Friday fluff

Today I am feeling super happy.....Its Friday, the weather is totally glorious in Cape Town and Im having a great hair day *smiles*

Last night I had drinks with a bunch of  lovely bloggers. It was was very cool and I hope to do it again sometime soon (thank you so much to everyone who came).

This weekend I plan to chill like a llama in the sunshine. I may go for a nice scenic bike ride tomorrow or I might trot around at the Design Indaba.....but thats only if my serious chilling schedule allows me too *winks*.

What do you plan to do this weekend?

Time, money, blogger drinks and cycling

 

March is starting next week - seriously, where is the time going? *whooosh * oh look, there went some more time. I really need to stop procrastinating stuff so much, because next week it might be Easter time already.

On a happy note, its payday for me this week *grins*. I plan to spend all my money on pretty dresses, mint chocolate, sushi and vodka lemonade...OK, not really - but wouldn't that be lovely *sigh *

Tomorrow night I am going to meet some bloggers for drinks. I won't lie to you, Im a bit nervous about it (not exactly sure why though). I don't know how many bloggers will be coming ( maybe 10 to 15) but I'm sure it will be an interesting evening. (note: if you are a nice Cape Town blogger who wants to join -mail me).

At the moment my mom is planning a cycling trip across Italy (because she is cool like that). I am super jealous and I'm slightly annoyed that she wont take pay for me (yes, I tried begging & bribing). I would really love to do something like that one day.

How is your week going? Any interesting news?

Regal red

As I mentioned in some previous posts, I went to a lovely wedding on Saturday. Here is what I decided to wear...

1. Black suede peep-toe mary janes from Nine West

2. Red tunic style dress by Michelle Harper (bought at YDE for R290 / about $38, on sale). The dress has a satin neckline and satin frills at the bottom. I accesorized it with a black satin ribbon, which I bought from a little chinese shop.

3. Red, plastic "crystal" earrings (from cheap shop  for R8 / $1 )

4. Little, black, pleather quilted Chanel style handbag

5. Silver cuff bracelet (not pictured above)

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*All photos by The Boyf

Magazine mumblings

I love alot of  Magazines (like: Glamour, Womans Health, National Geographic, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, Elle decor, Popular Mechanics and the list goes on), but currently the magazine that is holding the number one spot on my magazine list is Vogue.

I just adore paging through a glossy, thick Vogue magazine (preferably a UK or USA one). I am always so inspired by looking at all the amazing pictures (some of them are so arty and interesting). Sure, most of the stuff in Vogue is way out of my current budget - but a girl can still dream ;)

What is your favourite magazine right now?

Its for you...

Today I wanted to do a post about what I wore to the wedding on Saturday, but since I didn't have time to get any photos taken of the outfit yesterday, I decided to rather do an "its for you.." post (hope thats ok with y'all) 

How it always works: I answer the questions - then you answer the questions as a comment. Why? because sharing is caring - plus we all like to talk about ourselves *winks*

ok, here goes...

1. Thought for the day: Do cats eat bats?
2. Last night... The Boyf and I made a budget, watched an episode of "Breaking Bad" and ate some fish fingers
3. Song of the moment: Owl City "Fireflies"
4. Currently I spend too much time: procrastinating, making up stories in my head and trotting around online.
5. Party of Five or Dawsons Creek? Dawsons Creek
6. Currently reading: "The Maeve Binchy Writers Club" (its kind of a writers handbook) and too many blogs
7. If  you could call anyone to chat to for 15 minutes (dead or alive), who would you call?  I think I would choose to call my Grandmother (she passed away in 2006). I miss her.
8. Right now I am craving... mint chocolate 

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Red seems to be a popular colour to wear for a wedding.

2. Bargain shopping always makes me feel so accomplished.

3. Churches need to invest in air conditioning (or at least fans)

4. Its a good idea to take a pair of flip flops to a wedding just in case your super high heels begin to hurt.

5. Some people are much better at giving speeches than others

6. Sometimes a few extra hours of sleep can save the day

7. I will always try and sample everything at a buffet

8. I need more motorbike friendly clothes and a new helmet

9. If a brownie label says "healthy"on it, its not a real brownie

10. Too often I  am the only thing standing between me and my dreams. Time  to kick my own butt   I moved out my way.

What did you learn this weekend?

Happy Friday!

