Friendship #smed12

My definition of friendship:

·         Must have a mutual connection

·         The same interests

·         It can stand the test of time

·         Who share secrets

·         Who trust one another

·         Helps one another

·         Encourages one another

·         Who never judges you

·         Who protects you

·         Who Shares your achievements and disappointments with you

·         Someone that can listen

·         Someone that cares for you

·         That’s sincere

Friends are friends forever………..

Picture:http://www.fanpop.com/spots/annalovechuck/images/31018543/title/friendship-quotes-photo

 

Why all these #smed12

There are so many wedding traditions. Below I list a few that totally boggles my mind as to why?

·         You must get married in a white dress?

·         The wedding must take place in a church

·         The Mother of the bride has to wear the wedding colour scheme

·         Your siblings must be in the wedding

·         You are required to have a long veil

·         You have to invite relatives you only see at funerals

·         You must get married out of your parents house

·         If your siblings have children they may not be in the wedding

·         The best man has to make a speech

·         You must have more than one bridesmaid

·         You have to enter the church on the traditional wedding march

·         You have to wear something borrowed, something blue, something old and something new

·         You must have flower girls

·         You must have a miniature bride and groom

·         Your parents names has to be on the wedding invitation

 Society, our families and their traditions.

Picture: http://www.stcroixthisweek.com/featured-articles/wedding-traditions.html

 

Festive #smed12

It’s the end of October and people are already busy with Christmas shopping. The shops are busy and several items are on sale. They just know how to get your attention! I don’t understand how we buy several items each year, not necessarily because we need it just because we want it and have the money to buy it.

Every year I tell myself that I won’t shop as much as the previous year, but before you know it there are several bags in my car’s boot. I started buying items in September already. The stores have several Christmas trimmings with the BoneyM Christmas cd playing in the background.  The best is buying gifts for your family. When you exchange gifts on Christmas day and just enjoy the celebrations.

It’s nice to share with those in need. There are so many people that don’t have a plate of food on Christmas day. So we bless them with food and help make a difference.

Picture: http://childfriendlynews.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-events-at-shopping-centre.html

Western Province #smed12

Western Province

What a game. I don’t even watch rugby, but when it’s time to back our teams I’ll do what I have too. The spirits were high with Western Province tops and flags everywhere. Everyone was backing the Western Province team. People of all ages and races. It reminded me of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The team spirits were high and  there was unity throughout the Province.

We watched the game with friends and family. It was very entertaining! That moment when you have four referee’s and five players watching the game with you. It’s as if they were playing in the Province team in their previous lifetime.

Then the final whistle blows and it sounds like it’s New Year’s eve. People shouting, singing, hooting and hugging each other a few people even shed a tear.

Sweet victory for Western Province and all it’s people. What an awesome match and an historical moment for the Western Province.  

25 – 18 well done boys! WP jou leka ding :)

 Picture:http://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/styles/home_page_feature/public/currie-cup-winners-2012-wp.jpg

 

 

Eating Healthy #smed12

Eating Healthy

This is easier said than done. It’s difficult to be smart and eat healthy. Many people misinterpret healthy eating. It’s not about being on a strict diet and starving yourself to be skinny. Healthy cooking definitely results in healthy eating. It allows us to have more energy by maintaining a nutritional diet. Thereafter doing some exercise will help improve your health as well.

There are several easy recipes to help with an affordable and nutritional diet. Your vegetables and Fruit is very important as well as drinking enough water. Then to have a small breakfast the most important meal of the day but the meal that so many of us skip several times a month. After having breakfast it is easier to have smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding a large meal at night. It’s best to eat that meal when you are still active. We tend to have supper between 18:30 – 20:00 then our bodies are not active anymore.

How about letting go of the bread and pasta’s and gas cooldrink…

This healthy eating business is not as easy as I thought. Rather now or never I’ll start by including more vegetables and fruit in my diet but  the biggest challenge is drinking enough water J

Picture: http://www.thenutritionpost.com/eatright/healthy-eating-tips-what-is-a-healthy-diet.html

When kids start talking #smed12

I’m really enjoying every moment with my two year old nephew Kieran. At first he could just say 3 words but his vocabulary has improved tremendously. It’s such a cute stage his in even though it sounds a bit foreign at times but you’ve got to love it.

