HERE'S TO SIMPLICITY

My two cents for this chilly Friday morning. 

Since returning to South Africa, I have gained much insight into so many aspects of life - personal, social and emotional. One in particular which has been on my mind all week, is that of how we perceive success and that the perception seems to be surprisingly geographical. The past few months have opened my eyes as to how different we all see it, but how success in this particular area is only measured by your A: Job and B: Car you drive. Fall under any of these and you haven't made it - YOU'RE OUT!  Please don't get me wrong, I am fully aware, and perhaps even a little embarrassed, that I too have had limited my own comprehension of what success is by the cities I have resided in and what the internal society deemed was success. But it's incredibly refreshing to know that my approach has changed, evolved. And I like. I feel very content with it.

While living in Roanoke, VA; I realized that success is not about what you own, but knowing you do something you love, are surrounded by those who would be there for you no matter what and assurance that you live a life which is fulfilling in some way or another. When I relocated to the Star City, I removed so many material items from my life which was SO liberating. Even a TV! (Yes, I came out alive with living with no television for over 3 years and I LOVED IT!) With the few items I had (Rule was necessities only | ability to pack up everything in a day) in my little apartment, I was so content and happy. The real triumph (and do I dare say success) was the fact that I was doing it all on my own with no baggage or material items to keep me tied down. #winning

With the high level of poverty here in SA, I'm even more thankful for the little that I have. It's opened my eyes to what is genuinely important in life. The moment which made this even more apparent, was when I overheard two waste removal workers at a charity walk trying to comprehend how one family or even person, lived in the 3 story home (the location is in one of the most affluent areas in Cape Town) they were admiring. It was a concept they both seemed to be somewhat overwhelmed with. And in turn, made me realize the excess we all live in and that how we personify ourselves with it may be consuming us in a way we are not even aware of. 

So here's to Simplicity! The Simple Life.

BE MINE - These, This & That

I like to think that I live a life with simplicity and less material items than I have in the years past. But with the many industries I indulge myself in, there are times I just cannot help but want, want, want (Said in the sweetest most un-greedy, un-spoiled sounding way possible). Here are some fancy new things I have recently come across and would love to call mine! If my memory serves me correct, there's somewhat of a large festive season coming up. Just saying!

1. I love everything about this Billabong Spring Suit! 

2. And this one too! Just so I can own it, I'll be attempting the waves! 

3. If these come to fruition (it's on the rumor | concept train right now), I will be the happiest woman alive.

4. BE MINE -That's all! Dear Rae Oval Ring.

5. Been obsessed with these Puma Ultra Flou trainers since seeing them on The Freckled Italian. 

6. Do I bake - nope. Do I eat pies - nope. But, I'd love to get me one of these cute, quirky & nifty little boxes from Provisions by Food 52. 

THE FRIENDS I KEEP - Sara

World, meet Sara. Sara, meet world.  Sara and I met through work and I'm certain it was in a wonderful twist of fate. I have adored this strong, witty, beautiful woman (now mother to probably the cutest kid in the world) from the moment I met her. 

I seem to gravitate towards Leo's (yes, call me crazy but I am a strong believer that we hold traits to others of the same astrological sign). I think it’s a perfectionist, loud & proud, strong willed Leo thing that brings us all together. Sara is as Leo as I am and we are as Leo as it gets. 

Sara has influenced me in more ways than she knows. I have learned so much from her. But above all things, that true love, happiness and trust are still alive.

At times, I feel we have been friends for an eternity, though I have only had the privilege of her company for just over 2 years. I miss our daily lunches chatting, gossiping and picking up diapers for the little one all while in tears and laughter (she's one of the funniest ladies I know) over my departure and return to South Africa. She's a friend that gives everything she has and will move mountains to make sure the ones closest to her are safe, happy and loved.

NAME: Sara Hinds 
AKA:  "Ma"
WHAT WOULD BE THE WORST SONG TO WAKE UP TO?: A baby crying

WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST?: The sound of the ocean
NAME THE ONE HOUSEHOLD CHORE YOU NEVER WANT TO DO AGAIN?: Vacuuming the pool - first world problems
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE TV SITCOM HOUSE AS YOUR REAL HOME, WHICH WOULD YOU PICK?: Will & Grace's Apartment
WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST 3 WORDS YOU WOULD TEACH A PARROT,IF YOU HAVE ONE?: Don't Touch, Tristan!

FIRST WORLD PRODUCT PROBLEMS

LL WARNING: Product Link Overload! But for your benefit!

I wish I could say I wasn't a product junkie, but alas - I am! From my rows of hair products, to towers of shower items, to my overflowing makeup draws . . . let's say I may just have a problem. But hey, at least its a smell good, soft skin, pretty makeup problem!

But what does become a problem is when either a product is discontinued, (little pet-peeve #1) or when you land up in a foreign country that carries the line but not the individual item, (little pet-peeve #2) or does not even stock the brand AT ALL (big pet-peeve #3).

