10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Humus on toasted rye bread is so yummy
2. Having a drink with good friends is always a good idea
3. The Boyf can tile a bathroom like a pro (he is so handy)
4. Outspan restaurant in Kalk Bay is not bad - but sending back a dirty fork and getting undercooked prawns was rather off putting.
5. Alot of people prefer my hair a bit lighter
6. I don't recommend getting chilli juice in your eye (ouchy)
7. I am so unfit at the moment (I need to start jogging daily).
8. I'm still annoyed by the Season 3 Finale of Gossip Girl
9. A mug of hot chocolate can save the day
10. I need to stop taking certain things so personally (because, shockingly, not everything is about me *winks *)

What did you learn this weekend?

Happy Friday!

"Live life fully while you’re here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You’re going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human."

- Anthony Robbins

Have a fun weekend, darlings :)

Take a look...

Today I did a post HERE about some high heels I want

Posh purple

While I tend to stick to a mostly neutral (and Boyf- friendly) colour palette in my apartment, I am totally loving the above two purple living rooms- very glam and pretty.   

Would you want a purple living room?

The birthday bubbly night

After much thought, I decided to share a few random pictures (mainly because so many of you asked to see some) from my wonderful, fun birthday party night (which was on Sat, 22 May).

From left, clockwise: 1. The Boyf and me (taken at about 4am, after the party, by Bernice) 2. Bernice (aka Betty Bake) and Me (the scarf  I'm wearing was a birthday gift from a friend) 
3. Rox and me at Planet Bar (the party venue) 4. Me (looking very tipsy) with a bottle of bubbly ;)

* Note: please excuse the low resolution of photos.

Pretty in the city

Look how pretty and elegant all the Sex and The City ladies looked for the New York SATC 2 movie premiere (on 24 May).

The dresses (from left): Sarah Jessica Parker in a yellow Valentino Couture gown. Kristin Davis in a Jean Desses vintage gown. Cynthia Nixon in a black strapless Carolina Herrera gown and Kim Cattrall in a gold gown by Naeem Khan.

I definitely liked Kristen Davis's pink dress the most. She looks so stunning.

Who's dress do you like best?

Its for you...

Today I thought it would be nice to do a little Q & A post....Mainly because I feel a bit on the spacey side and I know nothing else I  post right now will make much sense *grins*

How it always works: I will answer all the below questions first, then you can answer the questions in my comments section. Why? because sharing is caring, darlings *winks*

1. Today I am thankful for... so many things - especially all the birthday wishes I got yesterday and that it is payday today
2. Last night... The Boyf and I went over to my mom's and had roast lamb with some of my family  
3. This week I plan to... try get back to gym, drink alot of water, edit my party photos and be deliriously happy :)
4. Do you read your horoscope? Nope.
5. Current celeb crush/es: Ian Somerhalder (aka Damon in the vamp diaries) & Leighton Meester
6. where would you most like to live? Anywhere nice where I have a view of water (lake or ocean)

Ok...your turn...

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. The Planet Bar at the Mount Nelson is a fab place for a party
2. Awesome waiters can make the night so much better
3. I can drink a whole bottle of bubbly on my own
4. Opening all your gifts while you are drunk is a very bad idea
5. Its hard to chat to everyone properly at a big party
6. I have some really awesome friends
7. There is hardly anything open after 2am in Cape Town
8. No. 3 plus shooters leads to feeling rather bad the next day ;)
9. There will always be some hilarious photos after a good party (hopefully I will share one or 2 photos with y'all by Wednesday)
10. Im excited to be venturing into my thirties.

What did you learn this weekend?

Happy Birthday to me...

Today I am 30! 

My cocktail party outfit

After much thought, here is what I plan to wear to my party this weekend (the dress code is "cocktail"): 
1. Bouncy, blow dryed hair
2. Black strapless, tulle dress
3. Big, black statement earrings (pic HERE)
4. Falke black tights
5. Black nail polish
6. Smokey eye make-up
7. Peep toe mary jane heels
8. little black bag (not pictured above)

 * The above picture was made on Polyvore

Happy Friday!

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure" ~Oprah Winfrey

Have a lovely weekend.

Sweet jewellery giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a lovely giveaway sponsored by Kim Gray.

The winner can choose to receive either: a 24 carat gold dipped heart on a string (a few string colours available) OR a pretty porcelain pendant of their choice (subject to availability):

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Be a follower of my blog or twitter, THEN please visit Kim Gray's online shop and tell me what your favourite item is.

