Ciao 2013…..

Yikes this year has literally flown by like an Olympic 100m sprinter.13 is normally associated with “Bad Luck” but looking back the year I have had its been pretty damn amazing.

2013 was the year…….

1) I bought my 1st car , yes a post is long overdue.(Yaris Hybrid)
2)The Magnifying Glass was born wow what a journey.(http://themagnifyingglass.co.za)
3)I hosted the 1st Durban leg of Cookie Swap.
4)I became a POUT ambassador.
5)I interviewed loads of amazing South African celebrities.
6)I attended loads of pretty amazing events.
7)I won a trip to Cape Town for the Kiehls launch party.(blog post to follow)
8)I became a guest blogger for Sue Levy and got to meet this amazing lady who I know call a dear friend.
9)I became apart of #BandwagonBox which was an idea of sending a box of goodies to some every 2months.Some awesome friendships have developed with this great group of bloggers.
10)At work I was chosen to become part of the Employment Equity panel and undergo training which was such a great learning experience.
11)Had my 1st radio interview on Lotus FM which was done by the gorgeous Avashnee Vandiar.
12)Was the year I got to meet loads of bloggers and people from Twitter.
13)I learned valuable lessons on life and relationships.
14)I had a lucky streak and won several competitions.
15)I got to meet James Martin ,Ms Cupcake , Jenny Morris and Deena Naidoo(MCSA)
16)I finally had Bubble Tea.
17)I have started doing guest blog posts for Durban South Toyota.
18)Worked with the guys from Mr India SA 2013 wow what an amazing journey(blog post to follow)
19)I met some amazing people who I know call dear friends.
20)I learnt with every disappointment comes good news.

In a nutshell my 2013 was pretty awesome.I am really looking forward to 2014 as I know this year is going to be AWESOME .

From me and mine , to you and yours a blessed New Year 2014 is wished , may all your dreams be fulfilled and may you always be happy.

Hugs , love and kisses
me
xxx
ps what was your highlight this year ?

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Robin Sharma WISDOM

Robin Sharma is well known and loved motivational and leadership expert.He has written several very successful books which have sold millions of copies worldwide.

I have subscribed to his mailing list and weekly I find pearls of wisdom delivered just for me.I recieved the following quotes the other day and decided to share them with my readers:

#1. Dream Big. Start small. Act now.

#2. Victims make excuses. Leaders deliver results.

#3. Clarity breeds mastery.

#4. Education is inoculation against disruption.

#5. A problem is only a problem when viewed as a problem.

#6. All change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.

#7. If you’re not scared a lot you’re not doing very much.

#8. Where victims see adversity, extreme achievers see opportunity.

#9. The project you are most resisting carries your greatest growth.

#10. Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.

Such powerful quotes for one 🙂
All of Robin’s emails are personalised and I love this one line “I know you’re awesome. But–with sincere conviction–today I encourage you to BANISH your excuses, PUSH your limits, beat your fears and present your GREATEST self to the world… ”

WOW !!!!
That feels as if Robin is talking to me personally especially with all that is going on in my life currently.
With deep gratitude I thank you Robin Sharma

I hope that these quotes empower you like they have for me.
ciao
xxx

Nominated for a Liebster Award

Last weekend, I got this surprise notification that me/my blog was nominated for the Liebster award.I was very surprised and humbled by this as you never actually know who reads your blog and most people dont comment.

My nomination came from a blogger I have just met via Twitter http://vishal4nw.wordpress.com, Thank you Vishal for this it made my day and yes I accept this nomination with gratitude.

So heres the rules of how this works ………

However upon accepting the Liebster Award, there are a few rules that need to be followed:
– Link back the blogger that tagged you
– Nominate ten others and answer the questions of the one who tagged you
– Ask ten questions for the bloggers you nominate
– Let your nominees know of their award

Here are the questions Vishal asked me :

1. What is your favorite instant messenger ?
BBM

2. Which do you prefer facebook or twitter ?
TWITTER

3. Do you have a dream and what is its purpose ?
My dream is to pursue a career in PR and Social Media.

4. When last did you do something out of your comfort zone
On Friday at IFEELGOOD EXPO I was asked to join JOANIE MITCHELL from MCSA fame to cook with her.

5. What’s your favourite movie ?
Tooo many but SERENDIPITY

6. Your favourite actor or actress ?
I love British actors and actresses
7. What would you do with a million dollars ?
Give up my day job , pursue my dream career , travel the world and write a book.

