Team Up Thursday{fairytale}

Helen said about my topic for the week, that she was nervous and thought that she could NOT do it.
Her model was not very willing, but eventually got into it!
I think the end result was perfect.

Me, on the other hand, also had a model,not showing up, I decided to photograph this castle, just outside Rustenburg.
This could be perfect for any prince and princess.
It is called the Eben Haeser Castle.
It was build and finished and now for sale.
It was also featured on Carte Blance the other day. The selling price is millions.
I also changed the photo to sepia, seeing it is winter and all the grass are dried there is not colour around it at the moment.
Thanks for stopping by and having a look!

I did it!!{a layout}

Finally, I decided, I am leaving the dishes, not thinking of the ironing, I WILL SCRAP TODAY!!
So,I did this layout, of the last photo taken of Megan.
I used some new Bo Bunny, "flower child" paper and stickers and some Daisy D's Rub on's.
I did a plain page, keeping my focus on my photo.
Without noticing, I am doing more and more single layouts these days.
I also don't often scrap on yellow, but with the photo being black and white, it was easy to use this time.
The journaling reads: Megan, don't become, what people want you to be. Be the writer of your own story, A Beautiful Life.

Then this, ok, READ CAREFULLY: This was not done by me!
Megan made this!
I promise, I only did the chipping of the tiles, she had to do it in a 6 hour, practical class of Art and Design at school.
So, being scared, that she might not finish, we did the chipping at home.
The sticking, designing and grouting,they had to do outside their class.
Seeing, it is quite a large cross, it did take farely long to dry.
In total, with her exam paper, she got 96%
She enjoys this art, she is busy doing a cupcake, over weekends, whenever there is time.

Megan is experiencing some stress lately, I am not too worried, I do monitor her mood and keep in contact, via sms during the day.
It is a long story, I thought it was over, BUT NOT!! {will maybe share the whole dilemma, some day}
Otherwise, we are ALL doing well.
Thanks for coming over.

Ok, I know, this post is suppose to contain pictures of me!!

But I do not have, but this IS something I am busy with.

     I am busy transforming the garden in my backyard.

You, see, about a month ago, my garden boy died. He had his hand on my garden.

I started by taking all the old things out and adding some compost to my ground.  I also started my own "herb garden" in this old tub, I took some pictures of Megan in it too!lol!!

I am not complaining, it is something I have been wanting to do.

 My mom actually has the green fingers, but I also seem to enjoy it.

Now, this part needs a serious revamp, the soil is also very bad here.

I will for sure take more pictures, the more the little job is progressing.

I am also back in doing 2 Spinning classes and am slowly starting to add a bit of running too.

We are also planning a "boot camp" on Wednesdays and Fridays.

My afternoon class is seriously picking up and I have a few experienced mountain bikers in my class,which adds a bit of a challenge to my class!

I did some scrappy  shopping, not too serious, BUT I can add that I got my hands on some Teresa Collins paper, something you don't see around here.

I am once again, way behind on my ironing, have to get a grip on that, TONIGHT!!

I am so glad for the return of Brothers and Sisters, I enjoy that series so much:)

While typing this, I am suddenly feeling VERY hungry,need to go and grab something!

Enjoy, whatever you are busy with!!

Let's talk about. . .{ lemons}

In my backyard, I have this very humble Lemon Tree.  You see, I call it {humble}because really, it just goes on by itself, I do not have much of a garden at the back, seeing that it is a bit small, but I am planning to change it soon:)

So I saw this tree of mine is actually carrying beautiful fruit. It made me think of lemons. . .

Have you noticed how they pack lemons in the stores? Without a green leave left, in a white holder, wrapped in plastic, how untasteful?? I think we really underestimate the lemon, with it's beautiful shining yellow and rough texture.

Actually, lemons have so much uses, I mean, to add flavour to your fish, you squeeeeze a lemon,right?

Have you ever noticed the Lemon Meringue Tart of Mug and Bean, it is filled with this fruit: the lemon:)

When you have the flu, they recommend what?? Med Lemon!!

Those Tequila Poppers, will it be the same without LEMON??NO!!

And to end this discussion, I sometimes notice, in Interior decorating magazines, they zoosh up a kitchen table with a glass bowl, filled with LEMONS.

Oh and don't forget: When live hands you lemons, make delicious LEMONADE.

Have a great day!!

Team Up Thursday: Scrappy Love{sorry I am late!!}

Oops, sorry I a a bittie late, but I struggled to download this morning.

So, Helen chose our topic for this week and since we are both scrappers, we thought we should do something about this hobby we love so much.

When I thought about the photo, I knew I was going to struggle, with the indoor lighting and all, but I gave it a try. So, No, not the best picture, but it is about what I love, "SCRAPPY LOVE"

Now, for a girl who is scrapping, it goes a bit beyond that!!

