I can't believe we in the 2nd week of January 2011 already! Time flies.

Seems like winter won't last too long after all. I hope.

I'm totally pooped tonight- going to snuggle under the warm duvet and watch a movie.

xox

LoVe Peanuts

I'm having a lazy friday afternoon.

It's weekend already!

xxx

be safe

Mix 'n Match

These items could cheer up my wardrobe. I very much love the bag & knit & skirt/shorts. 

Winter closet

I love love love all these items!! perfect for this weather.

That cute green coat is a must have!



Modoc ~ A good read

The Story Of the Greatest Elephant that ever lived!

I really loved this book but I can't believe it all to be true.

I cried so much while reading it. Watchout- it will definately pull on your heartstrings!

You'll need a box of tissues.

In case you don't know the story, here's the Amazon blurb:

Modoc is the joint biography of a man and an elephant born in a small German circus town on the same day in 1896. Bram was the son of an elephant trainer, Modoc the daughter of his prize performer. The boy and animal grew up devoted to each other. When the Wunderzircus was sold to an American, with no provision to take along the human staff, Bram stowed away on the ship to prevent being separated from his beloved Modoc. A shipwreck off the Indian coast and a sojourn with a maharajah were only the beginning of the pair's incredible adventures. They battled bandits, armed revolutionaries, cruel animal trainers, and greedy circus owners in their quest to stay together. They triumphed against the odds and thrilled American circus audiences with Modoc's dazzling solo performances, only to be torn apart with brutal suddenness, seemingly never to meet again. Hollywood animal trainer Ralph Helfer rescued Modoc from ill-treatment and learned her astonishing story when Bram rediscovered her at Helfer's company. His emotional retelling of this true-life adventure epic will make pulses race and bring tears to readers' eyes.

I am now busy reading Zamba

Recommended for animal lovers

xxx

Due to my incredible interest and love for elephants, I highly dislike the use of animals in circus. I find it to be very unnatural for them and the only one who benefits from it is the viewers/ owner. It might be funny and entertaining to see all the tricks they do, but just remember what training those animals have to go through- to perform for your 12 dollar ticket. It's cruel. No amount of money can value any life.

Elephants are a symbol of wisdom in asian cultures and are famed for their memory and intelligence, where they are thought to be on par with cetaceans and hominids.

Aristotle once said the Elephant was "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind".  

I have to admit that when I hear about wild animals attacking humans, I do not feel sorry for the human, for 1. they entered their natural habitat at their own risk, or 2. the animal is in an unnatural enviroment and feeling threatened or afraid or trapped and responding to it = disaster.

I feel the same about hunting. I think it's ok to hunt for food and eat it, but to do it for a trophy/ hobby is just plain heartless. This is how animals become extinct.They all form an equal part in our eco- system.

There's many films out -teaching us about wildlife and to pay them some respect.

I cannot recall them all right now, but watch:

• Temple Grandin
• Gorrilas in the mist
• Planet earth (tv)
• The Cove (documentary)
• Behind the Mask(documentary)
• Sharkwater(documentary)
• Peaceable Kingdom(documentary)
• Arctic Tale
• Grizzly Man
• March of the Penguins
• Wild Parrots of Telegraph hill
• Wolves: A legend returns to yellowstone

I'm off to go volunteer at the shelter now. I'm looking forward to the 6 o'clock workshop.

xxx

Breakfast

Ok so, today I had toast & banana slices for breakfast. I'm trying to cut down on how much I eat per portion and also to eat healthier. I gained 10 pounds since we moved to Florida from St Maarten! i'm not happy with myself but the climate change is to blame aswell I think. If it was sunny and warm all year round I woudl be fine, but it's Friggin cold I tell ya.

I was hoping to see snow but I guess it won't happen in this part.

MoooOo

Look at Kayla ( my cousin's) Cute drawing!!

It's soooo cute! I just love it. see the pretty pink patches.

Pumpkin Soup for the Soul

James made a delicious Pumpkin soup! I love his cooking- his food always tastes better than mine, except of course, my famous Banana loaf!

My belly is full. I'm gona read a bit then probably fall asleep.
 

xxx

Hi all!

Last night I finished another painting and started a new one which kept me up till 4am. I'm not too fond of my new painting but I will work on it a little more and hopefully get it to something worth looking at.

