My months of Manic Mayhem

Back to life, back to reality, back to the blogging world.

This blog has been shelved, collecting dust. Neglected before it really began. 

I felt the pressure, I had the desire to write, to share, to capture, but my time and energy had been sapped. I am a working girl, I can put in a full days graft and I handle well (in my opinion). Yes I sometimes like to nap too. But SHEESH, I cannot remember putting so much effort and sweat and my soul, into such a long period of happy and sad momentous days.

I found this picture and it sums it up for me in the weirdest way:

I change my hair a lot, it's just hair, but I have done drastic chops at stages in my life that have curveballed, without me having thought of it. So here I am with very cropped hair, battling to tame the bed-head look. You can't control everything...

The rollercoaster...

My bestie (Shev) gave birth to the sweetest gem, Emma. All 4,19kg's of her! I am so overwhelmed each time my friend's add to my brood of little people. Congratulations! I am so proud of the parents my besties are. 

My bestie (Robyn) got to travel to the U.K. A great accomplishment and life lesson for her, it has been a dream for years. Travel breaks barriers within oneself. (And I got Penguin bars - win/win situation)

My other mother, my boss lady, my guidance... Ann, got hitched. It was such a fabulous and festive affair. Through all the preparations, baking, log hunting etc. I could never have dreamt of a better day for her. 

My step Grandfather passed away. Don was a remarkable man, the best man for my Gran. He lit up our family and spoke with care. He touched us with his kindness and he engraved his name into our hearts. He will be sorely missed, but after much pain, he is now an instrumental part in assisting God with our paths in this life. 

I bought a *new* car, I sold my favourite, I miss my black Terios, which I feel suited me best. But we evolve and I am now an owner of little white wheels...

I baked, I cooked, I planned meals for hundreds... I am so grateful for the job opportunities. 

1. I catered for Shevs baby shower as documented on this post.

2. I baked airplane cookies, cupcakes and pecan nut pie for a little guys 1st birthday. 

3. I baked 2 decadent cakes for Ann's wedding. These went down a treat!

4. Oh yes, I did a 3 course plated meal for 130 people! With the help of Robyn. The 2 of us really achieved something that night, for just 2 little ladies, we rocked it!

5. Milktarts have oozed out of my kitchen.

6. I have explored with scrumptious little date balls and drool worthy butterscotch sauce. My portfolio is growing and I'll soon have a price list of bits and bobs.

Beer, Burgers, Beach days, Buddies, Breakfasts, Bottles of Booze, Baking. 

Dinners and socials with friends. Sleepovers with the kiddies and pizza night. My little social club is growing and it makes my heart smile! 

As you should know, I travelled to Mozambique, which was beyond awesome. The trip opened my eyes to poverty and what we are taking for granted. I will always realize how privileged I am to have the opportunities and resources available to me. T.I.A and I love it! 

My Dodo (gran) visited us for a few days, she warms me, she inspires me and she supports me. There is no bad bone is this lady and how I wish to grow to be just like her. 

I helped a family with au pairing on my days off. I helped a friend with a dinner function. I felt appreciated for my small tasks and just want to sprinkle gestures of kindness everywhere.

The walking stopped, the germs knocked me flat. But on the good days I turned to yoga and planking. I involved my mom and Tony too. Boy how tough it is, I am nowhere near as fit as the pros on the internet, but the way I try and giggle my way along makes my body and I happy. 

P.S. I am in the early stages of kicking it on the tar again...

Online shopping is my weakness. But oh how fun Christmas shopping is, way in advance with no queues. One of my purchases, it was once a 1cent coin...

We had a day at the game reserve. Imfolozi is one of my favourite day trips. We kept our eyes peeled like bush babies, feasted like hungry hippos and laughed like mischievous hyenas. Some dressed for the occasion...

We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries in our home. 

My mom, my everything, turned 21 again. 

My parents and grandparents married in August. 

My youngest uncle, Graeme passed away a few years ago and the anniversary will always be with us.

2 ladies that are so close to me are fighting their way through cancer. Inspirational to say the least. Reminder to live each day, to love our bodies and to embrace our loved ones. 

So Spring has sprung with an emptier calendar ahead of me, days to fill with exploration. It is now time to reflect, to calm worries, to catch up with friends, to absorb my chaos, to escape from challenges. 

Tartaruga Maritima

I was recently privileged to be invited to go to Ponta Malongane, Mozambique for several days, staying in luxury tents at Tartaruga Maritima.

Having never driven across the border of Mozambique, I was shocked by the barren land, now unsure of what to expect as we slowly bumped our way along the beach sand lanes in the 4x4 (it is not advised to take any vehicle other than a higher van with good suspension and no less than a diff lock). With nothing other than a few shacks spotted around I grew uneasy in regard to our accommodation, but relief flooded over me when spotting one of several sign post directing us to our very lodge, the only signs of direction at all. 

