People And Why I Love Them

I love talking to new people and hearing their life stories. Nothing interests me more.

Through waitressing and being a travel agent I got to meet and speak to alot of people. I never thought I would say this, but it is something that I miss. Waitressing forced me to come out of my shell and mix with people from all backgrounds. Sometimes this was good, sometimes it tested my patience, sometimes it was crazy, sometimes it was funny and occasionally it warmed my heart.

I've collected a couple of interesting and beautiful stories over the years which I thought I would share with you:

I once met a couple who owned and lived on a working lemon tree farm. I can't think of anything cooler. If it wasn't for my job waitressing, I would never have met anyone in this line of work.

On a work trip, I listened to a father taking the time to call his children in Kenya to recite "Daniel and the Lion's Den" to them before their bedtime. It warmed my heart to hear it.

Once I spoke to a gentleman who told me that he takes only one holiday a year, for two weeks, to the same place year in and year out. He showed me photographs of his family's home on a private beach in the Turks and Caicos island archipelago. Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it. I can now understand why he doesn't choose to go anywhere else.

Courtesy of www.hotelroomsearch.net

Another time there was a couple visiting family in South Africa, who it turned out despite being some of the most down to earth people I had spoken to, were really millionaires living in Monaco.  They had started their oil processing company just the two of them, with a second hand bakkie (truck). He told me that he can still remember how people used to laugh at their small operation. I still have this gentleman's business card to remind me that you can do whatever it is that you set your mind to.

Whilst I was training for my job at Pentravel I met a girl with the most interesting life story. Her businessman father was very successful, but at the point where he was stressed enough to be contemplating suicide. Instead he choose to sell his business, their house, their vehicles, bikes and boats, and buy one large sailboat for the family of five to live on. They then sailed to the Bahamas where they lived for the next 10-15 years whilst their mom homeschooled the children. The father was happier, the family stayed together and this particular girl's worldview changed forever.

I was lucky enough to hear Kingsley Holgate's life story at a Seychelles roadshow (where they teach you about the destination, accommodation and activities) and it was amazing. Again the story of a businessman unhappy and getting older, who wanted to do something different with his life, so he sold up and went on a great adventure though Africa with his family in tow, helping others as they went. He tells stories of being captured, meeting warlords and how he was eventually presented with a letter of safe passage to see him through the rest of his journey. How incredible! His journey ended with a beautiful holiday in the Seychelles with his family. What I love most about this story is how when most people would be preparing for the end of their life, his was just beginning.

And finally there is the story of the lifelong friends who booked a European cruise and then a tour through Italy (walking, on trains, buses and boats) with me. I heard from them when they came back and they told me how it was a trip of a lifetime. About a month later I ran into one of the ladies who told me that her friend had recently passed away from a brain tumour. It had come as a great shock to her family and friends. She was so glad that they had been able to spend that precious time together. The moral of this story is to never take life for granted, and to make the most of the time that you have on this Earth.

I collect stories the way other people collect coins. Some of the most ordinary looking people are filled with the most extraordinary stories. Take the time to ask questions and listen, and you may just find out.

The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Children

Today I am going to share with you what I believe is the greatest gift you can give your children.

In my opinion there is only one thing all children desire: your presence. When you're with them they want you to be fully involved, not worrying about your job, finances, your phone or the state of your house. They want you to really listen to what it is they have to say, and to play with them on their level. My greatest joy and some of my funniest baby sitting moments have happened whilst listening to children of similar ages talking to each other when they thought no one was listening. Children are sponges and so often (in the beginning) they are miniature versions of their parents.  Make sure that what precious time you spend with them is quality time, and that you give all of yourself to the moment. They will love you for it.

