LittleThingies

LOVIN TO LIVE OUT LOUD{a layout}

2012-01-17T01:31:00.000-08:00

Did a layout late last night, but had to wait for the glitter to dry,so I only finished it this morning.
I took this photo of Megan on our way from Gordons Bay to Hermanus,along the road,on our short vacation to Cape Town.
I used Bo Bunny paper, some really old ribbon out of my stash and KaiserCraft Rub ons.
As we speak I am on my way to help her cover her books for tomorrow's first day of school, yes MATRIC! The past weekend we bought her Matric tie,cannot believe that we are there now!!
Thanks for popping by and having a look:)
Have a lovely day!

The Art of Crochet.I almost have them all!!

2012-01-10T03:44:00.000-08:00

So a while ago I stumbled upon one of these little books in CNA. But the number on the book was already 43. I thought...ok,let's take this one and see. So in the packet is a little ball of wool, a beautiful colour and then of course the booklet which is filled with all kinds of patterns and techniques in crochet. I thought DARN!! I missed a lot. You see, at the end...which is NUMBER 120!! You finish this crafty throw. Off to CNA I went again..asking them what the chances are to get the back copies of this magazine. Today, i am short of only 10! I have them all! Well up to number 70 anyway. So will start this throw anytime now. But like all things I don't fancy all the blocks, so here and there I will make an adjustment and make the throw my own creation. In the end this throw will cost me like at least one of my kidneys!!lol!! ok but have them now, so need to finish it. I worked out to do about at least 3-4 blocks a week! I am still busy with my other blanket, but that is getting a bit heavy and warm on my lap now in the summer, so will do that as my winter project.

Almost a week into the new year...my word for 2012

2012-01-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

After much thought, I have decided to HAVE a word for 2012.
In so many ways I think this will be my key word to some success in the new year.
By simplifying you can actually link the word "MINIMIZE" too. Here is but just a few things that crossed my mind this morning:

By MINIMIZING negative thoughts I can be more productive,whether in my home, arts and crafts,etc.
By negative thoughts I mean thinking that I cannot take the perfect photo's so why bother? But by thinking just snap and go and you have the memories that will last forever! Same goes into scrapping, quilting or whatever I do.
By MINIMIZING bad eating habits, I can live a more simplified life too!lol! I mean walking to the kitchen every time to have a nibble takes up much time,hey?
by MINIMIZING shopping, I can save money,YES!! Why not use what I have? Makes the journey more interesting not? I know it is way nicer to hit the shops now and again, but you end up in buying stuff you don't really need. I can think of food,we buy in bulk, because we "SAVE" but in the end of the week, all that was fresh has gone bad, so when you have to throw it all out...where is the "SAVE" I want to know?
By SIMPLIFYING my life,it means I should de-clutter. Whether it is in my mind or in my house. This year I want to live easier,by saying that I mean do more,to SIMPLIFY my life.
I can do a few small things like:
Put my car keys on the same spot every time, no more looking for the keys!
By ironing every day's little bits, I won't have to stand one whole day doing that!
By planning my menu for the week, I won't waste time thinking what to cook.
Planning quick trips in advance I won't end up driving around the whole day.
So it all comes to planning,something that does not really exist in my life, but soon will! oh YES!

By setting CHALLENGES and GOALS for myself this year, I WILL end up living SIMPLIFIED in 2012!
And by shortening this post I will end up minimizing YOUR time to read my babble!LOL!!

Have a GOOD DAY!

To start off the new year...

2012-01-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

I decided to enroll in this class of Stephanie Ackerman.
Something to commit to in the year of 2012.
I am looking forward to all of this and it is already looking beautiful.
So I am hoping to stay on top of this project and share what I have accomplished:)

Enjoy your day!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T03:31:00.000-08:00

To all of you!!!

New Look,FINALLY!!

2011-12-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Finally I have a new look for my little blog.
I met this kind friend in Blog world,Alicia,she did all this for me in the blink of an eye;)
Thank You so much for you kindness and patience.
We are worlds apart,but yet it was so easy to communicate.
I am SUPER busy!
Had 3 orders on number 99 for Christmas cookies.
I baked my own Birthday cake, will share that soon.
I had my birthday yesterday,my husband traveled all the way to come and surprise me for the day and drove back this morning. I will be visiting him this weekend.
In between I have the normal everyday things to do.
I also have to help my mother,since her leg has a serious fracture that just would not heal,helping her with cleaning and cooking.
Our studio is closing tomorrow for the holidays,shweee, that will be a good thing or a VERY bad thing.

************************Have a lovely evening*************************

She is now OFFICIALLY in Matric!!

2011-12-09T01:18:00.000-08:00

I still remember her first day of school as it was YESTERDAY!! With the funny" pot on the head" hairstyle and the little pony on her head that looked like a fountain.
She has grown into a beautiful young lady,one who has made us proud in everything she did.
And now in the blink of an eye, she will be progressing to her final year of school,MATRIC!!
Love you to bits!!xxxx

Hoping for a wonderful weekend to you all!!

Some more Cape Town

2011-12-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hallo again! Some more photies of our quickie in Cape Town!! I took this first one from the sidewalk at the Table Mountain entrance, we decided not to get off the bus and enter the mountain, will do it again next time;)

This one was taken from behind Table Mountain as you go

on the Camps Bay route.

Some of the beautiful beaches in the

Camps Bay area.

This is the beginning of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range,I am thinking this place could be our Anniversary venue in two years time, have you ever been to the Twelve Apostles Spa?

Ok, so lets be clear... The wind DOES blow in Cape Town, but I would put that aside and still make it my favorite spot in our country.

This is the lighthouse as you enter Sea point.

Whenever in Cape Town you cannot dare to miss lunch at

Mariners Wharf in Houtbay.The fish is delish!

We were just in time for the Sardine Rush! Did you see that on television??

Here we started the route on Chapman's Peak,

can be quite scary on windy days;)

Right at the point of that mountain is Rob island, you can go on trips from Houtbay harbour to do some shark seeing and maybe some live attacks,many of the National Geographic videos get shot here.

Some proper support action on the route of Chapman's Peak

And then to end this day, the most famous or not so famous Noordhoek beach. Now this is the beach where you DON'T go swimming;)

thanks for stopping by....***

Day{ one} in Cape Town

2011-12-06T04:48:00.000-08:00

It has been years since I last visited the City of Cape Town, we always stay along the coast, or should you drive through the city, you must always be focused on the traffic, so much of the beautiful surroundings just pass you by, without really noticing. We decided on our first day to take the RED BUS at the V&A Waterfront and follow the RED route the bus takes. Let me tell you I got one RED tan!!{lol }I never noticed the sun burning me, because we were on the move the whole time. But nevertheless, we saw some beautiful buildings and churches,little shops and visited a few museums. The RED route goes right up to Camps Bay, will share the rest at another time.
Something that I really noticed is how grown Megan has become, when they are small, they just want to ball on the beach and they don't really appreciate sight seeings like these, but she enjoyed every minute. This was actually our second last official school holiday together, we have one left next year and then she will be done with school!! Time DOES fly.
Thanks for letting me share;)

Cake for my friend

2011-12-05T03:17:00.000-08:00

Long time no blogging...
It was a busy month.
We took a week off and went to Cape Town, sooooo lovely, but it was too short,but March is around the corner.
My best friend has her birthday today, so I baked her this cake yesterday, I am so proud of the final result.
I used a chocolate mud cake recipe and topped it with strawberries, which I brought with me on the plane on Saturday, just to make it a bit more special;)and then made the border with wafer biscuits which i dipped in chocolate. So happy birthday to my friend!! Not the best photo,but just took it in a jiffy;)

Up for a Challenge! BIRD IS THE WORD:{ADORE}

2011-11-07T00:51:00.000-08:00

I created this layout for Bird is the Word Challenge and the new word for November is {adore}
I used the following papers: Bo Bunny's, Back to Basics
Jilli bean's Cup of Yak
Sassafras lass's Say Timber
I also includes some Die-cuts
Prima flowers
Few pieces of Ribbon

My lettering is from Studio Calico and my journaling, I used stickers from 7 Gypsies,Bloom sticker sheet.

The photo is a VERY old photo that was taken by one of our local photographers,Irma Palm.

{{{hugs}}}
thanks for coming over:)

Loving Summertime{layout}

2011-11-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

All!!
I have put together this layout this afternoon, looking at no sketches or challenges. Just to do it and to get the feel for scrapping again. My next layout will be based on a sketch or so.
I used Bo Bunny's {Pushing Petals} paper and Prima ribbon, some flowers and die-cut. Oh and Daisy D's Rub-ons.
The photo of Megan was taken in Sodwana this year, while on their Church camp.
Thanks for coming over:)

{me} The constant Procrastinator

2011-10-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

YES! I have passed the test. I am forever procrastinating. It goes like this:
Do you put things off, always finding excuse to do something tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow? {YES}
We're all guilty of it from time to time, but frequent procrastination can result in problems at work, in your relationships and with your health. This is according to Shape Magazine, and there is a test, I did the test and had the highest score too!!
My score? A whopping 101-150
You're a classic Procrastinator- and it is Affecting Your Life.
"Later, tomorrow, some point in the future" - has become your mantra. You will do whatever you can{consciously or not} to avoid the tasks you don't want to do - and maybe even those you have no issue with, but feel like you can put off anyway.
If procrastination is not already a serious issue in your life, it will become one. It's time to give yourself a reality check! putting things off often tends to backfire or make matters even worse.
Start giving yourself rewards for tasks that you get done right away. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself incentives, as long as you take the incentive after you've done what you set out to do. this will reinforce the general sense of well being and pride that comes with completing tasks.

After reading this, I was actually shocked!! Because this is me spot on!!
What I have been delaying in only this month?
*Making my bag for the quilt class
*Booking our year end function for the quilting group
*Getting a dress made for me and Megan for a function
*Everyday things like washing and ironing
*Scrapping
*Photos
*Compiling new play list for spinning
*Blogging
And the list goes on and on...
That was until last Monday...
I do a list now EVERYDAY
What can I tick off?
*Took photos of my friend's baby
*Started my quilting bag
*Booked our venue for the year end function
*OK, and two new play lists for spinning!

AND DECIDED TO PULL MYSELF TOWARDS MYSELF!!