"Look, I don't want to wax philosophic, but I will say that if you're alive you've got to flap your arms and legs, you've got to jump around a lot, for life is the very opposite of death, and therefore you must at very least think noisy and colorfully,
or you're not alive." - Mel Brooks

Friday fluff

This week felt too long, but was still good because...
I managed to avoid the sneaky ninja flu germs (for now), I ate some awesome cookies, wrote some nice posts, got a bike ride to work twice, found out my phone bill is the lowest its ever been (nice!) and didn't totally lose my mind (always a good thing)

Tomorrow The Boyf and I are off to a wedding (I love weddings - they always make me all mushy and teary eyed) I am wearing a red dress (maybe i will post a nice picture of it soon)

On Sunday I am hoping to go check out the Natural & Organic Expo on at the Cape Town Convention Center.

If you are a Twilight fan (like me) you will be happy to know that the double disc "New Moon" DVD with be available in South Africa from 22 March (and in USA from 20 March). I have put up nice links in the right hand column (look right) for those of you who want to pre-order from Amazon or local Kalahari now. 

Before I forget... I would like to say "hello" to all my new followers *waves* AND I would like to say thank you  to all the lovely darlings who actually read my ramblings regularly - you obviously have great taste you are all awesome. x

Any cool plans for the weekend?

White couch wanting

I've always wanted a nice, comfy white couch.

Yes, I do realise that they may be rather impractical in some ways (like they probably get dirty really easily) - but I still find them so pretty and versatile.

What do you think of white couches?

Current addictions

* Mint choc chip ice-cream - I think I could easily finish a tub of this all by myself (and I just might try to). I love how refreshing it tastes and how gloriously green it is.

* Almay smart shade make-up - I really like this foundation (and I usually loathe foundations). Its affordable, light, super easy to put on and it "magically" changes to suit my skin colour.

* Bangles - at the moment I am obsessing over bangles. I think a good collection of jingling bangles and bracelets can really add a nice bohemian touch to an outfit. (Though, I do think that bangles going all the way up to elbows is going a bit too far)

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* Nandos garlic peri- peri sauce - This sauce is my new favourite sauce. Its totally yummy, not too hot, very garlicy and I can put it on almost anything (its like awesomeness in a bottle).
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* The Vampire Diaries - I've been watching this show for a while and honestly it just keeps getting better and better. Plus, the two main vampires are very easy on the eyes *swoon*.

What are you currently addicted to?

Going back to planet perky

Yesterday I was being held captive by a gang of moody emotions and today they seem to be trying to tie me up again....

I guess the reason I am feeling this way is due to a few things, namely: poor me syndrome (aka PMS) , the circling ninja flu germs (they keep threatening but are thankfully keeping their distance), lack of exercise and a small case of the work dull drums.

Since this is not an ideal way to feel and it is making me rather annoying to be near, I have resolved to fight off the moody emotions gang and go back to "planet perky" asap......

Here are a few things that always help to perk me up:
1. rambling and writing (sometimes at the same time)
2. a nice cup of strong tea (aka liquid calm)
3. reading or buying a good book (escapism)
4. Doing some form of exercise (oh, happy endorphins)
5. Big hugs from The Boyf (squeezes out the moodiness)
6. A long, warm shower (clean & pretty smelling= happiness)
7. Eating chocolate (the often tried and tested method *winks*)
8. A happy cheesy song (like "Foot Loose" by Kenny Loggins)

When you feel moody or down what perks you up?

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Wellness Warehouse has an awesome organic market every second Saturday (10 - 2pm at school next to Kloof centre)

2. Its easy to make a mosaic heart ornament (thx, Bee)

3. Putting honey in coffee is a terrible idea

4. The Boyf is really good at picking out clothes for me

5. A homemade champagne breakfast, shared with the one you love, is definitely the best way to start the day ;)

6. Very mature cheddar cheese is so delicious and addictive

7. The Cape Town Fish Market at the V & A waterfront has great (rather cheap) set menus and very fresh sushi (yum).

10. Most of the time love really is all you need :)

What did you learn this weekend?

Bracelet giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of another pretty giveaway sponsored by the lovely Christine Walsh

The winner of this giveaway will get this elegant, silver "oyster" bracelet ( I love it!):

Description: A single irregular Freshwater Pearl is nestled in the centre of a cupped sterling silver disc, the back of which has been textured with a lovely floral design so no matter which way this charm hangs there is always something to see! The disc is suspended from a fine Italian light weight, but thick, linked cable chain and finished with another Freshwater Pearl.
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Be a follower/subscriber, THEN please comment on this post and tell me what is your favourite piece of jewellery in Christine Walsh's Etsy store (so simple)
2. If you like, you can blog about this giveaway for an extra entry (please let me know what the link is to your blog post)
Please note:
*Anyone may enter.
*If you have issues commenting, you may e-mail me. Make sure subject line says "Bracelet giveaway"
* The winner is chosen randomly
*This giveaway will end on Sunday, 28 February and the winner will be announced on Monday, 1 March.
Good luck, darlings!

and the winner is...

