If teleporting existed...

.... I'd be here today, watching the sunrise from a sidewalk cafe, sipping on French coffee and listening to the early morning sounds of birds nearby.

Two Weeks and Counting...

We moved to Somerset West a year ago, excited to begin a new chapter and settle into this beautiful town surrounded by mountains and natural beauty.  We chose a 3 bedroom townhouse to rent which seemed perfect at the time, only to discover 2 months later that we weren't as happy as we thought we'd be and started counting the months/weeks/days until we could move.  Luckily for us, moving day is finally right around the corner - 2 weeks away!

I feel sorry for the Estate Agents who are trying to rent this house out.  We gave notice at the end of August already, and I can't remember how many people we've had coming to look at the house (I'd say more than 10). They've posted numerous adverts on Gumtree, including a new ad today. What does this say about the house?

One of the biggest problems was the owner's lack of wanting to make this house a 'home'. It never felt like home to Geoff and I, and probably the reason we didn't bother putting up paintings, buying pot plants or really putting an effort into decorating the place. We just weren't happy here, and hardly had people over to visit for this reason.  Take for example the "garden". There is grass stretching 3/4 around the house but the only way we could water it was by plugging the hosepipe into the tap underneath the kitchen sink and trekking it through the lounge in order to reach the garden. There is no outside tap. Isn't this an obvious one when you rent out a house?

The main problem though (and probably the reason the Agents are having a hard time convincing people to rent the house) is the obvious lack of burgler bars. There is nothing on any window in the house except for the main bedroom and the en-suite bathroom.  That really doesn't help, seen as the TV, etc is all in the lounge which has a sliding door and two other windows that are easy to access. The owner point blank refuses to spend money on this necessary security.  Nevermind the house is in a "security" complex. That means absolutely nothing when the security guard is only there untill 6pm in the evening, and burglaries usually take place between 2am and 4am. There were 8 burglaries that we're aware of that took place in February/March this year. Some security...

Yesterday, a couple were close to signing to rent the house from 1 November, and were in negotiations with the owner on having burgler bars installed. Today, I've just see a new "To Rent" advert on Gumtree.  Well, that about sums it up.  Best of luck to whoever is going to be renting this place, we are moving in 2 weeks time and the days can't go by soon enough!

Around the World in South Africa

I've recently discovered some 'out of this world' places that make you feel as though you've been transported to another country. No need to hop on a plane - we've got the whole world in our very own back yard!

MOYO

Stellenbosch - Blouberg - Durban - Jo'burg

Ever wanted to eat a traditional African buffet dinner in the tree tops? Moyo is unlike any place I've ever been to. It's truly an experience that you'll remember for a long time to come. At R250 per person, I can guarentee it's worth every penny. Whether your sitting at the top of a tree eating by candlelight, enjoying a romantic dinner for two in a private tent, or enjoying the African dancers and drummers in the centre of the restaurant - you are literally spoilt for choice. You soon forget where you are, and feel as though you're in the middle of an amazing African celebration.  My African experience - 9/10  http://www.moyo.co.za

CANTINA TEQUILA
Bellville, Western Cape

There's nothing South African about this restaurant, except of course the staff. From the decor, to the drinks, to the food - every part of this place screams 'Mexico'.  Their menu covers all kinds of Mexican classics including; Quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, wraps, and my favourite - chilli poppers.  The drinks menu won't disappoint either and include a range of flavoured tequila's, including my favourite - chocolate cake tequila.  The only downside is there seems to be only one branch in the country. My Mexican experience - 8/10. http://www.cantinatequila.co.za

THAI SABAI

Somerset West, Western Cape

There's something magical about Thai Sabai. The skin clinic / day spa is Thai owned and massages are done by experienced Thai masseuses.  You can't help but feel as though you've been transported to a tropical Thai island. From the lush gardens and the tranquil waterfall outside, to the Thai inspired teas and light lunches, to the soothing music in the background, and the rich Asian decor, every effort has been made to ensure that you're completely relaxed and feel like a brand new person by the time you leave.  They offer everything from 30 minutes massages to half day treatments. My Thai experience - 10/10.  http://www.thaisabai.co.za

My Top 10 Peeves at Work

• Pouring a nice cup of coffee, only to discover that there's no milk
• Someone talking loudly into their cell phone while you're busy with recons
• Forgetting that you're in an open plan office and talking loudly to a client who's hard at hearing
• Just about to have a bite to eat and an unexpected client arrives to query their account
• That awkward moment when you realise the chat you've just sent your significant other has gone to your colleague/boss
• Accidently sending a not so nice e-mail about a client, directly to them 
• Stationery that magically disappears from your desk
• Being called "dear", "lovie", "sweetie" or  "girly" by a client
• Office politics 
• The computer/printer/fax suddenly freezing when you've got a deadline

An Ode to Muffin

Dear Muffin ("Muffy"),

You came into my life just after my 10th birthday. You were so cute with your little pink and white paws.