She {Megan}walked the Knysna

2011-10-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hallo all!

Just a quick share on some photos Megan brought back from her trip to Knysna. Every year the Grade 11's read the book "Kringe in 'n Bos" written by Dalleen Mathee, then they have to pass all tests on this book and then they qualify to go walk the Knysna woods. Of course we must buy all the equipment like bags, stoves,sleeping bags,etc. and the travelling costs to Hartenbos can be paid through the year. The trip from here is very long, almost 21hours, that I think is very hard on them. Then there is 5 routes they can choose from, they are all between 50km's and 57km's. Route 2 was the one Megan went on, that route is 57km's and includes a few rivers and mountains to cross. She and her group of friends completed every day's route successfully. So here are some photies:)

I have a very generous friend

2011-09-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Helen is celebrating her Blog Anniversary!! She is not just sharing her wonderful talent in Scrapping, but she is giving away some beautiful things! Here is a glimpse:) OK, so off you go and pop in at her blog:)

Have a lovely Friday:)

Matric farewell {photoshoot}

2011-09-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, this did not go as planned, for many reasons. My very good friend Helen gave me some great tips, but for the following reasons they did not all go according to plan:

First of all, the girl and guy were not a couple,making the romantic type of photo's impossible,I thought they were.

Then I tried out a new lens, a 50mm Nikon fixed lens, when you are use to zoom and focus you now must move closer or away from your subject all the time, BUT you do get clearer photo's in the end. They were in a bit of a rush.

I am quite pleased with the family photos, though.

And from the beginning, although it is a friend of mine, I was VERY nervous about the whole thing. So here a few of them.

And for the next time...I don't know, maybe I will stick to outdoor wildlife photo's and my MAIN subject Megan!

Some {Productiveness}

2011-09-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is what I am busy with. A part of block three of my Autumn House quilt. I am a little behind on my schedule, but am busy picking up the pace.

I finished this bag, sorry for the pics on the grass, but they are busy installing blinds in my house. I made this bag with cotton twine, I bought on huge roll of this and then mixed it up with a local brand of cotton. I just love this and hope that I will find more of Vinnis colours here in town. It is a 100% cotton yarn.

Then, block two of my Autumn house quilt.

And block one. I am not so much into the embroidery side of the quilting business, will have to learn a few stitches, but for now back stitching will have to do.lol!!

And YES, I am already building up some stash!

This is latest range from DA Gama. All the way from Cape Town, another local manufacturer! yay to that!

I bought the whole range, but only in quarters, so when I decide what I will be making out of these, then will I buy the background, which is usually more.

Tomorrow I am off to my quilting group in Hartebeespoort Dam, lovely group of ladies and of course we always share some cake and coffee!

Kruger in Photo's

2011-09-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

I know I have been sharing quite a lot of these photo's @ the Kruger,but I am in awe each time we pay the park a visit. We saw beautiful game, elephants,bucks, hienna, rhino{with a horn},lots of crocs, but did not add those{sorry}I have so many and don't want to drag the post. We had to overnight outside the park, since all the camps were fully booked. We stayed at the Protea hotel next to the Kruger Gate. We enjoyed a delicious buffet in the evenings, all together with some lovely wine, me and hubby,Megan had a cross-country race and had to study, so she stayed with grannie. We drove back to Steelpoort via Sabie and Lydenburg in such bad mist, I was terrified. But all in all a lovely unforgettable weekend.

Completed Crochet Cushion

2011-08-22T02:53:00.000-07:00

This is a cushion ,my mom and me finished. I taught her the pattern of the flowers,so we ended up making about 90 of these flowers.

I think they came out pretty nice,the hard work was to sew them onto the cushion. We took a old cushion to sew it onto. Currently, I am busy to make a handbag, hopefully I will be able to show that soon!

so, this was just a quickie,speak soon:)

2 Layouts

2011-08-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have come to realise that scrap booking is not like {riding a bicycle} when you don't do it for a while,for sure you will loose the touch.

I did these two layouts, one double page and one single, since Sunday! I struggled putting things together, nothing would just fall into place.

I ended up using a mishmash of products and still struggling to get the results.

But anyway,here they are! The first layout is of Megan and her friends having some fun at Gold Reef City. I saw the musical notes and when I scratched into my stuff, I got these big notes and thought it would be nice to duplicate it on my layout,I used some paint on the edges, did some stitching! Then those mini

ice-cream sticks, I had, since started scrapping, so I saw a layout in the Australian Scrap Magazine,they used them, I decided to give that a go too!! Used some Bo Bunny papers and October Afternoon.

This one, I had the photos, but could not decide should I go for the sea look or just a Megan layout, so decided on a Megan layout, although she is sitting on the beach!lol!

With this one I could not decide what to do with the heading for the layout,walked around doing other

things, while thinking. This was the end result, using Prima Paper, some Daisy D rub-ons, Making memories blings and some flowers.

So, this is my scrapping so far, since last touching some paper and glue! Will definitely have to pull some finger, to make scrapping {easy} again:)
Thanks for popping in:)

Pilgrims Rest visit...

2011-08-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, we visitited hubby for the weekend and we went to explore Pilgrims Rest. On our way there, we saw this huge shoe, we stopped to have a look. The shoe was build by Ron van Zyl, when you enter the shoe, you also enter underground caves. BUT this is not all, it is a Spiritual journey through the caves, Ron created these caves to tell people about God, how we can get closer to Him and he also tells you about a life without fear. For me this was amazing.

Hubby having a smokey, before leaving...grrrrr. I wish he would stop smoking.

And how cute is this?? look at the hats!

All the houses in the main street look like this one.

At this little shop and restaurant I had the most amazing cappuccino and of course a pancake or two, pancakes are my favorite in winter:)

Some of these shops sells the most beautiful handmade crafts, lamps, pottery, clothing,etc.

Some of the local craftsmen and woman's art displayed in one of the gardens, these are made of beads!

We wanted to overnight at the Royal Hotel, but it was fully booked that weekend,lovely old place.

I still find it very hard, with my husband far away, but each and every weekend that we spent over there is a new adventure, we see and go to places that I have never seen before.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

My Crochet Tale {and a recipe share}

2011-08-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Again...long time no blogging. But at least this time I was keeping myself busy! With crochet. I told you a while ago that I was going for this crochet lessons at a local Coffee Shop. We were 3 ladies for the morning,which I thought was a beginners class, since I don't know anything about crochet. The one lady finished the tasks quite quick and easy,but ME!! My word, what a struggle, I couldn't keep the wool in my fingers, when I thought now I am starting off nicely, the wool would split...so for the morning I made this funny pinkish pig tail thingie!!lol!! After the class,I was off to my husband, with a crochet hook and wool, the whole of that weekend I practiced, but produced nothing more than pinkish pig tails!

The next week, I went again, this time the auntie had a little cloth for me, which I had to crochet a border for. I also struggled, but succeeded, but after 3 hours only. But I had it done!! I was very proud of this!lol!!

Then...this was my main focus!! To be able to crochet flowers! So in my third class, she taught me these little flowers, when I managed these, I couldn't stop!! By now, I have a plastic bag filled with flowers. I made some of wool and then the others out of cotton.

I then tried my luck at some headbands,by myself, made 3, but the third one I gave away already.

I am already buying wool by the dozens! As with the scrap booking goodies! I love all the colours and different textures.

Finally I decided to start a blanket, it started with a small Granny square, I thought I would do it square by square, but I know myself, I want to see the progress, so decided to do it all as one big square, it is now about 1meter in square.

Last but not least, I made this little black purse for Megan,embellished it with little flowers and some easy embroidery stitches.

I am really enjoying this, it is very relaxing and these days it is not old ladies that do this anymore, it is a modern craft again!

I have been wanting to share this recipe for a while, but keep on forgetting and since it is winter these BROWNIES are a real comfort treat:)Yummy!!

I actually have two... but I am a big fan of Eric Lanlard! He is a Master Pâtissier! I love his baking and his recipes are always foolproof!!

So HELEN!! This one is for you:

Double Chocolate Pecan Brownies

These lovely, rich , nutty and chewy brownies are an ideal indulgent snack, as well as making the perfect dinner-party dessert. Served with your favourite ice-cream, of course!

Makes 12 Brownies

Preparation time: 45minutes

Baking time: 25 minutes

185g Unsalted Butter, plus extra for greasing.

185g Good Quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces.

85g Plain flour

40g Pure cocoa powder

50g White Chocolate

50g Milk Chocolate

3 large eggs

275g Golden Castor Sugar

100g Pecan halves, chopped.

Preheat the oven to 170deg C. Fan oven 150deg C and gas at 325F.

Grease a shallow brownie tray or regular square tin(22cm) with extra butter, and line with baking paper.

Cut the butter into cubes and tip into a medium heatproof bowl along with the dark chocolate pieces. Sit the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water(the base of the bowl must not touch the water) and leave over a low heat until the butter and chocolate have melted, stirring occasionally to mix them. Remove the bowl from the pan and allow to cool a little.

Tip the flour and cocoa powder into a sieve held over a medium bowl. With a large sharp knife, chop the white and milk chocolate into chunks on a board.

Break the eggs into a large bowl and tip in the sugar. With an electric mixer at max speed, whisk the eggs and sugar until they look thick and creamy. You'll know it's ready when the mixture becomes really pakles and about double its original volume.

Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the eggy mousse, then gently fold together with a rubber spatula. Add the sifted flour and cocoa mixture, and gently fold in using a large metal spoon. Finally stir in the white and milk chocolate chunks and chopped pecans until they're dotted evenly throughout the mixture.

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 25min. the brownies are cooked when you get a nice cracked and crunchy crust on the top, but still wiht a wet fudgy middle.

Leave the whole thing in the tin until completely cold, then remove, peel away the paper and cut into squares using a sharp knife.

I played: The Colorroom #64 Sweetheart Keep on Smiling

2011-06-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hallo Everybody!!

Finally, I made this layout and also uploaded it at the Color room! I registered on this site many moons ago, but never posted anything!

Well, I did need some soap and water to get into my scrap room, that is how long I have not scrapped!!

So today, I printed these photos from my little Selphy and created this "stick and go" layout.LOL!!

Since there is not much of techniques used, I called it stick and go.

I used:

Paper from Echo Park's Spring Collection,

Lace from the habby shop,

Petal from Bo Bunny and

lettering from Bo Bunny and Echo Park.

