Tom and Jen are undoubtedly a gorgeous couple, so much so that they were featured on the cover of a magazine. I may be a bit biased though, as Jen is my sister, after all. Love you guys, you are amazing together and even though it’s going to be tough, we are all rooting for you, you guys rock! So much love xxx

In part two of our Nourish series, Jacqui shares the benefits eating and using food for nourishing our winter skins. You’re welcome xx

HONEY:

1. Skin Moisturizer – Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so it can be used by people with sensitive skin. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, you can use it as a hand and body lotion or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin.
2. Antiseptic –  Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and the appearance of scars.
3. Acne Remover – Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer but it is certainly tough on acne. With constant exposure to the bee fluid, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face. Cover them with adhesive bandages. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.
4. Energy Booster – Why buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey? Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll be healthy and quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.
5. Immune System Booster – Health buffs are known to drink a teaspoon of honey daily, along with their morning vitamins. Though still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of honey is said to strengthen your immune system. You can give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose anyway.
6. Treatment for Sore Throat – Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Just continue to make more rounds until you are finally free from colds.

TOP FIVE FOODS THAT NOURISH YOUR SKIN & BODY:

1. CUCUMBER

One of the most skin nourishing foods, whether you eat it or apply it to your skin.  It also helps in flushing out unwanted toxins from your body. It’s these toxins that make your skin appear dull and lifeless. It helps your digestion and adds lustre to your skin.

2.  BEETROOT

Consuming beetroots is highly recommended for a glowing complexion. Beetroot is considered one of the most beneficial vegetables as far as your skin is concerned. It contains a myriad of beneficial minerals. It also contains vitamin A and E. It improves the health of the epidermis and acts as a cleanser for the body, leaving your skin rejuvenated.

3.  SWEET POTATO

This root vegetable contains high amount of vitamins and complex carbohydrates. Once you eat it, it releases sugar intermittently in your body. It also contains beta-carotene that is converted to vitamin A when digested. And this, in turn, oxygenates the skin naturally.  We are all aware of the great benefit of vitamin A to the skin.

4.  GARLIC

It contains Allicin, it’s this product that destroys the unwanted bacteria and viruses already present in the body and works to improve body’s immunity. Garlic with antioxidants is an invincible combination. They have that amazing ability to slow down the aging of skin.

5.  AVO

It contains antitoxins and vitamins E and C. This fruit improves skin texture, tone, and also boosts skin vitality. It develops the moisture retention capacity of skin considerably.

Make Up and Hair: Jacqui Trinder- Accentuate Makeup and Hair – Using M.A.C.

Photography: Kate van Onselen

Model: Leigh Thompson – Models International

It’s important to change your routine as soon as you notice even slight differences to it. I got in touch with Jacqui from Accentuate Hair and Makeup to get some tips to nourish ourselves this winter, this is what she had to say.

As your skin loses more natural oils and becomes drier and dehydrated you will need to compensate by changing your skincare routine.

Even if you are oily, you will still need to ensure your skin is well cared for and nourished. Oily skins will benefit from a lotion rather than a cream.

Drier and more mature skins will need to change to a heavier duty cream and of course eye and face serums. Remember to keep you lips nice and hydrated too, lipstick never looks good on dry lips.

Exfoliate twice a week to get rid of all the dead skin and allow your nourishing products to sink in – this goes for face and body.

Up your water intake, a well hydrated body really does plump out the fine lines and enhance your natural glow.

I have more to tell you on this subject, including some incredible MAC products and natural ways to nourish your skin and body. Keep an eye out for my next Nourish post.

Credits:

Hair & Makeup: Jacqui from Accentuate

Model: Leigh Thompson from Models International

If you would like to use this content, I have more images and information, please get in touch http://katevanonselen.wordpress.com/hire-me/

I find that styled shoots are a great way to ‘refresh’ my creativity, what’s difficult about them though, is to focus when you have so much pretty to look at. I’m kind of like a magpie to these things. So here we are, a small selection of what the team and I got up to at the beautiful Old Halliwell Country Inn a few weeks ago, enjoy.

Massive thank you to Kimberly from Natural Nostalgia for putting it all together, so great to work with you my friend – you are so talented! Belle & Bravado, can’t thank you enough for the three gorgeous dresses and head pieces.

Credits:
Flowers, Decor & Styling: Natural Nostalgia
Model: Robyn Ryan from Irene’s Models
Dresses & Headwear: Belle & Bravado
Makeup & Hair: Serendipi-t @ Piggly Wiggly
Venue: Old Halliwell Country Inn

Did a bit of a test shoot with the beautiful Chelsea, testing out a new idea of teaching portraiture and creative photography. More to come on this toward the end of the year.  Exciting!

We spent such a fun morning with Josh and Steph at the Kiazer Chiefs training grounds in Jozi a few weekends back, they are quite evidently soccer crazy so the location really added some fun. Josh is the (I hope I get this right) fitness coach for the team and wow what amazing facilities, kind of makes you proud. Apart from being really gorgeous and the setting, this couple are fun loving and passionate, hopefully you can tell by the images. I cannot wait to shoot their wedding! Congrats you two xx

I photographed the Long family in the build up of a huge storm a couple Sundays ago, so they had to endure wind and rain and still look beautiful and happy.  I am so chuffed with how well the images came out – proof that a bit of rain won’t kill you. Well done guys, you rocked it! xx

I photographed Dave and Leigh’s wedding at Netherwood right  in the middle of winter. It was phenomenal weather for this time of year in the Midlands (KZN). It’s hard for me to describe (now that I am trying to) but Leigh and Dave have such a natural, regal, classic and comfortable way about them. This was further amplified by the way that their friends speak of them, everyone adores them and I think these photos show why. Every part of the day was filled with laughter and loads of friends and family. Everything on the day ran around 30 minutes early(in photographer time), it’s almost unheard of, this set the tone for a calm relaxed pace through everything.  Dave and Leigh were so caring and considerate and were always checking in on how I was doing which really is, above and beyond general expectations, it was great to feel so much a part of their special day, I can’t thank you both enough, (to the point of making me tea after our creative shoot! – I will never forget that haha). Congratulations to you both, lots and lots of love.

See more images from this wedding here: http://katevanonselen.pass.us/tennant/ (click images to see options for sharing or downloading)

xxx

Venue: Netherwood