Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Tuesday truth

Need I say more?  I don't think so - let's try to 'let it be' for the rest of the week!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Funny Friday edition: Words for women to live by (guys take note ;-)

I have to admit that there is nothing original about today's post but I found it so funny (and spot-on, I have to admit) that I must share it with you.  (Thanks for the e-mail Isobel - you've made my day).  And this is not only for the girls. Guys, you'll be able to make the world a better place if you can understand (and remember, and agree) on this ;-)


1. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

2. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

3. In need of a support group? Cocktail hour with the girls!

4. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

5. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

6. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

7. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

8. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

9. Forget about the perfect man - he's living in Cape Town with his boyfriend.

10. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

 Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Your message to the world - an inspiring life!

I'm not the biggest fan of facebook status updates and inspirational quotes - I find it to be very 'cheesy' and sentimental most of the time.  But this morning, one of my facebook friends posted this quote which I think is worth sharing: "Your life is your message to the world.  Make it inspiring" - Lorrin L. Lee.

We like to think that it's what we do, and what we do to others that define us to a large extent.  We often believe that words and the messages that we portray are key elements to the legacy that we leave behind.  I believe that it's the complete package - the way in which we live our life - that comprises who we are and whether other people find us to be inspiring or not. 

One of the biggest challenges in life is to be true to yourself - really true, in most circumstances.  This implies that you will be unpopular in some conversations, that you will say or do things that other people will not necessarily approve off and that you will not be invited to each and every party any more.  You won't be crowned as 'mr nice guy / miss nice girl' - but, you win the prize for being you!  And that's inspiring!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

A Youth Day focus - our collective responsibility to Lead SA

Tomorrow is Youth Day, as you all know.  Not just another public holiday where we can stay in bed a bit longer, do whatever we don't have time for during the week (okay, that too) - but an opportunity to do our bit for developing the youth of our country.

We should all take note of the Bill of Responsibilities.  "With every right comes a set of values that South Africans should uphold.  The Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa has been transformed into the Bill of Responsibilities" (Lead SA).  It is our responsibility as Proudly South Africans, to take note of these and integrate these values into our everyday lives.  We can do our bit for the youth and the rest of our fellow South Africans by reading the Bill of Responsibilities and making a point to implement these on a daily basis.  The change starts with us - really! 


Bill of Responsibilities from Lead SA on Vimeo.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Monday mood boost...colour those lips ladies ;-)

Have you ever wondered why you choose that dull outfit when you've climbed out of bed with the wrong foot?  On these days, correct make-up and hair that will make people stop and stare is most probably not on top of your list of priorities.  Scientists say that there is a very good explanation for this phenomenon:

MOOD BOOST: Match lips and mood
‘Colours reflect your mood but can also help alter how you feel, and lip colour works as a great tool for a quick mood boosting fix'.  This is why you would deliberately choose that read power dress number when you know that you simply have to look your best.  The opposite also applies - sometimes we just want to 'blend in', disappear in a crowd, without attracting any attention whatsoever.  It's on these days that we opt for the neutral, brownish colours in our closet and make-up bag.

Don't know which shade to choose for that instant mood boost?
  • Pink encourages calmness,
  • Red evokes feelings of excitement,
  • Tranquil neutral tones can make you feel peaceful. If pinks and reds seem a little scary, blend it with lip balm to create a subtle stain, and you’ll be smiling (Psychologies Magazine, June 2011).
The psychology of colour is a very interesting subject and is widely applied in industries such as marketing, sales and design. Read more on how different colours may affect your mood in everyday life.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Eating pancakes on rainy days is good for your heatlh - really ;-)

On a cold, rainy Wednesday afternoon I say life is good!  I know that you might be wondering about my mental state at this stage, seeing that Monday was quite the opposite (you're not alone, I'm also having my doubts) ;-)

One or two might do the trick but if not - go for a pile!
Point is, I think one of the best things that one can, and should do every now and then is to take yourself and life less seriously - this is working for me as of yesterday.  If life throws you lemons, bring on the tequila!  If the rain is pouring down in the middle of winter in Gauteng - eat pancakes!

"Not a shred of evidence exists in favour of the idea that life is serious" - Brendan Gill.
"All life is an experiment.  The more experiments you make the better" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Monday, June 6, 2011

What if...we would implement just one of our bright ideas?

I'm definitely having a blue Monday today - not feeling up to anything in particular.  I feel as if I'm not developing and progressing at the rate that I should be (don't ask who has determined this 'rate' - I just feel as if I'm not there yet).  And it doesn't feel as if I will reach that 'I have arrived' feeling soon (you might argue that that is not necessarily a bad thing if I never feel that 'I have arrived').

"What is she trying to say today?", I'm sure you are thinking right now.

I'm saying that circumstances in our lives change the moment when we let it happen - not waiting for anyone else or some other event to realise our dreams.  This is an age old truth - all of us know this so well, but find it so hard to implement (well, I hope I'm not alone in this one).  I have so many ideas and plans - many of them are really good ones - why not put my money where my mouth is?  I can think of many reasons for this sorry state of affairs - having to rely on a steady income, knowing my current job expectations and surroundings so well, being familiar with the same places I go to and people I meet - being stuck in a huge comfort zone, it seems.

I'm definitely not up for facing this little miss mona this whole week, so something's gotta give.  A good start might be to implement one of my bright ideas (hey, I said there are many so one should be a breeze).  That's my commitment to making the world a better place this week ;-)

I'm sure you have many bright ideas - please do share.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Unite behind the Bokke - only 100 days to kick-off!

Today marks 100 days until the Rugby World Cup starts in New Zealand.  The South African Rugby Union (SARU) is launching their official supporters' campaign today.


Many 'Proudly South African' organisations, including Lead SA, is proud to show their support for the green and gold boys.  “We all know that sport has the power to unite our country,” said Lead SA’s Terry Volkwyn. “Some of our country’s greatest moments in the recent past have been based around sports events. From the historic moment when Mandela wore the captain’s jersey ahead of the Rugby World Cup final in 1995, to the phenomenal tournament we hosted the world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, sport has been able to cross boundaries and unite our nation.”

How can Proudly South Africans get involved?
  • Supporters can visit www.unite2011.co.za to add their name to the thousands of fans who have officially signed up to support the team.
  • Supporters should wear their Springbok supporter’s gear on ‘Bokdays’ – every Friday and whenever the Bokke plays.
Go Bokke!