Victoria Justine Cloete

On the 13th of September next month that is, I’ll be turning 35 years young! So in order to celebrate my birthday and to boost my stats a little I’m planning a few giveaways. Starting with this one! Drum roll, here goes: One lucky blog supporter will win an indulgent Satiskin Hamper filled with rejuvenating body treats! What’s included?  Satiskin Ocean Tissue Oil Soap  Satiskin Nature Tissue Oil Soap  Satiskin Floral Tissue Oil Soap  Satiskin Exotic Orchid Shower Cream  Satiskin Cocoa Butter Shower Cream Satiskin Blissful Berry Body Wash  Bamboo & Boar Bristle Massager  Bamboo & Boar Bristle Nailbrush + Pumice Stone  To enter competition:  1. You need to like and follow my Facebook page.  2. Like and follow my Instagram page.  3. You also need to give Satiskin the same love on their Facebook  and Instagram pages  Note: I'll run a different versi...

If you would ever get so lucky to sit and have a long in-depth conversation to anyone over 80 you’ll discover that such a person had gone through a lot of highs and lows. They’ll also tell you about all the amazing surprises life has bestowed on their way and that how your   rock-bottom will turn into something beautiful . Older generations, in general, have such beautiful stories to tell about survival because they've lived through it all.  But first, let’s talk about rock-bottom. What is rock-bottom? In my opinion, rock-bottom is a feeling where you think you've reached the end – but as they say, thoughts are not facts . My rock-bottom will look completely different from your rock-bottom and so will yours be different from mine. We all go through difficult experiences in life and they don’t all look the same . A few months ago I felt super annoyed and miserable when I realized that after years of hard work my poor little blog was still not visible to those that matt...

Time for another “Life Lately” post, because you know what I owe it to you, my blog supporters. In my previous update,  I was having a little rant about being overlooked by PR and so forth. That post, believe it or not, brought me so much joy because I’ve felt this intense sense of rejection around the subject for such a long time. I so badly wanted to say something, I wanted to voice my opinion but I was too scared. For what? I guess for more rejection. However, since getting it out there a huge sense of relief filled my soul, it was like “there I’ve said it.”  I mean, in all honesty, I’m not just some jealous, resentful blogger – I have been blogging since 2012 and I try to deliver excellence so in all fairness this rant was mine to have and take and it felt good! I did realize that I should work on my stats as that’s ultimately what sells. So I’m shifting the blame and I’m starting from scratch . What is it that I need to work on? What do I want from my blog? I...

In recent years I have not been a hard drinker. (Insert cough.) Just before I completely went sober I was into what some may call "sophisticated drinks." Like cocktails and craft beer and my favourite, a spicy merlot. However, I must mention that I did go through the gin phase and I’ve indulged merrily in the 1-liter beers that came onto the recent scene.  OMG, who am I kidding I loved alcohol and there was always something for every occasion. Something tangy and crisp on a hot summer’s day and something stronger like a premium brandy on a cold winter’s night. I started drinking around the age of 16 and gave up alcohol at 34 and the only time I went sober before that was when I was unemployed during my early 20’s and then again when I fell pregnant. The first time I went alcohol-free was for 8 months, and like mentioned - I was unemployed and without any clear direction at that point. Early 20’s summaries a time when I had lots of heartaches in the romance depar...

During the festive season, I've been doing a lot of reading and soul searching, trying to figure out how I should live my life now that I'm a mother, married and getting older. I really want to treat 2018 with as much respect as I can, by that I mean honoring each day, eating healthy and basically just trying to be as open as I can be to receive and accept transformative information. That and a few other rituals that will make my 2018 life changing! 1. Eating Healthy To me nutrition means having loads of fresh fruit and vegetables, mostly having big salads sprinkled with seeds and nuts. I’m also into giving superfoods like goji berries, macha powder and chia seeds a try. It’s not just about blindly following new trends but about making informative decisions. We live in a highly scientifically developed world so we should try out some of its findings. I’ve also been trying to stick to the Blood Type diet and being Blood Type O I’ve seen the somewhat terrible ...

