The truth about your food...

Last week I watched a very interesting, yet disturbing , film called Food, Inc ...and now, I am paying way more attention to what I am putting in my shopping basket and stomach

Food, Inc is an oscar nominated, documentary film about America's corporate food industry and how it is not only changing the way food is made, but is also effecting the quality and safety of food.

Though this film is focused on the American food industry, I think everyone could benefit from watching it. I truly feel that the basic message in the film is simple and applies to most of the people on the planet: *Rather buy organic *try to buy only locally produced food *always read food labels *be more aware of where your food comes from and whats in it.

To read more about this film or to watch the trailer click HERE

Have you seen this film? What did you think?

Bunny love

Click image to enlarge

Since its almost time for the Easter bunny to visit,  I thought I would share some bunny things that are totally cute and would make great Easter gifts.

From top left (clockwise):

1. Silver rabbit necklace by Camera shy photography ($85)

2. Silver Love bunnies earrings by Silverwishes ($40)

3. Bunny cuff by Iron Butterfly Metals ($75)

4. Ceramic Bunnies by Homebakes (R130 - R160)

Current addictions

* Rimmel Moisture renew lipstick -  I bought a tube of it the other day in "vintage pink" and I really like it. Its not the best lipstick Ive ever tried - but it is rather cheap, very nice and has shiney purple packaging.

* Pretty pearls -At the moment I am loving pearls. I love how elegant and classy they can look when worn right. I recently took without asking borrowed my moms pretty strand of fresh water pearls and I'm busy thinking what I should wear them with (dont you just love Ashlee Simpsons Chanel pearls in the above picture? I want some)

* Listening to Imogen Heap - As some of you may already know, I adore Imogen Heap. Her music seriously speaks to me and in many ways inspires me. Lately Ive been listening to her daily in my car and I'm loving it (Ive been listening to her CD's  "Speak for yourself" and "Ellipse" )

* Cadburys mint (crisp) chocolate - I keep buying big slabs of this chocolate and finishing it (yum) I don't actually even feel guilty about it....every girl needs a serious sugar rush now and then, right?

* Online book browsing - Lately, whenever I have some free time in front of my computer, I find myself clicking around the internet looking for new books and reading book reviews (in a way I like to think it makes up for me not actually having time to read right now). Oh, if I find anything super cool I'm sure I'll share on my book blog.

What are you currently addicted to?
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* To read all my past Current addictions click HERE

10 things I learnt this weekend

1 It feels impossible to keep my apartment clean at the moment

2. I really like wearing dark blue nailpolish

3. My Sisters Keeper is such a sad, moving film

4. Lack of sleep may cause me to have tourettes moments

5. My little sister wants to start her own fashion range

6. A good salon blowdry can save the day

7. Wijnhuis restuarant in Newlands is lovely

8. Its perfectly ok to spend a whole day in your bathrobe.

9. I find it therapeutic to bake cookies
10. You really are only as old as you feel

What did you learn this weekend?

*picture from here

Happy Friday!

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day......"

- Albert Einstein

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Have a lovely weekend, darlings.

* photo from here

Take a look...

Today I did a post HERE  - go have a look :)

Movie Moment

Vivian: You're late.

Edward Lewis: You're stunning.

Vivian: You're forgiven.

Unless you've been living under a rock since the 90's, you have probably seen Pretty Woman a few times and love it...and whats not to love? Its the classic cinderella story all over again (well, if cinderella had briefly turned to street walking)  - There is a rich man, a gorgeous girl who is down on her luck, they meet, she gets a makeover, they fall madly inlove, and live happily ever after  *le sigh*

I have quite a few favourite scenes in the film, but I always enjoy the scene where Vivian (Julia) goes back to the mean shop assistants and makes them feel stupid for not helping her.

This week Pretty Woman celebrated its 20 year anniversary. It was first released on 23 March, 1990.

What is your favourite scene in this film?

Gold bird and amethyst necklace giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of another wonderful giveaway sponsored by Friedasophie.

