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. 

Baking: SPIDERMAN

My dear friend Robyn has 2 children, 7 year old Liah and 4 year old Ethan - they are beautiful kids. Twice a year Robyn contacts me with a strange request, her brainstorming for birthday cakes... I remember once telling her that I really do not like doing novelty cakes, I have tried to palm her off, she is great with her own skills, but secretly I love it, she keeps challenging me and she makes me feel needed and appreciated.

This time it was Spiderman, I am not creative enough with kiddie cakes, so we googled ideas and I set to work.

Hard and far into the planning when my phone buzzes, a new challenge - Marshmallow Fondant. I had never even heard of it, but the marshmallows got bought, the kitchen became a sticky mess, I had a taste tester stealing from the bowl of leftovers, and I kneaded! Well I am one step closer to having buff Spider Man arms now. It tasted squishy and devine, the texture was good and it was set aside to rest until baking day. 

I have found that when it comes to children's cakes, decadent doesn't cut it, frills and fancys, marzipan and plastic icing, does not cut it! So the good old, plain simple light and foolproof beer box cake hits the spot! Big enough and easy to cut and shape.

I am impatiant and can never wait for the cakes to cool, so I practiced icing webs, I blogged, I had whatsapp chats, I ate and eeeventually I started doing the fun stuff! I am no pro at plastic icing, I found that my marshmallow icing was even trickier. The cracks don't just join when rubbed, it's soft and tears quite easily. The first layer was unattractive.

I persevered and it started to come together. I noticed that marshmallow fondant is very glossy, so you notice errors quite easily.

Once I had started, I couldn't slow down, dinner didn't get prepared until I was happy with my end product and this is it. 

Happy Birthday Ethan

Please keep in mind that this was my first attempt at marshmallow fondant and web icing, I will stick to my day job, but I will always play in the kitchen and I will always give my all to each and every project. I am pretty damn chuffed. 

Marshmallow Fondant Recipe

1 x Giant Pack of Pink and White Marshmallows

2 Tbsp Hot Water 

1kg Icing Sugar

Plastic

Vegetable Fat

Chop up marshmallows, place them in a large microwaveable bowl, water poured over.

Set the bowl in a microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, back in the microwave for 30 seconds, etc. Continue until you have a smooth shiny and sticky consistency. Should you want to add colouring, this is the stage to mix it through. 

750 grams of sifted icing sugar can be tipped into the bowl and stirred through until well blended

Cover a tray with a coat of icing sugar and begin to knead the sticky mess on a tray, adding icing sugar as you knead/need 😄. (Approx 250g)

The dough should become firm and not spongy, as similar a consistency to plastic icing as possible. 

Wrap your icing in plastic, coated with vegetable fat to prevent it sticking. Allow your icing to rest for a day before rolling out between plastic and moulding over a cake.

Baking: Rugby Ball Cake

Sometimes things just don't go according to plan. We weep, we scream and we get over it.

I had an order for a birthday cake shaped as an actual size rugby ball, delivery on Friday. All went well, I was very nervous to shape the cake, but it went off better than anticipated- yay! I did very standard markings on the ball, attached the name and age and voila, the cake was complete! I put it in the fridge and left for the night. 

The next morning, I arrive to fetch the cake and it starts sweating, I start panicking, I was on duty at work and had no time to think straight. I delivered the cake, with the heaviest heart and knocked a whack off the price. The colour was running and the icing was wet through. It was a gloomy day and the rain was bucketing down, due to this the party had been moved to the next day. I calmed myself down and contacted the customer asking if I could get the cake back and fix my mess, she accepted my offer and I was relieved to say the least! 

Again I used my trusty chocolate beer box cake recipe and marshmallow fondant, lesson learnt, this fondant should not be refrigerated once molded! 

My Busy Brain

A long day has just sucked all the energy from me. My batteries are flat. My feet are sore. My dreams are fast approaching. 

Today I received an overload of wonderful messages, the support has been pouring in and I am so thankful. My mini house is a wreck of work space, beer boxes with little projects happening here and there, drawers filling up with storage for the fun still to come. My little brain is a buzz with ideas. Exciting!! 