I remember hearing you and your brother, Tigger prancing up and down the passage in the middle of the night, and I remember you both sleeping in the crook of my neck when you were so tiny.

I remember early days of you climbing to the top of the tree, thinking you were so brave and then meouwing until someone climbed up to get you down.

You hated driving in the car, and trips to the vet became interesting kareoke sessions.

You helped me get through a lot during my teen years, and I can still clearly remember coming home one day from school and crying because some stupid little boy had called me a name. Nothing anyone said could cheer me up. I took you hostage, locking us in my room and spending the next few hours going through the motions of crying, screaming and finally calming down. You were my saving grace that day, and many other days during that roller coaster period in my life.

I never looked at you as just a cat. I called you my 'furry friend', because you were just that.

Luckily for us, you weren't much of a hunter. You caught one or two birds and a couple of lizards and that was that. What fun it was putting on my slippers barefoot one morning, only to feel something cold and slithery running on my foot! In your last years, you made friends with the birds outside and they could come right up to you and say hello, and you wouldn't even bat an eye.

There was great fun introducing you and Tigger to the dogs, and after many, many years - the idea of them chasing you outside became almost laughable. You owned the house, and they knew it.

I'm so sorry that I wasn't standing with you when the time came to say goodbye. It's something I promised I would do from the time you arrived and it's not something I can easily move past yet. But, I'm glad you had Mom and Matt with you, and that you were able to still recognise me the last few times I came to visit.

We had a very special bond, you and me. No one can ever replace you. You were one of a kind, my 'furry friend',  and you will be greatly missed by us all.

Love you always,
Mel

xxx

Changing the Monarchy

Anyone who knows us, knows that our two cats are like our babies and that they have been spoilt rotten.

By spoilt rotten I mean that they literally run the show at our house - and they know it. They often get given the best spots (sun, blanket, etc) in the house "just because", sometimes I don't even shout at them for making an "oopsie" somewhere because it's easier to just clean it up - which is very wrong, I know, (this however doesn't include the time they caught a bird, and that's a whole other story).
Our decision on where we want to move or when to go on holiday pretty much revolves around them.

For five years, we've been living in townhouses that have enclosed gardens. Great for us = braais, etc, and great for them because they are two cats who don't venture outside much (seek out other cats, jump over walls, etc). Problem. Now we've made the decision to rent something smaller from the end of the year to try and save a bit of money.  We're looking at smaller townhouses, and if it comes to that - moving back into a flat (preferably ground floor). So far, we're coming up with a lot of "no pets allowed" places (although, a friend of ours has said that it's usually not related to cats but more likely to dogs).

My problem with moving back into a flat is this. Our cats have been spoilt with living in a townhouse for the last 5 years, really having the property to themselves. A few times over the years the younger one has ventured next door to check out the company, etc but has always returned. The older one has had her days of venturing and luckily just prefers to be at home.

If we were to move into a block of flats that has a long garden that isn't enclosed, what are these cats going to do? Will they know where to come back to? They are both spayed, so I'm not worried about that - but they've been so protected, they're not the type of cats to get into fights and I'm a bit worried.

Am I being over-protective? Any advise from cat owners at this point will be very welcome and much appreciated!

Finding the right Church

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen the inside of a church recently, apart from going to a wedding and a funeral over the last few years. I've been to Sunday School and Youth on the odd occasion, but actually sat through a complete service, well - it's been roughly 15 - 20 years. The last time I went to church was when my Grandparents took my brother and I to church on Christmas morning.

I'm not against going to church, and have often been asked why I don't go. I think it probably has a lot to do with the way we were brought up, my Mom and Dad are of different faiths and for that reason we just never really went to church. I guess I just didn't think it was important at the time.

Right now, this is something I feel I really need (and want) in my life and it's as good a time as any to do something about it. Friends of ours moved into the area and have also wanted to join a church closer to where they are now staying. I convinced Geoff that now would be the perfect time to visit a few churches in the area and decide on one that we liked the best.

This morning we visited our first church in the area -  The Bay Family Christian Church in Somerset West.

What I liked about this church was the friendly and excited way we were greeted as we walked in. We were ushered to our seats and the whole atmosphere was one of celebration. The music was uplifting and the first few songs really got everyone in a praising and celebrating mood.  I also liked the fact that there seemed to be a large mix of people from all walks of life, the dress code wasn't formal - but it wasn't slops and shorts either.  The church is so big that there is a projector on one side of the wall with words to the scriptures that were currently being read. This made it easier to follow as we didn't bring our bibles with us.