Below are some great ideas to get you started. Many of them are free or cost very little to do so their is no excuse okay guys:

1) build blanket forts with your children.
There is not a child who I have taken care of who didn't enjoy this one. It's fun, completely against the rules, messy and you can eat snacks inside there all day if you want to.  It's also great for playing 'house'.
You will need: sheets, duvet, pillows, snacks, heavy books, pegs, tables and chairs (to add structure)

Like so:

Courtesy of www.buzzfeed.com

2) make homemade playdough, then think of an animal or structure and try to make it.
You will need: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 cup water, 4 tablespoons cream of tartar or alum (available from your local chemist, or grocery store in the baking aisle), food colouring and 1 or 2 drops essential oil (to make it smell amazing).
Instructions:
-Place dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well (you may want to use an old bowl as the food colouring can stain the container).
-mix oil and food colouring into the water
-Slowly add water mixture to the flour mixture and mix until dough-like. If too sticky, add more flour
-Knead the dough well while adding the essential oil, and store in a sealed container in the fridge (will keep for up to 2 weeks)

3) make glue out of cornstarch and water. Rip up strips of newspaper and paint these onto recycling materials to decoupage a bowl, bottle, balloon etc. Paint this once dry.
You will need: cornstarch, water, newspaper, paintbrushes (rinse thoroughly once done), recycling materials and paint

4) make bubble solution. Then find household items to use as bubble blower, go outside and have fun!
You will need: 12 cups water, 3 cups dish soap, 3/4 cup corn syrup and household items ie. Fly swatter, wire hanger etc (to blow bubbles with. The more imaginative the more fun I promise)
Instructions:
-Mix all the ingredients in a 1 gallon container, dip your new found bubble blower in the container, run around like crazy outside to get your bubbles going

5) use your pool: take all the adults in your family and create a whirlpool by holding on to the railing of the pool and going as fast as possible in the same direction. One the whirlpool really gets going ask the children to try and make their way around the pool in the opposite direction.
Spend more time in your pool playing "marco polo", you will have as much fun as your kids I promise.

6) make a pretend city out of legos, wooden blocks or boxes and drive matchbox cars around the created track or obstacles.
Or use the same materials to build a farm and play pretend with plastic animals (Chad's favourite).

7) play dress up in Mom and Dad's old clothes. Add a broken cellphone, bag etc to the mix. Laugh as you see the miniature versions of yourself come out to play.

8) use sidewalk chalk to make a hopscotch 'board' and then use a pebble to play, or draw ridiculously large dinosaurs. The brontosaurus is my favourite and also happens to be the easiest to draw.

9) make felt finger puppets and play pretend.
You will need: felt squares, sewing needle, scissors, cotton thread, fabric glue (available at a craft store), wool, buttons and googly eyes to decorate.

10) borrow an origami book from your local library, buy a few sheets of coloured paper and spend a few hours trying your luck (and patience) at making the designs.

11) make a giant puzzle, as a family, over a couple of evenings. Not only is it a calming activity before bedtime but it will teach your children problem-solving skills

12) go to your local library, sit in the story corner and read to your children. Dr Seuss (oh the places you'll go and green eggs and ham) and Roald Dahl (the B.F.G. and the witches) are a great place to start. Add funny voices for some real fun. Also libraries offer arts and crafts activities during the school holidays. Choose your favourite activities and go on those days to partake.

13) make your own treasure hunt by hiding items in the garden (tasty treats, coins in a jar or a present works best) and either draw a treasure map or write out clues which your children will have to follow in order to find the 'treasure'. A fun game of hot and cold also works well to locate the treasure.

14) take a nature walk. I like Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and Steinbank Nature Reserve best, but taking a walk around your own neighbourhood works too. Before you set off make sure you have warm clothes, sunscreen, a hat and something to drink and eat.  Prepare a list from A to Z and try to spot items in nature which begin with these letters, completing the alphabet as you go, or make a list of items which you want to find and check them off as you go ie. butterfly, zebra, pond, prettiest flower, biggest rock, pinecone etc. This will keep your little one motivated.

15) make robots out of recycling materials.
You will need: duct tape to bind items together, recycling materials for body parts, craft knife to cut out eyes or to make a 'door to its heart', markers for decorating and tinfoil to cover your robot in metal. To be honest, most of the time it won't look like a robot by the time you're done, but making it is half the fun, and your child's imagination will fill in the rest.

16) borrow a science experiment and/or craft book from the library. Use this to make everything from homemade volcanoes, paper, pressed wildflowers for cards, birdfeeders, bath salts, or learn how to knit or crochet.

