It's Friday and I...

... need a manicure and I just remembered I have a Dream Nails voucher. Bliss!
... had an eventful week!
... have a coffee date tomorrow morning at Vida in Willowbridge.
... am meeting Vanessa Haywood next week! I wonder what she looks like in real life...
... still have the urge to buy more lingerie. I was thinking 'black lace' and, for some reason, something yellow too.
... see that I'm on the NoMU Blog this morning (tiny little appearance)! Their August poster will be up at the Engen on Orange soon, but click the link to see what the 1950's inspired poster looks like featuring Richard Hardiman. I think this one of the best posters so far.
... need to show my sister how to give her blog some life! But do follow her here.
... am craving some of that crispy chicken and potato salad from last night's braai.
... wish I could attend glamorous events every night and just live the high-life! Unfortunately the boring 'nine to five' pays the bills.
... need a haircut really bad! Split-ends-deluxe!
... only went to gym once this week. I really am not the exercise or sporty type! Bleh.
... am going to donate blood today and I'm not looking forward to that 'straw' being stuck in my arm! But don't say I never do anything good.
... have loads of deadlines, but hey, blogging is just so much more fun! So sue me...

Have a lovely weekend my darlings!
J

(Image found here)

Feel like some TLC? Well, WIN it!

Fellow skinnies-in-the-making-slash-blogging-babes are running a FAB competition to win some serious, much needed, pampering at The Urban Spa!

- 30 Minute Hot Stone Back and Neck Massage
- Stress Relief Head Massage
- Specialised Facial
- Warm Paraffin Hand and Foot dip and Massage
- Refreshments

Visit the Skinny Bitches in the Making blog by clicking here and follow the instructions to enter! Hurry, because there's only about one more week left!

Pick me, pick me! I'll totally play the sympathy card if it will work...

Jemma

(Image found here)

2OceansVibe Radio Launch Party - all the cool people under one roof!

Last night I attended the launch of 2OceansVibe radio and what a party it was! Lets just say that if you like to mingle with the 'in crowd' and celebrities, that was the place to be. Once I stepped foot inside the Cape Quarter I thought, 'oh gawd, another Camps Bay thing with leggy models'. Not so! I felt right at home among all those bloggers and well-known faces. Totally up my alley. The music was great, I mean, they just played all my favourite tunes that made me want to get my groove on without the help of alcohol. Then the food, oh em gee, the food was so nice! Little steak rolls, sushi, pizza, mini chocolate cupcakes... you name it! I really had to hold back (no thanks to an upcoming shoot), but I gave in eventually when warm pizza with feta, peppadews and basil pesto toppings came my way.

You are probably dying to know more about the event itself, who I met, what the celebrities are like and see some pictures! But allow me to just give a quick congratulations to Seth Rotherham on the successful launch, a thank you to Robert Miller for taking me and introducing me to everyone (he sure knows everyone) and thanks to Richard Hardiman for getting me on that coveted guest list! It was such an amazing experience!

Ok, ok, I'll put you out of your misery - here it is, all summed up with some illustrations.

After trying on almost everything in my cupboard, I went with this outfit. Laid back, yet still sexy. Thanks to my sister and stylist-in-the-making for putting together an outfit and doing my hair.

Ooh, with the man himself, and even hotter in real life, Richard Hardiman. He is really nice and down to earth.

Mark Bayly is tall, dark, handsome, charming, sexy and just everything I thought he would be! Can anyone say 'dreamy'? He isn't as bubbly as he is on All Access, but I like them with their mouths closed.

Seth Rotherham, the man of the hour, is just so cool and funny! Did you know that his girlfriend is 'La Muse' from Pop ya Collar?

This is Alex van Tonder, or Cape Town Girl as we know her. I was very excited to meet her! She is just as pretty in real life than she is in her pictures!

Thank goodness I could convince him for a picture, otherwise I couldn't show you what Robert Miller looks like! He is very cool, super nice, a genuine gentleman and just so easy to talk to! It felt like I've known him forever and I'm just so excited to work with him.