Unfortunately, that's about as far as the good things go. The service was just under 2 hours, which was to be expected. Please don't take this the wrong way, I realise that you're there to praise God and it's so little time out of your week, but for me personally, an hour and a half is more than enough. After that, I found it hard to concentrate on what was being said. Half way during the service, two sets of pre-printed envelopes were handed out to everyone to make a donation, and baskets were passed around soon after to collect them. I don't carry cash on me at all, and I felt embarrassed (more like mortified) that I had no money to give.  After leaving the church I felt quite disappointed. In my opinion, shouldn't you want to give a donation freely out of the goodness of your heart, as opposed to being expected to put something in a pre-printed envelope?!

The whole experience was interesting, and I got out of that service what I needed to, but unfortunately this is one church that I really won't be attending again - specifically for the last reason above. But that's just me, each to his own.

I sincerely hope that this isn't the norm with the next few we see. Remaining positive...

Top 10 things to do on a Sunday

Sunday is my favourite day of the week.  It's the day directly after Saturday, also known as "chore day" for those of us working full day during the week - normally filled with grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning house and other odds and ends that there just isn't time for during the week. Not much of a weekend day, and that's what makes Sunday so completely indulgent ;)

There are many, but here are my Top 10 favourite things to do on a Sunday:

1. Sitting outside in the sun and reading a really good book
2. Vegging out on the couch with a few DVD's or catching up on series
3. Making or going out for a delicious Sunday morning brunch
4. Taking a Sunday afternoon drive somewhere new 
5. Relaxing and catching up with family or friends
6. Sunday afternoon braai or potjie
7. Baking muffins
8. Painting
9. Having a picnic somewhere in nature
10. On the very odd occasion, sleeping in late

Do you have similar Sunday "indulgences"? What are your favourite things to do on a Sunday?

Virgin Active - Back to Basics

After three years, I'm finally back at Virgin Active. Very strange to be a member of a mixed club again, before joining VA,  I was part of Zone Fitness for Women in Tygervalley (and then we moved...), and Curves - also for women in Stellenbosch (who decided to move..)



Being back at a large gym definently has it's advantages (and it's disadvantages...)

         Advantages:

• I can keep a proper record of my weight, body fat % and blood pressure
• There are more than five treadmills available
• They offer a large variety of group exercise classes, including hip hop, funk dance & zumba
• There's a steam room and a pool (not that I'll be doing any swimming...)
• Kauai!

          Disadvantages:

• It's noisy during peak times and hard to listen to music you've brought - even at full volume
• Lot's of sweaty people :/
• Getting used to the few who are only there for the sake of ogling the other sex

All in all, I'm really happy to be back and excited to get back into shape for summer and bikini ready! Three months and counting..

Insomnia

The last time I had really bad insomnia was when I was in Matric and busy writing exams. Since then, I've slept like a baby every night...every night until last night. I don't know what it was,  but my brain refused to let me go to sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about things, it was like there was a movie playing in my head that just wouldn't turn off! I tried all the usual remedies - counting sheep, I got up and made myself a cup of milo, I read a few pages from my book....but nothing seemed to help. 3am was the last time I looked at the clock and I'm not sure what time I eventually got to sleep.

I found a few useful sites on insomnia, trust good old google to have all the answers - let's hope a few of these help tonight or when next insomnia decides to strike.

       Well Known Remedies for Insomnia

• Eat a bedtime snack
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
• Sleep in a well-ventilated room
• Get some physical excercise during the day
• If you can't sleep, get up
• Avoid illuminated bedside clocks
• Get up earlier
• Drink herbal tea / warm milk
• Take a warm bath / have a massage
• Avoid stimulating activity or stressful situations before bed
• Practice deep breathing
• Yoga and meditation
• And of course counting sheep or other animals helps for some!

And for interests sake, a few common causes of Insomnia...

• Are you under a lot of stress?
• Are you depressed? Do you feel emotionally flat or hopeless?
• Do you struggle with chronic feelings of anxiety or worry?
• Have you recently gone through a traumatic experience?
• Are you taking any medications that might be affecting your sleep?
• Do you have any health problems that may be interfering with sleep?
• Is your sleep environment quiet and comfortable?
• Do you try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day?

