Six fantastic V&A Waterfront restaurant specials

There’s no disputing that the V&A Waterfront is the pinnacle of our gorgeous city’s tourism industry. Forget the tourists, though – I too love dining at the fabulous restaurants that the Waterfront has to offer! I mean, what’s better than sipping on champagne and tucking into excellent food, all in the majestic surroundings of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the sparkling ocean? Nothing, of course. The only downfall, however, is the exorbitant price tag that comes with such a sublime dining experience!

 

Here’s the good news though: Although many of the restaurants in the Waterfront are priced for tourists, a lot of the top ones offer some fantastic drink and food specials! Yes, that’s right – you can indulge in spectacular views, extravagant cocktails as well as gourmet food without sending your wallet into a spin. Let me tell you where.

 

 

#1: Sevruga

Keen for sushi, anyone? Sevruga is hands down my favourite sushi spot in the Waterfront! Situated right on the water’s edge, this trendy restaurant offers an amazing half price promotion on sushi, dim sum and cocktails every Monday through Saturday from 12pm until 6pm, and every Sunday from 2pm until 6pm. No further convincing is necessary – simply book a table, grab a few friends and enjoy the stunning venue, vibrant atmosphere and even better sushi! Must-tries include the Volcano Roll (6 pieces for R60 on special), the Kingklip, Chili and Ginger Dim Sum (3 pieces for R26 on special) and the White Chocolate Martini (R27 on special).

#2: Seelan Restaurant & Bar

Whether you’re seated outside on the water’s edge or inside the stylish restaurant, you’re sure in for a treat at this Mediterranean-inspired eatery! On weekdays, you can tuck into brilliant lunch and drink specials at Seelan. For example, from 12pm until 5pm, you can enjoy a tasty seafood pizza with a glass of house wine for R90. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, opt for the toasted steak sandwich with a side salad and chips and a 300 ml draft beer for R78. On the drinks side, you can sip on two cocktails for the price of one between 3pm and 6pm. Or, for those of you with a penchant for the colonial life, the Tanqueray & Tonic special might appeal more – two G&Ts and a seafood tapas board to share for R79.

#3: Hildebrand

This fine Italian restaurant is a Waterfront stalwart that’s been around for as long as I can remember. It’s a lovely spot to sip champagne and enjoy a delicious pasta right on the water’s edge without breaking the bank! On their menu you’ll find a number of mouth-watering Italian as well African dishes. Two of my personal favourites include the Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli (R79 for a full portion) and the Venison Cannelloni (R95 for a full portion). And I’ll have you know that the full portions are huge! On the specials side of things, the restaurant runs regular promotions on different dishes. Bonus: Upstairs you’ll find Alba Lounge, their partner establishment, which is a stylish cocktail lounge that often runs great specials on their creative cocktails.

#4: Quay Four

Mention the name “Quay Four” to anyone who lives in or has visited Cape Town and you can almost be sure they’ll have a story to tell about the tavern! Their food and drink specials change regularly, and are sure to impress both your taste buds and your wallet. If there’s nothing on the specials board that tickles your fancy, take a peek at their main menu for some more well-priced dishes, such as the Quay Four Combo (seasonal catch of the day, three prawns, three mussels and calamari steak with rice or fries for R99). In addition to their top-notch food, they also offer a selection of wines, beers and cocktails at very reasonable prices.

#5: Balducci’s

Award-winning international eatery Balducci’s has an elegant grace that compliments their extensive gourmet menu. Every day of the week between 12pm and 6pm, the restaurant offers some brilliant food specials. For example, the R65 gourmet pizza or pasta special (the pear and gorgonzola pizza is a real treat!), the R95 sirloin steak special, and the 23-piece Bento Box sushi special (which comes with delicious complimentary miso soup). Sit in the breezy outside area or the classy Royal Sushi Bar inside and get ready to enjoy simply fabulous food at bargain prices!