The weather on this side of the country is VERY cold, we are not use to freezing temperatures like this. Hubby was home this weekend, we just chilled. Megan packed and left for Sodwana, she is having a wonderful time, playing on the beach, running and the WEATHER IS GREAT!!

I am off...maybe to do another page:){i should be rolling up the socks}

A Monday Post and {Megan's American Landscapes}

2011-06-20T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hallo Everybody!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that you spoiled the dads rotten. We went to visit hubby and enjoyed the weekend with him, we left after lunch yesterday and arrived safely yesterday afternoon. I went through Megan's thousand's of photos of her trip to America and picked a few landscapes that I liked, so these are all from her camera just as it was. I love all the contrasting colours and can't believe that snow and winter can make a place look so grim at some times.

I came home to a half empty spinning class this morning, can't believe that the cold can make people sooo lazy, but anyhow, I will have another class this afternoon at least:)

I have to help Megan to do a project for Art and Design again, she always leave until the last minute!! She made the plans and drew up the shopping list, I must go and buy the material and then we must start,today!! She must hand it in on Thursday!!

Friday evening, they are leaving for Sodwana, they are going on a church camp, the grade elevens. They are so looking forward to this adventure and for sure there are some kids that can do with some conversation with God, really. I don't know where some kids are going. I know of so many sad stories that happened this term, it is scary!!

I am busy cleaning and washing, then the ton of ironing awaits me:( The work of a housewife really is a never ending cycle.

I linked up with a few old school friends the past month or so, it is wonderful to see them and how they have changed and the families they have, some are really happy and then some of them already went through the staged of divorce too and to my surprise some of them are not married at all!! oh my!!lol!!

This weekend, while at my husband, we took a trip to Dullstroom, have you ever been there?? Do yourself and Google this little place, it is BEAUTIFUL. It was my second time to visit there, and I just LOVE it,really. Very cold, but all the houses are build country style and have fireplaces and the whole tootie! And the little shops are divine, expensive, but worth shopping with the eyes too! I forgot to take my camera, as it was in my car and we left with my husbands car. But next time...

I told in my previous post that I have done some scrappy shopping, it is all still in the bags, waiting to be unpacked, I will do that!! And of course show you, but I think in your eyes it will already be "OLD STOCK" lol!! I am very behind when it comes to scrapbooking.

This coming weekend hubby is coming home,
it is also my dad's birthday.

OK, enough chatting, I must move!!
things to do and places to go!!lol!!

YOU ALL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!

Must show you this!!

2011-06-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hallo you all!!
This is what I want to show you...this is our first project as a quilting group. We will be starting this within the next 3 weeks. Our teacher is going to Cape Town on a course and it also gives us the time to get our materials in order. I must drive all the way to Pretoria to get some lovely material, same as with the scrapbooking. I want the same colours or at least similar to the original. It is called Autumn House and designed by Bunny Hill designs. We are done with our beginners class and all the other ladies are stitching their blocks together now, but I decided not to that, since all the designs was not in my taste. Other than scrapbooking, I must admit I found my style in quilting within the first three lessons, I am a traditional quilter and I LOVE the applique and paper piecing the most!! The three dimensional stars and things....not me;)

So I have my little bag packed!!lol!! One needle and a 20g 4 thread ball of wool, for tomorrow's crochet class. I did not tell hubby that I was going for this class, I want to spook him with my end result, when we visit him this weekend.
Oh, and did I tell you my laptop is broken?? Seems as though I might be able to claim from my insurance,lets hold the thumbs!!
Sweet dreams:)
xxx

The Sun IS SHINING!!

2011-06-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am feeling bit better today!! yay!! Thanks to some comments you left, I am feeling better!!
Had a great spinning workout yesterday and this morning, my friend presented the class and it was a blast!! This afternoon it is my turn for class, I am going to compile a new cd today, need some gooood music!!
I took this photo from the Olifants Camp in the Kruger Park, last weekend, when we went for another visit with my husband, this Megan was also with us, so she could enjoy it too. I think I could go there another 10 times or maybe more?lol!! On our way back, I stopped at a scrapbooking shop and did some shopping, that also felt sooo good. So, I will be taking some photos of that this afternoon.
Last night i started sorting my magazines!! What do you do with mags piled up from the past 8-10 years?? I packed it all into boxes and shuffed it into hubbies storeroom;) Hope he wont mind.xx
I mean it is all types of magazines, scrapbooking, fitness and health, home, garden, do one just throw them away or what??
This is really an addiction, magazines, the cover usually does it for me!! then i just grab it!! Oh and cooking and baking magazines, I LOVE them.
I made a TO DO list for today, i NEED to focus on that and get the things done!! I know by keeping busy it is good for the soul:)
Tomorrow I am going to my quilting group in Hartebeespoortdam, yes all the way from Rustenburg to quilt, but they are a lovely group of ladies:) and our teacher is GREAT!! Then on Thursday, now don't laugh, I am going to a crochet class, yes, R60 bucks to get somebody to teach me that!! I WANT TO!! And then the afternoon, Megan and the team is playing a hockey match at the school and then on Friday, we are going to HUBS!xx Another roadtrip me and Megs;)
So you have a beautiful day,speak to you all sooooon!!

Just didn't want to bore you>

2011-06-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

So I have not been blogging.
I have not been Scrapping.
No mosaicing.
Only a little bit of quilting.
Took hold of my camera a week ago for the first time in a long time.
I am exercising very half hearted, the same in cleaning the house, so I am also picking up the kilo's!
Why??? For the first time in my life, I can actually say I am in a hole and I know what it feels like.
So I thought why bore you with my everyday of doing NOTHING??
I never thought this thing with my husband working away from home, would make me feel this way, I mean so many people are doing it and are coping really well. Are we so tied to the hip, that I can't go without him at all?? Or am I just feeling sorry for myself? Or maybe feeling sorry for him more, knowing that he is ALL by himself during the evening, at least I have my parents and my daughter. But still I have this feeling of NOTHING inside of me. I get up every morning with the intention to grab the day!! Doing everything! When I find myself I am sitting, sulking,doing NOTHING.
To top it all... my best friend and I had huge fight, caused by somebody else, but still I felt betrayed and I want her to take my side, she didn't.
What else??
My computer broke! I must have closed the screen onto something, so the screen cracked!! Great,huh??
Megan is busy writing exams,she is studying very hard, shame poor child, here I am complaining about EVERYTHING!!
So, as I told dear Helen, I am still alive, I just need to get grip on myself!!
Have yourself a wonderful evening:)

She is back and ENJOYED every minute!!

2011-05-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

Megan and friends are back from the USA! And YES!! Apparently ALL is better over there;);)

They were welcomed by mountains of snow,but they got their hands on some Starbucks:) The tour started off in Salt Lake City,home of Scrapbooking YES! She says the people were sooo very nice,three of them stayed with a family which has 6 kids already!

They got a chance to go to school with them and also atttended a Spanish and Music Class. It is just like on the movies mom!! The canteen, the girls all of it!!LOL!! Oh and don't forget the FOOTBALL TEAM, they are there too!! And the Cheerleader GIRLS and they ARE pretty!!

And the yellow school busses. . . YES it is for REAL!! Most of the time they had to wear their school's labelled wear,which made dressing real easy.

In total on her camera, she took 1800 pictures, I will not bore you with it all!!

They enjoyed playing in the snow, they went skiing, incredible she tells me! They also went to Utah,Jackson, Wyoming and Rock Springs.

They took part in three track events, she came first and third and fourteenth!! The last event was a total of 53 schools!! She says it is huge and VERY cold, they bought a tent to sit in, just to keep warm, there is no program, they just go down the list of different items and you must wait! She came fourteenth out of a group of 97 girls in the 800m event.

Love this photo, looks like a Winter Woolies shoot!!LOL Some of the girls posing:)

They got to go to East High, YES, the school of High School Musical,special moment. Everything is there, the lockers, the stage, just as it is.

Now, this was their favorite snack!! Frozen yoghurt!! They had lots of it, all flavours and colours you can imagine. Like I said there are plenty of photos, I will make some collages to post, much easier to tell the tale. They made a visit to Hollywood and Vegas, also the Grand Canyon and Disney Land!

For now, this is what I am sharing, sorry I have been so quite. Hope you are having a lovely day!

My first ever visit to the Kruger park

2011-04-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

I went to visit my husband in Steelpoort this weekend, what a lovely weekend it was.

It was a weekend of "firsts"

I went to Nelspruit for the first time in my life, went with my cousin, we did some shopping and I found a GREAT Scrappy Shop!!

Hubby and I went there again on the Saturday and also made our FIRST visit to the Kruger Park! AMAZING!! Just a pity, I am struggling to upload my photos, so decided to make a quick collage, hope you can see as much!! We travelled bag to the lodge where he stays via Graskop,Pelgrims and Hazyview!! Also a first sighting for me, truly a work of Art by God!! Breathtaking, so much, that I could not take pictures, I am telling you!! Next time I WILL!!

Just a short post, to tell you all HALLO!!

See you soon! Battery running low, charger not close to me!!

What I can tell you now. . .

2011-03-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hallo Everybody!!

Bad, bad,bad, that is me on blogging at the moment!! My life at the moment is just CRAZY!! Crazy in the sense of that I am trying to find my feet in my "new life" will tell you as I go.

Ok, let me tell you about this photo!lol!! The school had a singsong, so the grade 11's had to dress-up "common" what a theme??? Common!! ok, this is what these two made of it!!

Ok, this is the school-choir. They sang on the evening of the Winter sport Capping. They are having so much fun here, hanging onto the lips of their choir leader! At this event the school introduce all their wintersport teams and then the First Teams of each sport, gets special jackets, very special evening actually. . . ours were very emotional. . .will tell you just now.

This is the First Hockey Team of this year and YES Megan made it!! She was so happy!!

And this photo, Andre Rieu at Sun City's Superbowl. It was our 8th Wedding Anniversary, so hubby treated us with tickets to his show. AMAZING!! The sound was perfect and the atmosphere like a Wonderland.

He is a wonderful person and the whole orchestra is just spectacular!!