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: *Anyone may enter *This giveaway will end on Wednesday, 2 June and the winner will be announced on Thursday, 3 June *The winner will be chosen randomly. Good luck, darlings!

And the winner is...

The winner of the cool Ladylotus print giveaway is... Melanie's randomness! Congrats lady, please e-mail me soon.

The next giveaway will be starting a bit later today :)

Archive day

Today is "archive day" on my blog (Which is why the two previous posts that went up today are from my blog archives - maybe you noticed).

Before you start to think that I have no more original ramblings or that I'm just getting too lazy to blog...let me explain the reason for my first, official archive day...

Tomorrow my little blog is going to be two (hooray!). So, I thought that the best way to mark this blogiversary was to go through my archives and share some of my fav, old posts with y'all (see, it all makes sense now, huh?)

If you are in the mood to read some more ramblings from my archive - here are a few of my posts that I enjoyed re-reading (click title to read):

* Camping? In tents? no thanks
* Global warming vs Zombies
* Fido vs Feline
* Special? I dont think so
* How to act crazy-part 1: The imaginary pet
* why I don't swim in the sea
* Big bags and missing glassware

Have a fabulous Wednesday x

Running from changing room mirrors

After a rather horrid encounter with my reflection in a changing room mirror on Saturday afternoon (Dear YDE, your mirrors suck!) I resolved to start exercising ALOT more

So, as the sun was about to set on Saturday, I decided to leave my house (with my i-pod in hand) to go exercise -My mission: jog as far as my body would let me *grin*.

Needless to say, The Boyf was mighty surprised to hear me proclaim that I was actually leaving the house to "go for a run". I think he must have misheard me because he replied "have fun".

As I emerged from my nice, cosy apartment block I scrolled through my i-pod for some inspirational music... I decided on the Gossip Girl Soundtrack, which for some reason gets me very happy lately.

After a moment of standing on the pavement and wondering how i should start, I just launched myself into a run (maybe not the best idea), By the end of the road I was panting and wheezing like an overweight chain smoker (and I am neither of those things). I managed to walk a bit further and then eventually admitted a temporary defeat and tried to jog all the way back home….

When I got back into the apartment I could tell The Boyf was rather amused to see I was back home after only about 10 minutes, but as usual he was encouraging and Said things like “it will get easier the more you do it” and “look how cute you’re red, glowing face is” (you rock, hun!)

Last night I attempted to go for a run/walk again (which seriously impressed The Boyf). I didnt really feel like it at first , but then I remembered my horrid changing room moment and I was off....... (tonight i may have to hit the gym)

Hmmm, maybe i should be thanking the clothing stores for their horrible changing rooms - because if it wasn't for their horrible lighting and honest mirrors I would not be feeling as motivated as I am right now.

What motivates you to exercise?

Bugged by a bug

I dont like bugs... at all. In fact it might be more accurate to say I loathe and fear bugs. (Note: when I say "bugs" this includes spiders too - but does not include butterflies or ladybugs).

Last night I noticed the most freaky, alien-like, little green creature chilling on my bedroom floor. It was a praying mantis. ewwww.

Finding any bug in the house at all is awful, but in my bedroom....well, thats just plain wrong. There should be some kind of anti -bug force field around bedrooms. I mean who knows how long it had been sitting there, watching me and plotting its sleepy time attack? ( I never trust bugs)

I needed to do something about this room invasion, but what? After a moment of thinking I realised a few things: The Boyf would be mad if I killed it (he likes praying mantises), the bug was rather large and I couldn't leave it to just hang out in my bedroom...alone. grrrrrr....I decided that I must get something to put over it so I can keep in one place until The Boyf (aka the brave bug handler) got home.

Me: *grabs plastic container from kitchen and stands a few feet from praying mantis* Im sorry I have to do this. Personally I would rather squish you, but The Boyf likes your kind.
Praying Mantis: *Tilts evil, green head and looks at me with its dead green eyes *
Me: *takes deep breaths* Dont look at me like that. Now listen, I am going to put this container on you. Please dont move
Praying Mantis: *moves its evil greens hands over its alien face a few time*
Me: *shudders and moves a bit closer*
Praying Mantis: *moves a few steps forward*
Me: *moves a few steps back* Dont make this hard. Stand still or I will go get the biggest book I can find and drop it on you.
Praying Mantis: *tilts head left and right as if to say no, you wont*
Me: So, you dont think I will, hey? Well, I have a rather large, heavy photo book. It would definitely kill you.
Praying Mantis: *stands completely still for a few moments*
Me: *moves forward and quickly throws container over praying Mantis before squealing* See, that wasnt so hard.