I have a little holiday soon, counting the sleeps, can you hear the whisper in the waves? Ponta Molongane, Mozambique, in just over 2 weeks. If you are reading this, do not go further, you can come back to finish reading this post, but right now follow this link and envy me, because this is where I will be disappearing to - http://tartaruga.co.za

All thanks to Bruce and Ann for making this trip possible to me, I am sure it will not be the last time that I head North to this little paradise. More stories to come!

I have decided that when I am big/bigger I want to be... My mom and Dodo (my granny)

During the day my thoughts were far away in a happy space, let me share just 3:

1. I am beyond privileged, I hear of and witness children being neglected, abused and led astray and I have thanks that I was protected, educated and supported, I am but one of few.

2. I am able, I was taught to take care of myself, I am skilled thanks to my Mom and Dodo who were patient while I learnt to separate eggs and iron and sew etc. My cooking and home making skills stood me in good stead for my life, the two of you developed my passions. 

3. I am kind, I am honest and I am humble. My heart is good, yes I have faults, but the majority of me is sunshine, bloom, blossoms and florals. My morals are pure and I am at peace with my soul. I admire the ladies that were there to guide me, I had the best influence. 

Parking with the Parkers

This weekend was free, no plans, just time. I planned to sleep late, and relax and go wherever the wind blew me. Well blow me down it did, I got a Saturday morning wake up from Bronwyn Parker telling me to prepare for a picnic at Amatikulu Nature Reserve, I was so eager! The first time I visited the park was 3 years ago, which is shocking, as I have lived within 30 minutes of this park for most of my life. That very first trip left me with such fantastic memories, standing within 50 meters of a giraffe is just incredible. No words. 

Giraffes are one of my very favorite animals, they are truly majestic, they walk with such grace and flutter their eyelashes so well that The Duchess of Cambridge can only envy. I can sit and admire these creatures for hours, and that is exactly what you get to do at Amatikulu. 

As you drive through the Amatikulu Nature Reserve gate (there is a nominal fee of R20 per person), the road splits, we went right, heading towards the open lands, seeking animals and birds, the reserve has smaller game, such as Zebra, Giraffe, Kudu, Impala and Waterbuck. Zebra were quick to spot nearby the entrance, I am a spoiled child, having Zebra roaming the roads back home, so having to look through binoculars to see them does not appeal much to us, we drove past with desire of seeing giraffes.At first the road is great with the most amazing views of bush and sea, but then very steep, and very bumpy, you get to an area that is soft sand only and I would not encourage this section with a small car or 4x4, the bush is thick, the birding in this area is good, Bronwyn and Stuart (Capturing Africa Journeys) were very excited to see who could spot and  recognize the LBJ's (Little Brown Job's) fastest. Beyond the bush is the open land where giraffe and their babies roam freely we spotted many of them and even managed a good-ish selfie with one in the background. 

There is a picnic spot near to a waterhole, which was the perfect feasting ground. We had a table cloth packed and began to lay on the spread of sandwiches, banana bread, cheeses, olives, strawberries, chocolate, sweets and biscuits. Refreshments were a plenty too of course. The zebra grazed in the foreground as we tucked in. 

Stuffed like little ticks, we set off to explore further, again satisfied with all that we came across. We ventured North towards the Amatikulu River where we met a couple paddling in with their fishing rods and kit, they were unfortunate to have caught nothing but marveled in how clean the water was and the beauty of their surrounds. The picnic site on the river is near the camp sites and the perfect spot to laze at while watching the sun dipping in the later afternoon, which we thoroughly enjoyed before heading back towards Mtunzini.

The day was relaxed, the company was fantastic and we certainly out did ourselves with the picnic spread. I would hop at any opportunity to visit Amatikulu again, perhaps even overnight there. We did not reach the beach, therefor there is still more exploring for me to do at this wonderful little spot on the KZN North Coast. 

The first Giraffe of the day

My selfie with mommy and baby giraffe

Just a portion of the picnic spread

Baguettes made by yours truly

A mixed bag?

This is a walking park, so these photos were taken from standing a few meters away. There were 2 very sweet little babies. 

The view for most of the drive

The Amatikulu River

The setting sun