Peek into my life - Part 2

I haven't gone onto Facebook lately, because, between blogging and tweeting (and a little work somewhere in between), I hardly have spare time on my hands. But when I actually did decide to finally update my status and see what my friends' kids look like (wedding and baby albums are completely taking over cyberspace), I saw a childhood friend had posted photos of me from when I was still innocent a tiny 12-year old. While gazing at the photos, it just took me back to my childhood and really made me miss, what now seems like, the times of yore! I'm a real nostalgic person and often long for the good 'ol days. Not that there's anything wrong with the present, but I just had a such a great childhood that I often find myself wanting to revive it.

We weren't extremely wealthy, but I had everything I needed (and 'need' is more important than 'want'). Both parents were still alive and married, and still is to this day, and I have a sister. Back then we never got along and always tried to either get each other in some deep trouble or kill each other! But today things have changed completely. Like a total 180, but we look back and have some good laughs!

We lived in a big house with lots of pets (I'm to blame - I couldn't ignore a stray animal), attended a normal school and played with all the kids in the street. Back then we still played outside, got our feet dirty and our knees scraped. Stuff like DSTV, Playstation, Wii, cell phones, ipods or social networking sites didn't exist! I think all the technology and gadgets available today, that is supposed to make our lives more convenient, are responsible for the fat and lazy youth of today. Kids, if you're reading this, go outside and get on your bike, skateboard or rollerblades. Take your dogs for a walk or chase the neighbourhood kids with funny worms!

My high school years were the best years of my life! So far, at least. Back then I could party without drinking, I didn't need to wear make-up, boyfriends changed like my moods and I was thin, naturally. There isn't much I would change if I could do the whole thing over, just simply relive it. I wasn't one of the nerds or the sporting heroes, instead, I was the popular one who took part in everything - from debate, to cheerleading, to pageants to even being a prefect! Generally, I was a good girl (oh how things have changed) and the worst thing my parents ever found in my school bag was book of poorly written songs.

I also had the perfect grandparents! In the movies you see chubby healthy grandparents that live on a farm far away, who can do anything from baking to knitting to killing a spider with their bare hands. Well, I had that exactly. Let's not even go into my lovely family (especially my cousins), because I can write a book on all the great memories! Maybe a teensy peek in the next blog...

Now you know even more about me and a little about my past. Baby steps, like they say.

Yolandi (today I feel like being myself) x

(Images: writer's own)

Fabulous Find!

While I was browsing Kim Gray's blog for my morning fashion fix, I came across some űber stunning dresses and blouses. I'm not one for girly frills, but I couldn't help but fall in love with the clothes. I like, I want!

The items pictured here are my favourite, but there are many to choose from! Spool No 72 is the clothing company that sell these amazing stuff. If you love standing out from the crowd or have a unique dress sense, do yourself a favour and browse the online store. I promise you'll find some must-haves that you'll want to get your hands on!

Just like the clothes, I'm keeping this blog entry short and sweet.

Can anyone say 'retail therapy'?  Happy shopping!

J

Fabulous Find!

I have been without inspiration for the last few days and I was scared that, should I dare blog, it would be about soccer. I am surrounded by a sea of yellow Bafana Bafana supporter's gear and the overpowering sound of the vuvuzela's. Even though it's a breathtaking vibe we've got going here in South Africa, I'd like to escape the whole soccer madness for a bit. And today will be the day.

In an attempt to distract myself, I searched Google for useful things encouragement to get over my writer's block. I somehow came across cupcakes and, after a persuasive craving and a long drool, decided that this will be my Fabulous Find! I've always been very fond of cupcakes, not only for its delicious taste, but for its versatility. There is so much you can do with this beautiful piece of fodder and the variety of recipes is endless. I've baked coconut, choc-chip, strawberry, vanilla, blueberry and fudge cupcakes in the past, but the best part is how you can play around with the decorations. Sugar paste isn't everyone's friend - hell, I don't always have the patience for tiny detail - but if you can master it, you can make some darn good cupcakes! I've seen ones that are too good to eat. Ones that you want to frame instead!

I don't know how the baker did it, but this is the most delectable and lip-smacking picture of a cupcake I've seen in a long time. And I've seen 'em all!

This cupcake-talking is really putting me in some strange baking mood. Wait. The dishes and cleaning that comes with gastronomy had just put me off. Sigh.

Jem

Peek into my life - Part 1

So my slogan on my blog promises to give you a peek into my life, yet I haven't given you much carte blanche thus far. I've been told that 'blogging is supposed to be about your life, something personal', but to me blogging is just a way to keep me from talking to myself. I'm really just your average girl who wishes she could make it big somehow, someday. I'm someone who is still on the road of discovering my talents and my true self. There are days when I want to be famous and live the high life, but also days when I'm determined to climb the corporate ladder and make my mark in the corporate world instead. But there are also days when I'm completely demotivated and just live for the next weekend or pay check. I'm sometimes hard to understand or to make myself clear, because I don't do 'tact', I hate gray areas and I'm the most straight-forward and outspoken person I know. I'm more blunt than Larry King and Simon Cowell put together. That's why my friends love me, because I'll tell them when they look fat in that jean, when they should've worn less make-up or when it's time for an eyebrow pluck! There's a fine line between honesty and being a bitch, and I know never to overstep. I love writing, because it's one of the few times where I have to think before I speak. I proofread it a thousand times and edit over and over before I post my blogs. I also love writing, because I don't need to face anyone. If I have to say sorry, moan about something, ask for something or need advice, I'll send you an e-mail. Ask my friends. I also consider myself a closet-comedian. I love being the life of the party, the one who the limelight is on and the one making you fall off your chair laughing.