#6: Gibson’s Gourmet Burgers & Ribs

This cool and trendy joint offers one of the most impressive burger menus in the Mother City. With simple selections such as the Gibson’s Classic 100% Pure Beef Burger and the Philly Burger as well as more gourmet options like the Governor’s De-luxe Burger and the Tex-Mex Burger, you’re bound to find a deliciously stacked creation to sate your burger craving. On Mondays, you can get any two burgers for the price of one, while on Wednesdays you get a free burger whenever your order ribs (and you can be sure that their ribs are just as mean as their burgers!). Just be sure to get there early to avoid having to stand in a long queue!

Happy Friyay!

Good morning subscribers!

 

 

While I have a moment to spare I thought I’d pop in and wish you all a fabulous weekend. Apologies for my lack of personal posts as of late – it’s been crazy at work with year-end deadlines over the past few weeks!

 

Thank you all for the great feedback on my posts this week. I’ll check in with you all again on Monday and give you the latest scoop on what’s happening in my life 🙂

 

Have a brilliant Friday!

 

Love,

Cands

Five natural beauty brands I’m obsessed with right now

I believe that when it comes to beauty products, sometimes less really is more. Just as interest in simpler, less-processed foods has grown, many women have also been searching for more natural, plant-based beauty products with shorter ingredient lists.

 

But do these natural formulas work just as well the conventional products you’ve been using? Yes, they do! Here are five fabulous plant-based beauty brands that I’m obsessed with right now.

 

Five natural skincare brands you need to know about

#1: S.W. Basics

Founded and manufactured in Brooklyn, New York City, this little brand is becoming a big deal very quickly. Their products are all organic, and include potent levels of the active ingredients. Turmeric, lavender and avocado oil are just a few of the wonderful ingredients you’ll find in this line, making their products perfect for sensitive skin like mine.

 

 

#2: Tata Harper

The bright green packaging says it all! This brand’s products are whipped up in small batches right on the owner’s farm in Vermont, US. So, yes, you can be sure everything is super-fresh! I love their moisturisers and eye creams, which are very soothing and hydrating for delicate, sensitive skin.

 

 

#3: RMS Beauty

This fabulous brand was founded by former make-up artist Rose-Marie Swift. It’s well-known for its popular Lip2Cheek products, which offer vibrant, long-last colours for lips and cheeks. It’s the concealers, however, that won my heart. They cover imperfections incredibly well, but look natural on your skin at the same time.

 

 

#4: Herbivore Botanicals

True to its name, this brand is plant-based, and the products come in intoxicating scents. From face oil to body polish, the brand stocks a variety of original formulas packaged in stunning bottles you’ll want to leave on display. I especially love their Sea Mist to create beachy waves in my hair. The product contains coconut and sea salt – how divine?

 

 

#5: Cocovit

With its many uses as a natural moisturiser for skin and hair, coconut oil is having a huge beauty moment right now. Cocovit’s oil in specific is produced without heat, meaning that the finished product is 100% pure and packed with super-beneficial nutrients that can be lost when heat is used. I love using coconut oil to remove my make-up, or to hydrate my scalp when it’s feeling dry.

 

Six things that help me conquer my sweet tooth over the festive season

Are you high? Before you say no, think about what you’ve put in your mouth lately. If it includes anything from thick, creamy milkshakes and rainbow-coloured cereal to chicken nuggets and cold cuts, there’s a pretty good chance you’re riding a sugar high right now.

 

Don’t feel bad – you’re not the only person buzzed with a sugar addiction right now. In fact, research shows that nearly a quarter of one’s daily caloric intakes – 325 calories on averages – comes from foods like baked goods, soft drinks, fruit juices and desserts. In other words, from sugar.

 

I find that year-end is the toughest time of the year to try and take control of your sugar cravings. Do you agree? Here are seven tips that help me take control of my sweet tooth that really work!

 

 

Six ways to curb your sweet cravings this December

#1: Eat a decent breakfast every day

Did you know that 90% of sugar addicts skip breakfast? That’s right. They wait and get a big hit of sugar at around 10am. When you eat breakfast, you prevent the drop in blood sugar that makes you crave sugar later in the day. A hearty, nutritious breakfast doesn’t have to take you long to whip up – try a delicious low-calorie smoothie or avocado baked eggs.