There are so many ways to create special memories with your child. These don't have to cost a small fortune, and will be special because you are both involved.

Do you have any other creative ideas to add?

Weekend Catch-Up

Friday

On Friday night I finally started my DIY headboard project.  I painted the wood primer onto the pine shelf. Note to self: this project would have been better undertaken outside with fresh air and lots of space.  I spent all of Saturday with a minor headache, dizzy spells and slighty queasy, but it will be well worth it in the end!

Halfway through painting on wood primer

Wood primer painting complete and waiting for it to dry

Saturday

On Saturday Natalie and I went for an early morning walk at the beach. It was so early (6:30 AM) that not only did we get to watch a beautiful orange sunrise, but I forgot to take some pics. We ended it off with a much deserved cappuccino at Circus Circus.

I spent the rest of Saturday morning cleaning, then took a short nap with Matt (we're currently sharing the same flu germs as one does when you're in love), woke up to load shedding and headed off to Pavilion shopping centre for a snack and a walkabout.

Sunday

Matthew and I taking selfies before we left home

Our new shoes. So excited

So Sunday was our 1 year wedding anniversary. I cannot believe how time has flown by. I can remember our wedding day like it was yesterday. We are so lucky to have found one another.  I love my husband more and more each day.  He is my rock, my greatest cheerleader and my best friend. I love you my Matthew xxx

We started our day with the East Coast Radio Big Walk. It was Matt, myself, Phil, Siz, Aphiwe and Ayabonga walking together.

Pre-walk

I cannot believe how many people attended this event. It was busy but so much fun.

We completed our 10 km walk in 1 hour and 45 mins. Yay us!

That evening Matt and I celebrated our anniversary at Mamma Lucianos. I love having dinner there. It's so small and cosy, and the pastas are amazing.

1 year older and wiser, and still very much in love

The Rule of Three

I have been having one of those weeks where I have been feeling ridiculously overwhelmed, trying to get through a never diminishing to do list, as well as keep up with my normal household duties. Inevitably I fail to get through said list fast enough, because realistically I set myself up for failure, and I end up beating myself up yet again and wanting to give up completely.  Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this?

So today I stopped, took a deep breath, and regrouped.

I have decided to make one master to do list and split up tasks so that I have only three manageable tasks to complete daily. Should I get through those three tasks then I get to feel good about myself and give myself a pat on the back. Should I have more time and energy at my disposal I can choose to complete additional tasks from my master list, or I can choose to relax and enjoy some well deserved me time.  I think this will be way more manageable and stress free than my current method (or lack thereof).  I unfortunately cannot take credit for this idea, as I borrowed it from Jacqui at Baby Boy Bakery, and to her I am incredibly grateful.

Today's list of tasks included:

1) Making a spreadsheet of our monthly expenses to see where we can cut down our spending.  I know that most people do this already, but mine thus far has been all pen and paper.  This was an important task and also so helpful.  It reminded me that Matt and I need to consolidate our medical aid cover. Currently we are both covered under separate medical insurance companies. Investigating with which company we would get more comprehensive and affordable cover has been added onto my master list.

2) Phoning car insurance companies to obtain quotes and therefore decrease our monthly premium. This was another important task on my list, and I managed to save us an additional R350 a month. This is something that as consumers we should be doing on a yearly basis (if the value of our car is depreciating then why should our premium be increasing?). It can be such a pain answering all those questions, but realistically it only took me 15 mins to do.

3) Paint our headboard with wood primer. This is still on the to do list, but will be done before my head hits the pillow tonight. Mostly because I am so excited to get my DIY headboard project underway.

Does anyone have any personal time management tips which they would be willing to share?

On a side note I am so looking forward to this weekend. On Saturday Natalie and I are having an early morning walk at the beach, followed by some yummy coffee.  On Sunday the family and I are participating in the East Coast Radio 10km walk and it's Matt and my 1 year wedding anniversary. How time flies.

Enjoy your weekend all.