Please, don't get me wrong, I love trying new brands and items (especially with fun pretty packaging) but I'm so loyal to the products that I've tried and tested which have remained loyal to me in return! 

So I had a "first world problem" encounter when my foundation, (MakeUpForever Mat Velvet) mascara, (Loreal Voluminous Original) eyeliner, (Loreal Lineur Intense) and eyeshadow (Too Faced Exotic Color in Copper Peony) all ran out at the same time (pretty big pet-peeve #4). To make matters even worse, I had no luck in my Google and multiple store hunt for these replacements. And I consider myself quite the hunter.

However, I was in much luck - I found replacements which I adore and just have to share. #winning. I will stay true to my MUF foundation till I get my grubby paws on it again, but this Smashbox Studio Skin has been delightful and my skin looks flawless. The mascara and eyeliner have been replaced by a brand which is new on my radar, Catrice, and thus far the All Round Mascara and Liquid Liner have done more than just a great job! And on a whim, I picked up this Sunset combo from Woolworths which has been surprisingly beautiful!

So happy shopping friends and may the product junkie bug be ever in your favor!

BAG BLISS

It was love at first sight when I stumbled on CHIYOME after clicking through multiple blogs with boredom on a rainy winters day.  I was immediately captivated (I had a "OMG, Bananas - I, die" moment) by the minimalist perspective and the handbag collection's architectural lines and subtle color relationships. So simple and clean yet soooo chic!

CHIYOME bags are designed and manufactured in limited quantities in New York City by designer Anna Lynett Moss using a selection of harmonious materials sourced primarily in America.

LL: Need a refresher on Bananas and I Die or are just feel so lost you think I may need navigation to my sanity, watch this (marker 2:10 onward says it all!).

THE FRIENDS I KEEP

We all have friends who come and go in and out of our lives. Some may only be there for a brief moment, only to drift back to what they knew before but in turn touch or teach us in some way or another. Through my travels, I have been so fortunate to have met the most extraordinary people, but more importantly - the most beautiful, true and incredible friends. All different in MANY MANY ways but all binding together to support and guide me.

So let's steer away from Tuesdays Honesty for a few weeks, and let me introduce you to the Friends I Keep. 

See those crazy cats to the left - yep, those are the ones that keep me balanced and feel sane.  They've individually made (and still do) a significant difference in my life and continue to make me feel like the luckiest gal alive - everyday!

Next week I will showcase one of these lucky suckers so you can get to know them a wee bit better. Some are quite the entertainers.

LET'S GET THIS MONDAY JAM ON!

It's Monday, yes - but get excited about it - NEW week, NEW day! Like a fresh start for free! So to get your day kicking, here's a few tracks to get you going. 

A little mix of some new, not so new, vibey, not so vibey songs for your listening pleasure! All you need to do is press play in the widget below - easy right!

LLL: 8Tracks goes where you go and I'm loving it! You can follow my mixes here. (I will make more I promise).

Lucky Locket Mix from lhc on 8tracks Radio.

PUT SOME SPUNK IN YOUR STEP!

With a few close friends getting married over the next few months and being a small part of the wedding industry (oh, you didn't know - I'm a professional makeup artist amongst a bazillion other things - well, I tend the believe and dream), I've been immersed with beautiful visuals of their or others special day.

But when I came across THIS video (see below), I was like - YES! YES! YES! THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE!

Not only will this brighten your day (weather you're married, getting married or never wish to), but make you feel as cool as shyt and put some spunk in your step.

LL: Gotta give love to the guy in the white speedo!

TUESDAYS HONESTY - Unusual & Powerful Woman

I'll be honest with you, I struggled to find encouragement for today's honesty post. Ironically, it came this morning - BHAM - whilst scrolling through my pages feeds on the FB (my morning ritual which inspires me for the day ahead) whilst sipping on my strong (and greatly needed) soy latte . . . I finally had it! Almost like seeing the light!

The images before me represented a variety of beautiful woman who individually radiate power, strength and originality. They all fall far (VERY far) from the cookie-cutter radar and they all embody the same common denominator - they're unusual. And in some way or another, I feel I relate to them.

Through all this, I realized (and will be upfront about it), that I often feel judged and misunderstood. Be it the fact that I have tattoos, that I enjoy | thrive in my boyish baggy snowboarding clothing, to not confirming to society's expectations, to wanting the next big adventure, to being a creative dreamer with odd ideas & ideals, or to thinking completely out the box. I've become used to the judgement, the remarks or the large questions which sometimes I cannot even answer.

But what I am so sure of, is that I am quite content to be unusual and oddly different. That as a female, I will always be judged and have someone more powerful, beautiful or better than myself. And in turn, this has made me want to push forward with more action. Everyday on my own crusade to conquer the world!

But being ourselves, especially as woman (in the most un-preachy tone possible) and having our imperfections makes us who we are - strong, powerful, unusual and beautiful.

Let's embrace and exude it with grace (or awkwardly if that's how prefer to do it!).