Yes, it is about the paper, the glue, scissors and all, BUT as you can see, one needs some money.lol!!

So, when you are stashed up and you have it all together, the perfect photo to use,you turn on the music{enclosed cd}and away you go, on a trip, a creative trip.

Sometimes you end up having a bit of a 'block" then you need to go and make a "cuppa"

Then you look at your piece of work, wanting to change here and there and whoola!! Inspired again.

Of course your camera plays a big part of this wonderful hobby.

When you go to Mr Price Home, you don't shop for just cushions, you blatantly, look for some lovely storage!!{see the cupcake bowl}Perfect!!

That is scrappy love you girls,thanks for visiting, have a great day!!

All About Me Monday

Well, Monday's is about ME!!

I was going through my photos this weekend and got this cd with some of our wedding photos on it.I Thought I would share them with you and also some details of this special day in my life, almost 8 years ago.

We got married at a guesthouse just outside of Rustenburg, called Eden.

I was still kind of new in town, so I did not know many photographers, the one we got was not the best,now that I know more of photography, I can tell.

I organized my wedding all by myself. From the venue to the invitations.

Everybody, including my parents was not 100% with us in the plan to get married.  Eventually my parents got around, I appreciate it now.

I never wanted a all white dress.  This dress, only the top part, was on a bridal magazine,that was what I wanted.

Financially, at that stage we could not afford a huge wedding, I can tell you now, that our whole wedding cost us under R18000, including my dress.

The people, owning the guesthouse, made everything very special. I was a 3 course meal, champagne on the tables, the whole tootie.

Me and Megan, can you believe how she has grown??

This is the venue, all set with the tables.

Me getting dressed, my friend, Rona took these photos, while in the room.

Hubby doing his speech.  I also thanked my parents myself and I played the song of Demos Russo's  to him, For Now and forever to him.

Our  first dance was on Dana Winner's, In Love with You.

The bridestable, we sat separate, seeing that hubby's parents did not attend. They were against the big age gap, but 8  years later, we are still happy together.

I think, now, they are sorry that they did not attend.

I must admit, it was a very nervous day, my dad was very emotional  and that mad me cry.

Having a toast on OUR happy day.

Having a good time and laughing the whole evening.

Hubby, being the gentleman.

I am very thankful, for the husband I received.

He is loving and caring and took me AND Megan, unconditionally.

He made Megan his own. She loves him with all her heart.

I would love to not wait until 25 years, for us to renew our vows.

Rather do it at 10 years.

He makes my life worth living.

He makes me complete.

He loves me for who I am.

Team Up Thursday

Ok, this is our first time to do this,me and Helen.
We chose the topic "Potted"
Anything in your garden that is potted.

I decided to photograph these pots.
When you step out my backdoor,these pots are hanging underneith my kitchen window.
I saw these pots looking really "unhappy" and wanted to make them look "happy"
I bought some pansies the other day and decided to "pot" them in here.
The top photo I changed to black and white, just to show how "unhappy" these pots really were.

Thanks for having a look and have a great day!
And don't forget to go over to Helen's:)

Today. . .

Today, I eventually got to bake these Oreo brownies,that I got over at Shayne and Stephanie's blog.
They came out perfect and baked them only for 20 minute, like you said.
I shared them between my mom and mom-in-law and my friend Thania, I really do not want to be stuck with them, they are really good and such a temptation!

Hubby did the shopping for me today, bought some fresh fruit and veggies.
Talking about veggies. I only learned to eat veggies at the age of 23!
Never used to put my mouth to it.
Luckily,I met my husband and he taught me as well as for Megan, she is on veggies for the past few weeks!!

Then he bought me this. Here, in Rustenburg I could not find it anywhere.
It is a new flour from Golden Cloud.
I have a recipe for a bread and you use this flour.I thought I'd share the recipe.

Health Loaf

250g Golden Cloud Krakley Wholewheat flour
10ml Salt
5ml Bicarbonate of Soda
5ml Baking Powder
125g Sunflower Seed
15ml Honey
15ml Brown Sugar
500ml Buttermilk

Heat oven to 180 degrees.
Mix all dry ingredients, but only half of the seeds.
Add honey and sugar.
Add buttermilk and mix well.
Put in bread tin of about 18cm.
Sprinkle the rest of the seeds on top of the loaf and bake for about 50-60min.

{Ok} so I love her too!!

I know you probably going to say: "Only her mother could love her", but really I do!!
She is the sweetest thing. I could just kiss, kiss, kiss her on that snout!!LOL!!
I caught her, while having a snooze in the sun.
They breed {sharpeis} to be fighter dogs, but she is everything but a fighter dog:)
Loving and kind, that is Lizzy. She is now 4 years old, got her as a puppy,I nursed her to be a very soft hearted doggie.