I suppose the correct pronunciation will take a while. I like teaching him new words but then he repeats it like a broken record. At first you can’t wait for them to start talking, but when they manage to get to the talking point it goes on non-stop. It reminds me of when I was young and had to learn the alphabet. It seems everyone goes through that face where they ask so many questions.

Did you know between the ages 2 – 3 a child’s vocabulary would have grown to 200 words? It’s amazing how he started saying everything that he likes first. Mommy, Grandma, Car, keys, food and TV. What a weird combination of first words….

Don’t u just love the little ones J

Picture: http://www.appdork.com/app/abcd_teacher_for_kids_(_talking_flashcards_)._487505/

 

That time of the year #smed12

It’s that time of the year when your body starts longing for a December and summer holiday. Especially if you have been slaving away like me whole year without taking any leave. 

Many people prefer to work over the festive season because they spend too much money when they home. I enjoy my family time and I enjoy the summer holidays. I’m looking forward to the shopping, swimming and just relaxing. I know you spend a lot of money during that time of the year. It’s even better if you take three weeks leave and if it’s planned in advance.

My best moments when I’m on holiday

·         Spending time with my family and fiancé

·         Sleeping late

·         Going to the beach

·         Switching off and not thinking of work

·         Spending time with my friends

·         The gifts and pamper sessions

·         Sharing with those in need

 

Holiday where are you 51 days to go! Happy Holidays

Picture:http://quietpaws.com/2011/12/wishing-you-a-very-happy-holiday/

 

 

 

Flat Tyre #smed12

How bad is that? It happened two weeks after my fiancé showed me how to change my tyre, even though I was annoyed and didn’t really take note. I believed I would never be required to change it myself, I was convinced I would call everyone in my phonebook to help including my car insurance company.  :)

Then I got the flat tyre, on my way from work in my area. I got out of the car with my high heels walked around the car only to discover the flat tyre. Then I started panicking because I didn’t know what to do. It happened in the same road as the police station and I was tempted to ask one of the policemen to help. Most people I called were busy or too far away.

 

Then this friendly man on his way from work with his family asked me if I needed help. Oh my word I’m talking to a complete stranger but I’m desperate so have to get the tyre changed. He then says “do you have a jack”? I answered I think so I managed to remember it’s in the boot with the spare tyre. We could hardly get to it because I had my whole cupboard in the boot. He then asks “do I have a scissors”? It was hilarious the best I can do is give you a nail file. It worked he wanted to get the cable tie loose from my hubcab.

The wheel was eventually changed and I said asked "so what am I suppose to do with the flat tyre?, it’s as if  I was hoping he would leave it just there lol

It’s several months later and i don't know how to change a tyre J I would like to say that’s not a job for a female haha

Excuses…excuses…..

Picture: http://www.home-dzine.co.za/Lifestyle/life-how-to-change-a-flat.htm

 

 

Have you travelled in your own country? #smed12

 
 

 
We always talk about an overseas holiday. But we forget about the beautiful Provinces in South Africa. South Africa is such a diverse country. We have a great infrastructure and beautiful scenery. Why not enjoy your own countries history and culture because it’s a unique experience with several attractions. I’ve listed a few below….

·       The Kurger National Park in Limpopo Province with it’s beautiful natural scenery is a must do.

·       The Drakensberg in Kwazulu-Natal perfect to relax and enjoy the outdoors with its beautiful scenery.

·       Blyde River Canyon nature reserve in Mpumalanga with it’s beautiful panoramic views.

·         Soweto in Gauteng Province getting the township feel with several destinations and  historical sites.

·         Gariep Dam Nature reserve which is situated in the Orange River in  the Free State

·         The Big Hole in Kimberley in the Northern Cape

 

 

So why not travel in South Africa and enjoy all these exotic destinations…….

Picture1: http://www.insurancechat.co.za/2011-05/tourism-and-travel-to-south-africa-set-to-increase/

Picture2: http://kerdowney.com/2009/07/travel-to-south-africa-for-a-unique-travel-experience/

RSVP please #smed12

 This seems to be such a difficult task for many. I suppose people think a RSVP on an invitation is just there for decoration. Or don’t they know what it stands for?

 

Is having etiquette too much to ask for? It’s just good manners to inform the person who invited you if you can attend or not. This is important especially for catering purposes. But many people RSVP, then they still don’t attend, or they don’t call and pitch at the event.

