Get gifts for the WHOLE family..for less than R250!

So a while back I did a blogpost on stocking filler ideas, and was so thankful when Faithful-to-Nature sent me a box full of stocking fillers to suit the whole family.

When it comes to stocking fillers, every year’s gifts seem to be a replay of the previous Christmas. It’s soap-on-a-rope for the men, a perfumed body lotion from the supermarket and maybe a phone accessory for the teenagers.  I know it’s the thought that counts, but I LOVE giving gifts, and don’t like giving mainstream gifts that you can find at every second store. So I am VERY impressed with the gifts Faithful-to-Nature gave me and am super excited to be giving them to the family members. Here they are:

For Grandma…

     

For me, this is such a unique, useful gift. My own grandma as well as my partner’s Ouma uses Canderel, and Coconut sugar will make their everyday cuppa sweeter without the health risks. And at only R31, it’s very affordable!

Why this sugar is amazing!

• It has very low GI of 35.
• No after taste.
• Suitable for sweetening anything.
• Suitable for Diabetic patient.
• It is rich of magnesium, iron, potassium and zinc.
• It is unrefined, unbleached and free from preservatives and no additives.

 

For Grandpa…

These mints are delicious! And it’s another useful gift, something different than the normal pair of socks or soap-on-a-rope! I looked up the reviews on Faithful-to-Nature and this is what other people had to say about it:

“Absolutely delicious! My mother and I finished the box in five minutes! Can’t wait to try the other flavours!” Melanie-Ann

“These have to be my favourite mints yet! They are lovely and I do regret only buying one box of each.” Santie

“These mints are amazing!”Adele

For Mom…

Your Mom deserves only the best! This hand cream is small enough to suit the handbag but provides enough moisture for hard-working hands!

For Dad…

This is an incredibly moisturizing, creamy bar of soap which is wonderful for anyone with a dry, sensitive skin.   A popular response after using this soap for the first time has been, “I didn’t even have to put on moisturizer!” So if you are wondering why this soap is perfect for Dad, this is why! Usually men don’t like putting on lotion, so this is the perfect way to make sure their skins don’t get dried out.

For the teenager…

Teenagers are difficult to buy for. But one thing, almost all teens have in common, is lip balm.  This lip balm comes in a easy-to-use tin and is made with olive oil, so it won’t form bubbles as some Shea butter lip balms do. It costs only R35.00 and lasts for a loooong time!

 

For the little ones…

 

I must admit, I had so much fun playing with these cars myself! It’s so much fun. Even though these are for kids, I might get one for myself too.

 

 So you have no excuse to be out of gifts this Christmas. Even with delivery, you have gifts for the whole family for less than R250! What are you waiting for, get shopping online now! Their delivery fees are inexpensive and if you are in a main center you can have your goodies couriered to you for only R35!

 

Online Shop: http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

Twitter: @Faithful2Nature

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FaithfulToNature

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{Review} Badger Balm Tinted Shimmer Lip Balm

I must say, I got a bit jealous with all the bloggers blogging and tweeting about Revlon’s new Lip Stain, so I was super happy when Nature’s Colours sent me a few Badger Balm Tinted Shimmer Lip Balms to test out. :) I’m pleased to say, it did not disappoint!

Each one comes packaged in a double ended stick containing a tint on one end and Opal Shimmer on the other. The lip balm base is rich in moisturising certified organic and fair trade certified cocoa butter, olive oil, castor oil and aloe and contains organic extracts of Seabuckthorn Berry, Rosehip and Rosemary, powerful antioxidants for healthy lips and all-natural preservatives for the product.
There is no added fragrance, flavour, petroleum products, GMOs, parabens or anything artificial. Naturally, it smells like cocoa butter, and it really moisturises your lips. It’s nice getting colour that does not dry out your lips.

I got the following three colours:

Rose Tourmaline: This is a very soft, pink colour. If you want something subtle, but which will still give you a small bit of colour, this one will do.

Red Garnet: This makes your lips look like you ate too many strawberry ice creams, which makes it perfect for summer! What makes this colour my favourite, is that it can also be used as a cheek tint. Two summer must-haves in one balm!

Jasper: You may be fooled by the reddish cap, as this colour is almost brown or copper. A bit darker than I thought it would be. Very suitable for evenings!

Each balm comes with an Opal Shimmer at the opposite end. It’s pretty much colourless and just adds a shimmer to the colour you are applying. You can also experiment using it as a highlighter on your collar bone or cheek bones.

My camera (with all the photos I took of my new balms) needs a few repairs, so I searched for other examples on the net, so you can at least see the colours. When my camera is fixed up, I will do an update!

Thanks again to the awesome people at Nature’s Colours! You can like their Facebook page here.

You can purchase the lip balms from www.naturescolours.com at R75 each.

Have you tried Badger Balm’s Tinted Shimmers yet? What do you think?

In My Garden…Sweet Basil

In My Garden…Basil

So I know I have been quiet for a while, but now I am back on track! This week we’re talking about Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum). I love using this in pastas, and of course you will know it’s the main ingredient in pesto. You can add lots of flavour to your cooking by using the fresh leaves.

Basil…

…blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Melissa, Neroli and Rosemary

…odour intensity is high

…part of the plant which is used are the flowering tops and the leaves.

…extracted by means of steam distillation

–          Basil can be used as a general tonic for the nervous system, to calm gastric spasms, for general fatigue after illness and anxiety.

–          To repel mosquitoes, rub crushed leaves on the exposed areas of your skin.

Pesto recipe:

Method:

1. Place the pine nuts into a non-stick pan and dry fry until lightly toasted. If you’re in a pinch for pine nuts, sunflower seeds can be your hero here.

2. Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool. Place the pine nuts, basil, garlic and parmesan in the bowl of a food processor and blend until finely chopped. You can also add your chilli here if you choose. With the processor still running, gradually add the oil in a thin steady stream until well combined.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

Basil pesto can be kept frozen for up to 4 months. Transfer half the pesto to a small airtight container and smooth the surface. Drizzle with olive oil to cover. Label, date and freeze. When you’re ready to welcome it back into your life, place in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until thawed. Don’t forget to stir it up before serving.

Sources:

‘A Guide to Green Housekeeping” by Christina Strutt

‘Secrets of youth & beauty’ by Daniéle Rymans

‘The Complete Aromatherapy Tutor’ by Joanne Hoare

Recipe: http://www.yuppiechef.co.za/spatula/basil-pesto/