The winner of the pretty, silver flower necklace giveaway is... Rachel Elizabeth! Congrats, please e-mail me soon :)
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A brand new giveaway will be starting a bit later today and its very pretty.

Happy Friday!

"Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love. Everything is united by it alone...." - Leo Tolstoy
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Have a wonderful weekend filled with love :)

Today...

... Nelson Mandela was released from prison 20 years ago :)
...The Boyf got his motorbike license

... SA's president is doing the state of the nation address at 7pm

... I'm having left over chicken a la king for lunch

... my hair has decided to do its own thing

...There's a silly little song stuck in my head

...Cape Town is clear skies, sunshine and awesome

...I've actually done three blog posts (go looky)

...I wish money would magically appear in my bank account

...is turning out to be a good day
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Hows everything with you today?

Note: photo is of my shoes & taken by me

Cheap love ideas (part 1): coupons

I think a great and very cheap way to show your love this Valentines Day is to give a Love voucher (aka coupon). Vouchers can be easily made at home (on any piece of paper) and can be for anything - like: "1 whole day of me being your slave", "1 x back massage/footrub by me" or "1 x breakfast in bed".

The above love coupon match books were found over HERE

(I just love them)

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Ps - Go HERE to see cheap ideas, part 2

Cheap love ideas (part 2)

* Print out some random, fun photos...

paste photos in a book and write love messages for them.

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* Bake something awesome and put hearts on it

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* Go to second hand stores to find a gift
- there are often unique things that you can personalize

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* Make & write romantic or silly love notes

and put them in random places

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Got any other cheap, love ideas for Valentines Day?

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Ps - see cheap love ideas, part 1 HERE

Its for you...

Darlings, as most of you know its almost Valentines Day - So, I thought I'd do an "Its for you" in honour of this wonderful (yet totally commercialised) heart covered day :)

How this post always works: I will answer the below very random questions - then you can answer the questions as a comment. Why? 'cause sharing is caring *winks*:

1. I think Valentines Day... is a silly & sweet idea, but i personally would prefer to be surprised with a love gift on an unexpected day of the year.

2. One of my favourite romantic movies is... The Notebook

3. Love song of the week? "cheek to cheek" by Frank Sinatra

4. What would you like to get most for Valentines Day? I would love a romantic handmade card or a handwritten love letter

5. This Valentines day I ... don't care what I do, as long as I get to spend the day with The Boyf

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. You can still get very sunburnt on a gloomy, cloudy day

2. "Pravda" means truth in russian

3. Mint & chocolate chip ice-cream never dissapoints me

4. Men and woman operate in very different time zones

5. I'm good at starting funny arguements with people

6. A day at the beach is a day well spent

7. Nando's garlic peri-peri sauce is so yummy

8. Its definitely time for a new bed

9. I absolutely love roadtrips with The Boyf

10. Life rushes by way too fast for people not to take a camera everywhere they go :)

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What did you learn this weekend?

Silly pedestrians, plant killing and inspiration

While driving to work today I could have hit...
about 10 pedestrians with my car, but lucky for them I don't suffer from any kind of road rage and have no homicidal tendencies (well, not usually). Often I can't believe that some people try and cross the road as soon as the light turns green for cars to go - Seriously, why? stupidity? death wish?

The plant near my desk is sick...

and I dont think it is going to recover. I am starting to see a pattern emerging -you see, the last plant that was in the same place started to get sickly, then it lost all its branches (I then begun to affectionately call it "stumpie") and then "stumpie" went to plant heaven.

I know what you must be thinking, and I swear I didn't kill the previous plant. It's also not my fault now that this one is sickly.

Anyways, to make matter worse, some of my co-workers have been throwing me judging looks as they pass the new, sick plant. Some even make questioning comments like "What has happened to your plant, Brazen?" or "Plants don't seem to like you, hey?".
Ok, people lets set the record straight: its not MY plant - I am just the closest person to the plant. Personally I think someone is feeding the plant coffee or something. I think I must set up a secret "plant cam" and find the plant killer in my office.
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IF you are feeling sorry for yourself today...

or are thinking that your life just sucks right now - go watch THIS video (I'm sure some of you have seen it before). Its very inspiring and may get you choked up.

Happy Friday!

“There is always some madness in love.

But there is also always some reason in madness.”

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Friday fluff

I'm so happy its finally the weekend!

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Here are some links for you to check out (if you like)...