THOSE OFF DAYS - 10 WAYS TO FEEL GREAT!

Why do we have to have “those” days. Those days where absolutely nothing seems to make you feel as fabulous as you did the day before – and that day you didn’t even try! Some days I feel more chic than Coco Chanel and other days I feel like I’ve been dragged through the Jersey Shore on a “meatball night” with Snooki and Deena. 

Here’s a few things I do to beat the bad day (and most appropriate for today, Monday) blues:

#1. Lipgloss, mascara  & some fabulous falsies (false eyelashes that is) - Feel gawgeous in no time.

#2. I workout - I get fancy i.e. pull my hair back, and get my sweat on. Works every time.

#3. Wear some sassy shoes - Pretty shoes puts a little skip in the step.

#4. Put on some headphones & blast some good tunes - This goes  in very handy with #2!

#5. Drink fancy coffee - A strong frothy latte and a book – so sophisticated!

#6. Get my nails did - Ok, I do my own but I instantly feel put together!

#7. Go see a movie, alone - I feel so empowered about doing it on my own!

#8. Go through old photos - Memories with my favorite people

#9. Wash my hair - It’s like starting the day fresh and makes me feel polished – even in PJ’s!

#10. Jump on my snowboard and shred - Ok, might not be possible here, but it usually fixes everything!

Go out there and beat that off day! HAPPY MONDAY!

HAPPY WOMAN'S DAY!

FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

From the moment I heard her voice, I knew Birdy was going places. This young (in young, I'm saying 17) singer | songwriter is more than talented and her songs (Skinny Love, People Help The People, 1901, Shelter) capture a moment or evoke the deepest emotion. Her new single, Wings (of her brand new album Fire Within) spans her vocal skills and original writing. So if you haven't heard - hear and thank me later!

     

OH CRAP!

"Do your sunglasses really say CRAP on them" - it's become a weekly question | conversation I have with either a friend or complete stranger. 

Yes, 6 pairs in fact of my sunglasses say CRAP on them and I'm very proud to say I wear CRAP on my face! (I thank my dear friend Sara for that - you will "meet" her soon).

This open obsession began after some research on the fabulous sunnies Lil Wayne (open obsession #2) continuously wore in his music videos. And BHAM, I discovered CRAP Eyewear, an independent sunglass brand from California.

From the website & quirky advertising, to the packaging (open obsession #3), and the quality of these fun glasses, it's a product I continue to stand by and purchase - they are far from CRAP!

Have a CRAPPY day now!

TUESDAYS HONESTY - The Simple Things

After living in the USA for nearly 9 years, I’ve returned to my home country and will be here for the next couple months ahead. The transition has been very challenging, frustrating and sometimes a little sad as my heart belongs in and longs for Virginia. However, being here has brought on a wonderful sense of appreciation for the small things. 

Like that day, as I hung my laundry on the backyard wash line.* The warm winter breeze swept between the sheets, through my hair and I found myself pausing for just a brief second, appreciating the simple moment. Yes, there's been alot of waiting, limitations, questioning, negativity, unexplained delays and broken systems – but then there’s so much life, culture and passion here. And when I return to what I now call home, putting my clothes in the dryer will be a whole new experience and my manicured nails will be ever thankful. Wash line anyone?

For one minute, walk outside, stand there, in silence, look up at the sky, and contemplate how amazing life is.

LL*: Electricity is expensive here and in turn there is an immense awareness to use it wisely. Therefore many locals revert from using the dryer or will utilize local launderettes for their clothes drying needs. It's a whole new way of looking at laundry!

LOCAL INSPIRATION - At the Marktet

With the beautiful winter weather* over the past week, I've been creatively inspired and wanted to venture out and have a sensory overload experience. I found just that this past Saturday morning at the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock, Cape town. Located in the beautiful and rustic Old Biscuit Mill which brought me back to the place I call home, Roanoke, VA.

The local sourced foods with an international flair, cooked and prepared in the morning light by passionate foodies and vendors, ignited excitement and energized me so. The people, the smells, the sights, the zest, the devotion and the spirit of it all together.

You haven't seen Cape Town till you've been here! You will find me here on more Saturday's than none, so be sure to support the local community and be inspired in turn.

LL*: It's been around 75'F for the past few days, yes - that's winter!

LL: I met and discovered some great vendors here and cannot wait to share their products. Stay locally tuned! 

THE HUNT IS OVER

You remember this post . . . to rest you minds - as I know it's been a great weight and worry for you all - I can officially confirm that the hunt for the said "big @ss slice of carrot cake" has come to an end. Was it worth the wait, you know it! Every bite was sheer bliss! We can now all sleep  peaceful tonight. You're welcome.

LL Confession #1: I BAKED yesterday! For the first time in years. Ok, it was a cappuccino muffin easy-mix, but that still counts right!

LL Confession #2: A birthday is coming up next week, someones getting old - and I may just make this as mentioned in the initial post. Guess I'm now bound to the task.

Let her bake . . . finally!