Poetry

This post has been deleted by the author

The Average Woman's Skin Care & Makeup List

It's a very sad day when you realise that it's finally time to start buying those anti wrinkle eye and facial creams you see advertised on TV, the type you don't think you'll need for a good 10 more years or so.  I may skimp on other things, but I am paranoid about getting old and so this weekend I decided it was time to try one of the (expensive) make up houses at Edgars and see what they'd recommend. (I've previously just bought skincare products from clicks and makeup from Maybelline.)

I found myself at Clinque and spent a small fortune on facial products. Granted, I have an Edgars card which I shouldn't be using and I'm sure there are cheaper products out there, but I was always told to spend more on your face - it will help you in the long run.
After walking out happy with my purchases, but very much over the credit limit I set myself, I couldn't help but wonder just how much does the average woman spend on skincare and beauty products each month?


Give or take a few items, I think this is about what the average woman spends each month on skincare and beauty products, and it's a lot!

      Facial Products

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Moisteriser
• Facial Wash
• Exfoliating Facial Scrub
• Facial Mask
• Blemish Cream (if you are unfortunate enough to still have teenage skin once a month)
• Anti Aging Wrinkle Cream
• Eye Cream

       Hair Products:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Heat Protective Hair Spray
• Anti Frizz Hair Spray
• Hair Gel
• Hair Gloss for Straightened Hair (swop this for curly hair, relaxed hair, etc, etc....)
• Hair Mask or Hot Oil Treatments
• Hair Colour / Hairdresser Appointment

       Body Products:

• Body Lotion
• Self Tan Lotion (if you don't like lying in the sun or the sun bed - you get some nice ones from Dove & Nivea that create a gradual tan)
• Shower Gel
• Exfoliating Scrub
• Bath Oil
• Deondrant
• Body Spray
• Perfume

       Makeup (some of these luckily don't need to be bought monthly)

• Foundation
• Concealer
• Mascara
• Eye Liner
• Eyebrow Pencil
• Eyeshadow
• Lipstick
• Lipgloss/balm
• Lip Liner Pencil
• Blusher
• Bronzer
• Nailpolish

And I haven't even mentioned the false eyelashes, hair extensions or false nails....

Favourite Winter Reads

There are few things in life better than snuggling underneath the duvet on a cold, rainy weekend afternoon while enjoying a cup of coffee and being totally engrossed in a novel that's so captivating, you're unable to put it down.
I picked up a few books this week in a beautiful 2nd hand bookstore in Franschhoek, and it got me thinking back to the some of my all time favourite books.

Savages - Shirley Conran

A red-carpet junket providing luxurious relaxation for five women while their business-executive husbands attend meetings turns to chaos when a local general ignites a military coup. To escape violence and probable death, the women flee deep into the jungle, accompanied only by Jonathan, the captain of their pleasure boat.

During the long months of the rainy season, they try--and try again--to build a vessel that will carry them to safety. After enduring more perils than Pauline, fate shocks the women with the most taboo act of all, the eating of raw human flesh.

For her survival saga, Shirley Conran has drawn women whose polished talents in seduction, domesticity, and child rearing make them poor prospects for primitive living. Jonathan can teach them wilderness skills, including thirteen ways to kill a man, but he cannot teach them grit and determination. Slowly and painfully, the women build the emotional stamina to take responsibility for their survival.

Meanwhile, seventy miles away in civilization, hardly anyone believes that the women could still be alive. Only one man pieces together enough fragments of evidence to believe that neither sharks nor cannibals consumed the five women. His suspenseful quest vividly emphasizes the plight of the survivors camouflaged by the jungle’s dense canopy. Conran, the author of LACE and LACE II, turns from the romance genre to tales of shipwrecks and castaways. In the tradition of ALIVE, Piers Paul Read’s account of an airplane crash in the Andes, SAVAGES sets a group of virtual strangers in a place of appalling harshness and depicts the inevitable disintegration of civilities and decorum. As depression and enervation take hold, options shrink and choices are starkly measured against a life-or-death standard.

Rage of Angles - Sidney Sheldon

Jennifer is an Assistant District Attorney for the State of New York, New York County. A beautiful, inexperienced, criminal defense attorney, she foils a plot by Michael Moretti, the rising star of one of the most powerful organized crime families in America. Manhattan District Attorney Robert Di Silva, believing that Jennifer is truly responsible, fires her and vows to destroy her for her part in the fiasco with Michael Moretti.

Di Silva arranges for the young lawyer Adam Warner to meet Parker in an attempt to persuade him that she is truly responsible for the bribe. Upon meeting her Adam falls for Jennifer and realizes that she isn't guilty at all. With Adam's help Jennifer begins to rise again, meanwhile Moretti, inspired by her determination to succeed, decides he would like to induct her as the Family consigliere (a mafia lawyer).

