So I woke up this morning....

…with a feeling of excitement, confidence almost an assurance if you will, that I know something amazing will happen in my life. Haven’t had that feeling in a long time, so for now I am going to go with it and watch out for opportunities coming my way. This feeling could not have come at a better time, the past few weeks have been rough to say the least. So this positive injection is a godsend! I have a few great things to look forward to…I’ll begin my move into my flat next week, I have a blank canvas to furnish, that’s been a fun project I have been working on, I’m also hoping to convince my mom to host Christmas at mine. I have a wonderful summer to look forward to in Cape Town, with the beaches, picnics, outdoor concerts, wine farms and events happening, I will be spoiled for choice. Even though I’m not seeing anyone right now, I’m in a good space and will enjoy all I’ve achieved for myself, because I know, the best is yet to come, so my affirmation to myself right now is – I am destined for great things! Might sound cheesy, but it’s completely true. Even in your darkest times, don’t give up, keep the faith and remember everything happens for a reason J

Peace and love x

Rambling of the day..

So while at work, in our Johannesburg office the other day….there I am typing away in response to an email when a car pulls up - we have a view of the parking area - and out comes a guy who walks around to the passenger side and kindly opens the door, out steps a very well put together women with an extremely satisfying yet unassuming look on her face. She waits, he closes the door, looks at her for what feels like a minute, but a mere 3 seconds and kisses her, they hug and off she goes into some other office close to mine. There I was, at that moment I realise I was the only one to witness this modern day chivalry, alone, in complete bewilderment.

As sad as it is to admit, I don’t think I have ever seen that in real life, besides in suggestive romantic comedies! Oh how I wish that was me. I’d like to think of myself as a bit of a feminist, but I’m also a huge fan of old school romance, good old simple romance goes a loooong way with me, and sometimes I think that is what this world is lacking. And it works both ways, my heart just gushed witnessing their special little moment, reminded me again, how simple it is to show one another appreciation and love, it is not always necessary for big gestures, but ultimately, it IS the small things that count, simple manners, being courteous, respectful and appreciative. Hope to find this in my Prince Charming one day J

Peace and love x

Rambling of the day...

So today I received great news, news I’ve been waiting to hear for a long time and been dreaming about ever since I finished school…that moment when you can finally have your own place. Yes, I am now officially moving out on my own. I have always lived with family, friends or boyfriend, this time, it’s just me. Might take some getting used you, but I am looking forward to having my own space, decorating my flat the way I love. I am finally the independent woman I wanted to be, I have a job I enjoy, my own car, pay my own bills and now my own place to call home, although I’m renting, my next step is to buy, I will get there eventually too. Right now, I will ask forgiveness in advance for all the home décor posts in advance, as I LOVE interior décor and cannot wait to style out my new home, yay!

Things I'm loving right now...

©       Santa Claus is coming to Town….can’t help but get a little excited seeing the Christmas decorations creeping up

©       I’ve become a Swifty! Obsessed with her style, music and everything else she does…won’t stop shaking it off anytime soon, see what the fuss is about http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM

©       Its Summer and in Cape Town and so bring fourth strawberry season. I went strawberry picking at Polkadraai strawberry farm in Stellenbosch a few weekends ago, haven’t stop eating strawberries since

©       Another guilty pleasure right now, Suits. The lines are so witty, and you can’t help but love to hate Lewis Lit, his hilarious!

©       I’m loving the effect of this Moroccan shampoo and conditioner I’ve been using, my hair is definitely feeling healthier and loved, why did it take me so long to jump on that band wagon??

Today I'm grateful for...

                                           

                                           

Friendship...spent a lot of this month having lots of fun, laughs, chats and creating memories. I'm really grateful for friendships, having the confidence of knowing you can confide in someone who knows what you feeling and someone you can truly be yourself around. Here's to many more happy years to come! 

This weekend I....

                                    

Celebrated my birthday! I went to the mirror, mentally done a check list. No grey hair-check. No major wrinkles-check. And even though I am officially off the calendar, I was ready to turn 32...

My birthday weekend went like this...Saturday went to Maximillien for dinner at Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton, I enjoyed the exquisite food and wine, then I partied the night away at Manhattan Club. Note to self: definitely getting too old to dance for 6 hours straight! The Sunday a slightly hungover me went out for a much needed lunch at Meat and Co in Melrose Arch. Afterwards, I was off to enjoy some dessert and champagne at the very classy 54 on Bath Level Four. I was in my element enjoying their Verve Cliquot Champange bar, definitely going back for more! 

