Coco Kisses

I have never been a lipgloss person. Everyone who knows me ( or reads my blog ) knows that I prefer eye make up over everything. On a whim,  I bought this Yardley Stayfast Supershine  lipgloss a few weeks ago and I haven't stop using it since.

Over the years lipgloss has gotten a bit of a bad reputation for either being too messy or too sticky which is probably why I steered clear of it. However, I am not one to pass up a sale, especially not on make up. (This lipgloss cost me under R40). Let me tell you why I love it.

The formula is creamy and not sticky.  It feels really comfortable on my lips. It shines like a gloss but, my mouth does not look like I just ate a pork chop. It lasts longer than the average lipgloss which I appreciate. Having to reapply every few hours would put me off the gloss permanently. I decided to get it in Coco Kisses because its a hue I can wear to work and on a night out. I'm looking forward to trying the other shades.

Have you tried this lipgloss? What's your current favourite lipgloss? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Life lately : 25-08-2016

I happy to report that life lately has been nothing but pleasant. It has been stress and drama free (by choice). It has also been a time for travelling, learning new skills and meeting new people.

My family and I recently went on a mini road trip to Grahamstown and it was super relaxing. It felt amazing to be away from the hustle and bustle of work and to enjoy some downtime with the people I love the most.

Ofcourse, there were a few bumps in the road. I found out some rather disappointing (and unexpected ) news but, I see now that that was just God's way of preparing me for something much better. I'm planning a little giveaway on my blog soon and I'm very excited. Keep an eye on my pages for the details. That's  it for now. I hope you enjoy this post.

Xylon and I had the best time in Grahamstown!

Always time for a selfie. Love this dress!

My favourite people!

I  am always looking for ways to spice up my work uniform.

Literally glowing with my family. 

Sourcing inspiration for my blog.

I love testing new products.

What I am currently reading. 

Hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Bags are for free expression

 Gone are the days when a bag was merely a way of transporting all your junk around. Nowadays, a bag speaks volumes about the person who is carrying it. Inspired by my feature on City Girl Vibe blog (read it here ), I realised that the bag has become just as important as the rest of the outfit and is undoubtedly a manner of expressing whatever it is you want the world to know about who you are. Some bags say “I am carefree and couldn’t be bothered”; others say “I am a serious business woman with edge”. Some say “I am a mom with a love for fashion”, while others say “I am a blogger with my finger on the pulse of fashion world”. 

I love the fact that a bag has the power to transform a very plain outfit into an ensemble that looks like it has been carefully thought out. A bag certainly has the power to complete any look. So the next time I  go bag shopping I'll put more thought into what it is that I want my bag to express about me and not make use of my usual “how many things will I be able to fit into it" method. What do you think your bag says about you?

* I do not take credit for the images in this post.

Please follow my blog if you like reading it and connect with me on twitter @CkoBlog or facebook CKO cool kids only- blog.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

For the love of decor

I don't know about you but, I am as much stimulated by beautiful decor as I am by fashion.  I feel like the spaces you find yourself in everyday can inspire you in ways you couldn't have imagined.

I gravitate more towards simple, monochromatic styles but, every now and then something lavish and over the top catches my eye. The kind of environment you find yourself in has the power to transport you to a completely different world (albeit only in your mind). It also has the power to instantly change your mood. Great decor puts me in a relaxed, content mood.

In this post you will find some of my favourite decor ideas. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me. Where do you get your decor inspiration from?


*I do not take credit for the images in this post

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

Old faithful

I am a big fan of the humble white t-shirt. It reminds of a long lasting friendship. The kind where you are comfortable enough to be yourself unapologetically but, also have enough room to flourish and express yourself in any kind of manner you feel like.

The white t-shirt is also what I consider the perfect blank canvas to start with when planning an outfit. It is unpretentious and has a definite cool factor. Also, it is uncomplicated enough to wear with practically anything your heart desires. I love the idea of getting to juxtapose it with elaborate accessories, killer heels and even striking skirts.

I try to wear my white t-shirts in as many ways as I possibly can and while, it can get tricky at times, it’s a challenge that allows you to stretch your wardrobe a little more and save some cash. And I am all for fashion on a budget. This post is dedicated to old faithful, the white t-shirt and the many ways you can wear it. I hope you guys enjoy the images!

*I do not take credit for the images in this post.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

Review: Maybelline's Define -A-Lash mascara

Happy Friday everyone!

I have spent the whole week trying to adjust to and survive the cold. As much as I love the idea of winter; the reality of it seems less ideal to me. Nevertheless, I did discover a new favourite mascara this week and I am extremely keen to share a short review with you.

After purchasing Maybelline's Define-A-Lash mascara quite a while ago, I decided to give it a try this week. I have to admit, this mascara ticks all the boxes for me. From the packaging  to the texture: and most importantly the brush.

Since my lashes are on the short side, I prefer a shorter brush. The thin, flexible brush is perfect. The bristles grab even the shortest lashes and lengthen it to the point where they look like false lashes (I have been asked). The non clump texture makes for an easy application. Even the packaging gets my vote. The green tube looks modern. Overall, I am delighted by this mascara. I'm definitely repurchasing.

What about you? What is your favourite mascara at the moment?

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Motherhood: The flip side.

On a normal day it's not easy being a 20 something year old woman  as it is. Throw in being a single, working mom in a country where so many children lose their lives to hideous crimes and I'd say you have the perfect recipe for a cocktail of nerves,anger and frustration.

You see, people are quick to tell you about the joys of motherhood. And believe me, 90 percent of being a mother is beyond amazing. Experiencing an almost out of body love for the little person you brought into this world makes you feel like you want to be the best person you can be. Yes, motherhood is all of the wonderful things (and more) that women tell you about.

But when my son is safely tucked in at night, an innocent scroll through facebook turns me into a ball of panic. I wonder why no one has ever mentioned this side of motherhood to me. The part where I would lie awake at night and wonder how I can keep my son safe at all costs. The part where suspicion creeps up on me everytime my child is around new people. The way a piece of my heart dies every single time I watch the news and I hear about little lives being taken in senseless crimes. It kills me because I feel furious and hopeless at the same time. My son is the love of my life.

The only thing that keeps me sane is prayer. I pray for my son, I pray for myself, my family and the countless children around the world who have no one praying for them. I have come to realise that in life there are no guarantees and instead of using my time to worry I use it to love and pray even more. Staying positive in current times is just about the hardest thing to do but it is a choice I have made.

I wrote this post because I wanted other mothers to know that they are not alone. We all share the same fears. However, there is power in prayer. Let us pray for peace. Not only in the world but, also within ourselves.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!