The winner will receive this gold, bird with pink amethyst necklace:

Desciption: beautiful detailed 14k gold plate bird charm is hanging from 14k gold filled chain and is complimented by a pink amethyst faceted gemstone. Bird size approx.: 20mm. Gems size approx.: 14-16mm. ( you could also wear bird without the amethyst if you want)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower/subscriber, THEN please comment on this post and tell me what you like best in Friedasophie's Etsy store.
2. Blog or tweet about this giveaway for an extra entry (please let me know what the link is to your blog post or tweet)
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*Notes: *Anyone may enter. *This giveaway will end on Wednesday, 7 April and the winner will be announced on Thursday, 8 April. Good luck!

The giveaway winner and a book blog note

The very lucky winner  of the name necklace giveaway (which got 150 entries) is...*drum roll *....Love and Stuff! Congrats, darling. Please e-mail me soon.

My next international giveaway will start a bit later today :)

Book blog note: I have put the April/May book list up. If you are keen to have a look or join my book blog, click HERE.

White with touches of colour

I really adore the two rooms in the above pictures. Both have mostly white furniture and accessories in them (look at those pretty, white mirror frames) with only subtle touches of colour (wall paint, pillows, flowers, chairs, floors). Its such a clean and calming look.

What do you think?

The Eclipse poster

For those of you who are like me, and actually love all this Twilight madness - you may be interested to know that the above picture is the brand new, official Eclipse poster. I like. Doesn't Kristen look totally fabulous? (I can't wait for this movie)

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Three day weekends actually give you time to relax
2. I adore the way the ocean looks on grey, cloudy days
3. I can bake totally yummy oatmeal cookies
4. My baby sister always finds such cute, cheap vintage things
5. Motorbike rides along Chapmans peak are awesome
6. If I spent more time at Twinkles house I would get  seriously addicted to reality TV shows *winks*
7. A good jog can energise you after a lazy weekend
8. One of my friends is going to have a baby in September
9. I really like Lady Antebellum (I must get a CD)
10. A cluttered mind can prevent new, happy thoughts from finding a space to stay

What did you learn this weekend?

Biker vampires and obsessed divers

click picture to enlarge
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In the last few days I have re-watched two absolutely great 80's films.....

The Lost Boys is a teen, vampire movie that came out in 1987 and was directed by Joel Schumacher. The film is about two teenage brothers that discover a gang of bad vampires living in the small town they just moved to. The 80's fashion is funky, the 80's hair is funny and I like that there is dark humour in the script .

The Big Blue (aka Le Grand Bleu) was directed by Luc Besson and came out in 1988. The film is about two childhood friends, Jacques & Enzo, who re-unite to compete against each other in the world free diving championships.This movie was marvelouslly filmed and shows just how hypnotic the sea can be.

Have you watched any cool films lately?

Happy Friday!

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." - Martha Washington

Have a fabulous, happy weekend!

Take a look...

Today I did a post HERE about Folklore fashion :)

Some notes

Today I feel good - tomorrow is Friday (and the start to a long weekend), the sun is shining, some sweet girl offered to buy a chocolate because she said i was being nice and I like the way I did my eye make-up this morning *winks *

Last night I went for a another jog ( i know, I'm astounded that I managed it too). It was a rather short and I walked alot more than I should have, but I think it still qualifies as a proper jog.

By now, I'm sure alot of you have noticed my previous post (entitled "beach swim"). For those of you who are curious, that post is an extract from the book I am writing (well, trying to ).  I have decided (after a suggestion from The Boyf) to occassionally share some of my creative writing with you :)

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How are you today?

Beach swim

I said I'd share an excerpt from what I am busy writing. So, here it is: 

 
The wind comes up a bit more, whipping my hair across my face, my heart starts to beat faster and I feel an invisible force pushing me forward. Dropping the coat, I break into a jog. The plastic boots feel like weights as my speed increases. Clumsily I pull them off, tossing them in either direction, and I keep jogging.

Once free of the boots, I can feel the soft damp sand between my toes. The wind continues to toss my long hair around and I start running toward the dark water. The ocean rumbling seems all around me and in my head.

I pull my night dress over my head and carelessly toss it onto the sand. My mismatching underwear crosses my mind for a moment. Then I chuckle wildly to myself and keep running. Faster and faster, kicking up lots of sand as I leap forward. My feet hit the water at a great speed, spraying up lots of salty liquid against me. The intense icy feeling instantly sends a shock wave through my body, but I don't stop. Jumping head first into the waves my body goes numb.

For a moment everything is silent, except the thudding heartbeat in my ears.

I emerge from the water in seconds and everything begins to have a sound again. I suddenly feel wet, exposed and reckless.