Adam Warner, despite being married and groomed for the United States Senate, and with the possibility of a White House destination, can not help falling in love with Jennifer. When Adam tells Jennifer that his wife has asked for a divorce, Jennifer meets with Warner's wife, Mary Beth. Being so close to the Senate election, the two women decide it's best for Adam to wait until after the election. Mary Beth however sleeps with Adam one last time, in the process tricking him into impregnating her. Adam learns that his wife is pregnant, wins the election, and tells Jennifer that he truly loves her but they must end their affair. Jennifer having previously discovered that she too is pregnant and not wanting to hurt Adam, accepts, but doesn't reveal to him that she is carrying his child.

Jennifer gives birth to her son and names him Joshua Adam Parker. She keeps the birth a secret, allowing only Ken Bailey, her assistant, to become aware of her son. She then returns to her practice and soon makes headlines as a successful lawyer. Meanwhile, Michael constantly tries to spark friendship with Jennifer, which she rebuffs at every attempt, reminding him of his earlier tricks. Nevertheless, when her son is kidnapped by a criminal Jennifer is defending, she, in desperation, turns to Michael Moretti for help. After helping her, he seduces her and Jennifer becomes the Family consigliere.

I'll Take Manhattan - Judith Krantz

At twenty-nine, Maxime (Maxi) Amberville is an extremely rich, extremely spoiled young woman. Married and divorced three times and the mother of a precocious eleven-year-old daughter, Maxi believes in self-indulgence. She is passionate, impulsive, and thoroughly likable.

Her comfortable world is shaken to its foundation when she learns that her mother has turned control of the family’s magazine-publishing empire over to her new husband, Maxi’s own uncle, Cutter. Always envious of his brother’s success, Cutter plots to dismantle his brother’s company bit by bit. One of his first moves is to stop publication of four magazines, one of which is the failing trade weekly that was Maxi’s father’s first venture.

Horrified at Cutter’s actions, Maxi enlists the aid of her brothers and friends to save the magazine. As she transforms it into the brightest new publication on the national scene, she learns a great deal about publishing, hard work, and personal relationships. With a definite goal in her life, she finally grows up. Her achievements are sweetened when her mother discovers the full extent of Cutter’s scheming and rejects him and his attempts to destroy the Amberville empire.

Love of Dance

Ballet, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Ballroom, Modern, Jazz, Funk, Tap, Belly, Tango, Rumba, Street, Break, Swing, Line, Samba, Jive, Contra and Bollywood - these are just a few of the many types of styles that fall under the term 'dance'.

Dancing is a creative form of self expression. Whether it's graceful ballet, a passionate Rumba dance, sexy Salsa steps or slick hip-hop moves, every form of dancing has a unique style and very often a story behind it. To dance isn't to simply tap your feet and nod your head to the beat of music playing in the background. Dancing is about surrendering yourself to the music, forgetting about where you are,  and forgetting who you are. It's almost as though you're putting on another persona and escaping into another time and place altogether.

I love dancing, it's in my blood and I can't imagine living without it. I've been dancing since I was five years old when I was introduced to the world of ballet. Watching Black Swan brought back so many memories of that time. The world of ballet is not all as pretty and graceful as it looks. It's tough, and it takes serious commitment, determination and a thick skin to get to the top. Eight years of hair gel, leotards, pirouettes and concerts and I decided it was time for a change. I was sadly no where near dedicated enough, and I got bored of the classical music - I wanted something more.  Modern dancing provided that. The music had a beat to it and the steps were a little more energetic and fun. Still, I wanted a form of dancing that really made me sweat - the type I'd seen in dance movies. Some of the girls in the class I was in made things extremely unpleasant and all too clear at the same time.  At that stage in my life dancing become tedious and I dreaded going to class. I stopped dancing for a few years until I began to miss it so much that I literally ached when I watched dance movies. Finally, I discovered hip-hop dancing. Out of all the dancing I've done, this one is the most expressive. I loved the class for the simple reason that it worked up a sweat. It was energetic and fun, and we had an amazing instructor. It also brought out another side of me.

In dancing, there's no place for being shy on the dance floor - you're forced to bring out your alter ego. It can be a darker alter ego, like the one Natalie Portman portrays in Black Swan, it can be a sexy alter ego - like the main character in Centre Stage, or it can simply be your own alter ego that's been hidden and is looking for a place to express itself.

The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie. - Agnes de Mille

Ten years ago today...

 Today, 10 years ago Geoff and I went on our very first date.