#2: Choose fruit whenever you can

Satisfy your sweet tooth with bananas, apples, and berries; all of which temper natural sugar with fibre and loads of antioxidants. Dried fruit and fruit juices will also do in a pinch. Just be aware that they pack far more calories than fresh fruit. I limit myself to a quarter cup or less of dried fruit or one cup of fruit juice each day. Frozen fruit smoothies are another great healthy way to get your sugar fix.

 

 

#3: Never cross the 150 calorie line!

So you’re at a Christmas party or a dinner and you simply can’t say no to a chocolate or a cupcake. Let’s be realistic – this happens! But when it does, be sure to stick to 100 to 150 calorie portions and 16 g of sugar or less.

#4: Plan your indulgences for right after dinner

You can’t toss out or give away all the sweet treats you get given for Christmas, I know. So the trick is to indulge in them at the right time – after dinner. Late-night sweet fixes give you a pure, unaltered sugar rush. Treat yourself right after dinner instead and you’ll reduce (though not counter) the insulin-spiking effect.

 

 

#5: Cut out “overt” sugars as far as possible

Tackle the worst offenders first: Sucrose-laden treats! Yup, I’m looking you right in the eye, frappuccinos. If you drink sugary drinks like these every day, try get into the happen of having one every other day instead.

#6: Enter a sugar rehab

You’re an addict. Therefore, you need to detox before you can fully recover. It takes five days to fully overcome your cravings for sugar, and you’re bound to feel awful for about three of them. Prepare to be edgy and irritable while you resist temptation for the first three days. By day five, you’ll feel like a whole new person – I promise! And, you’ll have learned that a little sugar goes a much longer way than you previously thought.

I hope these tips work well for you. Good luck!

Four quick tips for applying your day cream

When it comes to must-dos, moisturising your face is right up there with brushing your teeth. Applying a day cream is crucial for fresher, dewier skin. It will help increase your skin’s water content and repair its barrier, resulting in a healthy, gorgeous complexion! Here are my top tips for applying your day cream.

 

 

Four tips for moisturising your face

#1: Apply your day cream after your cleanser

The best time to apply day cream is right after a wash when your skin is slightly damp, so that you trap the moisture on your face’s surface. It’s fine to lube up between washings, too – like putting lip balm on dry lips.

#2: Apply the product with clean hands

Give your fingers and palms a good lathering before applying your day cream to prevent the introduction of any potentially irritating or pore-clogging bacteria onto your face Next, pat a small dab of moisturiser onto your forehead, cheeks, chin and nose – skip the oily areas.

#3: Let the moisturiser sink into your skin

After applying your day cream to your face, give it at least two minutes to try and penetrate your skin before moving on to make-up. Just like a make-up primer, a day cream needs to be absorbed.

#4: Know when skin has had enough (or not)

When your skin is well-moisturised, it’s dewy and light bounces off it. If it’s very shiny, that means it’s crossed the line into greasy. If your complexion looks a bit dull, chalky or ashy, it could be trying to tell you that it needs a more intense moisturiser.

Ten tasty herbal teas you should have stocked in your kitchen at all times

I have a collection of herbal teas stocked in my kitchen. They help me maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is very important to me! Here’s a list of my ten favourites in my cupboard. Choose the ones most suitable for you and sip them regularly. Enjoy!

 

 

Ten amazing herbal teas

#1: Matcha green tea

Very high in antioxidants, which are mainly responsible for protecting your cells and compounds from pollutants and damages.

#2: Red clover tea

Helps reduce the symptoms and discomforts of menopause. It also helps improve sleep, strengthen bones and reduce depression.

#3: Rooibois tea

Contains polyphenols that are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and have anti-mutagenic properties. It’s also excellent for giving your immune system a boost.

#4: Cinnamon tea

Loaded with antioxidants, and is antiviral, antibacterial as well as antifungal. It’s a fantastic remedy for many ailments and can even help you manage your weight.

#5: Chamomile tea

Broadly known as “bedtime soother” because of its incredible effectiveness on insomnia. It’s also fantastic for simply calming your mind and body.

#6: Ginger tea

An amazing remedy for cold, fever, aches and pains, and sometimes the early stages of infections because of its warming and antibacterial effects.