On arrival at Kangela Estate we were met with a very warm welcome by the security and then the manager Herman. Tartaruga Maritima is situated within the estate and we were led through coastal forest to more friendly faces ready to offload our vehicle. Tartaruga is fully self catering and there are no stores in the vicinity, so we were stocked to the hilt. 

We were led along wooden walk ways to our little homes away from home, what a delight! 

Each tent is secluded and spacious enough for a double or twin bed, mosquito nets, tea and coffee tray, electronic safe, en suite and more. I was pleased to have the perfect plug point for my hair dryer (I prefer "GLAMping" over camping), I was very comfortable! 

Resting my head to the sounds of the tranquil waves and bush babies squeaking... Pure Bliss.

Second on my list of "Must Have's" is obviously food and a kitchen! So off we went to find the communal living area - raised above the canopy of trees, with a remarkable 180 degree sea view. This very spacious room blends from dining room, to bar, to kitchen and lounge so smoothly, as well as being very tastefully decorated. Enough freezers, fridges, stoves, gas braai and store cupboards for each and every group big or small and staff available to wash up after you. Well equipped for any occasion (weddings can be held here too), bar fridges are available to stock a large number of R&R's and local 2M beers. We spent many hours up here, watching whales, socializing, cooking, eating or playing many a game of Monopoly (a holiday must).

There is a boma below with bonfire area, weber braai and sparkling swimming pool.

For rainy days, kids entertainment or big sports games - there is a lounge with the full range of DSTV. 

What more could you want on a beach holiday?! The BEACH!

The boardwalk leads you straight to the unspoilt coastline, silkiest sand and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Hours spent relaxing, fishing, fishing, surfing, walking, etc. the list goes on. Diving, snorkeling and swimming with dolphin excursions can be arranged. The walk along the beach to the busier town Ponto do Oura is close, should you not want to take the slower bumpy roads.

Not in the mood to cook? There are 2 restaurants just outside of the estate, serving typical Mozambican meals and drinks ;) - The Sunset Shack and Come To Sea, both facing the picturesque lake. 

I was overwhelmed by the gracious service, the position and all the creature comforts. Tartaruga Maritima is well worth a visit, I look forward to returning soon.

Should you wish to book a stay or enquire about more info, please contact Bruce Hopwood for bookings. 

There is a great winter special running at the moment, you do not want to miss out!

Think Pink

Yesterday was a fabulous day, I have been prepping my friend Siobhan's babyshower for months (ofcourse- I'm pedantic). It was so exciting seeing it all come together, Robyn and I were ready by 9:30 and the party was only due to start at 12:30.

I like to get my creativity flowing and I love to stretch my skills, so designing pretty invitations and party games was a joy! 

And FOOD! Well we went wild with the pink! We had sweets and healthy and awesome pink drinks.

And a pregnant tum cake!

I put together some prizes for the ladies that did well in the games...

And then the party favours were little bags off popcorn...

Best of all was seeing my best friends and the kiddies, we don't get to spend quite enough time together, love them to bits and pieces!

Thank you to all involved and for spoiling our Shev!

No Goodbye

Just about year ago a little boy left this country, a little boy that had crept into my heart and bound himself tightly. I didn't get to say goodbye, I didn't want to.

6 months ago I lost my heart with that little boy attached to it, my soul, my purpose, my pride, my home, my love. I didn't get to say goodbye, I didn't want to.

A Better Me

Lately I find it a sick kind of weird the way that people treat others. Why would you go out of your way to belittle a person? Why are we mean for no reason at all? Why don't we build up each and every person that we come into contact with? 

There are broken souls in this world, just torn apart from harsh words. It has a ripple effect because that hurt transfers to every person that that person gets near to. 

Our children need support, they need to be built up to be the best individuals, they need direction, if you cannot show pride in your child, where will your child ever see the pride in themselves? Do not focus on small errors, see the bigger picture, see the blessings that create character rather than pick at that character one cruel comment at a time. 

We should be our own critics and stop critiquing others. We all have faults, take hold of them, better your own heart, be the best that you can be.

I was fortunate to know a couple in Mtunzini who radiated goodness, their every word was sincere, their smiles and hugs warmed each and every person whether a friend or someone passing by. Harold Horn passed away recently, leaving Martha with us, his funeral has left me thinking, there wasn't a single negative word to be said, since then it has constantly been on my mind to try a little harder, to check my actions, to watch my words. I will attempt to be the best person I can be to the people around me, a little kindness goes a long way.