Hugging myself, I head toward the beach grass in search of my clothes. The first thing I notice is my crumpled nightdress laying on the sand. I shake it off and put it on. Then I remove the wet underwear from under the clinging nightdress. I scan the beach looking for my coat. Now where did I leave it? I ask myself in a whisper. 

As I begin to walk in the direction of the house, I notice the rain boots a few steps away. Once I put them onto my sand caked feet,  I head off to where I dropped the coat. Thanks to the full moon I can navigate my way across the beach quite easily. After dusting off as much sand as possible, I put it on. I instantly feel warmer. Though, the combination of wet skin, wool and fine sand cause my skin to itch a little.

“Next time bring a towel” I mumble to myself as I rub my hand against my sandy neck. After buttoning all the buttons and securing the belt I shove my wet underwear into one of the pockets. As I do my hand bumps against something. I pull the box out and see it’s a old packet of Marlboro cigarettes that the previous wearer must have forgotten. Inside are three slightly bent cigarettes and a little silver lighter. Having never been a very dedicated smoker in the past I feel reluctant to try out the filthy habit again, but since tonight is a rather momentous night, being my first underwear beach swim and all, I think why not. 

I light up the cigarette and take a drag. The smoke is harsh and burns my throat instantly. Coughing and cursing I throw the cigarette to the ground.

While stomping out the ciggarette, I begin to give myself a mini lecture on why that was bad idea, when suddenly I hear a rustling sound to my left. My breathing speeds up and swing around to face where the sound is coming from. There, on a nearby dune, I notice someone watching me. I strain my eyes to see, and I realise the shape is a man. As I stare a bit longer I see the faint light of a cigarette as he inhales....

Update: Click HERE to read Part 2

*NOTE: ALL THE ABOVE WRITING IS ORIGINAL AND WRITTEN BY ME 
 (from my work in progress)

Jogging, lipstick writing and party ideas

Last night I went for a jog down my road with The Boyf. It was very slow going and rather torturous (as it has been many moons since my last jog) - but I did it (yay me). I must add that It never ceases to amaze me how a jog can make you feel so alive and accomplished. I am really going to try to jog more consistently (pinky swears)

The other day this really inconsiderate person parked so close to my drivers side door that not even a skinny cat would have been able squeeze between us (So not cool). I  got so annoyed that I actually lipstick wrote "Dont park so close to me" on their side mirror ( i would have written more, but i ran out of mirror space and squashed my lipstick a bit).... Anyways, the moral of this story is park nicely and always carry a tube of cheap lipstick with you for emergencies like this :)

My super special birthday is 2 months away and I am already starting to think of what to do ('cause its an important one). I am seriously considering having a dress-up birthday party this year, but I am having trouble thinking of a really good theme or dress code. If you have any good suggestion for my party theme, please let me know.

Have a fabulous Wednesday, darlings x
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*Love the shoes in photo

Fabulous party dresses

I adore Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart. They are currently in the Twilight Series together and soon you can also see them together in the film The Runaways.

Recently, they were both at the  LA premiere for The Runaways and both wore such fab dresses that I decided to blog about it. Dakota wore a Valentino dress and Kristen wore a very interesting Doo Ri dress (see above pic).

Though I think both dresses are pretty, I definitely liked Dakota's dress the most ( I love sparkles).

Which dress do you like the most?

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland in 3D was fabulous and entertaining ( I really liked Mia Wasikowska as Alice)

2. I am an unstoppable cheese and potatoe addict

3. There are way too many shoes I want at the moment

4. Woolworths chocolate muffins are evil (they beg me to eat them) and taste good with warm custard.

5. Sometimes I can be the worst morning person ever

6. I love motorbike rides with The Boyf (even in the wind)

7. New toothbrushes are always a good investment

8. I don't like glycerine soap -its just not creamy.

9. My handbag is too big. I need to learn to pack lighter.
10. I am so much luckier than I realise sometimes. In fact, I think we are all as lucky as we think we are :)

What did you learn this weekend?

Scented candle love

Photo by me

Today I popped into the Wellness Warehouse and happily discovered that they are now selling Beanswax Yankee Candles (which are made from 100% natural soy wax)

These candles smell absolutely divine. They are available in a few scents, like: Homemade Cake, Wash Day, Silvery Moon and Beach Holiday. They cost R89 for a small one and R249 for a super large one ( a bit pricey, but worth it I think).