Lessons I Have Learnt From My First Year Of Marriage - Part 1

So our first year wedding anniversary is approaching (24 May 2015) and even though it's a ways off I thought I would start posting now about the lessons I have learnt from our first year of togetherness (there are alot). I have heard from many people that the first year of marriage is the toughest, and whilst I'm not sure how true that is (as I have nothing to compare it to), I do know that even though Matthew and I were together for 4 years before we got married, I still had so much to learn about him, and he about me, as well as what it means to be husband and wife.

1) Marriage (being a husband or wife) is a job/role which needs to be taken just as seriously as any other. That means making a daily choice to care for the one you love: whether that means cooking a yummy meal, washing the dishes and laundry or lending a sympathetic ear. It means making the time as well as financial allowances for date nights. When they do happen it means making the effort to look (and smell) great. We should never stop trying to woo our partner. Marriage shouldn't be taken for granted - like a plant it needs to be tended to daily in order to flourish and thrive.
2) Marriage means saying you're sorry. It turns our some people need to hear this. This is a difficult one for me - I didn't grow up hearing it and so never really learnt to say it. I can feel sorry for what I've done and show you that I'm sorry, but to physically say it has taken alot from my side. I still struggle with this one, but I'm trying because it means so much to Matt.
3) Marriage means giving your partner their alone time when it's needed. Each person should be able to spend time doing whatever it is they most enjoy: reading a book; playing soccer or spending quality time with a friend. Time apart is healthy and neccessary sometimes.
4) Marriage means talking it out. Matt and I are both passive and conflict averse, so on the upside our house is a pleasant place to be in because we both hate fighting and voices raised in anger. On the downside, when we are angry or upset we shut down and go silent. It's taken alot from both of us to 'learn to use our words' as the therapists say. I've officially decreased my silent time from the 3 days which it used to be, to maybe 30 minutes at a stretch. We always finish an argument with Matt telling me what a great job I'm doing.
5) I've realised that I have a much more traditional view regarding what a wife should be, as well as what kind of wife I want to be.  Believe me when I say that no one was more surprised than me. I derive great joy and satisfaction from feeding my husband and keeping our household in good running order. My husband in turn loves and appreciates me for that, and tells me so, which makes me so happy.

Us on our wedding day

Matt watching soccer and Jenn doing a great job pretending to watch soccer

Dinner with my mom on my 29th birthday

My handsome husband 

This list is not over folks - look out for part 2.  It may be interesting to hear from Matt what he feels he has learnt (though the list may be much shorter than mine).

I hope you have a lovely evening with your family. Tonight is scrabble evening in our household. I will let you know who wins ;)

What We Got Up To This Weekend

I don't know about all of you, but this weekend was a busy one for Matt and I.

On Saturday we picked up all the soccer gear which Matt needed for the weekly soccer clinics which he will be running. Matt is a natural with children so it only made sense that he would combine this with his passion for soccer, and help kids improve their skills on the football field. The soccer clinic will be held on Saturdays at Stella indoor courts from 2 - 3:30 starting from the 30th May 2015. It is open to boys and girls aged 7 to 14 years. Yours truly will be onhand to dispense the water, orange slices and kiss the boo-boo's better (also known as being the first aid lady). I am so excited to start calling my husband coach and also incredibly proud of him pursuing his dreams.

On the same day we made a trip to Builders Express to get the materials for my DIY headboard project. Work on it begins this week and I'll share photos as the project moves along. It is going to be hard work but well worth the end result.  I can't promise there won't be some trial and error along the way but at the very least it'll be amusing for all of you. I am beyond excited for this project, but already have my mind set on the next one.  One step at a time.

I also want to share how incredibly proud I am of my husband this week. He is such a hard worker and to see that recognised at his job is so rewarding for us both. I know he will continue to go from strength to strength.  I love you Matt.

Last but not least I tried out a new baking recipe (courtesy of Your Family magazine May 2015 issue) which I want to share with all of you. I love it because there are so few ingredients and it's so quick and easy to prepare. Plus it is so yummy and chocolatey and not too sweet - just the way we like it.  Please try it out and share if you enjoyed it.