8. What is your favourite food ?
Yet again too many to choose love Middle Eastern food, Sushi , Mexican

9. Do your prefer dogs or cats ?
DOGS , I have a pup called Zara

10. What’s your favourite song ?
currently anything by Emelie Sande

SO NOW ….. I would love to NOMINATE these 10 blogs

1) http://johced-ourjourneytoeverywhere.blogspot.com
2) http://thesparklinglabyrinth.wordpress.com
3) http://www.lipglosskisses.com
4) http://highheelsandfairytales.com
5) http://citygirlvibe.com
6) http://gaelynsheartofiron.blogspot.com
7) http://runoncoffee.blogspot.com
8) http://cupcakemummy.wordpress.com
9) http://illtakeitall.blogspot.com
10) http://head-ova-heels.blogspot.com

My questions to you bloggers are:

1) What inspired you to start blogging?
2) Your blog is about ?
3)Have you written blog posts anywhere else besides your own blog?
4)What are your currently reading?
5)Facebook VS Twitter ?
6)Where are most of your readers based ?SA? UK? USA?
7)As a blogger are you invited to Media Launches ?
8)What has been the highlight of your blogging career?
9)The best part of blogging is ………………….
10)How often do you blog each month ?

Congrats bloggers 🙂 Spread the love
ciao
xxx

BLEH……

Over the course of the last 3 weeks , I have been feeling rather down. At times I feel so fustrated , annoyed and demotivated.A handful of friends have noticed this change in me and have stood by me.

I havent blogged as I havent felt motivated enough to do so. I am sorry ! Over the last few months since my involvement in The Magnifying Glass http://themagnifyingglass.co.za , my life has been such a rollercoaster of excitement.So many opportunities have come my way and I have met some pretty amazing people.And then this brings me back to my day job, the one that pays the bills.For the last few weeks there has been so much uncertainity at work in terms of strikes.A job I once loved seems like such a chore these days.I literally drag myself to work each day and wish the hours away.

I am sure this is not how its meant to be.So last week at my lowest I sent my POUT sisters an email telling them how I felt instantly I had 5 replies of love , understanding and advice. You ladies rock !

This morning my inspirational friend Sue Levy called and whispered words to the wind of where my career is heading.Sue , I love you my friend for always knowing the right thing to tell me.

As I got off the phone with Sue, I had an email from a popular 5FM DJ about her new programme , it was a Press release and boy did I feel honoured.

“Dear Universe , I am putting out there what I want , my nearest and dearest know what my heart desires and have been whispering it in the wind.I am waiting for the wind of change and for new direction.”

So heres hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel and the Universe hears my plea.

Have an amazing week:)

Ciao
xxx

SEPTEMBER highlights

Like pretty much all of this year ,September has proved to be an exciting and eventful month. Each month brings so much excitement and new opportunities , that often I am left rather pleasantly surprised.Durban welcomed Spring in all its glory but we did skip ahead and Mother Nature gave us a taste of Summer.

I decided to round up my highlights of yet another month 🙂

1)COOKIE SWAP , am sure you all are aware of this amazing event I was asked to host last month.Alot of time was spent emailing and getting sponsors and getting the event ready.

2)The lovely Yasantha Naidoo a Sunday Times social reporter contacted me before Cookie Swap and asked if she could cover the event.Instantly I said YES and this lead to another highlight of me featuring in the Sunday Times and been called a “social media fundi”And yes mum got several phone calls and bought a few extra copies of the paper.

3)I attended the Eastern Bridal Fair which was amazing on so many levels. Check out an earlier post.AND YES I want to get married.

4)In JULY I was mentioned in a tweet that @RevlonSA put out about a Durban Cosmo Cover Girl event and within two minutes Maheshree and I booked the event. The event was a sold out event with limited numbers.To my surprise I was invited to attend by Revlon at the start of the month as their guest.Wohoo I was super excited and sold my paid for ticket to my friend Megan who really wanted to attend.It was such a day of glamour and fun.

5)VIVID LUXURY , this amazing PR company based in CAPE TOWN and JHB contacted me via Spicegoddess to ask if I could do a post on their Durban event of PINOTAGE ON TAP. I was gobsmacked that my humble blog was approached by such an amazing company.

6)As a Hindu , September signifies the start of our month long fast.During this month we abstain from eating all forms of meat and no alcohol.Its a very religious month of prayer.

7)I had my first radio interview.At the GFWS I met Avashnee Vandiar is popular and much loved Radio personality from a local Indian station.I recieved an SMS from her three weeks ago asking if she could call me later that evening for an interview. I was taken aback but said yes and we settled on a time. When Avashnee called it was like chatting to an old friend BUT I was super nervous.The interview was about my POUT movement and my role as an Ambassador.The pre recorded interview was aired this week and I will post the podcast link soon.

8)My lovely Twitter friend @irinadoman who I have never met with and only communicated with on Twitter, visited her parents in Russia and sent my a bag of Russian goodies including chocolate, tea and a snow globe of the Kremlin.

So as you can see SEPTEMBER was rather eventful 🙂 but I am loving it.Heres to the rest of the year been just as amazing .

ciao
xxx

Spring Fiesta 2013

With the annual Spring Fiesta just hours away, back for the third consecutive year, taking place this Saturday in Ekurhuleni.
With an even bigger, better and crazier line-up than before, the festival will host 5 massive stages with over 60 of the finest local and international acts, delivering 13 insane hours of dance music and entertainment. International powerhouse DJs and music pioneers, Dennis Ferrer and Andre Hommen will feature alongside some of the best live performers in the country, for this ultimate spring celebration.
“Spring is finally here and we are so excited with the great public response. All available early bird tickets sold out in a few days and almost all of VIPs are sold too. With an expected turnout of over 15 000 party animals at the Spring Fiesta this weekend, we look forward to yet another insane celebration this year. WOZA Spring!”, says event producer Ricardo da Costa.

