Part 2: How to Travel in Style.

As promised, this is part two of the travel post. I was so excited putting this post together, although, I must warn you that this one is picture heavy! So sit back, relax and enjoy this post! Oops, I'm starting  to sound like a flight attendant!

Gorgeous oversized sunnies to make you look like a movie star...
Clockwise from top left: Le Specs, Miu Miu (both net-a-porter.com), Tom Ford (Sunglass Hut and bloomingdales.com).

A good hat is a must and it looks super cool to boot!
From left to right: Zara wide brim hat (zara.com), Eric Javits fedora (saksfifthavenue.com).

A maxi dress can be worn all day and will still look good into the evening. accessorize with simple pearl earrings and a beautiful cuff.
From left to right: One shoulder draped dress (spree.co.za), Loewe dress (net-a-porter.com).

The jumpsuit...This is my fave! simply add a leather jacket for those balmy evenings. Gold accessories and heels dress it up, while flat sandals make it a daytime look.
3.1 Phillip Lim Juumpsuit (saksfifthavenue.com), Plain black jumsuit (witchery.com.au/woolworths.co.za), Green jumpsuit (zara.com).

A large one for day and a clutch for evenings.
Clockwise from top left: longchamp.com, lorenzi.co.za, woolworths.co.za, furla.com, mimco.com.au/woolworths.co.za, spree.co.za.

Accessories....Just because you're awesome!
From left to right:
Top Row(Bracelets&bangles): Aurelie Bidermann (net-a-porter.com), Stone bangle (countryroad.co.au/woolworths.co.za), Pearl bracelet (woolworths.co.za).
Second Row(neckpieces): countryroad.co.au/woolworths.co.za, Etro (net-a-porter.com), Kenneth Jay Lane (net-a-porter.com), Lele Sadoughi (net-a-porter.com).
Bottom Row(earrings): woolworths.co.za, zara.com, topshop.com.

Swimwear.....How beautiful are these?
From left to right: Lisa Marie Fernandez (net-a-porter.com,),Mesh insert one-piece (spree.co.za,), Laser cut one-piece (topshop.com).

Cover-ups....These are simply awesome!
From left to right: spree.co.za, topshop.com.

Sunscreen...Loads of it because a lobster look is so not cool!
Available from  department stores and pharmacies or vichy.com/dr.hauschka.com/.

Just so that you look as good as you feel...
bobbibrowncosmetics.com, smashbox.com, clarins.co.za/clarins.com
Also available from woolworths.co.za/edgars.co.za.

Must-haves...
From left to right:
Top Row: zara.com, countryroad.com.au/woolworths.co.za, Raquel allegra (net-a-porter.com), J Brand (net-a-porter.com)
Bottom Row: MadeWell (net-a-porter.com, trenery.com.au/woolworths.co.za, zara.com (love the fit of their jeans!).

Seriously, why not?

Mystery&murder, girly romance, biographies...Take your pick.

Flatties for day, heels for night!
From left to right: 
Top Row: Jummy Choo (net-a-porter.com), zara.com.
Bottom Row:Dolce&Gabbana (net-a-porter.com), dunelondon.com, witchery.com.au/woolworths.co.za.

Flip flops, an absolute essential for the beach...
These are Mara Hoffman for Havaianas, but check out havaianas.com for more options.

I always travel with my trusted leather jacket...
A leather jacket will see you through for years and is worth investing in a good quality one. Look around, and you're bound to find something fabulous!

Drape it over your head with sunnies (Didn't I tell you that you'll look like a film star?), tie it bandana style,wrap it around your waist or shoulders,use it as a headband...The possibilities are endless!
From left to right: Alexander McQueen (net-a-porter.com), countryroad.com.au, Etro (net-a-porter.com), mimco.com.au.

Running shoes...*Groan*...When hubby wants to go hiking. Although these are way too pretty for running!
Gold sneaker (mimco.co.au), Silver Saint Laurent sneaker (net-a-porter.com), Black Givenchy sneaker (net-a-porter.com).

A beach bag.. Not sure which one to take. Can I take them all?
From left to right: Kate Spade (saksfifthavenue.com), witchery.com.au, Balenciaga (net-a-porter.com)

Mesh bags, I know...not  glam but essential for travel. I love these for packing smalls and delicates. Makes it easy to find things at a glance...
These ones are from houzz.com, but they are also available from some supermarkets, click.co.za, etc.

Now, about that booking...

What are your essentials to take on vacation? Would love to hear from you!

Coming Soon: Part 3-Destinations

If You Make One Thing This Week...Istanbul Nostalgia and a Turkish Rice Pudding.

The first time I had Sutlac was at a restaurant in Istanbul. Just one taste, and I was blown away.

I tried researching many recipes but none came close to what I had tasted there.Through trial and error, I have adapted this one and it has come pretty close to the one in Turkey. Go on, Give it a try!

Ingredients
1/2 cup of rice, washed and drained [I use jasmine rice]
1  to 1  1/4 cups of water
2  1/2 cups of full-fat milk
1  1/2 cups of cream
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp corn starch, dissolved in a few tablespoons of milk
a cinnamon stick

Method
1. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the rice to a boil in the water. Lower the heat, cover and cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.Add more water if required.
2. Add the  milk, cream,sugar, cinnamon stick and vanilla extract  to the rice. Then slowly add the dissolved cornstarch, stirring continuously. Cook for about 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring frequently.Remove the cinnamon stick.
3. Blend with a hand blender, being careful not to make it too fine.
4. Transfer the mixture into individual serving bowls or ramekins. Let it come to room temperature.
5. Place the puddings under a very hot grill/broiler until the tops start to take on a deep brown colour. A good blowtorch can also be used.
6. Refrigerate and serve chilled.