CHOCOLATE LAVA POT

Ingredients:
- 120g butter
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped (I used 70%)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 80ml sugar (I used brown sugar)
- A pinch of salt
- 5ml vanilla essence
- 80ml ground almonds

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.  Cool to room temperature.
2) Beat the eggs and sugar until light and creamy.  Gradually add the chocolate mixture, while whisking.  Stir in the salt, vanilla and almonds.  Divide the batter between 4 x 180ml ovenproof cups or ramekins.
3) Bake for about 25 minutes until the tops crackle and the sides are baked, but the centres are still gooey.

Please note that this will only serve 4 guests as I discovered too late (sorry we all had to share) and is yummiest served with cream or ice cream.

Unfortunately that wasn't my only mistake, I also forgot to take any photos before we all tucked in. Matt says it's okay because all it means is that I get to make it again for him this week. He's so funny.

Enjoy your evening with your loved ones.  Till next time.

Daily Inspiration

For those of you old enough to remember a T.V. series called 'Ally Mcbeal' the lead character had a song which she would listen to whenever she needed to psych herself up or needed a little inspiration. For her it was Tom Jones. For me it's this song.

Whenever I'm feeling a little down, in the early morning in the last five minutes just before I reach work or just before I go jogging I put this song on at full blast to feel happy and inspired. Matt thinks I'm crazy but he lets me sing it at the top of my voice anyway. He doesn't know that when he's not there I listen to it on repeat.

One Republic - 'I Lived'

Hope when you take that jump, you don't fear the fall
Hope when the water rises, you built a wall
Hope when the crowd screams out, they're screaming your name
Hope if everybody runs, you choose to stay

Hope that you fall in love, and it hurts so bad
The only way you can know is give it all you have
And I hope that you don't suffer but take the pain
Hope when the moment comes, you'll say...

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Hope that you spend your days, but they all add up
And when the sun goes down, hope you raise your cup
Oh, I wish that I could witness all your joy and all your pain
But until my moment comes, I'll say...

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived

With every broken bone, I swear I lived
With every broken bone, I swear I

I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived

I swear I lived.

Thanks to Elizabeth for giving me this song. Lizzie knows that I always fall in love with a song's lyrics first.

Hwange National Park at sunset

Feature on Strong Women: Anubha Cook

Anubha Cook and her killer smile

This is how I remember Anubha (my host mom from Seattle, Washington where I worked as an au-pair for her family); studying in her PJ's with a smile on her face.

Anubha was/is a rock star momma.  By the time I met Anubha, she had already completed her BSc, worked in the field completing EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments) for large corporations, and had then decided that what she really wanted to be was a pharmacist, and so she went back to the University of Washington to study for her pharmacy degree full time. All of this whilst being a full time wife, and mother to three children under the age of 5 years.

I was an apprehensive 18 year old when I arrived, having never lived away from home and here I was moving in with a vegetarian family half-way around the world, and agreeing to take care of three small children on a daily basis.  Anubha was incredibly gracious and kind to me, teaching me so many things at such a young age, which would change my world view forever.  On my homesick days Anubha would make me custard pudding with sliced bananas, and when I was sick she would give me a head massage with essential oils.  No matter how exhausted Anubha was there was always more to give.

A typical day for Anubha involved going off to the University at the crack of dawn (which was a good 40 minutes driving distance away) followed by coming home late afternoon, a good hour of snuggles and playtime for the little ones and then making the most delicious, healthy vegetarian dishes (dahl's, chipathis, pastas, pizzas etc was always on the menu).  I wasn't sure whether I was going to like this vegetarian food having been raised in a very Afrikaans family (i.e. we like our meat) but man oh man I think I only ate meat twice the whole year I was there and I gained a good 10 kg's.  But I digress, Anubha always had time for the kids no matter how exhausted she was, the family always came first.  Sara would help her in the kitchen every night (at the tender age of 2 years), making special chipathis just for me and Anubha had an incredible level of patience with them all.  I think in the year I was there Anubha raised her voice only once.  It showed in the children's behaviour and confidence, that they truly were happy, healthy and well-loved.

