Civilized South Africa!

I tried to restrain myself, but it was only a matter of time before a blog post would feature soccer, though there is something I need to get off my chest. Ok, so it's not entirely about soccer (because my knowledge is limited), but more of South Africa. I'm so glad the Soccer World Cup is taking place right here! I thought it was going to be an embarrassment for our country, because I didn't have faith in our people. I didn't think we'd pull it off, and, instead I thought tourists would be raped, murdered or robbed. I mean, come on, we don't really have a good track record when it comes to crime (and my mirror socks were stolen)! 

Well, I take back every negative thought I had, because we're halfway through and things are running smoothly! Everything is about soccer, whether you like it or not. It is so pleasant to pick up a newspaper and not see 'murder', 'blood' or 'corruption' in the headlines - everything is just about soccer. There is one thing I did see in the newspaper that didn't really come as a shock. A foreigner was quoted as saying "I didn't know South Africa was so civilized". Well duh!

So here is the part I would like to get off my chest (and listen up foreigners!): We are more than just civilized! South Africa is a beautiful country with even more beautiful, talented, PROUD people! There are more to SA than the Big 5, Table Mountain or Nelson Mandela. We use money, that we work for, when we buy things in malls, restaurants or boutiques. We even use a currency called 'rand'. Now I bet you didn't see that one coming, because somewhere you read that we trade with cattle. Just like our water, our milk is safe to drink - and it's delicious! Then let me not go into the wines we make, among other things! We live in houses (the wealthier ones in mansions) and we have things like satellite TV, designer clothes, dishwashers and washing machines. We even have our own actors, models, fashion designers, singers and reality TV shows; homebrewed. Shocked yet? Well, then I probably shouldn't tell you that we have cars parked in our garages, and it's cars like BMW, Mercedes and 4X4's. We don't run around barefeet with our babies tied to our backs. We don't have wild animals parading through our streets. The women are not topless, unless the price is right. And lastly, the majority of us don't live in poverty with AIDS and have our men hunt during the day.

See, we're pretty (and) normal on this side of the world. It might not be Vegas, but we also party and get drunk - some more than others.

Again, I'm so proud the Soccer World Cup is happening right here, because it's a chance to prove ourselves, a chance to finally put South Africa on the map once and for all, and a chance for the world to open its eyes.

J

Fabulous Find!

What started out as something to keep me entertained and out of trouble, has turned into a total addiction! Blogging is what I'm talking about people! Joining the bloggers-ring and Twitter all in the same month, might lead me to taking over cyberspace real soon.

But before I do that, my boyfriend and I are prepping our new place for the housewarming happening this weekend. Now that we've finally filled up all the empty spaces, and fixed what the previous excuse for a man couldn't do, we need to do something about the blank walls! I was browsing the faithful Google this morning in search of art, but it can't be just any art. It has to be something that reflects me. Yes me. The boyfriend's opinion on art is that it has to be a scenery or panorama setting, and it has to be in a frame. Urgh, how very 90's of him! So choosing something that reflects me seems impossible (and it is!), but that's why I've chosen to go with abstract art on a canvas. Everybody has their opinion of what they think they're seeing and it doesn't have to make sense.

I found the above images on this website, and, while I'm saving up for these 'investments', it sure as hell deserves a spot in the Fabulous Finds in the mean time!  I love the green (or olive as the artists call it) palette knife painted canvasses! I've attempted the abstract painting before, with a normal brush I might add, and it doesn't look too bad (it actually hangs in our guest room). But painting with a knife? I thought those are used for spreading butter, cutting food or emergency screwdrivers...

Jemma

One day, Kimora....ONE DAY

So I'm sitting here at my boring, dusty, cluttered desk and typing on a black, even dustier, coffee stained keyboard (the Vivienne is resting), when I actually should be in Canal Walk at the Baby Phat store hanging out with Kimora Lee Simmons! Everyone who knows me, KNOWS I love the Queen of Fabulosity, so when I heard she's in our beautiful SA, I almost died. Ok, not really, but you catch my drift. THEN, Cosmopolitan held a competition where ONE lucky bitch will get to meet her and they'll throw in a Baby Phat goodie bag. Helloooo!

I entered a million times and I was SO SURE Cosmopolitan will contact me and give me the great news. I had even planned how I would go into serious debt to ensure I'm covered in Baby Phat! I mean, I can't be caught wearing anything else when I meet her. What a slap in the face that would be!

Well, as I said, I'm sitting here and blogging, which means I didn't win. Obviously. I hope the bitch who won falls and breaks her nose lucky girl who won, enjoys it on behalf of all the other Kimora fans out there!

Sigh.

Being Brazen and Miss Molly Giveaway!

In case you were wondering why no giveaways featured on my blog recently, don't worry, I came across a very cool comp on Being Brazen's blog! Behold, a floral skirt giveaway. It might sound like a bit of an anti-climax, because, what is a simple skirt with floral prints nogal? Well, I love clothes, I love skirts and if I can get a custom made one FREE, then heck, I'm so entering! I will rock this piece of à la mode. Just wait and see.

Visit this marvellous lady's blog and enter!

Thanks Being Brazen and Miss Molly for yet another giveaway. Now come on, let miss JJ win something!

JJ

Party like it's 1950

Some days I want to be a writer and some days I want to be an events coordinator. Though I've been leaning more towards writing these days, a healthy switch was needed. So when there were talks of my friend wanting to do something different for her 30th birthday party, I fervently volunteered and took control of all the party arrangements!

There was some debate as to what the theme would be, but after I had a 1950's photo shoot, we were all in love with the vintage glamour from back then. Even though I did look forward to my first suggestion, 'Bollywood Nights', I must admit, a 1950's theme is very unique. But beware, I am just a tan away from a belly-dancing costume!

After a few weeks of planning - venue choices, food, champagne, invite design, decor, managing the guest list and deciding what to wear - it finally all came together on Saturday, June 19th.

The English crowd is really different to the Afrikaans crowd (now I know that for a fact). They are way more conservative when it comes to dressing up, they drink less and they don't dance. At all. Oh, and they leave early, at least, earlier than what is accepted on a Saturday night! Even though everyone didn't dress up (sorry, a simple hat doesn't cut it), I'm glad I made an effort and I thoroughly enjoyed all the confusing stares I got from the non-guests.

Overall the evening was a success. Everyone pitched, brought gifts, wore pearls, gloves and feathers, danced (only the Afrikaners) and had fun! We made friends, bumped into old ones and discovered more alter-egos (hopefully Genevieve won't start blogging too)!

One event down, one hundred more to go (then only I can call myself 'experienced').

J

(Images: writer's own)

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