So my "new life" at the moment is just ME. Hubby took the job away from home. 450 kilometres to be exact. I can't tell him exactly how I feel, I don't want him to worry, BUT IT IS HARD!! He is my anker at home, we are friends and do everything together and I miss that. Megan is also finding it hard, the two of them are actually joined by the hip!!lol!! I am just moving, I don't sit down for one minute, otherwise I will fall into a dark place. . .

I took up the quilting classes, went for two actually this week! I am enjoying it very much! I am cleaning, spinning, walking, reading,sewing and quilting!! But it feels i am doing it all at once! SO, next week I will be visiting him, maybe then, I will have peace, just to see that he is actually ok in his new environment.

ABOUT Megan, she is currently in the United States of America, Salt Lake City to be exact! She says it is great!! She and two of her friends are staying with a family with 6 kids!! Can you believe it, this morning they went to school with them and even had a Spanish class!! And as we speak, she is getting ready to partake in an athletics event! oh and they had waffles for breakfast!lol!

That girls, is what I can tell you now. . .

The brakes of this rollercoaster is not working!!!

2011-02-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hallo Everybody,
I am including this photo of Megan, I took it in a rush on Valentines Day!{no editing has been done yet!! sorry!!}

Life at the moment is moving without brakes!
Everything is a rush and all is happening at once.
I have not forgotten about you, I will catch up on all your doings in this week, promise.
We have had like 2-3 athletics events every week, for the past month.
My sister in law's son, had a mild heart attack, we were the closet ones to phone, since they have been on holiday, so that was a bit hectic, they had to rush him to Pretoria to have an operation done quickly.
Hubby is seriously considering taking up a job away from home, we are still negotiating this issue.
I took up a new hobby and fell in love with it. . . QUILTING, will show as soon as I have a few blocks done!! lol!!
We are so very busy with the fundraising for the hockey tour to Argentina.
It has been up and down goings for all the documentation for the tour to America.
The everyday thingies must go on, so that is added to all of this RUSHING going on.
Currently, it feels as though I am in a roller coaster and it has NO brakes!!
I hope that you are all doing very well, I DO MISS YOU!!

Day at the dam

2011-01-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

Our Sunday morning started of as a very nice day. Hubby and my dad went camping and we joined them in the morning, I have ear infection, so did not feel like camping:( So after a lot of nagging by Megan, we took her and her friend for the day{will post those later}, she had some fun on the tube! We struggled to get her down, so it was around and around in the dam, with the lovely wind in my aching ear!! But she had a blast!

While sitting under a tree, I spotted these two chickens having a fight! A real chicken fight in action!

And then there were these ones, just enjoying the Sunday morning:) Some head down in the mud!

Our day ended VERY wet! With rain pouring down on us, while we tried to pack up everything,still a very nice day out.

10 Down, 2 to go!!

2011-01-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Looking at these photo's I can't believe that she has only 2 years left of school. Time for sure is flying by! I took these pictures, while lying on her bed,next to her desk,when she was doing some homework.

Grade 11 this year, I hope from the bottom of my heart that this will be HER year! It is a tough one, I know, but I do think she is prepared for what is coming her way. Grade 10 was a hard year, emotionally, as she had this mother and daughter, which made her life a living hell, I promise you. Jealousy is a nasty thing, I must tell you! But we are putting that behind us. The year has started in full swing and already she is starting extra maths classes.Her books are covered, her desk is cleaned out, ready for each day's homework.

Tomorrow they are having their what you call "Groot Geraas"{Big Noise} which is the intro to their next day's in house athletics. Huge Fun!

She is also waiting to hear, whether she made the final under 18 North West Hockey team, they played the finals end last year. In March the Athletics team will be touring America and guess what?? In June/July the First Hockey teams will be touring Argentina!! Ouch!! Our pockets!!lol!! But we are waiting for some sponsors approval.{hold on to those thumbs}

I must admit, the middle picture, that is ME!! She really does look a lot like ME!!lol Anyways, I love this child with all my heart, we do share a special bond,we are really good friends and we do fight,oh yes!! We both are very stubborn.lol!! I suppose Woman are stubborn!lol!!
And look at that! She can also multi-task, doing homework and working the cellphone! Always time to chat!
What I actually want to say today is that I HOPE and PRAY that I will still live long to see this daughter of mine spread her wings and fly! She has accomplished so many things in her life already and I wish for her to do so in this year and the ones that lies ahead. Fly,fly, little one, spread your wings and fly!!

Altered Frame

2011-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am sharing this project with you, it is the final term's Art and Design project Megan had to finish. She used a garden upright as her frame. She painted it and then cracked the paint with a cracking medium. Mainly she used backing board to work on and in the end stapled it to the frame. The theme for the project was Me, Myself and I.

Thanks for visiting:)

Mini Album{for Megan's friend}

2011-01-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

So I have this thing about Mini Albums: I tend to never finish them and get bored by doing them very quickly.

Megan wanted to give her friend Felicia a special gift for Christmas, something different and I promised her that I will make her an Mini Album!

I stopped in Roodepoort the other day and spotted this sweet little scrapping shop, they sell gorgeous kits! But I think of buying pre-planned kits as a waste, since I have so many things I want to use instead, so I asked the lady and she gave me the "recipe" only, yes, you buy only the notes, they give you the photo of the actual page layout, with all the measurements and so on. I thought that this was great, for it takes away the thinking in doing a mini.

So here goes:

Page One: Dream

Page Two: Be True to YOURSELF

Page Three: Our Friends Recipe

Page Four: Love Much

Page Five: Reflections of Us

Page Six: Live, Laugh, Love

Page Seven: Always Count your Blessings

Page Eight: Beautiful Life

Page Nine: Fun in the Sun

Page Ten: Laugh often.

I enjoyed making this album so much, only 10 pages, but I think she will like them, I completed them in 2 days.

Thanks for looking and have a nice evening;)

Off to the market{another little favorite place of mine} And my WORD for 2011

2011-01-04T23:33:00.000-08:00

About an hour's drive from us in the Johannesburg direction, you will find this huge farm stall,called Jasmyn.

They sell fresh produce, direct from the farmer. They have this enchanted waterfall,when you enter.They bake fresh bread and rolls everyday and their meat is of the best quality. I love wondering through this place, looking and packing in my basket some of this lovely products they sell. We make this a monthly road trip and is really a treat for the whole family.

Now, about my WORD for 2011, I am honest that it is hard to think of one word, that would fit the bill for this year. There is this one thing at the back of my mind, that will maybe fit my year, so for 2011, I will make my Word: MEANING

To live life with meaning, to do everything meanigfull .

My Wishes for YOU

2010-12-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

May your year be filled with

LOVE

JOY and

Happiness

{photo taken in Parys, on a gravel farm road,aka the "this is the life i dream of"}

Our Weekend{plus some photos}

2010-12-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

We decided to take a day trip to Parys on Sunday morning, about 200km away.

We started off at Hoi Poloi, having a lovely breakfast. I had their SUPER Berry flapjacks with crispy bacon,just devine. What I love about restaurants like these is the fact that you can actually taste what you are eating, you can taste each and everything in your plate, sometimes i get the idea some of these places cook all their food in one pan, because all of it taste the same. This place is really exquisite.

We visited a few shops like these and there are plenty, let me tell you!

The river is coming down nicely, after the rain they had in the Free State.

Took my mom and dad along, they enjoyed the outing:)

Then, we stepped into this shop, the Candy Man. Oh my word!! Sweets galore, i only took these stolen pics, most of the shops you are not allowed to take pictures. So this is like 10% of the sweets that is actually in this shop.

I liked the atmosphere of this shop, just like a little farm stall.

Just one of the buildings in the main street.

This cross caught my eye at the entrances of a shop, they sell beautiful things, from handbags to crockery.

We ended the day by booking a spot next to the river for just after Christmas.

This cake stand with dome, my mom bought me for Christmas, it is early I know, she will wrap it!!lol!! But I just fell in love with it, the minute I saw it! I can just see a lovely cheesecake under this one;) She bought it at a German shop, just out of town on Saturday.

For now, this is all I have to say!

Hope you are doing well and enjoying your preparations for Christmas:)

I am MISSING my Megan, I work a bit, cry a bit:(

Update on a Project and some shopping and gifts

2010-12-14T23:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, I forgot about this one!{thanks Helen!for reminding me!!}

This was Megan's project for Art and Design, last term, they had to make a handbag.

She decided on a simple pattern of a shopping bag and decorated it.

She used plain canvas and sprayed it with a brush and paint, in different colours.

She had a photo printed of herself in canvas too, sewed it onto the bag.

She used cotton material to add some colours, made some flowers out of felt and also used some of MY rub-ons! Decorated some more with buttons and so on. The handles she used plain cord and covered it with yards and yards of ribbons, which she tied up. This cord and ribbon she took with her, whenever we were driving, just so that she could get it all tied up! I just love it!!

The back of the bag!

This bag I bought at China Mall, oh my gosh, they have got BEAUTIFUL things there.

Some of the shoes we bought there, not one pair over R100.

Then, some scrapping shopping, just a few things, bit of flowers from Prima, Paper from Making Memories, Pink Paisley and some butterflies and blings;)

Then, last, but not least!

My Birthday gift from hubby, a Polar Heart Rate Monitor!

He know me too well, by selecting a Pink one!

So now I can update my exercising.

And that girlie's is all for now!

I am busy with a lovely tray as a gift for some family.

Update{birthday lunch}

2010-12-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hallo everybody!
Yet again, long time, no blogging.
This was the day we had today, RAINY, the whole morning till after 3 the afternoon.
And to top it all, I had my Birthday lunch.

I am only having my birthday tomorrow, but had the lunch today,
because of the Monday.
I was very bad, by not taking much photos.
But on my menu:
Barbecued Chicken
Pasta salad, normal screwed noodles with a VERY nice curry sauce.
Potato salad, with mustard dressing with added bacon and egg.
Greek salad.
Bread, which was little Garlic Balls,lovely.
For desert, I made little meringue nests, filled with cream cheese and berry filling, bite sized sponge cakes,covered in cream and white chocolate dressing.
I also made a very GOOD tasting punch, consisting of lemonade, berry juice, champagne and pieces of apple and berries.
We all had a great time and I received some very nice gifts.