Whats your strategy when it comes to bugs? Do you squish them, toss them outside, leave them alone or have a little chat with them?

Some news and a party

This is the last week of my twenties...On Monday I will be turning the big 3-0 (yup, its true - feel free to send me bubbly, chocolates and handbags *winks*). I will admit, that this fact has made me feel rather contemplative about my life in the last couple of weeks - but I'm not as freaked out by the number "30" as I thought I would be. 

To celebrate this splendid ocassion, I am having a nice drinks party on Saturday night. Bubbly will be drunk, cocktail wear will be worn and my hair will be salon pretty. The venue has been booked and most things are in the process of being done. I am really looking forward to it (I think I may have to share some photos on my blog after).

How are you this week?

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. At the moment I'm not dealing with stress very well
2. The season finale of The Vampire diaries was awesome
3. You can do a free wine tasting at Steenbergs 1682 Bistro (nice)
4. The Boyf can be so adorable when he is not feeling well
5. My mom thinks Ive picked up a little weight
6. A simple bowl of vegetable soup can be so wonderful
7.  I really need new accesories for my black, party dress
8. From Paris with Love was a dissapointing film
9. Canned sardines freak me out a little
10. Anything you really want, is worth the effort

What did you learn this weekend?

Take a look...

Today I did a post HERE about scarves.

Ming makes cupcakes

I love a yummy cupcake (what gal doesn't?). So when Rox sent me a link to Ming Makes Cupcakes blog, I was instantly smitten by all the interesting, tasty sounding cupcake recipes and images. 

 - Click HERE and go have a look.

I think I may have to bake something when i get home *winks*

Chanel bag lady

Pretty French model/singer Vanessa Paradis (Johnny Depps partner) has replaced Lily Allen as the face of Chanels Cocoon line of handbags. Personally, I prefer Vanessa a bit more.

Though I am not a big fan of this style of Chanel bag, I really adore the photos of Vanessa - She manages to make a woolie beanie, glasses and scarf look so adorable and sexy.

To see more pictures of her with a Chanel cocoon bag click here

A May note

May is definitely well on it way to becoming my favourite month,  for three main reasons:
1. I started my blog in May (this year my blog will be two)
2. I met The Boyf in May ( 4 years ago) 
3. It is my birthday Month (and this year is a big one )

This month my one goal is to be calmer and stress less (which, for me, is easier said than done). I am hoping to learn how to stop myself from over reacting and worrying about little things that, in truth, are really not worth the effort of a mental meltdown and are mostly out of my control anyway.

Do you have any May goals?

Silver bedroom furniture

I must admit, I had never really liked the idea of silver bedroom furniture - until I saw these pretty, bedroom pictures.

The bed and bedside tables (pictured above) have been hand carved from mahogany and finished in silver leaf ( The bed costs 1295 Pounds and the bedside tables are 325 Pounds each. Both are available from here). Yup, they are are a bit pricey, but I'm sure if you wanted to you could re-create the same look with silver spray paint or paint.
*

What do you think of silver bedroom furniture?

Its for you...food edition

At the moment I am having a hard time thinking about anything but food.....Winter has arrived and seems to have brought me a bigger appetite *le sigh* I can tell I will have to go to gym alot this winter to balance things out ;)

Anyways, today I decided to do a food edition of my "its for you " post...

How it always works: I will answer a few random questions, then you will also answer them in my comments section.....Why? because sharing is caring, darlings *winks*

1. Snack of the week... toasted spelt bread with butter (yum)
2. Currently I am craving... a vanilla latte and sushi 
2. Last night for dinner I had... a very yummy beef, vegtable and rice dish that The Boyf made
3. For lunch today I am having... avocado on toast
4. Right now my favourite food blog/website is... hard to choose just one - so here are a few top favourites: http://theitaliandishblog.com  (such cool italian recipes), http://dandysugar.com/ (great recipes and pictures) and http://bettybakeblog.blogspot.com/ (she is my friend) and http://www.veggiedelish.com/  (even though its meat-free)
5. What's your favourite comfort food? Lamb stew or lamb roast with mashed potatoes (and gravy) 
6. Favourite quick meal? Macaroni and cheese with tuna.
7. Italian, Mexican or Chinese? Italian