After much thought, I ended up buying a Silvery Moon one and lit it as soon as I got home (I am happy to report that it smells just as good when it is burning).

Happy Friday!

"Remember, remember, this is now, and now, and now.

Live it, feel it, cling to it....." - Sylvia Plath

Take a look...

Today I did a post HERE about black lace :)

Its for you...

Today I have so much to do, so I thought I'd just quickly do an "its for you" post and then later I can read some cool answers (clever, huh)

How it always works: I will answer the below random questions - then you answer them as a comment. Why? 'cause sharing is caring, darlings *winks*:

1. Today I feel...  rather positive about everything
2. Last night... I made really yummy rice tuna bake
3. Song of the week..."Undisclosed Desires" by Muse
4. Currently I am enjoying... a few TV series, blogging, filter coffee in the morning, the aircon in my car, sending silly picture messages to The Boyf and fashion magazines
5. Have you ever had a song written for or about you? Nope, not that I know of
6. What is your dream job? Successful, published writer

Some random notes

Right now I am drinking some nice rooibos (aka redbush) tea  and enjoying the lovely gloomy weather in Cape Town (and wondering how I can sneak out of the office early without anyone noticing)

My weekend road trip was rather tiring (as there was not alot of sleep and way too much driving) - but it was still very nice and there were some very funny moments :)

Here are a few random catch-up notes:
* I just started a new, international giveaway - go HERE to enter
* I still have a book blog (though I suck at reading lately). The next book club list for April /May will be going up at the end of this month. Check out book blog HERE
*Someone actually wants me to write a weekly, Friday post on their blog (no, I am not making this up) . See proof last Fridays post about name necklaces HERE
* I have not been exercising (naughty). I want to start jogging.
* I feel as though I am losing my mind - Its not official yet, but all the signs are there....just thought I should give you a heads up.
* I MUST see Alice in Wonderland in 3D sometime this week .

How are you doing this week? any news?

Name necklace giveaway

Today I am super happy to announce the start of another wonderful giveaway sponsored by Collect Jewellery (they make such gorgeous jewellery)

The winner will receive a stunning, personalised silver name necklace (this means you can choose any word/name you want. Plus,  you can have a birdy on end or not):

Name necklaces are silver and cost R380 (which is about $54).
I actually just ordered a "Brazen" name necklace for myself.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower/subscriber, THEN please answer this simple question in the comments section: What one word would you hang around your neck to best describe yourself?
2. For an extra entry you can blog and/or tweet about this giveaway (please let me know what link is to post or tweet)

Notes: *It's an international giveaway, so anyone may enter.

*This giveaway will end on Wednesday, 24 March and the winner will be announced on Thursday, 25 March *The winner will be chosen randomly. Good luck, darlings!

and the winner is...

The winner of pretty corsage giveaway is Lana! Congrats, darling - Please contact me asap.

I will have another wonderful, international giveaway starting a bit later today :)

Stunning strapless

All my favourite dresses at the Oscars this year were strapless ones.

- click pic to enlarge -

From top left (clock wise): I adored - Carey Mulligans black Prada dress, Miley Cyrus in a gold Jenny Packhamand, Amanda Seyfried in an Armani dress, Kristen Stewart in Monique Lhuillier,  Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta and Elizabeth Banks in Versace.

Which Oscar dress did you like best?

10 things learnt this weekend

1. There is no such thing as too many snacks on a road trip.

2. Some people should not speak at all while drunk.

3. A good push-up bra can save an outfit

4. Two mini afternoon naps are better than a long one

5. I can actually get annoyed enough to flip someone off in traffic.

6. Walking barefoot on grass can be so therapeutic

7. Its hard to keep your eyes open after a yummy Sunday roast

8. Ocassionally a tortoise may need a lift across the road.
9. I really loathe public restrooms

10. Sometimes its much better to just go with the flow (and stop planning so much).

What did you learn this weekend?

Happy Friday!

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities". -Theodore Geisel

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." - Lewis Carroll

"I believe in the imagination. What I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see." - Duane Michals

Have an unbelievable weekend, darlings. x

Take a look....

Today I did a post HERE about name necklaces :)

Cute room

I really love this cute room.

