My monthly musings...- South African fashion brand Urban Glamour have just launched their Spring handbag line, which has a trendy colour-block theme. This stunning high-fashion range is all made locally, and is also available in the US (New York), Germany and Italy. See the Urban Glamour website for more details. The designers have given me an exclusive sneak peek into what we can expect from the upcoming collection.
- I'm thrilled to be featured on two lovely blogs this month. Makeup-loving Rakhshan asked me a few questions on her adorable beauty blog here.
- Boston-based South African blogger Kbd asked me to share my favourite places to visit for her 'Tour South Africa' series. It's in 3 parts, which you can read on her inspiring travel blog here.
- I have discovered the cure for insomnia! It is completely safe and there is no hypnosis or pills involved. I can't believe no one has thought of this before! The key is...reading mind-numblingly boring business textbooks before you go to bed - it works like a charm. I guarantee that after the first 2 pages, you will be dazed into a deep slumber. I really should patent this idea...I could even lend out my books to start ;)
- I've noticed that you can tell within the first half an hour of meeting someone new whether you're going to like them or not and whether or not you would want to pursue a friendship with them.
- It's always uplifting to see an outfit you've already bought in an 'exclusive' boutique for R500, when you've only paid R100 for the same thing somewhere else.
- I've been seriously addicted to Chai Lattes lately; so much so, that I've learnt to make it myself. It requires some effort but the end result is delicious. Try out this easy recipe, which has step-by-step instructions & photographs in case you get lost along the way. A good tip: you can replace the sugar with honey if you prefer.
- I read an interesting newspaper article this week that characterized Facebook users into 5 different categories. It gave me some insight into the social networking site, seeing that I am not a member of it. The political editor and author, Mr J Sikhakhane divided the groups into:
- Alpha-socialisers: men under 25 who use the network for short periods of time, to meet new people, flirt and for entertainment purposes.
- Attention-seekers: mostly teen girls and women who constantly post provocative photographs of themselves with friends and 'customize their profiles'.
- Followers: who join the network to keep up with their friends.
- Faithfuls: men and woman who are content with their own lives and social surroundings. Being more settled, they do not crave attention and use the site to reignite friendships from school or university.
- Functionals: who use Facebook for a particular reason (ex. work-related), and who are unconcerned with socializing, meeting their soulmate or viewing comments and photos.
- Studying in a creative field, I've been wondering how university lecturers grade exams and assignments for art and design subjects. How does one measure 'creativity', when the concept of what it is differs so vastly from one person to the next? My idea of a beautiful piece of art/writing/prose/poem/architectural or advert design could be substandard to someone else.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the last two.
A collection of random thoughts...
- I would like to thank the lovely Anna Louise for featuring me on her inspiring blog this week. She had asked me a few fun questions for her interview series called "A Piece of..." You can read it here.
- Although it's Spring and everyone else is filled with glee - I actually miss winter. I miss the warm chunky knits that hide the effects of too much good comfort food. I miss the excitement of a snow day. I miss the winter boots that I bought but never wore. I miss cozying up next to the fireplace and most of all, I miss drinking all those cups of coffee to keep warm.
- This is a good year for SA Idols, the talent has been the best we've ever seen in all seven seasons. My two favourite contestants, Freddie and Dave are still in the running for the grand prize. It would be a travesty if neither of these two rockers won. See them sing here. P.S Don't forget to check out Freddie's brilliant rendition of "Seven Nation Army" while you're there.
- Masterchef is coming to South Africa! As a huge fan of the reality cooking competition, I am very excited. I was seriously considering entering, but my inability to multitask, perilous knife skills and fussy food habits will probably not see me past the Audition room door. If you are a passionate amateur South African cook (without any of my above-mentioned impediments), I hope that you will enter.
- The curse of my lost camera is finally over! No, I didn't find the mysteriously misplaced camera, but my dearest brother did get me a splendid new one as a gift. Thanks bro! I can now get back to taking photos, as soon as I figure out how to work this gadget.
- Ghd in association with Cansa will be styling hair for a charitable purpose on 1 October 2011. The style-A-thon events will be held in 4 shopping malls in 3 cities around the country, where you can have your hair professionally styled for R50 (R20 for kids), which will go towards raising funds for cancer. This worthy cause brings a new meaning to "beauty with a purpose".