Tickets are still available and range from R1500 for VVIP, R550 for VIP and GA tickets at R250. Please note tickets will only be available at Computicket this year and NO tickets sold at the door.
Amazing PACKAGE DEALS are also available with various options
Platinum at R3500 (Valued at R4200 includes 2x VVIP tickets, Double room at Emperors Palace – Peermont Metcourt Hotel, shuttle to and from the venue) Gold at R1400 (Valued at R1950 includes 2x VIP tickets, Double room at Emperors Palace -Peermont Metcourt Hotel, shuttle to and from the venue) Silver at R800 (Valued at R1200 includes 2x GA tickets, Double room at Europrime 4star Guesthouse, shuttle to and from the venue).
Make your booking online http://www.facebook.com/springfiestaparty asap.
For more info go to http://www.springfiesta.co.za, http://www.facebook.com/springfiestaparty and make sure you follow @SpringfiestaSA on twitter

Time off WORK

Source : Google

As of today midday , I am on a holiday of ten days.It is a much needed break as the last term at work has been crazy busy and so has my life.When I have some time off the are several things I love to do to relax and unwind.I will be doing the following :

* Reading – I feel my reading has slowed down and my to read pile of books is getting bigger so definately a few books need to be read this break.

*Watching Series – another addiction of mine which I have been neglecting recently so will be catching up.

*Pamper Time – have booked mum and I in for a few spa treatments so looking forward to the pampering.

*Cooking – with my crazy work hours ,this domestic goddess has not been cooking up much of a storm so this break will be welcoming to my mum.

*Blogging – with all the crazy going ons in my life but blogging has seemed to be lacking so hence I will be working on keeping up with my target of ten blogs a month.

What do you do when you have time off ?
ciao
xxx

National Cookie Swap 2013

Last week Friday , it was panic stations as I tried to be organised and have everything ready for the Cookie Swap Event on Saturday.

As most of you know I was asked to host the Durban event and pulled in Fay to help me with the putting together of the event .For 4 weeks it was endless emails and phone calls trying to pull things together.And then the 14th September 2013 arrived and Durban did us proud with its gorgeous weather.The venue was Piatto on Florida Road.

Twenty foodies arrived armed with some very moorish cookies for us to taste , swap , socialise and raise some funds for charity in the process.Some were old friends and now we all have even more new friends after sharing our sweet treats.We even had a Sunday Times event reporter pop in to cover the event 🙂

After a lovely afternoon of sharing , raffles, auctions and cookies it was time for our Durban lovelies to say goodbye and take home with them lots of treats for their loved ones. A grand total of R3500 was raised by the Durban Cookie Monsters . A huge thank you to all our sponsors and guests for making this event possible.

SKABENGA BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE OYSTER BOX

The Oyster Box’s most famous resident, Skabenga, celebrates his birthday in usual grand style in the Pearl Room at The Oyster Box and invites all his friends to join him! The party is being held slightly earlier this year, 26 September, so that all his fans can join the party before going back to school. Enjoy a delicious traditional high tea with loads of treats for mom’s and kids at R200 per adult and R150 per child.Now I have heard from several people how totally yummilicious their High Tea is and its on my TO DO list before the end of the year. Don’t miss your chance to be at the birthday bash of the year…so book early! Tea starts at 14h00 and ends at 16h30.

Now this Birthday party defo looks like its going to be pretty awesome.

To book call restaurant reservations at The Oyster Box on (031) 514 5000 or e-mail restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

Lately…….

I saw this post the other day on another bloggers so decided it was a great lil way of rounding up my life recently. This year has literally flown by , hard to believe its already September and so much has happened already.2014 I am ready for you all guns blazing …..

I guess success , doesnt come easy it does mean hard work and sacrifices along the way(lack of sleep).

I AM FINALLY ON…. The last few days of preparing for the Durban leg of National Cookie Swap.It has been lots of hard work which often meant I have neglected my own blogging but its all coming together rather nicely.

I’VE DISCOVERED THAT Le Creuset is owned by a South African.

I WISH I could blog/social media for a living and not do my current job.

AT THE MOMENT I am looking forward to my CosmoCoverGirl Workshop.

I BELIEVE that Dreams have the power to become a reality if we breathe life into them and pursue them like a kite in the wind.

I KNOW THAT with great sacrifice comes great rewards.

I AM NOT COMPLETE if I am not wearing a watch , I actually feel naked lol.

MY FRIENDS are the kind souls who nuture my dreams and who walk with me during the storms and the rainbows.

I’M REALLY ENJOYING my very busy life attending events and working with so many amazing people in so many different sectors of media.

LIFE IS BETTER knowing that my dreams are on the to becoming a reality.

Have an amzing month ahead my darlings.
Ciao for now
xxx