Well, NO, I do not have a wish list for tomorrow, how bad is that??Huh?
I will wait for the surprise, although we did take off to a very nice shopping spree at the China Mall in Johannesburg, I am telling you, there you can shop until you drop!!!
OK, but this is just a short post, telling you that I am still alive, I will have to post some pis soon.
Enjoy your evening:)

Some Christmas Jewelery{and some chatter}

2010-11-19T00:49:00.000-08:00

I decided for this year's Christmas I will include some handmade gifts too. I saw this idea in a local magazine and decided to give it a go. This is my first bracelet watch:)

I also finished this necklace last night, purple is not my favorite colour, but it is SO trendy this season:)
Yet again, it is so easy to please a lady with some gifts, but the men remain a problem for me.

We had some lovely rain, the past two days.
The sky is still packed with clouds, so maybe some more later today:)
My Megan is finished with her exams, she only had to write 3 subjects, the other lot she graduated, no need to write them, this only happens in grade 10.
She got invited by a friend to join them for a 10 day holiday in Cape Town, hubby and I agreed that she could go, BUT this will fall in Christmas time:( She will not be here then. . . It is hard, but I want her to have some fun too, during the holidays. Some people might disagree, but I always try never to stand in front of her, but behind her, she is growing up and I should let go, slowly but surely.
Enough of that.
You all, have a great weekend and make sure to add some CREATIVITY!!

Cutie{a layout for a friend} and something I could not resist

2010-11-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

I created this layout for my friend in Pretoria, she and her family came to visit one weekend and went through my photos and found this one. Once again, paper from out my archives and the flowers are just odd ones i bought at the craft shop, they were white,so i gave them some mist. Few Enmarc Rub-ons and there you go, my gift to her:)

Then, on another note, I went to buy some odds and ends at the Spar with my hubby today and as I passed, my eye caught this top or dress, whatever you want it to be! I just had to have it!! This little shop has got the most beautiful things and the creator of this dress is just so talented and very creative. She has got her own line of clothing, Viva la Vida. She has a contract with the shop, so she does not supply to the individual.
Hubby of course can't understand why we should pay so much for things like this.
But then again, the expression on my face: PRICELESS!!lol!!
Have a nice day!!

Giant Beauty(Double Page Layout}

2010-11-14T01:04:00.000-08:00

The Elephants are my favorite to photograph whenever we go for a trip in the game reserve. Because of the huge close-up being so grey, I decided to use red as a background. And who said you cannot add bling to a elephant layout?

I did. . .

And for the life of me, I can't remember the range of paper that I used!!

What I do know is that I am now really digging in deep into my stash, so for a while it will be NEW photos with OLD stash!lol!!

I hope that you are enjoying a lovely Sunday:)

Thanks for popping by.xx

Best Friends of the Family{2 Page Layout}

2010-11-10T00:33:00.000-08:00

I started with the single page thing a while ago, now a double page seems to be a challenge, I struggled to connect my pages to avoid looking like a school project, don't know if i succeeded?? I used odd photo's of the doggies, some of them got mist on, since they were sitting on my workspace, while doing another page!lol!!
We had some lovely rain, mother earth got cooled of very well, it was really sooo hot here!!
You have a super day!!
Thanks for coming by.
{{hugs}}

I will ALWAYS be your friend{a layout}

2010-11-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get into the scrapping mode again.
I have been wanting to use this photo for a long time.
So I played with some new Cosmo Cricket paper, Enmarc die-cuts and the alphas are from American Crafts.

Thanks for having a look:)

Something is better than Nothing{@ sixteen you u are still my cupcake.}

2010-11-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

Hallo you girls!!
Hope you had a great weekend.
I have not posted anything, once again, but now I thought something is better than nothing.
Did this layout, last night, used Kaiser craft paper and some odds and ends of embellishments.

This is what is going on in my life lately:We are organizing the school's trip for the athletes going to America! Yes Megan will be going to America next year March/April for 3 weeks.
She is also playing for trials for the under 18 North West Hockey team, this is tough, since she is only 16, but until now she is still in the group.
Me, I was recommended to go for an Insulin Intolerance Test,been feeling tired lately and getting bad headaches, after eating things like fruit, which is high in sugar.
Well, it is almost Christmas once again, I cannot believe this, we were still celebrating soccer the other day!
I have been reading A mother's Hope by Francine Rivers and got my hands on the second one, A Daughters Dream, BEAUTIFUL. I must admit this book is keeping me from doing a lot of things, but I am almost done.
I also realised this weekend, that when you fell of the blogging wagon, it is HARD to get up again, but with enough inspiration, you can do it!
I was reading through some blogs and I got some of it back, by reading the blogs of Helen, her scrapping is out of this world, then receiving a lovely comment from Pearl and finally, checking out the blog from Lynette, drooling over her new scrap room, thanks for your inspiration girls!

My Top Rated

2010-10-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

The High School had their Matric Farewell this weekend. They make space for spectators to go and view all the dresses coming down the aisle, since hubby went off fishing, we decided to go and have a peek. I took hundreds of photos and chose my top 12. Number 9 is my favorite, which one is yours??
I thought this year, the guys looked much more handsome than last year.
I am sure some of these dresses made a large hole in the wallets of the parents;)
I have 2 years to save up!
Thanks for looking:)
Have a nice evening.
{i am following Sky News, the rescuing of the 33 miners}

Hallo, my name is Tania, I am a Self Confessed: BAD BLOGGER

2010-10-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hallo Everybody!!

I hope you have been good.

I am doing well, a bit overwhelmed, but it is going great.

First of all, it is REALLY HOT!!

It is making feel very tired and not up to anything, but I am dragging myself along.lol!!

We experienced some tragedy as well, the past two weeks, a very dear friend of my husband, committed suicide, my husband was and still is heartbroken, the truth is unknown of why he did this.

On another note, my friend Thania finished her cycle tour from Vereeniging, to Durban. Can you believe it?? I can feel the pain in my bum.

Megan is doing great, no complaints.

Then, I kept myself busy with this:

Yes, I made all this myself!! I am so proud of myself, it was hard work, stiff arms at the end, but it was all worth while.

I used 15meters of organza to cover the 2 pipes and also made the dummy blind myself.

I also had new blinds installed in the windows, the window looks so much bigger now.

I got some prices from decoraters and just decided that it was all just too expensive.

The material, pipe and blinds cost me under R1200.00 They charge me R150 per meter to do this. Excluding the blinds.

Ok, I know, I have been bad at commenting, BUT tomorrow, will be my day of catch up!!

Hope you all are having a Suuuuper week!!

xxxx
Tania

Another Perfect Day . . .{photo post only}

2010-09-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

In Pilanesberg that is.

Latest layout{young love}

2010-09-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

This is my latest layout. Was this a challenge!!

Have you ever started a layout and at the end feeling so mixed up??

I started off wanting to capture the colours of the photo, then I decided NO, tried to get the little bit of red in the green printed paper,NO, also not working, in the end,the result??

A whole mixed up page, with the orange in the photo and the red in the paper!lol

I am seriously seeking some new stock! Urgently!! Any on-line stores in mind??

Have you seen the latest of Bo Bunny?? To die for!

The story of this layout:

Megan and her friend, Hanno, they have been friends since grade 8. Kind of dating,school love,what would you call it? But you get the picture? We really like the boy, but now Megan called it off!!

Can you believe it? For now obvious reasons, she says they just get along better, when they are just friends. Teens!!

Hope you enjoy the weekend!!

What I read. . .my share with you

2010-09-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

I took this picture at the wrong time of day, but I heard this noise from my scraproom's window and went outside, at the back of our house, we have this tree bush, it is now full in bloom and full of bees, it was them, buzzing and zooming.

So, when I have the time, I read, many of the times I read magazines.

I bought the new Finesse and the Fitness magazines and in there I found this:

They say in the Fitness:

1 Piece of Cheesecake= 1hour and a half on the treadmill=600 calories

1 Big Mac, fries and a Coke= 6.1 hours on the treadmill=2200 calories

Cappuccino=31mins on the treadmill=190 calories

Mugg and Bean muffin=2 hours on the treadmill=700calories

In the Finesse I read:

1. Change all Negative into Positive

2. Say Thank You for EVERYTHING

3. Do something special for someone and don't tell them about it

4. Get enough sleep, even if it means you must take a cat nap in the afternoon

5. Forgive someone, it takes up way too much energy to walk with anger.

6. Forgive yourself, grief hurts the soul.

7. Ask yourself: How important is it really?

8. Remember to love somebody, does not mean JUMP, whenever they tell you to.

9. Ask yourself: What can I do for somebody else?

10. Laugh often, it makes you look younger and healthier.

And from me: HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

My Share of Spring Day!

2010-09-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is my share of Spring Day. On Spring day, we also celebrate Casual Day, we dress up in whatever you usually DON'T wear!lol!!

First of all, I want to show you my hat I decorated for the day, took one of my mom's hats and dressed it up with paper flowers, made with Mr Price tissue paper.

Then, my favorites of the day! This is Linda, all in Blue Bull colours. She is one of our newest members, and as you can see she is all game for sports!!

Next up is Haylery, she got herself these Soccer World Cup Undies and decided to wear it on top!! She only joins the Pilates classes in the morning.

We all enjoyed the morning with Cupcakes and Champagne. No exercising was done that morning.

Today,

I had a FULL Spinning Class.

I went to have my hair done.

Played with my new computer.

Visited with my mom, who is having her Birthday, we are all having dinner together tonight.

Hubby went to Johannesburg, early this morning.

Megan wrote Maths today, her second subject for the exams.

READY! STEAYDY! GO!!!

2010-09-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

Like I said in my previous post, we were going to the South African Cross Country Championships,this weekend.

What a huge event! I could not believe my eyes,when I saw all the people, we have been there before, but this event for sure,has grown.

Megan, pulled away, in a group,consisting of a 144 girls! They started from the one end of this rugby field, running across and then turn at the other end, that turn was a NIGHTMARE!

The other girls of the province would not give her space, to stand in front, so she was way back!! Can you spot her??

The track, to be honest, was another NIGHTMARE, it was the worst hills I have ever seen in Cross Country. Now, the thing is, my poor girl{or so I thought} is not made for hills, BUT she ran then up and down. I could not believe my eyes, I could not even take the photos, hubby had to help.

After the first lap, I was in tears, it was warm, it was hard, but she did so well!

She came in on number 23!! Out of 144!!

These runners are from allover the country.

