2014, The Year That Was | Thoughts

 

Aloha Bandellas 

Yes, its that time of the year again, where we reflect on the year that has past; the high, the lows, the victories and the defeats. Its literally so crazy how time has gone by.

2014 was an absolutely incredible year for me. From finishing school, making decisions about my future and starting this blog, it safe to say it was been a turbulent year.

In the beginning everything about this year felt daunting. I knew it was going to be a year of goodbyes and inevitable change, two thing is make me extremely anxious.

This year also had an abundance of memories. From the highly anticipated matricball, the endless missions with friends and the countless hours of happiness at family gatherings. This year consisted of ticking off milestones one blissful occasion at a time.

I also learnt a lot about myself as a person this year. I feel as though this entire year is indicative of the person I want to become someday. I learnt the value of family and friendship alike.

Thus far my 18 years of exsistance has been nothing but fabulous. I look forward to the new adventures of 2015, the people I will meet and the friends I will keep.

Let's step away from the mirror and stop reflecting for a bit, so that it can shine us in all its glory into the beautiful new year.

Have am amazing 2015 everyone ❤

Xoxo
Nuraan

P.S 92 days until One Direction is in Cape Town *happy dance*

Behind the scenes: August by Tasneem | Fashion

Aloha Bandellas

I am so excited to tell you all about my fabulous friend's new clothing line called August. Last Thursday Tasneem, designer and brainchild of August, call us friendlings in to shoot her range of stunning, colorful and summer loving kimonos. Naturally, there would be fooling around as my friends and behaving just don't go together.

I have attached some of the BTS (behind the scenes) pictures of the day which was filled with laughs and fun!

August Details:
Instagram: @August_ct - Check out the full Kimono looks and prices
Order: augustbytas@gmail.com
Prices: R90 to R250

xxx
-Nuraan

Taylor Swift Makeup Tutorial | Beauty

Aloha Bandellas

I may not be "Swiftie" but Taylor Swifts latest album, 1989, has got me drooling over the superstars fashion choice and makeup look. Her makeup is so effortless while it remains super glam. I have thus put together a 4 step 'pictorial' (picture tutorial) on the products I would use to achieve this look.

Here goes, hope you enjoy:

Hope you find this useful! Goodluck with creating the looks. Let me know your style/makeup icons below in the comment.

Lotsa Love

Nuraan x

Be Happy | Lifestyle

 Aloha Bandellas

So we all focus on things that are supposed to make us successful rather than making us happy. We fixate on scenarios we wish would happen but only attempt those which can make us wealthy and ultimately lonely. I know this sounds really deeps and emotional but I am at the brink off my future which up until a few hours ago was daunting but now seems so simple. My math tutor for the past 5 years told me to do more of what makes me happy, and that's what I'm going to do. So here's my 5 step plan for happiness: (obvs you don't have to follow this directly because we all have different needs and are experiencing different things at present)

1) Surround yourself with positive people who make you laugh
2) Forget about the things you can't do, if at this point in your life you still can't do something, focus on the thing you can do and turn that into your claim to fame
3) Stop caring about what other people think of you. This is easier said then done because we've all been raised to conform and do our utmost to be accepted into society, but who says the society we live in is the proper, pure and ideal one? So do what you want and when you want!
4) Create your own perfect and conform to that alone
5) Create a personal motto or life slogan, and seriously even if you look and sound like a lunatic, repeat it to yourself whenever you feel yourself being tested, we don't care what people think remember ;)

Hope this helps everyone to transform their life into utopia and to be Happy !

Until next time
Nuraan ❤

The Beginning Of The End

Aloha Bandellas

So they say change is as good as a holiday, but sometimes change could mean saying goodbye to people who you have spent everyday with and form part of some of the best and happiest memories of your life.

As you all now I am in my final year of school, matric as we call it, and I am now in the final stretch thereof. Today we had one of our final celebrations, the matric breakfast. With our final examinations less than a month away, it was pretty much the last time we could be together in a stress free environment and just enjoy each others company doing the silly things we known for i.e. taking selfies. Its really hard to wrap your head around the fact that we may never see some of these people again. People who you had daily interactions with. The thought of people who you love and care about so much just becoming a memory is frightening and unfathomable. Perhaps I will soon snap out of this high school nostalgia and move forward to accept change, but right now let me just sit in my awkward bubble feeling emotional about people I'm going to miss but will probably still see because they could never stay away from my face (kidding).

Xoxo
Nuraan

P.S word of the day: Privatsofriendsophobia: the fear of your friends having private jokes with someone else ;)

❤

HERITAGE DAY

Aloha Bandellas

Today South Africa celebrated Heritage Day. All over the country people remembered our somewhat troubled and divided past and also took part in activities which epitomize South African culture and tradition which ultimately unifies and connects everyone regardless of race or social status. Amongst theses activities is Braai-ing, referred to as Barbequing in other countries, but it is so important to South Africans we had to re-name it. It is a day spent with family and close friends where we celebrate our cultural history and traditional legacy. Nonetheless, South Africans never say no to a party especially when it involves food and excellent company.

My heritage day was spent with my family. We gathered at my Uncle house along with cousins, friends and a too much food. It was filled with many ugly laughs and memories that will really last forever. So before this post gets waay too emotional I'm going to end it here. 