Just a picture of the crowd - the place was packed with beautiful people.

It was exciting meeting Jack Parow too! He wore his famous hat when he performed on stage. I Scream And The Chocolate Stix also performed, but I didn't manage to get a pic with/ of them.

Some of the yummy food! Can you see why I just gave in? The cravings were getting out of hand!

2Oceans Vibe...

Here I'm pictured with Richard Hardiman and Samantha Laura Kaye. Shit, she was just the most beautiful woman there, by far! She's so nice, so elegant and her make-up was done flawlessly! I can't wait to work with her too. I'm sure she is going to turn me into a goddess! (Don't you just agree that she looks like Catherine Zeta Jones?)

This is Paul Raphaely from NoMU. Another really cool, good looking, talented and FUN guy! I loved how he just 'advertised' me the whole night! I'm such a lucky girl to be working with him in the coming weeks.

This is Paul's sister, Julia Raphaely. Yes, the Julia, as in managing director of Associated Magazines! She was just full of smiles, really nice and down to earth!

I got this cute cupcake on the way out.

It was a great night and definitely something I can tick off the bucket list. What's next? What is going to top this? Oh wait, I know! Being a poster girl with Vanessa Haywood for NoMU! There, I said it! That's my big surprise!

Ok, well it's back to reality for me. Sigh.
Jemma

(Images: Writer's own - don't steal 'em)

My Juicy World – another sneak-peak of what’s in store!

Last week I dropped a few hints of what I’m planning and all my tweets were about this unknown, yet super exciting, news! Today I thought I’d give you some more clues, because, as my followers, you deserve to know first! You, and only you, will basically be with me on my journey and get to see and hear everything first!

So the big ‘campaign’ (that’s a clue too) is taking place in the next week or two. It involves Robert Miller (and you all know how I love to brag about his work), Vanessa Haywood (SA model and actress from District 9), Samantha Laura Kaye (the great make-up artist who has worked on this type of project before) and the NoMU Brand (yes, the NoMU that is taking over my spices cupboard). Another hint: Seth from 2Oceans Vibe Radio, Alex van Tonder (Cape Town Girl) and Vicky Sleet (from I Want That) have all done this before.

Needless to say, I’m super excited to work with all these amazingly talented people! This will be my first PROPER (meaning, professional) photo shoot (hey, another hint!) and, who knows, this might be the start of big things for me. I will definitely share the behind-the-scenes and pretty stuff with you.

Ok, I'm off to plan my outfit for the 2OceansVibe Radio launch! I will definitely post pictures about this for you too.

J
(Image found here)

Motivation for Monday!

I had a really busy weekend behind me and all I can think of right now, is my bed! If you, just like me and probably the rest of the world, need a little something to get you through the day, here's an inspirational quote Sasha Martinengo sent me last week. It was this quote that helped me make the biggest decision to date...

"Do what makes YOU happy. Forget about tomorrow"

It sounds so reckless, but I love how I can just use this quote forever in every situation. Remember, you only have one life to live, so make every decision, every moment, every movement count today. One day you're going to look back on your life, so make sure those stories you tell your grandchildren, are going to be memorable.

Happy Monday darlings!

(Image found here)

Things I can't say NO to... #005

No matter where I am, what the rules are or whether I'm drunk or sober - if I see a stripper pole, yup, I can't say no! I can't do the flexible aerobatic turns and twirls, just the simple 'ol swing and Kendra Wilkinson's signature move (which is actually done standing next to the pole, considering what an excellent pole dancer she is). Pole dancing is actually really good exercise (just look at Kendra's hot bod), so I'm definitely considering joining a class! Then, my dear friends, then it's on like Donkey Kong!

I know there are loads of other girls who have a 'stripper' inside of them... I guess I'm just one of the few who will admit that mine comes out to play.

(Image found here)

It's Friday and I...

…had a full week of gym behind me for the first time in weeks!

