from SkinPhD and going to use in the next few months.

Cleanser -  Cleansing is the basic of skin care. It is important to find a good cleanser to cleanse your face of dirt and impurities while maintaining your skin's pH balance. Cleansing should effectively clean your face to make sure that it can take in all the benefits of serums and creams.

Eye cream - As you may know, the skin around the eye is more delicate, prone to dryness and quick to show signs of aging. It is important that one keeps this part of their face moisturised. It is said that one must start using eye cream in their late twenties. Even though I started using eye cream about three  - four years ago, I believe that for a black girl, starting the eye cream regime at age 30-34 is okay.  For me it is paying off because one skin therapist I saw last year complimented me but then again I was thinking "I am black, I don't crack easily". If you are under the age of 35, I believe in wearing eye cream once a day - at night to get the cream working while you sleep. Of course if I feel and look tired I sometimes wear eye cream during the day too.

Serum - Serums are water based and contain active ingredients, because of their concentration they are normally the most expensive product in most skin care ranges. I was introduced to a serum about four  - five years ago. Before then, I knew nothing about serums. The first serum I used was from the Innoxa range, which is now discontinued in South Africa.  I struggled to get a good affordable product after Innoxa so I moved between products, for the most part I didn't wear serum. When I decided to try SkinPhD, I knew I had to get a serum too.

 

 

 

Skin Supplement - SkinPhD offers a  range of skin supplements, I opted for the pigmentation perfect supplement because of my uneven skin tone. I've been developing visible unevenness on my forehead. This is the reason I decided to invest in the supplement, to give my skin extra boost of active ingredients and counteract the effects of photo aging and improve my skin texture.

 

Cream/Moisturiser - Moisturising hydrates the skin, locks in the ingredients which in turn prevents water loss through heat/wind. It is important that your skin maintains its water. Moisturising also help with skin cell regeneration, cells repair themselves quicker when the skin is hydrated and healthy.  Finding a good moisturiser is a life mission since your skin is the largest organ and your face is the first thing that people notice / look at. I've had my fair share of creams/ moisturisers that were either too oily or were drying my skin. The consultant at SkinPhD promised that I will not go wrong with  their Cellceutic Day Advanced Dermal Moisturiser.

 

SkinPhD's description of their products:

"Delicate Foaming Cleanser

Delicate Foaming Cleanser is a highly effective, gentle and non-drying foaming cleanser mild enough for everyday use. Containing peptides that improve the skins elasticity and smoothness, whilst removing all impurities from the skin surface, leaving the skin feeling refreshed, soft and rejuvenated.

Eye care balm

From the skin health range is designed for all skin types, colours and conditions. It is designed to provide moisture to the delicate eye area whilst giving the skin the needed nutrition to work at its best.

Dermotox Anti -Wrinkle Serum

A potent and highly effective dermatological preparation, formulated with a scientifically advanced botanical complex, with clinically proven tyrosinase inhibiting activity, synergistically combined with natural malachite extract, a mineral-derived inhibitor of oxidative stress, to effectively reduce blemishes, improve radiance and correct unevenness of skin tone associated with actinically damaged and premature aged skin. 

Pigmentation-Perfect

Pigmentation correction and skin brightening. Best for: Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin colour.

Effect: Advanced anti-oxidant, Improves barrier protection, Photo protector, Natural skin brightening, Rescue of UV damaged cells, Skin calming agent, Minimises the signs of photo-ageing, Improves skin texture.

 

Cellceutic Day Advanced Dermal Moisturiser

This intense day cream formulated to regenerate the skin’s barrier function will protect, repair and increase the production of collagen and elastin. It will leave you with a brighter complexion by improving dull skin texture. Regular use will stimulate skin cell cycles and improve dermal micro-circulation, skin nourishment, tone and smoothness" - SkinPhD Website

 

 

In a period of three to six months, I will update this post with a review on SkinPhD and how the product has/ is improving my skin.

 

 

 

 

 

*All photos are mine unless otherwise stated*

Splendid Experience at the Moroccan House

*On a quest to try out different cuisines, find new restaurants in and around Pretoria*

I was so excited about trying out a new restaurant,  having tried Asian, South American and European cuisines, it was time for Africa.  I searched around and I found the Moroccan House. Moroccan House is in Menlo Park on Atterbury Road, Pretoria. Moroccan House is owned and managed by Joehan and Louise Erasmus.

Moroccan House Facebook Page



 

This place is exquisite, Moroccan House offers a guest house,  La Riad the function conservatory, Moroccan Imports, La Terasse Rooftop Café and Moroccan décor rental & Catering division.  Beautiful ornaments and lantern lamps lead you to the  reception area.

 



 

I made a booking the day before so when we arrived everything was quick at the reception and the service was friendly. We were led upstairs to the rooftop café for our lunch.  The La Terasse Rooftop Café & Deli upstairs is the most intimate yet so exotic space I have ever been to. It is unbelievable that it is on a rooftop of a guest house in South Africa, the place looked like it is in the middle of a desert, a vibrant market in Morocco or on the shore of  a North African beach. 