- If you're considering long-distance learning in South Africa - please don't. As a victim of this failed system, I wouldn't advise it to anyone. The country's three major correspondence colleges - Unisa, Damelin & Intec, were all under fire on a Carte Blanche exposé. Intec is by far the worst. Study material hasn't been delivered on time or at all, assignments haven't been marked, money has been embezzled and it only gets worse with more than a thousand complaints on Hellopeter.
- In view of the previous point, I am starting to think that my streak of bad luck has turned into a recurring role in Lemony Snicket's "Series of Unfortunate Events". That did turn out well in the end though?
- It so happens that just as you get used to a great new hairdresser or beauty therapist, either they will move away, or you will. Then you will have to suffer many bad hair cuts and brow waxes before you find a stylist you can trust again. And it probably won't be long until they move too. It's a vicious circle.
- I wish there were a simpler way of knowing when to take a plunge into the deep end, and when to wade in shallow waters.
My monthly musings...
- Last week, I decided to throw a surprise party for my mum - two days before her birthday. With the help of a few good friends, we managed to turn a milestone in my mum's life into an enjoyable and unforgettable event. It was priceless seeing the completely stunned look on her face when everyone shouted 'Surprise' from behind a darkened room. Thanks to all our friends for making the party possible on such short notice :)
- Small Town, SA (literally) had it's fifteen minutes of fame on an episode of the TV variety show, Pasella. In the feature, our town was presented in all it's historic glory and we discovered things we never knew we had right at our front door. You can read about it on the Pasella website.
- Every time the Sanex body wash adverts appear on TV, I cringe and quickly change the channel. It's like they're trying to repel than actually 'sell' the product. The ad is really eerie, it should come with a warning for sensitive viewers.
- Advice to friends: When a semi-cute but slightly creepy Italian boy (with an accent) offers to iron/curl your hair for free in the middle of a busy mall walkway...you should know that there has to be catch.
- I used to get mildly annoyed when people took days to respond to a simple text message. Could it really take 48 hours to type a one-line-reply? Then, I got a response to an email after one year. One year? Really? Now I'm just grateful that I get any replies to anything at all.
- This whole satchel bag trend is not working for me - and I did try. It isn't possible to fit all my junk stuff into a an A5 book-sized miniature pouch. That's why we have the oversized Alexa Mulberry bag.
- I have been putting off a much-needed trip to The Dentist, even though 'the dentist' is my kind and dear brother. You think you're going in for a routine scale and polish and then find out that you actually need 5 fillings, 2 extractions and a root canal. Having never had any of these before, I'm allowed to be afraid.
- The one day of the year that I had to wake up early also happened to be the coldest day of the year. The temperature dropped to minus 6 degrees and there was no water because all the pipes had frozen. I'm taking this as some sort of a sign that I shouldn't be up that early again.
- I was a huge fan of Natalia Kills, until she became famous and morphed into the darker-haired but equally creepy version of Lady Gaga. Do singers have to act insane to sell records these days?
- When I asked my friend Annie what she was going to buy with her very first paycheck, she said to me that there isn't anything that she needs, only she things that she wants. It got me thinking; so often the line between 'needs' and 'wants' is blurred, that we end up with tons of things that are more 'pretty' than practical.
My monthly musings...
- Having five email address is becoming rather confusing. I have a personal one for friends, one for my blog, another for work/academic purposes, one for my online subscriptions and finally an archive address to which I forward all my important emails for storage. I'm afraid that one of these days I will mistakenly send my college assignments to all of my friends and absent-mindedly send a very scandalous email to a potential employer.
- I used to think that the bulletproof glass you find in banks is there for the safety of the bank tellers. After visiting the bank, I realized the the glass is actually a safety mechanism for the clients - it's there to protect them from being strangled by frustrated, irritated and infuriated bank employees.
- I was quite disappointed when Klaus was finally revealed on The Vampire Diaries this month. I was expecting someone more dashing, macho and evil looking. This Klaus character looks like he should be on a stage somewhere acting out Shakespeare's Twelfth Night as Duke Orsino.
- In Small Town, SA, the dry cleaners are a place where you send your delicate, non-washable clothes (such as a snow white fur-lined jacket) to be 'safely' cleaned. They will return it to you two and a half weeks later, dyed in a new ash grey colour, buttons missing and completely de-furred. And the revamping of your coat will cost you more than you originally paid for it. Small Towns, go figure.
- I desperately need to find a waterproof mascara that actually is waterproof. All the tubes I currently own and use have a special talent of making me look like Kung Fu Panda by the end of the night.