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. Sometimes a glass (or two) of wine can save the day
2. I am getting very excited for my birthday party in 12 days
3. A good eyebrow wax can make a big difference
4. Currently I prefer Damon to Stefan in The Vampire Diaries
5. I really suck at tennis, but it's alot of fun and a great workout
6. It's wonderful to get unexpected flowers from The Boyf
7. I am very thankful  and happy to have had The Boyf in my life for 4 years already (time really flies by).
8. My nephew got a cute, mini hamster named Connor
9. My mom really liked the perfume and scarf I bought her
10. Every now and then you need to laugh until your ribs hurt

What did you learn this weekend?

*photo from weheartit

Happy Friday!

"...Once we believe in ourselves

we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight

or any experience that reveals the human spirit."

- E. E. Cummings

Have a splendid weekend :)

Cool, vintage print giveaway

Today I am happy to announce the start of a giveaway sponsored by Ladylotus (I really adore her vintage prints).

The winner of this giveaway will get to choose any ONE of the below 4 prints (Rolleiflex, sewing machine, typwriter or camera):

Description: These prints are part of Lady Lotus's "Metallic Relics" series. They were all originally a reduction linoleums that she turned into screenprints. Black water based ink and beautiful white rives bfk paper (which is 100% cotton and acid free) have been used for these prints. Each print is a slightly different size (ranging between 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" to 11" x 14"). I think these would look great framed in a study or sewing room.

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Be a follower/subscriber, THEN please visit the Ladylotus Etsy store and tell me which print you like best.
2. Blog and/or tweet about this giveaway for an extra entry (please let me know what the link is to your blog post)

Notes: *Anyone may enter. *This giveaway will end on Wednesday, 19 May and the winner will be announced on Thursday, 20 May. Good luck!

Designer bicycles

Fashion designers make everything now days (well almost). So, its not really surprising that alot of them make  bicycles too (because even fashionista's sometimes feel like cycling). Here are two designer bicycles I would not mind having....

1. It has a Chanel bag on it *drool*. Pity it's about $17 000

2. Its cute and was once on Gossip Girl ($550)

* To look at some more designer bicycles (including a pretty red Gucci one) - click HERE

Would you want a designer bicycle?

And the winner is...

The winner of the Collect mini bird giveaway is.... Finding My Unicorn ! Congrats, darling - please contact me soon.

The next lovely, international giveaway should be starting later today or tomorrow :)

Best and worst dressed: Met Gala

I always enjoy looking at the red carpet photos from the Costume Institute Gala held at the Met (in NYC). This year there were loads of stunning dresses, but sadly there were also some awful choices on celebs I really like. Here are my top choices for best and worst dressed...

BEST: Anne Hathaway (left) in a stunning Valentino gown and Bulgari diamonds (such a princess gown). Rachel Weisz (right) in an Oscar de la Renta dress with Fred Leighton jewels (gorgeous lady, gorgeous pink dress).

WORST: Leighton Meester (left) in a ill fitting Marc Jacobs dress (why, Leighton, why?). Kristen Stewart (right) in a black Chanel dress with her trademark unimpressed look (not pretty)

What do you think of the dresses?

Mini wishlist

The lovely Lana, from Lanalou style, asked me to share just 5 things from my wishlist with her and her readers - So, I did.
If you would like to see the list, click HERE

Me, today

Today I...

... went to gym this morning and did some cardio
... arrived at work very late
... realised its only 20 days until my birthday
... fought the urge to buy a custard donut
... love the gloomy weather in Cape Town
... feel happy and loved
... don't really feel like writing a proper post (can you tell?)
... posted a quote on my book blog
... may make spaghetti bolognaise later
... will be drinking lots of cups of tea
... really wish tomorrow was Friday

How are you today?

10 things I learnt this weekend

1. The Bombay Bicycle Club on Kloof street is awesome :)
2.  Sushi and pizza should not be eaten together.
3. Patron shooters are really good (but evil)
4. Its a good idea to catch up with a friend on skype for 2 hours
5. The Blind Side is a brilliant, sweet film (made me cry).
6. Crazy taxi rides home after a night out are fun
7. I like "Over the top" grey nailpolish by Essie
8. Boiled eggs are not actually a quick breakfast option
9. Finding new, good music can be very inspiring
10. Its important to practice random acts of kindness

What did you learn this weekend?