 The neighbourhood cat, 'Hobo'(i named her) was on our porch last night in the freezing cold weather, begging to come inside so I took her in for the night, gave her food & water & litter box, which she used and I let her back out again this morning.. she hasn't been back. I hope she'll be warm tonight. She is white with grey patches and no tail.She's very friendly & loveable.

(hahaha- my hubby just told me 'she called and said she won't be coming here tonight- she's staying at her boyfriend' - i said, 'that's not what she told me- she said she's coming back for a place to nap' - so I guess Hobo is lying to one of us- will see  ;)

but seriously-I decided once my pets all pass away, that's it- no more! It's hard to say no, but one must be strong.I have a real weakness when it comes to anipals. Even though they can't talk, I feel I can understand them.

Anyway, I will post some pics of my paintings when i'm done..i'm still in the beginner stages,experimenting with different tecniques and mediums, sooner or later I will add more detail.

xxxx

My Hobbes

Our planet ~ Earth

Geography lesson

Most of us take our everyday life for granted, we want this, we want that, little do we realise we have it all! In today's modern society, we gravitate towards materialistic things. Ever imagined life on another planet? It might not be as cosy, luxurious or welcoming as our planet we live on- Earth.
In fact, we could possibly die of starvation, thirst or sunburn if we lived on another planet. I love Earth & i'm happy it's home for us all. There has been speculation of life on another planet but not yet confirmed.
Let's all make it our mission to take care of the enviroment & all living things, afterall, we do live together in the web of life. And, I will add that even though we different in many ways, shape & form, doesn't mean we any less! Any form of life plays an equally important role in our eco-system.

Here's a few Earth facts to read:

Our planet is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest of the eight planets in our Solar System. It is located between Mars and Venus, which are also terrestrial planets. Earth has a number of nicknames including the Blue Planet and Terra. The most remarkable thing about our planet is the life that thrives all over our planet. Not only are there plants, but there are also animals, sea creatures, birds, and other diverse species.

Scientists have often tried to discover what makes earth such an ideal place for sustaining life. The Earth has been described as being in the habitable zone, which is a theoretical area in a Solar System where the conditions are optimal for the existence of life. Scientists are using the habitable zone to find extrasolar planets that may be able to support life. Earth is also the only planet in our Solar System with tectonic plates. The plate tectonics help protect our planet from overheating like Venus because the carbon in plants makes its way back into the Earth and is recycled. Liquid water is also an important element for life. Just over 70% of Earth’s surface area is water.

Monday's Quote & delight

Hope you have a wonderfull week!

                                   Creative Watermelon treat

Booyah!!

Ok , so today I felt my blog needed a change!

 I hope you like it- I will probably change it again over the next few months.

xox

peace & love

A Quote of Note



My Symphony

To live content with small means.... To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion.... To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich.... To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly.... To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart.... To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never.... In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common....
...........this is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

 

 

 

The focus is on

Quality over quantity.  The beauty of this goal is that it's applicable to every aspect of life, and in every aspect it covers, it's totally perfect!  I specifically mean this though in a couple of ways: one, with my friends and two, with my wardrobe.  As far as friends, I've been living this rule for awhile and it's made me really happy, so I am taking it even further in 2011.  I used to be the kind of person who had a lot of people I surrounded myself with.  In a way, I almost stretched myself too thin and in effect, would come across as flaky because I just couldn't give my time equally to all the people I chose to have in my life.  And with this came me keeping people in my life who were toxic.  I had so many "friends," but not enough friends.  Note one is with quotations, one is not.  A couple of years ago I starting purging my life of all of the toxic people in it.  I never broke ties with anyone, but I just allowed the friendships to kind of drift in their own way.  I let go of those who were not people I wanted to surround myself with; girls who only gossiped and talked badly about one another, people who made me feel bad for being me, etc. etc.  You have no idea how freeing it is to let go of negativity in your life, be it your own thoughts or people.  It's amazing.  And with this new and open space in my heart, I was able to focus on the people in my life who really mattered, both family and friends.  Now instead of twenty people I call my closest friends, I have just a handful.  But that handful happens to be the nicest, kindest, best-hearted group of human beings I know!  Quantity isn't important, it's the quality that matters, and I feel very fortunate to have the friends that I do.

And on a more materialistic note, this year I will be focusing on the same mantra in my wardrobe.  I'm looking to really build up more quality than quantity in my closet.  I gravitate towards both ends of the spectrum, but in this next year I'm looking forward to more so "collecting" things that I can wear for a lifetime, and finally start building a wardrobe I can get more use out of over a longer period of time.
from sometimes sweet

Bye 2010 ~ Hello 2011

2010 Q&A

What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?

