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!

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 :) 

This weekend I ....

Spent my long weekend in the North West Province of South Africa. On Friday I explored the Pilanesberg Nature and Game Reserve, what a beautiful, peaceful place. We went through the self drive game reserve, spotted a gorgeous family of Girrafes, some Zebra's a wild Jackal and loads of birds. Then we stopped at a specially enclosed part of the reserve for a braai lunch, it was so peaceful to be in the middle of the wild just to take in all of what Mother Nature has offer. I truly got lost in a few moments, forgetting about the real world for a few minutes was worth it. 

The Staturday was spent enjoying Sun City resort, back to commercialised fun :) none the less, a great time had soooo much to see and enjoy. I mainly enjoyed a drink and views at the hotels, secret bar after doing a maze, by the poolside and their latest edition, a typical South African shabeen village. 

Even the road trip there and back was great, drove through the Hartebeespoort Dam, a real sight to see, stopped over at one of the markets, I love markets, from flea to farm :) here are some photos of my weekend away, all taken by me. 

Hartebeespoort Dam

 A Sunflower Farm

Jackal

Giraffe

Zebras

The maze at Sun City

Me having a drink at the secret bar after accomplishing the maze

Rambling of the day...

Hello and Happy Tuesday from a rather refreshingly wet Johannesburg. Still a few more days ahead before the weekend, so hang in there folks - peace and love x

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. 

Rambling of the day...

Hello, its been a while, I hope this post finds you well.

I have now moved back to Cape Town and got the ball rolling on my new adventures ahead...
I have started studying Project Management through correspondence, not easy I tell you, it appears I may not be as disciplined as I thought, but that will improve with time.

I am also continuing with my driving lessons, job hunting and enjoying my time back with my family, friends and adorable niece Ella who is now 8 Months. Also, the love life is blossoming pretty well, I'm still with the boy I like *big grin* Its fair to say I made the right decision to return home. I am back to being the sparkly Janice, you might even say I'm a better version of myself.

Until I have proper internet up and running smoothly, I hope to blog again soon, thank you for checking in now and then.

Peace and Love x

Ramblings of the day...

I have always welcomed and embraced changes in my life, I’m not afraid of the unknown as such. I will try anything once and not afraid of taking chances. This might stem back from my childhood..before the age of 13, I have attended 4 schools (not because I was naughty, we moved alot), which meant making and keeping friends was rather difficult for me, I was an awkward and shy young girl, very naïve, and grew up in a rather conservative-ish Christian home back then. Taking all this into consideration, I personally found it hard to fit in when I was younger. Thank goodness those days are over, I am much more confident and stronger and with this armour am able to face the challenges and changes in my life. So I am on the move AGAIN! (I'd fit in perfect with the gypsy community hehe) I might not blog as often as I have but I will try and will keep you posted on my progress. You can also keep in touch with me via twitter @LadyJaniceTweet

Peace and Love xx

Ramblings of the day...

Today I...

...feel happy and content, things are looking up
...will be meeting up with friends from South Africa, visiting London, yay
...want to research one day excel courses, need to brush up on my excel skills
...am wishing I could book a trip to New York for later in the year (it's on my bucket list)
...realise I need to do more exercise, tone up to be exact
...was dreaming of having a dog, really want one
...think I dream too much sometimes :-)
...see the amount of shoes I brought with me from South Africa has almost, if not doubled within 2 months!
...must create a proper budget and stick to it!


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...

Results from poll...

Thank you all for voting :-) From my previous post, click here to see it again, I have decided to run a poll on how us women felt about, shall we say looking 'dressed down' in front of our partners, no make-up, sweat pants and all.

I am proud to announce that most of you do it and feel sexy or comfortable. Which takes a load off, because us girls need to take a break from looking fabulous too, from time to time and nice to know our men appreciate this. I think where it starts to get tricky is when we or our partners let ourselves go.. but that's whole other blog post :-)

Keep an eye out and feel free to vote (its anonymous) in future polls. I welcome any suggestions or comments and new followers are always more than welcome!

Peace and Love 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

Ramblings of the day...

Marilyn Manroe

Whilst reading an article about how men like women without make-up, in sweat pants, even our flabby bits and ‘imperfections’, (sent to me by the Boy I like), at first I thought it was so sweet and what I took from it was, he likes me the way I am…but I soon started to doubt there was a hidden message and my insecurities crept in.

Firstly I thought, if I was really overweight, never wore make-up or dressed up, would he have looked at me or asked me out? (I doubt it) So was wondering how true this article was, and was it just a ploy for some guys to keep their girls looking, shall we say ‘not-so-hot’.

Secondly, I (and I’m using this word lightly) exercise, always have manicured nails, dress up and make sure I look presentable as much as possible, but I do this for myself, not necessarily for others. I am a girly girl and love looking good, which makes me, feel  good and gives me my confidence boost I need to face daily life.

After all, if this was true, that men like women flabby in sweat pants, then what is the point of us females putting in the effort to look good when we around our guys?  The thing is, with pressure from society and the media; we feel the need to strive for a certain look. We do not have to fall into that trap, if your man tells you he likes you the way you are, then believe him, thank him for the compliment then give him a big thank you kiss. For the rest of us, do what make you feel good, don’t feel pressurised to do more or less to make you happy. Because feeling good is more important and ties in with looking good.

Moral of the story…I should’ve stick to my initial thoughts and leave it at that.

‘When a man’s love is true, he wouldn’t care if you get fat or wrinkled. He loves you for your heart, not your body’  

Ramblings of the day...

Today I am having one of those days, where you feel sad for no reason and can cry at the mention of the word cry…

Fact is there are a number of elements influencing my mood right now:

One month on and I’m still job hunting

The miserable weather

That time of the month

Finding two rejection emails in my inbox this morning (It’s been the trend this week)

Missing my friends, family and weather in Cape Town

Being alone in London (does not feel the same as before)

Realising I’ve moved four times within a year! No wonder I feel so unsettled.

I have had one heck of a year and am looking forward to having a stable, rather normal life again. So, I realise I will have to brave the ‘elements’ above, continue to work at my goals and give myself some time…in the meantime, its chin up and being thankful for my blessings (I’m healthy, have a roof over my head, grateful for my friend Rachel and after all I’ve been through, I’m still capable of being strong, smiling and remaining positive)

In three words I can some up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on. xx

Ramblings of the day..

...I'm feeling pretty healthy, been on a 'juice n smoothie diet' for the past 2 weeks
...I'm still job hunting in London, and strangely still feeling optimistic :-)
...I secretly like Justin Bieber's new song - Boyfriend and I'm not ashamed
...Speaking of which, there's a guy in my life..I like, ALOT. That is all for now.
...I miss my cute niece Ella, she's almost 5 months old
...I'm toying with ideas of starting my own business, it will be something creative
...I'm in the mood for a good piece of South African biltong
...I love my friends, thank you all for showing love towards me recently
...I want to buy myself a new camera

Have a wonderful day xx

Message from a Cape Town chick in London...

Happy Freedom Day South Africa!

What an inspirational day, not just to South Africans but to the world. The celebration of positive change and democratic freedom, all thanks to an amazing human being, Nelson Mandela, a true modern day hero, my role model. So while you're out enjoying your freedom within South Africa, lets not forget the people who made this all possible. Its impossible not to be inspired...
Peace, Love Happiness to all x

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