#7: Peppermint tea

Relieves nausea and vomiting, and also helps break down fat of your digestion system by stimulating bile production in your gallbladder.

#8: Fennel tea

An excellent remedy for digestive issues like cramping and bloating. It also helps your body detox because of its impressive diuretic quality.

#9: Marigold tea

Often used to heal cuts and infection, it boasts serious antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help clean out gum and tooth infections.

#10: Dandelion root tea

Bursting with minerals and vitamins, just one cup will add a ton of healing properties to your diet chart. It also helps cleanse your liver and ensures a healthy digestion cycle.

How many of these fabulous teas do you enjoy?

Ordinary Skincare has everything your hardworking skin needs

Let’s get real for a moment: Our skin is our largest organ, and therefore deserves lots of love, care and attention. But it can be tough finding the right products for your skin, especially if your skin type is dry or sensitive, or if you have hardworking skin… Am I right?

Let me be honest – I have very fair, sensitive skin that’s prone to redness and irritation, so I’ve been on the hunt for skincare products that will effectively help me stave off the first signs of ageing without irritating or burning my skin for quite some time.

I was on the verge of losing all hope up of finding products that work for my difficult skin type until last week, when I was handed a few products by the trendy and affordable new skincare brand that is Ordinary Skincare Co. I’m excited to announce that I’m now one week into using these new products and my skin is happier than ever before!

 

 

Let me touch a bit on the brand before I get to the products. Ordinary Skincare Co is the supplier of two skincare ranges: Plainordinary and Extraordinary. The company aims to offer honest skincare products for every skin type. They believe in providing products that are safe, that work, and that marry the finest that nature offers with the best of modern science. The ingredients in the products are ethically sourced and carefully chosen for their efficacy.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve totally hopped onto the green (or natural) skincare bandwagon already. In that case, you’re dying to know more about the products I tried out – so let me tell you all about them and how they’ve worked for my skin. There are three products that I tried that I’m going to talk about: A cleanser, a day cream and a night cream.

 

 

Let’s start with the cleanser (R150). The soap-free, hypoallergenic and detergent-free formula is wonderfully gentle and mild – it’s just perfect for dry and sensitive skin! It’s made with olive oil for natural hydration as well as green rooibos extract for natural antioxidant action. There are no harsh surfactants in this product, so your natural skin barrier system isn’t harmed at all.

Since I started washing my face twice a day with this cleanser, I’ve noticed no irritations or flare-ups on my skin, which is amazing considering that most conventional cleansers break me out in a snap. It gives your skin and pores a great deep clean, and is effective at removing make-up thoroughly – even waterproof mascara. I’m just delighted by how safe and gentle but at the same time effective this cleanser is!

 

 

Next up is the day cream (R285). This moisturiser is intensely hydrating and is intended for daily application to keep skin plump and glowing. The cream is packed with an abundance of remarkably hydrating natural herbal antioxidant substances, including green rooibos, grapeseed oil, olive oil and shea butter. Co enzyme Q10 offers further antioxidant defence and superb anti-inflammatory performance.

At first I felt this cream was a bit too thick for my liking, but I’ve learned to love it. That’s probably because of the fabulous results it’s delivered since I started using it! I’ve noticed that my skin is softer and my skin tone is more even than before. Also, the appearance of fine lines under my eyes seems to have minimised. I apply it under my BB cream or foundation in the morning, and I find that it actually acts as a primer to help improve my make-up application. Pretty awesome, right? I’m all for multi-tasking beauty products!

 

 

Lastly, we have the night cream (R306). The fantastic deep and rich emulsion offers extraordinary hydration to hardworking skin. Brimming with antioxidant-rich ingredients like avocado and evening primrose oil, the cream aims to improve suppleness and tone of your skin while mopping up free radicals.

I apply the night cream to my face after using the cleanser every night before bed. I’ve noticed that when I use it, I wake up with a fresh complexion and hardly any facial lines. The product seems to almost “repair” my skin while I sleep… How incredible is that? What’s more, is I’ve even tested it out as a hand cream as my hands are also prone to dryness, and it works like a charm on this area of skin as well!

