All the things we Loved this month [July 2018]

You know that feeling when you stumble onto the perfect product or service or show? And you want to tell people about it, because sharing is caring, and the people should know. Welcome to all the things we loved this month, a new series we’ll be putting up once a month to share all the random little things we couldn’t get enough of.

 

July being the coldest month of the year, this month’s list is heavy on things that kept us warm and moisturized.

 

#1 Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

recommended by Feige 

Guess what I’m currently saving up for? After reviewing the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer here, (it’s supremely detailed so I’m not going to repeat), I am officially obsessed. Yes, it’s that good, and yes it’s worth the price. Shock, horror – hide my wallet.

Get it here (R5,999 for 1 hairdryer. Yup you read that right)

 

#2  Cape Herb and Spice Garam Masala Seasoning

recommended by Zissy

It comes in a cute tin and smells like curry. My favourite use of it is to make this 30 minute life changing tikka masala sauce, which I then add some cut up chicken breasts and sweet potato, cook and serve with rice.

Get it here or most supermarkets (R47 for 100g)

 

#3 Optive Fusion Eye Drops

recommended by Feige 

This winter I have been experiencing incredible dryness in both my skin and eyes. I always used to use the standard refresh drops or eye gene which haven’t exactly worked wonders. My Optometrist put me onto the Optive Fusion drops which are pricier but incredibly moisturizing.

Get them here (R145 for 10ml)

 

#4 Palmer’s Dark Chocolate and Mint Lip Butter

recommended by Feige 

It’s winter, I live in JHB and everything is dry including my lips. This was one of the options on my Discovery active rewards. The list was limited, I wasn’t sure what to pick and just went for this. It was a good pick because not only is it incredibly moisturizing and gives your lips a nice glossy look without any stickiness, but it smells amazing too – it’s like a mint thin lip butter.

Get it here (R26.95 for 10ml tube)

 

#5 Revlon Colorstay 2-IN-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer

Recommended by Feige 

A while back I did a review on the best natural looking foundation and have had this in my makeup drawer since. I’ve been reaching for it a lot over the last few months and decided it is probably my favorite foundation from the whole bunch. Why?

• The color match is exceptional (I’m the Buff, it comes in 14 shades).
• It’s incredibly creamy and smoothes onto the skin like a dream. I just pat my fingers inside the compact and rub it onto my face.
• It finishes matt.
• It’s buildable and with the concealer pot (less creamy) you can really cover any spot.
• It looks good whether you just touch apply in a few areas or cover your whole face.
• It’s incredibly comfortable and weightless, you’ll forget it’s even there.

Find out more here and get it here (R335 for 1 compact, some Dischem’s are running a promo on it)

 

#6 Woolworths Mild Whole Peppadews

recommended by Zissy

I got these on the spur of the moment a while back and it was the best spur of the moment food purchase. I don’t know what took me so long to discover the sweet spicy deliciousness that is a peppadew. I add them to pizzas, pastas, salads and occasionally add them to dips like this chimichurri.

Get them here  (R42.99 for 400g)

 

#7 Optique Optometrists

recommended by Feige

I’ve been looking for a new optometrist for a while. A friend recommended Optique Optometrists in Parkmore, Sandton and with an offer of “R99 for a comprehensive eye test” I figured I couldn’t go wrong. They have wowed me beyond their reasonable pricing with unbeatable service and the most caring attitude. Both Leon and Mignon are exceptional, and they really go the extra mile to make sure you’re satisfied with their recommendations.

Find out more and book here

 

#8 Lorna Jane Amy Black Tights

recommended by Zissy

I’ve had these for about a year and they’re still in heavy rotation. True to the claims, they haven’t faded after multiple washes and still have that dark black look. They’re thick enough to pass for pants and let me go out in leggings with a turtleneck without looking like I’m on my way to gym, which has been my go to outfit this winter. Basically the perfect black legging. I’m also convinced they have a shaping effect and make my legs appear longer than they are and my butt tighter.

Get them here (R999)

 

#9 Quantico

Recommended by Zissy

Quantico has been the first new series I’ve been hooked on for a while. It’s described as “a look at the lives of young FBI recruits training at the Quantico base in Virginia when one of them is suspected of being a sleeper terrorist”. It’s gripping, and each episode ends with the type of cliff hanger that causes binges.

Watch it on Showmax

 

#10 Esse Probiotic Serum

recommended by Zissy

I actually love my entire Esse skincare range, but I credit the fact that my skin has never been so soft and clear in winter to their probiotic serum. I apply it once a day, at night and it makes my face feel like silk.

Get it here (R1 250 for 30ml)

 

#11 Winter soothing Teas

recommended by Zissy

We call it a winter soothing tea because it’s a go to when we feel like we’re starting to get the sniffles. It consists of steeping 1 green tea bag in boiling water for 3 minutes, adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a slice of fresh ginger and a squeeze of honey. It also tastes good cold.

 

#12 Justine Tissue Oil SPF 25 

recommended by Feige

I have been suffering from dry facial skin as well this winter. During the elongated time I was umming and ahing about which pricey pHformula product to get, my skin was so uncomfortable that I took a deep dive onto my beauty shelf to grab anything that could potentially give me relief. I found an almost empty bottle of Bio-Oil and decided to give it a try – within 2 days the uncomfortable dry tightness was gone. While mentioning it to my beautician, she recommended Justine’s tissue oil – which she described as richer than bio-oil. I purchased the SPF version because who doesn’t want to tackle sun protection at the same time? Results? The smell is not amazing, but it also works great and my skin is happy. I do however question which ingredients make it SPF 25 so maybe do some research before using it as your sun protection.

Get Bio-Oil here (R165 for 200ml)

Find out about Justine Tissue Oil here – you’ll need to order it through a consultant.

 

#13 Nike 5K running program

recommended by Zissy

I wanted to focus on shorter distances and getting faster during winter as spending hours on  freezing cold and dark roads isn’t my idea of a good time. This is an 8-week program. Each week has 2 runs focused on speed, 1 long run and the remaining recovery runs. I’m currently on week 6 and have been enjoying pushing myself. Having a program to follow regardless of whether there’s a race at the end of it, has kept me motivated and excited to tick off my weekly runs. It also makes me put in more effort to get uncomfortable and run fast instead of doing half-hearted jogs.

Download it here

 

#14 Michael Pollan on Conscious Eating on Super Soul Sunday

recommended by Zissy

I listen to a lot of health podcasts, but often times the guests while interesting can tend towards the more extreme health ideologies. Michael Pollan is a food expert and NY Times Best seller who on this podcast discusses what it means to eat with fuller consciousness and how being aware of what we eat can improve our well-being. His food philosophy is simple “everything in moderation, including moderation”. It’s worth a listen.

Listen here

 

#15 Heat Holders Thermal socks

recommended by Zissy and Feige

These socks made both of our list as possibly the best thing we bought all winter. These socks are amazingly fluffy inside and keep your toes warm. Be warned, they only look pretty up until the first wash – they get incredible bubbled in the wash but don’t lose their warming abilities. They’re also incredibly thick so aren’t a stick your foot in a shoe and go out kind of sock. They are however so amazing you won’t want to go outside for fear of having to take them off.

Get it here (R89.95 for 1 pair of socks)