Their team, North West, came 6'th,overall.

Megan came first of North West, so she is now Number One in North West!!

We are so very proud of her, I think she ran with her heart.

Don't exactly know what her body says here, but I think she was so very tired. She got up this morning, feeling very sore.

We left the venue,just after 3,coming home, we all felt tired.

On another note:

On Thursday morning, when I wanted to switch on my computer, it was DEAD!! I always dreaded that feeling, now it was here, what about all my things???

My husband took it to the nearest PC doc, who told him, that it had died a quick, painless death!!

Luckily, I don't know how, BUT they could recover most of my things, lost all my emails, and list of Favorite blogs, BUT now I will just have to take a few days to get them all again. How will I operate again?

Hubby spoiled me with a new Laptop, I could not believe it! I am now sitting with a pretty HP Probook.

I am still struggling to get it all up and running, but I am sure, with some time, behind it, all will be fine!!

It even has Blue tooth,lol!! That feature is quite cool,so says Megan.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I am now off, to go check you all out!!

Oooops;) Sneaking back in. . . .

2010-09-07T01:20:00.000-07:00

Hallo Everybody!!
Just to let you know, that I AM still alive and well:
Hope you are doing as good:)
I had a busy week and I thought I will fill you in,in this post.

I am glad to announce, that SPRING has ARRIVED!! {or maybe summer}we are in the 30's already!
It is really warm during the day,but having a lot of dust,so now, the rain must please come.
I must admit,that it is easier to exercise in this weather, I do get up much easier;)
On Saturday, I ran my first 10km race, I finished in 1hour and 10minutes, I am happy, for I have not yet actually ran this year. . .
I got a medal and a t-shirt, will do the show-off tomorrow:)

I am currently helping Megan with a huge school project, in Art and Design. She must design and make her own handbag,now that is actually cool, but it goes along with a whole lot of other things,she needs to do a 2 page collage on what inspired her to do this bag, she must show all the mediums she used on the bag, she needs to take photos on the progress of the bag too! Quite a hectic one, but she is enjoying it, she learned to sew this weekend!!lol!!
This coming weekend, she is running the South African Cross Country championships.
Then on Monday, the exams are starting, she made the Top 15 in her grade, this term, so very proud of her!!
It is also my mom's birthday this weekend, need to think of a nice cake to make.

I will do my catch up on your blogs soooon!!, Sorry, I am so behind:)

Spinnathon recap.. .

2010-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

This was taken the evening of our Spinnathon, Megan had the camera in hand,

There were different kind of teams, some made us laugh.

There was the Cheetah team,who had real good spirit.

Then, the Pink ladies, with the feathers in their hair, and that lady with the black dress, she was funny!!lol!! Danced the night away!

Me, enjoying another challenge , set by the different teams.

The Pink ladies in cheering action.

This team enjoyed themselves.

These girls are from a lab company.

Me taking a sippy, I think we were halfway done!

Us, three instructors, me,Erien and my best friend Thania.

The whole event was marked as a success, we are having another one for a other school, on Thursday.

This is a great opportunity for schools to have a fundraising, great fun and games and SWEAT!!

The Pink Ladies got the second prize.

Hope you are having a great day!

Here, in Rustenburg, Spring is in the air!!

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. . .{bliss...layout}

2010-08-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

So, when a girl lacks the inspiration, to dish up a layout, you go and look for some inspiration.
I found some here

This is one of the photos I took on Sunday, changed it to black and white, making life in scrapping so much easier. . .sigh. . .sigh...
I used the paper of My dear Lizzy and also some chipboard embellishments that goes along with it, some Prima flowers,Maya Road Rub-ons, ribbon and bittie blings.
ALSO finished my heap of ironing, early this morning{skipped spinning!} that is a real first in a looong time.
Hubby and I decided to treat the girls tonight, we are having our own Prawn evening, not that I eat it{will have some calamari} also having my mother over, since my dad is away on a course.
Thanks for stopping and having a look:)

Photo Shoot {sneak Peak} and bit of randomness. . .

2010-08-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we stayed at home, just relaxed.
On Sunday afternoon, the girls and I decided to have a photo shoot, I took 83 photos of these 2!
This is 2 of them, only one of these are edited, the right handed one.
I used a old duvet cover as a backdrop, worked pretty good i think;)
Hubby and I went to Klerksdorp on Saturday, he had to pick up something, so we quickly went to a few shoppies, I found a Canon Selphy printer, the cutest little thing and it's printing is PERFECT!
Just struggling to get it to print from my computer, it prints fine from my camera straight away.
I also decided to invest in the Corel Paintshop Pro X3 photo editing software, works very much easier than Adobe, I have been struggling with that for a loooong time now, this one, I am pretty sure, WE will get along!lol!
There was no Cross Country meeting this weekend, because of the strike and also NO school today{this is fun for the kids}I am just thinking, how they will manage to get through the term, seeing that the exams are on hand.
Today, I have done the washing, but no ironing yet, went to spinning, did a bit of cleaning too, but I am constantly wondering off to my computer, to try and figure everything out.
By the way, on Wednesday,we are doing a 3 hour long Spinnathon, the teams only spin for half an hour each, a team consist of 6 members, but we, the instructors will do the whole 3 hours!! I have done it before, but not sure I am ready for a challenge like this yet, after being ill, with flue on and off.
I believe that you are having a excellent day:)enjoy the rest of it!!

Team Up Thursday{Without the "team"}EDITED

2010-08-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am seeking a partner for this weekly challenge. Anyone you know, who might be interested, please leave your details in my comment box. I do not know what is going on with the internet today, for some reason, my post was half published. My friend Helen, cannot join me in this challenge any longer, she has her hands full with scrapbooking challenges and deadlines, she has a daughter in matric, so her life is a bittie hectic at the moment.

I decided to post these photos, ok, this is quite high up in a tree, so I was sitting on hubby's neck,while taking these,lol!!

I am now constantly watching when these eggs will crack and then I will be there to photograph these new babies:)

A layout

2010-08-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

Technically, not the best, but it is a layout finally!!

Used the outside of the 7 Gypsies paper as a border, stitched around it.
The photos had a VERY green border, so I removed that and cut them to size,juggled some kind of a triangle.
Stitched again, around my left top photo.
I wanted a hockey stick, I found a template, but I am not a fan of paper piecing, so I decided to stitch the stick, by hand.
Added a few Rub-ons,brads and a chipboard title.
Finish and klaar!!:)

All about ME Monday

2010-08-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

So, this was me at 23!

Quite a few years ago.

I used to wear my hair like this, since grade 8!lol!!

When I moved to Rustenburg, the hairdresser convinced me to stop perming my hair.

This is actually a hard post for me to do, this all about me!

I thought about it and realised that it is never JUST me!

It is always about me and. . . .

Decided that one should make space for only ME:)

So, this weekend did not turn out the way I planned. Was really planning on scrapping up a storm, but then dear Megan came up with this huge science project, she needed me to type it.

Also, today is not going according to plan, wanted to go do a one o clock spinning class too, but it seems that I have a bit more of housework than I have bargained for.

I am planning to bake some rusks, but I am waiting for my dear old friend to send me the recipe.

I also really need to bath my dog, she is dirty, thinks she is also feeling dirty,since lying in the sand,catching a tan is her favorite thing,lately:)

Thought I would also tell you this:{just a few snippets of me}

My favorite bookstores: CNA and CUM books, I can wonder around in there for hours.

My best friend: Ok, the right answer should probably be Thania, but truly, it is my husband, I can tell him anything that is on my heart, and at least he can keep it to himself:)

What I hate more than ironing: Folding socks and underwear!

What I wish for:{ok, this is going to sound insane! but she is now ticking me off!}and I truly wish this woman would stop what she is busy doing, to me and my daughter, but enough is enough!!!{ok, got that off my chest}

What I am thinking of cooking tonight: Lasagne,but then I should start now, before hubby gets home, it is not his favorite, but after all, it is ALL ABOUT ME MONDAY, and it is my favorite!

YOU have a great day!!

Cross country - First League

2010-08-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

It was the first league of the Cross Country Schools today.

For a change, Megan is running under her own age, which is u/16 girls, in the club championships she must run a year older.

She runs with plaster around her feet, since she was a little girl, she could never run with running shoes.

She came first today, she made a huge gap between her and the second runner.

Girls her age, run a distance of 4km's, they run this in a time of about 15-16minutes.

The second league will be next weekend, then the North West trials and then, should she make it, it is South African Championships. She already made the team for the Club Championships.

She started running, when she was in grade 3, on her own, she decided that this is what she wants to do and she is still here. . . running. I taught her, to always keep her feet on the ground, no matter what.

Her friend. . .

2010-08-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last night, the school hosted their beauty pageant, Miss Rustie.

Megan's best friend, Felisha,aka {fiela} entered and she WON the title!!

We were over the moon!

I went along with my camera and flash, to try out some photos,knowing that usually at a school function, the lighting is very bad, but I think they are not too bad;)

Now, this is what this girl loves, she loves acting,singing and dancing.

They have been friends since grade 3. The girl on the left, is her sister.

They don't only get judged by looks, they also need to parade in their school wear and then, they must perform a act, which she wrote all by herself. It was GOOD!

Next week, she will be staying with us for a week, her mom won a competition, a holiday in Zambia, for two. She is like another child in our home and we love her, the two of them, swing it very well together, yet they are so different.

Team Up Thursday{A Tree}

2010-08-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

Helen's

Tania chose the topic for this week - "Trees" & at first I thought "no!" because we only have a couple of palm trees in the garden and,being winter at the moment, they are not looking particularly stunning! I wasn't looking forward to hunting down a beautiful tree in Durban as it's rather chilly here right now, then I remembered that I had taken some "tree" photos in June, when we were visiting Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. While my photo is not technically brilliant & not perfectly focused {due to it being windy} I like that I caught the sun shining through the bare branches & oversaturated it to show the "sun circle" in the sky above the tree."

Mine

I chose this one, because of the huge difference in colours I experienced, while driving in the Pilanesberg the other day.
It is quite dry, although the dams are filled, but the grass is very dull looking, comparing to the trees, here and there which are very green. You can also see, that this tree has mounted it's roots on this rock. I thought of that as quite interesting too.
Thanks for coming over and have a great day.