Hope everyone enjoyed the day off and made positive and pleasant memories <3 

Till next time Bandellas 

xoxo

Nuraan

Everyday Haircare

Aloha Bandellas

I decided to do a post on hair care because during this time of year (for me prelim exams) I find that the only way in which I can 'pamper' or treat myself is by taking care of my hair. I know it sounds weird but for me there should never be a time where you should neglect the care of your hair (mentally rapping because that rhymes). You can always have plastic surgery or use makeup on your damaged face but you can never really replace your hair. I have also recently suffered from a lot of hairloss as a result of matric stress. Another problem I face is dry/split ends from heat damage and also the damage of babyhairs which has resulted in my hair looking like a lions mane by the end of the day because hashtag Cape Town weather problems. I have listed my top 5 hair care products below which help me overcome the everyday struggle. Hope you find it useful and enjoy these products ❤

> Pantene Deep Moisture Soufflé -most luxurious product EVER!
> Hasna Argan Oil (great for dry skin too)
> MPL Coconut Oil- available at most supermarkets
> Vigro Bio-conditioner for hairfall (3weeks later and still waiting for results)
> Pantene Heat defense gloss spray -protect hair and gives it a 'natural' shine

Hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what hair products you enjoy by tweeting me @nuraan_b or leaving a comment below.

Xoxo
Nuraan

JULY MAKEUP FAVOURITES

Aloha Bandellas

I decided to do a makeup favorites this month because I have recently tried out new products. Some of them being totes amazing and others rather disappointing (I'll leave those for another time). These items i have found myself been reaching for on a daily basis, so its not really heavy coverage lets go to fashion week with products but rather products which you could use on an everyday basis or if you (like me) just enjoy a neutral make up look. I hope you enjoy and here we go...

1) Bourjois Chocolate bronzer: apart from it smelling amazing and being super affordable, it also works as an amazing contouring powder especially if you looking a subtlety.  I am very pale so I always grab this to finish off my natural make up look!

2)Revlon Photoready BB Cream (030 medium): I find that Revlon as a brand is highly understated. I would go as far as saying it is probably one of the best 'drugstore/highstreet/clicks' product on the market. This BB cream is the best one I have used (yes i fell into the BB cream trap) but I have to admit this is amazing. Its coverage is 11 out of 10 and it is long lasting. I have dry skin so I find the thick, creamy consistency nourishing. This has been part of my daily makeup routine for about 3 weeks now, I even choose it above my foundation. So revlon BB cream for the win!

3)Mac select coverup concealer (NC30): Theres not much to say expect BEST CONCEALER EVER. This alongside the BB cream leaves your skin looking flawless yet feeling make up free. Hashtag hallelujah for that!

4) Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara: I am sort of a mascara snob hence this high end mascara, the reason for this is that my mom always told me that if you don't use a proper products for your eyes, your eyelashes will fall out, true or faux I want my eyelashes thank you. This double wear mascara is non clump and doesn't leave you with panda eyes by the end of the day, so if you going to spoil yourself, do it with this masacara ;)

5)Tanya Burr Lipgloss (Aurora): OMG OMG, when I got my hands on this I freaked out (thanks Tasneem). I have wanted this since they were launched as Tanya Burr is my favourite beauty youtuber. Her glosses are amazeballs and smells so yum. LOVE IT FOREVER!!!

So that is the bucket of July favorites for this month. Let me know what your favourites were this month and I'll see you next time 

xoxo

Nuraan

5 Days For One Direction ♥

ALOHA BANDELLAS

So the best fandom in the world has come up with a tribute to our boys, One Direction. This initiative was established by a fangirl just like you and I named Angela(@zouboutins). This all in the run up to the 4 year anniversary of the world's most famous boyband.  So tweet your favourite band member and lets appreciate our boys for all they do for us.
Today happens to be my BAEs(ew I just said that) Zayn. So lets hashtag and smile and fangirl our faces off :'D.

Xoxo
Nuraan

P.s dont forget to #mtvhottest One Direction ;)

ALOHA BANDELLAS

Basically everything in the world fascinates me, from boy bands to baking to ballet (which i am completely rubbish at) everything makes me wonder. It is for that reason I have started this blog. Its going to be a bumpy ride with my crazy fangirling, confused opinions about the worlds around us, hashtagging with my besties and  baking 1024 cupcakes for absolutely no reason. So to start this craziness off lets start with a typical internet culture of "20 facts about me". Hold onto your seat everybody, here goes:

1) I LOVE ONE DIRECTION
2) I have long hair
3) I am muslim
4) I LOVE my family and friends x1000
5) instagram  and twitter is my best friend
6) i have no knuckles on my baby fingers
7) everything that is pink and sparkles is mine
8) Zayn Malik is my boyfriend (not even joking)
9) I love makeup and everything that goes with it
10) Shopping is the only medicine i ever need
11) My birthday is on the same day as my favourite youtuber Zoella and also Lady Gaga
12) I don't like sweating so no excersing so no mention of that ever again okay, okay.
13) The Hunger games s the best trilogy i have ever read
14) English and History is my favourite subject at school (nerd alert)
15) I only drink water and rooibos tea.
16) I always smell like cupcakes
17) I really love babies
18) I don't like fur even if its faux so scrap that
19) I make up random words
20) I LOVE EVERYTHING THAT MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY AND SMILE AND HUGS OMG HASHTAG UNICORNS.

So thats me and my buckets of crazy for today. Let me know if you like this blog and i will see you next week ;)

xoxo
Nuraan