- I always mock the soapie The Bold and the Beautiful, because since it began, the same circle of 5 characters have hooked up, broken up, made up, swapped partners, snatched spouses, sabotaged relationships, cheated on each other with each other then got back together again. Then someone pointed out to me that Gossip Girl is the exact same thing, with better clothes. Sad but true. I will not be making fun of the B&B anymore.
- If your car doesn't start after putting in the key and trying to turn it 500 times, you should check if you've actually got the right key. It will save you from a whole lot of anxiety and well wasted time ;p
- We all know that too much sun is bad for you, so I did my best not to get 'too much'. Turns out this is equally as bad for you, because I now have what is nicknamed 'Vampire Syndrome', which is just a cool name for Vitamin D deficiency. No wonder I was being mistaken for a Cullen sister.
- The audition phase of SA Idols is sadly over, but you can still get some comedy relief from the Wooden Mic auditions and also enjoy the best of SA's talent here
Just wondering...
- Isn't it really depressing when you've paid a ridiculous amount for a stunning dress at an 'exclusive' boutique, only to find that a month later it is available from a franchise store at one tenth of the price?
- I think I've been brainwashed by the Neutrogena advert that's played 120 times during Gossip Girl on Vuzu. I know this because when I was shopping for a new skincare range, the only thing that I could see in the entire beauty aisle were the bright orange and white boxes and flashing images of Vanessa Hudgens saying 'Now I have one less stress to deal with'.
- My search for the perfect créme brulee recipe has ended thanks to Masterchef Australia. I have tried to make many-a-brulee before, but the results were quite hazardous. This recipe is so simple, if I can make it, I know you can. Try it here.
- This has been such an intense week in the land of Vampire Diaries (for those of us who don't have copies of the entire 2nd season). Lots of unexpected twists and turns - Stephan was the 'bad' brother back in 1864, Bonnie's powers were stripped, Damon was duped twice, Alaric's failed heroic attempts, Elijah met his ashy dagger end (which I was sad about), Uncle John was being his usual scheming and annoying Uncle John self and Katherine made an unwelcomed return. Can't wait for next week's episode.
- It's been one of those chocolate-dessert-for-dinner kind of weeks. I don't even like chocolate that much - but Ultra Mel's Delight chocolate dessert is pretty hard to resist.
- I must admit that I did not vote at our municipal elections last week. My political expectations had been let down before and seems like it will be for another four years. Here's looking forward to more empty promises, misused funds, unfinished roadworks, bribery and corruption. ;)
- Earlier this month, we were treated to a girls night out at a Honey Jewellery launch, arranged by the lovely Ms Slick. All the ladies in attendance perfectly played up to the 'Bling & Heels' theme. Thanks to Ms Slick for being such a gracious host and organizing the entertaining evening. The latest Honey collection glitters with glamour, visit their website here to view the catalogue.
- To the next person who asks me if I have a Blackberry (and you will be person number 5388), I would like to say: No, I don't have a Blackberry because I'm not interested in your incessant updates about what you're doing, where you're going, what you having for lunch, what mood you're in - or not in, your weather reports (there's a news channel for that) and I am really not interested in the egocentric profile pics you put up of yourself every hour. I actually worry about the people that are interested.
- Some things are just not fair. Like how Durban experiences 29 degree Autumn days, while the rest of us in Small Town, SA shiver in the 10 degree cold.
- I can't believe that I hadn't discovered the joys of red velvet cupcakes before this weekend. If you've never had one before, try making them with this easy recipe. You can thank me later by sending a batch ;)
- This post was meant to feature the pics I took of the beautiful boutiques and shopping havens at the coast. But sadly my camera mysteriously disappeared in one of the malls, (probably because I was too distracted by all the pretty clothes). It freaks me out that some stranger may have found it and is now holding my photos ransom somewhere on the internet.
- I've never been scared of watching horror movies, I find them to be laughable and far-fetched. What I am afraid of watching is gory episodes of Doctor 90210, Joburg drivers and anything that Lady Gaga wears and does.
- While some people use hair extensions and expensive medicated hair growth formulas to get thicker, fuller hair - farmtown folk use horse shampoo. Yes, for humans. Strange thing is, it actually works. Don't ask how I know this.
- On a recent family road trip, I found out that it takes about 10 people to change a tyre. One to hold the spanner, another to hold the jack, one to delegate, two who pretend to do the work, three who actually do all the work and a few glamour boys who stand around, refusing to get their designer clothes dirty.