It is said that the Moroccan cuisine is the culinary star of  North Africa, you can trace the country's history of colonisers and immigration through its traditional dishes. Moroccan cuisine has the Arab, French, Middle Eastern, African and Jewish influences.

DRINKS

My friends ordered the Moroccan Magic Juice: a blend of pomegranate, apple and pear juice with sparkling spring water.

 

I had a Moroccan infused cordial - ginger with a dusting of chilli. This homemade ginger drink definitely gave me that kick that Stoney ginger beer will give you. The beauty of this refreshing drink is that it didn't have too much sugar and had no acid.

THE FEAST

APPETISERS
Spicy Harissa Prawns


Served on a green salad

drizzled with sundried
tomato and preserved lemon
dressing.

Moroccan Tangy Chicken Wings

Roasted in a tomato & blue cheese basting with saffron, ginger and coconut milk.

MAIN COURSE

Lamb Tagine with Dates & Honey

 

Served in a tagine, is a traditional lamb tagine prepared with dates and honey. Served with couscous.

 

 

Chicken Bastilla /Pastilla: Served with a salad, is a Moroccan fusion chicken pie with layers of phyllo pastry, orange blossom water and roasted almonds with a rich chicken and egg filling, topped with mushroom relish.



 

 

Oxtail Tagine: Tender meat cooked overnight in a clay urn called Tangia with onion and subtle use of spices and herbs.

 

The stews are cooked in a Tagine; a cone shaped cooking vessel used in North Africa.  The unique shape allows the meat ( lamb & oxtail, in this case) to slow cook for a luscious, tender texture.  The main meals ( stews) were served with couscous;  a Moroccan staple food made from semolina grains and steamed in a colander like dish known as couscoussiere.

 

 

 

Of course not being privy to Moroccan culture, we didn't order tea. Joehan, the owner, offered us some tea and explained that Moroccans normally have about three cups of mint tea in one meal.  "Mint tea is traditionally served in small glasses, when it is served, the person poring the tea holds the teapot high above the glass so as to create a little foam in each person's glass. Moroccans tend to like their extremely sweet, but one may choose to use less sugar". Joehan sweetened our tea with honey. It was very tasty and delectable. A drink I could easily enjoy everyday.

 

DESSERT

Rosewater Brownie & Ice cream delight: With rose & saffron syrup and strawberries
Rosewater Cheesecake: Rosewater & Turkish delight cheesecake
Orange Blossom Cheesecake: Orange blossom & Turkish delight cheesecake

 

 

For desserts and cordials, rosewater and orange flower water are important ingredients in Morocco.  Also, in Morocco cooking is enhanced with fruits, dried and fresh like apricots, figs, dates, raisins etc.

 

I checked and took home a few Ghoriba cookies. The Moroccan cookies are chewy like macaroons and some taste like short-bread.  Moroccans generally have a sweet tooth, their cookies are sweet and rich. You can taste the spices like cinnamon in some of the cookies and some taste like chocolate macaroons.

 

 

 

La Terasse Rooftop Café & Deli

Found on their website "Hospitality and authenticity are key in the success of Moroccan House, and coupled with the owners' quest for excellence and attention to detail, our patrons are promised a matchless experience".

 

I can honestly say that the above quoted statement is a true reflection and more of what our experience was at the Moroccan House.  The food was exotic and delicious. We enjoyed all our dishes and drinks. The exotic spices used to prepare their dishes give the Moroccan cuisine the different flavours unusual to our cuisine here at home. Their service is excellent, they are here to please the client and go beyond that. I've been to a lot of restaurants where the manage will come and ask whether "everything is okay", at the Moroccan House it didn't feel like it was his duty to do that, it was sincere and he was on a mission to give us an unforgettable experience. Also, I was very impressed with their knowledge of the food they were serving us, how it is made in Morocco and why it is prepared that way. I liked their honesty when it comes to dishes that have been prepared  to suit South Africa, e.g pastilla made with chicken instead of dove.

Moroccan House is definitely a place I could be a regular at and a place to bring a friend to for that magical dining experience.  I suggest you visit Moroccan House if you are looking for a different dining experience coupled with top-notch service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

* All photos are mine unless otherwise stated*

 

Fashionably Ditch your Stilettos

It is not that I don't like attending Receptions, I do, really. It is that I am one of those people who can't stand for a long time. I would want to mingle and meet new people but my shoes would be killing me, refusing to let me be great.  There is never a chair in sight and if there is , I think of the dignitaries, elders etc. It becomes an issue because all I think about is "when are the speeches going to be done? will it be rude if I leave just after speeches? Or but you must have something to eat , have some manners" . I have decided that when attending some functions especially the afternoon receptions I will trade-in my high-heels for flats. Yes I said FLATS.

In this post I will show you one way to ditch your stilettos and still look incredibly stylish.