In the evenings we would all gather around the dining room table for our meal and chat about our day, and after dinner instead of the usual T.V. time (there was only one television in the house located in my room) the kids would partake in arts and crafts; making structures out of the homemade playdough Anubha made for them; we would get involved in homemade science projects and most of all we would read (Dr Seuss was our favourite, but Ben was also reading 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' to the children).

Ben (my host dad) was/is a rock star dad.  I have this clear vision in my head of Ben leaving Anubha to study over the weekend and piling all three kids in the van for a Costco trip.  He would then push Sara in one trolley in front of him, Arjun in another trolley behind him and Sohan strapped to his chest whilst he did the monthly grocery shopping.  There are very few men who would have the patience and love to do this for their family.

Anubha, Ben and the children under the pear tree which I pruned

Our favourite afternoon activity was picking (and eating) the many types of fruit which grew in the garden.  The fruit which we grew included: blueberries, raspberries, green grapes and pears.  It was also a big teaching moment for the children to learn where fruit which we buy in the store comes from and how by photosynthesis fruit is able to grow.  Arjun especially, was like a sponge with a thirst for knowledge and moments like this became our way of learning together.

I remember writing to my mom in shock, explaining that Anubha and Ben owned no kettle or iron.  I learned to make do with what we had, and it helped me to realise that you don't really need all the things that you think you do.  Sohan, the cutest, happiest, healthiest baby had no special facecloth, hooded towel, baby products, changing mat or crib.  It was a big moment for me to learn that there is very little one genuinely needs in order to raise a baby.

Anubha taught me so much (probably more than I can think to include here) but here follows what I learnt from my year with her:
- Vegetarian food is so yummy. Good food may take more time but it is so worth it
- One doesn't need a lot of money in order to be happy, and live a fulfilling life
- To mother is a verb, a daily choice and an action.  It is a privilege and not a right

Arjun, Anubha and Sara

Sara, Anubha, Arjun and baby Sohan

- Family comes first always
- Mixed race babies are beautiful
- Time outs and explaining the consequences on one's behaviour is way more effective as a disciplinary tool than physical punishment
- Children don't need complicated electronic gadgets to be happy.  They're much happier outside picking and eating fruit; playing dress-up and using their imagination; exploring the inside of a library; or at an arts and crafts table with some glue, a pair of blunt nose scissors, paper, paint and playdough. 
- It's okay for the house to be messy and clothes not to be ironed.  It's far more important that your family are well taken care of and happy.  This is still a hard one for me (I am my mother's child after all).  Childen also need to be able to make a mess in order to learn

Sara covered in her favourite 'Roghurt' as she called it

Sohan covered in spaghetti sauce learning to feed himself

Sohan eating yummy chipathis

- Patience in all things is key
- In order to be successful in life you need a husband who is prepared to be an equal partner, who supports and loves you through it all
- No matter how much you really wanted that last croissant or bagel, when your children ask for it, you suddenly really didn't feel like it

I can never thank Anubha and Ben enough for welcoming me into their home, and allowing me the privilege of taking care of and loving their children.  It was in Seattle that I realised that 'Everything Happens for a Reason'.  God gives us exactly what we need in order to grow and learn.  This truly was one of my happiest years.

Arjun or Juni as we called him on his first day headed to Sanislo Elementary School.  The children and I planted the pink flowers.



Christmas Eve with the family

Goodbye dinner for my friend Dorothea

Weekend Roundup

Morning all, and apologies for the delay in posts - it has already been a busy week :)

Here is the weekend roundup:
Sunday
Sunday was what we like to call a lazy day in the Donnell household (they're needed sometimes). We slept in, ate some yummy vanilla flapjacks and finished up the evening with a Mother's Day celebration at Siz and Phil's house. It's always my favourite way to end the week. We watched the extremely addictive 'Treehouse Masters'. Always reminds me that it is possible for people to make their passion their careers.

Monday
Monday I made one of our favourite dinners: fajita's. So yummy! It's not the same as the delicious carne asada burritos we used to buy in West Seattle but they're pretty close ;) Does anyone know where I can get black beans or wholewheat tortillas? I'm going to try Everfresh and let you all know.