I love doing steadfast + consistent things that keep me afloat and on point. Things like going to church on a Sunday morning or deliciously scented bubble baths when I’m feeling a little meh. Small delightful things that revives my soul and that put a little bliss and add quality to my daily life. Here’s a list that you may find helpful and who knows maybe it’ll become your rituals too. 1. Keep a vision board. Visual boards are awesome, it’s like those "to do" lists that you make in notebooks but just (like the name says) in a visual way. I shapes your brain to remember what is that want out of life. So, it’s my ritual to paste images of my likes, wants and needs (mostly wants) out of glossy magazines and thereafter looking at it on a daily basis. Daydreaming and visualizing the outcome, in short, manifesting on my desires. 2. Celebrate. Celebrate the fact that you’ve made it through a tough week with a glass of your favorite cocktail. Bake a cake because ...

This post basically gives you the permission to go out there and purchase that lovely handbag that you’ve been eyeing for some time now. Woohoo!!! First of all, I would like to state that looking good is not just about being a fashionista, it’s about finding garments that fit your proportions the right way. It is also when people can see the detail and thought that went into your print on print or head to toe white outfit. Forget about the typical black blazer and pencil skirt, dressing for success means that you should honor your personality too. If it’s bold and shimmery colours that you’re into you should totally embrace that. Even if you work in a very formal environment you can still play with sparkle and colour on your nails, makeup, shoes and all of your accessories. Dressing up is fun and whether you’re the minimalist type or a creative bohemian, in the end, it should be about what works for you. And then there’s also these 3 reasons. 1. Books are judged by the...

I’ll be honest and admit that I’m one of those bloggers that sometimes feel that I should stop spending my money on blog image backgrounds and other creative props like fake greenery, notebooks , and cute mugs. Sometimes I feel that it’s just not worth all the time and effort I put in, other times I also feel uninspired and unappreciated. This feeling first crept up on me a few years ago, at the time I was working for a startup PR and Social Media Company based in Cape Town. It was a remote position so I was working from home, however, that didn’t make any difference to my work schedule. The hours were long, I worked overtime and on some weekends (without any overtime payment) but because I wanted to prove myself I gave it my all in the hope that this opportunity would further my career. Long story short, it did not in fact after I came back from my maternity leave I was retrenched. So firstly, because of a hectic work schedule I didn’t write and publish a lot of content on ...

Hello, friends! I haven't been very active on my blog lately, oh you know being a mother and wife and homemaker, um while you work from home ain't always that easy. But I've been trying to be active over on Instagram. Are you following me on there? Here's a sneak peek into my life. Some titbits on my feed. I recently developed a love for baking and just cooking in general. I've been frying up Cape Malay koeksisters, baked rusks, and chocolate cakes. I've made boboties and chicken pie and you know what I'm really good at it. I celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary. On this special day we went to church whereafter my family indulged in sousboontjies, yellow rice with raisins and pumpkin pie made by me. My little girl the joy of my life! She's a little toddler now and at 20 months she's totally running the show, but it's such a precious privilege to be her mommy. I turned into a beauty addict. I'm not a beauty blogger at all ...

I recently discovered this awesome watermelon pizza idea in a copy of my favorite glossy magazine, Good Housekeeping. It is just the thing for summer, it's super easy to make and sooo beautiful to look at. When my little girl turned 1 I decided to display this on her little birthday table along with her other tropical inspired snacks + table decor.  This is also a super duper breakfast idea, think of it as a smoothie bowl in the form of a slice. The main reason why it's called a watermelon pizza is obviously because of the shape and the various toppings you can put on there.  Toppings Yogurt Cream Cheese Honey Banana Strawberries Paw Paw Passion Fruit Pulp Grapes Mint Side Note: Basically you can use whatever you like, but it's best to start with something somewhat sticky like a thick greek yogurt and maybe some honey and then build it from there. Make sure you have a watermelon slice of about 2,5 cm, I only used a bit of honey, sliced banana...