So a great time was had and that was the end of my jammed packed birthday month....ah, now I can relax and just settle into being 32...but to quote Taylor Swift...I'm feeling 22 :) 

It's my Birthday month...

                                            

                                       

Keep calm...I'm turning....

Yes it's that time again, another year older and wiser, blah blah. No matter my past, future or present, I always look forward to my birthday, it's the one day I can truly celebrate me, be selfish without feeling guilty, be proud, happy or sad of my journey thus far. And the best thing about my birthday...is eating cake, shamelessly! I still have a few weeks left to dream of my 2014 birthday cake mmmm, chocolate , vanilla, ganache...

Ramblings of the day...

                                            

This weekend I...

...watched live cricket at Supersport Park in Centurion, still not my favorite sport but it was a fun day out.

...realised just how important a simple please and thank you means to me, if you don't know the magic words, then don't speak to me.

...can't wait for Autum, bring on the cooler days, pretty colour changes of the leaves and cosy nights in.

...ate yummy lemon meringue icecream.

...painted my nails in a rouge noir colour, so Autum!

...must remember to buy myself some books next weekend. 

I'm obsessed with...

1. Game of Thrones - Wow, addictive medieval fantasy TV series, hooked from the first episode.

2. Microwave popcorn, my healthy snacking option, this one I'll never get tired of.

3. Neutrogena Pink grapefruit facial wash and scrub, the smell alone is enough to cheer up your day, yum.

4. Prada, anything Prada, its my new boyfriend :-)

5. Mini skirts, not sure why, but I'm loving wearing them lately (note to self: work on toning those pins!)

Today I'm Grateful for...

Heartbreaks...

I finally feel at a comfortable, content, almost happy place in my life, I have had an insane year. Although I may not be exactly where I want to be in my life or have the things I want, emotionally I am accepting that, and still pushing forward to achieve what I have set out for myself. I know what I want and am working towards it.

I’m almost proud of myself for coming this far and still able to smile and appreciate life, even though life has certainly been a bit unkind to me recently, but its ok. This is my life and I intend on making the most of it and enjoying it to the fullest.

I do not regret my decisions at all, it was difficult going through my divorce but it was the right thing for me and my marriage at the time. Some people might judge and that’s their opinions and thoughts, it does not matter to me what they think, for they have not been through what I have been through. Some people are too weak to actually stand up and make brave choices for themselves and so continue living a life of falsehood. I could not do that to myself and know I deserve better, and so far it has been.

Don’t get me wrong, I do not regret getting married. I loved him and we were together for 10 years before we decided to get married. We have so much history and he will always be part of me, but I am happy to be moving on, and one day I do hope to marry again.

My journey thus far has not been an easy one (for about a year now) but every day it gets better and I become stronger and wiser. With the help of my friends and family I remain positive and am happy to share my experiences with people, because no-one should go through emotional stress alone! For now and each day that comes I just say thank you God for giving me another day :-)

Peace and Love xx

Ramblings of the day...

Today I...


...feel optimistic despite being slightly under the weather
...will be going for a lovely walk somewhere in London
...want to book a doctors appointment for a routine check up
...am grateful for my faith, its the only thing keeping me positive about finding a job
...realise I drink way too much tea
...was listening to some old Nat King Cole music, so soothing for the soul
...think I am inlove with Francis Boulle from Made in Chelsea, he is so funny and not afraid to be himself
...might be naughty and get a starbucks caramel macchiato (going against doctors' orders, but what harm can one coffee do?)
....signed up to be a volunteer at the Macmillan Day in London on 28 June. If you are available and would like to take part, you can email them on Fundraising@macmillan.org.uk for more info 


Have a lovely day all xx

Ramblings of the day...

An update on the photo shoot with La Mode... 


I had a lovely time, it confirmed just how much I love being in front of the camera, having my hair done, make-up and changing into the various outfits with the help of a stylist...felt so glam. I could definitely do that everyday of my life.


The only downside was...when they gave me the most hideous hair style, they back brushed my hair, used a bottle of hairspray on it and pinned it up, something I NEVER do to myself. I felt awkward and exposed and not so glam for a few minutes. But as I was told by the stylist, when you're a model you are the product for that moment, so if they want you in a black bag you just have to suck it up and go with it....and those words scared me, I realised I am too vain for modelling..I like looking good and feeling confident most of the time.


After the photo shoot and consultation on how to proceed into the modelling world, they asked me to sign up with them at a cost of over £2000! As you know I am not working just yet, so cannot afford that on the whim I'll even get booked for jobs. That was a chance I am not willing to take. I'm 30, that's like 50 in the modelling world.. isn't it?