I think as a bride to be the whole waiting for your guests to RSVP is very stressful. How can you make a booking and let your caterers know if you still waiting on a RSVP two weeks before your big day?

People should realise that with weddings, parties and events it’s extremely difficult to compile your guest list. So they should feel honoured when they receive an invitation.

So RSVP and reserve you seat and attendance!

Picture: http://www.zazzle.com/rsvp_wedding_postcard-239387748511366534

Hairstyles #smed12

It's just hair wether it's long or short ......

 

Why do people always make a big fuss about hair. I only realised how people take note of what your hair looks like after I cut my hair short. I received compliments and several comments. Most people wanted to know why I cut my hair, and I thought “do I need a reason to cut my hair”. It was like a needed everyone's permission to change my look.

It was clear that most of them liked my long hair, I was extremely annoyed because it’s my hair and obviously it will grow again. It was as if having long hair made you royalty or something.

Sometimes you just need a change without having everyone making snotty comments about it. I agree that your outfit is not complete unless your hair is done.

But it’s nice trying out different hairstyles and colours.

Looking forward to my summer hairstyle.

 

Picture:http://www.hairstyleagain.com/tag/blonde-hairstyle/

I love the beach #smed12

Bikini, sunblock and big sunglasses.......

Cape Town’s beaches are the best. The best place to relax and soak up some sun. Every beach presents a different experience and activity. I like swimming therefore I prefer the beaches where you can actually put your feet in the water. So Bikini beach in Gordon’s Bay is my favourite spot during summer. Some days when I’m in the mood for some big waves I’ll stop at Strand beach. The surfer’s spot.

The the beaches where everyone looks pretty while sitting on the grass eating ice-cream. Most people enjoy the scenery and they tan or play beach volleyball. Camps Bay has beautiful scenery and fabulous restaurants. I enjoy the view at Llandudno.

I like Blouberg Strand even though the water is freezing there, but you end of your day with cocktails at Eden on the bay. Big Bay is a very popular family beach.

I believe Cape Town is the best sand and sea destination in the world.

Come on summer come on

Picture1: http://www.aboutcapetown.com/beaches.htm

Picture2: http://www.capecondo.co.za/attractions.html

Soapies #smed12

My favourite soapie is Generations. I really enjoy the interesting storyline and they send out a message with their stories. The issues that the characters are faced with are topics we can relate to. Homosexual couples, drug abuse, abortions, shebeens, fraud and adultery.

A positive message is sent out with the issues people deal with, while they give advice and introduce different cultures and religions and how you must respect that. I am sure many people that watch the program can relate to certain incidents in the storyline because the stories told are very close to home.

 

It’s nice to know that it’s not just a boring soapie and they give you contact details of help lines you can call if you dealing with the same issues. But most importantly it’s educating people on various topics and issues.

Awesome soapie….

picture: http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thesocial/tag/generations/

Friendship smed12

How do you define friendship?

 

It’s a relationship between people that really care about each other. You have the same interests. It’s the first person you call when you receive good or bad news. A friend is someone you can fight with today and then laugh about it tomorrow. Friends also cry with you and they support you and share several special moments in your life with you and they are prepared to listen.

 

Friendship is really wonderful but it’s not just smooth sailing. If I have to list of how many friends I’ve lost along the way. Or it was people who I thought were my friends only to discover they are not.

In many instances you just grow apart, or you enter a different era in your life where your priorities change and you make new friends at school, varsity, church and at work. We meet several people on our journey in life but not everyone becomes friend or can be considered a true friend.

We learn as we go along, and we change our definition of friendship as we get older.

 

“Friends are Friends forever”

 

Picture:http://blog.thefoundationstone.org/tag/friendship/

 

Weddings #smed12

Weddings are indeed a joyous occasion. The past weekend I attended a beautiful wedding in Laingsburg. This lovely town in the Karoo we experienced the climate and warmth of a small town’s people.

The colour scheme was yellow and black, very unique but beautiful. There was a cold breeze in the air, but they managed to have some picture perfect moments.

The ceremony in church was so blessed, beautiful scriptures and sermon to describe what marriage is really about and the role of the husband and wife. The most important message of the day something to take with on their new journey remembering that it will be the two of them and God.

