My Instagram followers would know that my dear sister, Zainab, flew down from Switzerland recently to spend some time with my little family. I hadn’t seen her since the beginning of the year, so I was really excited when she told me a couple of months ago that she’d make a pit stop in Joburg on her way to her friend’s wedding in Zimbabwe. Quite a trek, I know. So I felt extra special that she’d make the effort to hang out with us for a few days. Kai also hadn’t seen her since January this year, when the two of us went to Dar. Needless to say, he absolutely loved having his Auntie Zai around, who completely doted on him.
Zainab’s always gifting everyone in our family. She’s probably the most generous of our lot, so I wanted to treat her to something too. I’m not sure if I’ll see her in December, so I figured there’s no time like the present to give her something. Hands down, my favourite thing to give (and receive) is a beautiful perfume. I think that very few things beat it in my book. And I know my sister’s the same. We definitely get our love for perfumes from our mom, who has a coveted fragrance collection – which, by the way, she’s very particular about who uses it. I received my first Lancôme perfume when I was about 20 years old and from then, I was hooked. Fast forward to about 10 years later and one of my staples is Lancôme’s La Vie est Belle. I love everything about this perfume. It’s soft, delicate, feminine with a hint of sweetness thanks to the Orange Blossom and Patchouli Essence. Over the years, I’ve noticed the thing I love the most about it is how it morphs throughout the day, smelling even sweeter in the evenings. I always get compliments and feel happy when I wear it. I didn’t have to think much about how I’d make my sister happy – apart from spending time with her of course. So I gave her a bottle of this fave fragrance of mine to take back with her. It was a sweet moment and ending to an equally sweet trip.
As the holidays are coming quick and fast, I hope this helps you start thinking about how you will #MakeSomeoneHappy this year. Happiness is always better shared, so if you’d like to gift a special woman in your life with a bottle of La Vie est Belle, you can choose one of the following versions: 50ml Eau de Parfum for R1,440; 50ml Eclat de Parfum for R1,440 or La Vie est Belle Intense 50ml for R1,500.
What holiday gift ideas are you planning on giving…or wishing to receive?
Portrait photography by Robyn Davie