Pilanesberg Wild Animal Photo Shoot

2010-08-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

We went for a drive through the Pilanesberg Park, we started our tour by seeing these Waterbucks.

Some Impalas, they seem to be in good shape.

The park itself, is very bushy, some green grass, although the dams are quite full.

Also some White Rhino on a stroll.

Did some birdwatching.

Then the male and female Rooihartebees buck.

Then these beauties, watch this one, doing the splits, so it can lick the salt, shame, hard to have such a long neck.

We took these at the centre of the park, where quite a lot of animals get together, maybe they know we are taking photos;)

I think this is a lovely one of our zebra.

Ok, look at this. This is an elephant carcas and the lion male, watching over it, after eating himself over the top.

Also taking a nap, lying on his back, we waited for about half an hour, for him to get up, but he was so lazy.

This was taken at quite a distance, for the rest of the onlookers are not too keen on sharing the scenes, I mean really, watch, take a photo and pass, there are hundreds of people behind you!

Hope you enjoyed a lovely Woman's day!!

Team Up Thursday{Furry Friends}

2010-08-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

So, Helen, chose the topic for this week, since we all love our furry friends so much:)

Helen said that she struggled quite a bit to photograph Cocoa, because she pulls her ears back, whenever she sees a camera and then resembles an owl,rather than a cat!lol!! She eventually got a few taken, ones that she will always treasure.

I decided to do a collage of some of the photos I took over time. Let me introduce you:

The black and white poodle doggie,his name was Bubbles, he passed away about a year ago,of age.

The little brown Dutch hound, now that is my mother's{who is my neighbour}little brat!lol!! Oh boy, he has got attitude!

The black and white Pekingese, that is old Grumpy, he really has got a personality, on his own planet all the time. And then of course my other girl, Lizzy, who sidesteps Grumpy all the time! You know, he even keeps her from her food bowl sometimes.lol!!

These little "furry friends" add so much joy to our lives,I can not imagine our lives without them.

Thanks for coming over:)

Falling Behind. . .

2010-08-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

I never got to my Monday post, All about ME!! sorry:(

I took these pictures at a Animal Farm aka nursery in Rustenburg.

I am busy with washing, while typing this.

We received VERY good news yesterday, Megan came home with her certificate, to receive her honouree colours at school.

I will post the pictures as soon as I got the blazer, out of stock at the moment.

Hubby is back from a hunting trip, luckily, all the meat is been cut and packed already, I have a problem working with raw meat, really.

This weekend, we went to Pretoria and as always, I go and visit some of their Scrap booking stores.

I am sorry to say, that I was very disappointed. It is a very well known shop, who has moved, the shop is bigger, yes, but the stock is less and yes Shayne, EXPENSIVE!! Over the top.

I ended up spend about R200, a real cheap round when it comes to scrappy shopping.lol!!

Also went to watch Megan and her team play hockey. They lost, big time!! But it was their first game played on a Astro field. Playing on grass and on Astro is a huge difference, making the ball very fast, not HITTING the ball, only slapping it. Only 4 of our girls have experience playing on Astro.

Otherwise, we just chilled. . .

Started Monday with my usual Spinning class.

I instruct 5 classes per week and attend 4 per week.

We are getting a whole lot of new members, seeing that summer is coming!

Having a full class, really picks up the pace of the class also and really motivates me as instructor and of course GOOD music!

Talking about music, I eventually got my hands on a cd of Susan Boyle!

Always out of stock.

Oh my word!!

Truly inspiring i must tell you, some of the songs she sings brings tears in your eyes.

Do you listen to her music?

Ok, I should really go now, the washing machine is playing it's tune, so I should go hang the washing.

Fairy{photoshoot 1}

2010-08-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon, I took a friend from the spinning and her little girl, so that I can practice my photography skills.

They had this dress in the cupboard, so we took it along with some wings and so on.

I noticed that the little girl was a bit nervous and did not know what I expected from her, but I told her to just have fun and eventually she came loose!lol!! As you can see on the slide.

This one, I wanted to get the sign into focus, but struggled, it says, "dance as though no one is looking"

My favorites are the last two, we took the photos at a local nursery and I just loved this bike and told her to get on to it!

She looked cute standing at the birdbath too.

The reason I named this post Fairy Photo shoot 1, is because I have a friend visiting, she has the cutest little girl, I WANT her for a shoot like this too!

Megan also volunteered, but I think we might struggle with the tutu to fit!lol!!

When I uploaded the images, I could immediately see that the first two of the photos, my lightning sucked!Really!!

So, I think I should have turned my camera around?? So that the flash could take up the part in the shade.

Now it is too late.

Thanks for having a look:)

Team Up Thursday{fairytale}

2010-07-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

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}

2010-07-27T01:57:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-07-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

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}

2010-07-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

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!!}

2010-07-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-19T00:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

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. . .

2010-07-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

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!!

2010-07-13T00:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

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. . .

2010-07-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-07-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

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

She made it!!

2010-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

We took Megan for her learner drivers licence today.
She was a bit nervous on our way there, but after an hour later she was all smiling.
There was 12 people in the class, only 3 did not pass the test.
Well. . . now she is allowed to drive her little scooter and this afternoon,she already wanted to drive to practice with it!
But guess what??
I drove all the way behind her and then I decided to go and fetch her too!!
She was not impressed!!
I took a warm jacket with and used that as an excuse.
I think it will take a while to come to terms with the fact that she is yet another step closer towards growing up.
Hope you were having a lovely day!

It's done!

2010-06-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

Cleaned the house.

Done the laundry.

Made the bed.

Washed the dishes.

So now I can relax, do a post AND watch the rest of the soccer Because it is all done!!LOL!!

I have not yet missed a match except for the first day, we had no television.

The bad thing about this is that I keep on nibbling and drinking hot stuff to stay warm!

Now, that is not good for the figure at all!!

At the moment, as I am typing, I am watching Germany and Serbia and guess what??

Klose have been sent off!! Serbia have scored!!

Oh my gosh!! Germany will have to take on plan B now!

Ok,now this collage had to be on my previous post, but for some reason, Blogger was a bit difficult. So here they are, another few photos of the hockey tournament.

So,I should make a plan to do some more Fathers day shopping, will do that tomorrow morning.

Enjoy the rest of your day and your weekend!

Our weekend in ACTION{pics}

2010-06-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

How are you all?? What do you think about the soccer?? WOW!!
I missed the Bafana game, was nowhere near a television!! Had to listen over the radio!!
But last night's game of Germany!! They are cooking!! Durban's stadium is FANTASTIC!!
I think we can be proud!!
This post will only include pictures of Megan, playing hockey!
I really gave it my all,maybe you can rate my photos!!LOL!!

Enjoy and thanks for looking!

See you soon!

2010-06-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

And hopefully with a heap of photos. We are traveling to Groblersdal, Megan playing hockey in the SA"s tournament.
You must all enjoy the weekend of rugby and soccer!
{{hugs}}

Inspiration Tuesday

2010-06-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

I did this "scraplift" layout this morning. I must admit, I struggled a bit, because this lady is a CLUSTER QUEEN!!{man did I struggle to get these flowers in place,You did well here,Kathleen!}
I love her work, the colours she use and she takes beautiful pictures of her adorable little boy.When I saw this layout, I wanted to do it, because of all the flowers.
You know I love flowers!LOL!!
She was also featured in the latest issue of Scrapbooking Memories.
Her name: Kathleen Glossop!
Thanks Kathleen, I enjoyed this layout very much and got the feeling of your work.
Have a nice day!

Today. . .

2010-06-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

First of all. I need to ask you something??
Ok, do you girls eat sheep's tripe and trotters??Huh??
Am I fussy??
My dear mother in law invited us for that yesterday!! Luckily hubby informed her, to make something on the side for me!!LOL!! I can't imagine myself eating that, sorry.
Ok, enough of that, just few ramblings today:
I enjoy the quite traffic on my way to spinning in the mornings, schools are busy with exams, such a treat.
In my car,I am currently listening to the Parletones Live CD, I do enjoy their music, just the make-up{i don't like}
I am really excited about the soccer! Will watch all the games, love the game,do you?
I am looking forward to our trip to Groblersdal, Megan playing for North West in hockey tournament.
I realised today, that I have a lot of catching up to do, photo wise.
I am reading the latest book of Francine Rivers, A Mother's Hope, stunning!
I am grateful today for all the blessings in my life, husband, daughter, health and friends like YOU!!

Have a lovely evening.
{{hugs}}

Ps: Layout to follow soooon!!

My first attempt at Mosaic

2010-06-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

And I loved it!!

I enjoyed the whole process, the cutting sticking,BUT the grouting is a bit hard on the hands,hey!

I must be honest and say that this is a another craft I could get addicted to.

There are many techniques to be used and the variety of tiles are absolutely beautiful.

I bought a few more blanks to do, a little fountain, wordings and some more crosses.

Thanks for having a look:)

In my Shopping Bag

2010-06-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I Don't know about you, but I kinda like Hang Ten.
Went to pay my rates and taxes yesterday at PP and dropped in at HT quickly and picked up these. I like these jerseys a lot, you can mix them up quite nicely.

I zooshed this one up with one of these flowers on the one pocket. How does it look?

Then, this denim swingtop dressie thingie.
I thought with a long shirt under, some tights and shoes would like quite nice? hmmm??

Lastly, these cute shoes! I loved them the minute I saw them, had to have them in both colours.
They are from another shop, fits like a glove and very comfortable.

So, this was in my shopping bag.
Hope you are having a great day!

Tania

My Surprise

2010-06-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening my husband took us out for dinner in our mall.{which is something funny, because we don't like eating out}
At 7, we finished and we walked to the middle, where they had a showroom of BMW's.
This one had a bunch of flowers and a bottle of champagne in the back. He then handed me the keys and told me that it was mine!! I was absolutely stunned!! I saw the car earlier in that week, and loved the colour. So, this is my new wheels! Thanks to my hubby, I love him to bits.
Thanks for visiting!!

A brrrrr Monday and a {layout}

2010-05-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

Today is very cold.
For once, my ironing is up to date.
In a steaming pot on the stove is soup, the smell of it makes me hungry,can not wait.
Cleaned the house, did some catch-up on some of my blogs that I follow.
I have ear-ache, just like a baby, think I might have caught a cold,while away this weekend,but it hurts real bad.
I have a layout to share. Since I have not scrapped for quite a long time, I decided to do the following:
I follow MANY Scrapbook blogs and there are so many scrapbookers that truly inspire me. So, I will feature one every week, take a layout from her and do a scrap lift on that page.