I love how she wags her tail, when you ask her, whether she wants food.
I love how she rests her head on my leg, while I am typing on the computer.
I love how she obeys, when I tell her to go to bed.
What I adore the most, I can leave home for only 10 minutes and she is {overthemoonexcited} to see me, picks up,whatever is lying around and brings it to me!

She loves it when Megan makes her some Marie Biscuits with Marshmallows,{yummy}
She loves it when I tuck her into bed at night.
She loves it when hubby treats her with a big bowl of saucy leftovers:)

All About Me Monday

After long pondering, I decided to join Marcelle on some of her blog topics.

I have been struggling to commit to everyday blogging, because of a loss of inspiration, but these topics gives you a sense of commitment and it actually forces you to talk about yourself.  I always enjoy reading her Monday topic.

Today, it is very cold here. . .

I had to drag myself out of bed to go to a Spinning session this morning.

We did a moderate 45min class,after that i did a 20 min power walk on the treadmill.

I also pampered myself today with one of my own facials, always just do the washie thing and forget all about the rest.

I also started my first sunbed tanning session, after that, I basically washed myself in body lotion, not to have a dry skin afterwards.

Shame, Megan took this picture of me, while I was playing with my camera outside this morning.

I just love my tracksuits, I feel so comfortable in them, BUT I picked up weight and this winter I find it so very hard to exercise and I need to!! I am also not very tall, so when I pick up, you can see it for sure!

Hubby loves cooking and that also makes it so hard to keep to a diet, I feel so bad when I have to say "NO" to what he dished up!

Tonight he wants to make "Roosterkoeke"{ we have a small portable in house braai}, so how the heck must I keep the weight down???

Anyway, YOU must enjoy the rest of your week!

Trying it out

Hallo everybody,
Hope you had a great weekend.
At the moment, I am sitting with my laptop in front of the television, waiting for finals to start.
I am wearing a Spain shirt, they were my first choice from the start, Germany my second, they also did so very good.
I took this photo of Megan yesterday, my first attempt on a semi-manual mode, I used aperture mode, and set my F-stop on the high side to take a nice close-up.
This girl of mine, my one and only.
Within a day the school will start again, I will miss her. . .
With the holiday being so long, I thought she would hang out with her friends most of the time, but she was with me at home most of the time and I enjoyed every minute.
She is growing everyday, but I wish for her to be a bit stronger in herself, believe in herself a bit more.
She has a very soft heart and sometimes she struggles to stand up for herself.
She had a rough time the previous term and I hope and pray that this has past.
Meggie, I LOVE YOU!X

It does not get any easier than this. . .

Well, today I found what I was looking for,for the past few years.
I bought a Nikon D80 camera, 4 or 5 years ago, I struggled,struggled,shot on Auto, visited the camera shop lady often, but I just could not get it into my head what the manual settings actually stands for and when to use them.  When you go to the camera courses they use such high language, I don't have a cookin clue! So what do you do? Keep on shooting in AUTO, and then you have a camera worth thousands! What for??
I upgraded to a Nikon D90 a while ago and now I was adamant to take  better pictures, I enrolled for the course, but decided only to go in September,once I have the proper knowledge of the functions of the camera{maybe I am just a typical blond} but if you go here, it gets explained in {simple understandable normal camera user language}
I hope you will find this a useful as I did!
There is still one question I need to ask:  When you shoot and you use those little pictures like the little running man, does your camera set the speed or can you set it higher yourself?

Not much.

At the moment I have nothing exciting going on. We are just hanging around at home. Visiting the mall, coming back, Megan going to practice, me going spinning{but now I have the flue}and hubby going to work. Winter seems to have a very negative effect on me, really and I can feel around my hips too!
I read this in a little book the other morning and will share this with you.

The Only Way
Jesus told him,"I am the way, the truth and the life.
No one can come to the Father except through Me."
John14:6-7
My sister-in-law, Joanie, recently taught her computer class how to download photos from a digital camera. Her students commented that the "USB" plug fits into the camera only one way - the way the designer made it to work.  Joanie was reminded that despite the cultural trend to embrace the notion that there are may ways to God, Jesus made an exclusive claim.  Truth by nature is exclusive.  We cannot invent truth:  we discover truth and live by it.
Jesus offers everyone the opportunity to find life in Him and live by His ways.  His truth is free to all.  But  He is the only one who can make the exclusive claim of being Truth Himself.
Lord Jesus,
Keep me from rebelling against Your exclusive claims.  Help me to embrace You and live by Your truth in all that I do.  Amen.
Simply Refreshing by Ellen Banks