Lots of things! I started my own personal blog. I went to my very first football game-front row seats- Florida state. Went to see Snoop dogg, Unknown Hinson, Sublime & a few others live at a music fest in Orlando, got paid to spend time living on a yacht in miami as stewardess, i was a crewmember in the Miami boatshow. Had my wedding ceremony in South africa, cape town.  Went on a safari- it was awesome! Touched a leopard, went wine tasting for first time ever @ Spier,took my husband up Table Mountain, explored history on Robben island, took the longest flight of my life - 16hrs straight home to SA & back to US. Tubing on the Ichetucknee river, explored the florida caves, 2010 was the first year i tried a Big Mac and fell inlove with it (sadly). I experienced Panama city & beach as well as Shell island. Started volunteering at the Humane Society & Animal shelter.I tried oysters for the very first time-and they were delicious with jalapeno, cheese & cajun spice.

so much more, i can't recall at the moment..

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't think I made any and I'm pretty sure I won't again this year. I never keep that sort of thing. I'm more of a healthy habits over resolutions kind of girl. I do believe in setting realistic goals. 

What countries did you visit?

me,South africa, James visit Amsterdam.

What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

financial stability & and more travel/adventure

What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory?

17 May, 5 June, 19 October

What was the best thing you bought?

I'd say a plane ticket home! (after 5 adventurous yrs.)

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

seeing my family again & getting married

Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder?

Happier

thinner or fatter?

Fatter! - i ate too much junk food + the cold weather doesnt do me any good

richer or poorer?

still poor, ahahaha.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising, drank more water, also wish i was thinking more positive

What do you wish you'd done less of?

stop worrying about what others think & what the future holds

What was your favorite TV program?

Dancing with the stars- i looked forward to it every tuesday night, also The Apprentice on thursday nights

What did you do on your birthday?

Spent the day in St George island with my love, had pina colada's on the beach and got a lovely golden brown tan. drove to Carrabelle beach and chased dolpins under the thunderbolt skies- we had to leave because apparently my hair was standing straight up-meaning i could get hit by lightning any second.

James took me for dinner & I had a yummy slice of chocolate cake at applebees!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

winning the lottery

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:

God's timing is not my timing and I need to remember that His timing is better.

xxxxxx

Mom made this lovely painting of Alexis, my niece! she's a little beauty!


I enjoy- like -love

Hello 2011
SO my Kick- off to the start of 2011 was Great!
We met up with friends, had some fruity drinks, watched fireworks, danced, laughed, took photos,ate turkey-down to the bone, kissed at 12 0'clock & Laughed a littel more. O happy days!
Today,James made black eyed peas & cabbage as a traditional meal for the first day of the year..it's known to have goodluck for a prosperous year ahead.
It's been rainy & overcast outside today but warm,perfect day for movies - so i opened my window & fell asleep listening to the rain.
once I woke- i watched a lovely french film. 'A long engagement'
I hope you had a peaceful, refreshed start for 2011.
xxx

A small collection of motivational quotes

"Sow an act,and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character.Sow a character,and you reap a destiny."

"All that we see in others-both darkness & light- is also present in ourselves."

"We must use time creatively,and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right!"

At times when you feel hopeless, listen to and draw courage from the inner drum..your heartbeat. Hear the rhythm of purposeful determination- it is the call to life itself!

For the more spiritual readers, here's a self meditation exercise for those seeking change & self reflexion :

Meet yourself 

Close your eyes and imagine you are attending a party. A friend comes over and introduces you to yourself. What are your first impressions of this person? Engage yourself in conversation.how does the relationship develop between you? From this neutral perspective consider the strengths and weaknesses that you see in yourself. Use this awareness as a basis of change.

xxx

Essential Oils:

The essential oils of plants can have powerful effects on our emotional states. They can be used alone or in blends of massage, baths or burners. However you decide to use it, spend some time focusing on the scent to receive it's full benefits.

• Apple-scented chamomile- has a soothing effect on the nerves and is suitable for sensitive skins
• Woody smelling Frankincense- has a calming effect and aids relaxation
• Jasmine - has a sweet scent, and acts as an antidepressant
• Fresh scented lavender- has analgesic and calming properties and treats insomnia,depression, aches,pains & wounds
• Sweet smelling Neroli- is comforting and can be used to treat anxiety and insomnia
• exotic Ylang Ylang- has antidepressant and sedative properties and  allays anxiety. 