...am not happy that it's raining!
…still haven’t filed my tax return.
…am looking forward to working with the amazing team at NoMU, the absolutely talented Robert Miller and, of course, actress and model Vanessa Haywood (whoops, looks like I’ve just dropped a few more hints).
…need to be extremely cautious of what I eat or it’s cabbage soup diet for me, which is pretty much like Fear Factor.
…am leaving early today, again. Yay for pest control!
…have this sudden craving for chicken curry and a double brandy with coke!
…am planning to go on a girls weekend with all my best friends – I can already feel a major party (and an even bigger hangover) coming!
…have an urge to go (and voucher for) lingerie shopping!
…have an extremely bad hair-day! Frizzy and flat – not my two favourite things!
…am totally happy that it’s Friday, of course!! TGIF and TGIP (thanks KFM)
...am contemplating whether I should go out for drinks after work, even though I know it will turn into something more than that!

What are your plans for the weekend?
Happy Friday!

(Image found here)

Birthday Celebration - here's what I did!

Turning 24 was not something I looked forward to, because it just sounded so 'old'. But now that I'm here, it's actually not so bad, in fact, it's pretty much the same as last week!

When I received gifts at 06h00 on Friday morning, I knew it was going to be a great day. The boyfriend spoilt me with gladiator shoes and a huge black handbag, both from Aldo. I also got a bottle of D&G The One fragrance - my absolute favourite! I still had to go work, but luckily only half day, then it was off to the Maze Restaurant at The One & Only. What an experience that was! I thought it was going to be just another fancy and overpriced place, but they totally lived up to the hype and all my expectations! I had the best 3-course meal I've ever had and, coming from me, that means a lot! I was more than impressed, so they can expect another visit from me real soon. Look at the pretty cupcakes they sent me; how did they know about my 'little' guilty-pleasure?

Afterwards I met up with friends for cocktails which turned into an unplanned party! You only get to celebrate a birthday once a year, so I had to make it count - that was my excuse for not going home when I knew my Saturday was going to be busy and long. Saturday the celebration continued with friends and family, and again, we went out partying afterwards. And there I was thinking I'm getting too old to party two nights in a row! Though, Sunday I paid the consequences, but it was totally worth it. I finished the birthday weekend off with a huge Sunday lunch at Cattle Baron and a big dessert!

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday weekend so much fun and special. I absolutely loved every single gift I got!

Jemma
(Images: Writer's own)

My world is about to get a whole lot juicier!

I know I've been very quiet with blog posts - and please forgive me - but I have been busy with work and a very exciting project. I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but these pics should definitely give you a clue of what's to come.

Make sure you follow me on Twitter and visit my blog regularly to be updated with my latest venture! You guys will be the first to know about it all, I promise. So while you're trying to figure out what it is I'm busy with, I'll be at the gym working my ass off or at the sunbeds getting a tan. S'all part of the evil plan 'spicy' preparation... *wink wink*

Believe me, you have to keep watching this space.

(Images found here and on the NoMU website)

Win with Miss Molly Fashions!

It's competition time again and I'm glad to announce that fellow blogger and fashionista, Miss Molly, is giving away some hot couture! This time you can choose your fashion piece if you win, so I've decided I'll go for the floral print skirt.

Go on, enter this really cool giveaway! Click here!
Be sure to follow her blog and browse (and buy) all her designs.

J

It's Friday and I...

…am celebrating my birthday - 24 years in the making!
…am as happy as a pig in shit!

…cannot wait till lunch time. The boyfriend is taking me to the One & Only Hotel, The Maze Restaurant, and I'm not coming back to work after that! Champagne anyone?

…am wearing my brand new, KILLER, gladiator shoes, my new bag and new D&G perfume which were all gifts from the boyfriend!

…am bummed that it’s not casual-soccer-Friday, but I’m celebrating something just as cool.

…am looking forward to tomorrow – loads of friends and family coming over to continue with the celebration.

…have done extra effort with my hair and make-up today.

...have already received loads of phone calls, e-mails, sms's and have been sung to twice.

...am totally excited and in a really good mood today. I love birthdays!

How is your Friday going so far?

Have a drink on me this weekend!

Jemma

(Image found here)

The unwritten rules of a Gym!