After such a nice sermon the celebrations started at the reception. Everyone was in a happy space celebrating and enjoying this special moment with the newly weds.

Love, Joy and Happiness……

 

Picture:http://www.steinbrennerfield.com/weddings_new.html

 

 

My favourite time of the year is Christmas #smed12

You better watch out... it seems like Santa Claus is coming to town.....

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for giving and sharing and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s family time a closeness that is not experienced throughout the year. But on that day families celebrate together.

I enjoy the Christmas carols, Christmas lights and the delightful Christmas lunch that is prepared and the tradition of exchanging gifts. The best is when we decorate the Christmas tree with all the wonderful Christmas trimmings.

My favourite cd’s during the festive season are Boney M, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and the Boys II Men Christmas cd. The most beautiful melody’s playing while we are preparing for Christmas day.

In our family I always make the dessert which is the traditional trifle. I enjoy the excitement of the little ones patiently waiting for Father Christmas and their Christmas wishlist. Every year we have plenty of beautiful memories as a family during Christmas time.

Picture:http://www.freechristmaswallpapers.net/wallpaper/Merry-Christmas-Candles/

 

Buying my first car #smed12

Buying my first car

 

Excuse the picture it was definitely not a sports car. :)

That was like running away from the inevitable. You reach that point in your life when you realise it’s time to buy your own car. It's terrible when you constantly have to ask your parents if you can use their vehicles. Then they call you every time to ask when you will be home, or they moan that you never fill the tank. 

You reach a point where you’ve had enough. It was very scary at first but once you start looking and test driving the vehicles that is where the fun begins. 

There are so many cars to choose from I first had to look at a specific price range. Thereafter you look for certain features that appeals to you or fits your needs.

I just required a reliable car within my price range, that is very economical with air conditioning and power steering which was not negotiable at all.

It’s the best feeling ever when you collect your car and it’s still wrapped in those big red bows. Your stomach turns as you leave the dealer and you've practically signed your whole life away. :) i even forgot ho to initial. I was nervous it was like another step into the big man's world.

My car’s name is F A I T H

Picture: http://www.123rf.com/photo_12717631_car-with-red-ribbon.html

Language #smed12

Xhosa was one of my subjects at school, i did it as a third language. It was very interesting but not as easy as I thought it would be. The pronunciations of the words were difficult it took me a while to get used to it.

The fun part was when we had to speak the language in class, especially when you forget your words or when you are trying to figure out what your teacher is saying.  But somehow I enjoyed the oral very much.

Today I can speak the basics, never took my teacher seriously when she said it’s so easy to forget the language. Now I realise that I do understand more than I can actually speak, and I have the ability to read the language very well.

I would recommend learning an African language anyday.

Picture:  http://www.afrilang.uct.ac.za/languages.html

Have you helped someone recently? #smed12

 

I have moved several times and I decided to just let go of certain things that I don’t use or wear. As I was packing and cleaning I filled two black bags full of clothes, handbags and shoes. We tend to hold on to things even when we know we won’t wear it again.

I decided to give all those items to the cleaner at work. I gave her both the bags filled with various items. Most of the items were either too small and some items I simply didn’t wear anymore. It felt good letting go, it was like a weight off my shoulder.

The look on the cleaner’s face was priceless! She was stunned and very grateful when she opened the bag. She said “but here is nothing wrong with these clothes”.

She split the clothes between her two sisters and brought me a chocolate to say thank you. I didn’t expect anything in return. I was glad I could help.

It feels great helping other people and making them smile

Picture:http://www.zazzle.com/everyone_can_help_someone_bumper_sticker-128525498400244281

Birthday #smed12

Birthday

What makes a birthday

Being blessed to add another year to your life.
 
The day is very special and you feel great on your birthday.
 
Having your hair and nails done the pamper sessions are great.
 
Receiving Gifts
 
Wearing your new outfit
 
Celebrating the day with close friends and family
 
Receiving several call, sms’s and facebook messages
 
Taking leave on your birthday
 
It’s associated with celebration and parties.
 
Enjoying some birthday cake

There is a saying “people who celebrate birthdays live longer”.

I believe that you are as old as you feel. The younger the spirit the more pleasant the ageing.

Picture: http://www.pepe.com/greetings/birthday-because-it-is-worth-to-remember/