I'll never forget that day and I can still remember exactly what I wore. It must have been a cool Autumn evening because I decided on wearing a long black skirt, boots, a long sleeved grey and black top, and a grey jersey. I didn't have my licence and wasn't driving yet, so my Mom dropped me off at Tygervalley - we thought it would be better to meet there. I clearly remember the conversation that went on during the drive there, a lecture about how this was just not the way to do it and that I'd better introduce this guy to them, and fast.  I remember being really annoyed, but it did get rid of a few nerves at the same time!

I met Geoff under the stairs at Spur and we decided to watch Miss Congeniality. It wasn't until after the movie came out on DVD that I actually paid attention and followed the storyline! I was so nervous sitting next to him in the cinema and I wasn't paying any attention to what was happening on the screen in front of us.  I kept putting my hand on the movie chair's armrest in the hope that he would take it. Just as I was about to give up, it happened - he grabbed my hand and held it in his, and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

After the movie, we went to a coffee shop and had cokes and chips. Talking wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, and we were really just starting to get comfortable with each other when I happened to look over his shoulder. Wouldn't you know it but there casually walking around and having a good old look at the two of us, was my family. I was mortified. Luckily, they had the good sense to keep walking and not come over to say hello!

The evening ended off with a somewhat awkward hug at the mall entrance. There was definitely no way that our first kiss was going to be in front of my family, let alone a bunch of strangers!

I can't believe that we've been together for 10 years already, it really feels like only yesterday that we went on this date, not knowing a thing about each other. Little did we know that six years later we'd be married, and 10 years later we'd be looking back at this very day.

My latest obsession: Food Network Channel

Ever since we signed on to DSTV earlier this year, I've been slightly hooked on watching the Food Network Channel. There's an endless variety of shows to suit anyone on this channel, and in order to make myself feel better about watching them, I remind myself that they are both entertaining AND educational! Perfect couch-blobbing-TV-viewing for those cold and rainy winter days coming up.

You've got your step-by-step cooking shows with entertaining cooking hosts that include: Barefoot Contessa, 10 Dollar Dinners, Paula's Best Dishes, Guy's Big Bite and Boy Meets Grill.  Then, for something a little out of the ordinary there's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and this will leave you wishing you lived in the States without a care in the world for your wasteline! Every time I watch this show,  I can't help but want to eat a huge greasy burger and fries covered in cheese sauce! The show Unwrapped uncovers a world behind mass produced products and gives an interesting behind the scenes look at how candy and other American favourites are made right from the factory until the point where they arrive on the shelves of hundreds of retail outlets. My favourite shows though are the cooking competition shows, and they include: Top Chef, Chopped, Food Network Channel Challenge and Ultimate Recipe Throwdown. These shows, though highly entertaining, don't come close in comparison to an all time favourite and classic that unfortunately is no longer on air,  Ready, Steady, Cook - hosted by the legendary chef, Ainsley Harriot.

For those of us who don't have a decent recipe cookbook in the kitchen, this channel provides a convenient and entertaining alternative.

This week I made North African Meatballs with Cous Cous, a recipe I'd seen recently on Melissa D'Arabian's show (Ten Dollar Dinners).  The combination of a few key ingredients in this recipe really give it that exotic flavour and include: lemon zest, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, olives, dates and white wine. I was  surprised at the flavours that came out of this meal and I could literally picture myself sitting somewhere in Morocco, eating this spicy and delicious meal!

It's the perfect comfort food for one of those cold, wintery nights coming up. Here's the recipe, enjoy!

North African Meatballs & Cous Cous

Money, money, money!!!

What was meant to be an hour trip to the mall this morning, turned into 3 hours. I am a little edgy having just wasted my entire Sunday morning and then only coming home with groceries. Not jewellery, not clothes, not makeup. Just groceries...quite depressing really.

What's really grating me at the moment, is the fact that I was drawn out of a crowd while on a mission to get done as quickly as possible, to a hair salon in the middle of the aisle. Now normally I do my best to look in the exact opposite direction so that no sales person is able to call me, and if they do I just pretend I don't hear them. This is not because I'm trying to be rude, but because I've bought so many things in the past that I don't need and often find it hard to say no. I'm not sure what made me stop today, maybe the fact that I was feeling a bit under the weather, and thought it would be nice to get a free hair touch up and look at what was to offer. I think I was there for about 25 minutes, and at the end I was completely sold on the idea of this amazing ceramic flat iron and curler. The one I have at the moment is a cheap safeway which does it's job, while damaging my hair...but what can I do? These things cost about R2 000. After much bantering and bargaining, I was offered a 50% discount on one of the products I really wanted. In the old days, I wouldn't have battered an eyelid, but not today. I just don't have that kind of cash to fork out. And so I apologised profusely, and said that I would definently keep them in mind and work out a savings plan so that I could come and buy one in a few months. I wasn't just saying this, I really want that flat iron! This, however as you can imagine was not what the salesman wanted to hear. He just couldn't understand how I didn't have the money. The thing that's got my blood boiling right now is the fact that he said the following words, "even the college students from Stellenbosch University can afford it, why can't you?". I was as polite as I could possibly be, and told him that unfortunately my parents do not pay for my rent, books, car payments, petrol, clothes or groceries for the month. Otherwise, I would have been more than happy to have bought this product straight up, and in cash!