 

 

All in all, I’m simply obsessed with these products by Ordinary Skincare! In addition to the amazing skin-loving ingredients that they pack, they also come in nifty little recyclable, airless containers, which make them perfect for slipping into your handbag or suitcase. Apart from the three products I’ve tried, the range also has a SPF 30 day cream, an eye gel, a lip balm and a moisturising balm on offer.

For more information on these fabulous products, head over to Ordinary Skincare’s website by going here now. You can purchase any of their products online in just a few clicks (how convenient?). I can’t wait for you to experience these divine natural skincare products for yourselves!

I went on the Orchard on Long Radical 3-Day Juice Cleanse

Last week I went on a juice cleanse. For you. Well, for me, really. But I had you in mind. Promise. Now, those of you who know me will know that I’m very much obsessed with detoxing. I’ve tried a couple of different local juice cleanse programmes that have done wonders for my body and taken my health to the next level. Last week, I finally got around to trying the 3-Day Radical Cleanse by my favourite Cape Town juice bar: Orchard on Long. Yup, for three whole days I binged on green juices… And I lived to tell the story!

Before I get to my juice cleanse diary, let me elaborate a little on the cleanse that I did and why I did it. So, the 3-Day Radical Cleanse, which will cost you R1 050, is a relatively advanced cleanse sequence. You get six juices to drink per day. I’d say it’s best for “experienced” juicers, but I’m sure beginners would be able to stick it out, too. Just a side note: Orchard on Long does offer other programmes that are designed for newbies entering the cleansing arena, such as the 1-Day Activation Cleanse and the 1-Day Radical Cleanse, which both cost R350 each.

My decision to do this juice cleanse can’t quite be chalked up to any one thing. I wasn’t really trying to drop weight, though I’d been feeling a little sluggish after eating pretty badly over the past month due to stress and other factors. I felt that it was time to take back my health. I wanted to feel a little lighter, fresher and, well, newer. The 3-Day Radical Cleanse promised nutrient-dense, alkalising and detoxifying juices that would “target every nook and cranny”, helping me achieve maximum detoxifying results. Sounded pretty good to me!

So now, here’s a look into my juice cleanse journey…

 

 

 

My juice cleanse diary

Monday (3 days before cleanse)

7:45AM

A menacing calendar invite pops up on my phone just before I step into the office, reminding me to “stop drinking coffee/alcohol and eating dairy/bread/meat”. You see, in order to get the most out of any juice cleanse, you need to prepare your body. You’ll want to start weaning yourself off of your usual indulgences and make a few adjustments before you start, so that your body doesn’t go into panic mode when you consume nothing but liquid for three consecutive days. Yup, this Monday without coffee was tough!

2PM

The work day is almost over, and all I’ve consumed is green tea, nuts and berries. The tummy rumbles are real right now.

7:30PM

My evening yoga workout seems to have kept my hunger at bay. For dinner, I enjoy two soft-boiled eggs sprinkled with salt and pepper.

Tuesday (2 days before cleanse)

10AM

My head hurts. By now, I’ve usually glugged down a cup of coffee. Maybe two. Today, I drank a blueberry and coconut water smoothie for breakfast, and plan to sip on green tea for the remainder of the day. Caffeine is part of my morning ritual. Okay, maybe it isn’t just a ritual. Maybe I’m addicted to it. Whatever.

1:30PM

Time to meet a friend for coffee during my lunch hour. Well, she has coffee, and I have a cup of chilled green tea with a sashimi salad.

8PM

I feel like inhaling a plate of nachos right now, but I blend up a raw cacao and peanut butter smoothie bowl for dinner instead. Yes, chocolate for dinner. I needed a pick-me-up, okay?

Wednesday (1 day before cleanse)

9:30AM

I pick up my box of juices! It’s huge. And heavy. All this is going into my body in only three days? Whoa, okay. I spend the next half an hour arranging it all in my fridge.

8PM

After a one-hour spinning class, I’m pretty starving, but I resist temptation and cook up a low-calorie vegetable soup for dinner. I feel pretty ready for my impending cleanse. Bring it on!

