With most women constantly on the go, doing the school run, getting to the office, making sure the fridge is stocked up and keeping the house clean, sometimes the personal grooming takes a back seat and we look like we have been run over by a bus – and it’s not even 10am. However, with the right items and essentials in your bag, looking pretty or presentable doesn’t have to be so hard.

The Spa Manager from Granny Mouse Country House & Spa has a list of these specific items which will certainly help you on those days you really need it.

• First up, moisturizer and a travel face wash. These two items are the most basic, but will keep your face clean, moisturized and looking fresh.
• A good foundation and BB cream are important to have on hand. You always start your day looking fresh, clear-skinned and ready for work. But as it goes, it never really lasts the full 8 hour day. And that’s ok. By adding these items to your bag, you will certainly look and feel radiant before walking into your next meeting.
• If you are prone to breaking out, or those dark rings around your eyes are starting to show, a good concealer is always vital.
• Lipstick is also an essential item, and ensure you stick with a shade that suits you, and one that moisturizes your lips.
• Body lotion is a definite YES for us, especially us ladies in the Midlands, being in air conditioning or in the cold, dry outdoors. Keep it close and keep that skin moisturized.
• If you wear nail polish, don’t show off the chipped look – it’s definitely a beauty no-no. Keep the same shade of polish at your desk at work for those emergency moments.
• If you deal with a lot of paperwork or dirty surfaces, but you don’t have the opportunity to wash your hands as regularly as you’d like, then hand sanitizer is very important.
• One of the most important items is definitely roll-on or spray deodorant, especially during the hot summer days. A compact perfume is perfect too, but try not to overdo it as it can overpower not only you, but the room too.
• You might not have thought about it, but make-up remover is a great addition to add to your bag. If you are going to have to head off somewhere after work or go to gym, you don’t want your pores to clog up because you didn’t remove make-up off your face. And make sure you get a good quality one – don’t buy cheap!
• Lastly, and it’s a big one, toothpaste and a toothbrush are important, especially if you are constantly in close proximity to others. Whether you have had been eating spicy foods or consumed lots of tea and coffee, this is a must.

Remember to never leave home without putting some, or all, of these items in your bag, ensuring you look and feel your best at all times of the day.

There is a misconception that if you want to get into stargazing and see anything in the night sky you have to spend tons of cash on telescopes and high tech cameras. Not true at all. Simply find a clear South African night sky, a big blanket, a beverage of choice and some really good company and you can experience them like never before.

There is a list of some of the best star gazing spots online, two of which are, of course, the Midlands and the Berg, KZN.

“The best way to enjoy the experience is firstly, be dressed for the occasion. Grab that beanie, some gloves, a great warm jacket and you’re set to go”, says Sean Granger, GM of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

The most important thing is to find a spot where there is little or no electrical lights around as it does impact on the stars in the sky, so find a quiet, safe spot and enjoy.

If you are a little short-sighted, don’t forget your glasses/ binoculars. Let the eyes relax a bit, allow them to adjust to the darkness, and take in the reduced light levels and you will be amazed at what you can see. Keep an eye out (pardon the pun) for shooting stars, which is just an incredible sight on its own and also the number of satellites you can see out there moving slowly around the globe.

When looking at the stars, you will see that they are all different – some bigger, some more faint to the eye, and others are so bright. This is all due to them being different distances from us on earth.

An interesting face is that the coolest stars are red and are around 3 000 degrees centigrade and the hottest are the white stars, in excess of 40 0000 degree centigrade. Due to the temperatures, the colours differ from icy whites, to bluish and some more yellow, orange and of course red.

South Africa is in the fortunate position to capture the Milky Way, meteor showers and even Saturn under very good star gazing conditions when it is at its most spectacular.

Another perfect place to head to is Granny Mouse Country House & Spa. After you have enjoyed a hearty meal, and before you turn in for the night, grab the family, or friends, settle down on their beautifully-manicured lawns and enjoy the sounds of nature and the sights…all the way to the moon and back!

Inspired by: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/skills/stargazing-top-tips