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* Read my new post on the book blog

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* Decide if Bubblegum pink is the new blonde

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* Is blogging dead? Click HERE to read news article

* See some awesome tea bag designs (ta, Rox)

* I like this cool black & white decorated cottage

* Silly, but so funny (thanks, F U penguin)- Click HERE

* Read about unbreakable beer glasses

Have a wonderful weekend, darlings!

and the chocolate winner is...

The winner of the Chocolate giveaway is sadly not me *winks*.... The lucky person who will be getting the yummy chocolates is Sally-Jane! Congrats, please e-mail me soon.

Please go HERE if you would like to enter my current jewellery giveaway (it ends on 14 February).

Colourful hearts

click pic to enlarge

I love hearts, especially heart necklaces. Since its almost Valentines Day, I decided to make a wish list of some colourful heart necklaces I would love (as I already have enough plain, silver heart ones). Here are my choices:

1. Gorgeous heart necklaces from Beatnik Bazaar (R330 - R400)
2. Sunset moth wing necklace by Mikellefler ($275)
3. Mini heart, picture necklaces from Collect Jewellery (R390)
4. Decorative washi heart by Claireishino ($130)
5. Pink rhodonite classic Tiffany heart by Tiffany & Co ($150)

Lie to me

"The Truth is Written All Over Our Faces" >

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Wouldn't it be totally awesome if you could tell if a person is lying or what they are really feeling just by looking at their face and body movements?

Well, in the series Lie to me that is exactly what the main characters can do - Heres what Wikipedia says about the show: "Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) and his colleagues accept assignments and assist in investigations, reaching the truth through applied psychology: interpreting microexpressions, through the Facial Action Coding System, and body language"

I just started watching the series and I must say, I'm really enjoying it. I also love the fact that the series is based on real-life scientific discoveries.

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Discovered any cool, new shows lately?

The Grand cafe & beach

the restaurant (aka- where the bar is)

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For The Boyfs birthday on Sunday we went to The Grand cafe & beach in Granger Bay (that's near the Cape Town Waterfront, for those of you who don't know) and I found my new favourite place to have sundowner drinks (yup, its that awesome).

the awesome view

Basically The Grand cafe is a warehouse that has been converted into a very trendy restaurant and in front of it there is a chilled, private, "made" beach. The white sand beach is dotted with chairs, a few palm trees and has beautiful views of the sea (complete with the occasional passing yacht). I must say, from the moment I walked onto The Grands beach I felt as though I had been transported to some fabulous island.

Perfection :)

I can't comment on the food (as I never had any of it), but I can tell that their jugs of strawberry daiquiris are amazing (try them and thank me later).

Sunset at The Grand

A Note: The one thing I must advise anyone who plans to go there for sundowners is to arrive by about 3pm. When we went we found that they "closed" the bar/restaurant from 4-6pm to prepare for the dinner crowd - BUT if you arrive before 4pm, you can order your drinks and just hang out on the beach.

Criticism: My only criticism is that they dont have a bar on the beach, so you have to go inside to get drinks (which is not ideal). Apparently they are going to get a beach bar soon.

Where is your favourite place to have drinks?

* all photos by me

Vintage flower giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a giveaway sponsored by Diament Designs.

The winner of this giveaway will get this sterling silver, vintage flower pendant (very sweet and simple):

Description: Handcasted and polished, sterling silver vintage flower pendant. This little gem adds something special to any outfit. Chain is 16" and sterling silver.

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Be a follower/subscriber, THEN please comment on this post and tell me what is your favourite piece of jewellery in the Diament Designs Etsy store
2. Blog about this giveaway for an extra entry (please let me know what the link is to your blog post)
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Please note:

*Anyone may enter.

* The winner is chosen randomly

*This giveaway will end on Sunday, 14 February and the winner will be announced on Monday, 15 February. Good luck, darlings!

For the love of books

If you love books and want to read the occasional book babble from me (or you want a place to submit your book review or read other reviews) - go HERE to join my book blog

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Wearing alot of bangles & bracelets on my arm makes me feel awesome (i like the jangling sound they make)

2. The Grand cafe & beach in Granger Bay is a really fabulous place for sundowner drinks (will try post some pictures soon)

3. Sometimes old friends save the day

4. Once in a while its ok to just eat pizza the whole day.

5. Frozen strawberry daiquiris are so yummy and more-ish

6. Watching Top Gear live made me want to buy a new car.

7. The Boyf can still make my knees weak with just a look

8. I'm super bugged by people who say they'll come and don't

9. I'm actually really enjoying meeting new people lately.

10. Its never too late to start doing things differently

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What did you learn this weekend?

and the winner is...

The winner of the gypsy jewellery giveaway is.... Deanna ! Congrats lady, please e-mail me soon.

Another wonderful international giveaway will be starting tomorrow (lovely).