Over the weekend me and my husband visited and slept over at the beautiful + tranquil Springbok Inn . We left our little Milania with her grandparents, whom she loves and adore and decided to really just enjoy our little break. For those that don't know - Springbok lies in a narrow valley surrounded by the Koperberg in the heart of the Namaqualand, 570km north of Cape Town. It is the last major town before Namibia and it is known as the flower capital. Springbok Inn also comprises of 87 air conditioned rooms + 25 campsites. The Nama language is probably South Africa’s last indigenous language still spoken in the greater Namaqualand area and is a remnant of the Khoisan culture which once dominated large parts of the Southern African region. I've lived here most of my life and even I cant get enough of the amazing stillness of this unpretentious + rugged area. Upon arrival we were greeted by the friendly + accommodating staff of Springbok Inn, where after we left to the ...

Here's another round up of my current favorite beauty products. I was really thrilled when a small Smudge counter popped up at my local Clicks over the festive season, like really they currently have the most gorgeous nail lacquer shades. I also finally bought a bar of Johnson's Body Care, Vita - Rich soap - one word, amazing! 1. Smudge Nail Lacquer - Nearly Nude I absolutely love this shade and cannot get enough of it. It's so subtle and glam all at the same time, and it goes with everything. The staying power is not that bad and I would definitely repurchase this brand as it is the first time that I've tried it out + I also can't wait to find another pretty shade to add to my collection. 2. Wet n Wild Balm Stain - Coral Of The Story My mom bought this dashing Wet n Wild lip shade with a little nudging from me of course. It adds colour without being too bright, just a beautiful cheerful shade that you can wear anytime of the day. I'm a hu...

I recently discovered this easy breakfast and have been preparing it for myself ever since. I love the fact that you can jazz it up with whatever you feel like and also the fact the ingredients for this recipe are almost always available in my fridge. If you're looking for more breakfast ideas you can take a look at my Apple + Cranberry Overnight Oats recipe. Ingredients 2 Eggs, beaten A dash of milk Half a teaspoon of Vanilla Essence Pinch of salt 2 Slices of bread  Butter for frying Rhodes Cherry Jam Method Beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla and salt. Dip slices of bread into egg mixture. Fry in buttered pan over medium heat on each side until golden brown. I particularly love the decadent new Rhodes Cherry Jam available in all leading grocery stores but you can serve this delicious French toast with whatever you prefer – fresh strawberries and maple syrup or what about marmalade with cheese. Happy eating!  Image - My Own ...

I love being a stay at home mom, in fact I think I'm very blessed to still be able to make an income while I'm with my little girl every single day. That's the great thing about being able to work in the digital industry - you can create a flexible schedule for yourself + you can work from anywhere you like. That being said, being a mom still takes up a lot of your time and if you're a new mom the whole process can be very nerve-wrecking at times. Still, I wouldn't change this life-changing experience for anything in the world - now read about the life lessons that I've learned thus far. 1. Nighttime became my friend. That is if I want to get some work done, like a big chunk of work. Milania recently turned 10 months and except for the feeds of milk she needs during the night she's sleeping really well. Which gives me the time to work undisturbed. You may wonder how I functioned during the day. Well let's just say that after a while you becom...

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite breakfast options (this is for you frazzled mommies out there) something that I never imagined I would like: overnight oats! I love the fact that it's an easy + no fuss breakfast, that's also healthy and tasty. This have become something I eat a lot during the week and I love the fact that you can make it the night before. To be honest, I'm on the lookout for similar kitchen hacks. Ingredients Half cup of rolled oats 1 cup milk 1 apple  Half cup of yogurt Cranberries Method Mix the oats + milk  together. Grate whole apple and add to mixture. Cover and put in fridge overnight. In the morning add yogurt, cranberries + thin shavings of more apple. Enjoy! Image  My Own 