Ok peeps, if you belong to a gym, or rather, if you actually go to gym, these are the unwritten rules to adhere to. It’s the small things that will make my 2-hour session less stressful.

1. When you go up or down the stairs, it pretty much works like traffic. Keep left, pass right. If you decide that, for some outlandish reason much to my provocation, to walk in the middle, you will be causing a major pile-up. Remember, we’re there to destress and we can’t start off on the wrong foot.

2. It’s really uncool just plain effing inconsiderate to leave your sweat towel on gym equipment while using a different machine. You can’t ‘book’ a machine. Finish up where you are and then join the queue for the next machine. I refer back to rule #1: never cause a pile-up.

3. By the time I get to gym, I’ve had a really long day and I’m way pass the point of starving, so it’s not only breaking the rules, but also very cruel for Kauai staff to bake blueberry muffins! I can’t run on a treadmill, concentrating on my exercise, when all I can think of are those muffins in the oven. No delicious aromas of muffins, toast or fresh coffee may linger near me.

4. Not everybody is blessed with a hot body that hardly requires any effort or diet (I’m not one of those), so if you are, don’t rub it in my face. Gawd, don’t wear push-up sports bras (they don’t even exist, so just remove that padding, darling) or hot pants to gym. Apart from it being slutty and totally inappropriate for gym, it screams ‘look at me, look at my tight ass’. The rule here? Don’t wear gym ‘attire’ that has me blushing!

5. There are some real hotties at gym whose shirts cling to their ripped chests and, if you’re lucky, their sweat might allow you to see a bit more flesh. Drool, but don’t stare. There are often ex-gymnasts doing stretches that will totally dislocate me if I were to attempt. So they can split, just don’t stare. There are always those who still gym in bright 80’s aerobics-wear with headbands and legwarmers. It is entertaining, but don’t stare. I might even do some weird exercise, which has never been heard of before, and put myself in an uncomfortable squatting position. I've got a goal, so don’t stare. Please.

Let's all stick to these rules from now on, Capisce?

Could a fortune cookie really be so inspiring?

Fortune cookies are much like a box of chocolates. You never know what (message) you're gonna get. Sometimes it's a random quote, sometimes a riddle and sometimes Lotto numbers, but the weirdest message I have found in mine, was 'a child will bring happiness'. That brought everything but happiness. It scared the shit out of my boyfriend!

So when I saw this quote, I found it rather inspiring! You know, almost like it's talking directly to me. Here's hoping my dream(s) will come true!

What messages have you found in a fortune cookie before?

The Birthday Celebration kicks off right about NOW!

The big day is tomorrow, but I'm already totally amped about getting old! Ok, not really. Let's rephrase. I'm totally amped about having one day dedicated to me, getting spoilt, getting really nice gifts, being taken out to a fancy hotel for lunch, having friends come over the weekend to celebrate and getting loads of phone calls and sweet sms's! Thank you to all my friends and family, who are so dear to my heart, for always making my birthdays extra special. I already received my first birthday wish this morning!

Every year I have a themed party and invite loads of people, but this year I'm toning things down. Don't fret, I'm making up for it next year. Double. I've already got a sexy theme in mind, so start with the diets and dust off those costumes.

Tomorrow I'm embracing my inner Princess with pride and I shall have my cake and eat it.

(Image: writer's own)

The six star hangover!

I've received an e-mail about the different kinds of hangovers, but the six star hangover just took me back to my party days. Actually, just took me back to last weekend. Nevertheless, I'm sharing it with you, but edited it according to my experiences. If you can't relate, then you haven't partied. And I mean, partied.