Thursday (day 1)

6AM

I wake up bright and early, feeling ready for my cleanse. I’m about to drink cold things for three days straight. I’ve done it before, so I can do it again, right? I hope they’re tasty. Let’s see how it works out.

9:30AM

After drinking a mug of warm water with sliced lemon to wake up my system, I have my first juice, which is labelled “Greens”. It’s… Not bad! A blend of spinach, kale, dates, wheatgrass, orange, pineapple, vanilla, oats and spirulina. It’s actually pretty sweet and refreshing. I definitely taste the spinach and kale, but luckily the pineapple keeps it from going full veggie flavour.

11AM

Onto my second juice – The Electro. It’s a blend of celery, kale, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper. Pretty gingery, but it was better than the first one for sure. Plus it was filling. I feel full. Not necessarily sated, but I’m certainly not starving.

1:30PM

I might be starving… I’m not sure. Maybe it’ll pass? I drink down my third juice, The Panda. Avocado, pineapple, lime, celery, cucumber, spirulina, apple spinach and ginger are the ingredients in it. Wow, tasty!

3:45PM

Feeling rather dizzy, but still going. Time for my fourth juice, the Sunflower Special. It’s a mix of sunflower greens, celery, wheatgrass, lemon, apple and kale. Okay, wow… The wheatgrass taste is rather overpowering. But it’s drinkable.

5PM

I’m feeling pretty energised! Perhaps it’s the little bit of caffeine in the green tea I’ve been drinking throughout the day to thank for this?

5:50PM

Time for my fifth juice, the All Star Greens juice! Yes, another green juice. It’s loaded with watercress, celery, parsley, basil, kale, cucumber, mint, spinach and lemon. It tastes a lot better than it sounds.

8PM

Dessert time! My sixth and last juice of the day is the Almond Milk. A delicious combination of raw almonds, vanilla, Himalayan salt, dates and coconut oil. I close my eyes and it tastes a little like a milkshake. As someone who needs to end their day on a sweet note, this is kind of life-saving.

10PM

It’s time for bed. I feel a little dizzy, but actually not so bad. I’ve had a caffeine withdrawal headache all day, but I’m sure the feeling will pass as the juices get to work and the toxins leave my body.

Friday (day 2)

9AM

I’m done with the first day! Walking into the office was hard. I almost fainted from all the smells. Do my colleagues really have to drink their coffee at eat their oatmeal at their desks? I find it rather inconsiderate. Also, why are my senses so heightened? Okay, juice time.

11AM

I’m feeling a tad wary about the rest of the cleanse now that I know what all the juices taste like. I hope the novelty won’t wear off. My bladder is constantly full of liquid. It’s quite uncomfortable.

12:15PM

I’m three juices into the day and I actually feel great! I probably only feel this way because it’s Friday, right?

6PM

I’m busy working from a coffee shop. I just finished my fifth juice of the day. I had to have a change of scenery – delicious smells be damned! My last juice is sitting in my bag. I’ll treat myself to it after a light run around the block after finishing my work.

6:45PM

Still at the coffee shop. It’s interesting working through the “am I really hungry right now, or am I just bored?” and “am I really hungry right now, or am I just used to eating at this time?” questions on a juice cleanse.

8PM

I’m on the couch, feeling a bit drained after my run. But I know it’s normal to feel light-headed after even light exercise when you’re consuming so few calories per day. I drink my almond milk juice. It’s so good!

10:30PM

Okay, maybe the lack of food is getting to me a little, because I just yelled at someone on the phone who probably (okay, definitely) didn’t deserve to be yelled at. Also, I feel so antisocial. A Friday night spent at home? Really? Okay, time for bed.

Saturday (day 3)

7:45AM

I wake up and I feel totally fine. I’m not miserable or starving. Hmm, surprising. I do miss food and liquid that isn’t juiced fruit and veggies, but I suppose knowing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel makes it manageable.

1:30PM

If anything, I feel a little tired of not eating. I’m on my third juice of the day, and I’m about to go and meet a friend for tea. I think I miss salty carbs the most. I want pizza. And nachos. I wouldn’t mind ice-cream, either.