 New Years is around the corner! Are you ready for 2011?

I sure am, 2010 was a very good year for me but I'm ready for what the future brings, new adventures, opportunities, change, perhaps travel, & discovery of much more..

Something I have come to value more & more is the People I meet every year, each one so special and uniquely different. One can learn so much from others, regardless of your own experiences, I deeply value the inspiration I get from meeting interresting people.

In this new year I also want to find something I am passionate about..a real hobbie,something I can become good at.. and if I do not find a steady hobby, I wish to study part time. I have a few options in mind, perhaps Occupational Therapist assistant, Or veterinary assistant, Or, Massage & reflexology- whatever it is, it needs to be a short term course..

Being a Gemini, i get painfully bored very quickly and need constant inspiration or something to keep/hold my attention span & interest going. I very much enjoy teaching when I do,  but I thrive for more in whatever I do, I always want more..I'm still trying to figure out if this is being too ambitious or too greedy. 

Most of all, I will pace myself and strike a balance. One day at a time with peace of mind.

Desire often gets me down so I acknowledge it, then let it go.

It's important for us to take control of our emotions and not allow it to drive us.

Meditation & yoga helps to balance out the mind, body & soul. I will practice this more often.

For anybody who suffers from anxiety, I would recommend this too.

Ok and I need to promise myself I will drink enough water everyday. Make sure you do too!

This will help flush out toxins & reveal a more radiant skin.


I would love my hair this long

The Spirit of adventure

Approach your life as an epic adventure. Each stage of your journey presents its own particular challenges. Recognise that you have all you need within yourself to meet each challenge and embrace the lesson it brings. 

xxx

This undie is sooooo adorable!

I can't wait to get my old body back! better start eating healthy this new year starting & get some exercise!

"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

I want to be bikini ready when summer starts..

my Gorgeous celeb crushes

Lately I have been following celeb news on Miranda Kerr & her Super Gorgeous man Orlando Bloom! he's such a cutie! These 2 are going to have the MOst beautiful baby ever!

very sexy,, and so is his wife..

Miranda Kerr

she has such a beautiful body!

aaah! another hottie - Johnny Depp! my long time favourite!

and he can play piano!

I can't wait to see 'The Tourist'

Jolie has such a perfect face! If i could be anyone, I would love to look like her!

I love her voice & I think she's a phenomenal actress! she's just , so perfect- so unfair.

..and

Natalie Portman! I can't help but love her!

Life must be wonderful when you are this beautiful!

xxx

Charity Shop

so, today I bought this cute puppy Humane Society Adopt tee at Forever21 !

Part of the sale from each shirt goes to the Charity in helping with feeding, shelter & medical treatment.

Since I volunteer there occasionally, I thought it was a great idea to invest in one of these and get the word out there! Afterall, it does go towards a good cause. You can also do your part and donate or volunteer some time at a shelter! share the love

xxx

Monday's Quote & delight

Well, Hello Lovelies!

After enough Turkey, Treats & sleep, i'm up & awake at odd hours reading, blogging, cleaning house & keeping warm.

My father-in-law gave me a fancy Bubble bliss foot spa with heat as a christmas pressie! So sweet!

 I'm about to give myself a relaxing pedi & reflexology rub down even though my legs & feet are very much rested! Every now & then it's good to treat yourself. Earlier I gave myself a facial with mask so i feel more refreshed and ready for the new beginning of 2011! let the countdown begin! woohoo

Today's Quote: 

Today, be grateful. Be grateful for your favourite music, for movies that make you feel good, for your phone that connects you with people, for your computer, and for the electricity that lights up your life. Be grateful for air travel that flies you everywhere. Be grateful for the roads and traffic lights that keep the traffic in order. Be grateful to those who built our bridges. Be grateful for your loved ones, for your child, for your pet, for your eyes that enable you to read this. Be grateful for your imagination. Be grateful that you can think. Be grateful that you can speak. Be grateful that you can laugh & smile. Be grateful that you can breathe. Be grateful that you are alive! be greatful that you are YOU!
be grateful that there are two words that can change your life,and say them over & over again.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU , Thank YOU !   

La vie

This new year I will be working on 'WE' instead of ME'

What lies between us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Emerson