You arrive home after a party and climb into bed. Sleep comes instantly, as you were fighting it all the way home in the taxi. You get about 2 hours sleep until the noises in your head wake you up. You notice that your bed has been cleared for take-off and is flying relentlessly around the room. It's spinning really fast and you're clutching the duvet in the hope not to fall off. No matter what you do now, you're going to chuck. You stumble out of bed and notice that your room as turned into a yacht under full sail with rough seas under your feet. Is this even your room? After stumbling down the passage, alternating between the two walls, you find your way to the toilet. The light has never seemed so bright. Hopefully you are lucky enough to reach the toilet in time and remember to lift the lid before you spontaneously explode. You wake the whole house up with your impersonation of walrus mating calls. You sit there on the floor in your undies, clutching the only friend you have left in the world (the toilet), randomly continuing to make the walrus noises, spitting, and farting. Help usually comes at this stage, even if it is short-lived. Tears stream down your face and your abdomen hurts. Help now turns into abuse and your partner usually goes back to bed, leaving you there in the dark. With your stomach totally empty, your spontaneous eruptions have died back to 15-min intervals, but your body won't relent. You are convinced that you are starting to turn yourself inside out and swear that you saw your tonsils shoot out of your mouth on the last occasion. Or was that perhaps a piece of your liver? It is now dawn and you pass your disgusted partner getting up for the day as you try to climb into bed. Your partner abuses you again for trying to get into bed with lumpy bits or dried vomit in your hair. You reek of vomit, tequila and cigarettes, and your body is ice cold. All you want now is sleep, but you reluctantly accept your partner's advice and have a shower in exchange for them driving you to the hospital. Death seems like an easy way out. Work is simply not an option. The whole day is spent trying to avoid anything that will make you sick again, like moving. You want to cry but that would take the last drop of moisture out of your body. All you want now is a full English breakfast with loads of fries and a 2L Creamsoda. You vow never to touch a drop of alcohol again and who knows, for the next two or three hours you might even succeed.

Ok, now hands up all those who have had a six star hangover! Thought so.

(Image found here)

More celebrities, minus the airbrushing

I know my posts are more about celebrities these days, but I can't help it. Their closets, their lives, the scandals and the drama totally fascinates me. It also makes me feel really good about myself when I see pics of them pre-airbrushed. Like these:

Celebrities' Coveted Closets

Damn, now my teensy walk-in wardrobe seems so, well, teensy in comparison to celebrities' closets! Even if mine was bigger, I wouldn't have been able to fill it out with designer gear, dreamy handbags, a collection of cocktail dresses or Jimmy Choos!

Here's a peek into some celebrities' closets (should we be happy that they share the pictures or totally envious of all their, mostly free, fabulous stuff?):

Christina Aguilera

Just look at all those shoes! She arranges it by designs, so a shelf for YSL, a shelf for Christian Louboutin and so on. And apparently she's got a whole different room for boots! Ah, jealous much?

Mariah Carey

Her closet looks like a boutique. A very expensive one at that. Only shoes and bags are featured here, so I can only imagine what the rest of her closet looks like where the clothes are. Mariah, you give me a call when you want to throw out some stuff, ok? I'll gladly take it off your hands (and feet).

Paula Abdul

I like her closet! It's messy and organised at the same time, it looks like she actually wears all those shoes and it features some sunnies. By saying I want a closet like hers (one day), is definitely more of a realistic dream.

Nicky Hilton

Now this is one lady whose closet I wouldn't mind raiding, and, when I'm done, I'm paying a visit to her sister's closet too! This picture probably doesn't do Nicky's closet any justice, but I'm so stealing her glass doors idea!

Rachel Zoe

Ah, finally a closet with some character! I bet you it's filled with loads of dresses and Louis Vuitton bags. It pays to style, darlings.

Kimora Lee Simmons

When it comes to fabulousity, clothes, bags, dresses and shoes, she takes the cake! She's got the mother of all walk-in wardrobes. Thanks to her reality TV programme, I've had the opportunity of seeing her entire closet and she's got shoes stacked to the roof. She says "shoes are fabulous, even if they're not always comfortable. You just have to suffer for beauty, honey". Hail to the queen!

Miley Cyrus

Between all the glitter and blonde wigs, I don't think there's much I'd want from her closet, but I totally love how she displays her shoes against that pink background.

Jessica Alba

Another shoe-lover and boy, does she have some really nice shoes! And hats. But I would've preferred to see her bikini collection instead.

Girls, we are allowed to dream. Sigh.
Jemma