11PM

Got a little caught up watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episodes, so I’m finally heading to bed with my last juice. I’m feeling a little sentimental – I’m going to miss having everything I need for the day tomorrow planned out for me. Plus, there’s nothing in my fridge except for an almost-empty bottle of red wine and a LUSH face mask.

 

 

The final verdict

While I’m not going to tell you what I weighed before and after the cleanse (what, are you crazy?!), I will say that I had lost 3 kg when I weighed in on Sunday morning. 3 kg in three days? Not too shabby. I feel lighter on my feet and the furthest thing from bloated. Not that I’m constantly stuffing my face with food and eating to excess, but you know what? Sometimes I do (there, I said it).

In addition, my mental and physical energy levels have skyrocketed and my skin is glowing! I can also feel that my digestive system and liver are well-rested. Gosh, I feel absolutely fabulous in actual fact! It wasn’t cheap, but eating healthy usually isn’t. It was, however, well worth it. I think I’ll do this cleanse once a season.

If you too want to invest in your health, give a juice cleanse a try. Just like you set aside money from your budget for high-quality clothing and accessories that will last, your body deserves the same attention. Whether it’s splurging on a gym membership when the temperatures dip and you can’t run outside, or a seasonal reboot to your diet, it’s always worth it. I promise you!

Now if only I could go cold turkey on my beloved chocolate cake and pizza…

If you want to read more about the juice cleanses that Orchard on Long offers or get right to placing an order, go here.

Eight unique ways to use lavender to improve your health

Lavender is by far one of my favourite herbs. Not only it is simply beautiful, but it has tons of different uses. It’s a fragrant aromatic, a relaxing herbs, and you can use it in baking, gourmet cooking, tea making, lotion making, tinctures and much more!

 

Here are some of my favourite ways to use lavender for better health.

 

 

Eightht ways to better your health with lavender

#1: To relax your mind and body

Calm your mind and body by sipping on lavender tea. Simply steep dried lavender in hot water for a few minutes and then fill up your cup. You can add in a drizzle of raw honey for sweetness if you like.

#2: To promote better sleep

Add lavender to a tincture to help promote relaxation and better, sounder sleep.

#3: To soothe sunburns or other burns

Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a bottle of cool water and spray on burns to offer instant relief.

#4: To help prevent dandruff

A strong lavender tea can be cooled and used as a scalp rinse to help prevent dry scalp and dandruff.

#5: To relax sore muscles

Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and a cup of Epsom salts to your bathwater to help relax sore muscles.

#6: To relieve headaches

Rub lavender essential oils into your temples to help relieve stress and tension headaches.

#7: To tone skin

Infuse lavender into vinegar and use it as a calming skin toner.

#8: To treat skin irritations

Use lavender essential oil topically to help with skin irritations and even acne.

This make-up mistake is ageing you beyond your years!

You no longer rock the same hairstyle you didn’t when you were a young teenager, right? Similarly, your make-up should evolve as you age, too. But changing up your routine doesn’t mean simply layering on more and more products.

 

In fact, the biggest make-up mistake you can make is piling on product – especially powder! Let me tell you why.

 

 

Powder doesn’t help disguise fine lines and wrinkles as well as you might think

Many women believe that more powder minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles better. This, however, is just totally untrue! It’s actually the other way around: More powder makes fine lines and wrinkles look more pronounced.

It also makes your skin look dry and sometimes even flaky because of the way it settles into every little crease in your face.

So what can you do instead? It’ pretty simple!

How to conceal fine lines and wrinkles without using powder

If you’re starting to see creases and lines in your skin, the best way to disguise them is to avoid using too much of any powder – especially around and under your eyes. Try switching to a liquid or cream foundation instead.

To help your face appear fresher and younger even further, use a make-up mist or setting spray over your foundation to swap out that powdery, cakey look for a fresh, dewy one.

If you suffer from oily skin and are therefore a bit afraid of using oil-based products on your skin because you think they’ll make you look like very shiny, simply use a blotting paper to blot away excess oil instead of using powder to cover it up.