Jenn's fajita

Matt's fajitas

There are some really great recipes I want to try out over the next two weeks. Pics to follow - wish me luck!

Tuesday
On Tuesday I indulged in my new favourite activity - walking/jogging at the beach. To be honest in the beginning it was more walking and people watching than jogging but now that I'm getting stronger there's short bursts of jogging involved. One of these days I'll be running the full 10kms. At least that's the goal.

There is something about the fresh sea air and sunshine that really clears my head and helps me relax in a way that a gym doesn't. This is my 'me time' when I try my best to stay in the moment and enjoy myself instead of running through an endless to-do list. It's also the time of day when God and I chat if I have something something that's on my heart and I need to discuss.

What's your favourite way to relax and unwind?

I will try to post some pics of the beach at sunset so that you can all see why I love it so much.

Coming up
Inspired by Mother's Day, tomorrow I'm going to post the first in my weekly feature of strong women in my life. It's hard not to be inspired by the women around you, especially when you realise the many roles a woman takes on in her life as well as the many sacrifices she makes for the ones she loves.

Also this weekend's DIY will be making my own headboard. Not sure as yet whether we'll be painting directly on the wall, buying a piece of plywood and stencilling a design on it or whether we'll go the whole nine yards and make a headboard out of a piece of plywood, foam and fabric. It'll all depend on how ambitious I'm feeling and whether we can find all the supplies at our local hardware shop. I can't wait, this has been a long time coming!

Hope you all have an amazing week
xxx

Saturday Recap

Saturday Recap

This Saturday Matt's granny and grandpa were visiting Durban from Hartbeespoort. We met them, Elizabeth and their friend at the botanical gardens. One of my all time favourite places to relax and unwind. It was lovely to be able to spend an early Mother's Day with Mary.

Grandpa is a genius at creating works of wood art. He brought down an exquisite S-shaped T.V. unit for Elizabeth, and he will be making us a beautiful entrance table for our front hall. Thank you Grandpa. I wish instead of geometry I had taken home economics or learnt carpentry at school. It would have been so much more useful on a day to day basis.

Elizabeth has also kindly lent me Deb's sewing machine so I can start learning. I have big plans: for cushions, curtains, bags, shirt dresses, a cover for our storage area and above all quilts. But we all have to start somewhere. Right now I'd be excited if I could just figure out how to turn it on. Wish me luck!

Happy mothers day to all the mommy's out there and especially to my own I hope you have a lovely day Mom and get spoilt rotten. Love you xxx

Now I'm off to make some vanilla flapjacks for my husband. I love feeding him. 

Trading Fear for Faith

Trading Fear for Faith

Today's topic is one that's very close to my heart, and something that keeps arising in my life recently, so I wanted to share it with you all. Maybe it is something you have been struggling with too.

We all like to believe that we are masters of our own destiny, and if that we don't keep all the balls up in the air everything would fall apart. This is not the case.

So many times in my life I have felt confused, overwhelmed and at my wits end. Trying to do it all alone and failing miserably. In these moments we are not alone. God is with us and he is guiding us. Sometimes he gives us trials which make no sense to us at the time, but he does this so that we can learn and grow as individuals. So often I can look back at a trying time in my life and can see the purpose in it: the reason I had to go through it in order to come out stronger and happier than I was before.

At our church, Christoff delivered a very powerful sermon asking us to trade fear for faith, believing that God is in control and that he will answer our prayers in his time.

I trade fear for faith that...
God hears my prayers
That this is all part of God's plan for me
That things will only continue to get better for our little family
That I will feel happy and whole again soon

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

What fear is it that you may be struggling to trade for faith?

Please trust that everything happens for a reason, and that you are not alone.

First Post - Welcome To My Blog!

Hello and welcome to my blog. 

Here in these pages I will explore all my favourite things: coffee shops, outings with friends, hidden shopping gems, travel, new recipes, craft projects and our family. I hope this will help our International family feel a little closer to home, and provide you with a little

daily inspiration.

I can't wait to get started...