This was a tiny incident this morning that really shouldn't have bothered me as much but it did.  I'm not at all materialistic, but I think after our fridge breaking, the vacuum cleaner packing up, my car's shoddy glaze peeling off, tyres that need to be replaced, etc, etc...I'm feeling it. I walked past so many things today that normally I wouldn't have hesitated putting on my Foschini or Edgars account, but I couldn't. There's just no money for it. We were supposed to go away next month to celebrate our wedding anniversary - we haven't had a proper holiday since our honeymoon 4 years ago, but we had to cancel it. Some of my friends can't understand why I don't have R1000 to save every month or left over, and my parents sometimes don't understand why I can't visit them as much as I used to since we've moved (a good hour's drive away). With a new medical aid this month (something that's unfortunately not optional these days),  the price of food, rent, gym contracts that can't be cancelled and emergencies (like fixing the car), there really is little left over at the end of the month. How people afford weekends away every few months, I just don't know.

Favourite 80's & 90's Cartoons

Yesterday at work the conversation turned towards TV shows from the 80's and early 90's that we used to watch as kids. It brought back so many amazing memories of a time when life was so simple, and filled with loads of  fun and absolutely no responsibilities.

Looking back, here are my top favourites:

• Winnie the Pooh
• Inspector Gadget
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Smurfs
• Gummi Bears
• Bionic Six
• Care Bears
• Ewoks
• Captain Planet
• Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers
• Ducktales
• Jem and The Holograms
• Goof Troop
• Talespin
• Darkwing Duck
• Pound Puppies
• Berenstein Bears
• Widget the World Watcher
• Flying House
• Saber Rider and the Star Sherrifs
• Casper The Friendly Ghost

Typing and looking at this list, I am definitely feeling a little nostalgic right now :)

What cartoon shows bring back great memories for you?

That dreaded five letter word: S T R E S S

Stress is not a nice word. In fact, when I hear of people talking about how stressed out they are at work or at home, it irritates me. I think to myself, why don't you stop moaning and go do some excersise, take a long bubble bath or zone out and watch your favourite movie? Maybe it's easier to sit back and judge, and I guess I've been lucky that in the last 3 years I haven't had to deal with stress to such an extreme that it's made me physically ill. Until last week Thursday that is..


Before going into what happened on Thursday, I want to explain what happens when I get extremely stressed out. Every single person deals with stress differently, some cry, some scream and shout at those around them, and some just shut down completely. I get physically ill. The last time I was so stressed out, I was booked off by the doctor for something called Vertigo. (Vertigo is a type of dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is stationary. The symptoms are due to a dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting as well as difficulties standing or walking.) Having Vertigo is definently not pleasant. You wake up with the room spinning, your body is drained of energy, every little move of your head makes the room spin and you feel nauseous to the point of being sick. I was booked off for two weeks, and couldn't do much of anything. I wasn't allowed to drive a car or do any excersise. I could barely concentrate for long periods of time - which meant that I couldn't really watch anything on TV or even read a book. Not nice at all.


This past week has been a nightmare. Things at work are quite stressful. My colleague was off sick from Monday and I ended up doing 3 people's jobs. It may not sound stressful, but it's not simply doing someone elses paperwork. It was madness, to the point where I was getting in at 6.45am and working straight through the day without a break and barely eating. It's difficult when you take such pride in your work and put so much pressure on the level of work that you do, and wanting to please clients and staff alike. Wednesday night when I got home, I completely broke down. I was stressed to the point of being sick and feeling slightly hysterical. That's when I knew that that was it. I didn't want to be in a situation where I'm booked off for two weeks and can't do anything because of stress. Luckily, I've learnt how to listen to my body a lot better since then.  No one is going to pat me on the back and say, "shame, you're doing too much - relax". And yes, taking off two days sick leave probably wasn't a good idea with my colleague being off for the week and very bad timing, but at the same time I had to think of my health first.

I'm feeling a lot better now, having had those two days off to try and get my body back to normal. Going to work and doing a job to the best of your ability is important. But, if you get to the point where you are eating, breathing and sleeping your job then there's a problem and it needs to be addressed asap. I'm unfortunately not a robot, I'm only human and sometimes, actions speak a lot louder than words and you need to be selfish and determined to put yourself first.