- I used to make fun of people who speak in SMS abbreviations...but now, as hard as it is to admit - I have now become one of them. OMG!
- I don't get why people wear their sunglasses indoors, at night. Are they afraid that the fluorescent lighting in malls are going to emit harmful UV rays?
- Last night I caught the new Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler movie, Just Go With It. It was really funny and enjoyable, with stunning views of Hawaii. Definitely worth a watch for the Hula dance off between Jen and Nicole Kidman.
- I'd like to thank Megan from Second Floor Living, who asked me to do a guest post for her blog on Autumn and Winter fashion trends. You can read it here
- It is said that many inventions are created by accident. If this is true, I have 'invented' the coffee scented handbag, by accidentally dropping an entire cup of expresso across a table and onto my LV Bellevue handbag. The bag is slightly ruined but it does smell delicious.
- I don't get why some people use sweeteners instead of sugar in their drinks to 'cut calories' - but then have a giant slice of chocolate ganache cake with their tea or coffee. What is the logic behind this?
- My neighbour seems to moonlights as a DJ, blaring Kurt Darren, Katy Perry, Roxette and Tiesto from his professionally loud stereo. He hosts rowdy parties every Monday to Thursday. It must be a Small Town thing - drunken partying on work nights and peaceful, sobered up weekends.
- I don't have a sweet tooth, but after hearing great reviews about the Lindt Chocolate Brownies at Melrose Arch, my BFF and I decided to try it out. We were served three huge pieces of stale dry brownies, smothered in a warm dark chocolate sauce, served with a scoop of not-so-nice vanilla ice-cream. I could only endure one spoonful, it was ridiculously rich to the point of nausea. My chocolate quota for the year is up.
- The creator of The Vampire Diaries, L.J Smith, has written her last book in this popular series, called 'The Return - Midnight'. This is the final installment in The Return trilogy. Expect an extremely interesting twist for Damon and a hellish rescue mission for Elena and Stephan. Buy your copy online from Amazon.
- I really need to learn the art of using chopsticks properly. People are starting to stare (not in a good way) at my misuse of these ancient Chinese utensils.
- Whoever said that women are the best multi-taskers has not met me yet. I can't type and talk at the same time. I can barely even walk and talk at the same, in fear of striding straight into a lamppost.
- If your mascara dries out, the last thing you should do is try to melt it in the microwave. (I know, I should have known better, but I did it anyway). It will explode and you will have to buy a new tube of Maybelline and a new microwave.
- Your true friends will gladly spend 75 cents to send you an sms and won't pressurize you to buy a Blackberry just so that they can chat to you for free. Yup, I am still on my Anti-BB Campaign.
- If you live in KZN, you can read my interview in the April issue of Get It magazine. This is a great community based publication featuring best fashion and beauty buys, décor and recipe ideas, interesting personalities and exciting places to visit. I would like to thank the magazine editor, Rachel Thomas for taking the time to drive up and meet with me and Danica for taking the photographs.
- I really need to stop buying things just because they're pink. Sometimes it's just not functional nor smart and turns out to be completely useless. But it is oh so pretty.
- Thank you to everyone who has invited me onto WhatsApp. Sadly, I cannot get this application on my 'smartphone', as apparently, it is not smart enough. But it is pink.
- It's possible to watch P.S I Love You for the 300th time and still get teary-eyed. Although it's the saddest movie I've seen, I don't think I will ever tire of watching it.
- Expresso should be labelled as either a) A drug b) Food poisoning or c) The secret to staying awake for eternity.
- It isn't fair to judge someone on a bad decision they've made, unless every single decision you've made in your own life was the right one.
- It's easier to buy a firearm than a memory card in South Africa. Purchasing a Micro SD card from a well-known franchise required me to place a special order through a glass window, pass several security checks and pay for it at a separate part of the store, then return with the stamped receipt to receive my card. I then had to leave my name, number, ID, address, blood type, next of kin, etc with the sales lady (who tried to dissuade me from buying it in the first place). When I tried to leave the store with my newly-bought card, the security alarm went off and all the shoppers turned to look at me like I was a Lindsay kleptomaniac Lohan (so embarrassing). Finally, the security guard cleared my purchase and I was free to go. Needless to say, I won't be showing my face around there for a long time.
- Buy the March 2011 issue of South African Elle and receive a free L'oréal Glam Shine lipgloss (my ultimate fav). You won't find any copies left in Small Town, SA, 'cause I've cleared out the stands.