This week, I chose Michelle Lanning, with this cute shoes layout. I did not have all the trimmings,but I had this photo for ages, 3 years to be exact, Megan bought this pair of shoes, while on a school trip in Lesotho. I loved them and had to take a picture.

I got a Big Surprise on Thursday, hubby spoiled me rotten. Now, I am not the type of person that brags, but this is a show off, you want to see??

Thanks for visiting

Shades of Autumn

2010-05-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Today, is very cold and overcast, for sure, winter is on the way.
I took this picture this morning, while on our way out from the Klein Kariba holiday resort.
We spent the weekend with the colleagues of my husband.
It was a bit overcast, but the colours came out lovely.
Although Autumn is upon us, I love the colours it brings with it.
For sure God is busy creating, yet another masterpiece in front of our eyes.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Sorry, Under Construction

2010-05-28T01:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry, been a bad, bad blogger, BUT I had my computer sent in for some construction work done!!
Please bare with me!! See I have already lost one follower!! Pleaaaase don't go!!
I have lost some of my programmes, they had to recover them, will be back in business sooon!
Going to Klein Kariba this weekend.
Looking forward to watching the Super 14 Final!! Go Bulls!!
Megan on a hockey team building in Potchefstroom this weekend and it is VERY cold there.
Managed to do at least one layout, can you believe it?? Will share on Monday, since i have to reinstall my Picasa program and reload Adobe Elements.
And just to tell you that i do miss you, I can at least share a poem:

Flowers leave their fragrance on the Hand that Bestows them.

There's an old Chinese proverb that if practiced each day
Would change the whole world in a wonderful way.
Its truth is so simple, it's easy to do,
And it works every time and successfully, too.
For you can't do a kindness without a reward
not in silver nor in gold but in joy from the Lord.
You can't light a candle to show others the way
Without feeling the warmth of that bright little ray,
And you can't pluck a rose all fragrant with dew
Without part of its fragrance remaining with you.

Have a lovely weekend.

Dance slower

2010-05-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

It seems my to-do list is always never ending. My head is constantly busy, I always do and think about more than 3 things at a time. I NEVER slow down. Sorry to say, but i do rip myself apart for other people a lot!! I need to stop that, I need to dance slower. After reading about the causes of Bells syndrome,it all came together, I am doing to much too often, I need to slow down, I need to stress less, No I am not the type of person, who go sits in a corner and get myself in stress ball, I tend to coop it up! And now it has hit the fan!!LOL!! This came at the right time and I want to share it with you:)

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

She turned 16!!

2010-05-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

So, my girl turned 16!! I cannot believe,how quickly she has grown.

We asked her whether she wanted a party or a really nice gift, she wanted a really nice gift!!LOL!!

This is what we got her!

It just had to be pink and she was speechless.

We picked her up from school and took her to the scooter shop, her scooter had a tag on,with her name on it, we send her to go and check the price and when she turned the tag,she saw her name!

Now, she must study for her learners, but first it is exams.{sorry,honey bunch,first things first}

Then, I got this surprise on Tuesday!!

3 Layouts done by the very talented Pearl Liu.

They are all so very pretty, I tell you, her work is even better in real life:)

This is the one of Megan's Valentines dress.

This one is very special, on a canvas and I love all the misting and flowers.

Thank You so much Pearl, you are a darling!!

I am starting to feel better, my eye is slowly blinking again, but my lips still numb.
Hubbies birthday tomorrow!

I got spoiled on Mothers day, got Casting Crown's cd and Francine Rivers book,loving it:)

Hope you are having a happy week!
Tania

Happy Mothersday

2010-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Love
Tania
xxx

Sleeping with one eye open. . .

2010-05-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is exactly what is happening. Even as I sleep,my one eye does not close properly,scary,hey??
At least i can be on watch during the night.LOL!! Call it night shift. Well, at least I can still laugh a bit about my situation,but to tell you the truth, this afternoon, after spinning{yes,I can still exercise}I just burst out in tears!! At the moment I am feeling angry, irritated and . . . numb.
I am taking my pills{although I can't bear the thought of the after affects of this medication}but cannot tell if I can feel a difference yet,maybe I am too rushed!! I am always rushed!!
This came at a wrong time{sure there is no "right"time for this}but not now!!
You know, the interesting part of this situation is,when something bad hits us, one seem to quickly take stock of LIFE.
Asking the question: Am I LIVING LIFE?? To the FULLEST??
I think, we should everyday,grab every second,every minute,every hour.
I want to stop waiting for the right moment, I want to do MORE!!
LOVE MORE
CARE MORE
LAUGH MORE
PRAY MORE
LEARN ABOUT GOD MORE
This is only 5 things, which came to mind right now.

So, here I was, thinking I am healthy??

2010-05-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

I think, that if there is one thing I never forget to ask God in my prayers, is that He should please keep me healthy and to please save me for a very long life, I want to see my daughter make matric, go to university,etc. I think that is any mother's prayer.
I think of myself as quite healthy person, don't go to the doctor often,until today. . .
It started last weekend, my tongue was feeling funny, like when you had something to hot to eat.
It carried on,even my taste buds were not functionally as usual.
So, this weekend on Saturday morning, i woke up with a numb feeling around my mouth, as the day continued, hubby told me that my one eye was drooping{i had a headache and blamed it on that}
Sunday was even worse, I could not role my lips to put my lipstick on or even open my mouth properly.
I started to worry now. I had a aneurysm a few years ago, but got treatment,I thought maybe it made a comeback.
Went to the doctor this morning.
I was diagnosed with Bell Palsy syndrome!!
He sent me for a CT scan, although it came back clear,they need to do a MRI scan to exclude the possibility of a aneurysm.
He gave me a script for some cortisone pills, a high dosis actually!! It is the only thing that treats this thing.
Went to Google Bells, now that is scary!!
First when the doctor told me that it was that, i felt relieved that it was not a A.
BUT, when you go read up on Bells, and the causes, you feel a bit different.
I took my first 12 tablets today!!
Hope and pray that I will feel a difference soon!!!

Please add me to your prayers.
xx

From my balcony in Parys. . .

2010-05-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

This is the pictures from the balcony,where we stayed the past long weekend. In Parys,in the Free State.

It is such a lovely and tranquil little place.

The ideal getaway, not far from us,about 200km.

This is a huge berrietree, in summer it is in full swing and full of the lovely little fruits.

Hubby, teaching the girls how to fish.

Megan,getting their sundowner spot ready,with drinks and treats to eat!!LOL!!

Hubby, fishing in full force, he caught a whole 9!!

Thanks for stopping by and having a peak!!

See You Sooon!!

2010-04-29T03:21:00.000-07:00

Hallo everybody!
Life just got in the way a bit, the last few days,and my computer died a quick, but easy death on me!!LOL
I just popped by to tell you {HI} will be back soon, the past weekend, we had the Matric Farewell, will share the pictures, we went away,also have pictures, I am currently running my friend's studio, she went off to do the Iron Man. Just a bit of running up and down, please don't forget to remember me!!LOL!!

I hope you are well.

And just because. . .another poem for you all!!

Life is a Garden
Life is a garden; good friends are the flowers,
And times spent together life's happiest hours.
And friendship, like flowers, blooms ever more fair
When carefully tended by dear friends who care.
And life's lovely garden would be sweeter by far
If all who passed through it were as nice as you all are.

Helen Steiner rice

LittleThingies

LOVIN TO LIVE OUT LOUD{a layout}

The Art of Crochet.I almost have them all!!

Almost a week into the new year...my word for 2012

To start off the new year...

Merry Christmas

New Look,FINALLY!!

She is now OFFICIALLY in Matric!!

Some more Cape Town

Day{ one} in Cape Town

**Cake for my friend**

Up for a Challenge! BIRD IS THE WORD:{ADORE}

Loving Summertime{layout}

{me} The constant Procrastinator

She {Megan}walked the Knysna

I have a very generous friend

Matric farewell {photoshoot}

Some {Productiveness}

Kruger in Photo's

Completed Crochet Cushion

2 Layouts

Pilgrims Rest visit...

My Crochet Tale {and a recipe share}

I played: The Colorroom #64 Sweetheart Keep on Smiling

A Monday Post and {Megan's American Landscapes}

Must show you this!!

The Sun IS SHINING!!

Just didn't want to bore you>

She is back and ENJOYED every minute!!

My first ever visit to the Kruger park

What I can tell you now. . .

The brakes of this rollercoaster is not working!!!

Day at the dam

10 Down, 2 to go!!

Altered Frame

Mini Album{for Megan's friend}

Off to the market{another little favorite place of mine} And my WORD for 2011

My Wishes for YOU

Our Weekend{plus some photos}

Update on a Project and some shopping and gifts

Update{birthday lunch}

Some Christmas Jewelery{and some chatter}

Cutie{a layout for a friend} and something I could not resist

Giant Beauty(Double Page Layout}

Best Friends of the Family{2 Page Layout}

I will ALWAYS be your friend{a layout}

Something is better than Nothing{@ sixteen you u are still my cupcake.}

My Top Rated

Hallo, my name is Tania, I am a Self Confessed: BAD BLOGGER

Another Perfect Day . . .{photo post only}

Latest layout{young love}

What I read. . .my share with you

My Share of Spring Day!

READY! STEAYDY! GO!!!

Oooops;) Sneaking back in. . . .

Spinnathon recap.. .

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. . .{bliss...layout}

Photo Shoot {sneak Peak} and bit of randomness. . .

Team Up Thursday{Without the "team"}EDITED

A layout

All about ME Monday

Cross country - First League

Her friend. . .

Team Up Thursday{A Tree}

Pilanesberg Wild Animal Photo Shoot

Team Up Thursday{Furry Friends}

Falling Behind. . .

Fairy{photoshoot 1}

Team Up Thursday{fairytale}

I did it!!{a layout}

Let's talk about. . .{ lemons}

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

All About Me Monday

Team Up Thursday

Today. . .

{Ok} so I love her too!!

All About Me Monday

Trying it out

It does not get any easier than this. . .

Not much.

Cake for my friend