*To see more pics of apartment go HERE or HERE

Road trip ramble

The Boyf and I are going on a road trip this weekend. We leave tomorrow and will be going to the Eastern Cape for a few days (which is about a 9 to 10 hour drive).

I like road trips (even though sometimes the heat and the monotonous scenery can get a bit much) I think they are a good time to catch up on chatting, music listening and photo taking.

My essential road trip packing list always includes the following:
- Ipod (filled with funky beats) with car adaptor
- My cool camera
- laptop to downlaod pictures (and check e-mail)
- a soft pillow
- a big bag of treats (filled with chocolates, sweets and nuts)
- Cellphone (preferably with GPS)
- a cooler box with water and juice
- a first aid kit (better safe than sorry)

What is always on your road trip packing list?

over tired and stalked by creepy creatures

Some people can function normally with just  a little sleep.....but I am not one of those people. Without 7 - 8 hours of good sleep I become rather delirious, irrational and dazed (basically I act like someone on drugs).

Last night I only had about 3 hours of good sleep - So, today feels a bit like I am  stuck in a badly written b-grade movie (does that even make sense?). I'm over tired....I just need more coffee...and maybe a brownie...

To further add to my lack of mental stability today, I saw some maggots this morning (I have no idea where they came from). The evil little, gross, white, squishy creatures were actually near my front door (busy plotting against me, im sure). To say that I handled the whole experience badly is an understatement. Honestly, I think maggots may actually be beating prey mantis's and spiders on my creepy bugs chart right now.  Anyways...they all dead and gone now (lets never speak of this again, ok?).

How are you today? do tell...

Beyond the web...

This  Savage Chickens cartoon made me laugh today.

It also makes a good point, huh? (Gotta love chicken wisdom)

Its for you...

Today feels like a good day for an "its for you..." post  -mainly because I can't seem to keep my mind on one subject long enough to write a proper, sane post (I blame the chocolate brownie I ate this morning) *winks*

How it always works: I answer some random questions - then you answer the questions as a comment. Why? because its better than doing your work sharing is caring, darlings.

ok, here goes...

1. Thought for the day: Are we there yet?
2. This week... I am going on a roadtrip
3. Last night... was  chilled. I ate some yummy fish & chips, read some study stuff and watched Ugly Betty :)
4. Song of the moment: Kei$ha - Tik Tok
5. If I could be a crayon colour, right now I'd be... Purple
6. Bella or Buffy? I really like both, but I will go with Bella - because she is cute and gets to have Edward.
7. I wish I could quit... being bossy sometimes, over thinking, eating so much sugar and procrastinating

Love prints

I really like these prints

You can buy this one over HERE ...

...and this one HERE

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Going for a jog at 10am during a heatwave is a bit crazy (but i did it and I did not die - yay for me!)

2. Bacon & banana pizza without garlic is not ideal (bad Primi)

3. My new motorbike helmut is awesome :)

4. Not drinking coffee is giving me hectic headaches

5. La Vie (in Sea Point) makes super yum pizzas and more-ish strawberry daiquiris.

6. The Boyf is so wonderfully supportive

7. Breaking Bad is a great, gritty TV show

8. I like having gecko lizards in my apartment

9. Trying to find a nice fitting pair of jeans is frustrating

10. I must sometimes remind myself that there is a difference between needing and wanting something.

What did you learn this weekend?

Corsage giveaway

Today I am super happy to announce the start of a giveaway sponsored by Cupcake Couture (which is based in Durban)

The winner of this giveaway will recieve this pretty, "tape measure" corsage brooch:

The above corsage is made from a  black & white tape meaure and a lovely sparkling brooch (I think it would look great on a dress or on a cute jacket)

HOW TO ENTER:

Step 1: Firstly, to enter this giveaway you must be a South African Resident (Sorry international readers - I will have a new international giveaway up soonish)

Step 2: Then, you must comment on this post and tell me what you like best in Cupcake couture's SHOP or on her BLOG (note: she will be opening an Etsy store soon)
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Notes:

*For an extra entry , you can blog or tweet about this giveaway (but let me know you did)

** This giveaway will end on 10 March.

and the winner is...

The winner of oyster bracelet giveaway is Kirsty! Congrats lady, please e-mail me soon.

A new giveaway will be starting later today, but it will only be open to South African residents. Hopefully I will be starting another wonderful international giveaway next week :)