I’m always looking for quality yet budget friendly beauty + grooming products for myself and now that I’ve become a mom I’m doing the same for my precious little angel. Milania recently turned 9 months, she’s such a healthy and happy baby (you can follow me over on Instagram to see more images of Milania in action) and she’s now reached that stage where you can’t keep her inside her highchair, cot or in your arms for too long.  She wants to explore and is constantly on the move, touching and grabbing things that aren’t always as squeaky clean as you’d like them to be. So, when I recently discovered the JOHNSON’S® Gentle Protect range I was over the moon. I've always been a fan of their products but this particular range really does it for me. The JOHNSON’S® Gentle Protect range contain JOHNSON’S unique No More Tears® moisturising lotion and are enriched with a combination of natural ingredients including honey and extracts of rooibos & green tea. It’s special...

When I started my online venture a few years ago I naively though that most of my days would be smooth sailing - you see I was going to work from home, with no boss breathing down my neck and I could eat healthy lunches every day. Um however, that wasn't the case. I was undisciplined, I slaved away without eating at all and because I deprived my body from proper nourishment I became tired and uninspired.  However, along my journey I've learnt that you should always take care of your mental and physical wellbeing and that you should set firm rules and goals for yourself - that is if you want to be a successful girl boss! Take a look at these other inspiring habits that I've learnt along the way. 1. Believe in yourself Hey, self-doubt is a bitch and we all know that. Please do me a favor, don't allow comparisons and past failures break you. You are capable of great things, just think of all your past achievements ( write them down and put your list somewhe...

Ooh, time to share some of my current fave beauty products. I particularly love the gorgeous shade of nailpolish from Essie althought I'm equilly impressed with the powder brush from Gosh. Ok, ok I love all of these and here's why. 1. Essie Nailpolish Peach Daiquiri  This is such a beautiful shade like mentioned before, just perfect for summer! Truth be told, I was also drawn in by the cheerful name when I got this Essie shade from my local Clicks. I wasn't particularly impressed with the staying power, but it's definitely my go-to polish when I want to feel glamorous + pretty. 2. Beauty Fix Makeup Finish What a lovely hydrating + nourishing mist this is. Infused with rosewater, cucumber and aloe vera it sounds good enough to eat. So imagine spritzing something that's more like a healthy green juice on your skin after the application of your makeup? Amazing! It really blends + revitalises the skin - leaving you with a beautiful, radiant glow. Mo...

Situated in the picturesque Namaqualand you'll find a cosy eco-friendly guesthouse called The Apollis Cottage.  This 4 star guest house boasts 3 large bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms. DSTV and internet/wifi hotspot feature in all rooms for clients to check their mail, while enjoying a stress free stay. There's also a large lounge/dining room area, a porch, kitchen and a growing garden/braai area at the back. Using its own well for water as well as solar panels for electricity, it really is its own self sufficient, eco-friendly oasis in the desert.  Whether a trip to see the Namaqualand daisies, or just to find a refuge from the bustling city life, The Apollis Cottage is an ideal location for a romantic trip or one with the family. Nature lovers will enjoy the unique breathtaking views and city dwellers will find a new sense of peace to take home with them. Here you will leave revived and refreshed with fond memories and a deep longing to come back.  ...

I’m not the only one who’s totally thrilled about the new colouring for adults craze, right?  It’s such a great stress reliever, especially after a long day at work (paired with a glass of wine) and I also love the fact that there’s such a huge variety of colouring books out there - whether it's spiritual, fantasy or mandalas that you're into. To be honest, I was not surprised when I saw the awesome app Colorfy, being featured in ELLE Magazine’s June edition of #ELLERadar - well because I’ve already been using it for a very long time. It’s soooo much fun + this app gives you plenty of splendid colours and patterns to play with. And the best part is that it’s totally free. Time really flies by and problems + anxiety fade away while you chill out and have fun: - Colouring beautiful florals, animals, mandalas, and more. - You choose your favorite color combinations. - Easy! Simply tap to paint and pinch to zoom - Share your creations with all your friend...