- If someone doesn't pick up their phone after the 10th ring, it probably means that they're very busy, unavailable or they just don't want to speak to you. Either way, after the first 5 failed attempts, you should really just stop calling.
- In an attempt to reduce my caffeine intake, I decided to try decaffeinated coffee. In Small Town, SA, there are only two types of decaf brands available. One that tastes like coffee-flavoured sand, and another that's slightly worse - decaffeinated gravel.
- I am really not a violent person, but the next time someone starts chatting away while I'm watching The Vampire Diaries, I will have to stab them with a spoon. You have been warned.
- The whole inner as outerwear trend should be banned for health reasons. Wearing a corset may look fabulous but it can stop your circulation. And the strangling effect it has on your stomach prevents you from eating. No wonder models are so skinny.
- According to Wikipedia, a download quota is a restriction fixed by an Internet Service Provider to limit the volume of data downloaded during a fixed period, usually a month. Once a fixed download cap (e.g. 250 GB/month) has been reached by the end user (me), the speed at which they access the internet is usually throttled to a slower speed or they are charged for excess data usage. All this means to me is that my internet stopped working earlier today because I download way too many Mp3's, recipes, photos and other unnecessary web-junk.
- A GPS is a device that can be used to get you lost. Yes, lost. Ours kept telling us to turn left into a non-existent road, straight into a cornfield. After 20km of that annoying all-knowing voice saying, 'Turn left, Turn left, Recalculating, Recalculating', I almost threw it out the window and into the cornfield. Maybe some farmer can use it to find his cows.
- The state of Mpumalanga roads is atrocious. You have to replace all your tyres after hurdling through the craters and boreholes. Now I know why the local government is doing nothing to improve it, because if they do, they will no longer have an excuse to buy ridiculously overpriced cars every other month.
- Grammy Award winning artist, Imogen Heap will be performing in SA at the end of this month. I really like the ambient sounds of this electro-folk singer. You will recognize her voice from Jason Derulo's Watcha Say and Hide & Seek, mixed by Tiesto. Book at www.computicket.com
- If you live in the city, check out the supercute Benefit Brow Bar at Woolworths. It's a good idea as long as you don't mind having your brows done in front of all the other shoppers.
- Some people use Facebook to stalk their secret crushes, then they wonder why their victims beloved ones block their photos and activities on their profile page. Em, I think they're hiding it from you, so you can't use their photograph as your screensaver and to stop you from 'showing up' at every place their status says they're going to.
- If you like to watch culinary competitions, you will enjoy a double dose of the exciting reality show, Top Chef. Season 5, Tuesdays on the Series Channel and catch the older seasons on Wednesdays on SABC 3.
- For something fresh and zesty, try out Laager Green Rooibos, Citrus and Ginger tea. It's caffeine free, rich in anti-oxidants and tastes really good.
- Strangest thing - every new person I meet from around the country has a friend, cousin, aunt, grandparent or knows somebody from Small Town, SA. We are famous! Who knew?
- The most pleasant holiday surprise was paging through my favourite fashion magazine and discovering that I won 'Letter of the Month' for January 2011.
- 30 Seconds is a tremendously fun, creative, quick thinking, fast talking game that anybody can learn to play. Buy it for R183,20 from www.makro.co.za
- Playing Scrabble requires a whole lot of patience, practice and free time. Studying the dictionary beforehand may help secure a win.
- I bear testimony to the fact that 22 people can fit (almost comfortably) into a Caravelle Minivan. I would have posted the pictures, but reputations had to be saved ;)
- Wasabi Peanuts can be used as an alternative to dental anesthetic. Once you pop one into your mouth, your ears ring, nose zings, you feel dizzy and before you know it, you can't feel your face anymore.
- Don't wear sticky lipgloss on a really windy hair. You will end up looking like a human windshield. Not pretty.
- Why is there always a brilliant TV line-up on the one weekend of the year that nobody has time to watch?
- We are loving Lovesick by Durban girl group The Arrows. Watch the video on www.artistdirect.com and check out their site at www.thearrowsband.com
- Those who cannot rap, (especially on Eminem tracks) really shouldn't. Unless they plan on going into stand-up comedy.
- Do not be surprised if your clothes don't fit after having strawberry cheesecake, malva pudding, checkerboard cake, sweet pear tart, Bar One cake, Turkish Delight dessert and cupcakes all in one weekend.
