Monthly Favourites: February 2017

I honestly cannot believe that February is almost over. It feels like just a few days ago that I was wondering how on earth I would occupy myself for a three month university break… Now it’s almost over! It’s just a matter of time before I have to return to reality and stop binge watching series or waking up at 11 a.m. However, In my copious amounts of  spare time I have managed to try out a bunch of new products and find a few items that work really well for me. So, I thought it would be a great idea to do a February favourites post!

 

Woolworths Long Market hand cream and Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal mask

I was so excited to find out about the Longmarket range in the Woolworths beauty department. This hydrating orange blossom hand cream is incredibly soothing and smells delightful. My friend, Chelsea bought the hand cream and matching soap for me for Christmas. I’ve been using them ever since! After trying them, I’ve become obsessed with Longmarket products and I’ve stocked up with a Jasmine hand soap and hand cream. The packaging is adorable, which makes it perfect for gifts or just something pretty to jazz up your bathroom. So far, Orange Blossom is my favourite scent.

The Body Shop have seriously upped their game in the past year. I have always loved their products because they’re perfect for my sensitive skin. I always  try look for products which are quite natural and not too harsh. Face masks often leave my skin feeling too dry and tight. However, this Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask  made my skin clearer, softer and brighter than I have ever seen it before. I have been raving about this face-mask so much, my boyfriend sometimes pinches some. It is slightly more expensive than the entry level Body Shop masks. However, if you are wanting to see a change in your skin, it is worth the splurge.

 

Noughty Wave Hello Conditioner and John Frieda Controlled Lightening Spray

Living with curly hair can be quite a challenge. Everyday it presents me with a new problem, whether it be frizz from the humidity, tangles you need a rake to remove or fly-away hairs that withstand an entire bottle of hairspray. However, this month I have found the conditioner of all conditioners. Wave Hello conditioner by Noughty is incredible. Not only is it filled with natural products such as avocado oil, sea kelp and coconut oil, it is against testing on animals and is 100% recyclable. I leave this conditioner on the ends of my hair every day. It is the softest and most manageable it has ever been. Other people have noticed too! I’ve yet to try Noughty’s other products, but I will let you know as soon as I do!

The other hair product which I have been loving this month is the John Frieda lightening spray. I have used this spray every now and then for the past year. However, during my holiday I decided to actually follow the instructions and use it for a few days straight. The results were remarkable. After just 3 days my hair already looked like I had professional highlights. I love this lightening spray because you can control the rate at which you lighten your hair, making it look very natural and not too damaging. Using the John Frieda Go Blonder products will also help intensify the lightening spray. It’s a great way to maintain gorgeous summer highlights while not breaking the bank and spending fortunes on highlights at a hair salon. Just make sure you thoroughly condition your hair to avoid damaging it!

 

Life Bake grain-free granola 

This year I made a goal to eat more natural, plant-based food. Personally I find this type of diet better for my energy, digestion and general well-being. I have struggled to find a sugar free, low-carb cereal for a while. However, I recently found this grain-free granola by Life Bake. It tastes incredible with some freshly cut fruit, or sprinkled on a blueberry smoothie bowl. The high fibre is great for your digestive system, while the high protein provides you with energy to start your day.

Fossil leather cross body and striped knit top from Woolworths SA

Do not underestimate the size of this cross-body bag from Fossil. I’m the type of girl who has to carry around everything but the kitchen sink. This little leather beauty fits all my necessities. I love this particular style bag that Fossil do. The tassels add a bit of fun and youth to the classic style. Unfortunately, this particular bag is not sold on the Fossil website anymore. However Fossil still make the same shaped bag in hundreds of different styles and colours. I can’t get enough of them!

The next favourite is more of an addiction… Stripes. I can never resist a new striped top. Maybe it’s because they make me feel as if I should be munching on a fresh croissant next to the Eiffel Tower. This particular soft knit top from Woolworths SA was just too perfect not to purchase. The material is of a brilliant quality and like all my other striped tops, it will go with absolutely everything.  I can’t wait to pair it with my Witchery denim button up skirt and my white Adidas trainers. Maybe I’ll throw a beret and some red lipstick in there too…

 

Embroidered denim jacket from Edgars 

This denim jacket was a great bargain. I have been loving the recent embroidery trend. I hunted for an embroidered denim jacket everywhere. However, because it is so on trend, I could not find anything under R800! I was so excited to find this one in Edgars! The delicate blue embroidery adds a subtle uniqueness to the jacket. I’ve  worn it nearly everyday! Let me know about your bargain finds in the comments below!

 

La La Land 

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Need I say more? La La Land blew me away. It has been a while since I have watched a film that is truly a piece of art. There was nothing about this film that I did not love. The sound track is hauntingly beautiful and the cinematography is incredibly creative. La La Land transported me to another world. I saw this masterpiece on valentines day and I still think about it most days, humming the beautiful tunes that find a way into your soul. La La Land is like a dream – one that you never want to wake up from.

 

Calm – an app for stress and anxiety 

I have suffered from Anxiety for many years. However, over the past year it has grown progressively worse. Panic attacks are a common occurrence for me. I’m still figuring out how to deal with my anxiety. However, everyday I am learning a little bit more and I know slowly but surely, I will overcome it. In the mean time, I am discovering coping mechanisms and tools that help combat it. I was pleased to discover Calm, an app that helps you with relaxation, meditation, sleep and breathing. It helps me to become aware of my breathing and just take a few minutes everyday to wind down and be mindful. I have a reminder every night to practice my breathing for five minutes. It may not seem like much. However, I have already noticed a change in my sleeping patterns as well as my anxiety. It has various other activities and upgrades that you can choose to use. However, I find the breathing tool to be the most useful (which is completely free). Whether you suffer from anxiety or not, I highly recommend this app to everyone. It is so important to take a few minutes everyday to just be calm, breath and relax your mind.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my February favourites! I hope that you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you want me to post more monthly favourites. I’ve enjoyed writing it!

 

xxx

Jenna

Advertisement