Of course if you are going to replace your 4-inch shoes with flats you better choose stylish and beautiful flats.  Looking for a pair of gorgeous flats may be  a daunting task if you don't know where to begin:

• Choose the colour, it will be best if you stick to primary colours.
• The body and the upper part of the shoe is important, whether it is glossy, animal print, suede, mohair etc.
• You can go for a flat shoe that is either bedazzled or has a bow. Or any kind of embellishment.

 

I found these faux-mohair bedazzled flat pumps. I didn't have to spend á fortune on them since I got them at Mr Price. They are also a perfect colour that goes with everything.

Once you wear a pump/ flat shoe you have to add other accessories to make up for it. Also to show that you take the event and the host seriously.  Carry a beautiful clutch and wear statement jewellery.

 

 

Pair your pumps with a clutch bag instead of a normal handbag, to give your outfit that modern chic look. When choosing a clutch, look for  a structured clutch in a strong silhouette.

Choose equally beautiful pieces of jewellery like a brooch for your dress, shirt or jacket and statement earrings. I would suggest that you do not wear too many pieces at once. A wrist watch is enough when you already have a brooch and earrings, there is no need for a bracelet. 

 

 

 

With this combination of a beautiful flat shoe, statement clutch and jewellery plus a gorgeous outfit ( and attitude/ mood) you will not go wrong. After all it is said that "accessories make the outfit". Now put on a bold lip colour and attend the damn event.

 

*All photos are mine unless otherwise stated*

Pulsating Pretoria!

A few years back I lived in Pretoria CBD, except for the State Theatre as far as I know there was nothing much going-on in the city centre then - I could be wrong. We use to go to Brooklyn, Menlyn or Hatfield for fun, night life fun that is. Sometimes even Johannesburg. This is slowly changing as the inner city is becoming a place to be. All the cool kids  (the creative lot) spend more and more of their time in the city centre. Art galleries are popping-up in places you'd never have thought of six years ago. As I surf the internet I see more picturesque images of the city captured by young photographers. There is life in the beautiful City of Tshwane ( Pretoria).

There is this inner city revitalization hype going on at the moment, property developers are renovating old buildings creating urban spaces usable for a variety of functions.  You will be amazed at the venues available in the inner city these days, whether you are looking for space to host an intimate party, a corporate function or an art show etc.

 Image: 012central

One of the buildings revived is 012central, this building block is right in the city centre on a very busy street in Pretoria. I have no idea what this block was called or used for prior its renovation.

According to their website "012central comprises a number of closely situated buildings that enable diverse, rich experiences for people or companies that need a venue for their event. Whatever you can imagine can be brought to life in one of our multipurpose venues".

 

 

 

012central hosts The Social Market every first Sunday of the month from 11h00 to 18h00 and every last Saturday of the month hosts a market from 11h00 to 18h00 organised by the Market at the Sheds. The market hosts a variety of stands selling and showcasing clothing, arts & crafts, gourmet street food, wines & cocktails etc. Plus, there usually are live performances from Afro-soul, jazz, rock & blues singers and bands. 

On Saturday, 25 June, my friends and I went to the 012central for the first time. Best believe we had a good time, the place was inviting, vibrant and colourful. There was so much to see,  photos below tell a story of how our day looked liked. 

 

 

 

The food

 

I ate the most delicious Beef Prego Roll. There were a few food stands, everything looked delicious. There were also stands selling drinks only, from coffees to cocktails to wines.

  

 

 Marvelas Works

This young man was selling these beautiful leather and beaded goods, find him on instagram @marvelasworks

 

 

Hesey Designs

 

Beautiful African print designed bags by Hesey Designs. Find them on instagram @heseydesigns_sa

 

 



 

Afro Tunics from Lu Pearl Designs

 

 

 Azura

 

Handcrafted jewellery from Azura, find them on instagram @azura_luxury_handcrafts.

 

 

There were more stands that I didn't go to, some I did but I didn't take any pictures. I would say there were not less that sixty (60) stands at the market day of 25 June 2016.

 

 

The Muffinz gave a stellar performance

 

 

The spacey 012central provides facilities for children and for those that prefer the outdoors. Outside the main hall you will find a small courtyard - suitable for family picnics, more tables& chairs, jumping castle - for kids entertainment and another dining space where more food and drinks are sold.

 

 

 

If you are in Pretoria, do take time and visit 012central during one of its market days.  You will not only enjoy a beautiful afternoon there but you will also get an opportunity to sample and buy goods at affordable prices. You may also meet some of the instagram / online boutiques and be able to purchase products you can see and feel plus have an advantage of direct customer engagement. 

 

 

Image: 012central

 

 

 

If you are looking for a venue or wish to exhibit your product/s visit the sites linked below.

http://012central.co.za/

http://www.marketatthesheds.co.za

http://thesocialmarket.co.za

 

 

 

 

 

*All photos are mine unless otherwise stated*