Note: This pudding is so glorious in its simplicity that I love serving it simply broiled with no garnishes or sides to distract from the creamy taste, but if you prefer then sprinkle with some cinnamon or even bright green pistachios and some rose petals. However you choose to garnish and serve, just make sure that it is really well chilled. It just tastes yummier that way.

Bon Appetit!

My thoughts on Paris Fashion Week...

Paris Fashion Week...Of course it's fabulous! Of course it's chic! It is Paris after all...Like all things French it has a certain Je ne sais quoi...
Not everything featured may be to my taste, but it's definitely a week that features the worlds most prestigious designers.
So, back to this years shows, there were a few designs that I simply adored and there were others...not so much. So lets begin...

This look is by Mohamed Ashi and I love how pretty and elegant the draping looks.

This Alexander McQueen leather coat is fab! I truly adored the leather coats that were featured in so many collections this season... 

Yay or nay? What do you think?
Balmain

Have I mentioned how much I love a leather coat? This one is by Bouchra Jarrar.

Love this!
Chalayan

Don't you love the idea of a sheer skirt over leggings? This is one look I would like to rock!

This Chanel look really didn't excite me...

I love the leather details.
Lanvin

Doesn't she look beautiful? So French...
chanel

The colour of this Dior coat is fabulous...Love!!!

I love a pale coat...
Celine

Pretty...
Vionnet

The colour...
Balmain

ooh la la...
Andrew Gn

The hair isn't to my taste. but that coat is just so chic!
Maison Margiela

J'adore...
Stella Mccartney

This dress...
Zuhair Murad

Such a fresh and clean look at Giambattista Valli. 
  

So anyway, what was your favourite trend?

Sleep Deprivation and A Little Luxe...

By Mommy b

Lately, my three year old has been giving us a hard time at night.He wakes up wanting to get into our bed, wanting cuddles or just wanting to play! I'm not sure whether it's anxiety about the new baby or is it just him wanting attention. I try to give him lots of love and attention at the moment, but it can be exhausting!Although my hubby helps a lot with Buddy,he only wants me lately.Does this sound familiar?

When Buddy eventually nods off, Squiggle, (that's the name given to the baby by my Buddy)decides to practice for a swimming marathon in my belly.  There goes my sleep!

Between feeding and diaper changing new mom's deserve some special attention  after giving birth and adjusting to joyous but sleepless new lives.
 Here are some luxe ideas that will make any mom feel pampered and make life a teeny, tiny bit easier.

1) A cashmere throw

Nothing says cosy like cashmere! I purchased this one overseas. Don't you just love the gorgeous colour? The perfect way to wrap yourself up during those chilly sleepless nights and it serves as a great decorative piece as well. A cashmere throw makes the perfect gift and you don't even need to know her size!

For cosy throws see Woolworths and Loads of living. 

2) Bugatti vela
This one, I cant recommend enough.I`ve had mine for years and love it a little bit more everyday!   

I adore my bugatti vela. Not only does it look gorgeous but it is wonderful for those days when you just do not have the time or energy to cook yourself a nutritious meal. So easy to blend up a quick but nourishing smoothie. 

Bonus, It's perfect for baby food as well! 

http://www.casabugatti.com

3) YSL Touche Eclat 

I love the idea of relaxing with cucumber slices on my eyes,but with kids its just that.... an idea....
What would I have done without Touche Eclat! My son was a terrible sleeper and it`s the one makeup item I could not do without! It`s great at covering those dark circles caused by sleepless nights.
I know that there are many other great concealers on the market,but this one has been my all time fave. It works for me so as they say 'if it ain't broke.......'

4) Herbal tea

My go to drink while breastfeeding is tea.Mostly herbal tea, so after you've tucked baby into bed, why not curl up with a hot cup? There`s a lovely selection out there. I usually brew it in my Eva Solo Tea Maker. I love this tea maker as the neoprene cover keeps the drink hot for a while.

5) Spa treat

Being a new mom takes a lot out of your body. Why not give her some time to relax. A massage, mani and pedi or a full spa package would definitely make her feel pampered! Oh, and an offer to babysit would be great as well! Sherbet angel offers pregnancy packages as well as the Mama Mio range which is especially formulated  for pre and post pregnancy. For more information check out their website 

http://www.sherbetangel.co.za

6) Scented Candles
When I'm at the end of my tether, a sweet smelling candle always makes me feel better.

Help a new mama relax by gifting her a soothing scented candle. My favourite is the Diptyque Tubereuse  (available at Luminance). It always makes everything seem better and calmer...Check out the Jo Malone range too.
jomalone.co.za/
jomalone.com

7) Flowers

There's nothing like a bouquet of flowers to cheer a new mom up, that's why flowers will always be the most popular congratulatory gift to new parents on the arrival of their baby. 

8) Jewellery  

And for the mom who has it all you can never go wrong with some bling! I adore the love bracelet by Cartier (yes that's a hint hubby! I hope you're reading this.)

Check out my instagram (@_mommy_b) for some baby chic inspiration.