No one is going to stand at your grave one day and go on about how hard you worked at your job.

Animal Love - What's wrong with 'right now'?

While paying bills this morning, I suddenly remembered that I'd put something on my New Years resolutions list to start doing this year.
I wanted to start making a small donation to an animal organization each month. I've been putting this off for months and months now, and though my intentions are good, when it comes to the end of the month, there always seems to be another excuse for not having the money. Either there's something urgent that must be bought, or something needs to get fixed, or it's just being spent on going out. This morning I decided this just isn't good enough anymore, enough is enough.

If I can afford to go out for coffee with a friend in the middle of the month, or get take aways for supper on the odd occasion when I don't feel like cooking - I can surely afford to spend the same amount on a worthy cause at the beginning of the month, right? Right. It's not so hard once you stop making excuses, every little bit helps - even if it's only R50 a month, it's something and it's for a good cause.

Here are the two animal organizations I've chosen this month to support.
I wish I could support them all. Maybe one day if I win the lottery. For now, it's going to have to be two a month.

Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre
http://www.wetnose.org.za

PETS - Pet Empowerment in the Townships
http://www.pets.org.za/home


P.S Couldn't resist putting these on...enjoy! :)

Somerset West : Settling into the 'Burbs'

 

Almost 2 months in our new home in the 'burb's - Somerset West, and I can safely say that it's finally starting to feel like home.


Somerset West is a great little town, surrounded by mountains and referred to some as the preferred retirement choice.  It's definently not a sleepy town though, with night markets, a shopping mall and countless restaurants and coffee shops to choose from.

The move from Tygervalley to Somerset West was the biggest and most stressful move we've ever made. Not only because we had 4 years worth of stuff to sort through, but because at the time Somerset West just felt like it was on the other side of the world. We've come to realise that it's only on the other side of the mountain, and 30 minutes drive if you take the R300 and N2.  We had an excellent furniture removal company which did an amazing job and I'd quickly recommend Cape Express Movers to anyone moving house.

 Here are a few pics of the move and of our new place :)

Moving is an extremely messy job!

The cats trying to figure out what's going on with all the boxes

The new lounge/dining room

 The lounge area (a bit smaller but nice and cosy)

 The kitchen

 Geoff's room! No more dragons in the lounge :-)

Our house is so cute, and the complex we stay in is really beautiful, surrounded by gardens, streams, ponds and ducks. Very tranquil and calm. A few minutes walk to the shop and a nice area to go jogging in. The mall is quite different to that of Tygervalley though. I can't say that it's my favourite place to go, and probably why my Edgars and Foschini accounts have come down (yay!). There isn't nightlife here to speak of in terms of something like Edward Street, but it has it's other perks. Strand beach is closer to us than Bloubergstrand was, and Stellenbosch has ample clubs and pubs to choose from if you feel like a night on the town but don't feel like driving all the way to Cape Town.


So far, I'm impressed with this place, and especially the short time it takes to get to work! I'm looking forward to seeing what else this "quiet" little town has to offer in the following weeks and months to come :)

2011: NYR - Blank canvas

I always find that the best part about starting a new year, is writing down a list of New Year's Resolutions. Looking back at last year, I can't believe how much happened and how much changed. 
2011 is like a blank canvas that's just waiting to have some paint thrown all over it...




          Looking back at 2010....

• Jan -Fresh start and positive outlook on home business
• Feb - Geoff's company was retrenching, starting looking for a 1/2 day job
• March - Took a position as Au Pair in the afternoons
• April - Weighed the most in my whole life and decided it was time for drastic measures!
• May - Helped out at a Catering company in the mornings
• June - Had lost 2.5kg
• July - Started debating as to whether to continue with my home business
• Aug - Decided to let go of my home business
• Sept - Closed Chisani Creations
•           Lost another 2.5kg
• Oct - Offered a position in Stellenbosch and resigned as Au Pair
• Nov - Started full day work again
• Dec - Moved to Somerset West
•          1kg Away from goal weight

        Looking forward to 2011....

• Reach my goal weight and be physically fit
• Take up jogging
• Stop (really try) taking (most of) life so seriously
• Start putting savings into a new account each month
• Support one animal organization each month
• Make more of an effort to stay in touch / see friends
• Go on holiday for longer than a weekend
• Learn basic Italian
• Do a short course
• Be more patient
• Start and finish writing a book (very ambitious, but then again so was starting a business)
• Set up home office & outside braai area
• Start painting my toenails blue again :P