Underneath the sexy-but-tough illusion I often create, hides a sensitive sole. I have a really big heart and I dote on my family - they are small, but they are my everything! My best friends are like the older sisters I never had; I love them. I have a boyfriend who I consider to be the love of my life and I know the 'big bling' will come in time. I'm the one who cries when I see a hungry or abused animal or when I see an elderly person suffering. When I cry, I'll do it alone when no one is watching, because I don't like expressing my emotions. I don't have a psychological problem; I just don't like being a retard in front of people. Besides that, I'm ugly when I cry! I pull my mouth, my face goes red and tears even stream out of my nose. That's how I do it. Properly.

I'm also not the type of girl who has a list of hobbies, because doing the same thing over and over will bore me to death. I love painting, scrapbooking, knitting (at times), cooking (these days), reading, writing, crafts, arranging parties and even taking photos (loves it), but these are things I do when I have some spare time. My time are spent at work, working at home, spent with my family and friends, with my bunnies, sleeping, practising the art of cooking and social networking. And somewhere in between I have time to enter competitions. Totally hooked on it! I love to party (especially if it has a dress-up theme) and socialise, meeting new people, trying new drinks, karaoke and I'm the queen of the dancefloor. If it weren't for hangovers, I would spend my days drinking champagne and coffee-tequila.

I hope I painted a clearer picture of myself and my life. Useless information to you, 'blogging' to others.

Jemma

(Pictures: writer's own)

Winter Wonderland

Winter is officially in Cape Town. Ok, it has been winter for the past month or so, but I say 'officially' because I don't remember the last time I wanted to be outside or even near a window for that matter. Nor do I remember the last time I saw the sun, had a dry nose, wore just one layer of clothing, walked around bare feet, had frizzy-free hair or when sleep wasn't the most important thing. I must admit, winter is great for movie-marathons, taking long baths, lots of eating and even a good excuse to skip gym. Oh and of course, winter is when I get to celebrate my birthday!

Even though summer reminds me of a December holiday at the beach, nothing gives you a natural high like sitting by a fireplace, wrapped in a blanket, and watching the rain pour down outside. And there's nothing like visiting my grandma in Ceres and seeing the white mountain tops from up close. To me, winter represents peace and beauty, nature at its best.

Which is your favourite season?

Image found here

J

Fabulous Find!

It hasn't even been 3 days, yet, I've come across another Fabulous Find!

Thanks to another sexy blogger, Cape Town Girl I have won myself some NoMU spices. I'm not big on cooking, nor do I really care what spices I use, but the NoMU spices have taken cooking to a whole different level! As in, changed the way I feel about it. Forever.

The founder of NoMU, Tracy Foulkes, was a vegetarian and wanted to start a very unique delicatessen here in Cape Town. Because no meat would be featured in her range, that meant 'no cow', and when there's no cow, there's 'no moo'. Get it? The spelling changed to NoMU which is so much cooler fitting for the twenty-first century.

The NoMU range is organic, proudly South African and delicious! I've cooked with the Tomato & Herb Stir and it was so good that the boyfriend wanted seconds - but I beat him to it. It's really easy to make: Just add water and olive oil to the NoMU spices and voila, instant pesto! It kinda made me feel like I made it from scratch, which just made me look so impressive in the kitchen! You can then add that pesto to a pasta, stir fry or use as a dipper or spread. There are no rules, so you get to play around and experiment with your dishes. Believe me, you cannot mess it up! NoMU brings out all the flavours in your food instead of overpowering it.

Don't hold back if you're going to buy it, because there is a HUGE range to choose from - anything from dips, to vanilla, to stock, to hot chocolate. It can be ordered online and it is a bit pricier than your average spice, but NoMU simply cannot be compared to anything else out there. You have to try it.

All this food-talking is making me hungry! Mmm!

I wonder which one I'll cook with tonight...

J

Giveaway on Kim Gray's website

Ah, competitions! My life would be boring without it.

One of my favourite bloggers-slash-stylist is Kim Gray and one of the reasons I love her so much, is her cool giveaways! This time she's running a competition to win these limited edition D&G aviators, which were espesially designed for the SWC. While everybody else is blowing their Vuvuzelas, I'll watch upon thy wearing these fab shades.

I'm not a huge soccer fan, but I've got my SA mirror socks to show my support for my country. I just find it so amazing spectacular when I see all the cars driving around with their mirror socks and wavin' flags - from the taxi's to the BMW's. What a proud moment it will be when the foreign visitors come and see this too.

Back to the competition. Thank you Kim Gray for this wonderful giveaway and thank you to the experts at Dolce & Gabbana for bringing fashion to soccer.

*crossing fingers and toes*
Jemma

Image and comp found here