As I declined to sign up I did not get any of my photos, I took some cheeky shots whilst changing between outfits. At least I spent 7 hours in studio doing a proper shoot and my height,weight and measurements are all in proportion. I feel like a supermodel in MY own world :-)

 Above is the hair style I did not like, below is more me, although they darkened my eyebrows too much..

Ramblings of the day...

Quick update: I have won a photo shoot  with La Mode Agency! I'm so excited, I love photo shoots :-)

I am not a model and don't really aspire to be one, I just love being in from of the camera all dressed up and looking glam, no pressures of being an actual model. 

So my shoot is tomorrow in London, will keep you guys updated and might post a photo or two, depends how they look. 

For more information about La Mode, check out their website www.lamodelondon.com

Today I'm grateful for...

My Faith in God. I think it is fair to say I had a rough couple of months if not year; I experienced ALOT of changes, some good and some… not so good. I had to make some painful decisions, went through surgery and moved country to start my life over, to name a few.

During my trials, times of uncertainty even my tribulations, I always have God to turn to. I am not a perfect Christian but I am so grateful for everything he has done for me, given me the answers I needed when making difficult decisions, strength to face each day, I am becoming wiser and learning to trust Him.

So I thank God for allowing me to experience all the good and all the bad in my life, those experiences are part of me, they do not define me. It is easy to quit, it takes faith to go through.

Always have faith... "And He told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart – Luke 18:1"

Things I'm loving right now...

1.

2.

3.

 4.

5.

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7.

All things Vintage! As part of Vintage Mondays...here's a few easy ideas to add some vintage to your life...
1.  I love the idea of recycling, so why not turn and old storage box into a cute table or stand
2. Have a good rummage through your Grandmothers wardrobe, who knows what you'll find, you can always customise it to your taste
3. Again, love this idea! Reusing the head of an old rake has a neat way of displaying your vintage necklaces
4. Vintage looking shoes, will never go out of style
5. Loving this modern day vintage look, the bows give it that cute factor
6. I remember my Grandmother having one of these old telephones
7. This 50's style dress suits any body shape, a classic

Things I'm loving right now...

1. Michael Korrs

2. Michael Korrs

2. Dolce & Gabbana

3. Dolce & Gabbana

4.  Dolce & Gabbana

Spotted: These lovely designer shoes, and more, at...TK Maxx today! Price ranging from £60 to about £140, so affordable. I'm not a huge TK Maxx fan, but I was pleasantly surprised to find these lovely shoes today, I will definitely be going in there more often and will be reporting back to you guys...till my next fabulous fashion find xx

My Bucket List...

1. Have a family of my own and create a crazy, beautiful, happy home

2. Visit New York City

3. Take lots of photographs of memorable moments of my life

4. Going skiing or attempt snow boarding

5. Own a Louis Vuitton bag or vintage Chanel

6. Get a seahorse tattoo, or less painfully own a live seahorse as a pet :-)

7. Try my hand at sewing and creating my own cute dresses I love so much!

Things I'm loving right now...

1. Absolutely drawn to the characters, lifestyle and fashion in the reality tv series, Made in Chelsea.

2. Loving Dove Hair products right now and my hair is loving me for it too.

3. I can never get enough of vintage jewellery, always a winner!

4. My hot water bottle never leaves my side since I've been back in London.

5. Wearing bright nail varnish cheers me up during the last dull dreary days of winter, Coral by Max Factor is my favourite.

Ramblings of the day...

The past 5 months...

Wow! Not sure where to start, so much has happened, its fitting to say the theme of my life is CHANGE.

Both good and bad change has occurred in the past 5 months...the biggest was getting divorced. 

I moved to Cape Town for a few months, during this time, I done alot of soul searching, partying, crying, laughing, catching up with good friends and just appreciating what I have in my life.

I also became an aunt to my niece, beautiful little Ella, I turned 30 and have now moved back to London. 

And this is where the next chapter in my life story will begin....so, I look forward to posting more regularly from London, till then..

'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!'

Peace and Love xx

Ramblings of the day...

The last 3 months...

Has been busy, crazy, scary, awesome and beautiful..


The hubby and I went to Zimbabwe for our anniversary. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! 
I had surgery to remove a lump in my breast, all is 100% well with me :-)
I found a job, been working for a month and have the greatest colleagues ever
Im learning to drive..
We bought a second home and will be moving in shortly, yay!
The year is almost over...what a great year 2011 has been 
I have come so far and there's still a loooong way to go :-)


Peace and Love xx